Classifications

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  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/021—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes operated by electrical means
  • A61M16/022—Control means therefor
  • A61M16/024—Control means therefor including calculation means, e.g. using a processor
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
  • A61M16/14—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours by mixing different fluids, one of them being in a liquid phase
  • A61M16/16—Devices to humidify the respiration air
  • A61M16/161—Devices to humidify the respiration air with means for measuring the humidity
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/20—Valves specially adapted to medical respiratory devices
  • A61M16/201—Controlled valves
  • A61M16/202—Controlled valves electrically actuated
  • A61M16/203—Proportional
  • A61M16/204—Proportional used for inhalation control
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/20—Valves specially adapted to medical respiratory devices
  • A61M16/201—Controlled valves
  • A61M16/202—Controlled valves electrically actuated
  • A61M16/203—Proportional
  • A61M16/205—Proportional used for exhalation control
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
  • A61M16/105—Filters
  • A61M16/106—Filters in a path
  • A61M16/1065—Filters in a path in the expiratory path
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
  • A61M16/12—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours by mixing different gases
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/20—Valves specially adapted to medical respiratory devices
  • A61M16/208—Non-controlled one-way valves, e.g. exhalation, check, pop-off non-rebreathing valves
  • A61M16/209—Relief valves
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
  • A61M2016/0027—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure pressure meter
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
  • A61M2016/003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter
  • A61M2016/0033—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter electrical
  • A61M2016/0039—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter electrical in the inspiratory circuit
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
  • A61M2016/003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter
  • A61M2016/0033—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter electrical
  • A61M2016/0042—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure with a flowmeter electrical in the expiratory circuit
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
  • A61M16/10—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours
  • A61M16/1005—Preparation of respiratory gases or vapours with O2 features or with parameter measurement
  • A61M2016/102—Measuring a parameter of the content of the delivered gas
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2202/00—Special media to be introduced, removed or treated
  • A61M2202/02—Gases
  • A61M2202/0208—Oxygen
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2202/00—Special media to be introduced, removed or treated
  • A61M2202/02—Gases
  • A61M2202/025—Helium
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
  • A61M2205/35—Communication
  • A61M2205/3546—Range
  • A61M2205/3561—Range local, e.g. within room or hospital
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
  • A61M2205/35—Communication
  • A61M2205/3576—Communication with non implanted data transmission devices, e.g. using external transmitter or receiver
  • A61M2205/3592—Communication with non implanted data transmission devices, e.g. using external transmitter or receiver using telemetric means, e.g. radio or optical transmission
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
  • A61M2205/50—General characteristics of the apparatus with microprocessors or computers
  • A61M2205/502—User interfaces, e.g. screens or keyboards
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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  • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
  • A61M2205/50—General characteristics of the apparatus with microprocessors or computers
  • A61M2205/52—General characteristics of the apparatus with microprocessors or computers with memories providing a history of measured variating parameters of apparatus or patient
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
  • A61M2205/82—Internal energy supply devices
  • A61M2205/8206—Internal energy supply devices battery-operated
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2209/00—Ancillary equipment
  • A61M2209/08—Supports for equipment
  • A61M2209/084—Supporting bases, stands for equipment
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
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  • A61M2209/00—Ancillary equipment
  • A61M2209/08—Supports for equipment
  • A61M2209/084—Supporting bases, stands for equipment
  • A61M2209/086—Docking stations
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
  • A61M2230/00—Measuring parameters of the user
  • A61M2230/40—Respiratory characteristics
  • A61M2230/43—Composition of exhalation

Definitions

• the invention relates to a modular ventilation system configured to mechanically ventilate a subject.
• Conventional ventilation systems typically include a single unit configured to effect inspiration and expiration by a ventilated patient. Inspiration is effected by providing a flow of breathable gas to the airway of the patient. Expiration is effected by exhausting gas from the airway of the subject while the lungs are full.
• This unit may be removably attached to a cart, a power source, a gas source, or a user interface. However, the unit itself remains as a single, integral module during use.
• the ventilator configured to mechanically ventilate a subject.
