Nonlinear Cardiac Output Model via Applanation Tonometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring cardiac output are inaccurate and invasive, failing to account for the non-linear processes of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function and central vascular function, leading to suboptimal computation.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive method using applanation tonometry data and a nonlinear mathematical model that links hemodynamic parameters to cardiac output values through multidimensional optimization, incorporating regression to the mean for accurate calculation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If linear approximation strategies are used to compute cardiac output, then the computation is simpler, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to non-linear cardiovascular processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomputation complexityVSAvoidcardiac output measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the linear approximation approach into a non-linear parameter-based model. By changing from linear to non-linear parameters in the mathematical model, the system accurately captures the non-linear cardiovascular processes while maintaining computational feasibility through structured non-linear equations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the simple linear mechanical computation model with a sophisticated non-linear mathematical model that better represents physiological reality. This substitution involves using non-linear differential equations and optimization algorithms to model cardiovascular dynamics, improving measurement precision while managing complexity through computational methods.

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

2Measurement precision

If invasive methods are used to measure cardiac output, then measurement precision may improve, but the ease of operation and patient comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecardiac output measurement precisionVSAvoidinvasiveness and patient comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses applanation tonometry as an intermediary measurement technique. Instead of directly measuring cardiac output through invasive catheterization, the system measures arterial pressure waveforms non-invasively at peripheral sites and uses these as intermediate data to compute cardiac output through non-linear modeling, thereby avoiding direct intrusion into the cardiovascular system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces invasive mechanical measurement systems with non-invasive optical and pressure sensing systems combined with computational modeling. By substituting direct invasive measurement with non-invasive sensing and mathematical computation, the system achieves comparable or superior precision without compromising patient comfort or ease of operation.

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

3Ease of operation

If non-invasive methods are used to measure cardiac output, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to capture central vascular function accurately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-invasivenessVSAvoidcardiac output measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds the dimension of temporal dynamics and non-linear relationships to the analysis. By measuring arterial pressure waveforms over time and applying non-linear mathematical models that capture central vascular function dynamics, the system extracts comprehensive physiological information from non-invasive peripheral measurements, thereby improving precision while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms static or simple dynamic parameters from traditional non-invasive methods into complex non-linear temporal parameters. By analyzing the full waveform characteristics and their non-linear relationships over time, the system captures central vascular function accurately from non-invasive measurements, resolving the precision limitation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2967368B1Apparatus and methods for computing cardiac output of a living subject via applanation tonometry
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 SHANGYI MEDICAL TECH (HANGZHOU) CO LTD
  • EP2967368B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2967368B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2967368B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for calculating cardiac output (CO) of a living subject using applanation tonometry measurements. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods build a nonlinear mathematical model to correlate physiologic source data vectors to target CO values. The source data vectors include one or more measurable or derivable parameters such as: systolic and diastolic pressure, pulse pressure, beat-to-beat interval, mean arterial pressure, maximal slope of the pressure rise during systole, the area under systolic part of the pulse pressure wave, gender (male or female), age, height and weight. The target CO values are acquired using various methods, across a plurality of individuals. Multidimensional nonlinear optimization is then used to find a mathematical model which transforms the source data to the target CO data. The model is then applied to an individual by acquiring physiologic data for the individual and applying the model to the collected data.