Abstract: A respiration monitoring device includes at least one electronic processor programmed to perform a respiration monitoring method including receiving ultrasound imaging data of a diaphragm of a patient as a function of time during inspiration and expiration while the patient undergoes mechanical ventilation therapy with a mechanical ventilator; receiving respiratory data of the patient as a function of time during the inspiration and expiration while the patient undergoes the mechanical ventilation therapy; calculating an intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (iPEEP) value for the patient based on the ultrasound imaging data and the respiratory data; and displaying, on a display device, a representation of the calculated iPEEP value.

Abstract: A method for treating sleep disordered breathing includes providing pressure into a patient's airway over a period of time that includes a plurality of inhalation periods and a plurality of exhalation periods. The pressure is at a relief positive airway pressure during a portion of the inhalation periods including an end of the inhalation period, and the pressure is at a therapy positive airway pressure greater than the relief positive airway pressure during a portion of the exhalation periods including an end of the exhalation period. The pressure decreases from the therapy positive airway pressure to the relief positive airway pressure after the end of the exhalation period.

Abstract: A ventilation system including a ventilator having a cooling fan configured reduce an internal temperature of the ventilator. The ventilator also includes a controller configured to control operation of the ventilator. A detector is configured to generate a detection signal when the ventilator is connected to a cold passover humidification (CPH) device. In response to the detection signal, the ventilator reduces or eliminates operation of the cooling fan in comparison to a default mode of operation. A method of providing increasing a temperature of a flow of air to a CPH device is also included.

Abstract: A ventilation system including a ventilator having a cooling fan configured reduce an internal temperature of the ventilator. The ventilator also includes a controller configured to control operation of the ventilator. A detector is configured to generate a detection signal when the ventilator is connected to a cold passover humidification (CPH) device. In response to the detection signal, the ventilator reduces or eliminates operation of the cooling fan in comparison to a default mode of operation. A method of providing increasing a temperature of a flow of air to a CPH device is also included.

Abstract: A noninvasive photoplethysmographic sensor platform for mobile animals such as small rodents, namely rats and mice is useful such as in a laboratory research environment. The noninvasive photoplethysmographic sensor platform may be a collar which provides an easily affixed, adjustable attachment mechanism that encircles the animal, such as the neck. The neck of the animal provides several particular advantages as a sensor mounting platform for photoplethysmographic sensors. For pulse oximetry, the neck location will provide significant blood flow under all conditions. For small mammals, such as rats and mice, transmittance pulse oximetry through the neck of the subject remains possible. The neck mounted collar also offers inherent bite resistance to the sensor platform.

Abstract: Medical devices and techniques derive breath rate, breath distention, and pulse distention measurements of a subject from a pulse oximeter system coupled to the subject. These parameters together with the conventional physiologic parameters obtained from a pulse oximeter system can be used to assist in controlling the ventilation levels and the anesthesia levels of the subject. The development has human applications and particular application for animal research.

Abstract: Medical devices and techniques derive breath rate, breath distention, and pulse distention measurements of a subject from a pulse oximeter system coupled to the subject. These parameters together with the conventional physiologic parameters obtained from a pulse oximeter system can be used to assist in controlling the ventilation levels and the anesthesia levels of the subject. The development has human applications and particular applications for animal research.

Abstract: Medical devices and techniques derive breath rate, breath distention, and pulse distention measurements of a subject from a pulse oximeter system coupled to a subject. These parameters, together with the conventional physiologic parameters obtained from a pulse oximeter system, can be used to assist in controlling the ventilation levels and the anesthesia levels of the subject. The development has human applications and particular applications for animal research.

Abstract: A tail mounted clip adapted to receive one or more sensors thereon that incorporate at least one circular groove on a tail engaging face thereof for locating the clip on the tail of a subject and retaining clip and associated sensor(s) properly in place. This configuration allows the clip to be securely located in any circumferential orientation around the tail of the subject. The present invention will have the sensors properly positioned adjacent the tail and will prevent relative movement between the sensors and the tail. The tail mounting clip is used to hold an LED sensor and photodiode for making pulse-oximetry measurements, also called a photoplethysmographs.