A minimum Time-to-Target MPC approach for depth of hypnosis in total intravenous anesthesia

In this paper we propose a new approach for the Depth-of-Hypnosys (DoH) control in Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA), where the bispectral index (BIS) is the process variable and the infusion rate of propofol is the control variable. In particular, a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller is employed when the BIS is inside the specified range from 60 to 40. Then, a model predictive control (MPC) technique is employed when the BIS is higher than 60 with the aim of minimizing the time-to-target, thus reducing the risk of awareness for the patient during the maintenance phase. The same approach is also effective in the induction phase, reducing its duration. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the methodology.