Physical and computer model of airway flow

Sean Kim; King Wai Shiu; Young Kwon Lee; Alexander Yi; Dmitry Sergeev

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition in which an individual stops breathing for two to ten seconds though respiratory efforts continue, such as movement of the chest. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) occurs when a child experiences OSA for more than thirty times during a seven-hour sleeping period. OSAS is a disease that is still very much a mystery to the medical community. Current testing processes are very intrusive and require a series of tests taken in a sleep lab. In order to help in making the diagnosis of OSAS less invasive and more effective way, we will redesign the an existing anatomically correct but rigid physical model of the airway simulates flow limitation and airway collapse in individuals who are prone to OSA. Until recently, little is known about OSA, although there're mathematical models of OSA and studies developed, nothing much could be achieved without an mechanical model simulating OSA that contain a collapsible airway and proper feedback of the system. Currently, a mechanical model, which is developed by last year's senior design team, is available and provides a basic concept although it did not contain a collapsible airway and feedback control on the system. We will redesign the existing model by adding an upper airway, to be collapsible by using less rigid and more human-like tissue by using such materials as silicon or hydrogel. While considering the materials and shape of the model, we will take into account its accuracy (note that exactly which parts of the upper airway cause OSA is still controversial), cost-effectiveness, practicality, as a result, several consideration will also be included. Also by adding more parts to the model that would take into account its dynamic features: actual breathing patterns, normal versus OSA type airflow and pressure conditions. Our new design will include pressure measuring and controlling capability inside and outside the dynamic upper airway that is part of a closed-loop feedback. By adjusting these two pressures, we will create a collapsed upper airway and duplicate the OSA condition. We will also simulate the early stage of the OSA but prevent a further collapse of the airway. We will adjust the internal pressure so that it drops gradually, but as soon as sensor detects the difference between the normal breathing pressure and measured pressure within the upper airway, this data will be fed back to computer by data acquisition program, and the computer will automatically instruct the motor to adjust according to the deviation to create stability and prevent further collapse.

Physical and computer model of airway flow

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Physical and computer model of airway flow

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