Experimental Results of an MPC Strategy for Total Intravenous Anesthesia

In this paper we present experimental results obtained by applying a Model Predictive Control strategy for the control of Depth of Hypnosis in general anesthesia. In particular, the Bispectral Index Scale is employed as the controlled variable and the administration of the hypnotic drug propofol is determined by applying a Generalized Predictive Control algorithm, which considers a process model that is linearized by means of an external predictor. The results of four patients who underwent elective plastic surgeries are analyzed and discussed, showing the feasibility of the approach in a practical context.