Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for detecting and quantifying intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi) of a respiratory patient breathing with the assistance of a ventilator. A processing device receives respiratory airway data from one or more sensors adapted to non-invasively monitor a respiratory patient, calculates from the respiratory airway data two or more parameters that are indicative of or quantify intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure of the patient, and generates an indication intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi).

Abstract: A gas exchange testing system has an apparatus for delivery of an auxiliary gas during a gas exchange test. Measurements representing physiological parameters of a patient are made during the gas exchange test. The auxiliary gas is delivered so that a gas exchange test can be performed on a patient who requires auxiliary gas. Additionally, the auxiliary gas is delivered so that gas exchange testing can determine if the auxiliary gas is beneficial and which concentration of the auxiliary gas is most beneficial. A testing process compares measurements under a condition where the auxiliary gas is delivered and under a condition where it is not delivered. Another testing process compares measurements under a condition where one auxiliary gas is delivered and under a condition where a different auxiliary gas is delivered.

Abstract: There is provided herein methods, apparatus and systems for evaluating carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in a subject's breath, for example in subjects ventilated with High Frequency Ventilation (HFV), the method includes inserting to a trachea of a subject an endotrachial tube (ETT), sampling breath from an area in the trachea located in proximity to a distal end of the endotrachial tube (ETT) and evaluating one or more CO2 related parameters of the sampled breath.

Abstract: There is provided herein methods, apparatus and systems for evaluating carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in a subject's breath, for example in subjects ventilated with High Frequency Ventilation (HFV), the method includes inserting to a trachea of a subject an endotrachial tube (ETT), sampling breath from an area in the trachea located in proximity to a distal end of the endotrachial tube (ETT) and evaluating one or more CO2 related parameters of the sampled breath.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including a sensor, adapted to generate a sensor signal indicative of biorhythmic activity of a user of the apparatus, the sensor signal having a first characteristic, indicative of a voluntary action of the user, and a second characteristic, indicative of a benefit-related variable of the user. The apparatus also includes a control unit, adapted to receive the sensor signal, and, responsive to the second characteristics generate an output signal which directs the user to modify a parameter of the voluntary action indicated by the first characteristic.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a device for controlling and/or regulating a training and/or rehabilitation unit comprises a training and/or rehabilitation unit, a sensor unit having sensors for determining oxygen concentration and for determining carbon dioxide concentration, a control unit for the sensors, a microcontroller in the control unit for controlling the heating power of heating elements of the sensors, depending on breath flow volume, for maintaining constant sensor temperatures, and a resistance and/or braking arrangement of the training and/or rehabilitation unit that can be controlled and/or regulated based on a breathing gas composition determined by the sensor unit. The device can be used to increase endurance, preferably by way of altitude training.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to health monitoring systems and, in certain embodiments, to take-home monitoring systems designed for oral appliance monitoring. Embodiments include a method for obtaining data from an oral appliance. The method comprises placing an oral appliance comprising embedded electronics in an oral cavity, wherein the embedded electronics collect data; transmitting the data to a reader, wherein the reader comprises a computer, tablet computer, smart device, reader box, relay transmitter, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for monitoring, diagnosing and treating at least one medical respiratory condition of a patient are provided, including a medical data input interface adapted to provide at least one medical parameter relating at least to the respiration of the patient, and a medical parameter interpretation functionality (104, 110) adapted to receive the at least one medical parameter relating at least to the respiration (102) of the patient and to provide at least one output indication (112) relating to a degree of severity of at least one medical condition indicated by the at least one medical parameter.

Abstract: A heart monitoring system for a person includes one or more wireless nodes; and a wearable appliance in communication with the one or more wireless nodes, the appliance monitoring vital signs.

