JP2013512716A - Modular ventilation system - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject is mechanically oxygenated by a modular ventilation system. The modular nature of the system allows the system to be integrated into a treatment environment with improved convenience, comfort and / or form factor. The system may have a separate docking station that is removably coupled to different modules. This allows separate modules to be moved between multiple different treatment environments with or without a patient. The gas may be supplied to the subject from one or more gas sources by the system.

Description

  The present invention relates to a modular ventilation system configured to mechanically supply oxygen to a subject.

  Systems for mechanically supplying oxygen to a patient are known. Conventional ventilation systems typically have a single unit configured to cause inspiration and expiration by a patient wearing a ventilator. Exhalation occurs by expelling gas from the subject's airways while the lungs are inflated. The unit may be removably attached to a cart, power source, gas source, or user interface.

  However, the unit itself remains as a single integral module during use.

  One aspect of the invention relates to a ventilator configured to mechanically supply oxygen to a subject. In one embodiment, the ventilator has a subject interface circuit, an inspiratory supply module, and an exhalation module. The target interface circuit includes a target interface device configured to engage the target airway such that the target airway and the interior of the target interface circuit are disposed in fluid communication and are substantially sealed from the atmosphere. Have. The intake air supply module is accommodated in a first housing. The inspiratory supply module is coupled to the target interface circuit and provides a flow of gas suitable for breathing within the target interface circuit to provide one or more of the target interface circuit during mechanical ventilation of the target. The above parameters are configured to be controlled. The exhalation module is housed in a second housing and is separate from the inhalation supply module and separate so that the second housing is separated from the first housing. The exhalation module is coupled to the target interface circuit and selectively exhausts gas from the target interface circuit to further determine one or more parameters in the target interface circuit during mechanical ventilation of the target. Configured to control.

  Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of mechanically supplying oxygen to a subject. In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of supplying a breathable gas flow from a first housing to a subject interface circuit in sealed communication with the subject's airway, the breathable gas being suitable for the breathing. Gas flow is supplied to the subject's lungs through the subject interface circuit and the subject's airway to control one or more parameters in the subject interface circuit during mechanical ventilation of the subject. Controlling the one or more parameters of the gas flow suitable for breathing; and controlling one or more parameters in the target interface circuit during mechanical ventilation of the target The target interface through a second housing that is physically separated and separate from the first housing. Having a discharge step of selectively discharging gas from the scan circuit.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a system configured to mechanically supply oxygen to a subject. In one embodiment, the system
Engaging means for engaging the target airway to substantially seal the target airway from the atmosphere; supply means for supplying a flow of gas suitable for breathing from the first housing to the engaging means. Said supply comprising control means for controlling one or more parameters of said breathable gas flow to control one or more parameters in said engagement means during mechanical ventilation of said subject And a second housing that is physically separated and separate from the first housing to control one or more parameters in the engagement means during mechanical ventilation of the subject. And a discharge means for selectively discharging gas from the engagement means.

  These and other objects, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the method and function of operation of the associated components, and the efficient use of the product and combination of parts, are incorporated herein by reference to the accompanying drawings. It will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims, which form Note that the same reference numerals represent corresponding parts in the various drawings. In one embodiment of the present invention, the components described herein are illustrated without exaggeration. However, it should be understood that the drawings are for illustration and description only and are not limiting of the invention. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the structural features shown and described in any one embodiment of the present application may be used in other embodiments. However, it should be understood that the drawings are for illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limitations of the invention. As used in the specification and claims, an element whose number is not specifically limited or an element labeled “above” includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise.

1 represents a system configured to mechanically supply oxygen to a subject in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 1 represents a system configured to mechanically supply oxygen to a subject in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention.

  FIG. 1 represents a system 10 configured to mechanically supply oxygen to a subject 12. System 10 may be divided into separate physical modules. The modular nature of the system 10 can allow the system 10 to be integrated into a treatment environment with improved convenience, comfort and / or form factor. System 10 may have a separate docking station that is removably coupled to different modules. This can allow separate modules to be moved between different treatment environments with or without a patient. The gas may be supplied by the system 10 from one or more gas sources 14 to the subject 12. In one embodiment, the system 10 may include a target interface circuit 16, a user interface module 18, an inspiratory supply module 20, an exhalation module 22, and / or other components.

