Ventilator Adjustment Detection via Neurophysiological Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting inappropriate adjustments in ventilatory assistance machines are unreliable, especially when patients are asleep or in a coma, as they rely on indirect physiological measurements that are difficult to use and do not directly assess patient sensations.
Innovation Solution
A device that measures abnormal neurological or neuromuscular activity using electroencephalographic and electromyographic signals to detect disharmony between the patient and the ventilator, allowing for direct assessment of patient sensations and adjustment of gas pressure accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If indirect physiological measurements (occlusion pressure, pressure curves, ventilatory work) are used to detect ventilator adjustment issues, then detection capability is provided, but reliability and ease of use deteriorate due to difficulty in interpretation and indirect nature of the measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect mechanical/physiological measurements (pressure curves, occlusion pressure, ventilatory work) with direct neurological measurements using electroencephalographic (EEG) and electromyographic (EMG) signals. This substitution provides direct access to patient sensations and respiratory drive, eliminating the need to interpret complex indirect physiological parameters, thereby improving reliability while reducing measurement complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces neurological signals (EEG and EMG) as intermediary measurements that directly reflect patient respiratory drive and comfort. These signals serve as a mediator between the patient's internal state and the ventilator settings, providing a reliable and interpretable indicator of ventilator-patient synchrony without requiring complex analysis of indirect physiological parameters
2Measurement precision
If indirect physiological elements are measured to detect ventilatory asynchrony, then detection capability is achieved, but ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in using and interpreting these measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex indirect physiological measurements with straightforward neurological signal analysis. By using EEG to detect pre-inspiratory cortical activity and EMG to measure respiratory muscle activation, the system provides precise detection of ventilator-patient asynchrony through signals that are easier to interpret and operate with compared to traditional pressure curve and occlusion pressure analysis
3Reliability
If patient interrogation is used to detect ventilator adjustment issues, then direct patient feedback is obtained, but applicability worsens when patients are asleep or in a coma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses neurological signals (EEG and EMG) as intermediaries to detect patient respiratory drive and comfort without requiring patient awareness or active participation. These signals are naturally present in all patients regardless of consciousness state, enabling reliable detection of ventilator adjustment issues in comatose or sleeping patients where direct interrogation is impossible
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 reliable detection of inappropriate ventilator settings by analyzing neurophysiological signals, allowing for timely adjustments to ensure patient comfort and prevent respiratory distress.
Implementation Method 1
A device for detecting an inappropriate adjustment of a ventilatory assistance machine used on a mammal by measuring an abnormal neurological or neuromuscular activity in a patient placed under mechanical ventilatory assistance
Implementation Method 2
A device for detecting an inappropriate adjustment of a ventilatory assistance machine used on a mammal by measuring an abnormal neurological or neuromuscular activity in a patient placed under mechanical ventilatory assistance
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for detecting the improper adjustment of a ventilatory support machine used on a mammal. The device (12) includes measuring means (40) for taking a measurement, as a function of time, of a neurophysiological signal involved in the respiratory process of the mammal for at least two successive breathing cycles, each breathing cycle comprising a respiratory initiation time; an input for receiving a respiratory initiation signal (to) which is different from the neurophysiological signal; means (42) for processing the neurophysiological signals, which are configured to process the neurophysiological signals for each respiratory initiation time over a period of time starting from the respiratory initiation time; and means (44) for detecting an improper adjustment of the ventilator using the processed signals.