Thoracic Impedance Measurement Synchronized to Breathing States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining lung impedance are prone to errors due to variations in breathing cycles, leading to inaccurate medical diagnoses, particularly in conditions like pulmonary congestion and lung edema, as they do not account for synchronized impedance measurements across different thoracic areas during specific breathing states.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple electrical circuits with paired electrodes and generators operating at different frequencies, synchronized with a subject's breathing cycle to acquire impedance measurements at predefined timing-positions, allowing for accurate lung impedance calculation by correcting for skin and fatty tissue resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If impedance measurements are taken without synchronizing with breathing cycle, then measurement process is simpler and faster, but measurement precision deteriorates due to variations in breathing cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system synchronizes impedance measurements with specific phases of the periodic breathing cycle. Multiple electrical circuits acquire impedance data at predetermined timing positions corresponding to specific breathing states (e.g., end-inspiration, end-expiration), ensuring measurements are taken at consistent physiological moments, thereby improving measurement precision without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary determination of the breathing cycle phase before acquiring impedance measurements. By first identifying the current breathing state and then selecting appropriate timing positions for measurement, the system ensures that impedance data is collected at optimal moments in the breathing cycle, improving accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrical circuits are used to measure impedance at different thoracic areas, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the thoracic region into multiple measurement zones using separate electrical circuits with electrode pairs positioned at different locations. Each circuit measures impedance in a specific thoracic area, and the results are integrated to provide comprehensive lung impedance data. This segmentation allows precise localization of impedance changes while maintaining organized system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple electrical circuits are designed with identical functional capabilities, each capable of measuring impedance across different thoracic regions. This multi-functionality allows the system to acquire comprehensive impedance data from various locations using standardized circuit designs, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing system complexity
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
The system significantly reduces calculation errors by up to 20% by ensuring impedance measurements are synchronized with breathing states, providing more accurate lung impedance values for improved medical diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
Electrical impedance (herein also 'impedance') is one such electrical responsivity to applied electric stimuli. Impedance measurement of body parts/tissue etc. is used for measuring various medical/physical characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for determining lung impedance of a subject by acquiring multiple impedance measurements from different areas of a thorax of the subject, using multiple electrical circuits, each electrical circuit comprising a pair of electrodes attached at different locations over the thorax of the subject. The acquisition of impedance measurements of all of the electrical circuits is done at the same timing-position(s) over the subject's breathing cycle. The acquired impedance measurements may be used to determine at least one physical characteristic associated with the respective subject. The electrical circuits may be powered by several generators outputting AC power at same or different frequencies. According to some embodiments, one of the electrical circuits, powered by one of the generators, may be continuously operated when measuring is done to be used as a timer.