Abstract: A method of treating infected tissue with topical nitric oxide exposure includes the steps of providing a source of nitric oxide containing gas and delivering the nitric oxide containing gas to a skin surface containing infected tissue so as to bathe the infected tissue with nitric oxide.

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: Disclosed is a method and device for performing forced expiratory maneuver in an infant to assess the infant's pulmonary function. Under this method, the infant's lungs are synchronously inflated to super-atmospheric levels synchronous with the infant's natural tidal inspiration for a plurality of consecutive respiratory cycles. The end-expiratory CO2 levels in the infant's respiration are measured during the test. When the end-expiratory CO2 concentration decreases from the baseline by a pre-defined amount, the infant lungs are rapidly inflated to substantially total lung volume and rapidly deflated to produce a maximum forced expiration. The pre-defined amount of change in CO2 concentration is usually determined by the testing clinician. Typical concentration drop in CO2 levels, for example, ranges between 4 and 8 mmHg. But the decrease may also be as little as 2 mmHg or as much as 15 mmHg, depending on the testing clinician.

Abstract: A method and device for effective delivery of a gas such as oxygen for inhalation are described that sequentially dilute room air to the flow of gas during a respiratory cycle. A mask assembly is described that comprises an inspiratory and expiratory limb each containing a very low resistance one-way valve, and a sequential dilution conduit (leading from the atmosphere to the inspiratory limb) with a one-way valve that has a slightly positive cracking pressure. A sequential dilution valve may also be placed in the sequential dilution conduit.

Abstract: A pulmonary drug delivery device includes a hand piece that is electrically connected to a control unit. A cartridge is engagable with the hand piece and includes a drug reservoir, a pump connected to the drug reservoir, an electrically chargeable nozzle connected to the pump, a discharge electrode, and an information storage element. The control unit controls the pump and the electrical charge of the nozzle and discharge electrode in accordance with instructions stored within the information storage element.

Abstract: A method and device for effective delivery of a gas such as oxygen for inhalation is provided by sequentially diluting room air to the flow of gas during a respiratory cycle. A mask assembly is described that comprises an inspiratory and expiratory limb each containing a very low resistance one-way valve, and a sequential dilution conduit (leading from the atmosphere to the inspiratory limb) with a one-way valve that has a slightly positive cracking pressure. A gas reservoir is also attached to the inspiratory limb. During expiration, the reservoir is filled with oxygen, for example, flowing from the oxygen source. During inspiration, oxygen from the oxygen source and the reservoir are drawn preferentially. If the oxygen flow is equal to or greater than the minute ventilation of the subject, no atmospheric air is entrained into the mask assembly and the subject gets pure oxygen. If the minute ventilation (tidal volume) exceeds the oxygen flow, the reservoir is depleted.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus with improved ergonomic aspects to more comfortably accommodate patients breathe while preventing their lungs from collapsing. The present breathing apparatus comprises an apparatus body having proximal and distal ends with at least one hollow passageway extending therebetween. A pair of nostril-engaging stems with generally D-shaped base configurations conform to the anatomy of patient's nostrils and a connector assembly having a rotatable mid portion is used at the apparatus body's distal end to allow moderate movement and thereby reduce torque applied to a patient's face.

Abstract: A pulmonary drug delivery device includes a hand piece that is electrically connected to a control unit. A cartridge is engagable with the hand piece and includes a drug reservoir, a pump connected to the drug reservoir, an electrically chargeable nozzle connected to the pump, a discharge electrode, and an information storage element. The control unit controls the pump and the electrical charge of the nozzle and discharge electrode in accordance with instructions stored within the information storage element.

Abstract: A portable isocapnia circuit and an isocapnia method. A breathing port of the circuit allows a subject to inhale and exhale. Connected to the breathing port, a bifurcate conduit has a first conduit branch and a second conduit branch. The first conduit branch has an atmospheric air inlet, from which the atmospheric air is provided for inhalation, an inspiratory check valve to allow a one-way flow of the atmospheric air, and an atmospheric air aspirator. The second conduit branch has a one-way expiratory check valve and a expiratory gas reservoir. A one-way check valve is used to interconnect the first and second conduit branch, from which the expiratory gas stored in the expiratory gas reservoir flows to the first conduit branch to mix with the atmospheric air when the minute ventilation exceeds the atmospheric air.

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. In one aspect, the delivery device is used with mechanically-ventilated patients.

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. In one aspect, the delivery device is used with mechanically-ventilated patients.