  The gas source 14 has a source of pressurized gas. The gas may be a typical ambient gas, a gas having a specific composition (eg, cleaned oxygen, medical air, a mixture of helium and oxygen, and / or other specific composition), and / or a pressurized gas. You may have other sources. To pressurize the gas, the gas source 14 may be stored under pressure, mechanically pressurized in the gas source 14, and / or otherwise pressurized. By way of non-limiting example, the gas source 14 may comprise a blower, blower, canister, wall gas, and / or other pressurized gas source.

  The target interface circuit 16 includes a conduit 24, a target interface instrument 26, and / or other components. The conduit 24 is a hollow member that forms a flow path for gas that is substantially sealed from the atmosphere. The conduit 24 may be formed, for example, from plastic tubing and / or other members suitable to form a flow path. The conduit 24 has an inspiratory supply branch 30, an expiratory branch 28, and a target interface branch 32. Although the conduit 24 is represented as a single piece, it will be appreciated that the conduits 24 may be configured with separate portions that are selectively removable from one another. For example, the inspiratory supply branch 30, the exhalation branch 28 and / or the target interface branch 32 may be detachable from each other.

  The subject interface device 26 is a device configured to engage the airway of the subject 12 to allow the subject 12 to be comfortably oxygenated. This may include engaging the airway of the subject 12 such that the airway of the subject 12 and the interior of the subject interface branch 32 are placed in fluid communication and are substantially sealed from the atmosphere. By way of non-limiting example, the target interface device 26 may include an endotracheal tube, a full face mask, a partial face mask, and / or other target interface devices.

  The user interface module 18 is configured to provide an interface between the system 10 and one or more users (eg, subject 12, caregiver, treatment decision writer, etc.) through which the user can Information may be exchanged with the system 10. This is because data, results, and / or instructions and other communication matters (collectively referred to as “information”) are among the inspiratory delivery module 20, the exhalation module 22, and / or other components of the system 10. Allows interaction between one or more users. Examples of interface devices suitable for inclusion in the user interface module 18 include keypads, buttons, switches, keyboards, knobs, levers, display screens, touch screens, speakers, microphones, indicator lights, alarms, and printers. There is. In one embodiment whose functionality is discussed further below, the user interface module 18 actually has a plurality of separate interfaces.

  Of course, other communication technologies, either hardwired or wireless, are also contemplated by the present invention within the user interface module 18. For example, the present invention contemplates that the user interface module 18 may be integrated with a removable storage interface. In this example, the information is received from a user interface module 18 from a removable storage device (eg, smart card, flash device, removable disk, etc.) that allows the user to customize the implementation of the system 10 or receive results from the system 10. May be loaded. Other example input devices and technologies adapted for use with the system 10 within the user interface module 18 include RS-232 ports, RF links, IR links, modems (telephone, cable or other), It is not limited to them. In summary, any technique for interacting with the system 10 is contemplated by the present invention within the user interface module 18.

  In one embodiment, the user interface module 18 is housed in the first housing 34. The first housing 34 may surround the user interface module 18 and may contain any component (eg, electronic display, signal light, etc.) of the user interface module 18 that visually exchanges information with the user. In some cases, the first housing 34 may be removably attachable and / or dockable to a ventilator cart and / or other structures common in a ventilation therapy environment.

  In one embodiment, the user interface module 18 may have a first interface and a separate second interface. The first interface is configured for use by a caregiver and / or treatment decision recorder. This interface may be relatively complex to allow the user to specifically set the ventilation therapy parameters provided by the system 10 to the subject 12. The second interface is configured to be used by the subject 12. The second is because subject 12 may not have the same level of proficiency in ventilation therapy and / or subject 12 should not have free control over at least some aspects of ventilation. This interface may be somewhat complex and / or may provide less extensive control than the first interface. For example, the second interface may be a portable remote controller. In embodiments where the user interface module 18 has a first interface and a second interface, the first interface may be housed within the first housing 34, while the second interface used by the patient is It may be physically separated from the first interface.

