Control of Neuromuscular Blockade in the Presence of Sensor Faults

Abstract

The problem of embedding sensor fault tolerance infeedback control of neuromuscular blockade is considered. Fortackling interruptions of feedback measurements, a structurebased upon Bayesian inference as well as a predictive filter is pro-posed. This algorithm is general and can be applied to differentsituations. Here, it is incorporated in an adaptive automatic systemfor feedback control of neuromuscular blockade using continuousinfusion of muscle relaxants. A significant contribution consistsin the experimental clinical testing of the algorithm in patientsundergoing surgery.