Abstract: A vent device for a respiratory device, comprising one or a plurality of vents configured with a variable aperture size for communicating a flow of breathable gas. Said vent device being configured so that the cross section profile exposed to the flow of breathable gas communicating through the vent does not change as the aperture size changes. A vent device may comprise of a plurality of the said vents, wherein the aperture size of each vent may be controlled independently or together, and may be controlled according to one or more input signals from one or more sensors. Examples of suitable input signals include flow, pressure, noise, accelerometer outputs, orientation of a patient or presence of any obstructions. A patient interface or a patient conduit may comprise the vent device, or the vent device may be configured to connect with a patient interface or a patient conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a user includes a humidifying unit that is controllable to humidify the gas in accordance with a variable humidity profile such that the gas is delivered to the user at variable humidity levels, e.g., during a treatment session.

Abstract: An integrated nasal mask is adapted for delivering gas to a patient and comprises a mask body and a pair of elongate nostril-engaging stems. The mask body is generally triangularly shaped and includes a nasal opening sized and configured to substantially envelope a patient's nose. The nasal opening opens to a nasal cavity. The nostril-engaging stems extend outwardly from the nasal cavity. Each one of the stems defines a fluid passageway for delivering gas to the patient's nose and for allowing discharge of exhalation gasses during the exhalation phase of the breathing cycle.

Abstract: A system comprises a respiratory delivery arrangement adapted to cover at least one respiratory orifice of a patient. The system also comprises a first conduit having a first end and a second end, the second end connected to the respiratory delivery arrangement. A positive pressure is provided to the respiratory orifice via the first conduit and a second conduit having a third end and a fourth end, the fourth end connected to the respiratory delivery arrangement. An exhaled gas is extracted from the respiratory orifice by one or both of a valve configured to redirect flow through the respiratory delivery arrangement and a venturi opening.

Abstract: A portable gas delivery system includes a mouthpiece or nosepiece, a gas delivery pack and a medical cannula tubing assembly. The mouthpiece has an upper region with a one nose port and a lower region with a mouth port. The nosepiece conceals the cannula and includes at least one nose port. The gas delivery pack has a gas storage region, a gas compression region, a gas filtration region or a combination thereof. The nosepiece, allows the cannula to provide a snug fit into the nostrils forming a medical airtight delivery of oxygen to the nose. The system is adapted for use with a wireless transceiver for use with a cellular telephone or a personal music system and connected headphones. A single-sided, hollow modular sleeve conceals the mouthpiece or nosepiece and tubing assembly while attaching to a hat, helmet, eyeglass frame, telecommunications headset, or ear of a user.

Abstract: A ventilator that delivers air at different pressures to a patient during inspiratory and expiratory cycles of breathing and that cycles from inspiratory to expiratory operation when the patient's respiratory flow passes a threshold level. The threshold generally increases from the beginning of inspiration to the end of inspiration. The increase can be linear over all or only a portion of the inspiratory cycle, and the threshold can be adjusted so that cycling is prevented during the initial portion of an inspiratory cycle. The minimum and maximum levels may both be functions of peak flow and the threshold may increase as a function of elapsed inspiratory time. The rate at which the threshold increases from a minimum level to a maximum level may be adjustable for individual patient needs and may be determined from previous breaths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides a continuous source of medical grade air. A substantially tubular and rigid housing includes a first end, at least one aperture extending through the housing and positioned a predetermined distance from the first end; and a second end, opposite the first end. A valve extends from the first end of the housing for dispensing medical grade air to a patient. A medical grade air compressor provides medical grade air for output by the valve, the medical grade air compressor being positioned within the housing on a side of the at least one aperture opposite the valve. An air flow generator is positioned between the second end of the housing and the medical grade air compressor, the air flow generator draws air into the housing through the at least one aperture. The air passes over and around the medical grade air compressor to reduce a temperature of the medical grade air compressor and to the medical grade air compressor for generating medical grade air.

