Thoracic Analysis Device Personalizing Dielectric Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current EM signal analysis devices for thoracic biological properties lack accurate methods for deriving individual thoracic parameters, such as lung fluid content, which are essential for clinical parameter monitoring and diagnosis, due to limitations in calibrating dielectric models and measuring thoracic volume manipulations.
Innovation Solution
A thoracic analysis device and method that utilize EM signal measurements in conjunction with thoracic volume manipulations to derive individual thoracic parameters, including lung fluid content, by calibrating a dielectric model with stacked layers of different tissues and using EM signals to calculate clinical parameters like breathing rates and fluid volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a standardized dielectric model is used for EM signal analysis, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of individual thoracic parameters deteriorates due to anatomical variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by having the subject perform controlled thoracic volume manipulations (inhalation/exhalation) before actual measurement. This preliminary action captures subject-specific dielectric characteristics and anatomical variations, which are then stored for use during subsequent monitoring sessions, resolving the contradiction between model simplicity and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts dielectric model parameters based on measured thoracic volume changes during breathing cycles. By tracking how dielectric properties change with thoracic expansion and contraction, the system personalizes the model to individual anatomical characteristics while maintaining computational efficiency through parameter optimization.
2Measurement precision
If thoracic volume manipulation is performed to derive individual parameters, then the measurement precision improves, but the duration of action increases due to calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs thoracic volume manipulation in periodic, rhythmic breathing cycles rather than continuous manipulation. The subject performs controlled inhalation and exhalation at natural breathing rates, allowing the system to capture dielectric parameter variations across multiple breathing cycles. This periodic approach achieves accurate parameter derivation while keeping each calibration session duration manageable (typically 1-2 minutes).
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the subject's own natural breathing physiology to perform the calibration process. The subject simply follows simple instructions to breathe deeply and normally, without requiring external manipulation or lengthy procedures. The body's inherent rhythmic breathing provides the necessary volume variations, making the calibration process self-service and time-efficient.
3Reliability
If individual thoracic parameters are derived for each subject, then the reliability of clinical diagnosis is improved, but the device complexity increases due to personalized calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal calibration protocol that can be applied to all subjects regardless of age, gender, or anatomical differences. The same controlled breathing maneuvers and measurement procedures work across diverse populations. The processed dielectric parameters and personalized models are then stored in a database, allowing the system to maintain universal operational simplicity while achieving individualized measurement reliability through pre-computed subject-specific parameters.
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 accurate monitoring and diagnosis of thoracic conditions by personalizing dielectric models for individual subjects, improving the accuracy of clinical parameter estimation and reducing the impact of anatomical and physiological variations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transducer configured for EM radiation to the internal tissue and intercepting reflections of the EM radiation therefrom
Implementation Method 2
combining between measurements of EM signals from a thoracic intrabody area of lungs of a subject and correlated thoracic volume values
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of deriving one or more individual thoracic parameters of a subject. The method comprises instructing a subject to perform a thoracic volume manipulation, receiving a plurality of measurements of a plurality of EM signals from a thoracic intrabody area of lungs of the subject during the thoracic volume manipulation, deriving a plurality of thoracic volume values at a plurality of different intervals during the thoracic volume manipulation so that each the thoracic volume value correspond with another of a plurality of estimated thoracic volumes achieved during the thoracic volume manipulation, and calculating at least one individual thoracic parameter of the subject by combining between the plurality of measurements and the plurality of thoracic volume values.