Abstract: Upon the detection of an appropriate apnea event, respirating gas supply apparatus according to various embodiments supply stimulus to the upper airway passages of an in vivo respiratory system in an effort to dislodge any occlusion or obstruction in the upper airway passages. In one embodiment the stimulus applied is a high pressure pulse of gas. In another embodiment an electrical signal is applied to an electromyographic electrode (270) positioned in proximity to a nerve controlling a muscle or organ which may obstruct the upper airway passage.

Abstract: In various embodiments of a respirating gas supply method and apparatus a control circuit (32) responsive to a sensor (28) operates valve means (26) to supply pulses of respirating gas through a single hose cannula (48) to an in vivo respiratory system when negative pressure indicative of inspiration is sensed by the sensor (28). The control circuit (32) operates the valve (26) to communicate the in vivo respiratory system with a supply of gas (20) only if the negative pressure sensed by the sensor (28) does not occur within a predetermined yet selectively variable required minimum delay interval between successive pulsed applications of gas to the in vivo respiratory system. The pulse of gas applied to the in vivo respiratory system can be spiked pulses or square pulses. Humidifiers, nebulizers, and sources of a second gas are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Apnea event detection is also provided.

Abstract: Upon the detection of an appropriate apnea event, respirating gas supply apparatus according to various embodiments supply stimulus to the upper airway passages of an in vivo respiratory system in an effort to dislodge any occlusion or obstruction in the upper airway passages. In one embodiment the stimulus applied is a high pressure pulse of gas. In another embodiment an electrical signal is applied to an electromyographic electrode (270) positioned in proximity to a nerve controlling a muscle or organ which may obstruct the upper airway passage.

Abstract: A fluidically-operated respirator comprises an apneic event circuit (10) and a demand gas circuit (20). The apneic event circuit (10) comprises a variable capacitance device (132) and an exhaust means (130) which rapidly discharge fluid from the circuit (10) when an inspiration occurs. If an apneic event occurs, the circuit (10) activates one or more signals (136) as a predetermined volume of fluid is built up in the circuit (10). The demand gas circuit (20) of the respirator supplies respirating gas to a patient at the beginning of an inspiration and for a time period which is a fraction of the duration of the inspiration.

Abstract: In various embodiments of a respirating gas supply method and apparatus a control circuit (32) responsive to a sensor (28) operates valve means (26) to supply pulses of respirating gas through a single hose cannula (48) to an in vivo respiratory system when negative pressure indicative of inspiration is sensed by the sensor (28). The control circuit (32) operates the valve (26) to communicate the in vivo respiratory system with a supply of gas (20) only if the negative pressure sensed by the sensor (28) does not occur within a predetermined yet selectively variable required minimum delay interval between successive pulsed applications of gas to the in vivo respiratory system. The pulse of gas applied to the in vivo respiratory system can be spiked pulses or square pulses. Humidifiers, nebulizers, and sources of a second gas are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Apnea event detection is also provided.

Abstract: A fluidically-operated respirator comprises an apneic event circuit (10) and a demand gas circuit (20). The apneic event circuit (10) comprises a variable capacitance device (132) and an exhaust means (130) which rapidly discharge fluid from the circuit (10) when an inspiration occurs. If an apneic event occurs, the circuit (10) activates one or more signals (136) as a predetermined volume of fluid is built up in the circuit (10). The demand gas circuit (20) of the respirator supplies respirating gas to a patient at the beginning of an inspiration and for a time period which is a fraction of the duration of the inspiration.

Abstract: A fluidically-operated respirator comprises an apneic event circuit (10) and a demand gas circuit (20). The apneic event circuit (10) comprises a variable capacitance device (132) and an exhaust means (130) which rapidly discharge fluid from the circuit (10) when an inspiration occurs. If an apneic event occurs, the circuit (10) activates one or more signals (136) as a predetermined volume of fluid is built up in the circuit (10). The demand gas circuit (20) of the respirator supplies respirating gas to a patient at the beginning of an inspiration and for a time period which is a fraction of the duration of the inspiration.

Abstract: A single fluidic flipflop serves as the primary control element in a respiratory ventilator, the flipflop selectively controlling an interface valve to intermittently interrupt the flow of gas from a source to the lungs of a patient through a flow line. In a pressure-limited embodiment positive and negative pressures in the flow line control the flipflop whereas in a volume limited embodiment a negative pressure provides one control for the flipflop and the second control is digitally derived from the volume of gas flowing to the patient. The ventilator is operable in the assist, control and intermittent mandatory ventilation modes. It may operate as an intermittent positive pressure breathing device or a positive end expiratory pressure device, depending upon a manually adjustable bias signal applied to the flipflop. Provision is made for both a manual and an automatic sigh control, and for selectively inflating an endotracheal cuff.