Abstract: The invention relates to a system for mechanical ventilation comprising transducers for measurement of airway flow rate, pressure and CO2 and at least one computer that records and analysis the transducer signals. The operator defines physiological specified goals or accepts default values. Specified physiological goals relate to CO2 exchange and to volumes and pressures so as to minimise deleterious effects of ventilation. On the basis of physiological information about the respiratory system characterised according to the principle of volumetric capnography and lung mechanical parameters, the computer performs analytical calculations in order to identify one or more modes of ventilator operation leading to specified goals. Such a mode of operation is implemented manually or automatically in one or more steps. The physiological outcome of resetting is reported and an alarm is issued when the outcome deviates from expectations.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for examining the pulmonary mechanics of a respiratory system, in order to obtain information about the mechanical properties of the respiratory system's lungs, during an expiration of a flow of gas streaming out of the respiratory system is modulated, the volume of gas streaming out of the respiratory system is determined, the variation in pressure in the respiratory system is determined, and an expiratory pressure-volume relationship is determined from the expiratory volume and the expiratory variation in pressure.

Abstract: In order to select an optimal ventilation mode for mechanically ventilating a patient, from among a number of ventilation modes, a mathematical description of the patient's respiratory system is produced in a computer from measured parameters related to properties of the respiratory system, and in the computer the mathematical descriptions for different modes of ventilation are tested on the mathematical description to obtain simulated results. An operator can selected a mode of ventilation to be analyzed by comparing the simulated results with a therapeutic goal, so that an optimal ventilation mode can be selected. Alternatively, the computer can iteratively test a number of modeled ventilation modes to identify the ventilation mode which comes closest to the therapeutic goal.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for examining the pulmonary mechanics of a respiratory system, in order to obtain information about the mechanical properties of the respiratory system's lungs, during an expiration of a flow of gas streaming out of the respiratory system is modulated, the volume of gas streaming out of the respiratory system is determined in relation to time, the variation in pressure in the respiratory system is determined in relation to time, and an expiratory pressure-volume relationship from the volume/time relationship is determined from the volume/time relationship and pressure/time relationship.

Abstract: This invention comprises a respirator intended for connection to human or animal airways. A first device for supplying and receiving respiratory gas to and from the airways so that the lungs can be ventilated is combined with a second devices that provides a valve-regulated separate supply of gas to the airways independently of the respiratory gas flow provided by the first device. The second device incorporates at least one line used to supply gas under pressure. Furthermore there are a number of valves connected in parallel to this line, which provide a pulsating gas supply, and a control unit that can be used to control at least some of the gas pulse characteristics.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for reducing rebreathing of gas from the dead space (i.e., the volume of used gas, which during expiration has filled the airways and is brought back to the alveus at the following inspiration), at least during the final phase of expiration, a flow of used breathing gas is artificially evacuated from the patient through a gas conduit inserted into the patient's airway, the flow rate of evacuated gas being greater than the flow rate of the expiration gas which is being exhaled by the patient at the time. A flow of breathable gas is simultaneously supplied to the patient through gas conduit inserted in the airway, which may be the same conduit as is used for evacuation or a different conduit.

Abstract: A method and device to support blood circulation during ventilation of the lungs which include controlling the application of the respiratory gases to occur at a particular point in time in the heart activity, and applying a uniform pressure to resist expansion of the thorax cavity to increase pressure on the heart during the heart's systole. The device which applies a respiratory gas and the uniform pressure includes a control device which senses the heart's activity to determine the desired point in time of the heart cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering aerosol to the airways and/or lungs of a patient employ a separate inspiration line and expiration line connected to the patient, with an aerosol generator connected to the inspiration line. A respiration monitor is provided which generates signals corresponding to the breathing cycle of the patient, which is used to control the aerosol generator. Aerosol is generated during the expiration phase, and is deposited in the inspiration line. This permits adequate time to elapse before the aerosol is actually inhaled by the patient so that a stable droplet spectrum can be established. Moreover, a percisely controlled volume of respirator gas enriched with aerosol in the inspiration line can be supplied to the patient at exactly the proper point in time, independently of the flow volume.

Abstract: A method and device to support blood circulation during ventilation of the lungs which include controlling the application of the respiratory gases to occur at a particular point in time in the heart activity, and applying a uniform pressure to resist expansion of the thorax cavity to increase pressure on the heart during the heart's systole. The device which applies a respiratory gas and the uniform pressure includes a control device which senses the heart's activity to determine the desired point in time of the heart cycle.

Abstract: A method of mixing a plurality of gases in a specified proportion and dosing the resultant gas mixture comprises supplying individually controlled gas streams from suitable sources thereof in a pulse-like fashion to an enclosed chamber from where the resultant gas mixture can be delivered to a point of use, such as a patient undergoing anesthesiological or respirational treatment.Each gas source is connected, via feed lines each having a back-pressure valve and an on-off solenoid valve, via a common flow line to an enclosed mixing chamber. A first and, optionally, a second flow meter are operationally positioned between the common flow line and the enclosed mixing chamber and generate electrical signals in accordance with select properties of the gas streams passing through such flow meter. These signals are transmitted to a microprocessor-controlled regulating unit, which also controls the solenoid valves in accordance with a specified program to provide desired gas pulses to the enclosed mixing chamber.

Abstract: A facial mask for the transmission of a gaseous medium to a patient, which incorporates a sealing arrangement which is not damaging to the skin and, concurrently, hermetically seals off the face of the patient. The rim of a facial mask which is adapted to be positioned against the head of the patient has a sealing part which consists of such a material so as to be placeable into a rigid condition through the intermediary of a vacuum or reduced pressure which is present in the sealing part. A removable lid may be provided on the facial mask thereby facilitating that, if need be, the physician is capable of simple and rapid exposure of the patient's face.