Observer design for haemodynamics in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

During extracorporeal circulation, many important circulatory parameters are unknown, being inaccessible for measuring probes, as e.g. the perfusion of the brain. An observer system, which estimates such patient variables continuously throughout the operation, can extend the information basis for the decisions of the perfusionist regarding the control of the heart-lung machine and thus contribute to adjust this operation procedure to the actual patient situation. The observer design is based on a mathematical model of the human circulatory system. Beside the classical Luenberger observer design, a rule-based approach has been tested, which is also based on the structure of a Luenberger observer, however instead of an observer matrix a correction algorithm has been used in the feedback loop. A prototype of this system for animal experimental and clinical evaluation has been realised.