Abstract: Bymixer devices and methods for sampling or obtaining data from mixed respiratory gases in a ventilation circuit. Respiratory gasses from a plurality of consecutive breaths become mixed within a mixing chamber of the bymixer and samples or data are obtained from such mixed respiratory gasses. Optionally, the volume of the mixing chamber and/or the resistance to flow into or through the mixing chamber may be selectable or adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), alleviating a negative OSA symptom, reducing snoring, or improving quality of life in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising pyridostigmine before sleep. Also provided are related medicaments as well as methods for preparing the medicaments.

Abstract: A probe for medical use comprising a tube (1) and a cuff (3) located around the tube (1) in a region of its external wall, the cuff (3) being inflatable through a conduit (5) arranged at the wall of the tube (1), linking the interior of the tube (1) to the interior of the cuff (3), the inflation and deflation of the cuff (3) being determined by the rhythms of the inspiration and expiration of air, respectively.

Abstract: A nasal continuous positive airway pressure device for lowering patient work-of-breathing is described. The device may include an inspiratory tubing in fluid communication with at least two nasal prongs; expiratory tubing; and a generator body coupled there between. The generator body may include at least two jets configured for receiving gas from the inspiratory tubing; and a flow enhancer configured for directing received gas. The flow enhancer may include a gas manager configured for channeling received gas towards a jet impingement point via at least two jet paths; a fluidic flip trigger configured for triggering a fluidic flip of channeled gas back towards the expiratory tubing by directing a first portion of exhaled patient breath towards the jet impingement point along a first pathway; and an isolated pathway manager configured for directing a second portion of the exhaled patient breath along a second pathway towards the expiratory tubing.

Abstract: A system configured to deliver pressurized gas to an airway of a subject in accordance with a predetermined therapeutic algorithm. The system includes a pressure generator that generates a pressurized flow of breathable gas and a circuit that communicates the pressurized flow of breathable gas from the pressure generator to the airway of the subject. In order to facilitate the delivery of the pressurized gas to the airway of the subject in accordance with the predetermined therapeutic algorithm, a resistance of the circuit to gas flow is supplemented so that the overall resistance of the circuit is at or near a predetermined level.

Abstract: A component useable with one or more tube comprises a body engageable with one or more external surface recesses of the one or more tubes. The component has a pair of jaws extending from the body for gripping an item. The component is configured, such that, in use, in a first orientation of the body relative to the respective tube(s) recesses, the component is movable along a length of the tube(s); and, in a second orientation of the body relative to the respective tube(s) recesses, the component is resistive to movement along a length of the tube(s).

Abstract: A novel oral air delivery system for CPAP or similar machines featuring a mouthpiece adapted to be inserted in a user's mouth between his/her teeth and a tube connected to the mouthpiece via a swivel joint. The swivel joint allows rotation of the tube with respect to the mouthpiece. The tube of the system can be connected to existing CPAP or similar machines. Air is delivered from the CPAP or similar machine through the tube and through a hole in the mouthpiece to the user's mouth, throat, and lungs.

Abstract: An aspiration and resuscitation system which is useable to perform aspiration and/or resuscitation procedures on living beings, particularly small animals, and most particularly newborn small animals such as puppies and kittens. The system includes an aspirator and a resuscitator. Each includes a separable pump and animal interface mask. Further disclosed are aspiration and resuscitation methods using the disclosed apparatus.

