Control system for continuous positive airway pressure

Abstract

Introduction: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a mode of non-invasive mechanical ventilation commonly used in neonatology. The incorporation of new therapeutic and technological advances may impact the survival of very low birth weight preterm infants. However, one of the difficulties faced is the high cost of this device and its numerous add-on functions, such as Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI), flow limitation, among others. Thus, in this study, we aim to address the design and construction of a CPAP device prototype to be used in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Methods: In order to design the experimental CPAP device with sensory instrumentation for providing data to a micro-controlled system, electro-pneumatic circuits and signal conditioning boards of sensors have been fitted to achieve optimized CPAP function with low energy consumption. While running this setup, a metrological study was carried out to evaluate the sensors’ performance. The methodology employed for the study was the IDOV (Identify, Design, Optimize, and Validate) method, a variant of six sigma, to minimize the failure rates. It is expected that it works under valve activation to maintain positive pressure in the airways of the patient (neonate). Results: The whole system performs satisfactorily (low noise level) for each assessed module. Additionally, it is emphasized that software development for application control has resulted in a significant improvement of hardware functions. Conclusion: In this work, a system that performs the CPAP function was obtained; the research has shown that, by adopting a specific purpose, it may create a better understanding of Assistive Technology.