Dynamic Lung Imaging Apparatus for Non-Contact Respirator Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring local ventilation of lungs in patients on respirators are cumbersome, pose a risk of patient movement and bedsores, and require transporting critically ill patients for CT scans.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic image processing apparatus and method that uses radiation to image the lungs of a patient on a respirator, processing these images to extract information on setting values for the respirator without physically burdening the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical impedance tomography (EIT) with a belt is used to monitor local lung ventilation, then the state of local ventilation can be observed, but the patient is at risk of bedsores and movement due to the belt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical EIT belt system with a non-contact radiation imaging system. Instead of using physical electrodes and impedance measurement, the system uses radiation (such as X-rays or gamma rays) to image the lungs and extract ventilation information, completely eliminating the mechanical contact that causes bedsores and movement risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radiation as an intermediary medium to transfer information about lung ventilation without physical contact. The radiation passes through the body and carries information about the internal lung state, allowing measurement without direct interaction with the patient's skin or tissues
2Productivity
If a facility has only a few EIT units to serve multiple patients, then resource utilization is limited, but the risk of moving patients increases when sharing equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation imaging system can serve multiple patients sequentially without requiring physical adjustment or reconfiguration, making the equipment universally applicable. The system maintains sterile conditions between patients and requires no contact with the patient, allowing efficient sharing across multiple cases while eliminating movement risks
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates visual copies (images) of the lung state through radiation imaging, allowing multiple patients to be monitored using the same equipment without physical contact. The information is captured and processed as image data that can be analyzed without requiring the equipment to physically interact with each patient
3Measurement precision
If CT scans are used to examine lung ventilation, then detailed lung state information can be obtained, but critically ill patients must be transported which increases risk
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation imaging system is designed to be brought to the patient's location (such as the ICU or bedside), allowing the patient to receive examination services without leaving their current position. The equipment is mobile and can perform imaging at the point of care, eliminating the need for patient transportation to specialized imaging facilities
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation serves as an intermediary that can penetrate the body and capture internal lung structure and ventilation information without requiring the patient to be moved. The imaging modality allows detailed examination while the patient remains stationary in their critical care environment
4Ease of operation
If the respirator views the lungs as a single balloon, then the respirator operation is simple, but the local ventilation state cannot be grasped
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation imaging system divides the lung field into multiple regions or segments, allowing visualization and analysis of local ventilation in different areas. The images can be processed to show regional differences in lung aeration, providing detailed spatial information while the respirator itself remains simple to operate
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation imaging system acts as an intermediary between the respirator and the lung tissue, providing detailed information about local ventilation states without complicating the respirator's operation. The imaging data supplements the basic respirator monitoring, giving clinicians detailed lung information while the respirator continues to function with its simple single-balloon model
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 the non-invasive, efficient monitoring of local lung ventilation and optimization of respirator settings, reducing the risk of complications and improving patient care.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating lungs of a subject, who is put on the respiratory assistance apparatus, with radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a dynamic image processing apparatus that includes: at least one hardware processor; and an outputter that outputs information on a setting value of a respiratory assistance apparatus, and the at least one hardware processor extracts the information by processing at least one dynamic image imaged by irradiating lungs of a subject, who is put on the respiratory assistance apparatus, with radiation.