Endogenous Temperature Set-Point Detection During Targeted Temperature Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) technologies mask endogenous temperature changes in patients, making it difficult to detect fever or infection, which can delay diagnosis and treatment, especially in patients undergoing external cooling or sedation.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses heat transfer parameters as surrogates to detect changes in endogenous temperature set-points, incorporating sensors and algorithms to analyze energy requirements for maintaining target temperatures, and providing visual or alert notifications for changes in febrile status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If targeted temperature management is applied to maintain stable body temperature, then temperature control is improved, but the ability to detect endogenous temperature changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system that measures heat transfer parameters (heat flux, temperature gradient) between the patient's body and the TTM device. This intermediary measurement allows detection of endogenous temperature changes without directly observing the masked core temperature, resolving the contradiction by providing indirect information through a mediator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct thermal measurement (mechanical temperature sensing) with detection of heat transfer dynamics. By monitoring the energy exchange requirements of the TTM system rather than directly measuring temperature, the system can detect endogenous fever responses that would otherwise be masked by the active temperature control.
2Temperature
If external cooling is applied to treat hyperthermia, then temperature reduction is improved, but detection of fever responses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that monitors the heat transfer parameters in real-time during external cooling. When endogenous fever responses occur, they manifest as changes in the heat flux or energy requirements of the cooling system. The system detects these feedback signals to identify fever responses despite the active cooling masking the core temperature elevation.
3Ease of operation
If sedation is administered to manage patient comfort during TTM, then patient comfort is improved, but monitoring of temperature set-point changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the TTM system to self-monitor its own operational parameters (heat flux, energy requirements) to detect endogenous temperature changes. This self-service capability allows continuous monitoring of fever responses without requiring patient participation or response, making it compatible with sedated patients who cannot communicate or actively respond to temperature changes.
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 and diagnosis of fever and infection, allowing for timely administration of antibiotics and improving patient outcomes by restoring the ability to monitor endogenous temperature changes during TTM.
Implementation Method 1
A system is provided which uses a heat exchange device and controls the heat exchange device to maintain a patient's body temperature
Implementation Method 2
use measurements of thermal transfer or energy expenditure as a surrogate for a patient's endogenous temperature status
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and devices for utilizing heat transfer parameters or energy expenditure of devices providing controlled hypothermia, normothermia or hyperthermia to detect changes, or the absence of changes, a patient's endogenous set-point temperature; which is not available during exogenously induced targeted temperature management. A particular embodiment would allow detection of fever in patients undergoing targeted temperature managed.