FR3114509A1 - Medical ventilator with IGU that can switch to reduced display mode - Google Patents

Abstract

Title of the invention Medical ventilator with IGU capable of switching to reduced display mode A medical ventilator (1) comprising a motorized micro-blower (3), a graphical user interface or GUI (2), and a unit electronic control (12) to drive the micro-blower (3) and control the display of information on the GUI (2). Display mode change means (31, 35) make it possible to control, after their actuation by the user, a passage of the display on the GUI (2) from a complete display mode in which information is displayed on the GUI (2) to a reduced display mode in which part of the information displayed in the full display mode is not displayed and/or is hidden, or vice versa. The display mode changing means (31, 35) comprise one or more selection keys, in particular a touch selection key displayed on the touch screen of the GUI. Figure of the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Medical ventilator with IGU that can switch to reduced display mode

The invention relates to a medical ventilator equipped with an IGU capable of switching to a reduced or even minimalist display mode, with a limited amount of information displayed so as to create a more pleasant and/or less stressful environment for visitors to a patient artificially ventilated by means of such a medical ventilator.

A medical ventilator is a respiratory assistance device used to deliver respiratory aid, i.e. artificial ventilation, to a patient suffering from more or less severe respiratory disorders or insufficiencies, which may result from various pathologies or the like. Some patients with severe pathologies can remain ventilated in a hospital environment for several days, even several months.

During its operation, the medical ventilator delivers a respiratory gas to the patient, for example air or air enriched with oxygen, and operates a follow-up, i.e. monitoring, of ventilatory parameters such as for example the pressure of the gas, the pressure patient's esophagus, the volumes of gas exchanged, the gas flow rate, etc.

These ventilation parameters are generally displayed on a display screen of a graphical user interface (GUI) in the form of different curves. In addition, the screen of the GUI also displays other data or information, and/or functions, such as touch keys, useful to the nursing staff to ensure effective monitoring of the patient, for example icons related to the operation of the ventilator, numerical values of measured ventilator parameters or results of calculations made from ventilator parameter measurements, for example peak pressure, patient FiO ₂ , etc.

One problem is that all of these tracking curves, information and/or data permanently displayed on the IGU screen can cause unnecessary stress and/or anxiety, and even psychological trauma, in the patient's visitors. , for example certain members of the family, friends or acquaintances, who are not accustomed and can interpret certain information in an erroneous way, in particular to imagine a fatal course of the disease, whereas it is nothing .

Another problem is that when the medical ventilator can also include virtual keys also displayed on the touch screen of the GUI, which can attract certain visitors, especially children, who can have fun pressing them, by game , and make unwanted selections and/or disrupt the medical ventilator, or even stop the ventilation, with all the risks that this entails for the patient.

The solution of the invention then relates to a medical ventilator, that is to say a respiratory assistance device, comprising:

• a motorized micro-blower to provide breathing gas,
• a graphical user interface or GUI for displaying information, and
• an electronic control unit to control the micro-blower and control the display of information on the GUI,

characterized in that it further comprises means for changing display mode, operable by a user, configured to control, after their actuation by the user, a passage of the display on the GUI:

• a complete display mode in which information is displayed on the GUI,
• to a reduced display mode in which part of the information displayed in full display mode is not displayed and/or is hidden, or vice versa.

According to the embodiment considered, the medical ventilator of the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics:

