Abstract: Method and apparatus varies the oxygen concentration level of air delivered to a person for treatment on training purposes. The apparatus includes a display device for displaying current physiological data as well as data from previous sessions for comparison purpose. The oxygen level is precisely controlled by a central processing unit in response to input data from the person.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for the measurement, aggregation and analysis of data collected using non-contact or minimally-contacting sensors provides quality of life parameters for individual subjects, particularly in the context of a controlled trial of interventions on human subjects (e.g., a clinical trial of a drug, or an evaluation of a consumer item such as a fragrance). In particular, non-contact or minimal-contact measurement of quality-of-life parameters such as sleep, stress, relaxation, drowsiness, temperature and emotional state of humans may be evaluated, together with automated sampling, storage, and transmission to a remote data analysis center. One component of the system is that the objective data is measured with as little disruption as possible to the normal behavior of the subject. The system can also support behavioral and pharmaceutical interventions aimed at improving quality of life.

Abstract: Sleep related conditions of a subject are monitored and/or diagnosed based on both sleep quality and apnea hypopnea index. A first sleep test is performed in which a sleep quality of the subject and an apnea-hypopnea index are determined. A determination is made as to whether results of the first sleep test meet a first condition based on both the sleep quality and apnea-hypopnea index of the subject associated with the first sleep test. Responsive to the results of the first sleep test failing to meet the first condition, a recommendation of a treatment for the subject is provided. An efficacy of the treatment is confirmed in a second sleep test involving the treatment by determining whether results of the second sleep test meet the first condition based on both the sleep quality and apnea-hypopnea index of the subject associated with the second sleep test.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for delivering respiratory treatment to a patient. For example, a treatment system may include a mechanism for delivering a positive pressure breath to a patient, and one or more limb flow control assemblies which modulate gas flow to and from the patient. Exemplary treatment techniques are embodied in anesthesia machines, mechanical ventilators, and manual ventilators.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system that automatically detects patient-ventilator asynchrony and trends in patient-ventilator asynchrony. The present disclosure describes a framework that uses pressure, flow, and volume waveforms to detect patient-ventilator asynchrony and the presence of secretions in the ventilator circuit.

Abstract: A drug administration controller has a sensor that generates a sensor signal to a physiological measurement device, which measures a physiological parameter in response. A control output responsive to the physiological parameter or a metric derived from the physiological parameter causes a drug administration device to affect a treatment of a person, such as by initiating, pausing, halting or adjusting a dosage of drugs administered to the person.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for accurate leak estimation in a flow generation system includes measuring a total flow through the flow generation system, measuring a pressure in the primary flow circuit of the flow generation system, determining when the measured pressure is within a predetermined threshold of EPAP, and calculating an intentional leak flowrate and an unintentional leak flowrate based on the relationship QFS(t)=QIL(t)+QUL(t) when the measured pressure is within the predetermined threshold. In another embodiment, a flow generation system includes in one embodiment an airflow generator connected in-line to a flow sensor, a pressure sensor and a patient interface connection by a first gas flow circuit, and a controller electrically coupled to the airflow generator, the flow sensor and the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A ventilator is configured to assist a user with breathing, while eliminating the need for extraneous sensors and tubing normally found in prior art ventilators. The ventilator relies on a predetermined relationship between a measurable quantity associated with a compressed gas and the maximum pressure of that compressed gas upon delivery to the user. The measurable quantity may be mass flow rate of the compressed gas or pressure within a delivery lumen used to transport the compressed gas, among others. Based on the predetermined relationship, the control logic within the ventilator determines whether the pressure of compressed gas delivered to the user exceeds a maximum allowable pressure. When the maximum pressure is exceeded, the control logic initiates corrective action to reduce the pressure of the compressed gas.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide automated controls for a respiratory pressure therapy device, such as a servo-ventilator. For example, a controller of a respiratory pressure therapy device may control application of pressure support ventilation therapy to an airway of a patient. The controller may control the respiratory pressure therapy device to auto-titrate an expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) of a pressure support ventilation therapy so as to maintain airway patency of the patient. The EPAP may be bounded below by a floor pressure limit. The controller may control the respiratory pressure therapy device to repeatedly adjust the floor pressure limit depending on events of interest during the auto-titration of the EPAP. Such methodologies may improve treatment for patients such as those suffering from sleep disordered breathing-comorbid hyperarousal disorders.

