Genetic Analysis Advice System for Respiratory Device Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in identifying the most appropriate patient interface devices for respiratory therapy, as no two patients are alike, and existing methods struggle to account for the wide variety of patient characteristics, leading to difficulties in selecting devices that fit and meet individual needs effectively.

Innovation Solution

An improved advice system employs genetic analysis to identify patient characteristics, which are then used to recommend medical devices with desirable attributes, such as patient interface devices, by correlating genetic traits with device features that meet specific patient needs, including skin type, bony prominences, and craniofacial shape, to optimize fit and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional patient interface device selection methods are used, then the selection process is simple, but the ability to account for individual patient characteristics and provide optimal fit is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to account for individual patient characteristicsVSAvoidcomplexity of selection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary genetic analysis to identify patient characteristics before device selection, allowing the system to pre-determine suitable device attributes based on genetic markers. This preliminary action enables personalized device recommendations without requiring complex manual assessment during the selection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a computational system as an intermediary between genetic analysis and device selection. This intermediary processes genetic data, identifies relevant characteristics, and matches them to appropriate device attributes, thereby managing the complexity of the selection process while maintaining high adaptability to individual patient needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a wide variety of patient interface devices with different features are available, then the ability to meet diverse patient needs is improved, but the difficulty in identifying the most appropriate device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to meet diverse patient needsVSAvoiddifficulty in identifying appropriate device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses genetic analysis results as feedback to guide device selection. By identifying specific genetic markers and their associated characteristics, the system receives feedback about patient needs and uses this information to recommend devices with matching attributes, thereby reducing the difficulty of identifying the appropriate device from a wide variety of options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual device selection processes with an automated computational system. Instead of relying on clinicians to manually evaluate numerous device features against patient characteristics, the system automatically processes genetic data and matches it to appropriate devices, significantly reducing the difficulty of identifying suitable devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If genetic analysis is employed to identify patient characteristics, then the precision of device matching is improved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of device matchingVSAvoidcomplexity of advice system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the complex task of device selection into distinct modules: genetic analysis, characteristic identification, attribute matching, and device recommendation. Each module handles a specific aspect of the process, which manages overall system complexity while maintaining high precision in device matching through specialized processing at each stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11103180B2Advice system structured to identify an appropriate medical device based upon genetic analysis

Publication Date: 2021.08.31 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

An advice system employs a genetic analysis of a patient to identify one or more characteristics of the patient. The advice system employs the characteristics to identify one or more attributes of a medical device that would desirably exist in a medical device that is to be prescribed for the patient. The advice system then identifies from the one or more attributes one or more medical devices from among a plurality of medical devices whose features at least in part meet the one or more attributes. The advice system then outputs a recommendation of the one or more medical devices. The system employs known genes that are expressive of certain traits in a person, with the known traits being interpreted or evaluated in terms of characteristics that are relevant in selecting a medical device from among a plurality of medical devices, such as patient interface devices or other devices.