Abstract: The system and method for flow triggering pressure supported ventilation include a source of a predetermined, preinspiratory, constant flow of breathing gas to a patient, one or more flow sensors for measuring the rate of gas flow in a flow path communicating with the patient, means for determining when inhalation from the flow path has occurred, and means for generating pressure support in the delivered gas flow in response to inhalation by the patient, means to terminate pressure support when inspiratory phase concludes, and means to reestablish the predetermined, preinspiratory, continuous flow of breathing prior to the patient's next inspiratory effort. A plurality of individual gas sources preferably provide a controlled mixture of breathing gas. In combination with pressure support to the patient during the inspiration effort, the flow triggering strategy of the invention offers significant improvements in providing breath support to patients having weakened respiratory capabilities.

Abstract: The method for flow triggering breath supported ventilation is accomplished by providing a system comprising a source of a predetermined, preinspiratory, constant flow of breathing gas and connecting such to a patient breathing attachment. One or more flow sensors measure the gas flow rate in a flow path communicating with the patient breathing attachment, determining when inhalation from the flow path has occurred. Breath support is generated in the delivered gas flow in response to inhalation by the patient, and the predetermined, preinspiratory, continuous flow of breathing gas is reestablished prior to the patient's next inspiratory effort. In combination with various types of breath support, the flow triggering strategy of the invention offers significant improvements in providing breath support to patients having weakened respiratory capabilities.

Abstract: The system and method for flow triggering pressure supported ventilation include a source of a predetermined, preinspiratory, constant flow of breathing gas to a patient, one or more flow sensors for measuring the rate of gas flow in a flow path communicating with the patient, means for determining when inhalation from the flow path has occurred, and means for generating pressure support in the delivered gas flow in response to inhalation by the patient, means to terminate pressure support when inspiratory phase concludes, and means to reestablish the predetermined, preinspiratory, continuous flow of breathing prior to the patient's next inspiratory effort. A plurality of individual gas sources preferably provide a controlled mixture of breathing gas. In combination with pressure support to the patient during the inspiration effort, the flow triggering strategy of the invention offers significant improvements in providing breath support to patients having weakened respiratory capabilities.