Each year, approximately 250,000 patients in Germany require mechanical ventilation. Although mechanical ventilation is a life-saving intervention in intensive care medicine, prolonged ventilation can lead to a weakening of the respiratory muscles. The diaphragm, in particular, loses strength due to the lack of spontaneous activity, which often makes weaning from the ventilator more difficult and prolongs the stay in the intensive care unit.
With the newly launched ELBAS (Electrical Ventilation Stimulation in a Closed Loop) research project, the Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Informatics (BMTI) at the TU Ilmenau and project partner neuroConn GmbH from Ilmenau are developing an innovative solution to preserve physiological diaphragm activity during mechanical ventilation. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy as part of the ZIM program.
To achieve this, the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm, is stimulated non-invasively by applying electrical stimulation. The aim is to preserve the natural function and strength of the respiratory muscle for as long as possible, thereby reducing the consequences of long-term mechanical ventilation.
The two-year project focuses on the development of an intelligent closed-loop system. Unlike previous methods, ELBAS does not use fixed stimulation parameters or predetermined timing. Instead, it continuously records and analyzes biosignals related to respiration. Based on the patient’s current respiratory status, the system automatically adjusts the timing of electrical stimulation, adapts the stimulation pattern to the individual patient, and thus enables patient-specific respiratory support.
Another key area of research is the development of a digital twin of the neck region. This model takes anatomical differences into account and supports the selection of optimal stimulation parameters for safe and efficient nerve activation. The aim is to reliably activate the phrenic nerve using the lowest possible current while minimizing unwanted off-target stimulation.
Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Jens Haueisen, two research associates at the BMTI are conducting the project. Their research focuses on biosignal processing, modeling, and peripheral nerve stimulation.
In the long term, ELBAS aims to help better tailor ventilation to patients’ physiological needs. Targeted activation of the diaphragm could support weaning from the ventilator and reduce ventilation-related complications. The project thus opens up new possibilities for individualized and gentler ventilatory therapy.