Abstract: A respiratory system and method includes a filling unit for filling a portable bottle of respiratory gas and a conserver for mounting on such a bottle. A battery on the conserver may be recharged when the bottle is placed on the filing unit. The conserver may include electric timing circuitry operative to control the timing of pulsed flow of respiratory gas from the conserver, and an external electrical coupler to enable adjustment of the timing of the pulsed flow. The conserver may include at least one sensor operative to sense the reversal of flow between exhalation and inhalation, the conserver being operative to commence a respiratory gas delivery pulse in response to the sensing of the reversal of flow.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a device for supplying respiratory gas to a patient according to respiratory cycles, comprising a gaseous flow rate generator provided with a turbine with low inertia and high nominal speed, a first circuit called a supply circuit for the gaseous flow toward a respiratory mask or an intubation means of the patient, means for measuring pressure and/or measuring flow rate of the gaseous flow, computation means for parameters of pressure and/or flow rate, and means for controlling the speed of rotation of the generator, characterized in that the measuring means, the computation means and the speed control means coact automatically to control the speed of rotation of the turbine as a function of the inspiration and expiration phases and as a function of patient pressure signals and/or inspiration flow rate signals.

Abstract: A resuscitator has two separate, spaced controls (23) and (30) both of which can be actuated manually to open a valve (100) and deliver a breathing cycle of a maximum timed duration to a patient. One control (23) has a button (24) on the top (13) of the unit (1), which is pushed in to actuate. A ring (25) surrounds the button (24) and has cam profiles (122) that engage with cam pins (120) on the button to push and hold it down when rotated. The other control (30) is on the underside surface (14), facing the patient and adjacent the gas outlet (5). This control includes a toggle lever (31), which can be displaced laterally in two different planes to open the valve (100).

Abstract: A lightweight impeller is provided for use in a pressurised gas source for a CPAP or other breathing assistance apparatus. The impeller can be shroudless or otherwise lightweight.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator an inlet opening configured to receive air. The concentrator also includes a compressor configured to pressurize the air received through the inlet opening. An inlet opening restrictor is configured to dynamically change a characteristic of the inlet opening responsive to increased or decreased demand for the pressurized air. The concentrator further includes a sieve bed configured to separate the pressurized air into a concentrated gas component for delivery to a subject.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator may rely on a pressure swing adsorption process to produce an oxygen enriched gas stream from canisters filled with granules capable of separation of oxygen from an air stream. The adsorption process uses a cyclical pressurization and venting of the canisters to generate an oxygen enriched gas stream. The oxygen concentrator system may include one or more flow restrictors to allow controlled release of oxygen enriched gas between the canisters.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for administering nitrous oxide. The system includes a fluid control system for controlling the flow of nitrous oxide and oxygen to the patient. A nitrous oxide and oxygen supply, vacuum source, a breather bag, and a nasal delivery interface system are fluidly connected to the fluid control system and a patient. The fluid control system also includes a safety scavenge system including a mass airflow sensor, master controller, nitrous oxide valve, and alarm. The mass airflow sensor reads the scavenging vacuum pressure which it communicates to the master controller. Depending upon the scavenging vacuum pressure, the master controller can activate an alarm or shut off the flow of nitrous oxide. In operation, the present invention provides a system for administering anesthesia/analgesia gas which prevents excessively high volumes of exhaled nitrous oxide in the operatory environment through monitoring of the scavenge vacuum pressure.

Abstract: A method of using CPAP equipment to sense cardiogenic oscillations in a patient's airflow, and to monitor and treat the patient's cardiac condition. The apparatus diagnoses cardiac morbidity conditions, such as the existence of arrhythmias or other cardiac abnormalities, and influences and optimizes cardiac stroke volume. The apparatus further monitors pulse-transit time, changes in the heart pre-ejection period, and the duration of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A ventilator and method of ventilator control. The ventilator includes a pneumatic system for providing and receiving breathing gas, and a controller operatively coupled with the pneumatic system. The controller employs closed-loop control to provide positive breathing assistance to a patient. Supplemental feed-forward compensatory assistance is also provided, in addition to and independently of that commanded by the closed-loop control. The supplemental assistance may be determined, set or selected based on a ventilator parameter and/or an operator parameter, and/or as an automatic ongoing compensatory mechanism responding to varying patient respiratory demand.

