Abstract: A signaling apparatus for an anesthesia machine, the signaling apparatus comprising an user input sub-module for receiving input information from an user, an available gas sub-module for signaling types of currently available gases according to information of the user input sub-module, and an available gas outlet sub-module for signaling currently available gas outlets according to information of the user input sub-module.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a technique for monitoring patient utilization of inhaled Nitric Oxide as well as waste exhaust of Nitric Oxide in gases exhaled from patient lungs. By monitoring the real dose provided to a patient, actual compliance with therapeutic target doses may be monitored to improve patient safety and therapeutic benefit from inhaled Nitric Oxide. Simultaneously, unnecessary waste of inhaled Nitric Oxide may be avoided thereby increasing the cost effectiveness of Nitric Oxide therapy. The minimization of Nitric Oxide waste has the further benefit of reducing environmental Nitrogen Dioxide levels in e.g. a NICU environment thereby mitigating medical personnel's Nitrogen Dioxide exposure.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a technique for monitoring patient utilization of inhaled Nitric Oxide as well as waste exhaust of Nitric Oxide in gases exhaled from patient lungs. By monitoring the real dose provided to a patient, actual compliance with therapeutic target doses may be monitored to improve patient safety and therapeutic benefit from inhaled Nitric Oxide. Simultaneously, unnecessary waste of inhaled Nitric Oxide may be avoided thereby increasing the cost effectiveness of Nitric Oxide therapy. The minimization of Nitric Oxide waste has the further benefit of reducing environmental Nitrogen Dioxide levels in e.g. a NICU environment thereby mitigating medical personnel's Nitrogen Dioxide exposure.

Abstract: A device for detecting the improper adjustment of a ventilatory support machine used on a mammal. The device (12) includes measuring elements (40) for taking a measurement, as a function of time, of a neurophysiological signal involved in the respiratory process of the mammal for at least two successive breathing cycles, each breathing cycle comprising a respiratory initiation time; an input for receiving a respiratory initiation signal (to) which is different from the neurophysiological signal; elements (42) for processing the neurophysiological signals, which are configured to process the neurophysiological signals for each respiratory initiation time over a period of time starting from the respiratory initiation time; and elements (44) for detecting an improper adjustment of the ventilator using the processed signals.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for monitoring and evaluating ventilatory parameters, analyzing those parameters and providing useful notifications and recommendations to clinicians. That is, modern ventilators monitor, evaluate, and graphically represent multiple ventilatory parameters. However, many clinicians may not easily recognize data patterns and correlations indicative of certain patient conditions, changes in patient condition, and/or effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Further, clinicians may not readily determine appropriate ventilatory adjustments that may address certain patient conditions and/or the effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Specifically, clinicians may not readily detect or recognize the presence of double triggering during ventilation.

Abstract: An inhaler (1) is proposed for delivering a preferably powdered formulation from a blister strip (3) having a plurality of blister pockets (4). The inhaler comprises a life span blocking device (31) which blocks opening of a cover (15) of the inhaler in a blocking state by means of locking element (39) interlocking the cover with a housing (19) of the inhaler.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to respiratory interfaces for use in treating various respiratory issues including, but not limited to, sleep disorder breathing (e.g. snoring, sleep apnea), and in other forms of assisted and unassisted respiration. Embodiments disclosed herein further relate to nasal prongs, flanges and valves for use with respiratory interfaces. Embodiments disclosed herein further relate to evaluating patient compliance with a respiratory interface and harvesting energy for the respiratory.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating a leak flow in a breathing assistance system including a ventilation device connected to a patient are provided. Data of a flow waveform indicating the flow of gas between the ventilation device and the patient is accessed. A specific portion of the flow waveform is identified, and a linear regression of the identified portion of the flow waveform is performed to determine an estimated leak flow in the breathing assistance system.