  The inhalation supply module 20 is configured to supply a flow of gas suitable for breathing to the target interface circuit 16. The inspiratory supply module 20 configures the target interface circuit 16 and the airway of the subject 12 such that a gas flow suitable for breathing achieves mechanical ventilation of the subject 12 and / or provides other therapeutic utility. It is configured to control one or more parameters of the gas flow suitable for breathing so as to be delivered to the lungs of the subject 12. The one or more parameters may include, for example, pressure, flow rate, respiration rate, maximum flow rate, volume, humidity, composition, and / or other parameters of gas flow suitable for respiration. The intake air supply module 20 includes one or more gas inlets 36, a gas outlet 38, an auxiliary outlet 40, one or more primary valves 42, an auxiliary valve 44, an electronic storage device 46, a processor 48, the intake air supply module 20, and And / or may include one or more of one or more sensors 49 that monitor one or more parameters (eg, flow, pressure, humidity, composition, etc.) of the gas within the target interface circuit 16. And / or may have other components. Of course, the position of sensor 49 in FIG. 1 is not intended to be limiting. The one or more sensors may be located at any location within them that allows the sensor 49 to detect one or more parameters of the gas within the inspiratory supply module 20 and / or the target interface device 26. It's okay.

  The intake air supply module 20 is accommodated in the second housing 50. The second housing 50 is physically separated and separate from the first housing 34 so that the user interface module 18 is physically separated from the intake air supply module 20. Regardless of being physically separated, the intake supply module 20 and the user interface module 18 may be in operational communication during use. This operational communication may be achieved via hardwired drinks, wireless links, and / or other electronic communication media. Via the user interface module 18, the user can control how the inspiratory supply module 20 regulates the flow of gas suitable for breathing supplied to the target interface circuit 16. Information regarding the flow of gas suitable for breathing (eg, operating parameters, measured gas parameters, and / or other information) may be communicated from the inspiratory supply module 20 to the user interface module 18.

  The intake air supply module 20 forms one or more flow paths for the gas. The one or more flow paths include one or more primary flow paths and auxiliary flow paths. A primary flow path is formed between the gas inlet 36 and the gas outlet 38. The primary valve 42 is disposed in the primary flow path. During use, individual gas inlets 36 are coupled with corresponding gas sources 14. The gas flow from the individual gas source 14 to the gas outlet 38 is then controlled by operation of the primary valve 42. By controlling the flow from each gas source 14 separately, the inspiratory supply module 20 can control the composition of the flow of gas suitable for breathing that is supplied to the subject interface circuit 16 through the gas outlet 38. it can. Other parameters of gas flow suitable for breathing (eg, pressure, flow, volume, etc.) are further controlled via appropriate control of the primary valve 42.

  The auxiliary flow path branches off from the primary flow path upstream of the gas outlet 38 and reaches the auxiliary outlet 40. The auxiliary valve 44 is configured to relieve pressure in the primary flow path by selectively opening the primary flow path to the auxiliary outlet 40. The auxiliary valve 44 may be electronically controlled based on the detection of one or more parameters of the gas in the primary flow path and / or may be a mechanical valve that reverses at a predetermined pressure.

  In one embodiment, the electronic storage device 46 comprises an electronic storage medium that stores information electronically. The electronic storage medium of the electronic storage device 46 is integrated with the intake air supply module 20 (substantially non-removable) system storage medium and / or port (eg, USB port, firewire port, etc.) Alternatively, it may include one or both of removable media removably connected to the intake air supply module 20 via a drive (eg, a disk drive, etc.). The electronic storage device 46 includes an optically readable storage medium (for example, an optical disk), a magnetically readable storage medium (for example, a magnetic tape, a magnetic hard drive, a floppy (registered trademark) drive, etc.), Including one or more of charge-based storage media (eg, EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid state storage media (eg, flash drive, etc.), and / or other electronically readable storage media Good. The electronic storage device 46 may include software algorithms, information determined by the processor 48, information received via the user interface module 18, information regarding the treatment currently applied to the subject 12, and / or the inspiratory supply module 20. Other information may be stored that allows the to function properly. In one embodiment, the electronic storage device 46 stores a calibration table that describes this particular intake supply module 20. This can aid compatibility of the intake supply module 20 between ventilation systems, as discussed below.

