Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS
Monitoring breathing close to the patient: Precise, wireless and intuitive
Objective
As part of the Filter4Flow project, we are working on a novel technology for monitoring patients’ breathing. It improves clinical treatment processes, allows respiratory parameters to be recorded close to the patient and can be used outside the ICU.
Our smart virus filter revolutionizes respiratory monitoring for patients suffering from conditions such as SARS-CoV-2 by filtering out harmful particles from the air while also continuously monitoring all relevant parameters (breathing flow, oxygen level, tidal volume, etc.). This means that patients can be given ideal respiratory assistance at all times. The design allows filters and sensors to be replaced quickly and easily, thus making life easier for the nursing staff. The simplicity of the application means that it can even be used outside medical institutions, for example in developing countries or crisis regions.
Background
The sensor and electronic components responsible for measuring respiratory mechanism values tend to be located in hard-to-reach places inside ventilators. This distance from the patient is enough to distort results and makes it harder to replace individual components as required. Continuous respiratory monitoring is relevant for all patient groups, whether or not pneumonia has been diagnosed. But up to now, this kind of monitoring has been possible only in the ICU, where it is managed by specially trained personnel.