Abstract: A mechanical ventilator (10) is connected with a ventilated patient (12) to provide ventilation in accordance with ventilator settings of the mechanical ventilator. Physiological values (variables) are acquired for the ventilated patient using physiological sensors (32). A ventilated patient cardiopulmonary (CP) model (40) is fitted to the acquired physiological variables values to generate a fitted ventilated patient CP model by fine-tuning its parameters (50). Updated ventilator settings are determined by adjusting model ventilator settings of the fitted ventilated patient CP model to minimize a cost function (60). The updated ventilator settings may be displayed on a display component (22) as recommended ventilator settings for the ventilated patient, or the ventilator settings of the mechanical ventilator may be automatically changed to the updated ventilator settings so as to automatically control the mechanical ventilator.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a method and system configured for detecting a gas delivery malfunction in a spontaneous mechanical ventilation mode. In some embodiments, the system comprises a pressure generator, a subject interface, one or more sensors, one or more processors, electronic storage, a user interface, and/or other components. The detection of a gas delivery malfunction in a spontaneous mechanical ventilation mode is implemented by generating a test flow of gas for delivery to an airway of a subject, and monitoring a responsive flow of gas in the subject interface. If one or more parameters associated with the responsive flow of gas demonstrate inconsistencies with a reference flow of gas responsive to the test flow under a condition that there is no gas delivery malfunction, the system determines that there is a gas delivery malfunction.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance component is disclosed that changes shape when an electrical charge is provided. The amount of electrical charge that is applied may be based on values, characteristics, or user controlled parameters of the respiratory assistance system. The component may be all or part of a patient interface, a tube, a flow generator, and/or a sleep mat.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a rear window having hydrophobic portion, and a non-hydrophobic portion below the hydrophobic portion. A rear wiper system is mounted adjacent to a top of the rear window and includes a pivotable nozzle and a blower to direct an airstream through the nozzle onto the rear window.

Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator designed for medical use where the sieve beds, adsorbers, are designed to be replaced by a patient. The concentrator is designed so that the beds are at least partially exposed to the outside of the system and can be easily released by a simple user-friendly mechanism. Replacement beds may be installed easily by patients, and all gas seals will function properly after installation.

Abstract: A system and a method for expiratory flow limitation (EFL) detection by controlling positive pressure (e.g., PEEP) applied during expiration for a subject is based on a temporary perturbation or adjustment of a pressure level of positive pressure during exhalation on selected breaths. The different responses to such a perturbation of flow-limited breaths compared to non-flow limited breaths is used to assess EFL in a subject. Automatic adjustments of the positive pressure applied to the patient are used in the disclosed algorithm to abolish EFL, and are implemented through existing ventilators and other respiratory devices.

Abstract: Sensing circuitry of an implantable medical device (IMD) system may sense a cardiac signal that varies according to a cardiac cycle of a patient. Processing circuitry of the IMD system may determine a series of consecutive cardiac cycle length metric values based on the sensed cardiac signal, identify a plurality of pairs of the cardiac cycle length metrics, each of the pairs of cardiac cycle length metrics separated by an integer ‘n’ of the cardiac cycle length metrics, and construct a distribution of the pairs of cardiac cycle length metrics based on values of the cardiac cycle length metrics for each of the pairs. The processing circuitry may detect a sleep apnea episode of the patient based on one or more characteristics of the constructed distribution, and control communication circuitry of the IMD system to transmit an indication of the detected sleep apnea episode to the external computing device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a mechanical ventilation system for adjusting a level of ventilatory assist to a patient. A neuro-mechanical efficiency of the patient is determined. A control value is received at the mechanical ventilation system. The level of ventilatory assist to the patient is determined on the basis of the neuro-mechanical efficiency and of the control value. The mechanical ventilation system may be adjusted automatically based on the determined level of ventilatory assist to the patient. Alternatively, the determined level of ventilatory assist to the patient may be displayed for the benefit of an operator and a manual command may be received for adjusting the mechanical ventilation system.

