Eindhoven PhD Students Innovate AI for Faster ICU Recovery
Eindhoven, Friday, 2 May 2025.
Eindhoven University of Technology students Anouk van Diepen and Tom Bakkes develop AI systems to enhance ventilator settings and predict patient deterioration, aiming to expedite ICU recovery times.
Groundbreaking Research in ICU Technology
After five years of dedicated research, Anouk van Diepen and Tom Bakkes successfully defended their PhDs at TU/e’s Department of Electrical Engineering on April 3, 2025 [1]. Their innovative work focuses on developing sophisticated AI solutions to enhance patient care in Intensive Care Units. Van Diepen’s research centered on creating computer models that simulate patient breathing patterns, while Bakkes developed algorithms to automatically detect signs of respiratory distress [1].
Practical Applications and Implementation
The research has already begun yielding practical results at the Catharina Hospital in Eindhoven, where an AI system called Pacmed Critical is now being implemented to support critical care decisions [2]. According to intensivist Ashley De Bie Dekker, the system provides valuable insights based on historical patient data, helping medical staff make more informed decisions about patient care [2]. The Catharina Hospital becomes the third institution within the Santeon hospital group to adopt this technology [3].
Future Impact and Development
The implementation of these AI solutions represents a significant step forward in ICU care management. Tom Bakkes will continue his work as a postdoctoral researcher at the Catharina Hospital, bridging the gap between academic research and clinical practice [1]. The first pilot of the deterioration prediction algorithm is scheduled for implementation this year [1]. This research was conducted at the Eindhoven MedTech Innovation Center (e/MTIC), demonstrating the region’s commitment to healthcare innovation [1][alert! ‘specific timeline for full implementation not provided’].