Cardiac Output Control Apparatus Using Probabilistic Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical and biomedical sensors face challenges in filtering out contaminating signals, particularly those caused by sensor movement and nonlinear, non-stationary noise, which complicates the extraction of reliable physiological information, and current systems are limited in measuring a narrow spectrum of medical parameters.
Innovation Solution
The use of a probabilistic digital signal processor that combines a dynamic state-space model with a probabilistic digital signal processor to filter and estimate additional biomedical parameters, integrating data from multiple sensors and applying these estimates as control inputs for devices like cardiac assist pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filtering techniques are used on biomedical sensors, then simple noise can be reduced, but nonlinear non-stationary noise and sensor movement artifacts cannot be reliably removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic filtering techniques that adapt to changing signal characteristics in real-time. The filter parameters are continuously adjusted based on the statistical properties of the input signal, allowing the system to handle nonlinear non-stationary noise and sensor movement artifacts that static filters cannot remove effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the biomedical signals into different parameter domains (such as frequency, time-frequency, or wavelet domains) where the noise and artifacts can be more effectively separated from the physiological signals. By changing the representation parameters of the signal, the system achieves better noise filtering while preserving reliable physiological information.
2Device complexity
If the number of measured parameters is limited, then device complexity is reduced, but the range of biomedical information available is narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces signal processing algorithms and mathematical models as intermediaries that extract additional physiological parameters from the raw sensor data. These intermediary processing layers derive information such as heart rate variability, respiratory rate, and other biomedical parameters from the fundamental sensor measurements, effectively expanding the information available without adding physical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the sensor system and processing architecture to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The same sensor array is used to measure various physiological parameters through different processing modes, allowing the system to monitor multiple biomedical states with a single unified platform, thereby reducing overall device complexity while expanding parameter coverage.
3Productivity
If simple filters are applied to remove artifacts, then processing is fast, but reliable physiological information is lost along with the noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different filtering and processing strategies to different portions of the signal based on local characteristics. Instead of applying a uniform filter to the entire signal, the system identifies specific segments containing artifacts and applies targeted processing only to those regions, preserving the quality of physiological information in clean segments while removing noise in contaminated segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the processed signal quality is continuously evaluated and used to adjust the filtering parameters. The system monitors the output for signs of over-filtering and automatically modifies the processing intensity to maintain measurement precision, ensuring that physiological information is preserved while noise is removed.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises an apparatus and a method for operating a cardiac assist pump, comprising the steps of: (1) providing a cardiac monitor comprising: a cardiac output sensor including an activity sensor and at least two of: a pulse oximeter; an electrocardiogram meter; and a blood pressure monitor; (2) receiving time-varying cardiovascular input data, from the cardiac output sensor, related to a transient hemodynamic state of a cardiovascular system; (3) receiving and operating on time-varying activity input data, from the activity sensor, to generate cardiovascular state information; (4) sensing activity with the activity sensor to generate a target cardiovascular state; (5) repeating both the steps of receiving and operating to update the transient cardiovascular state information and the step of sensing to update the target cardiovascular state; and (6) directing the cardiac assist pump to adjust assisted blood flow, yielding the updated transient cardiovascular state, toward the target cardiovascular state.