Comparative analysis of physiologic parameters in mechanically ventilated and spontaneously breathing sheep

Hydrocephalus is a disease characterized by an excess accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This accumulated CSF can lead to a slew of clinical sequelae, including impaired gait, memory loss, incontinence, etc. To better understand the precursors to this disease, we have conducted acute sheep trials with a slew of simultaneously recorded measurements to acquire a comprehensive understanding of how pressures relate. There isn't a defined consensus on how mechanical ventilation impacts these pressures when compared to the spontaneously-breathing counterparts. This project will quantify these variations over the time and frequency domain to acquire a case-specific understanding that we can then use to make our derived results more clinically relevant.

Hydrocephalus is a disease characterized by an excess accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This accumulated CSF can lead to a slew of clinical sequelae, including impaired gait, memory loss, incontinence, etc. To better understand the precursors to this disease, we have conducted acute sheep trials with a slew of simultaneously recorded measurements to acquire a comprehensive understanding of how pressures relate. There isn't a defined consensus on how mechanical ventilation impacts these pressures when compared to the spontaneously-breathing counterparts. This project will quantify these variations over the time and frequency domain to acquire a case-specific understanding that we can then use to make our derived results more clinically relevant.

First, you will become acquainted with our wealth of data across 6 unique trials. This data includes intracranial (brain) and intrathecal (lumbar spine) pressure, carotid and femoral arterial, central and jugular venous, and abdominal pressures. Then, key metrics will be defined to compare datasets containing mechanically ventilated and spontaneously breathing sheep - which will be used to quantitatively compare the datasets. Finally, conclusions will be derived based on the findings.

First, you will become acquainted with our wealth of data across 6 unique trials. This data includes intracranial (brain) and intrathecal (lumbar spine) pressure, carotid and femoral arterial, central and jugular venous, and abdominal pressures. Then, key metrics will be defined to compare datasets containing mechanically ventilated and spontaneously breathing sheep - which will be used to quantitatively compare the datasets. Finally, conclusions will be derived based on the findings.

Experience in coding (Python is preferred but MATLAB is also okay) and also are aware of standard signal processing techniques (filtering, frequency transformations, etc). An analytical mind is a plus and an ability to work with large datasets and recognize patterns within.

The chair of Product Development and Engineering Design at the ETH Zurich considers itself a center for system-oriented product development and innovation. Our aspiration consists on the one hand of the advancement and investigation of methods and processes of product development and on the other hand of the development of new technical systems. The purpose of our daily work is to contribute to the innovative ability and competitiveness of Switzerland.

The chair of Product Development
and Engineering Design at the
ETH Zurich considers itself a center
for system-oriented product
development and innovation. Our
aspiration consists on the one hand
of the advancement and investigation
of methods and processes of
product development and on the
other hand of the development of
new technical systems. The purpose
of our daily work is to contribute
to the innovative ability and
competitiveness of Switzerland.

Interdisciplinary research in biomedical engineering
Active integration into the project team
Collaboration between USZ dept. of Neurosurgery and the PDZ.

Anthony Podgorsak apodgorsak@ethz.ch

Anthony Podgorsak
apodgorsak@ethz.ch