• the GUI includes a display screen.
• the GUI includes a touch screen, preferably in color.
• it further includes selection keys to allow a user to make adjustments or selections.
• the selection keys comprise virtual keys displayed on the GUI, in particular on the touch screen of the GUI, for example virtual keys displayed in the form of selection icons.
• the electronic control unit is configured to operate a display of the virtual keys in the full display mode and to hide at least part of the virtual keys in the reduced display mode.
• in full display mode, the information displayed on the GUI includes one or more curves or graphical representations, for example one or more symbols, icons, windows, columns, cells, bar-graph, pie chart, etc. or others, and/or one or more alphanumeric characters, in particular one or more numerical values, abbreviations, words or groups of words, or others, and their combinations or associations.
• the display mode changing means cooperate with the electronic control unit to operate a passage from the full display mode to the reduced display mode, or vice versa.
• the display mode change means comprise a virtual mode change key displayed on the touch screen of the GUI.
• the electronic control unit is configured to authorize and/or command a return to the full display mode only after action by the user on the unlocking means.
• the unlocking means comprise a virtual unlocking key displayed on the touch screen of the GUI.
• according to one embodiment, the virtual mode change key and the virtual unlock key are different keys, in particular selection icons. In this embodiment, one of the keys is used to switch to a display in reduced mode and the other to return to a display in full mode.
• according to another embodiment, the virtual mode change key and the virtual unlock key are one and the same virtual key, in particular a selection icon. In this embodiment, the same single key is used to switch to a display in reduced mode and then to return to a display in full mode.
• the virtual mode change key and/or the virtual unlock key are represented by one or more selection icons displayed on the screen of the GUI.
• the display mode change means comprise at least one mode change key, preferably a virtual key, making it possible, after the user has pressed said mode change key, to control the switch from full display to reduced display mode, or vice versa.
• it includes a validation key for validating a selection made by the operator, in particular the selection (i.e. digital press) of the mode change key or the unlock key.
• the validation key is a virtual validation key displayed on the GUI touch screen, in particular a selection icon.
• after switching to reduced display mode, the return to full display mode is done by digital pressing (i.e. selection or choice) of the user on the virtual unlocking key and preferably then by validating this choice by another press digit of the user on the virtual validation key.
• in reduced display mode, the electronic control unit is configured to hide at least part of the information displayed on the GUI, by displaying at least one photo, a video animation or an opacified zone.
• the motorized micro-blower comprises an electric motor, preferably brushless.
• the electronic control unit comprises at least one microprocessor, preferably a microcontroller.
• said at least one microprocessor implements one or more algorithms.
• the electronic control unit comprises at least one electronic card on which said at least one microprocessor is arranged.
• the electronic control unit and the motorized micro-blower are arranged in a rigid outer casing or shell of the medical ventilator.
• the IGU touch screen is fitted into the rigid frame of the medical ventilator so as to be flush with the surface of this frame.
• it comprises means of power supply, for example means of connection to the mains (electrical socket and cord) and/or one (or more) battery, preferably rechargeable.

The invention also relates to an installation for assisted ventilation of a patient comprising a medical ventilator according to the invention supplying gas, a patient respiratory interface, such as a respiratory mask or an intubation probe.

The medical ventilator is fluidically connected to the patient respiratory interface via a flexible supply conduit, such as a polymer tube.

The invention will now be better understood thanks to the following detailed description, given by way of illustration but not limitation, with reference to the appended figures, including:

schematizes an embodiment of a display screen in “normal” display mode according to the invention;

schematizes the display screen of the switched to “reduced” display mode according to the invention; And

diagrams an architecture of an embodiment of a respiratory assistance device according to the invention with the screen for displaying the And .

diagrams an architecture of an embodiment of a respiratory assistance device 1 delivering assisted ventilation, also called a medical ventilator, according to the invention, which is designed to supply a respiratory gas to a patient 9, for example air from the ambient atmosphere 13A, oxygen-enriched air from an oxygen source 13B, for example a bottle of medical-grade oxygen, or even pure oxygen (100%).

The oxygen is added to the air within the fan 1, either upstream or in the micro-blower 3 (not shown), or downstream (at 15) thereof, for example to an internal gas circuit 4 arranged at the outlet of the micro-blower 3, as explained below.

The fan 1 comprises a rigid outer casing 14, for example made of polymer, in which is arranged a motorized micro-blower 3, also called a turbine or compressor, delivering a breathing gas, typically air, an air/O ₂ mixture, even pure oxygen.

The air is sucked in by the motorized micro-blower 3, when it is operating, and enters it through an inlet passage 3A in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere 13A.

The motorized micro-blower 3 has a conventional architecture. It comprises one (or more) impeller driven in rotation by the axis or rotating shaft of an electric motor. The impeller is arranged, mobile in rotation, within an impeller compartment arranged in a volute, preferably sandwiched between a lower half-volt and an upper half-volt fixed in a sealed manner to one another. 'other. The volute comprises an inlet for the gas coming from the gas inlet passage 3A, that is to say for the gas drawn in by the impeller, during its rotations. Furthermore, there is provided a gas outlet conduit 3B through which the gas flow is expelled from the volute during the rotations of the impeller.

The operation of the micro-blower 3, in particular the acceleration or braking of the motor, is controlled by control means, that is to say by an electronic control unit 12, typically an electronic card with microprocessor(s) .

The gas flow delivered at the outlet 3B of the micro-blower 3 is recovered and conveyed by an internal gas circuit 4, typically one or more passages or gas ducts arranged in the casing 14 of the fan 1 and in fluid communication with the gas outlet 3B of the micro-blower 3.

