Abstract: To provide a unit for adjusting humidification capable of improving inconveniences that may otherwise be caused to occur due to damages, while sustaining the humidifying ability and other performance that are to be originally achieved by the humidification adjusting unit. Around the outer surface of the exothermic member 13 are wound multiple hollow fibers 14 each having a minute diameter and having a peripheral wall with minute openings each being large enough to allow water vapor to permeate therethrough yet small enough to fail to permeate water therethrough, and the multiple hollow fibers 14 and the exothermic member 13 are inserted tightly into an extendable mesh cover tube 15 in engagement therewith. In order to perform humidification, water to be supplied to the multiple hollow fibers 14 is warmed by the exothermic member 13 to generate water vapors.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for delivering NO to a patient. The device utilizes a single controller that controls two separate flow controllers to deliver an oxygen-containing gas and a NO-containing gas to the patient. The flow profiles of the oxygen-containing gas and the NO-containing gas are controlled by the controller. In one aspect of the invention, the flow profile of the NO-containing gas is proportional to the flow profile of the oxygen-containing gas throughout patient inspiration. In this regard, the patient receives a steady concentration of NO. In another aspect of the invention, the flow profile of the NO-containing gas is quasi-proportional to the flow profile of the oxygen-containing gas. In this regard, the NO-containing gas flow profile is altered to provide an increased concentration of NO either at the beginning or end of inspiration.

Abstract: A resuscitator having a collapsible bag with an inlet for attachment to a source of oxygen. The collapsible bag has a major outlet and a minor outlet. The major outlet is connected to a first arm of a three-armed connector. The minor outlet is attached to a flexible tube which, in turn, may either be connected to an adapter that is connected to the second arm of the three-armed connector or to a nebulizer or aerosolizer that is attached to the second arm of the three-armed connector. The third arm of the three-armed connector is connected to a housing containing a one-way valve to permit the flow of oxygen away from the collapsible bag and to preclude the flow of liquids and gases toward the collapsible bag. Preferably, the housing also contains, between the one-way valve and the second end of the housing, an exhaust aperture; and the exhaust aperture is preferably covered by a filter.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to monitor patient breathing during weaning from ventilator dependency to assure adequate performance and safety, and to provide visual respiratory biofeedback breathing patterns to prompt respiratory center neurologic signals to normal performance. The device permits setting desired breathing patterns within an optimal level of ventilation, and to establish and monitor a level of lowest permissible ventilation to define minimum safe levels of ventilation, and to permit definition of patient exhaustion and therefore need to terminate the weaning trial. The device may be used in weaning trials of spontaneous breathing, or in conjunction with ventilator assistive modes of all types. Used in conjunction with a plurality of ventilators the device may signal the ventilator to assist if the patient's attempts to breathe fall below predetermined safe levels of ventilation.