• the ventilator comprises a subject interface circuit, a breath delivery module, and an exhalation module.
• the subject interface circuit comprises a subject interface appliance configured to engage the airway of the subject such that the airway of the subject and the interior of the subject interface circuit are placed in fluid communication and substantially sealed from ambient atmosphere.
• the breath delivery module is housed in a first housing.
• the breath delivery module is coupled to the subject interface circuit, and is configured to provide a flow of breathable gas into the subject interface circuit to control one or more parameters within the subject interface circuit during mechanical ventilation of the subject.
• the exhalation module is housed in a second housing, the exhalation module being separate and discrete from the breath delivery module such that the second housing is separate from the first housing.
• the exhalation module is coupled to the subject interface circuit, and is configured to selectively exhaust gas from the subject interface circuit to further control one or more parameters within the subject interface circuit during mechanical ventilation of the subject.
• Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of mechanically ventilating a
• the method comprises providing, from a first housing, a flow of breathable gas to a subject interface circuit that is in sealed communication with the airway of the subject, wherein providing the flow of breathable gas includes controlling one or more parameters of the flow of breathable gas such that the flow of breathable gas is delivered to the lungs of the subject through the subject interface circuit and the airway of the subject to control one or more parameters in the subject interface circuit during mechanical ventilation of the subject; and selectively exhausting gas from the subject interface appliance through a second housing that is physically separate and discrete from the first housing to control one or more parameters in the subject interface circuit during mechanical ventilation of the subject.
• Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a system configured to mechanically ventilating a subject.
• the system comprises means for engaging the airway of the subject to substantially seal the airway of the subject from ambient atmosphere; means for providing, from a first housing, a flow of breathable gas to the means for engaging, wherein means for providing the flow of breathable gas includes means for controlling one or more parameters of the flow of breathable gas to control one or more parameters in the means for engaging during mechanical ventilation of the subject; and means for selectively exhausting gas from the means for engaging through a second housing that is physically separate and discrete from the first housing to control one or more parameters in the means for engaging during mechanical ventilation of the subject.
• FIG. 1 illustrates a system configured to mechanically ventilate a subject
• FIG. 2 illustrates a system configured to mechanically ventilate a subject
• FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 configured to mechanically ventilate a subject 12.
• the system 10 may be broken down into separate physical modules.
• the modularity of system 10 may enable system 10 to be incorporated into therapy settings with an enhanced convenience, comfort, and/or form factor.
• the system 10 may include separate docking stations that are removably coupled with the different modules. This may enable the separate modules to be moved with or without the patient between a plurality of different therapy settings.
• Gas may be delivered to subject 12 by system 10 from one or more gas sources 14.
• system 10 may include a subject interface circuit 16, a user interface module 18, a breath delivery module 20, an exhalation module 22, and/or other components.
• the gas sources 14 include sources of pressurized gas.
• the gas may include typical ambient gas, gas having a specific composition (e.g., purified oxygen, medical air, a mixture of helium and oxygen, and/or other specific compositions), and/or other sources of pressured gas.
• gas sources 14 may be stored under pressure, pressurized mechanically within gas sources 14, and/or otherwise pressurized.
• gas sources 14 may include one or more of a blower, a bellows, canister, wall gas, and/or other sources of pressurized gas.
• the subject interface circuit 16 includes a conduit 24, a subject interface appliance 26, and/or other components.
• the conduit 24 is a hollow member (or members) forming a flow path for gas that is substantially sealed from atmosphere.
• the conduit 24 may be formed, for example, from flexible tubing, and/or other materials suitable for forming a flow path.
• the conduit 24 includes a breath delivery branch 30, an exhalation branch 28, and a subject interface branch 32.
• conduit 24 is illustrated as a single component, it will be appreciated that conduit 24 may be constructed having separate parts that are selectably removably from each other.
• breath delivery branch 30, exhalation branch 28, and/or subject interface branch 32 may be removable from each other.
• the subject interface appliance 26 is a device configured to engage the airway of subject 12 to enable subject 12 to be mechanically ventilated. This may include engaging the airway of subject 12 such that the airway of subject 12 and the interior of subject interface branch 32 are placed in fluid communication and substantially sealed from ambient atmosphere.