The internal gas circuit 4 conveys the respiratory gas to a conduit or flexible pipe 8 in fluid communication, upstream, with the internal gas circuit 4 and, downstream, with the patient 19 via an interface breathing apparatus 10, such as a breathing mask or the like. The flexible conduit 8 is connected (at 9), in a fluid and detachable manner, to the fan 1.

One (or more) pressure sensor 6 is arranged in the ventilator 1 so as to measure the pressure P of the respiratory gas in the internal gas circuit 4, that is to say downstream of the micro-blower 3. The Pressure measurement is preferably done continuously.

The pressure signals P measured by the pressure sensor 6 are transmitted by the latter to the electronic control unit 12 acting as means for controlling the fan 1, where they are processed and converted into pressure values P, as detailed below.

The fan 1 also comprises a first 5 and a second 7 flow sensors (Q) arranged on the internal gas circuit 4, on either side of the pressure sensor 6, used to determine the flow rate(s) of the gas flow in the internal gas circuit 4.

When an additional oxygen supply is provided, the first flow sensor 5 arranged upstream of the site 15 for injecting additional oxygen supplied by the oxygen source 13B, while the second flow sensor 7 is arranged in downstream of the additional oxygen injection site 15 and of the pressure sensor 6, as illustrated in . In this case, the flow sensors 5, 7 make it possible to determine the flow rate of the gaseous flow, upstream and downstream of the site 15 of injection of additional oxygen, that is to say when an air/O ₂ mixture is carried out in the internal gas circuit 4 of the ventilator 1, before being sent to the patient 19.

Again, the flow signals Q measured by the flow sensors 5, 7 are transmitted to the electronic control unit 12 where they are processed and converted into flow values (Q1, Q2). For example, the flow sensors 5, 7 are mass flow and/or hot wire sensors, or the like.

The electronic control unit 12, advantageously a microcontroller implementing one or more algorithms, monitors and regulates the ventilation delivered to the patient 19 by exploiting, i.e. processing, the pressure and flow signals measured by the flow sensors and/or of pressure 5, 6 and 7.

The pressure and/or flow rate values can be stored within the electronic control unit 12, in particular within a flash memory or other type memory carried by the electronic card, or in any other storage means, including included in a microprocessor algorithm.

Furthermore, a man-machine interface or MMI serves as an adjustment or selection interface, for example by digital action of a user, i.e. the nursing staff, on selection keys 11 which can be virtual and/or real.

Indeed, the MMI can comprise real selection keys 11, typically buttons, sliders or the like, as illustrated in , and/or virtual selection keys 11a-11f displayed on the display screen of an IGU 2, as explained below and illustrated in .

Virtual selection keys can be in the form of icons or the like. These selection keys allow a user, for example, to make choices and/or settings, for example desired pressure levels or other ventilation parameters, to activate and deactivate ventilation options 1,

Furthermore, the electronic control unit 12 controls the motorized micro-blower 3, in particular the accelerations and decelerations (i.e. braking) of its electric motor, to supply the respiratory gas at the desired flow rate and pressure, preferably selected by the user through the HMI.

The fan 1 further comprises a graphic user interface or IGU 2 comprising a graphic display, such as a digital screen (ie digital), preferably a touch screen, advantageously in color, electrically connected to the electronic control unit 12. According to a preferred embodiment, at least part of the selection keys 11 of the MMI are virtual keys 11a-11f displayed on the graphic display of the GUI 2, typically on a touch screen, as illustrated in and explained below.

A source of electrical current (not shown), for example one (or more) battery(ies) integrated into the fan 1, a cable with mains plug, or both, makes it possible to supply electrical energy to the components of the fan 1 needing it to operate, in particular the micro-blower 3, the electronic control unit 12, in particular electronic card(s) and microprocessor(s), the pressure 6 and/or flow 5 sensors , 7, the GUI 2, in particular its display screen, and/or other components.

According to the invention, the IGU 2 comprises a graphic display connected to the electronic control unit 12 so that the electronic control unit 12 can control the displays operating on the IGU 2, preferably on the display graphic or touch screen, in particular a display of curves C ₁ -C ₄ for tracking, ie monitoring, of the patient's ventilation as a function of time or of functions, such as virtual selection keys 11a-11f, or others information or functions, as illustrated in And .

Thus, the illustrates an example of displaying information and functions on the GUI 2 of fan 1, according to a complete display mode, also called "normal" or "default" display mode, in which a maximum of information and/or functions available, ie selectable, are visible on the graphic display of the GUI 2. In this complete display mode, the GUI 2 displays curves C ₁ -C ₄ here, functions, eg selection keys 11a-11f, and other alphanumeric and/or graphical information, including graphical representations, as detailed below.

More specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in , the graphic display of the IGU 2 can display curves representative of the variations in pressure C ₁ (in cmH2O), flow rate C ₂ (in L/min), esophageal pressure C ₃ (in cmH ₂ O) and volume C ₄ (in mL) as a function of time in a ventilated patient, for example over a period of less than 1 hour, typically less than 30 minutes. This duration may or may not be adjustable, preferably it is set (ie chosen or selected) by the user via the MMI.

Furthermore, we also see that the GUI 2, in particular its touch screen, is also configured to display, monitor or adjust other parameters, information or functions (20, 21; 30, 31; 40-42…), as :

• one or more other ventilatory or other parameters which are followed, ie monitored, and represented in the form of display windows 21 organized here in two columns 20 juxtaposed. These display windows 21 represent ventilation parameters, such as for example the exhaled volume (VTe), the exhaled volume reduced to the patient's weight (VTe/PBW), the peak pressure (Pcrete), the plateau pressure (Pplat ), measured frequency (f), inspiratory volume (VTi), driving pressure (DP for Driving Pressure), ratio between inspiration time and expiration time (I/E), FiO ₂ or other settings.
• an upper banner 30 comprising icons 31 relating to the operation of the fan, for example, or one or more icons relating to selectable menus, such as for example a "Home" button making it possible to return to the main menu, a "Menu" button making it possible to activate several ventilation options, such as interface language, device brightness, date and time..., or even an icon for deactivating the sound of an audible alarm, a power supply icon, a battery life icon…., a day/night icon to decrease or increase the light intensity of the screen, a screen lock icon, or even the “family screen” icon in reduced mode or in full mode, as explained below.

The upper band 30 may also include an indication or general information relating to the operation of the fan 1, such as "Ventilation in progress" (cf. ) or “Locked Screen” (cf. ).

In the embodiment of , the GUI 2, in particular its touch screen, is also configured to display a lower banner 40 comprising a row of display windows 41 of parameters proposing values of ventilation parameters useful to caregivers, such as the patient's FiO ₂ , the tidal ventilatory volume (VT), the respiratory frequency f (f), the positive expiratory pressure or PEEP, or other parameters… The lower strip 40 can also include a key 42 serving to pause ventilation.

Furthermore, as illustrated in , we see that the touch screen of the GUI 2 is also configured to display touch selection keys or icons 11a-11f, useful to the caregivers, in full display mode. These virtual keys 11a-11f, namely tactile selection keys or icons, allow the user to make settings or adjustments, choices, selections or the like, for example a key 11a making it possible to select the delivery of 100% oxygen (100% O2), a key 11b for accessing functional exploration functions of the patient (Explor), ie his lung status, a key 11c for alarm thresholds (Auto thresholds), a key 11d of nebulization (11d), a key 11e used for the configuration of Curves C1-C4 (Config. Curve.), and a key 11f of image/photo recording of video (camera or camera logo).

All this information, i.e. the curves of variations, the values displayed, the keys or icons for selection or others are essential so that the nursing staff can ensure proper follow-up of the patient and ensure that the treatment provided to him is effective and runs smoothly.

However, this information permanently displayed on the screen of the IGU 2 can also be a source of stress and anxiety, and even psychological trauma, in the patient's visitors, for example certain members of the family, friends or acquaintances, who are not used to it and can misinterpret certain information and imagine that the patient is in a worse state of health than in reality or, conversely, realize that the patient is really in bad condition when they didn't think so beforehand.

In any case, generating stress or anxiety in these visitors is not desirable for themselves and their psychological balance but also for the patient because this stress and/or this anxiety can have repercussions on the patient. -even.

Likewise, it must be possible to prevent certain visitors, such as children, from making unwanted changes or selections by means of the virtual keys 11a-11f or 41, typically tactile selection keys.

In order to solve these problems, according to the invention, the medical ventilator 1 is provided with display mode change means designed and configured to allow the display of the GUI 2 to pass from the full display mode, c i.e. the "normal" or "default" mode of the , to a reduced or limited, that is to say minimalist, display mode, as illustrated in , also called “family screen” or “visitor screen”.

The passage from the full display mode to the reduced display mode is preferably done by digital pressing of the user on a virtual key or icon displayed on the touch screen of the GUI 2, for example a change key mode 35, i.e. a key for switching to "family screen" or "visitor screen" mode, as illustrated in .

