Modeling, Signal Processing and the Design of Novel Instruments and Algorithms Applicable to the Respiratory System

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Using linear and non-linear signal processing and modeling techniques and instrumentation, this research program will investigate, design, develop and evaluate novel technologies applicable to respiratory system and its associated disorders, in particular obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA currently affects more than 10% of Canadians, but it is also believed that there are many undiagnosed cases. Lack of diagnosis and treatment of OSA impose an immense physical and economic burden on society. The research proposed here will address this gap by investigating new ways to analyze and interpret biological data in particular breathing sounds, and design novel medical technologies that will have future applications in point of care diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of OSA; some of the proposed technologies will also have other general applications. ******The proposed objectives and projects are: 1) further develop and evaluate our current acoustic technology by considering the effect of confounding variables, i.e. age, smoking, height, weight, on breathing sounds and improve its sensitivity and specificity for OSA classification, 2) develop acoustic models for upper airway during both sleep and wakefulness, 3) study the relationship between breathing sounds and sleep stages continuously through an entire night, 4) design and implement an energy harvesting system using saliva to enable oral measurement of pulse oximetry overnight during sleep, and 5) develop micro-array microneedle electrodes by molding, along with a novel switching circuit for stimulating the hypoglossal nerve as a potential future non-invasive sleep apnea treatment. ******These objectives will be achieved through non-invasive tracheal respiratory sound analysis and design of microelectronic boards. Outcomes of this research are: to advance our understanding of the upper airway mechanism of normal breathing during both wakefulness and sleep and how it will change due to an obstruction; to develop non-invasive, cost effective and quick diagnostic tools as well as novel non-invasive treatment strategies. The main impacts of this work will be development of novel technologies that in future will improve the quality of life of the large population affected by OSA.**