Applications of Hardware Based Fuzzy Logic Controllers for Adaptive Pacemakers

HARMONY - CP94-202

Keywords: fuzzy logic, pacemaker control systems, adaptive control, biomedical engineering,

Start Date: 1 July 95 / Duration: 36 months

Objectivies and Approach

The aim of the research is to develop an analogue fuzzy logic controller for a self-adaptive pacemaker. A new technology is proposed for designing and manufacturing a new generation of pacemakers or for improving the existing ones by a more reliable control and by appropriate adaptation procedures.

The pacemaker should be adaptive to the load of the heart as well as to the individual characteristics of the patient. The analogue fuzzy logic controller will handle the adaptive tuning of a pacemaker. It is meant to be manufactured as a custom integrated circuit in CMOS technology. An analogue CMOS implementation will help to keep the chip complexity, size and power consumption low.

Progress and Results

Until now, a preliminary study of different types of chronically implanted pacemakers has been prepared which includes an analysis of conditions of adapted response, over-response and under-response. An experimental study of heart rate versus control signals in healthy subjects during different test efforts, an investigation and critical analysis of posssible control parameters, the definition of initial individualisation rules by using a fuzzy control model, and, finally, prototypes design for clinical tests have been accomplished.

Information Dissemination Activities and/or Exploitation

The project combines fundamental and applied research in several fields and presents theoretical, technological and medical interest. The results that will be obtained are important in the domains of fuzzy adaptive models, fuzzy logic hardware, biomedical engineering, and pacemakers, and will be published in appropriate journals and presented at conferences.

Coordinator

Association Claude Bernard - INSERM
Service d'Informatique Médicale
Hopital Broussais
96, Rue Didot
F-75014 Paris, F

EU Partners

Association Claude Bernard - INSERM, F

Non-EU Partners

Institute of Micro- and Optoelectronics,
Warsaw University of Technology, PL
EMTEL, Zabrze, PL
Tallinn Technical University, EE

CONTACT POINT

Mrs. Aleksandra Blinowska
Tel: +33 1 43 95 91 66
Fax: +33 1 43 95 92 08
E-mail: blinowska@hbroussais.fr