Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a breathing disorder and, more particularly, a method and apparatus for providing a pressurized air flow to an airway of a patient to treat congestive heart failure in combination with Cheyne-Stokes respiration and/or sleep apnea or other breathing disorders. A positive airway pressure ventilator is utilized in combination with an algorithm that adjusts IPAP and EPAP in order to counter a Cheyne-Stokes breathing pattern. Cheyne-Stokes respiration is detected by monitoring a peak flow of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient.

Abstract: A device and method for magnetic stimulation of muscles for the relief of a breathing disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea is disclosed. Magnetic stimulation is used to stimulate muscles which serve to stabilize the upper airway of an individual whose nocturnal apneic events are related to diminished muscle tone. In one embodiment, a sensor monitors a physiologic characteristic of the patient, a coil is energized to stimulate the appropriate muscles associated with the upper airway, a power supply provides power for energizing the coil, and a control system controls the application of power to the coil based on the output of the sensor. A passive probed is provided in the patient to focus the magnetic field produced by the coil.

Abstract: A robust, compact spectrometer apparatus for determining respective concentrations or partial pressures of multiple gases in a gas sample with single as well as multiple and even overlapping, absorption or emission spectra that span a wide spectral range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in determining the cardiac output. The method include quantitatively measuring the patient's airflow, a first parameter indicative of the percent oxygen inhaled and exhaled by the patient, and a second parameter indicative of the patient's fractional arterial oxygen concentration. The method also includes inducing a change in the patient's arterial oxygen concentration while taking these measurements to monitor the effects of the change in the patient's arterial oxygen concentration. The cardiac output is determined from the data collected regarding the effects of the change in the patient's arterial oxygen concentration.

Abstract: A device and method for magnetic stimulation of muscles for the diagnosis and relief of a breathing disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea is disclosed. Magnetic stimulation is used to stimulate muscles which serve to stabilize the upper airway of an individual whose nocturnal apneic events are related to diminished muscle tone. A sensor monitors a physiologic characteristic of the patient, a coil is energized to stimulate the appropriate muscles associated with the upper airway, a power supply provides power for energizing the coil, and a control system controls the application of power to the coil based on the output of the sensor. Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea is accomplished by measuring the subject's compliance in the presence and absence of the magnetic stimulation of the upper airway muscles. The smaller the difference between these two compliance levels, the more likely that patient suffers from obstructive sleep apnea.

Abstract: A system for sensing respiratory pressure includes a portable pressure transducer configured to be carried by or proximate to a respiratory conduit, such as a breathing circuit or a nasal canula. The portable pressure transducer may removably couple with a pneumotach, in the form of an airway adapter, disposed along the respiratory conduit. The pneumotach may include two pressure ports positioned at opposite sides of an obstruction, which partially blocks flow through a primary conduit of the pneumotach. Corresponding sample conduits of the portable pressure transducer removably couple with the pressure ports. The pressure ports may have sealing elements which are configured to seal against piercing members of the sample conduits upon introduction of the piercing members therethrough. Upon removal of the piercing members, the sealing elements substantially reseal. Methods for using the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a breathing disorder and, more particularly, a method and apparatus for providing a pressurized air flow to an airway of a patient to treat congestive heart failure in combination with Cheyne-Stokes respiration and/or sleep apnea or other breathing disorders. A positive airway pressure ventilator is utilized in combination with an algorithm that adjusts IPAP and EPAP in order to counter a Cheyne-Stokes breathing pattern. Cheyne-Stokes respiration is detected by monitoring a peak flow of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which the portions of the labyrinth associated with the labyrinthine sense and/or the nerves associated therewith are stimulated to perform at least one of the following functions: augment or control a patient's respiratory function, open the patient's airway, induce sleep, and/or counteract vertigo. In one embodiment, the vestibular stimulating system of the present invention includes 1) a stimulation element that performs the actual stimulation of the tissue, 2) a sensor to detect a physiological condition of the patient, and 3) a power/control unit that receives the signals provided by the sensor and causes stimulation energy to be provided to the stimulation element at an appropriate timing, level, pattern, and/or frequency to achieve the desired function. However, the present invention also contemplates eliminating the sensor in favor of applying a predetermined pattern of stimulation to the patient.

Abstract: A medical ventilator system and method that triggers, cycles, or both based on patient effort, which is determined from cross-correlating patient flow and patient pressure. The medical ventilator is also controlled such that sensitivity to a patient initiated trigger increases as the expiratory phase of the breathing cycle progresses. The present invention also provides adaptive adjustment of cycling criteria to optimize the cycling operation.

Abstract: A nasal mask assembly that includes a seal member defined from a unitary piece of elastomeric material. The seal member defines a nose receiving cavity and has a first end portion and a second end portion generally opposite the first end portion. A first opening in the first end portion allows at least a portion of a nose to enter the nose receiving cavity such that the nares of the patient communicate with the nose receiving cavity. The seal member includes a neck portion defined in the second end portion and a second opening defined in the neck portion in communication with the nose receiving cavity. A reinforcement area is provided on the side walls of the seal member. The reinforcement area comprises a saddle shaped contoured area on each side of the seal member. Each saddle shaped area has an upper and a lower protrusion portion for providing supporting contact with the face.