• subject interface appliance 26 may include an endo-tracheal tube, a full face mask, a partial face mask, and/or other subject interface appliances.
• the user interface module 18 is configured to provide an interface between system 10 and one or more users (e.g., subject 12, a caregiver, a therapy decision-maker, etc.) through which the user may provide information to and receive information from system 10. This enables data, results, and/or instructions and any other communicable items, collectively referred to as "information,” to be communicated between the user and one or more of breath delivery module 20, exhalation module 22, and/or other components of system 10.
• users e.g., subject 12, a caregiver, a therapy decision-maker, etc.
• information data, results, and/or instructions and any other communicable items, collectively referred to as "information,” to be communicated between the user and one or more of breath delivery module 20, exhalation module 22, and/or other components of system 10.
• Examples of interface devices suitable for inclusion in user interface module 18 include a keypad, buttons, switches, a keyboard, knobs, levers, a display screen, a touch screen, speakers, a microphone, an indicator light, an audible alarm, and a printer.
• a keypad buttons, switches, a keyboard, knobs, levers, a display screen, a touch screen, speakers, a microphone, an indicator light, an audible alarm, and a printer.
• user interface module 18 actually includes a plurality of separate interfaces.
• user interface module 18 may be integrated with a removable storage interface.
• information may be loaded into user interface module 18 from removable storage (e.g., a smart card, a flash drive, a removable disk, etc.) that enables the user(s) to customize the implementation of system 10, and/or receive results from system 10.
• removable storage e.g., a smart card, a flash drive, a removable disk, etc.
• Other exemplary input devices and techniques adapted for use with system 10 within user interface module 18 include, but are not limited to, an RS-232 port, RF link, an IR link, modem (telephone, cable or other). In short, any technique for communicating information with system 10 is contemplated by the present invention within user interface module 18.
• user interface module 18 is housed within a first housing 34.
• the first housing 34 may surround user interface module 18, and may incorporate any
• first housing 34 may be removably mountable and/or dockable to a ventilator cart, and/or other structures common in a ventilation therapy setting.
• user interface module 18 may include a first interface and a separate second interface.
• the first interface is configured to be used by a caregiver and/or therapy decision maker. This interface may be relatively complex to enable users to specifically configure the parameters of ventilation therapy to be provided to subject 12 by system 10.
• the second interface is configured to be used by subject 12.
• the second interface may be somewhat less complex and/or may offer control that is less comprehensive than the first interface.
• the second interface may be a handheld remote.
• the first interface may be housed within first housing 34, while the second interface used by the patient may be physically separate from this interface.
• the breath delivery module 20 is configured to provide a flow of breathable gas into subject interface circuit 16.
• the breath delivery module 20 is configured to control one or more parameters of the flow of breathable gas such that the flow of breathable gas is delivered to the lungs of subject 12 through subject interface circuit 16 and the airway of subject 12 to effect mechanical ventilation of subject 12, and/or to provide other therapeutic benefits.
• the one or more parameters may include, for example, a pressure, a flow rate, a respiration rate, a peak flow, a volume, a humidity, a composition, and/or other parameters of the flow of breathable gas.
• the breath delivery module 20 may include one or more of one or more gas inlets 36, a gas outlet 38, an auxiliary outlet 40, one or more primary valves 42, an auxiliary valve 44, electronic storage 46, a processor 48, one or more sensors 49 that monitor one or more parameters (e.g. flow, pressure, humidity, composition, etc.) of the gas within the breath delivery module 20 and/or subject interface circuit 26 and/or may include other components. It will be appreciated that the location of sensor 49 in FIG. 1 is not intended to be limiting. The one or more sensor may be disposed at any point within breath delivery module 20 and/or subject interface appliance 26 that enables sensors 49 to detect one or more parameters of the gas therein.
• one or more sensor may be disposed at any point within breath delivery module 20 and/or subject interface appliance 26 that enables sensors 49 to detect one or more parameters of the gas therein.