Abstract: A ventilator provides breathing support to a patient in an EMG controlled mode, and has an input that receives an EMG signal representative of breathing activity from the patient and a control unit for controlling the ventilation in dependence of said EMG signal. The ventilator has a registration unit that registers the actual breathing support provided from the ventilator to the patient, and the control unit determines if there is asynchrony between the EMG signal and the breathing activity and, in case of asynchrony, causes a switch from EMG controlled ventilation to a second ventilation mode not dependent on the EMG signal. If synchrony is detected the ventilator can return to EMG controlled ventilation.

Abstract: A non-heating flavor inhaler (1) comprises a suction holder (2) including an upstream section (10) extending from a front end thereof to a partition (4) in the suction holder (2), and a downstream section (14) extending from the front end thereof to a mouth end in the suction holder (2), the downstream section (14) having a front passage extending along the upstream section (10), an ambient air intake (12) provided in a circumferential wall of the suction holder (2) to connect the upstream section (10) to the outside, and a pouch (30) for releasing a tobacco flavor, the pouch (3) being located on the boundary between the upstream section (10) and the downstream section (14) and extending along a longitudinal axis of the suction holder (2).

Abstract: A system and method of providing bi-level CPAP therapy is provided that incorporates an infrared carbon-dioxide sensor to determine whether a patient is inhaling or exhaling. Patient exhalation causes the infrared light to be absorbed, while patient inhalation reduces the presence of carbon-dioxide causes little or no absorption of carbon-dioxide. The level of carbon-dioxide in an associated patient breathing interface is monitored for thresholds that trigger higher CPAP pressure upon inhalation and lower CPAP pressure upon exhalation.

Abstract: Methods relating to the power management of positive airway pressure apparatus using a battery are disclosed herein. The methods, in various aspects, are adapted to prolong the delivery of a positive airway pressurized therapy when the positive airway pressure apparatus is operated under battery power.

Abstract: Methods and devices to determine rate of particle production and the size range for the particles produced for an individual are described herein. The device (10) contains a mouthpiece (12), a filter (14), a low resistance one-way valve (16), a particle counter (20) and a computer (30). Optionally, the device also contains a gas flow meter (22). The data obtained using the device can be used to determine if a formulation for reducing particle exhalation should be administered to an individual.

Abstract: A test accessory for testing a variety respirators. The accessory is designed to compliment existing equipment to provide a robust assessment of respirator performance. The accessory may include a head form having an inflatable bladder capable of fitting a variety of sizes of respirator masks. In some embodiments, the inflatable bladder does not rely on adhesives to effect a seal, thereby eliminating manufacturing and quality assurance steps. The test accessory may also include a detachable instrumentation module that may be removed from the accessory, enabling calibration and maintenance at a remote facility without need for transporting the entire unit. The module may also house a memory device that may be upgraded with calibration data and firmware during the calibration process.

Abstract: Continuity of therapy associated with a respiratory treatment device may be measured. Information relating to therapy administered via the respiratory treatment device to a subject during a therapy session may be received. Based on the received information, a quantity of therapy interruption events that occurred during the therapy session may be determined. A continuity indicator may be determined based on the quantity of therapy interruption events that occurred during the therapy session. The continuity indicator is indicative of continuity of therapy associated with the respiratory treatment device during the therapy session.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for managing the ventilation of a patient being ventilated by a medical ventilator. The disclosure describes a novel approach of displaying ventilator information integrated with oximeter information. The disclosure further describes a novel approach of alarming based on the integration of ventilator information with oximeter information.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and apparatus for indicating battery cell status on a battery pack assembly used during mechanical ventilation. Embodiments described herein seek to provide methods for indicating battery cell status on the exposed exterior of a battery assembly pack both when the battery is in use and when the battery is not in use during mechanical ventilation. Embodiments utilize power from the ventilator as well as power from the battery pack itself to light the indicators during periods of battery use and non-use, respectively. Embodiments described herein further seek to provide an apparatus indicating battery cell status on the exposed exterior of the battery pack assembly during mechanical ventilation. Embodiments described herein further seek to provide an apparatus for a battery pack assembly used during mechanical ventilation. Embodiments described herein seek to provide a system for a ventilation system with an inserted battery pack assembly.

