Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for monitoring the flow of inspired and expired air. The apparatus includes a respiratory air tract and a piezoelectric sensor for sensing the pressure within the air tract relative to ambient pressure and generating a corresponding pressure signal. There can be alarm means in communication with the pressure sensor for indicating when flow within the air tract is inadequate. The present invention is also an apparatus for maintaining a breathing passage in the trachea of a patient. The apparatus has a tracheotomy tube for fitting into the trachea and a pressure sensor disposed such that the pressure of the air in the tracheotomy tube is sensed and produces a pressure signal corresponding to the air pressure in the tracheotomy tube. Preferably, there is also a capacitor disposed in the tracheotomy tube such that the capacitance of the capacitor corresponds to the percent occlusion of the tube by an obstruction.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for maintaining and monitoring a breathing passage in the trachea of a patient. The apparatus is comprised of a tracheotomy tube for fitting into the trachea. The apparatus is also comprised of means for warning when the tracheotomy tube become obstructed to air flow. In a preferred embodiment, the warning means includes a sensor in contact with the tracheotomy tube for sensing when the tracheotomy tube becomes obstructed. In a more preferred embodiment, the sensor includes at least one temperature sensor disposed such that the temperature of the air in the tracheotomy tube is sensed and produces the temperature sensor signal corresponding to the air temperature in the tracheotomy tube. The temperature sensor is in electrical connection with an alarm which indicates when the tube is obstructed.