Ventilator Frequency Setpoint Using Lung Dynamics and Breathing Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilator systems require manual switching between different modes during mechanical ventilation, which can lead to abrupt changes and inefficiencies, especially when a patient's intrinsic breathing activity varies.
Innovation Solution
A process and device that automatically calculate a ventilation frequency set point by determining a lung time constant, dead space volume, and current intrinsic breathing activity, allowing for a weighted average to adapt ventilation frequency to the patient's needs without mode switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual switching between different ventilator modes is performed, then the ventilator can adapt to different breathing conditions, but this causes abrupt frequency changes and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator automatically transitions between different ventilation modes (mandatory ventilation, spontaneous breathing, stimulated breathing) based on real-time detection of the patient's intrinsic breathing activity, eliminating the need for manual mode switching and ensuring smooth, continuous adaptation to changing breathing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the patient's intrinsic breathing activity and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the ventilation frequency and mode, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to the patient's needs without manual intervention
2Productivity
If the ventilation frequency is adjusted manually, then the ventilator can respond to patient needs, but this leads to inefficiencies and potential delays
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator autonomously determines the optimal ventilation frequency by calculating the lung time constant and detecting intrinsic breathing activity, then automatically adjusts its operation without requiring manual input, thereby eliminating delays and optimizing ventilation efficiency in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates the lung time constant and continuously monitors intrinsic breathing activity to predict the optimal ventilation frequency before manual adjustment would be possible, enabling proactive rather than reactive frequency changes
3Reliability
If different ventilator modes are used for different breathing conditions, then the ventilation can be optimized, but this increases device complexity and mode switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilator is designed with a unified control system that can perform multiple functions (mandatory ventilation, spontaneous breathing support, stimulated breathing assistance) through a single automated mode selection mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual mode switching procedures while maintaining ventilation optimization
Data Source
AI summary
A process, a signal processing unit and to a ventilator automatically calculate a set point for a frequency, with which the ventilator performs ventilation strokes and thereby mechanically ventilates the patient. An alveolar or proximal minute volume is predefined. A lung time constant for the lungs of the patient is determined. The volume of a dead space in a fluid connection between the lungs and the ventilator is determined. A mandatory frequency set point (fset,mand) for the mandatory ventilation of the patient is calculated. An ideal frequency (fspon), with which the patient can achieve the minute volume by means of spontaneous breathing, is calculated. The ventilation frequency set point is calculated as a weighted average of the mandatory frequency set point (fset,mand) and of the ideal frequency (fspon). The averaging depends on a determined actual intensity of the spontaneous breathing of the patient.