• the breath delivery module 20 is housed by a second housing 50.
• the second housing 50 The second
• housing 50 is physically separate and distinct from first housing 34 such that user interface module 18 is physically separate from breath delivery module 20.
• breath delivery module 20 and user interface module 18 may be in operative communication during use. This operative communication may be achieved via a hard-wired link, a wireless link, and/or other electronic communication media.
• Via user interface module 18 a user can control the manner in which breath delivery module 20 adjusts the flow of breathable gas that is delivered to subject interface circuit 16.
• Information related to the delivery of the flow of breathable gas e.g., operating parameters, measured gas parameters, and/or other information
• the breath delivery module 20 forms one or more flow paths for gas.
• more flow paths include one or more primary flow paths and an auxiliary flow path.
• the primary flow paths are formed between gas inlets 36 and gas outlet 38.
• the primary valves 42 are disposed in the primary flow paths.
• individual gas inlets 36 are coupled with corresponding gas sources 14.
• the flow of gas from the individual gas sources 14 to gas outlet 38 is controlled by operation of primary valves 42.
• breath delivery module 20 is able to control the composition of the flow of breathable gas that is delivered to subject interface circuit 16 through gas outlet 38.
• Other parameters of the flow of breathable gas e.g., pressure, flow, volume, etc.
• the auxiliary flow path branches off from the primary flow paths upstream of gas outlet 38, and runs to auxiliary outlet 40.
• the auxiliary valve 44 is configured to release pressure within the primary flow paths by selectively opening the primary flow path to auxiliary outlet 40.
• the auxiliary valve 44 may be controlled electronically based on detection of one or more parameters of the gas within the primary flow paths, and/or may be a mechanical valve that cracks at a predetermined pressure.
• electronic storage 46 comprises electronic storage media that electronically stores information.
• the electronic storage media of electronic storage 46 may include one or both of system storage that is provided integrally (i.e., substantially nonremovable) with breath delivery module 20 and/or removable storage that is removably connectable to breath delivery module 20 via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a firewire port, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.).
• a port e.g., a USB port, a firewire port, etc.
• a drive e.g., a disk drive, etc.
• Electronic storage 46 may include one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., optical disks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape, magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-based storage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storage media.
• Electronic storage 46 may store software algorithms, information determined by processor 48, information received via user interface module 18, information related to the therapy regime currently being applied to subject 12, and/or other information that enables breath delivery module 20 to function properly.
• electronic storage 46 stores calibration tables that describe this particular breath delivery module 20. This may facilitate the interchangeability of breath delivery module 20 between ventilation systems, as is discussed below.
• Processor 48 is configured to provide information processing capabilities in breath delivery module 20.
• processor 48 may include one or more of 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 other mechanisms for electronically processing information.
• the processor 48 may include a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a floating point co-processor, and/or other processing units.
• FPGA Field Programmable Gate Array
• processor 48 is shown in FIG. 1 as a single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In some implementations, processor 48 may include a plurality of processing units.
• processor 48 may be provided by processing components that are not integral to breath delivery module 20 (e.g., within second housing 50). For example, some or all of the functionality discussed with reference to processor 48 may be included within user interface module 18, with simple control and/or feedback signals being communicated between user interface module 18 and/or breath delivery module 20 to enable this alternate distribution of components.
• the processor 48 may be configured to execute one or more computer program
• Processor 48 may be configured to execute such modules by software; hardware; firmware; some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or other mechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on processor 48.
• the processor 48 is configured to control primary valves 42 to adjust one or more parameters of the flow of breathable gas provided to subject interface circuit 16. These parameters may include a composition, a flow rate, a volume, a pressure, a timing at which parameters are changed, a rate at which parameters are changed, and/or other parameters. These parameters may be controlled to adjust one or more breathing properties of the breathing of subject 12.
• the one or more breathing properties may include one or more of respiration rate, peak flow, positive end-expiratory pressure, tidal volume, and/or other breathing properties.
• the processor 48 determines the manner in which primary valves 42 are to be controlled based on a therapy regime that is input, configured, and/or selected at user interface module 18. The therapy regime will dictate the appropriate breathing properties for subject 12.
