Generalised predictive control (GPC) in medicine

The development and evaluation of generalised predictive control (GPC) for online administration of muscle relaxant drugs in operating theatre is described. The necessary software was transferred into the operating theatre at two sites where successful trials were performed. Excellent regulation has been achieved, and the GPC algorithm displayed good robustness properties against disturbances such as surgical diathermy. The work was extended later to the multivariable case involving simultaneous control of muscle relaxation, and unconsciousness using blood pressure monitoring. While preliminary results are very encouraging, it is hoped to conduct more clinical trials using this system to establish its robustness especially over a wide spectrum of patients whose dynamics vary on a 1:4 ratio.