Capnodynamic SvO2 Estimation From Expiratory CO2 and Flow

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) in mechanically ventilated patients are invasive, risky, and provide intermittent data, while surrogate measures like central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) may not accurately reflect SvO2.

Innovation Solution

A noninvasive method using capnodynamic Fick principles to estimate SvO2 by measuring expiratory carbon dioxide content and flow, calculating effective pulmonary blood flow (EPBF), and applying mathematical models to derive SvO2 continuously and on a breath-by-breath basis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If invasive pulmonary artery catheters are used to measure SvO2, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient morbidity and mortality increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSvO2 measurement accuracyVSAvoidpatient morbidity and mortality
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2) as an intermediary measure to estimate mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2). Instead of directly measuring SvO2 through invasive pulmonary artery catheterization, the system measures ScvO2 via central venous catheter and uses mathematical relationships to derive SvO2, thereby avoiding the harmful effects of PAC while maintaining measurement utility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical invasive measurement system (pulmonary artery catheter) with a less invasive alternative (central venous catheter with fiber optics) combined with computational methods. The system uses optical measurement through the CVC and mathematical modeling to substitute for the direct mechanical measurement of SvO2

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If invasive pulmonary artery catheters are used, then SvO2 measurement is achieved, but the procedure is complex and carries significant risk

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSvO2 measurementVSAvoidcatheterization procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces ScvO2 measurement as an intermediary approach that avoids the complex pulmonary artery catheterization procedure. By using central venous catheterization with fiber optic technology, the system achieves SvO2 estimation through a simpler, less invasive route while maintaining clinical utility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If central venous catheter is used to measure ScvO2, then invasiveness is reduced, but measurement accuracy for true SvO2 decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinvasivenessVSAvoidSvO2 reflection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs mathematical relationships and computational algorithms that use ScvO2 measurements along with other physiological parameters to calculate and provide feedback on estimated SvO2 values. This feedback mechanism compensates for the limitations of ScvO2 as a surrogate measure, improving the accuracy of true SvO2 estimation while maintaining the benefits of less invasive measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement of SvO2 through pulmonary artery catheter with optical measurement through central venous catheter combined with computational processing. The fiber optic technology and mathematical modeling substitute for the invasive mechanical measurement approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If intermittent SvO2 analysis is performed, then invasive measurement is simplified, but continuous monitoring capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement procedure simplicityVSAvoidmonitoring continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous monitoring of SvO2 by using fiber optic technology in the central venous catheter that allows for continuous optical measurement of ScvO2. Combined with continuous computational processing using the mathematical relationships, this provides uninterrupted SvO2 estimation rather than intermittent sampling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Provides continuous, noninvasive estimation of SvO2, reducing patient risk and improving hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill patients by accurately reflecting tissue oxygenation.

Implementation Method 1

estimating an effective pulmonary blood flow (EPBF) of the subject from the measured expiratory CO2 content and the measured expiratory flow or volume using a capnodynamic Fick method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapnodynamic Fick method:

Implementation Method 2

estimating SvO2 based on the estimated EPBF of the subject

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxygen saturation measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP4072410B1Estimation of mixed venous oxygen saturation
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 MAQUET CRITICAL CARE
  • EP4072410B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4072410B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4072410B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for continuous and noninvasive estimation of mixed venous blood saturation [SvO2] in a mechanically ventilated subject (3). The method comprises the steps of measuring (S1; S10) an expiratory carbon dioxide [CO2] content in expiration gas exhaled by the subject, measuring (S2; S20) an expiratory flow or volume of expiration gas exhaled by the subject, estimating (S3; S30) a cardiac output [CO] or an effective pulmonary blood flow [EPBF] of the subject from the measured expiratory CO2 content and the measured expiratory flow or volume using a capnodynamic Fick method, and estimating (S4; S40; SvO2 based on the estimated CO or the EPBF of the subject.