BTS OEP System

Optoelectronic plethysmography is based on the analysis of the trajectories of a series of markers positioned on the thoracoabdominal surface of the patient during breathing. The positions in space of these markers are recorded and processed with mathematical models and algorithms by a computing unit that can accurately measure not only volume variations of the whole thoracoabdominal wall, but also the variations of the various compartments, such as upper rib cage, lower rib cage, and abdomen.

The system can accurately measure chest wall volume, lung volume, tidal volume, vital capacity, respiratory frequency, duration of the phases of inspiration and expiration, the average inspiration and expiration flux and the volume variations at the end of expiration.

Unlike traditional plethysmographic technologies, the OEP System is not affected by humidity and temperature variations and can be used to easily perform measurements for extended periods of time. The system has the advantage of being suitable for use in unconstrained subjects breathing without a mouthpiece, and has particular advantages in patient and/or pediatric studies where patient cooperation may be difficult to obtain. Once the sensors have been applied, no additional time costs are incurred during the experiment and the real-time data processing allows the user to analyze the data sets quickly and with relatively modest data storage requirements. The chest wall reconstruction computations are simple and easily modified to accommodate a greater or lesser number of markers.

Main Features:

Extends respiratory mechanics analysis capability
The OEP System accurately measures the dynamics of volume variations that occur during breathing in the various sections of the thoracoabdominal walls (upper, lower and abdominal thoracic area). This data, which is otherwise undetectable, is a useful contribution to the evaluation of patients affected by emphractic pathologies. Also, by combining the volume measurements obtained with the OEP System with the measurement of esophageal and gastric pressure, the dynamics of the respiratory muscles can be studied as force, work and power.

Exams can be performed in any environment
The optoelectronic technology of the OEP System does not require any physical connection to the patient, beyond the placement of reflective spherical markers, allowing examinations in any position, during physical exercise and for an extended period of time. Measurement is direct and unaffected by changes in environmental conditions.

Noninvasive, also suitable for uncooperative subjects
The OEP System measures the breathing of subjects who cannot actively cooperate (patients in intensive care, children, etc.), does not require the patient to be isolated, nor requires the use of facemasks or mouthpieces.

Provides an integrated view of all patient parameters
The processing software integrates into a single report the data from other diagnostic instruments (breathometer, pneumotachograph, etc.) to evaluate and compare simultaneously all the patient data of the whole session or of a specific time.

Simple and periodic calibration
The BTS OEP System does not require any additional calibration for specific patients. The system can be calibrated once at the beginning of the day with a fast and intuitive procedure.

Specifications:

Control workstation for the acquisition and integration of kinematic data with analog signals, including all the software applications for operation and processing.
Infrared cameras and illuminators.
Kinematic data acquisition frequency: 60 Hz and submultiples.
Analog data acquisition frequency up to 120 Hz.
Hemispherical reflective markers.
The acquisition groups (two sets of three cameras) are provided with floor stands or wall stands.
Surface area required by the system 2.5x3 meters.