Abstract: A safety breathing apparatus has a sensor for measuring the difference in pressure between two point 1a, 1b in the gas delivered to a head unit 9. The sensor is used to measure the difference in the pressure of the gas supplied through the apparatus between the two points in the gas flow, and the pressure difference is then used to calculate the gas flow rate.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a mask body with a perimeter. The mask has a use position wherein the mask body covers at least the mouth and nose and the perimeter is in contact with the face surrounding at least the mouth and nose. At least one ultrasonic sensor is supported on the mask body in detecting proximity to the perimeter. The ultrasonic sensor is operable to detect ultrasound. The ultrasonic sensor allows leakage around the perimeter of the mask body to be detected.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include air-treatment mask systems having at least one controllable air-treatment device that is controlled responsive to one or more signals from at least one pollutant sensor, and related methods of operation and air-treatment masks. In an embodiment, an air-treatment mask system includes a wearable air-treatment mask having a mask body including a face-securing member, and at least one controllable air-treatment device supported by the mask body. The air-treatment device is configured to treat incoming air. The system includes at least one pollutant sensor configured to sense ambient air for a presence of at least one pollutant and output one or more signals responsive to the sensing. The system includes control electrical circuitry operably coupled to the air-treatment device and the pollutant sensor and configured to control operation of the controllable air-treatment device responsive to receiving the signal(s) from the pollutant sensor.

Abstract: A ventilation device for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of a patient has a gas flow generator, a gas delivery circuit optionally including a humidifier, a controller and sensors monitoring values of operational parameters of the device. The device further includes one or more relationships stored in data storage of the controller relating combinations of parameter values as being indicative of fault conditions of the device operation, the sensors and/or the fault detection process.

Abstract: The specification describes anesthesia systems with an integrated, extendable clinical center and clinician/anesthesia office that accommodates for physical separation of clinical and clerical functions. The disclosed anesthesia systems allow for a portion of the system to be brought closer to the patient such that clinical controls can be accessed while tending to the patient airway, without compromising office space available to the clinician or crowding the patient area.

Abstract: The invention provides a fail-safe module (FSM) integral with a sedation and analgesia system that meets the high-reliability needs of sedation and/or analgesia delivered by non-anesthetist practitioners. The FSM may operate in “real-time” in order to ensure optimal patient safety. The FSM may deactivate specific patient interfaces, user interfaces, and/or sedation and analgesia delivery in order to ensure patient safety and has redundant safety systems in order to provide the fail-safe module with an accurate assessment of controller functionality.

Abstract: In an apparatus for collection of waste anesthetic gases, and a method of using such an apparatus, the apparatus has a gas collection chamber with an input port to be connected to an exhaust of an anesthesia delivery system for receiving a first gas flow therefrom that contains a waste anesthetic gas component. An output port from the gas collection chamber is connected to a vacuum system for evacuation of an evacuation gas flow from the gas collection chamber. A bidirectional port leads to and from the gas collection chamber, which has an adsorbing unit connecting the gas collection chamber with an ambient environment surrounding the gas collection chamber. The apparatus provides for safe prevention of discharge of exhaled anesthetic gases into an ambient atmosphere surrounding the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus, a computer program, a method and a system for portable breathing assistance. The apparatus, computer program, method, and system are directed to a portable breathing system for providing pulmonary medical care to a patient, for obtaining a plurality of metrics associated with the breathing system and the patient, and for wirelessly communicating the metrics to one or more external computing devices.