• the exhalation module 22 is configured to selectively exhaust gas from subject interface circuit 16.
• exhalation module 22 exhausts gas from the lungs of subject 12, thereby effecting expiration by subject 12 during mechanical ventilation of subject 12, and/or to provide other therapeutic benefits.
• the exhalation module 22 may include one or more of a gas inlet 52, a gas outlet 54, a primary valve 56, electronic storage 58, a processor 60, one or more sensors (not shown) that monitor one or more parameters ⁇ e.g. flow, pressure, humidity, composition, etc.) of the gas within the exhalation module 22 and/or subject interface circuit 26 and/or may include other components.
• the exhalation module 22 is housed by a third housing 62.
• the third housing 62 is physically separate and distinct from first housing 34 and second housing 50 such that user interface module 18 and breath delivery module 20 are physically separate from exhalation module 22.
• exhalation module 22, breath delivery module 20, and/or user interface module 18 may be in operative communication during use. This operative communication may be achieved via a hard-wired link, a wireless link, and/or other electronic communication media.
• Via user interface module 18 a user can control the manner in which gas is exhausted from subject interface circuit 16 by exhalation module 22. Information related to the operation of exhalation module 22 and/or the gas exhausted may be communicated to user interface module 18 and/or breath delivery module 20 from exhalation module 22.
• the exhalation module 22 is configured to form a primary flow path through which gas is exhausted from subject interface circuit 16.
• the primary flow path runs from gas inlet 52 to gas outlet 54.
• the gas may be exhausted directly to atmosphere, or the gas may be exhausted through a filtering device (not shown) configured to remove contaminants from the gas.
• the primary valve 56 is configured to control the flow of gas through the primary flow path. During operation, primary valve 56 is operated to appropriately control flow through the primary flow path during delivery of the flow of breathable gas to subject interface circuit 16 by breath delivery module 20 to effect inspiration. Then, to effect expiration during
• primary valve 56 opens to enable gas to be exhausted out of system 10 from the lungs of subject 12. It will be appreciated that during delivery of the flow of breathable gas to subject interface 16 by breath delivery module, primary valve may be controlled to remain at least partially open.
• electronic storage 58 comprises electronic storage media that electronically stores information.
• the electronic storage media of electronic storage 58 may include one or both of system storage that is provided integrally (i.e., substantially nonremovable) with exhalation module 22 and/or removable storage that is removably
• Electronic storage 58 may include one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., optical disks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape, magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-based storage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storage media.
• Electronic storage 58 may store software algorithms, information determined by processor 58, information received via user interface module 18, information related to the therapy regime currently being applied to subject 12, and/or other information that enables exhalation module 22 to function properly.
• electronic storage 58 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as being a part of exhalation module 22 housed within third housing 62, in one embodiment, electronic storage 58 may not be included within exhalation module 22. Instead, some or all of the functionality attributed herein to electronic storage 58 may be provided by other electronic storage within system 10 that is accessible 10 exhalation module 22 during use (e.g., via communication link). By way of non-limiting example, some or all of the functionality attributed to electronic storage 58 may be provided by electronic storage 46, electronic storage that is a part of user interface module 18, and/or other electronic storage within system 10.
• Processor 60 is configured to provide information processing capabilities in exhalation module 22.
• processor 60 may include one or more of 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 other mechanisms for electronically processing information.
• processor 60 may include a FPGA, a floating point co-processor, and/or other processing units.
• FIG. 1 processor 60 is shown in FIG. 1 as a single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In some implementations, processor 60 may include a plurality of processing units. Some or all of the functionality attributed herein to processor 60 may be provided by processing components that are not integral to exhalation module 22 (e.g., within third housing 62).
• processor 60 may be included within user interface module 18 and/or breath delivery module 20, with simple control and/or feedback signals being communicated between user interface module 18/breath delivery module 20 and/or breath delivery module 20 to enable this alternate distribution of components.
• the processor 60 may be configured to execute one or more computer program
• Processor 60 may be configured to execute such modules by software; hardware; firmware; some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or other mechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on processor 60.
