Ventilator Signal Processing for Intrinsic Breathing Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilator systems face challenges in synchronizing mechanical ventilation with a patient's intrinsic breathing activity due to interference from variable signals, leading to reduced operating safety and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A process and signal processing unit that utilize a predefined lung mechanical model to derive breathing activity values by adjusting ventilator parameters, allowing for real-time adaptation and improved synchronization with the patient's intrinsic breathing, even in the presence of interfering signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical ventilation is synchronized with intrinsic breathing activity using measured signals, then ventilation effectiveness is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interfering signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the breathing activity signal into multiple frequency components using spectral analysis. By dividing the signal into frequency bands, the system can identify and separate the intrinsic breathing frequency from interfering signals at different frequencies, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining ventilation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing stage that uses a lung mechanical model to translate measured pressure and flow signals into breathing activity indicators. This intermediary model acts as a filter that converts noisy raw signals into reliable breathing activity measurements, resolving the contradiction between signal interference and measurement accuracy
2Reliability
If ventilator parameters are adjusted to improve breathing activity detection, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal signal processing approach that uses the same lung mechanical model and spectral analysis techniques across different ventilation modes and patient conditions. This multi-functional framework allows the system to reliably detect breathing activity in various scenarios without requiring separate complex processing paths for each case
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the detected breathing activity is continuously monitored and used to adjust ventilator synchronization. The system compares measured breathing patterns with expected patterns and refines its detection algorithm accordingly, improving reliability through iterative optimization without proportionally increasing hardware complexity
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring of breathing activity is performed, then operating safety is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs breathing activity analysis periodically at key moments in the ventilation cycle, such as during end-expiratory pauses or at regular intervals, rather than continuously processing every data point. This periodic approach maintains operating safety through adequate monitoring while significantly reducing computational energy consumption compared to truly continuous analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies full signal processing and spectral analysis only when necessary—for example, when breathing pattern changes are detected or at scheduled intervals—rather than maintaining maximum processing intensity continuously. This partial action approach ensures safety through adequate monitoring while avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure during stable breathing conditions
Data Source
AI summary
Process/unit for determining intrinsic breathing activity of a ventilated patient. The process/unit carries out a first ventilating operation, in which a ventilator parameter at a first setting. The process/unit generates a first set of signal values as a function of measured values, which were measured at the first setting. A first breathing activity value is derived using a predefined lung mechanical model and the first set of signal values. The process/unit calculates a value for the reliability that the first breathing activity value agrees with the corresponding actual breathing activity value. Depending on this reliability assessment, the process/unit checks whether a predefined triggering criterion is met. If this criterion is met, then the process/unit triggers a change step, in which the ventilator parameter is set at a second setting. It carries out an additional ventilating operation, in which the ventilator parameter is set at the second setting.