Hand-Held Structured-Light Near-IR Imaging for Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical ventilation methods rely on inaccurate estimations of patient body dimensions, particularly for female patients, leading to suboptimal settings and increased risks of ventilator-induced lung injuries.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held device using structured light near-infrared technology to capture 3D spatial data of a patient's torso, analyzing height, torso girth, and volume, and calculating personalized ventilation settings through an AI-powered computational analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If height-based estimation methods are used for lung volume calculation, then the ventilation settings can be quickly determined, but the measurement precision is insufficient leading to suboptimal settings especially for female patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual measurement tools (tape measures, calipers) with a structured light near-infrared imaging system that uses optical fields to capture 3D spatial data. This substitution enables automated, precise measurement of torso dimensions including height, girth, and volume without manual intervention, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-parameter (height-only) estimation to multi-parameter measurement (height, torso girth, torso volume) by implementing a structured light imaging system. This change in measurement parameters enables more accurate lung volume calculation through the formula VL = k × (H/100)² × G × V, where H is height, G is girth, and V is volume, thereby improving measurement precision while using a sophisticated imaging device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standardized ventilation settings based on population averages are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to individual patient physiology is reduced leading to ventilator-induced lung injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the imaging device automatically captures 3D torso data, the processor calculates lung volume using the specialized formula, and the system generates personalized ventilation settings without requiring manual input from clinicians. This automation maintains ease of operation while achieving high adaptability to individual patient anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback by using measured torso dimensions (height, girth, volume) to dynamically calculate and adjust ventilation settings specific to each patient's lung capacity. This closed-loop approach ensures adaptability to individual physiology while simplifying the clinician's workflow through automated recommendations.
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
Reduces the risk of ventilator-induced injuries by providing accurate, personalized ventilation settings tailored to individual patient physiology, optimizing oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.
Implementation Method 1
the structured light is in the near-infrared spectrum, approximately around 940 nm, to maximize penetration and minimize interference from ambient light
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device and method for providing personalized ventilation settings using a hand-held tool that employs structured light near-IR imaging to accurately map patient torso dimensions. The device integrates advanced optical components and AI-driven analysis to offer safer, more precise, and individualized mechanical ventilation strategies, particularly enhancing care for female patients at risk of over-ventilation.