Abstract: A modularized respiratory treatment apparatus provides various respiratory pressure treatments. The apparatus may be formed by discrete connectable modules such as a flow generator module, alarm module and/or humidifier module. Each module may include its own external casing or housing to independently retain or enclose the respective components that serve the function of the module. Different modules may be adapted with different components and functionalities and may be readily coupled using standardized gas and electrical connection configurations that have flow and communication paths that extend through the modules. When coupled, operation of the respiratory treatment apparatus may be controlled by detection of different modules, such as the alarm module that generates visual and/or audible alarms based on detected conditions, so as to selectively enable or disable different respiratory treatments.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring a therapy device, for example, an anesthesia device or a respirator, is provided by which an alarm device for triggering an alarm when the value drops beyond a warning limit (4) is automatically activated when a determined therapy parameter drops beyond this warning limit (4). The warning limit (4) is set automatically in this case. In addition, a therapy device monitored by the monitoring device and especially an anesthesia device as well as a respirator are provided. A process for triggering an alarm as well as a process for treating a patient is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a leak detection system and method for tube or catheter placement. The system and method includes acoustically sensing a leak in the seal between a tube or catheter within a body and the body cavity against which it is sealed, assisting the user in adjusting the system until the leak has been substantially sealed, and establishing system parameters to be used thereafter to maintain the system in an operating state that will substantially prevent leakage, all using a noninvasive acoustic technique.

Abstract: An airway device (14), that is used to maintain a clear airway in a patient, e.g. for artificial ventilation during surgery, comprises an inflatable cuff (26), which is inflated when in position in a patient's airway (24). The inflated cuff (26) provides a seal to maintain the device (14) in position in a patient's airway (24), and to prevent leakage of infected oropharangeal secretions into the patient's lungs. A method and apparatus (10) for monitoring: leaks in the pressure system of the device (14) that includes the cuff (26); blockage in the pressure system, and/or malpositioning of the airway device (14) during use.

Abstract: A humidification system is provided for a respiratory system is provided with a controller having two processors that monitor the operation of each other and of heating elements in the respiratory system to provide CPU redundancy and heating element control. Each heating element is provided with two control paths, for example a relay and a triac connected in series with the heating element and a power supply. Each heater element has one control path connected to a first one of the processors and at least one heating element has at least one control path connected to a second one of the controllers. A hardware watchdog monitors the operation of the first processor, and can be triggered by a signal from the second processor, in response to which it can disable all heating elements.

Abstract: Apparatus for oxygenating the airway of a patient may include a device for delivering an oxygen-carrying gas into the airway, a fire detection system configured to detect indications of an imminent or incipient fire in the airway, and a fire suppression system configured to suppress the imminent or incipient fire in the airway in response to detection of the fire in the airway by the fire detection system. A drape for use during surgery on a patient may include a sheet configured to cover an area of the patient during surgery, a fire detection system attached to the sheet and configured to detect indications of an imminent or incipient fire beneath the sheet, and a fire suppression system attached to the sheet and configured to suppress the imminent or incipient fire beneath the sheet in response to detection of the imminent or incipient fire by the fire detection system.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for monitoring nitric oxide delivery, wherein such apparatus comprises a display that provides a visual and/or numeric indication of the calculated dose of nitric oxide. Also described is a method of monitoring nitric oxide delivery, wherein the breathing gas flow rate and therapeutic gas flow rate are measured and used to determine the calculated dose of nitric oxide, which is then displayed. In some embodiments, an alert is provided when the calculated dose rises above or falls below a predetermined level or range.

Abstract: A process and a device/system are provided for the automatic identification of the type of a breathing tube. A memory element (5) is connected to the breathing tube (4). The memory element carries stored data identifying the breathing tube (4). The data are read by a reading unit (6), which is part of a respirator (1). The data may be read when the breathing tube (4) is brought into the vicinity of the respirator (1) or connected thereto.

Abstract: A respirator has one or more electrodes of e.g. conductive elastomer disposed on the surface of a face sealing member opposite to the surface which seals against the user's face. In use the integrity of the seal formed between the sealing member and the user's face is monitored by monitoring the electrical capacitance across that member between the electrode(s) and the user's face.