Abstract: A method of operating a device for treating sleep disordered breathing (SDB), wherein the device provides continuous positive airway pressure during sleep, includes determining whether treatment pressure at the patient interface is below a desired value, in response to the determining, increasing pressure generated by the flow generator, in response to the increasing, making a determination that the increase in flow generator pressure has resulted in less than a desired increase in treatment pressure at the patient interface, and in response to the determination, reducing or inhibiting further increase of the flow generator pressure.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to medical tubes and methods of manufacturing medical tubes. The tube may be a composite structure made of two or more distinct components that are spirally wound to form an elongate tube. For example, one of the components may be a spirally wound elongate hollow body, and the other component may be an elongate structural component also spirally wound between turns of the spirally wound hollow body The tube need not be made from distinct components, however. For instance, an elongate hollow body formed (e.g., extruded) from a single material may be spirally wound to form an elongate tube. The elongate hollow body itself may in transverse cross-section have a thin wall portion and a relatively thicker or more rigid reinforcement portion. The tubes can be incorporated into a variety of medical circuits or may be employed for other medical uses.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a nasal cannula is shaped to fit within a user's nares, includes at least one prong allowing high flow delivery of humidified gases and creates positive airway pressure in the patient's airway. The prongs have angled ends, such that in use, gases flowing through the prongs are directed to the user's nasal passages. The nasal cannula body is partially swivelling and preferably has a ball joint connector. In another embodiment the nasal cannula may have at least one flared end prong that preferably seals within a patient's nare.

Abstract: A dual area pressure pulmonary modulator apparatus which provides constant flow, pressure cycled ventilatory support to patients that is additionally equipped with fluid conduits in the valve mechanism and body that allow the clinician or user to manually actuate inhalation by occluding a fluid path emanating from the modulator. Such feature is useful for when the device stops cycling due to physiological changes of the patient, for determining if the patient is cycling the device or if the device is automatically cycling by nature of its setting, coordinating medical procedures with the breathing of the patient, increasing the PEEP beyond the intrinsic design PEEP of the device for a given PIP setting, increasing inspiratory hold time, and providing an easy to use alternative mode of operation for users with less sophistication.

Abstract: A respiratory circuit apparatus and circuit are provided. The circuit includes: an adapter having a plurality of connectors of two or more different internal or outer diameters; and a pressure release valve configured to emanate sound if a pressure of a gas received at the pressure release valve is greater than or equal to an activation pressure of the pressure release valve. The pressure release valve can have a first end of a body portion coupled with one of the plurality of connectors of the adapter. The pressure release valve can be coupled inline in the respiratory circuit via the adapter and in close proximity to a patient location.

Abstract: The systems and methods include providing a volume-targeted minimum pressure-control breath type during ventilation of a patient. The system and methods provide a novel breath type that allows an operator to input a tidal volume and receive some of the benefits of utilizing an airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) breath type in combination with some of the benefits of utilizing a volume-targeted-pressure-control (VC+) breath type.

Abstract: A breathing assistance system for providing breathing assistance to a patient includes a gas delivery system configured to generate a gas flow, a patient interface configured to interface with the patient, a connection system connected between the gas delivery system and the patient interface and configured to communicate the gas flow to the patient interface for delivery to the patient, and a sensor system remote from the gas delivery system and connected to at least one of the patient interface and the connection system. The sensor system may include a sensor for measuring a parameter, one or more actuators, and a power supply based on a turbine configured to be driven by the gas flow and an electrical generator coupled to the turbine and configured to generate electricity.

Abstract: A respiration apparatus and a method for calibrating respiration parameters thereof are provided. A flow measuring reference component arranged behind the inspiratory valve in the ventilator is used as a flow measuring reference sensor for calibrating the flow sensor so that the flow rates of the gas through the flow measuring reference component and the flow sensor to be calibrated are identical or in a corresponding relation. Electrical parameters output from the flow sensor and the flow measuring reference component are respectively acquired and processed to obtain a relation curve of the gas flow rate and the electrical parameter of the flow sensor on the basis of the read gas flow rate and the electrical parameters of the flow sensor. The present invention enables automatic calibration for a flow sensor without using any measuring instrument.