Abstract: An oxygen delivery method for delivering oxygen stored in an oxygen tank to a recipient according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: receiving a prescription flow that is an oxygen delivery flow prescribed to the recipient; receiving a saving ratio, the saving ratio being input by the recipient and being a ratio of a prescription flow and an average delivery flow; selecting an oxygen delivery mode among a plurality of preset oxygen delivery modes based on the saving ratio; detecting a breathing pressure of the recipient; and controlling an oxygen delivery flow to the recipient based on the prescription flow, the saving ratio and detected breathing pressure.

Abstract: A tool for use in conjunction with a pressure support system that is structured to provide therapy to a patient to treat a condition of the patient by delivering a flow of breathing gas to the patient. The tool may be implemented on a portable electronic device or a PC and is configured to, among other things, provide customized/personalized education and feedback to the patient based, at least in part, on data that is measured by the pressure support system during the provision of therapy to the patient. The tool utilizes certain patient/therapy metrics, wherein each patient/therapy metric comprises raw data that was measured by the pressure support system and that has been processed (e.g., summarized and/or otherwise manipulated) to form the patient/therapy metric.

Abstract: Sleep environment control systems adjust sleep environments independently for individual users. A sleep environment control system delivers multiple environment adjustments via one opening to a user supported by a mattress. The environment adjustments include airflow, water vapor, light, and sound. The sleep environment control system can be placed in adjacent to the mattress thereby to deliver the environment adjustments to the user. The environment adjustments are delivered to the user in a localized fashion such that they do not disrupt other users. The sleep environment control system further generates the one or more environment adjustments.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to determining a corrected exhaled gas measurement during high flow respiratory therapy. Measuring exhaled gas concentration during high flow respiratory therapy is difficult and inaccurate due to a phenomenon known as flushing. The high flows delivered to the patient flush the dead space in the conducting airways, which causes a dilution effect that results in underestimated or overestimated exhaled gas measurement depending on the gas composition delivered by the high flow system. This can lead to incorrect clinical measurements and diagnoses. Various algorithms are disclosed herein to account for the dilution effect caused by flushing, allowing for the method of measuring gas concentrations to still be used accurately for clinical measurements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to wearable computing devices. In some embodiments, a wearable computing devices (“WCD”) for monitoring occupational hazards are disclosed. The WCD may include an apparel item having one or more control circuits affixed thereto. One or more sensors may be communicatively coupled to the computing device and configured to detect or monitor at least one of an aspect of a user of the WCD and an ambient environment of the user. The control circuits can be configured to generate one or more notifications when sensor data comprises a value above a threshold amount.

Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator designed for medical use where the sieve beds, adsorbers, are designed to be replaced by a patient. The concentrator is designed so that the beds are at least partially exposed to the outside of the system and can be easily released by a simple user-friendly mechanism. Replacement beds may be installed easily by patients, and all gas seals will function properly after installation.

Abstract: A respiration device (1) supports cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and a method for operating a respiration device (1) supports cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The respiration device (1) has a control and regulation unit (7) in order to actuate an expiratory metering unit (3), and an inspiratory metering unit (2) such that, in a first phase, a current value of pressure is increased relative to a first pre-defined value (16) and such that, in a second phase, the current value of the pressure is reduced relative to the first pre-defined value (16).

