A physiological control system for anesthesia delivery

Application of automated control devices in biomedicine is still emergent, but very promising. Currently, anesthesiologists set an initial dose of analgesic/anesthetic for surgical interventions according to their experience and standard protocols, and then make adjustments after patients’ observation. This approach to anesthesia can lead to intermittent and irregular control actions.

Conversely, automation of anesthesia induction and maintenance holds the promise of providing safer and more stable infusion rate trajectories, with the advantages of relying on the on-line measure of the physiological variables that reflect the patients’ state and allow reducing anesthesiologists workload.

We are developing a model-based controller of anesthesia with two of the most widely employed drugs in anesthesia.