Digital Signal Processor Oxygen Concentration Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In low-flow mechanical ventilation systems, hypoxic gases can still be delivered to patients even when the minimum oxygen concentration settings are met, due to the insufficient fresh gas flow, which can be inadequate to maintain the required oxygen concentration for the patient's specific needs.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a digital signal processor connected to a fresh gas manifold and a mechanical ventilator, which calculates the predicted oxygen concentration and adjusts the ventilation parameters to ensure the delivery of a minimum oxygen concentration above the threshold, preventing the delivery of hypoxic gases by controlling the fresh gas flow and composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If minimum oxygen concentration settings are maintained with mechanical linkages in fresh gas flow, then the oxygen concentration in fresh gas is preserved, but hypoxic gases can still be delivered to the patient in low-flow ventilation scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical linkages that control fresh gas flow with a digital signal processor that calculates predicted oxygen concentration and compares it to a threshold. This computational approach substitutes the mechanical system, enabling more precise and adaptive control of oxygen delivery based on actual ventilation parameters and patient needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring ventilation parameters (tidal volume, respiratory rate, fresh gas flow rate) and using these inputs to calculate the predicted oxygen concentration delivered to the patient. The digital signal processor compares this predicted concentration against a threshold and adjusts or alerts on parameters that would result in hypoxic delivery, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism.
2Productivity
If low fresh gas flow is used in mechanical ventilation, then ventilation efficiency is improved, but the oxygen concentration delivered to the patient may fall below required levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts ventilation parameters based on real-time calculations. The digital signal processor continuously evaluates the relationship between fresh gas flow rate, tidal volume, and respiratory rate to predict oxygen concentration. When low fresh gas flow is used to improve ventilation efficiency, the system dynamically calculates whether this will maintain adequate oxygen concentration or if parameter adjustments are needed to prevent hypoxic delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from fixed mechanical flow settings to dynamic parameter adjustment based on calculated predictions. The system monitors and adjusts ventilation parameters (fresh gas flow rate, tidal volume, respiratory rate) to maintain the predicted oxygen concentration above the threshold, allowing flexible optimization of ventilation efficiency while ensuring safety.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A system (10) for preventing the delivery of hypoxic gases during respiratory support of a patient includes a breathing circuit (14). An input device (54) is operable by a clinician to input at least one ventilator parameter value. A fresh gas manifold (34) is pneumatically connected to the breathing circuit (14) and the fresh gas manifold (34) is configured to provide at least oxygen and balanced gas to the breathing circuit (14). A digital signal processor (36) is communicatively connected to the input device (54) and the fresh gas manifold (34). The digital signal processor (36) receives the input at least one ventilation parameter value, calculate a predicted oxygen concentration, and compares the predicted oxygen concentration to a predetermined minimal oxygen required threshold of the patient. A method of preventing the delivery of hypoxic gases to a patient includes providing ventilatory support to the patient through a breathing circuit. A digital signal processor (36) receives a ventilation parameter value from an input device (54). The digital signal processor calculates a predicted oxygen concentration, compares the predicted oxygen concentration to a predetermined hypoxic concentration threshold and accepts the ventilation parameter value if the predicted oxygen concentration is above the predetermined hypoxic concentration threshold.