Closed-loop target-controlled infusion systems: stability and performance aspects.
OBJECTIVE
This article addresses the design of a robust autopilot for the delivery of intravenous anesthesia drugs.


METHODS
A mathematical framework that expresses the pharmacological variability of a patient population into uncertainty bounds is proposed. These bounds can be effectively used to tune the parameters of a controller to ensure its stability, a key design aspect related to the safety of the overall system.


RESULTS
The proposed method is applied to the control of propofol, a powerful hypnotic agent used for sedation and anesthesia. Simulations show that the controller remains stable for all patients considered and that performance are clinically acceptable.


CONCLUSIONS
This methodology can be an important step forward in the design and regulatory approval of such systems.
NeuroWave Systems, 2490 Lee Blvd, Suite 300, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.
Stephane
S
Bibian
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2332 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
Guy A
GA
Dumont
Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Vermont Medical Center, 111 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT.
Ian
I
Black
D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D000758:Anesthesia / Q000379:methods*; D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D059408:Pain Management / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015742:Propofol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000601:surgery
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D015742:Propofol