Abstract: A system for managing a supplemental gas supply in a breathing assistance system configured to provide breathing assistance to a patient includes a temperature sensor and a control system. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature associated with a breathing assistance system configured to deliver a first gas and a supplemental gas toward a patient. The control system is configured to automatically control the flow of the supplemental gas based at least on the monitored temperature.

Abstract: A compliance monitor (20) is attachable to or forms part of a drug delivery device, such as an inhaler (2). The monitor comprises a flexible portion (38) to enable a switch which is actuated by a user when delivering a dose of medicament. The monitor further comprises a sensor for sensing whether the device is properly positioned in contact with or relative to the user's body for administration of the medicament. For example, where the device is an inhaler and the sensor a temperature sensor, temperature variations caused by insertion of an inhaler mouthpiece into the user's mouth indicate whether the dose has been delivered into the patient's mouth. A memory in the compliance monitor stores a compliance record indicating whether or not the device was properly positioned each time a dose was delivered.

Abstract: A sensor device is disclosed for providing end of service life indication for an air purification filter. The sensor device has a cylindrical housing for insertion into a sorbent bed of a filter, and can be removed from the bed and reused at the end of the filter service. One or more sensors inside the housing are configured to sense physical/chemical characteristics of air passing through the sorbent bed, and to provide associated data to a sensor conditioning board within the housing. The sensor conditioning board processes the received data and conditions the data as desired. The housing is receivable in a cavity formed in the filter bed. A receiving structure receives the housing therein. Data from the one or more sensors can be used to calculate predicted end of service life of the filter. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention may be embodied as a system and/or a computer-based method for determining safe operation of a breathing gas system comprising the step of receiving a present oxygen concentration value from an oxygen concentration sensor. The method further comprises the step of receiving, at the computer, a present altitude value from an altimeter of the aircraft and using the computer to calculate an alarm flow rate, where the alarm flow rate is a function of the present oxygen concentration value and the present altitude value. The method may further comprise the step of receiving, at the computer, a present flow value from a flow meter, where the present flow value represents the rate of flow of breathing gas to the user. The method may comprise the step of comparing the calculated alarm flow rate to the received present flow value to determine a safe operation of the oxygen system.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for compensating for leakage when during delivery of gas from a medical ventilator in a proportional assist mode to a patient. The technology described herein includes systems and methods to compensate the delivery of PA ventilation for leakage in the patient circuit by using leak-compensated lung flows as well as leak-compensated respiratory mechanics parameters (lung compliance and lung resistance) estimated in a manner that compensates for elastic and inelastic leaks from the ventilation system.

Abstract: Intubation is a potentially dangerous invasive procedure with many plausible errors, such as over-inflation of a cuff and insertion of an intubation tube in the wrong lumen, potentially resulting in a patient's internal bleeding, suffocation, or even death. An intubation aide according to example embodiments of the present invention allows intubation of a patient, while eliminating potential injury to the patient, increasing accuracy and reliability of the placement of the intubation tube, and drastically decreasing procedural time. Within moments of insertion of the device into a patient, the medical caregiver knows, with complete certainty, the location of the intubation device without applying traditional time-consuming tasks. Embodiments also provide patient safety, if intubated for a prolonged periods, by regulating an inflation pressure of the cuff. The intubation aide can also be used for training purposes and is ideal for intubation in hospital and field settings.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a lung ventilation device fitted with a patient monitoring and surveillance graphical interface comprising technical and functional characteristics that can reduce the cognitive load of the medical staff members in environments whose monitored beds require safe and efficient surveillance, principally for the identification and detection of parameters that are monitored at distance. More particularly, the present invention comprises a graphical interface whose configuration allows visualization at distance and interpretation of the main parameters associated with the patient, as well as includes means for facilitating the detection of the occurrence of critical alarms, even by an operator away from the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is an information display and control device of a powered air purifying respirator wherein air flow of a blower device is electronically detected using a precision air flow sensor mounted to the blower device without using an air flow display device, and a graphic screen that displays an air flow level meter is displayed on the blower device or an additionally manufactured remote controller so that the air flow of the blower device can be checked during operation. The information display and control device includes a remote controller that is capable of allowing a worker to inspect an air flow state, to detect remaining battery power and expected use time, and to manipulate a blower device and exchanging information even in a state in which the worker wears the air purifying respirator and the blower device.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for monitoring nitric oxide delivery, wherein such apparatus comprises an indicator to inform a user of the apparatus when the flow of breathing gas rises above or falls below a predetermined level or range. Also described is a method of monitoring nitric oxide delivery, wherein the flow of breathing gas is measured and displayed. In some embodiments, an alert is provided when the flow of breathing gas rises above or falls below a predetermined level or range.

