Closed-loop target-controlled infusion systems: Stability and performance aspects

Abstract

Objective: This article addresses the design of a robust autopilot for the delivery of intravenous anesthesia drugs. Methods: A mathematical framework that expresses the pharmacological variability of a patient population into uncertainty bounds is proposed. These bounds can be effectively used to tune the parameters of a controller to ensure its stability, a key design aspect related to the safety of the overall system. Results: The proposed method is applied to the control of propofol, a powerful hypnotic agent used for sedation and anesthesia. Simulations show that the controller remains stable for all patients considered and that performance are clinically acceptable. Conclusion: This methodology can be an important step forward in the design and regulatory approval of such systems.