Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating the transfer of an oscillating ventilator apparatus from one patient to the next, without requiring disinfection of the air pulse generating diaphragm and components, by separating the airway of the patient from the air pulse generating apparatus by a patient isolation apparatus comprising a patient isolation connection unit which mounts a flexible, fluid-impervious diaphragm in sealing relation to the ventilator housing and in adjacent relationship to the outer face of the air pulse generating apparatus, whereby no fluids emanating from the patient can contact said air pulse generating apparatus. The patient isolation apparatus may be disposed of after use with one patient, or may be disinfected and reused.

Abstract: A method of ventilating an air breathing animal at a high frequency. A flow of gas is supplied to the first side of a piston mounted within a housing while the flow of gas out of the housing is restricted to elevate the pressure on the first side of the piston. A flow of gas is also supplied to the second side of the piston, which is connected to an air breathing animal, while the piston is alternately moved back and forth within the housing at a selected frequency, amplitude and period, thereby alternately forcing gas into and drawing gas out of the animal. The flow of gas out of the animal is also restricted to elevate the pressure on the second side of the piston. The flow of gas to the first side of the piston both cools the piston and housing and helps to equalize the pressures on both sides of the piston, helping to insure accurate conversion of the mechanical movement of the piston into a pressure wave in the gas on the second side of the piston.