EMG Controlled Ventilator Asynchrony Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventilators using EMG-controlled modes can mismatch breathing phases, leading to inappropriate air supply when the detected EMG signal does not accurately represent the patient's breathing activity, potentially due to incorrect catheter placement or signal artifacts.

Innovation Solution

A ventilator system that registers actual breathing support and determines asynchrony between the EMG signal and patient activity, switching from EMG-controlled ventilation to a second mode not dependent on the EMG signal if asynchrony is detected, using criteria such as inspiratory and expiratory phase relationships or comparison of respiratory rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If EMG-controlled ventilation mode is used to provide breathing support based on detected EMG signals, then the ventilator can respond to patient's breathing activity, but the ventilator may supply air during patient exhalation when the EMG signal does not accurately represent actual breathing phases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated breathing support controlVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the EMG signal and compares it with the actual breathing phases to detect asynchrony. When asynchrony is detected (e.g., ventilator triggering during patient exhalation), the system provides feedback to switch from EMG-controlled mode to an alternative ventilation mode, ensuring reliable and safe operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The ventilator dynamically switches between different ventilation modes based on the quality and reliability of the EMG signal. The system adapts its control strategy in real-time, using EMG-controlled mode when the signal is reliable and switching to alternative modes when asynchrony is detected, optimizing both automation and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the ventilator continuously monitors and switches modes based on asynchrony detection, then the reliability of breathing support is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional registration means and control logic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebreathing support accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it controls the ventilator in EMG-controlled mode, monitors the EMG signal for asynchrony detection, determines whether switching is necessary, and executes mode transitions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, managing complexity while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2146629B1An EMG controlled ventilator
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 MAQUET CRITICAL CARE
  • EP2146629B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP2146629B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2146629B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A ventilator (3) arranged to provide breathing support to a patient (1) in EMG controlled mode, comprises input means (7) for receiving an EMG signal representative of breathing activity from the patient and a control unit (9) for controlling the ventilation in dependence of said EMG signal. The ventilator is characterized in that it comprises registration means (11) for registering the actual breathing support provided from the ventilator to the patient and a control unit (7) arranged to determine if there is asynchrony between the EMG signal and the breathing activity and, in case of asynchrony, switch from EMG controlled ventilation to a second ventilation mode not dependent on the EMG signal. If synchrony is detected the ventilator can return to EMG controlled ventilation.