Abstract: An acoustic ventilator using feedback control is designed to generate and exert a desired mixture of pressure oscillations into a supply of gas entering a subject's airways to maintain optimal ventilation and perfusion in the lungs. According to the subject's biological specifications and real-time medical condition, computers and human interface control the vibrations in intensity and frequency along with the pressure and composition of blended gases in order to enhance oxygenation and CO2 clearance. Acoustic ventilation will cause the ventilating gases to diffuse through the subject's lungs without the aid of a separate ventilator, and with or without spontaneous breathing.

Abstract: A gas assisted re-breathing device is provided for life support of individuals venturing into harsh environments, particularly the underwater environment, which results in reduced work of breathing. In the pressurized gas assisted re-breathing device, pressurized gas, actuated by the breathing pressure local to the mouthpiece, acts to move a flexible gas storage container on behalf of the individual and a loop seal valve is forcibly shut during assisted breathing, which seals the assisted breathing loop to prevent premature venting of breathing gas to the surrounding environment, unless the assisted breathing loop is full, whereupon the loop seal valve opens to allow excess breathing gas to escape into the surrounding environment through forcible exhalation by the individual through one or more conventional one way valves that prevent backflow from the surrounding environment back into the loop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular, portable, air purifier and mask device capable of supplying filtered or otherwise conditioned airflow to an individual. More specifically, the present invention provides a modular air purification system that allows for the selection of multiple types of air treatment modules, power modules and mask devices. Through selective combination of a variety of modules, a desired air quality and condition is achieved.

Abstract: A headgear-mountable respirator (100) including a first intake (106A) and first associated impeller (108A), as well as a second intake (106B) and second associated impeller (108B) located remotely from the first intake and the first impeller. The respirator further includes a device (112) for, in use, rotating at least one of the impellers, and an air delivery arrangement (103A, 103B) for, in use, delivering air drawn from the first and second intakes to a facial region of a user.

Abstract: An anesthesia machine having an automatic scavenger system is disclosed herein. The anesthesia machine includes a scavenger hose configured to direct the transfer of an exhaled anesthetic agent from a patient, and a valve operatively connected to the scavenger hose. The valve is configured to selectively control the transmission of the exhaled anesthetic agent through the scavenger hose. The anesthesia machine also includes a switch operatively connected to the valve and to a controller. The switch is configured to link an operational status of the anesthesia machine with a position of the valve.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for monitoring and evaluating ventilatory parameters, analyzing those parameters and providing useful notifications and recommendations to clinicians. That is, modern ventilators monitor, evaluate, and graphically represent multiple ventilatory parameters. However, many clinicians may not easily recognize data patterns and correlations indicative of certain patient conditions, changes in patient condition, and/or effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Further, clinicians may not readily determine appropriate ventilatory adjustments that may address certain patient conditions and/or the effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Specifically, clinicians may not readily detect or recognize the presence of double triggering during ventilation.

Abstract: A CPAP device and a method for treating sleep apnea use a head appliance with an oral adaptor comprising a tube partially inserted in a person's mouth and a diaphragm applied over the tube against the mouth, such that the lips are formed into a tight seal with the tube. A nasal seal is described comprising two rollers to which a strap is attached, so that the nasal seal is easily put in place, adjusted and maintained by rolling the rollers on the nose sides or pulling the straps.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Device as an apparatus configured to provide positive airway pressure in a respiratory circuit that comprises a container configured to be filled to a preselected level with liquids; a drop tube assembly comprising a hollow gas tube rotatably mounted in said container having an upper end extending a static distance outwardly of the container and connected to a respiratory circuit downstream of a user, and a hollow drop tube reciprocally movable upwardly and downwardly in the liquid in response to rotational movement of the gas tube. The container is provided with a gas vent and a liquid fill port.