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for providing drive pressure ventilation of a patient. The disclosure describes a novel breath type that provides a spontaneous breath type that allows for the calculation of drive pressure that does not require invasive monitoring, where drive pressure is the pressure applied to the lungs that causes them to inflate during mechanical ventilation.

Abstract: A system for generating nitric oxide can include an apparatus positioned in a trachea of a mammal, the apparatus including a respiration sensor for collecting information related to one or more triggering events associated with the trachea, an oxygen sensor for collecting information related to a concentration of oxygen in a gas, and one or more pairs of electrodes for initiating a series of electric arcs to generate nitric oxide, and the system for generating nitric oxide can also include a controller for determining one or more control parameters based on the information collected by the respiration sensor and the oxygen sensor, wherein the series of electric arcs is initiated based on the control parameters determined by the controller.

Abstract: An implantable pulse generator system includes a nerve stimulation unit providing vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) pulses; an autonomic tone sensor which determines the patient's autonomic status; and a control unit connected to the nerve stimulation unit and the autonomic tone sensor. The control unit controls the nerve stimulation unit to generate VNS with varying intensity, depending on the autonomic status (which is evaluated in a moving window). The control unit gradually increases VNS intensity when the autonomic status indicates a shift toward more sympathetic dominance, and it gradually decreases VNS intensity when the autonomic status indicates a shift toward more parasympathetic dominance, wherein the gradual increase and the gradual decrease of the VNS intensity follow two different paths.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting the presence of an anomaly within an observed physical signal. The observed signal includes an addition of a physical disturbance signal and a reference signal. The anomaly is relative to a change in the behavior of the reference signal compared with a first tolerance value. Such a method includes: determining a time span having at least one moment of interest; detecting the presence of the anomaly within the observed physical signal during the time span by conducting a hypothesis test using the first tolerance value, a first rate of tolerated false alarms, and data obtained from processing the observed signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for detecting a state of true perception loss of a human, the device including processing means operable to detect from information on electrical signals sensed adjacent to the scalp of the human the activity of oscillations present in the electrical signals as a marker for the state of true perception loss of the human.

Abstract: A sensor system for obtaining and displaying information relating to physiological parameters, such as Total Hemoglobin and Pulse rate for use by a user such as an athlete. The system can present the measured physiological parameters to the user in a useful way. For example the system can display a visual multi quadrant infographic display, which can present the total hemoglobin values measured by the system in a particular season. The system can also display a visual elevation infographic display, which can present a comparison of the total hemoglobin values measured by the system over a period of time and/or at various altitudes. The system can also display a visual yin-yang infographic display, which can present a comparison of one or more metrics calculated by the system or one or more parameters measured by the system. The system can provide useful information about the user's health and/or well-being and allow the user to quickly and easily view and interpret relevant information.

Abstract: Medical techniques include systems and methods for administering a positive pressure ventilation, a positive end expiratory pressure, and a vacuum to a person. Approaches also include treating a person with an intrathoracic pressure regulator so as to modulate or upregulate the autonomic system of the person, and treating a person with a combination of an intrathoracic pressure regulation treatment and an intra-aortic balloon pump treatment.

Abstract: An example method for detecting a sleep apnea event can include: capturing a plurality of infrared images of an individual breathing; developing a spatial template based upon the infrared images, the spatial template defining at least a normal breathing pattern; using the spatial template to analyze further infrared images of the individual during sleep; and detecting a sleep apnea event using the spatial template and the further infrared images.

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 method and apparatus for providing ventilatory assistance to a spontaneously breathing patient. An error signal is computed that is the difference between a function of respiratory airflow over a period of time and a target value. Using a servo loop, air is delivered to the patient at a pressure that is a function of the error signal, the phase of the current breathing cycle, and a loop gain that varies depending on the magnitude of the error signal. The loop gain increases with the magnitude of the error signal, and the gain is greater for error signals below a ventilation target than for error signals above the ventilation target value. The target value is an alveolar ventilation that takes into account the patient's physiologic dead space.