• the processor 60 is configured to control primary valve 56 to selectively exhaust gas within subject interface circuit 16, the airway of subject 12, and the lungs of subject 12 through the primary flow path of exhalation module 22.
• the timing at which processor 60 controls primary valve 56 to exhaust gas through the primary flow path may be determined and/or triggered based on the provision of the flow of breathable gas to the airway of subject 12 by breath delivery module 20.
• the gas is typically exhausted at a rate and timing that enables expiration of the gas provided by breath delivery module 20 to the airway of subject 12 during mechanical ventilation, and/or to provide other therapeutic benefits.
• processor 60 may control primary valve 56 to control the flow rate of the exhausted gas, the volume of gas exhausted in a given opening of primary valve 56, the pressure of the gas within subject interface circuit 16 during the exhaustion of gas, and/or other parameters. These parameters may be determined by processor 60 based on the therapy regime currently being used to dictate the appropriate breathing properties for subject 12.
• breath delivery module 20 and exhalation module 22 may require power to operate.
• This power may be provided to breath delivery module 20 and/or exhalation module 22 from a power source 64.
• the power source 64 may include a fixed power supply (e.g., a wall socket) to which breath delivery module 20 and/or exhalation module 22 may be connected.
• power source 64 includes one or more power modules housed in housings separate from each of first housing 34, second housing 50, and third housing 62.
• the power modules may contain a power supply, such as a battery, a capacitor, a super-capacitor, a fuel cell, and/or other power supplies.
• the housing of a given power module may be configured to removably engage, or "dock" with, one or more of second housing 50 and/or third housing 62.
• the given power module may be configured such that while being engaged with second housing 50, the power stored within the given power module is provided to breath delivery module 20.
• the given power module may be configured such that while being engaged with third housing 62, the power stored within the given power module is provided to exhalation module 22.
• FIG. 2 illustrates system 10 configured for use in a therapeutic setting in which subject 12 is to receive therapy in a bed 66. It will be appreciated that the discussion of this therapeutic setting is not intended to be limiting, and that one or more of the enhancements accomplished by the modularity of system 10 may be implemented in other therapeutic settings.
• a conventional ventilator would include a single unit through which gas would be delivered to, and received from subject 12 to mechanically ventilate subject 12. Due to the form factor of this unit, the ventilator typically is kept on cart 68 during use. While the system may be somewhat modular by including, for example, a user interface that is formed as a separate unit, a power module that can be removably docked to the unit, and/or a gas source that can be removably docked to the unit, the functions of generating the flow of breathable gas and receiving exhaled gas would not be broken into separate modules.
• cart 68 is configured with a set of docking stations that removably engage separate ones of user interface module 18, breath delivery 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 user interface module 18.
• docking user interface module 18 to first docking station 70 may result in the provision of power to user interface module 18 through first docking station 70.
• the power may be provided from a power source carried by cart 68, and/or from a power source with which a power system carried by cart 68 is connected (e.g., a wall socket).
• cart 68 includes a wired communication link configured to communicate information between user interface module 18 and one or both of breath delivery module 20 and/or exhalation module 22. Docking user interface module 18 with first docking station 70 may place user interface module 18 in contact with the wired communication link to enable communication by user interface module 18.
• the second docking station 72 is configured to removably dock breath delivery
• the second docking station 72 may be configured such that if breath delivery module 20 is physically docked to second docking station 72, second docking station 72 provides power to breath delivery module 20 and/or places breath delivery module 20 in fluid communication with one or more of gas sources 14.
• the power may be provided from a power source carried by cart 68, and/or from a power source with which a power system carried by the cart 68 is connected.
• the one or more gas sources 14 may include a gas source carried by cart 68 (e.g., a canister of gas, a blower, bellows, and/or other pressurized gas source), and/or a gas source to which cart 68 has been connected (e.g., wall gas and/or other pressurized gas source).
• Docking breath delivery module 20 with second docking station 72 may link breath delivery module 20 with the wired communication link carried by cart 68 to enable communication between breath delivery module 20 and user interface module 18 and/or exhalation module 22.
