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Biomedical subjects

J D Charlton

Publications and source records attributed to J D Charlton.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

A critical review of trend-detection methodologies for biomedical monitoring systems.

Information gained through early detection of patient vital sign changes typically can be used to anticipate future difficulties. Detection of these changes through monitoring, however, can be difficult. Many of the monitored processes are random in nature. For that reason simple threshold algorithms exhibit a high incidence of false alarms, which can decrease the operator's confidence in the monitor. Many problems associated with threshold-based biological monitors can be alleviated by introducing statistical detection techniques. The purpose of this review is to develop and critique the major trend detection algorithms used in biological monitors. This review contains an evolution of trend detection through current state-of-the-art algorithms.

Algorithms

A Monte Carlo technique for signal level detection in implanted intracranial pressure monitoring.

Statistical monitoring techniques like CUSUM, Trigg's tracking signal and EMP filtering have a major advantage over more recent techniques, such as Kalman filtering, because of their inherent simplicity. In many biomedical applications, such as electronic implantable devices, these simpler techniques have greater utility because of the reduced requirements on power, logic complexity and sampling speed. The determination of signal means using some of the earlier techniques are reviewed in this paper, and a new Monte Carlo based method with greater capability to sparsely sample a waveform and obtain an accurate mean value is presented. This technique may find widespread use as a trend detection method when reduced power consumption is a requirement.

Biomedical Engineering

A nonlinear least-squares method for determining cerebrospinal fluid formation and absorption kinetics in pseudotumor cerebri.

Data from 14 patients with benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) have been analyzed using a nonlinear least-squares regression model which was developed and programmed from in-hospital microcomputer use. The method of analysis permits rapid estimation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) formation and absorption rates as functions of pressure in individual patients using data from constant-rate infusion manometrics. The analysis predicts that prednisone therapy in pseudotumor cerebri reduces resting CSF pressure by increasing CSF absorption at all intracranial pressures studied, and decreasing CSF formation at high pressures. This result is in accordance with evidence suggesting that impaired CSF absorption plays a major role in the pathogenesis of increased intracranial pressure in pseudotumor cerebri.

Absorption

Cerebellar stimulation: regional effects on a thalamocortical system.

Regional effects of electrical stimulation of the cerebellar surface were quantitatively analyzed. Computer controlled stimulus sequences were delivered to ventrolateral thalamus and evoked responses recorded from ipsilateral sensorimotor cortex in the cat. Threshold and excitability profiles were produced with an on-line computer, and their modification by cerebellar stimulation was determined. The results of electrical stimulation of the cerebellar surface were: (1) depressed excitability from paramedian lobule and lobulus simplex; (2) uniquely elevated thresholds from paramedian lobule; and (3) a profound and long-lasting depression of excitability following termination of lobulus simplex stimulation. In comparison with our anticonvulsant drug studies, these data suggest that cerebellar surface stimulation has a far greater capacity to control excitability and threshold responsiveness of thalamocortical systems. Cerebellar electrode placement and temporal pattern of stimulation appear to be important factors in the production of antiepileptic effects.

Animals