Abstract: A method for mobilizing an occlusion from a breathing tube is presented. The method includes automatically mobilizing the occlusion from the breathing tube by regulating an inspiratory flow, an expiratory flow, or a combination thereof, where the breathing tube is configured to operationally couple a patient to a ventilation system, and where the ventilation system is configured to provide artificial respiration to the patient.

Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator includes a pressure swing absorption system defined by a relatively rigid housing adapted to generate a flow of oxygen enriched gas and a battery adapted to provide power to the pressure swing absorption system. The oxygen concentrator has a total weight of less than about 10 lbs, has a maximum flow of 100% O2 equivalent gas of about 0.9 lpm, has a total volume less than about 800 in3, and gas a battery life of at least about 8 hours. The present invention also using a liquefaction or transfill system in combination with such an oxygen concentrator.

Abstract: A blower includes a housing including an inlet and an outlet, a motor to drive a rotatable shaft, first and second impellers provided to the shaft, the first and second impellers each including a plurality of impeller blades, a first stationary component provided to the housing and including stator vanes downstream of the first impeller, and a second stationary component provided to the housing and including stator vanes downstream of the second impeller. A first set of stator vanes of the first stationary component is provided around the motor and are configured and arranged to direct airflow along the motor, to de-swirl the airflow and to decelerate air to increase pressure. A blower including a third impeller and third stationary component positioned above the first impeller is also described.

Abstract: A method of treating lung disease, such as asthma or COPD, is provided that includes delivering positive pressure support to an airway of a patient during a plurality of respiratory cycles, and automatically varying a pressure level of the positive pressure support during at least a portion of the inspiratory phase of the patient in a number of the respiratory cycles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retrieval and dispensing tubing, particularly useful for oxygen tubing.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for detecting disconnect conditions in a ventilator. The disclosure describes a model-based enhancement to conventional disconnect detection. The methods and systems described herein compensate for the additional leakage that occurs due to inelastic and elastic leaks in the ventilation system. One method described includes calculating the actual leakage from the ventilation system including leaks from elastic leakage and inelastic leakage based on measurements of pressure and flow in the ventilation system for a breath and then comparing this leakage to a calculated hypothetical maximum allowable leakage determined based on an operator-selected maximum allowable leakage and the measurements of pressure for the same breath. Disconnection is assumed if the actual leakage is greater than the maximum allowable leakage.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment device comprising at least one chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive air into the at least one chamber, at least one chamber outlet configured to permit air to exit the at least one chamber, and a flow path defined between the chamber inlet and the at least one chamber outlet. A restrictor member positioned in the flow path is moveable between a closed position, where a flow of air along the flow path is restricted, and an open position, where the flow of air along the flow path is less restricted. A vane in fluid communication with the flow path is operatively connected to the restrictor member and is configured to reciprocate between a first position and a second position in response to the flow of air along the flow path.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to a device and method for sanitizing a medical instrument with ozone, in particular the invention relates to a system, method and a device for sanitizing a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. The device has an ozone compartment, an ozone operating system and one or more ozone distribution lines that distribute ozone to a continuous positive airway pressure device. The device may further include a heater adapter unit to connect heating systems in CPAP devices while distributing ozone to sanitize the CPAP device in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: In a respiratory apparatus for treatment of sleep apnea and other disorders associated with an obstruction of a patient's airway and which uses an airflow signal, an obstruction index is generated which detects the flattening of the inspiratory portion of the airflow. The obstruction index is used to differentiate normal and obstructed breathing. The obstruction index is based upon different weighting factors applied to sections of the airflow signal thereby improving sensitivity to various types of respiration obstructions.

Abstract: A CPAP device wherein humidification detection and/or control is performed by a microprocessor of the CPAP device without requiring a separate humidification control chip. The microprocessor may also control the flow generator motor and the flow generator display. Further, the microprocessor may include code to prevent ‘brown-out’, and/or to detect the availability (connection and/or operability) of the humidifier. Humidifier detection may be carried out using power consumption or temperature sensor signal analysis, e.g., facilitated by use of a pull-up resistor.