1 research outputs found
FPGA-based automated forced-air device for body temperature regulation
Hypothermia is known as the drop in a person\u27s core body temperature. Patients experience a range of mild to severe hypothermia after general anesthetics are applied for surgery. Forced-air devices are used to increase and maintain body temperature in order to prevent damage to the patient\u27s body due to hypothermia. This device forces heated air into a blanket, which in turn becomes a medium to apply heat to the patient. However, today\u27s existing forced-air devices are manually operated.
This project aims to create an automated forced-air device using a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) development board. Through automation, the patient\u27s temperature readings are read constantly and heater levels are changed as soon as the patient\u27s body requires it. The temperature accuracy of heater outputs are increased by manipulating them based on feedback from the blanket itself. Also, this device periodically logs and displays temperature readings in order for doctors to analyze the patient\u27s body temperature response. These factors enable the device to require less human operation and less human error