Obstruction Detection in the Upper Airways Using Input Impedance in the Frequency Domain

Abstract

This research focuses on establishing an appropriate theoretical technique for identifying an obstruction in a flexible compliant tube such as the trachea. The input impedance frequency spectrums for both a healthy and an obstructed airway are used as a signature to determine and examine the constriction location, severity and degree. Uniform and gradual types of constriction are considered and the results demonstrate that the input impedance resonant frequencies can map the location, severity and degree of an obstruction.