  The processor 48 is configured to provide information processing capabilities in the intake air supply module 20. As such, processor 48 may process a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine, and / or electronically process information. One or more of other mechanisms may be included. By way of non-limiting example, the processor 48 may include a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a floating point coprocessor, and / or other processing units. Although processor 48 is shown in FIG. 1 as a single entity, this is for illustration only. In some implementations, the processor 48 may have multiple processing units. Some or all of the functionality attributed to the processor 48 in this application may be provided by a processing component that is not integral with the intake air supply module 20 (eg, in the second housing 50). For example, some or all of the functionality discussed with reference to the processor 48 may be included in the user interface module 18 so that a single control and / or feedback signal allows this alternative component placement. , Exchanged between the user interface module 18 and / or the intake air supply module 20.

  The processor 48 may be configured to execute one or more computer programs and / or processing modules. The processor 48 may be configured to execute such modules by software, hardware, firmware, a combination of software, hardware and / or firmware, and / or other mechanisms that set up processing functions in the processor 48. .

  The processor 48 is configured to control the primary valve 42 to adjust one or more parameters of the flow of gas suitable for breathing supplied to the subject interface circuit 16. Those parameters may include composition, flow rate, volume, pressure, timing when the parameter is changed, rate at which the parameter is changed, and / or other parameters. These parameters may be controlled to adjust one or more respiratory characteristics of the subject 12 breathing. The one or more respiratory characteristics may include respiratory rate, maximum flow, positive end-tidal pressure, tidal volume, and / or other respiratory characteristics. The processor 48 determines how the primary valve 42 should be set based on the therapy set and / or selected in the user interface module 18. The therapy indicates the appropriate respiratory characteristics of the subject 12.

  Because of the flow of gas suitable for breathing that is selectively delivered to the subject interface circuit 16 by the inspiratory delivery module 20, gas is delivered to the lungs of the subject 12 during inspiration in mechanical ventilation. The exhalation module 22 is configured to selectively exhaust gas from the target interface circuit 16. By selectively evacuating gas from the subject interface circuit 16, the exhalation module 22 evacuates gas from the lungs of the subject 12 to achieve exhalation by the subject 12 during mechanical ventilation of the subject 12. And / or provide other therapeutic utilities. The exhalation module 22 monitors one or more parameters of the gas in the gas inlet 52, gas outlet 54, primary valve 56, electronic storage device 58, processor 60, exhalation module 22 and / or target interface circuit 1. Alternatively, one or more of more sensors (not shown) may be included and / or other components may be included.

  The exhalation module 22 is accommodated in the third housing 62. The third housing 62 is physically separated from the first housing 34 and the second housing 50 so that the user interface module 18 and the inhalation supply module 20 are physically separated from the exhalation module 22. Are separate. Regardless of being physically separated, the exhalation module 22, the inspiratory supply module 20, and / or the user interface module 18 may be in operational communication during use. This operational communication may be achieved via hardwired drinks, wireless links, and / or other electronic communication media. Via the user interface module 18, the user can control how gas is expelled from the subject interface circuit 16 by the exhalation module 22. Information regarding the operation of the exhalation module 22 and / or the exhausted gas may be communicated from the exhalation module 22 to the user interface module 18 and / or the inhalation supply module 20.

  The exhalation module 22 is configured to form a primary flow path through which gas is exhausted from the target interface circuit 16. The primary flow path leads from the gas inlet 52 to the gas outlet 54. The gas may be exhausted directly to the atmosphere, or the gas may be exhausted through a filtering device (not shown) configured to remove contaminants from the gas. Due to the sealed engagement between the target interface device 26 and the airway of the subject 12, the expulsion of gas by the exhalation module 22 causes the gas in the lungs of the subject 12 to pass through the primary flow path of the target interface circuit 16 and the exhalation module 22. Allowing the patient 12 to exhale, thereby achieving exhalation of the subject 12 during mechanical ventilation of the subject 12.

  Primary valve 56 is configured to control the flow of gas through the primary flow path. During operation, the primary valve 56 appropriately controls the flow through the primary flow path during the supply of breathable gas flow to the subject interface circuit 16 by the inspiratory supply module 20 to achieve inspiration. It is operated as follows. The primary valve 56 then opens to allow gas to be expelled out of the system 10 from the lungs of the subject 12 to achieve exhalation during mechanical ventilation. Of course, the primary valve 56 may be controlled to remain at least partially open during the delivery of a gas flow suitable for breathing to the target interface circuit 16 by the inspiratory supply module 20.