Thus, the nursing staff can switch to this reduced display mode, simply by pressing the selection key 35, when visitors arrive in the patient's room or are present there, because, in this mode, the amount of information available on the screen is less than in the full display mode, i.e. part of the information or other is hidden. This limits access to information for visitors, therefore reducing the risk of stress, anxiety or the like mentioned above.

Furthermore, hiding all or part of the virtual keys 11a - 11f or other selection keys or icons, that is to say tactile selection keys, prevents certain visitors, in particular children, from being able, for example per game, select them and thus change the fan 1 settings or make unwanted selections. This improves the safety of using fan 1.

Indeed, as seen in , in reduced display mode, the screen only displays, compared to the , only a limited number of information, namely here only the top and bottom bands 30, 40 and a single column 20, namely the one with the windows 21 of the most important tracking parameters for example.

The other information or functions, in particular the curves C ₁ -C ₄ , one of the columns 20, and the virtual keys 11a-11f, are masked, preferably by an opacified zone, for example a blackened surface of the screen or shaded, by a photo for example of the wallpaper type or by a video animation, for example a sunrise or sunset sequence whose evolution is correlated to that of the course of the sun, ie 'time lapse' , i.e. based on the time set on fan 1.

The photos or video animations can be stored in a memory of the medical ventilator 1.

In other words, switching to the reduced display mode makes it possible to create a more user-friendly screen displaying a reduced number of information or functions, which is activated by the nursing staff in the presence of visitors, for example during a visit. of the patient's family or friends, by simply pressing the key for switching to reduced mode 35 which is found among the icons 31 displayed on the touch screen of the GUI 2, as illustrated in Or .

When the fan 1 is in reduced display mode, the return to full display mode, ie normal, can be done after activation of unlocking means, for example a specific virtual key for returning to full mode or, as illustrated in , the same selection key 35 as the one used to switch to reduced mode. In other words, in this second embodiment, the electronic control unit is configured to authorize and/or command a return to the full display mode only after the user presses the key 35 which also serves as a means of unlocking.

According to another embodiment, the choice made by the user, i.e. pressing the key 35, must be validated either by pressing a validation key, or by entering a specific code or scanning a professional identity card (ID) of a nursing staff.

Preferably, an automatic switch to full display mode, that is to say a return from the reduced mode, is controlled by the electronic control unit 12, when an alarm is triggered, so that the nursing staff can intervene and take charge of the patient's ventilation.

The medical ventilator 1 according to the invention is a respiratory assistance device used to deliver respiratory aid, that is to say artificial ventilation, to a patient, ie an adult, child or infant, suffering from respiratory disorders or insufficiencies. more or less severe, which may result from different pathologies or the like.

Claims (8)

Medical ventilator (1) comprising:

• a motorized micro-blower (3) for supplying breathing gas,
• a graphical user interface or GUI (2) for displaying information,
• and an electronic control unit (12) for controlling the micro-blower (3) and controlling the display of information on the GUI (2),

characterized in that it further comprises display mode change means (31, 35), operable by a user, configured to control, after their actuation by the user, a passage of the display on the GUI (2):

• a complete display mode in which information is displayed on the GUI (2),
• to a reduced display mode in which part of the information displayed in full display mode is not displayed and/or is hidden,

Or vice versa. Fan according to Claim 1, characterized in that the IGU (2) comprises a touch screen. Fan according to Claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises selection keys (11) to allow a user to make adjustments or selections. Fan according to Claim 3, characterized in that the selection keys (11) comprise virtual keys (11a-11f) displayed on the GUI (2), in particular on the touch screen of the GUI (2 ). Fan according to Claim 4, characterized in that the electronic control unit (12) is configured to operate a display of the virtual keys (11a-11f) in the complete display mode and to hide at least part of the virtual keys (11a-11f) in the reduced display mode. Ventilator according to Claim 1, characterized in that the display mode change means (31, 35) comprise at least one mode change key (35) enabling, after the user has pressed the said change key mode (35), to control the transition from full display mode to reduced display mode, or vice versa. Fan according to Claim 1, characterized in that in reduced display mode, the electronic control unit (12) is configured to mask at least part of the information displayed on the GUI (2), by displaying at least one photo, video animation or clouded area. Installation for assisted ventilation of a patient comprising a medical ventilator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, supplying gas, a patient respiratory interface (10), such as a respiratory mask or an intubation probe, the medical ventilator ( 1) being fluidically connected to the patient respiratory interface (10) via a flexible supply conduit (8).