EIT Lung Region Hyperdistension and Collapse Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical impedance tomography (EIT) devices lack the capability to jointly visualize regional hyperdistension and collapse of lung regions, which are crucial for determining optimal ventilation parameters and monitoring lung mechanical processes.
Innovation Solution
A device that processes EIT data to determine local impedance values and changes, analyzing these to generate control signals indicating hyperdistension and collapse, allowing for a combined visualization of lung regions with regional properties, using a data input unit, calculation and control unit, and output unit to provide a profile of lung properties for visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If EIT data is processed to determine local impedance values and analyze regional properties, then the capability to detect hyperdistension and collapse is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lung into multiple local regions and analyzes impedance values for each region separately. The calculation unit determines local impedance values for different lung regions and compares them against reference values to identify hyperdistension and collapse in specific areas, enabling region-specific monitoring without requiring a single complex global analysis system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the analysis by creating visual representations that display lung regions in a two-dimensional map format. The visualization unit generates images showing the spatial distribution of hyperdistension and collapse across different lung regions, transforming complex three-dimensional impedance data into intuitive two-dimensional displays that enhance detection capability while managing system complexity.
2Loss of information
If regional properties of lungs are analyzed based on impedance changes, then the information completeness about lung mechanics is improved, but the loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores reference impedance values and compliance data in advance for different lung regions and ventilation conditions. The calculation unit compares real-time measured impedance values against these pre-stored reference values to quickly determine hyperdistension and collapse, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations and reducing processing time while maintaining complete regional analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical lung testing procedures with electrical impedance measurements. By using EIT technology, the system obtains comprehensive regional lung mechanical information (compliance, hyperdistension, collapse) through non-invasive electrical measurements, significantly reducing the time required compared to traditional mechanical ventilation testing methods.
3Measurement precision
If compliance values are determined for multiple lung regions, then the accuracy of ventilation parameter estimation is improved, but the quantity of data to be processed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the most clinically relevant information from the large volume of impedance data. The calculation unit identifies and extracts compliance values, hyperdistension indicators, and collapse indicators for each lung region, separating essential diagnostic information from raw data. This extraction approach maintains high accuracy in ventilation parameter estimation while reducing the data volume that requires further processing and storage.
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 simultaneous visualization of lung regions with hyperdistension and collapse, enhancing the analysis of ventilation parameters and lung mechanical processes, facilitating better estimation of ventilation compliance and gas exchange efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
electrical impedance tomography (EIT) apparatus with an array of a plurality of electrodes, a power input at at least two electrodes, a signal acquisition unit at the other electrodes
Implementation Method 2
An electrical current or voltage input signal is applied alternatingly between different electrode pairs or between all of the possible electrode pairs of electrodes arranged adjacent to one another. While the input signal is applied to one of the pairs of electrodes arranged adjacent to one another, the currents or voltages between each pair of the other electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A great device (10) processes and visualizes electrical impedance tomography (EIT) data (3) of at least one region of the lungs for determining and visualizing regional properties of the lungs of a living being. The EIT data (3) are obtained from an electrical impedance tomography apparatus (30). The device makes it possible to visualize regional properties of the lungs or of regions of the lungs in terms of hyperdistension or collapse.