  In one embodiment, electronic storage device 58 includes an electronic storage medium that stores information electronically. The electronic storage medium of the electronic storage device 58 is provided integrally with the exhalation module 22 (substantially non-removable) system storage medium and / or a port (eg, USB port, firewire port, etc.) or One or both of removable media may be included that are removably connected to the exhalation module 22 via a drive (eg, a disk drive, etc.). The electronic storage device 58 includes an optically readable storage medium (for example, an optical disk, etc.), a magnetically readable storage medium (for example, a magnetic tape, a magnetic hard drive, a floppy (registered trademark) drive, etc.), Including one or more of charge-based storage media (eg, EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid state storage media (eg, flash drive, etc.), and / or other electronically readable storage media Good. The electronic storage device 58 may include software algorithms, information determined by the processor 60, information received via the user interface module 18, information regarding the treatment currently applied to the subject 12, and / or the expiration module 22. Other information may be stored that allows it to function properly.

  Although the electronic storage device 58 is represented in FIG. 1 as being part of the exhalation module 22 housed in the third housing 62, in one embodiment, the electronic storage device 58 is It may not be included in the exhalation module 22. Instead, some or all of the functionality attributed to the electronic storage device 58 in this application is by other electronic storage devices in the system 10 that are accessible to the exhalation module 22 during use (eg, via a communication link). May be provided. By way of non-limiting example, some or all of the functions attributed to electronic storage device 58 may include electronic storage device 46, an electronic storage device that is part of user interface module 18, and / or other electronic storage devices in system 10. May be provided by.

  The processor 60 is configured to provide information processing capabilities in the exhalation module 22. As such, the processor 60 may process a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine, and / or electronically. One or more of other mechanisms may be included. For example, the processor 60 may include a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a floating point coprocessor, and / or other processing units. Although processor 60 is shown in FIG. 1 as a single entity, this is for illustration only. In some implementations, the processor 60 may have multiple processing units. Some or all of the functionality attributed to the processor 60 in the present application may be provided by processing components that are not integral with the exhalation module 22 (eg, in the third housing 62). For example, some or all of the functions discussed with reference to the processor 60 may be included in the user interface module 18 and / or the intake air supply module 20, and a single control and / or feedback signal may be included in this alternative Interacted between the user interface module 18, the inspiratory supply module 20 and / or the exhalation module 22 to allow component placement.

  The processor 60 may be configured to execute one or more computer programs and / or processing modules. The processor 60 may be configured to execute such modules by software, hardware, firmware, a combination of software, hardware and / or firmware, and / or other mechanisms that set up processing functions in the processor 60. .

  The processor 60 is configured to control the primary valve 56 to selectively exhaust gas in the subject interface circuit 16, the subject 12 airway, and the lungs of the subject 12 through the primary flow path of the exhalation module 22. The timing at which the processor 60 controls the primary valve 56 to exhaust gas through the primary flow path is determined and / or triggered based on the supply of gas flow suitable for breathing into the airway of the subject 12 by the inspiratory supply module 20. It's okay. For example, the gas typically has a rate and timing that allows exhalation of the gas supplied by the inspiratory supply module 20 to the airway of the subject 12 during mechanical ventilation and / or other therapeutic utility. Discharged to provide. In addition to controlling the primary valve 56 to adjust the rate and / or timing of gas discharge by the exhalation module 22, the processor 60 is discharged at a given gas flow rate, a given opening of the primary valve 56. The primary valve 56 may be controlled to control the volume of gas to be discharged, the pressure of the gas in the target interface circuit 16 during gas discharge, and / or other parameters. These parameters may be determined by the processor 60 based on currently used therapies that indicate appropriate respiratory characteristics for the subject 12.

  During operation, one or both of the inspiratory supply module 20 and the exhalation module 22 may require power to operate. This power may be supplied from the power source 64 to the inspiratory supply module 20 and / or the exhalation module 22. The power source 64 may include a fixed power source (eg, a wall socket) to which the inspiratory supply module 20 and / or the exhalation module 22 can be connected. In one embodiment, the power source 64 includes one or more power modules housed in a housing that is separate from the first housing 34, the second housing 50, and the third housing 62. The power module may include a power source such as a battery, capacitor, supercapacitor, fuel cell, and / or other power source. The housing of a given power module may be configured to removably engage or dock with one or more of the second housing 50 and / or the third housing 62. Such a given power module may be configured such that the power stored therein is supplied to the intake air supply module 20 while coupled to the second housing 50. Similarly, a given power module may be configured such that power stored therein is supplied to the exhalation module 22 while coupled to the third housing 62.