Abstract: A portable isocapnia circuit and an isocapnia method. A breathing port of the circuit allows a subject to inhale and exhale. Connected to the breathing port, a bifurcate conduit has a first conduit branch and a second conduit branch. The first conduit branch has an atmospheric air inlet, from which the atmospheric air is provided for inhalation, an inspiratory check valve to allow a one-way flow of the atmospheric air, and an atmospheric air aspirator. The second conduit branch has a one-way expiratory check valve and a expiratory gas reservoir. A one-way check valve is used to interconnect the first and second conduit branch, from which the expiratory gas stored in the expiratory gas reservoir flows to the first conduit branch to mix with the atmospheric air when the minute ventilation exceeds the atmospheric air.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for administering CPAP to a patient are disclosed. The method includes providing a controllable flow of gas from a source to a patient creating a continuous positive airway pressure and controlling the flow of gas so that it is periodically modified to inject a sigh cycle into the CPAP. The administration of sigh cycle inclusive CPAP is useful for the treatment of respiratory dysfunction and for stimulating the release of surfactant in immature lungs. It is preferred to monitor the airway pressure and to inject the sigh cycle when a drop in pressure is detected. The apparatus centers on a driver used in conjunction with a gas delivery. The driver includes a valve, adapted to receive gas from a source, for regulating the flow of gas to the delivery device in response to a control signal. A controller, connected to the valve, generates the control signal so that the valve periodically modifies the flow of gas, thereby injecting a sigh cycle.

Abstract: A pulmonary drug delivery device includes a hand piece that is electrically connected to a control unit. A cartridge is engagable with the hand piece and includes a drug reservoir, a pump connected to the drug reservoir, an electrically chargeable nozzle connected to the pump, a discharge electrode, and an information storage element. The control unit controls the pump and the electrical charge of the nozzle and discharge electrode in accordance with instructions stored within the information storage element.

Abstract: A method of treating infected tissue with topical nitric oxide exposure includes the steps of providing a source of nitric oxide containing gas and delivering the nitric oxide containing gas to a skin surface containing infected tissue so as to bathe the infected tissue with nitric oxide.

Abstract: A system and method for topically treating a wound or lesion of tissue to prevent infection includes applying nitric oxide gas to the wound or lesion. The basic system includes a source of nitric oxide gas and a flushing envelope. The flushing envelope is applied to a patient to cover a wound or lesion and receives nitric oxide from the source via a flow control valve. One form of the system also includes a vacuum unit fluidically connected to the flushing envelope, and one embodiment includes a gas absorber unit. The flushing envelope is adapted to surround the area of the infected tissue and form a substantially airtight seal with the tissue surface when the flushing envelope is in place on the patient. The flow control valve controls the amount of nitric oxide gas that is delivered to the flushing envelope. A source of dilutant gas is fluidically connected to the flow control valve and a system control unit transmits and receives signals from various sensors and controlled elements in the system.

Abstract: A nebulizer for delivering a drug to a patient includes an electronic control unit, a hand piece connected to the electronic control unit via a cable, and a cartridge detachably engaged with the hand piece. The electronic control unit includes a controller, a cartridge reader, a dosage storage element, and a display. The display preferably displays the drug name and the number of dosages remaining in the cartridge. The cartridge includes a head or nebulizer element for creating a fine mist or cloud of the drug in droplet form. The cartridge also includes a storage container containing a drug and a pump for pumping the drug to the nebulizer element. The cartridge also contains an information storage element for containing information regarding the drug and the drug delivery protocol for the patient. The information in the information storage element is transmitted to the electronic control unit when the cartridge is engaged with the hand piece.

Abstract: A device for the topical delivery of nitric oxide gas to an infected area of skin includes a source of nitric oxide gas, a bathing unit, a flow control valve, and a vacuum unit. The bathing unit is adapted to surround the area of the infected skin and form a substantially air-tight seal with the skin surface. The bathing unit is also in fluidic communication with the source of nitric oxide. The flow control valve is positioned downstream of the source of nitric oxide and upstream of the bathing unit. The flow control valve controls the amount of nitric oxide gas that is delivered to the bathing unit. The vacuum unit is positioned downstream of the bathing unit and is used to withdraw gas from the bathing unit. Application of nitric oxide gas to the infected area of skin reduces pathogen levels in the infected area and promotes the healing process.

Abstract: A device for the topical delivery of nitric oxide gas to an infected area of skin includes a source of nitric oxide gas, a bathing unit, a flow control valve, and a vacuum unit. The bathing unit is adapted to surround the area of the infected skin and form a substantially air-tight seal with the skin surface. The bathing unit is also in fluidic communication with the source of nitric oxide. The flow control valve is position downstream of the source of nitric oxide and upstream of the bathing unit. The flow control valve controls the amount of nitric oxide gas that is delivered to the bathing unit. The vacuum unit is positioned downstream of the bathing unit and is used to withdraw gas from the bathing unit. Application of nitric oxide gas to the infected area of skin reduces pathogen levels in the infected area and promotes the healing process.

Abstract: A device for delivering continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to an infant includes a pressurized source of gas containing oxygen, a variable flow control valve, a respiratory breathing circuit including a patient interface device at a terminal portion thereof, at least one pressure sensor disposed in the breathing circuit for measuring the airway pressure of the infant, and a controller for controlling the variable flow control valve. The pressure sensor samples the airway pressure at a high sample rate and reports information to the controller. The controller compares the measured pressure with the set-point pressure and controls the flow through the variable flow control valve to maintain a constant airway pressure through the infant's entire respiratory cycle.