Abstract: Various characteristics of a gas flow can be sensed at the end of a respiratory conduit near the patient interface using a sensing module. The sensing module can be removable from the patient end of the respiratory conduit for ease of use and ease of cleaning. The sensor module can transmit sensor data over the same wires used to heat the respiratory conduit.

Abstract: A nasal/oral cannula for collecting a flow of exhaled gases and its method of manufacture are disclosed. The cannula comprises an elongated tubular body having a first and a second end portion, a surface and an internal volume; a wall internally disposed within said tubular body, said wall defining a first subvolume of said internal volume in the lengthwise direction of the tubular body; and an inlet through said surface, for introducing exhaled gases into said first subvolume. The first end portion defines an exit port for exhaled gases from said subvolume, and said wall is arranged directly adjacent to said inlet.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an aviation communication headset includes, but is not limited to, at least one microphone; one or more speakers; one or more docks configured to interface with one or more eyepieces; and at least one control unit operable to perform operations including at least: detecting a presence of one or more eyepieces at the one or more docks; and outputting aviation flight information via the one or more docks for display on the one or more eyepieces.

Abstract: A ventilator control signaling method includes recording an electromyogram signal of values following one another in time and transforming the electromyogram signal into an evaluation signal by applying an evaluation function. An evaluation signal value is assigned to a signal value of the electromyogram signal in the transformation. The evaluation function is determined by a main parameter set that defines which signal value of the evaluation signal is assigned to a particular signal value of the electromyogram signal when the evaluation function is applied in the transformation. A signal value height of the evaluation signal indicates whether the electromyogram signal corresponds to a first state or a second state. A control signal is generated from signal values and is set to switch a ventilator to an inhalation or an exhalation operating mode depending on the state of the evaluation signal. A ventilator is configured to perform the method.

Abstract: A system for cooling the brain of a human subject, includes a cooling subsystem which inputs a flow of air or breathable gas, cool the air or breathable gas, and output cooled air or breathable gas which is delivered to a human subject. A flow control device to controls a flow rate of the flow of the air or breathable gas input to the cooling subsystem and a flow rate of the cooled air or breathable gas delivered to the human subject. One or more flow rate sensors measure at least a flow rate of flow of cooled air or breathable gas. One or more temperature sensors measure at least a temperature of a brain and the temperature of the flow of cooled air or breathable gas. A controller adjusts a cooling rate, the temperature, and the flow rate of flow of cooled air or breathable gas delivered to the human subject to cool the brain of the human subject.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance apparatus is configured to provide a heated and humidified glow of gases and has a control system that is configured to detect a fault in the flow path. A flow path is provided for a gases stream through the apparatus from a gas inlet through a blower unit and humidification unit to a gases outlet. A flow rate sensor is provided in the flow path and is configured to sense the flow rate and generate an flow rate signal and/or a motor speed sensor is provided that is configured to sense the motor speed of the blower unit and generate an indicative motor speed signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining two or more respiratory parameters relating to an individual and a method for determining two or more respiratory parameters relating to an individual by means of the device. The disclosed device and method may be used in an individual suffering from pulmonary gas exchange problems relating to gas exchange of oxygen and/or carbon dioxide, e.g. a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The device and method may also be used in a healthy individual or in an animal, e.g. for research experiments. The device has detection means for oxygen and carbon dioxide contents in inspired and expired gas and blood.

Abstract: This disclosure describes improved systems and methods for displaying respiratory data to a clinician in a ventilatory system. Respiratory data may be displayed by any number of suitable means, for example, via appropriate graphs, diagrams, charts, waveforms, and other graphic displays. The disclosure describes novel systems and methods for determining and displaying ineffective patient inspiratory or expiratory efforts or missed breaths in a manner easily deciphered by a clinician.

