Development of a new system of multichannel acquisition for pulmonary monitor based on electrical impedance tomography

• Grant number: 04/02498-7
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: June 01, 2005
• End date: November 30, 2006
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Harki Tanaka
• Grantee: Harki Tanaka
• Company: Timpel S/A
• City: São Paulo

Abstract

Over the last ten years various lines of research have been developed in the use of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) as a non-invasive piece of equipment for obtaining images of the human body recorded by electric current instead of X-rays. However, to-date there is no equipment approved for use with patients for the monitoring of mechanically ventilated lungs. This type of use is a new idea, still in the research and development phase, in Brazil as well as abroad. A EIT prototype was set up in 2003, as part of a thematic project financed by FAPESP, with components existing on the market - many of them imported and expensive. It is necessary for this prototype to evolve to the point of obtaining a better quality image, adaptation for use with human beings and for large scale industrialization. To do this, a new system of signal acquisition and pre-processing for the measurement of bioimpedance called Multichannel Acquisition System (MAS) will need to be developed. This system will permit an increase in the speed of image generation and quality, the miniaturization of the interface with the patient and a decrease in the cost of the apparatus. This entails a decisive step in the adaptation of the EIT at the bedside, as well as its financial viability, making its costs competitive. (AU)