Comparison of a micro-electro-mechanical system airflow sensor with the pneumotach in the forced oscillation technique

Abstract

Xiaohe K Xu,1 Brian P Harvey,2 Kenneth R Lutchen,2 Brian D Gelbman,3 Stephen L Monfre,1 Robert E Coifman,1 Charles E Forbes1 1Feather Sensors, LLC, Millville, NJ 08332, USA; 2Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA; 3Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY 10065, USA Purpose: This study supports the use of thin-film micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) airflow sensors in the forced oscillation technique. Materials and methods: The study employed static testing using air flow standards and computer-controlled sound attenuations at 8 Hz. Human feasibility studies were conducted with a testing apparatus consisting of a pneumotach and thin-film MEMS air flow sensors in series. Short-time Fourier transform spectra were obtained using SIGVIEW software. Results: Three tests were performed, and excellent correlations were observed between the probes. The thin-film MEMS probe showed superior sensitivity to higher frequencies up to 200 Hz. Conclusion: The results suggest that lower-cost thin-film MEMS can be used for forced oscillation technique applications (including home care devices) that will benefit patients suffering from pulmonary diseases such as asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis. Keywords: pulmonary disease, pulmonary impedance, airway resistance, short-time Fourier transform, glottis closure

Keywords

• Pulmonary Disease
• Pulmonary Impedance
• Airway Resistance
• Short-time Fourier Transform
• Glottis Closure