Abstract: Automated methods provide a ventilation sufficiency assessment to evaluate patient respiration. In some embodiments, a ventilation histogram maybe determined from a measure of patient respiratory flow. Based on the histogram or associated ventilation data, hypoventilation or hyperventilation occurrences may be detected. For example, a kurtosis index and/or skewness index may be calculated with the data associated with the ventilation histogram and may be evaluated as an indication of hypoventilation or hyperventilation. An assessment of the number of peaks and other features of the ventilation histogram, such as in the case of a bimodal ventilation histogram, may be implemented to detect an occurrence of ventilation insufficiency or sufficiency. The detection methodologies may be implemented by a specific purpose computer, a detection device that measures a respiratory airflow or a respiratory treatment apparatus that provides a respiratory treatment regime based on the detected ventilation sufficiency.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices for therapeutic or medical gas delivery that utilize at least one proportional control valve and at least one binary control valve. The proportional control valve may be in series with the binary control valve to provide a valve combination capable of pulsing therapeutic gas at different flow rates, depending on the setting of the proportional control valve. Alternatively, the proportional control valve and binary control valve may be in parallel flow paths.

Abstract: A boost fan structure includes a base, a motor driver set, a rotary blade set, and an outer shroud. The base has a frame and an inner guider having a body and plural static blades. The body is disposed in the frame and has an annular curved surface and a receiving space. The static blades are formed on the annular curved surface and exposed out of the frame. The motor driver set is disposed in the receiving space. The rotary blade set is disposed on a side of the inner guider and is driven by the motor driver set to rotate. The outer shroud has a shell having a curved inner wall. The shell covers the rotary blade set and the inner guider to be combined with the frame.

Abstract: Described are methods and devices for therapeutic or medical gas delivery that utilize at least one proportional control valve and at least one binary control valve. The proportional control valve may be in series with the binary control valve to provide a valve combination capable of pulsing therapeutic gas at different flow rates, depending on the setting of the proportional control valve. Alternatively, the proportional control valve and binary control valve may be in parallel flow paths.

Abstract: Automated methods provide leak detection that may be implemented in a respiratory treatment apparatus. In some embodiments, the detection apparatus may automatically determine and score different types of leak events during a treatment session, including, for example, continuous mouth leak events and valve-like mouth leak events. The detection methodologies may be implemented as a data analysis of a specific purpose computer or a detection device that measures a respiratory airflow or a respiratory treatment apparatus that provides a respiratory treatment regime based on the detected leak. In some embodiments, the leak detector may determine and report a leak severity index. Such an index may combine data that quantifies different types of leak events.

Abstract: A low-cost CPAP apparatus in which, upon detection of the transition from inhalation to exhalation, the blower motor is de-energized to allow it to freewheel. When the pressure in the patient mask (or whatever interface is utilized) reaches a minimum pressure level during exhalation, the motor is re-energized and its speed is controlled so to maintain the pressure at a level suitable for exhalation. Upon detection of the transition from exhalation to inhalation, the motor speed is increased to provide higher pressures in the patient mask suitable for inhalation.

Abstract: A method of controlling a ventilator to provide spontaneous breathing support includes determining a target CO2 value, determining a support pressure, detecting a patient-generated spontaneous breath, and delivering ventilation gas to the patient based on the support pressure. A patient CO2 is then measured, along with measuring at least one of a patient breath rate and a breath volume. The patient CO2 is compared to the target CO2 value. The patient's respiratory drive is determined based on at least one of the patient breath rate and the breath volume. If elevated respiratory drive is detected, then the support pressure is adjusted accordingly. If elevated respiratory drive is not detected, then the target CO2 value is adjusted based on the measured patient CO2.

Abstract: A system and method to control oxygen supply uses determinations whether physiological sensors and/or a subject interface appliance have been displaced in relation to a subject and/or there has been movement of the subject itself. Artifacts that may reduce the accuracy of measurements of physiological parameters, in particular related to a level of arterial oxygen saturation, may be detected through determinations pertaining to sensor displacement, displacement of the subject interface appliance and/or movement of the subject.