Abstract: A method for determining the metabolic capacity of an enzyme includes time-resolved determination of the concentration of a product in exhaled air. The product is created by metabolism of a substrate, previously administered to an individual, by an enzyme of the individual. The product concentration is determined until the maximum product concentration in the exhaled air is reached. A model function is fitted to measured values of the product concentration, obtained by the time-resolved determination of the product concentration between start and end times. The metabolic capacity of the enzyme is determined based on parameters of the model function. Determining the metabolic capacity of the enzyme takes place based on at least two parameters of the model function, wherein the maximum value and time constant of the model function are not selected as parameters at the same time, and the start and/or end times are not selected as parameters.

Abstract: A mainstream gas monitoring method includes a using a mainstream airway adapter and a gas sensing assembly associated with the mainstream airway adapter to measure an analyte of a gas flow through the adapter. A gas sensing portion outputs a signal indicative of the analyte in a gas flow in the mainstream airway adapter. A processing portion receives the signal from the gas sensing portion and determines an amount of the analyte in the gas flow based on the signal from the gas sensing portion. The processing portion also compensates for volumetric differences between the gas flow during inspiration and the gas flow during expiration to maximize the accuracy in the measurements.

Abstract: An inspection tube for use in the medical practice, in which sensors, such as a miniature electronic camera, are incorporated in the distal face of the tube. The sensors receive energy supplied via conduits running along the length of the tube, preferably embedded within the wall. Signals of the sensors are transmitted to the rear of the tube where they are fed into receivers. Sensor cleaning can be affected in some embodiments by conducting cleaning agents through a channel in the wall of the tube. An alarm procedure can be affected by comparing sensed pattern with a reference base pattern and defining a critical deviation from the reference base.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an tracheal tube having a sensor coupled to a selectively permeable membrane are provided. In some embodiments, the membrane may be permeable to one or more blood gases and/or blood analytes. Certain embodiments of the endotracheal tube may be capable of deploying the sensor during intubation to sense one or more indicators of blood flow characteristics, such as a level of blood gases and/or blood analytes, in the respiratory tract. Embodiments of the present invention may include positioning of the sensor in a variety of suitable positions with respect to the permeable membrane, such as mounting the sensor to the underside of an inflatable permeable membrane.

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: There is provided a method of evaluating a liver condition of a subject, the method includes computing a fluctuation parameter from a liver breath test based on at least one of a percentage dose recovery (PDR) curve and a delta over baseline (DOB) curve of an isotope labeled methacetin, or a salt or a derivative thereof, and evaluating at least one liver condition of the subject, based at least on the fluctuation parameter. There is provided herein a method of evaluating a liver condition of a subject, the method includes computing a hepatic impairment score based at least on a breath test related parameter and on a demographic parameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for determining a fertile phase of a woman by ascertaining a CO2 partial pressure in a respiratory gas of the woman in several consecutive breaths, comprising an inlet for receiving the respiratory gas, and an outlet, a sample chamber (2), into which the respiratory gas can be conducted, a measuring module (3) with a measuring element (4) with which a CO2 concentration in the respiratory gas in the sample chamber (2) can be measured, optionally a pressure sensor (5) for measuring an air pressure, a processor (7) for processing measured data obtained by means of the measuring module (3) and the pressure sensor (5), and at least one output unit (9) for outputting a result of the measured data.

Abstract: A method for weight and/or fitness management using a metabolic analyzer that measures metabolic data including oxygen and carbon dioxide. The metabolic analyzer includes integrated collection-detection sensors with for high efficiency and collection, high specificity and simultaneous detection of at least two metabolic signatures, including at least oxygen and carbon dioxide, in breath via a porous membrane with high density of sensing binding sites, where the porous membrane includes sensing materials such that the sensing binding sites are specific to the metabolic signatures, and change colors upon interactions with the metabolic signatures. Weight of the subject is measured using a weight measurement device and a recommendation for food intake and/or physical activity is based on at least the readings of the metabolic analyzer and weight of the subject.

