Computerized Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test Analysis for Dyspnea Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing pulmonary hypertension (PH) are inadequate due to non-specific symptoms, reliance on subjective observations, and limitations of existing classification systems and exercise tests.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for diagnosing the cause of exertional dyspnea using cardiopulmonary exercise test data, which involves receiving and analyzing data from submaximal cardiopulmonary exercise tests, extracting numerical information, classifying it, and generating an interpretation to identify potential disease states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current diagnostic methods relying on subjective observations and existing classification systems are used, then the diagnostic process is simple and quick, but the diagnosis accuracy and objectivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic process into distinct components: exercise test data collection, gas exchange parameter measurement, and classification system application. By dividing the complex diagnostic task into measurable segments (ventilation, perfusion, gas exchange), the system achieves objective quantification while maintaining procedural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary classification system that acts as a bridge between subjective clinical observations and objective diagnostic criteria. This intermediary framework translates complex physiological measurements into standardized diagnostic categories, improving objectivity without requiring direct interpretation of raw data by clinicians.
2Reliability
If maximum exertion exercise tests are performed to evaluate patient condition, then comprehensive physiological data is obtained, but patient discomfort and test logistics worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using submaximal exercise intensities that provide sufficient physiological data for accurate diagnosis without requiring maximum exertion. This approach captures essential ventilation-perfusion relationships during moderate exercise, achieving diagnostic reliability while significantly reducing patient discomfort and logistical complexity.
3Measurement precision
If serial exercise tests are conducted over short time intervals to monitor treatment efficacy, then treatment response is accurately tracked, but logistical burden and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses submaximal exercise testing that can be safely and comfortably repeated at short intervals without requiring maximum exertion each time. This partial action approach maintains measurement precision for tracking treatment response while enabling frequent serial testing that improves productivity and reduces logistical burden.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing classification systems are used for heart failure and pulmonary hypertension, then patient categorization is achieved, but objectivity and reliability of classification deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms subjective classification criteria into objective parameter-based definitions. By establishing specific thresholds and ranges for ventilation, perfusion, and gas exchange parameters, the classification system achieves both adaptability to different patient conditions and measurement precision through quantifiable criteria rather than subjective interpretation.
Data Source
AI summary
An example computer-implemented method for diagnosing cause of exertional dyspnea can include: receiving cardiopulmonary exercise test data corresponding to a submaximal cardiopulmonary exercise test performed by patients; gathering, by a computing device, observations to be classified based upon cardiopulmonary exercise test data; extracting, by the computing device, numerical information from the observations; classifying, by the computing device, the numerical information; and generating, by the computing device, an interpretation of the numerical information.