EEV Module Lung Hyperinflation Detection COPD
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring technologies fail to effectively detect lung hyperinflation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can lead to delayed medical treatment and increased hospitalization risks during acute exacerbations.
Innovation Solution
A medical device system comprising a sensing circuit and a processor that generates a sensed physiological signal, including an end expiratory volume (EEV) module to determine EEV and a lung hyperinflation detection module to provide an indication of lung hyperinflation, using thoracic impedance or other sensors to monitor respiratory function and detect relative changes in EEV.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current monitoring technologies are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of lung hyperinflation detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thoracic impedance as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure lung hyperinflation. Instead of directly measuring lung volume or pressure, the system measures electrical impedance changes in the thorax, which correlate with lung volume changes during hyperinflation. This intermediary approach enables accurate detection without requiring complex direct measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or invasive sensing systems with electrical impedance measurement. Instead of using mechanical sensors that would require direct contact with lung tissue or complex pressure transducers, the system uses electrical impedance tomography principles to non-invasively detect lung hyperinflation through changes in thoracic electrical properties.
2Loss of time
If early detection of lung hyperinflation is implemented, then medical intervention time is reduced, but loss of time for treatment preparation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring that detects lung hyperinflation in its early stages, before symptoms fully develop or worsen. By detecting relative changes in end-expiratory volume continuously, the system provides early warning signals that allow medical intervention to be prepared in advance, reducing the time to treatment while maintaining reliability through ongoing surveillance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback on lung volume status through impedance measurements, allowing real-time monitoring of hyperinflation development. This feedback mechanism enables timely intervention by alerting clinicians to changing lung status, ensuring treatment readiness while minimizing delay between detection and intervention.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables early detection of lung hyperinflation, facilitating timely medical intervention and reducing the risk of hospitalization by providing accurate and reliable monitoring of respiratory function in COPD patients.
Implementation Method 1
using thoracic impedance or other sensors to monitor respiratory function
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus may include a sensing circuit and a processor. The sensing circuit is configured to generate a sensed physiological signal, wherein the physiological signal includes respiration information of a subject. The processor includes an end expiratory volume (EEV) module configured to determine a value of EEV of the subject using the sensed physiological signal, and a lung hyperinflation detection module configured to generate an indication of lung hyperinflation of the subject according to the value of EEV and provide the indication to at least one of a user or process.