Respiratory Asynchrony Detection in Assisted Breathing Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current assisted breathing machines lack the ability to automatically and in real-time detect respiratory asynchronies between the machine's breathing phases and a patient's, making it difficult to intervene promptly and safely, especially since manual detection relies heavily on operator expertise and is often invasive.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus connected to the pulmonary ventilator that processes flow and pressure parameters to generate a closed curve profile, allowing for the identification of respiratory asynchronies through secondary curves overlapping the main curve, with a display and analysis system to alert operators and adjust machine settings accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual detection and analysis of respiratory asynchronies is used by specialized operators, then detection capability relies on operator expertise, but it does not guarantee effective and safe service and is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically analyzing respiratory asynchronies using sensors and a processing unit, eliminating the need for manual operator analysis. The machine independently detects, analyzes, and flags asynchronies, enabling continuous monitoring without human intervention while maintaining high detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis by operators with an automated electronic system comprising sensors, a processing unit, and display devices. This substitution enables real-time continuous monitoring and immediate detection of asynchronies, dramatically reducing response time while maintaining or improving detection accuracy.

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

2Measurement precision

If invasive devices are used to detect respiratory asynchronies in real time, then detection capability is improved, but patient comfort and safety are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidinvasiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the existing pulmonary ventilator's sensors and components for multiple purposes: delivering breaths, monitoring respiratory parameters, and detecting asynchronies. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate invasive detection devices, maintaining detection capability while avoiding additional patient intrusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the already-present sensors and air delivery system as intermediaries to detect respiratory asynchronies indirectly through analysis of breathing patterns, pressure, and flow data. This indirect detection method achieves accurate asynchrony identification without requiring direct invasive measurement of neural or muscular signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If respiratory asynchronies are detected after they occur through manual analysis, then detection is possible, but timely intervention is prevented and patient safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidintervention time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors respiratory parameters and provides immediate feedback when asynchronies are detected. The processing unit analyzes sensor data in real-time and triggers visual or audible alarms, enabling operators to intervene promptly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures both reliable detection and timely response, directly addressing the delay problem in manual post-event analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of time

If automated real-time detection of respiratory asynchronies is implemented, then timely intervention is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves automated detection by having the existing ventilator's processing unit and sensors perform the analysis function themselves. The same hardware that delivers breaths also monitors and detects asynchronies, avoiding the need for separate complex detection hardware and keeping the overall system relatively simple while enabling real-time automated monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3308819B1Apparatus to identify respiratory asynchronies in an assisted breathing machine
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 UNIV DEGLI STUDI DI TRIESTE
  • EP3308819B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3308819B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4b

AI summary

An apparatus to identify possible respiratory asynchronies between the conditions of inspiration and expiration set by an assisted breathing machine (20) and the activity of inspiration and expiration of a subject associated with the assisted breathing machine (20) comprises detection devices (28) to detect data relating to parameters of the air supplied and inspired by the assisted breathing machine (20), and a processing unit (12) connected to the detection devices (28).