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: A combination toothbrush and peak flow meter system for increasing the compliance of peak flow measurements in children and adults with asthma. The combination toothbrush and peak flow meter system includes a peak flow meter and a toothbrush head connected to an end of the peak flow meter. The peak flow meter transmits the peak flow measurement data to the hospital computer to be evaluated by a physician.

Abstract: A method and wristop (wrist worn) device for monitoring physical exercise. The wristop device includes a central unit, in which there is a display face and to which a wristband is, or can be attached, sensor means for collecting a hemodynamic signal from the wrist, and a data-processing unit functionally connected to the sensor means, for deriving at least one physiological parameter from the hemodynamic signal. The data-processing unit of the wristop device is arranged to derive from the hemodynamic signal at least one physiological parameter depicting respiration, and further, on the basis of this, to calculate at least one training-effect parameter depending on the person and the exercise. In addition, the device makes it possible to eliminate the use of pulse bands in monitoring the training effect of exercise.

Abstract: A compact and wearable metabolic analyzer transducer comprising a housing containing a plurality of analog sensors, an A/D converter, a microcontroller, and a power source operatively coupled thereto where the microcontroller is programmed to compute minute ventilation, O2 uptake, and CO2 production of a subject. The transducer and its contents are of a size and weight that can either be easily supported from a facemask worn by a subject or incorporated in a respiratory circuit. The measured values can be wirelessly transmitted or transmitted, via a cable, to a remote personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or other display devices such as digital watches or image projectors.

Abstract: A metabolism monitoring system, data analyzer, and method is disclosed for processing data to very quickly estimate metabolic parameters. The analyzer of the invention uses a dynamic observer state estimator to estimate the parameters and tracks their values as they change with alterations in the patient metabolism or testing conditions. The state estimator does not use the conventional steady state solutions. The observer predicts the patient consumption of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide at a subsequent point in time, corrects these values using measurements of air flow rate and chamber levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide taken at that subsequent time, and repeats for the next time. The corrected values are used for estimation of the metabolic parameters.

Abstract: A measurement device and a method for analyzing a sample gas by infrared absorption spectroscopy are described. The measurement device comprises: a measurement chamber with the sample gas to be analyzed, a laser being arranged in relation to the measurement chamber such that light being emitted from the laser radiates through the measurement chamber, a detection device detecting the light being emitted from the laser and radiated through the measurement chamber, and an evaluation unit evaluating signals generated by the detection device regarding a light absorption occurred in the measurement chamber.

Abstract: The system 10 includes an endoscopic probe 20 and an expired air sampling device 24 functionally connected to a control console 28. In use, the endoscopic probe 20 is routed through a body lumen of a patient to, for example, visualize a selected region of a patient's body. As the endoscopic probe 20 is routed through the body lumens, the expired air sampling device 24 collects expired air from the patient, generates signals indicative of patient respiratory status, and outputs the generated signals to the control console 28. The control console 28 processes the signals and monitors the respiratory status of the patient. If the respiratory status of the patient changes based on the processed signals of the expired air sampling device 24, the control console 28 may output an audible or visual alert signal.

Abstract: A combination toothbrush and peak flow meter system for increasing the compliance of peak flow measurements in children and adults with asthma. The combination toothbrush and peak flow meter system includes a peak flow meter and a toothbrush head connected to an end of the peak flow meter.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for monitoring respiratory disorders based on monitored factors of a photoplethysmography (PPG) signal that is representative of peripheral blood volume. The monitored factors can be respiratory effort as well as respiratory rate and/or blood oxygen saturation level. The systems and devices may or may not be implanted in a patient.

Abstract: A system (300) for measuring a metabolic parameter. The system includes an integrated airway adapter (20, 100, 200) capable of monitoring any combination of respiratory flow, O2 concentration, and concentrations of one or more of CO2, N2O, and an anesthetic agent in real time, breath by breath. Respiratory flow may be monitored with differential pressure flow meters under diverse inlet conditions through improved sensor configurations which minimize phase lag and dead space within the airway. Molecular oxygen concentration may be monitored by way of luminescence quenching techniques. Infrared absorption techniques may be used to monitor one or more of CO2, N2O, and anesthetic agents.

