Respiratory bi-directional pressure and flow data collection device with thoracic and abdominal circumferential monitoring

Abstract

Non-invasive pressure and flow data from Venturi-based sensors can be used with validated models to identify patient-specific lung mechanics. To validate applied respiratory models a secondary measurement is required. Rotary encoder-based tape measures were designed to capture change in circumference of a subject's thorax and diaphragm. Circumferential changes can be correlated to measured or modelled change in lung volume and associated muscular recruitment measures (patient work of breathing). Hence, these simple measurement devices can expedite respiratory research, by adding low-cost, accessible, and clinically useful measurements.