  FIG. 2 represents a system 10 configured for use in a treatment environment where a subject 12 is treated on a bed 66. Of course, the discussion regarding this treatment environment is not intended to be limiting, and one or more of the improvements achieved by the modularity of the system 10 may be implemented in other treatment environments. Conventional ventilator systems are typically carried through a cart such as cart 68. Conventional ventilators have a single unit in which gas is supplied to and received from the subject 12 to mechanically supply oxygen to the subject 12. Due to the form factor of this unit, the ventilator is normally held on the cart 68 during use. While the system is somewhat modular, for example by including a user interface formed as a separate unit, a power module removably dockable to the unit, and / or a gas source removably dockable to the unit The function of generating a flow of gas suitable for breathing and the function of receiving exhaled breath are not separated into separate modules.

  In one embodiment, cart 68 is configured with a set of docking stations that removably couple separate user interface module 18, inspiratory supply module 20, and / or exhalation module 22. The set of docking stations may include, for example, a first docking station 70, a second docking station 72, and a third docking station 74.

  The first docking station 70 is configured to removably dock the user interface module 18. In addition to physically engaging the user interface module 18 to hold the user interface module 18 on the cart 68, docking the user interface module 18 to the first docking station 70 is not limited to the first docking station. The power supply to the user interface module 18 via 70 may be provided. The power may be supplied from a power source carried by the cart 68 and / or from a power source (eg, a wall socket) to which a power system carried by the cart 68 is connected. In one embodiment, the cart 68 has a wired communication link configured to exchange information between the user interface module 18 and one or both of the inspiratory supply module 20 and / or the exhalation module 22. Docking the user interface module 18 with the first docking station 70 may place the user interface module 18 in contact with a wired communication link to allow communication by the user interface module 18.

  The second docking station 72 is configured to detachably dock the intake air supply module 20. The second docking station 72 supplies power to the intake supply module 20 and / or the intake supply module when the intake supply module 20 is physically docked to the second docking station 72. It may be configured to place 20 in fluid communication with one or more of the gas sources 14. The power may be supplied from a power source carried by the cart 68 and / or from a power source to which a power system carried by the cart 68 is connected. One or more gas sources 14 are connected to a gas source (eg, a gas canister, blower, blower and / or other pressurized gas source) carried by the cart 68 and / or the cart 68. A gas source (eg, a wall gas and / or other pressurized gas source) may be included. Docking the inspiratory supply module 20 with the second docking station 72 is carried by the cart 68 to allow communication between the inspiratory supply module 20 and the user interface module 18 and / or the exhalation module 22. The wired communication link and the intake air supply module 20 may be connected.

  The third docking station 74 is configured to removably dock the exhalation module 22. The third docking station 74 may be configured such that the third docking station 74 supplies power to the exhalation module 22 when the exhalation module 22 is physically docked to the third docking station 74. The power may be supplied from a power source carried by the cart 68 and / or from a power source to which a power system carried by the cart 68 is connected. Docking the exhalation module 22 with the third docking station 74 is wired to be carried by the cart 68 to allow communication between the exhalation module 22 and the user interface module 18 and / or the inspiratory supply module 20. The communication link and the exhalation module 22 may be connected.

  Docking modules 18, 20, and / or 22 with docking stations 70, 72, and / or 74 can facilitate transport of system 10 and / or system 10 can cooperate in a therapeutic environment. It may be possible to be positioned and / or manipulated. However, in general, gas that is suitable for breathing from the system 10 to the subject 12 but provides a flow of gas and is expelled from the lungs to the system 10 while the modules 20 and 22 are docked to the docking stations 72 and 74. Receiving requires that the target interface circuit 16 extends from the couch 66 to the cart 68 position. This may clutter the treatment environment and / or may result in unexpected collisions by caregivers and / or other equipment in use in the treatment environment. Further, the conduits implemented to form the subject interface circuit 16 that extends to the cart 68 may interfere with the comfort of the subject 12.

