Call us: +86-137-2353-4866
The precise monitoring of a patient’s respiratory function is critical for effective mechanical ventilation. While ventilators primarily control air pressure and flow, force sensing technology provides an essential, direct measurement of the physical effort of breathing. At SOUSHINE, our expertise in force sensor design and manufacturing delivers critical components for advanced respiratory monitoring systems, enhancing the interface between the patient and the equipment. This page details the application of our force sensing technology in the field of respiratory care.
What is Force Sensing in a Respiratory Context?
In the context of respiratory equipment, force sensing involves the use of a transducer, such as a load cell or strain gauge, to convert the mechanical force generated by the patient’s breathing into a measurable electrical signal.
Unlike pressure sensors that measure the force of air within the ventilator circuit, force sensors are typically applied externally to the patient’s torso. They directly measure the expansion and contraction of the chest or abdomen. This provides a real-time waveform that accurately represents the patient’s breathing cycle, depth, and rate, independent of the ventilator’s own pressure readings.
How Are Force Sensors Implemented in Ventilator Systems?
Force sensors are integrated into systems that work in conjunction with ventilators, primarily for patient monitoring and the synchronization of other medical procedures.
1. Respiratory Gating Belts: The most common application is in respiratory gating systems or monitoring belts.
- Mechanism: A flexible belt containing a precision force sensor is placed around the patient’s chest or abdomen.
- Function: As the patient inhales, their torso expands, applying tension to the belt. The force sensor measures this tensile force. When the patient exhales, the torso contracts, reducing the force.
- Output: The sensor generates a continuous data stream that maps the patient’s breathing pattern. This data is fed into a monitoring system that visualizes the respiratory cycle.
2. System Calibration: While not a direct patient application, force sensors are integral to the manufacturing and calibration process of ventilator components, ensuring they respond correctly to preset pressure and flow-triggering thresholds.
Why is Direct Force Measurement Important?
Integrating force sensors for respiratory monitoring offers significant advantages for patient care, treatment efficacy, and safety.
- Accurate Respiratory Effort Monitoring: It provides a direct measurement of the patient’s own breathing effort, which can be a vital indicator of their condition and readiness to wean from the ventilator.
- Synchronization with Treatments: For patients undergoing procedures like radiation therapy for lung or abdominal tumors, it is critical to target the radiation accurately. Force sensor belts allow the therapy beam to be “gated”—activated only at a specific point in the breathing cycle, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
- Reduced Patient-Ventilator Asynchrony: By providing a clearer picture of the patient’s natural breathing attempts, this data can help clinicians fine-tune ventilator settings to better match the patient’s rhythm, improving comfort and reducing the work of breathing.
- Non-Invasive and Safe: The application is external and non-invasive, posing no additional risk to the patient. It provides vital information without interfering with the primary function of the ventilator.
SOUSHINE’s force sensors are engineered for the high sensitivity and reliability required for these critical medical applications, ensuring that clinicians have the accurate data they need for optimal patient care.
Display
FAQ
How is a force sensor different from a pressure sensor in a ventilator?
A pressure sensor measures the air pressure (Force/Area) inside the ventilator’s tubes or the patient’s airway. A force sensor, in this application, typically measures the direct physical force (tension or compression) of the body’s movement during breathing via a respiratory belt.
Are force sensors used inside the main ventilator unit?
Generally, the internal control of air and oxygen delivery is managed by pressure and flow sensors. Force sensors are most commonly used in external monitoring systems that interface with the ventilator or other treatment devices.
Can force sensing data be used to control the ventilator directly?
Yes, in advanced ventilation modes and external control systems, the signal from a force-sensing respiratory belt can be used as a trigger. For example, it can signal the ventilator to deliver a breath the moment it detects the patient’s inspiratory effort, improving patient-ventilator synchrony.
What are the essential characteristics of a force sensor for respiratory monitoring?
Key characteristics include high sensitivity to detect slight breathing movements, excellent long-term stability and low signal drift for continuous monitoring, a compact and lightweight design for patient comfort, and durability to withstand clinical use.
Is this technology suitable for all types of patients?
Yes, respiratory monitoring belts equipped with force sensors can be used for a wide range of patients, from adults to pediatrics, in various clinical settings including intensive care units and radiotherapy centers.