Respiratory Event Detection via Test Pulse Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems that provide positive airway pressure therapy inadvertently prompt subjects to resume spontaneous breathing during respiratory events, disrupting the detection and therapy synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pressure generator, sensor, and processors that deliver a test pulse of gas to identify respiratory event types and determine if it prompts spontaneous respiration, allowing for synchronized therapy resumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a test pulse of gas is transmitted to the airway during a respiratory event to determine event information, then identification of event type is improved, but the transmission inadvertently prompts the subject to resume spontaneous breathing, disrupting the respiratory event detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits the test pulse of gas before the respiratory event is fully resolved, using the momentary increase in pressure to elicit a respiratory response that helps identify event type while the subject is still in the disrupted state, thereby maintaining detection accuracy without prematurely ending the event
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the subject's respiratory response to the test pulse and uses this feedback information to determine event type classification, allowing the system to adapt its detection algorithm based on the actual physiological response observed during the test pulse transmission
2Reliability
If conventional systems provide positive pressure therapy during respiratory events, then therapy support is maintained, but the system cannot distinguish between different event types (obstructive vs central apnea)
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different pressure characteristics to the airway during different phases of respiratory event detection, using localized pressure variations during the test pulse transmission to elicit specific respiratory responses that indicate event type, while maintaining overall therapy support through continuous positive pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The system temporarily changes pressure parameters by transmitting a test pulse with specific pressure characteristics, then uses the subject's respiratory response to this parameter change to classify event type, while returning to normal therapy parameters to maintain continuous support
3Productivity
If the system continuously monitors respiratory events, then real-time detection is improved, but the system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous complex analysis, the system uses periodic test pulse transmissions at specific moments during respiratory events to gather diagnostic information, reducing the complexity of continuous monitoring while maintaining real-time detection capability through strategically timed interventions
Data Source
AI summary
A pressurized flow of breathable gas is delivered to the airway of a subject in accordance with a therapy regime. Responsive to the subject resuming respiration after a respiratory event, delivery of the pressurized flow of breathable gas is resumed at an inhalation in the therapy regime. As such, the therapy regime is effectively re-synchronized with the respiration of the subject subsequent to a respiratory event.