  In one embodiment, the system 10 has a set of one or more docking stations located at or near the couch 60. Those docking stations may comprise a fourth docking station 76 and / or a fifth docking station 78. The docking station 76 and / or 78 may be integrally formed with the bed 66 and may be permanently (or substantially permanently) attached to the bed 66 and / or removably attached to the bed 66. It's okay. In the configuration depicted in FIG. 2, docking stations 76 and 78 are located on the opposite side of the bed 66. The positioning depicted in FIG. 2 is not intended to be limiting. Although the fourth docking station 76 and the fifth docking station 78 are shown as being separated from each other, in one embodiment, the fourth docking station 76 and the fifth docking station 78 are electronic. Connected. For example, the fourth docking station 76 and the fifth docking station 78 may be coupled to allow power to be supplied from one docking station to the other docking station, or the fourth docking station. 76 and the fifth docking station 78 may be coupled to a common power source. As another example, a wired communication link may be carried by the bed 66 to allow information to be exchanged electronically between the fourth docking station 76 and the fifth docking station 78. .

  The fourth docking station 76 is configured to be detachably docked with the intake air supply module 20. The fourth docking station 76 may provide some or all of the features of the second docking station 72 described above. The fifth docking station 78 is configured to detachably dock with the exhalation module 22. The fifth docking station 78 may provide some or all of the features of the third docking station 74 described above.

  Of the disadvantages discussed in connection with managing ventilation from the cart 68 when the inspiratory supply module 20 and / or the exhalation module 22 are docked at the fourth docking station 76 and / or the fifth docking station 78. Some or all can be eliminated. For example, the inhalation supply module 20 and / or the exhalation module 22 on the bed 66 can reduce the clutter of the treatment environment. Moving the inspiratory supply module 20 and / or the exhalation module 22 to the bed 66 can reduce the amount of conduit required to form the target interface circuit 16, thereby increasing patient comfort. Can do. The positioning of the inhalation supply module 20 and / or the exhalation module 22 in the bed 66 can reduce the occurrence of caregivers and / or other equipment that interfere with the conduits used to form the target interface circuit 16.

  In one embodiment, one or more of the user interface module 18, the inspiratory supply module 20 and / or the exhalation module 22 are not specific to the system 10. In other words, one or more of the modules 18, 20, and 22 can be replaced with other units. This may allow one or more of the user interface module 18, the inspiratory supply module 20 and / or the exhalation module 22 to be replaced. In some cases, such exchanges can be performed without substantially affecting the operation of other modules.

  In general, after a patient is mechanically oxygenated, changes in the treatment environment may require that the ventilation system used be changed. For example, a patient who has been intubated by an emergency medical team and attached a ventilator is usually switched to a ventilator for in-hospital movement when arriving at the hospital, and then undergoes various diagnostic processes and again after an ICU prosthesis. Switch to respiratory. Often, replacement of the ventilation system requires a new subject interface circuit, and the respiratory characteristics of the ventilation therapy need to be re-established by the caregiver in the new system.

  The modular nature of the system 10 can allow the subject 12 to navigate different treatment environments without having to change the entire ventilation system. For example, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the inspiratory supply module 20 and the subject interface device 26 may be moved with the subject 12 between different treatment environments. Moving the inspiratory supply module 20 between different treatment environments may include docking the inspiratory supply module 20 to a separate docking station in the different therapeutic environments. The docking station may be similar or the same as the second docking station 72 and / or the fourth docking station 76 described above. In each individual treatment environment, the inspiratory supply module 20 may be paired with a different user interface and / or exhalation module to re-establish a ventilation system that can mechanically supply oxygen to the subject 12. Transferring the inspiratory supply module 20 with the patient between different treatment environments and / or ventilation systems obviates the need to replace (in whole or in part) the target interface device 26 between the different treatment environments. Can be reduced or eliminated. The transfer of the inspiratory supply module 20 can allow ventilation to be continuous between treatment environments without resetting the respiratory characteristics of the ventilation, which is stored in the electronic memory of the inspiratory supply module 20. It may be stored in the device 46.

  In one embodiment, the exhalation module 22 may be transferred with the subject 12 between treatment environments. This may include moving the subject 12 between docking stations in different treatment environments. The docking station may be the same as or similar to the third docking station 74 and / or the fifth docking station 78 described above.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail for purposes of illustration based on what is presently considered to be the most practical and desirable embodiment, it should be understood that such details are solely for that purpose. Is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, in contrast, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment may be characterized by one or more features of any other embodiment. It is.

