Vivian Lipari and Daniel Gavilanes, collaborators at the Universidad Europea del Atlántico (European University of the Atlantic, UNEATLANTICO), are participating in a study developing a cutting-edge radar technology for the early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
COPD is a progressive and potentially fatal lung disorder that makes breathing difficult and can lead to death if not diagnosed and treated in early stages. It consists of two main conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Its most common symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. In addition, it is linked to various diseases such as weight loss, obesity, cognitive dysfunction, anorexia and lung cancer.
According to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO), COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide, with an alarming number of 3.23 million deaths in 2019; this is an extremely high mortality rate.
Its diagnosis is made by analyzing the patient’s history of exposure to pulmonary irritants, such as smoking, and family history. Different tests such as spirometry, chest X-rays, blood gas tests, CT scans and genetic testing are also performed. The spirometry test is considered the best method to diagnose spirometry, however, its efficacy is questioned due to factors such as the quality of the equipment and the capacity of the personnel.
It is in this context that an innovative approach is developed to detect this lung disease using radar-based temporal and spectral features. This system uses ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. UWB radar analyzes the temporal and spectral characteristics of human chest movements to detect abnormal patterns associated with COPD. The system captures physiological data, such as chest wall motion and airflow, and processes them using advanced algorithms. By analyzing these signals, potential cases can be identified with a high degree of accuracy.
The novel aspect of this approach lies in the use of UWB radar technology, which offers several advantages over traditional diagnostic methods. Unlike spirometry tests, which require patients to exhale sharply into a small device, this system offers a noninvasive and easy-to-use alternative. This eliminates the discomfort and potential complications associated with routine testing, especially for people with limited lung function. In addition, it captures real-time data, allowing continuous monitoring of chest movements. This dynamic approach provides valuable information on the progression of COPD and can help healthcare professionals customize treatment plans for each patient.
The potential benefits of this technology extend to telemedicine and remote patient monitoring. With the rise of remote medical care, this system offers a convenient solution for monitoring COPD symptoms from home. Patients can use portable radar devices to monitor their chest movements and transmit the data to healthcare providers for analysis. This improves the management of this disease by facilitating early intervention and reducing the need for frequent hospital visits.
If you want to learn more about this study, click here.
To read more research, consult the UNEATLANTICO repository.
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