Abstract: A first cannula assembly includes a cannula attachable to a patient to extend along and at least partially cover one side of the patient's face and leave completely exposed the other side of the patient's face. A second cannula assembly includes a reusable unit and a disposable and replaceable loop-shaped mouthpiece. The reusable unit contains a suction pump having a flow inlet and a flow outlet, a power source operatively connected to the suction pump, a carbon dioxide sensor in fluid communication with the flow outlet, and a microprocessor adapted to use at least the carbon dioxide sensor to calculate a carbon dioxide level. The mouthpiece has first and second ends, wherein the first end is directly attached to the reusable unit and the second end is positionable in a patient's mouth. The mouthpiece includes at least one respiratory-gas-sampling port in fluid communication with the flow inlet of the pump.

Abstract: A compact and wearable metabolic analyzer transducer comprising a housing containing a plurality of analog sensors, an A/D converter, a microcontroller, and a power source operatively coupled thereto where the microcontroller is programmed to compute minute ventilation, O2 uptake, and CO2 production of a subject. The transducer and its contents are of a size and weight that can either be easily supported from a facemask worn by a subject or incorporated in a respiratory circuit. The measured values can be wirelessly transmitted or transmitted, via a cable, to a remote personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or other display devices such as digital watches or image projectors.

Abstract: A device for establishing an isolated perfusion including a pump arrangement, a venous catheter, and an arterial catheter, for establishing an artificial circulation in a target area of a human or animal body, which artificial circulation is isolated from the systemic circulation. The device has first means for feeding an analysis gas into the artificial circulation, and second means for monitoring whether a blood exchange takes place between the artificial circulation and the systemic circulation.

Abstract: Methods for assessing an overall digestive health of a patient are provided, which include administering a breath test that uses a label incorporated into proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids and further incorporating the labeled material into a meal which, when cooked, facilitates the binding of the label material to the solid phase matrix of the meal. Methods for assessing digestive functions of a patient are also provided, which includes concurrently administering a breath test and a scintigraphy test that measure gastric emptying in a stomach.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of methods and apparatus for the determination of various conditions of gastric and gastro-intestinal malfunction, especially those performed by means of breath tests.

Abstract: A calorimeter (1-7) comprising a volume sensor (11) to measure a volume of a breath, and a processing means (13) to calculate a metabolic rate from the output of the volume sensor; and wherein the calorimeter calculates a metabolic rate without means to measure the chemical constituents present in a breath.

Abstract: According to the present invention in a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus for determining the type of fuel burnt by a user, the apparatus comprising an oxygen sensor and a carbon dioxide sensor, and wherein the oxygen sensor and the carbon dioxide sensor are operable to establish the type of fuel burnt by a user of the apparatus.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a hand-held medical apparatus (10) for detecting a predetermined component of user breath and producing a breath-component signal over a measurement time. Such breath-component signal may be correlated to a user fat metabolism indicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for estimating a PaCO2 value for a patient subject to extracorporeal circulation by means of an oxygenator. The method comprises the steps of measuring a PexCO2 value in the exhaust gas of the oxygenator and the patient's arterial blood temperature value Ta, using a temperature sensor arranged in the oxygenator. The estimated PaCO2 value is then calculated, based on the measured PexCO2 value and the arterial temperature measurement. Advantageously, an average value determined from a predetermined number of recent PexCO2 values is used in the calculation. The calculation is performed by adding a correction term to the PexCO2 value, which is composed of a temperature dependent component and an offset component. The correction term may be adjusted by a user. The estimated PaCO2 value is presented on a display. A switch provides easy alteration between pH-stat mode and alpha-stat mode.