Abstract: A ventilator including a pneumatic system for providing and receiving breathing gas, and a controller operatively coupled with the pneumatic system. The controller is operable to control circulation by the pneumatic system of breathing gas to and from a patient, and to adjust at least one of a volume and pressure of breathing gas delivered to the patient, such adjustment being based upon elastic properties of a component used to fluidly couple the pneumatic system to a patient.

Abstract: A method of intubating a subject is disclosed. The method comprises inserting an endotracheal tube into the tracheal airway of the subject; inflating a cuff associated with the endotracheal tube within the airway below the vocal cords; measuring a level of at least one measure being indicative of leakage of secretion past the cuff to the lungs; comparing the level of the measure with an optimal level of the measure; and adjusting inflation of the cuff based on the comparison so as to generally minimize leakage of secretion from above the cuff to the lungs, while minimizing pressure associated damages to the airway. The measure(s) can be carbon dioxide concentration, a proxy measure from which such concentration can be inferred, or the level of one or more additives delivered to a subject during intubation.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for compensating for leakage when determining the respiratory mechanics of a patient during delivery of gas from a medical ventilator to a patient. The systems and methods include monitoring an instantaneous flow in the ventilation system based on one or more measurements of pressure and flow in ventilation system. The leakage is modeled using a predetermined leakage model. A leak-compensated instantaneous lung flow of gas inhaled or exhaled by the patient is estimated. Using the leak-compensated lung flow and a predetermined respiratory mechanics model, the respiratory mechanics of a patient may be estimated including at least one of a leak-compensated lung compliance and a leak-compensated lung resistance. The method may include using a dynamic respiratory mechanics model or a static respiratory mechanics model that requires use of a pause maneuver to collect the necessary data.

Abstract: A ventilator with a safe standby mode is provided. The safe standby mode allows a user to disconnect a patient from the ventilator, without the ventilator generating alarms and while maintaining previously entered ventilation parameters. In addition, while in the safe standby mode, a patient connection status is monitored, and a ventilation mode is entered automatically if the ventilator determines that a patient is connected to the ventilator while the ventilator is in the safe standby mode.

Abstract: A gas flow indicator (12) for medical equipment is described which is configured to provide an audible indication of gas flow. The medical equipment may be in form of a respiratory care device, an airway management device, a heat moisture exchanger (10), an oxygen enrichment device (92,112) or a breathing mask (132).

Abstract: A method for providing battery security in a breathing assistance system configured to provide breathing assistance to a patient is provided. A battery security system of the breathing assistance system receives battery data from a battery received in the breathing assistance system, and analyzes the received battery data to determine whether the battery is approved for use in the breathing assistance system. If the battery is determined to be approved for use in the breathing assistance system, the battery is allowed to provide power to the breathing assistance system. If the battery is not determined to be approved for use in the breathing assistance system, the battery is prevented from providing power to the breathing assistance system.

Abstract: A device includes a cartridge containing a filter material. An insert extends through at least a portion of the filter material. The insert has gas sample path with an opening to provide a sample of air that is representative of the saturation of the filter material. A return path may be included in the insert to return sampled gas to the filter material. A gas mask contains a gas sensor and coupled to the cartridge, which may be replaced when saturated.