CPAP Sensor Integration for At-Home Stroke Onset Alerts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting stroke onset during sleep are not suitable for home use and do not effectively alert patients or caregivers, as they are bulky or require devices that are uncomfortable to wear during sleep.
Innovation Solution
A CPAP system integrated with sensors to monitor vital signs and physical symptoms, using machine learning algorithms to identify stroke onset and generate alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard stroke diagnosis technologies (CT, MRI, Ultrasound) are used, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device portability and suitability for home use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential monitoring function from complex hospital-based imaging systems and implements it through simplified sensors (PPG, ECG, EMG, temperature) that can be integrated into portable CPAP devices for home use, capturing critical vital signs without requiring bulky imaging equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical imaging systems (CT, MRI, Ultrasound) with optical and electrical sensing systems (photoplethysmography, electrocardiogram, electromyography sensors) that can continuously monitor stroke-related physiological changes through non-invasive measurements of blood flow, heart rate, and muscle activity
2Reliability
If additional monitoring devices are added to detect stroke, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and patient burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple monitoring functions (CPAP therapy delivery, vital sign monitoring, stroke detection, and alert generation) into a single integrated system, where sensors for detecting stroke symptoms are incorporated into the existing CPAP mask and interface, eliminating the need for separate monitoring devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the CPAP device to simultaneously provide respiratory support therapy and stroke detection capabilities through integrated sensors that monitor multiple physiological parameters (blood flow, heart rate, muscle activity, temperature) through a single unified system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method (84) for stroke onset alert for a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system (12) comprises providing (86), via a blower (14) and a patient circuit (16), a pressurized flow of breathable gas to a patient interface device (18) configured for being worn by a subject (20). The method includes monitoring and recording (88), via a monitoring unit (28) integral with the patient interface device, a predetermined set of vital signs and physical symptoms of the subject relating to an onset of acute stroke attack or stroke episode during the delivery of the pressurized flow of breathable gas. In addition, the method comprises identifying (90), via a stroke onset detection module (34), an onset of stroke based on an analysis of the monitored and recorded set of vital signs and physical symptoms and outputting (92), via a stroke onset alert module (36), a stroke onset alert signal based on the identification of the onset of stroke via the stroke onset detection module.