Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for treating a variety of breathing disorders experienced by patients. The invention is particularly suited to the treatment of atelectasis, the partial or total collapse of the lung, although those skilled in the art will appreciate that it has applications in treating other disorders as well. Treating patients with breathing disorders traditionally has required the use of multiple types of apparatus in order to provide the multiple types of treatment used. The present invention provides for a treatment apparatus that is enabled to provide multiple types of treatment, depending on the needs of the patient.

Abstract: A continuous high-frequency oscillation breathing device delivers therapy during both inhalation and exhalation in order to assist in clearings secretions the lungs. A fixed shrouded-venturi patient interface circuit is combined with medicated aerosol to deliver continuous high-frequency oscillation therapy. Fixed open apertures in the patient interface circuit allow ingress and egress of flow, and are calibrated to allow exhalation and prevent stacking of successive breaths.

Abstract: A monitor-patient connector used with a lung inflection point monitor for measuring critical opening pressure, over distention pressure, and critical closing of lungs. The monitored-patient connector apparatus is used in conjunction with a lung inflection point monitor, and may be connected to a ventilator breathing circuit. The connector includes a proximal opening for connecting to a patient; a distal end that may be connected to the ventilator breathing circuit, a gas injection port for connecting the connector to a lung inflection point monitor; an isolation valve to prevent gas from entering and escaping during a lung inflection point maneuver; and an exhalation valve for regulating the evacuation of gas from the patient.

Abstract: A monitor-patient connector used with a lung inflection point monitor for measuring critical opening pressure, over distention pressure, and critical closing of lungs. The monitored-patient connector apparatus is used in conjunction with a lung inflection point monitor, and may be connected to a ventilator breathing circuit. The connector includes a proximal opening for connecting to a patient; a distal end that may be connected to the ventilator breathing circuit, a gas injection port for connecting the connector to a lung inflection point monitor; an isolation valve to prevent gas from entering and escaping during a lung inflection point maneuver; and an exhalation valve for regulating the evacuation of gas from the patient.

Abstract: A monitoring device and method for finding the critical opening pressure, the critical closing pressure and the over distention pressure of the lungs by first, delivering pulses of gas to the lungs without allowing the gas to escape, and then, allowing the gas to escape, all the while, monitoring the resulting pressure change. By looking at a simple pressure-over-time depiction of these pressure changes, the critical opening pressure, the critical closing pressure and the over distention pressure can be determined by observing the overall pressure change and the incremental pressure changes.