Abstract: In the fat burning value calculating apparatus (6), an electrocardiographic signal is detected (1, 41, 45-47) at the start of exercise, and a heart rate is calculated from the detected value. Further, a power of heart rate variability is calculated, and an AT level is determined from the variability power. Once the AT level is determined, a preset exercise program is executed. A work load during the exercise is detected, and consumed calories are calculated. Thereafter, the electrocardiographic signal during the exercise is detected, the heart rate is calculated from the detected signal, and a fat burning rate during the exercise is calculated. A fat burning amount is calculated from the consumed calories and the fat burning rate, their accumulated values are also calculated, and these values are displayed.

Abstract: A system and method for determining an individualized drug dosage is provided. The system includes a metabolic rate sensing means for sensing the metabolic rate of the individual. The system also includes a computing device having a processor, a memory, an input device, and a display device. The system further includes a data storage means operatively in communication with the processor, and the data storage means includes a drug database containing drug dosage data. The method includes the steps of determining a standardized dosage for a drug. The method also includes the steps of measuring the actual metabolic rate of the individual and determining a metabolic comparison factor by comparing the measured actual metabolic rate to a predetermined standard metabolic rate. The method further includes the steps of adjusting the standardized drug dosage using the comparison factor.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for detecting the circadian state of a patient using an implantable medical device based on selected blood carbon dioxide (CO2) parameters. In one example, the implantable device tracks changes in end tidal CO2 (etCO2) levels and changes in maximum variations of pCO2 levels per breathing cycle (?cycleCO2) over the course of the day and determines the circadian state based thereon. It has been found that average etCO2 levels are generally highest and average ?cycleCO2 levels are generally lowest while a patient is asleep and opposite while a patient is awake. Hence, by tracking changes in average etCO2 and ?cycleCO2 levels over the course of the day, circadian states can be detected. Minute ventilation and activity levels are used to assist in the determination of the circadian state. Additional techniques are directed to detecting the stage of sleep.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measurement of a living body, comprising: a personal data input unit; a basal metabolism input unit; a standard value storage unit; a comparison unit; and a display unit. According to the invention the personal data input unit enters at least an age of a person to be measured, the basal metabolism input unit enters a basal metabolism of the person to be measured, and the standard value storage unit stores standard values of basal metabolism according to the ages. Furthermore, the comparison unit compares the basal metabolism entered by the input unit with the standard values of basal metabolism according to the ages stored in said storage unit, and calculates a basal metabolic age indicating what age the basal metabolism of the person to be measured corresponds to. Then, the display unit displays the information about the calculated basal metabolic age.

Abstract: A process and a device are provided for determining the proportion of a component of the air exhaled by a breathing living being that is characteristic of the metabolic function of such living being. The invention relates to a process for determination of a first component Aa,1 in the air exhaled by a patient that is characteristic of the metabolic function of the patient such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or oxygen (O2), where the exhaled air having at least two components (i=1, 2, . . . ) each having a proportion Aa,i. The molecular weights M; and the adiabatic coefficients ki of the components are known. The process measures the velocity of sound vS in the exhaled air, and the portion Ai,1 of the first component in the exhaled air is calculated by use of the measured velocity, at a temperature T of the exhaled air. The proportion of the component is determined by the equation MG/kG=R×T/(vs2), where MG=sum(Aa,i×Mi), i=1, 2, . . .

Abstract: An indirect calorimeter for measuring the metabolic rate of a subject includes a respiratory connector configured to be supported in contact with the subject so as to pass inhaled and exhaled gases as the subject breathes, a flow pathway, and a hygiene barrier positioned to block a predetermined pathogen from the exhaled gases. The indirect calorimeter also includes a flow pathway having a first end in fluid communication with the respiratory connector and a second end in fluid communication with a source and sink for respiratory gases. The flow pathway includes a flow tube through which the inhaled and exhaled gases pass, an outer housing surrounding the flow tube, and a chamber disposed between the flow tube and the first end.