• the third docking station 74 is configured to removably dock exhalation module 22.
• the third docking station 74 may be configured such that if exhalation module 22 is physically docked to third docking station 74, third docking station 74 provides power to exhalation module 22.
• the power may be provided from a power source carried by cart 68, and/or from a power source with which a power system carried by the cart 68 is connected.
• Docking exhalation module 22 with third docking station 74 may link exhalation module 22 with the wired communication link carried by cart 68 to enable communication between exhalation module 22 and user interface module 18 and/or breath delivery module 20.
• system 10 includes a set of one or more docking stations that are disposed on or near bed 66. These docking stations may include a fourth docking station 76 and/or a fifth docking station 78. Docking stations 76 and/or 78 may be formed integrally with bed 66, may be permanently (or substantially permanently) attached to bed 66, and/or may be removably attached to bed 66. In the configuration illustrated FIG. 2, docking stations 76 and 78 are disposed on opposite sides of bed 66. The positioning illustrated in FIG. 2 is not intended to be limiting. Although fourth docking station 76 and fifth docking station 78 are shown as being isolated from each other, in one embodiment, fourth docking station 76 and fifth docking station 78 are electronically linked.
• fourth docking station 76 and fifth docking station 78 may be linked to enable power to be provided from one docking station to the other, or fourth docking station 76 and fifth docking station 78 may be linked to a common power source.
• a wired communication link may be carried by bed 66 to enable information to be electronically communicated between fourth docking station 76 and fifth docking station 78.
• the fourth docking station 76 is configured to removably dock with breath delivery module 20.
• the fourth docking station 76 may provide some or all of the features of second docking station 72, described above.
• the fifth docking station 78 is configured to removably dock with exhalation module 22.
• the fifth docking station 78 may provide some or all of the features of third docking station 74 described above.
• breath delivery module 20 and/or exhalation module 22 are docked at fourth docking station 76 and/or fifth docking station 78, some or all of the drawbacks discussed with respect to administering ventilation from cart 68 may be alleviated.
• the clutter of the therapeutic setting may be reduced. Moving breath delivery module 20 and/or exhalation module 22 to bed 66 may reduce the amount of conduit required to form subject interface circuit 16, which may enhance patient comfort. The positioning of breath delivery module 20 and/or exhalation module 22 on bed 66 may reduce incidence of caregivers and/or other equipment interfering with the conduit used to form subject interface circuit 16.
• one or more of user interface module 18, breath delivery module 20, and/or exhalation module 22 are not specific to system 10. In other words, one or more of modules 18, 20, and/or 22 are interchangeable with other units. This may enable one or more of user interface module 18, breath delivery module 20, and/or exhalation module 22 to be swapped out. In some cases, such a swap may be performed without substantially impacting operation of the other modules.
• the modularity of system 10 may enable subject 12 to move through different
• breath delivery module 20 and at least a portion of subject interface appliance 26 may be moved with subject 12 between different therapeutic settings.
• Moving breath delivery module 20 between different therapeutic settings may include docking breath delivery module 20 to separate docking stations within the different therapeutic settings.
• the docking stations may be similar to or the same as second docking station 72 and/or fourth docking station 76, described above.
• breath delivery module 20 may be paired with different user interface and/or exhalation modules to re-establish a ventilation system capable of mechanically ventilating subject 12.
• the transfer of breath delivery module 20 along with the patient between different therapeutic settings and/or ventilation systems may reduce or eliminate the need to swap out subject interface appliance 26 (in whole or in part) between different therapeutic settings.
• the transfer of breath delivery module 20 may enable ventilation to be continuous between therapeutic settings without reconfiguring the breathing properties of ventilation, which may be stored to electronic storage 46 of breath delivery module 20.
• exhalation module 22 can be transferred with subject 12 between therapeutic settings. This may include moving subject 12 between docking stations within the different therapeutic settings.
• the docking station may be the same as or similar to third docking station 74 and/or fifth docking station 78, described above.

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• 2010
  • 2010-11-23 CN CN201080055475.0A patent/CN102648017B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
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