Claims (17)

A ventilator configured to mechanically supply oxygen to a subject comprising:
The target interface circuit having a target interface device configured to engage the target airway so that the interior of the target airway and the target interface circuit are disposed in fluid communication and are substantially sealed from the atmosphere;
Housed in a first housing and coupled to the target interface circuit to provide a flow of gas suitable for breathing within the target interface circuit, and within the target interface circuit during mechanical ventilation of the target An intake air supply module configured to control one or more parameters; and the intake air supply module housed in a second housing, wherein the second housing is separated from the first housing One or more in the target interface circuit during mechanical ventilation of the target, selectively separated from the target interface circuit and selectively exhausted from the target interface circuit A ventilator having an exhalation module configured to further control the parameters. Housed in a third housing and separated from the inhalation supply module and the exhalation module so that the third housing is separated from the first housing and the second housing. The ventilator of claim 1, further comprising a user interface module configured to exchange information between the ventilator and one or more users involved in the therapy provided by the ventilator. . A first docking station configured to dock the intake air supply module;
The first docking station further supplies power to the intake supply module when the intake supply module is docked to the first docking station and the intake supply module with one or more pressurized gas sources. Configured to be placed in fluid communication with
The ventilator according to claim 1. A second docking station configured to dock the exhalation module;
The second docking station is further configured to power the exhalation module when the exhalation module is docked to the second docking station.
The ventilator according to claim 3. The first docking station and the second docking station are spaced apart from each other;
The ventilator according to claim 4. Housed in a third housing and separated from the inhalation supply module and the exhalation module so that the third housing is separated from the first housing and the second housing. A user interface module configured to exchange information between the ventilator and one or more users involved in the treatment provided by the ventilator; and configured to dock the user interface module And a third docking station configured to power the user interface module,
The first docking station, the second docking station and the third docking station are carried by a common cart;
The ventilator according to claim 4. Housed in a third housing and separated from the inhalation supply module and the exhalation module so that the third housing is separated from the first housing and the second housing. A user interface module configured to exchange information between the ventilator and one or more users involved in the treatment provided by the ventilator; and configured to dock the user interface module And a third docking station configured to power the user interface module,
The first docking station, the second docking station and the third docking station are all arranged away from each other;
The ventilator according to claim 4. A method of mechanically supplying oxygen to an object comprising:
A flow of gas suitable for breathing is supplied from a first housing to a target interface circuit in sealed communication with the subject's airway, the flow of gas suitable for breathing being controlled by mechanical ventilation of the subject. Provided to control one or more parameters in the target interface circuit during the period; and to control one or more parameters in the target interface circuit during the mechanical ventilation of the target Selectively venting gas from the target interface circuit through a second housing that is physically separated and separate from the first housing. Information about treatment provided is provided through a user interface module housed in a third housing that is physically separated and separate from both the first housing and the second housing. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of interacting with further users. A step of detachably docking the first housing;
Docking the first housing supplies power to the first housing and places the first housing in fluid communication with one or more pressurized gas sources.
The method of claim 8. A step of detachably docking the second housing;
The docking of the second housing supplies power to the second housing;
The method of claim 10. The first housing and the second housing are docked at positions physically separated from each other;
The method of claim 11. A system configured to mechanically supply oxygen to an object comprising:
Engaging means for engaging the subject's airway to substantially seal the subject's airway from the atmosphere;
Providing a breathable gas flow from the first housing to the engagement means, wherein the breathable gas flow is one or more in a subject interface circuit during mechanical ventilation of the subject; A supply means supplied to control a parameter of the object; and physically separated from the first housing to control one or more parameters in the target interface circuit during mechanical ventilation of the object A discharge means for selectively discharging gas from the engagement means via a second housing which is separate. Further comprising communication means for exchanging information about the treatment provided with one or more users;
The communication means is housed in a third housing that is physically separated and separate from both the first housing and the second housing.
The system of claim 13. Means for removably docking the first housing;
The docking of the first casing physically fits the first casing, supplies power to the first casing, and connects the first casing with one or more pressurized gas sources. Including placing in fluid communication,
The system of claim 13. Means for detachably docking the second housing;
Docking of the second casing includes physically fitting the second casing and supplying power to the second casing.
The system according to claim 15. The means for detachably docking the first casing and the means for detachably docking the second casing are docked at positions physically separated from each other.
The system of claim 16.

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