Abstract: A low contact nasal mask assembly that includes a seal member defined from a unitary piece of elastomeric material. The seal member defines a nose receiving cavity and has a first end portion and a second end portion generally opposite the first end portion. A first open is defined in the first end portion to allow at least a portion of a nose of a patient to enter the nose receiving cavity such that the nares of the patient communicate with the nose receiving cavity. The seal member also includes a neck portion defined in the second end portion and a second opening defined in the neck portion in communication with the nose receiving cavity. In addition, an outside diameter of the seal member and an inside diameter of the seal member increase generally linearly from the second end portion to the first end portion to minimize contact of the seal member with a patient and to minimize dead space.

Abstract: An insufflation system that includes a first tube that inserts into a patient's airway for providing a primary flow of breathing gas to such a patient. At least one insufflation catheter is provided in or within the first tube for delivering a flow of insufflation gas to the patient. In one embodiment, the flow of insufflation gas is delivered in a first direction generally toward the patient's lungs and in a second direction generally opposite the first direction so that the flow in the second direction is greater than the flow in the first direction. As a result, a negative stagnation pressure is created that is sufficient to substantially cancel out the positive stagnation pressure generated by flow in the first direction in conjunction with a pressure drop induced in the first tube by the presence of the insufflation catheter.

Abstract: An impeller, a pressure generator using such an impeller, and a pressure support system and method using such a pressure generator to deliver a flow of breathing gas to a patient is disclosed. The impeller enables a pressure of a flow of breathing gas delivered by a pressure support system to a patient to remain substantially constant despite variations of the output flow rate. The impeller includes a plurality of impeller blades disposed on a face of the impeller body with an inlet area between each pair of adjacent blades being substantially equal a corresponding outlet area for each pair of adjacent blades.

Abstract: A high frequency pressure oscillation device and method of providing high frequency pressure oscillations to a patient. The device includes a patient circuit coupling a gas source to an airway of a patient, and a valve disposed in the patient circuit. The valve communicates the gas source with the patient's airway when in a first position and at least partially restricts communication when in a second position. A rotating drive assembly rotates the valve in a first direction such that the valve is alternatively disposed in the first and second positions. This system is capable of delivering positive and negative pressures to the airway of a patient by including a blower as the source of breathing gas. This system is also capable of superimposing a high frequency oscillating pressure signal on another pressure signal by adding a second blower in series with the first blower.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in determining the cardiac output. The method includes measuring a first parameter indicative of a patient's oxygen uptake and a second parameter indicative of the patient's fractional arterial oxygen concentration. The method also includes inducing a change in the patient's arterial oxygen concentration while taking these measurements to monitor the effects of the change in the patient's arterial oxygen concentration. The cardiac output is determined from the data collected regarding the effects of the change in the patient's arterial oxygen concentration.

Abstract: A pressure support system having enhanced noise reduction and a valve assembly for use in pressure support system. The pressure support system includes a pressure generator having an inlet and an outlet. A first conduit defining a tortuous path is coupled between a gas source and the inlet of the pressure generator. A second conduit coupled to the outlet of the pressure generator delivers the flow of gas from the pressure generator to a patient. A valve assembly communicates gas from the second conduit to the first conduit to control the pressure or a rate of the flow of gas in the second conduit. By communicating gas from the second conduit to the first conduit, the noise associated with exhausting gas from the second conduit is muffled by the tortuous path of the first conduit.

Abstract: A swivel exhaust conduit for rotatably connecting a patient mask to the delivery conduit of a positive pressure air supply. The swivel exhaust conduit design provides an exhaust port that utilizes the rotating bearing of the swivel conduit's rotating two-piece design for permitting and directing exhaust of CO2 laden air. A baffle chamber formed in the clearance of the two pieces provides an area where noise is reduced. As CO2 laden exhaust exits the swivel exhaust conduit, it is directed away from the patient mask and down the outside of the delivery conduit via a slit pattern on the swivel conduit.

Abstract: A system for sensing respiratory pressure includes a portable pressure transducer configured to be carried by or proximate to a respiratory conduit, such as a breathing circuit or a nasal canula. The portable pressure transducer may removably couple with a pneumotach, in the form of an airway adapter, disposed along the respiratory conduit. The pneumotach may include two pressure ports positioned at opposite sides of an obstruction, which partially blocks flow through a primary conduit of the pneumotach. Corresponding sample conduits of the portable pressure transducer removably couple with the pressure ports. The pressure ports may have sealing elements which are configured to seal against piercing members of the sample conduits upon introduction of the piercing members therethrough. Upon removal of the piercing members, the sealing elements substantially reseal. Methods for using the system are also disclosed.