Imaging Human Respiratory Gas Patterns, Volume, Rate and Carbon Dioxide (UA20-239)

University of Arizona researchers have created a multi-camera-based system that can produce 3-dimensional (3D) images of human respiratory gas patterns, volume, rate and carbon dioxide (CO2) content through two complementary imaging techniques, combined with 3D computerized models of gas flow.Background:Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major complication in patients with severe COVID-19 pulmonary disease that can manifest shortly after the onset of difficulty breathing. As ARDS onset can occur very quickly after the appearance of mild respiratory symptoms of COVID-19, it is essential to have a means to monitor and quickly identify respiratory decline before it reaches a critical level.Current evaluation of respiratory distress and failure uses cumbersome and relatively invasive pulmonary function tests (e.g. spirometry, lung volume, lung diffusion capacity, etc.). However, patients with severe ARDS may be unconscious or too weak to effectively perform these tests and cannot be transported to testing equipment. Furthermore, administering these tests requires close contact of healthcare personnel with patients, which increases the risk for healthcare personnel contracting a viral infection. This invention has the ability to safely monitor COVID patients for ARDS before major complications set in that can be fatal.Learn more at https://bit.ly/UA20-239 Anne Spieth annes@tla.arizona.edu 520-626-1577