EIT Ventilation Delay Mapping Without Fixed Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical impedance tomography (EIT) methods struggle to accurately determine regional ventilation delays in the lungs without being influenced by the method of ventilation, particularly due to the use of fixed threshold values that require specific ventilation maneuvers, limiting continuous monitoring and affecting the reliability of the Regional Ventilation Delay Index (RVD).
Innovation Solution
A device that processes EIT data to determine regional ventilation delays by using a volume/impedance criterion, analyzing inhalation and exhalation phases relative to a global impedance curve, and generates a joint image superimposing ventilation delays exceeding a predefined duration, allowing for visualization of lung regions with delayed ventilation independent of ventilation mode or parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed threshold values are used to determine regional ventilation delays, then the measurement can be simplified, but the reliability of the Regional Ventilation Delay Index is reduced due to dependence on specific ventilation maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reference parameter from fixed threshold values to a dynamically determined reference impedance curve based on global lung impedance changes. This allows the system to adapt to different ventilation modes and patient conditions, eliminating the need for specific ventilation maneuvers while maintaining measurement simplicity and improving reliability of the Regional Ventilation Delay Index
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic reference system where the reference impedance curve is continuously updated based on the global impedance changes during inhalation and exhalation phases. This dynamic adaptation allows the measurement to remain reliable across varying ventilation conditions without requiring fixed thresholds or specific maneuvers
2Ease of operation
If fixed threshold values requiring specific ventilation maneuvers are used, then the measurement method is simplified, but continuous monitoring is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring by using a reference impedance curve that is continuously derived from global lung impedance changes during each breath cycle. This continuous reference updates with each inhalation and exhalation phase, allowing uninterrupted monitoring of regional ventilation delays without requiring periodic ventilation maneuvers
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic nature of the reference impedance curve, which adapts continuously to changing lung conditions and ventilation patterns, enables the system to provide ongoing reliable measurements throughout the monitoring period without interruption or need for standardized maneuvers
3Ease of operation
If fixed threshold values are used, then the measurement approach is simpler, but the accuracy of determining regional ventilation delays is reduced due to influence from ventilation mode and parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement reference from fixed threshold values to a patient-specific, condition-specific reference impedance curve derived from global lung impedance. This parameter change eliminates the influence of ventilation mode and parameters on the accuracy of regional ventilation delay measurements while keeping the approach simple and universally applicable
4Device complexity
If a global reference point based on average lung impedance is used, then the system becomes less sensitive to local variations, but the complexity of determining regional delays relative to this reference is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lung into multiple regional zones with individual impedance measurements, each compared against the global reference impedance curve. This segmentation allows local variations to be detected and quantified relative to the overall lung behavior, maintaining measurement precision while keeping the analysis methodology relatively simple through standardized regional comparison
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 continuous monitoring and visualization of regional ventilation delays in the lungs, independent of ventilation settings, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of identifying lung regions with delayed ventilation, facilitating improved assessment of lung health.
Implementation Method 1
electrical impedance tomography apparatus for determining and visualizing regional ventilation delays in the lungs
Data Source
AI summary
A device (10) processes and visualizes EIT data (3) of at least one region of the lungs to determine and visualize ventilation delays in 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 ventilation delays of the lungs or of regions of the lungs in which the delay exceeds a predefined duration (76) in a joint image (900).