Abstract: There is provided an improved system for expired gas analysis indirect analysis indirect calorimetry comprising a unique compliant mixing chamber that is directly connected to a mouthpiece that, itself, is unique in providing enhanced saliva and expired moisture trapping capability. The volume of the inspired and expired gas as well as at least the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in the expired gas in the mixing chamber are determined. The metabolic rate of the subject is calculated therefrom taking into account the anatomical dead space in the body of the subject. The mixing chamber is compliant, sized to accommodate a single expiration and partially open to the environment. Preferably, the system also includes means to determine the oxygen and carbon dioxide content of the inspired gas as well.

Abstract: An airway adaptor that includes a tubular body having a first gas flow passage defined therein. A protrusion extends from an interior wall of the tubular body into the gas flow passage. The protrusion includes a distal end portion spaced apart from the interior wall of the tubular body, and a second gas flow passage defined through the protrusion. An inlet to the second gas flow passage is provided at the distal end portion of the protrusion, and an outlet of the second gas flow passage is provided at an exterior portion of the tubular body. A pair of sidewalls are disposed on the distal end portion of the protrusion. Each sidewall is generally parallel to a direction of a flow of gas through the first passage. The inlet of the second gas flow passage is disposed between the pair of sidewalls.

Abstract: A method of determining a respiratory parameter for a subject using an indirect calorimeter is provided. The indirect calorimeter includes a respiratory connector for passing inhaled and exhaled gases, a flow pathway operable to receive and pass inhaled and exhaled gases having a flow tube within the flow pathway through which the inhaled and exhaled gases pass, a flow meter for determining an instantaneous flow volume of the inhaled and exhaled gases, a component gas concentration sensor for determining an instantaneous fraction of a predetermined component gas and a computation unit having a processor and a memory. The method includes the steps of initializing the indirect calorimeter and the subject breathing into the respiratory connector if the indirect calorimeter is initialized, sensing the flow volume of the inhaled and exhaled gases passing through the flow pathway using the flow meter and transmitting a signal representing the sensed flow volume to the computation unit.

Abstract: An indirect calorimeter for measuring the metabolic rate of a subject includes a disposable portion and a reusable portion. The disposable portion includes a respiratory connector configured to be supported in contact with the subject so as to pass inhaled and exhaled gases as the subject breathes. The disposable portion also includes a flow pathway operable to receive and pass inhaled and exhaled gases, having a first end in fluid communication with the respiratory connector and a second end in fluid communication with a source and sink for respiratory gases. The disposable portion is disposed within the reusable portion, which includes a flow meter, a component gas concentration sensor, and a computation unit. The flow meter generates a signal as a function of the instantaneous flow volume of respiratory gases passing through the flow pathway and the component gas concentration sensor generates a signal as a function of the instantaneous fraction of a predetermined component gas in the exhaled gases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a user's Respiratory Quotient (RQ) using just measured O2 and CO2 concentrations without use of a flow meter. The RQ is determined by measuring the user's real-time inspired O2 concentration (INS O2) and end tidal O2 concentration (ETO2) and measuring the user's real-time inspired CO2 concentration (INS CO2) and end tidal CO2 concentration (ETCO2), and then determining the user's RQ from the measured INS O2, ETO2, INS CO2, and ETCO2 values in accordance with the following equation: RQ=(ETCO2?INS CO2)/(INS O2?ETO2). In order to avoid error introduced by the flow rate, the measurement steps are preferably performed while the user is in a resting condition. Also, ETCO2 is preferably measured as the maximum CO2 value in a breath cycle of the user, while INS CO2 is preferably measured as the minimum CO2 value in a breath cycle of the user.

Abstract: An intubation method and system including the insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient airway, inflating an cuff associated with the endotracheal tube at a location in the patient airway below the vocal cords, monitoring carbon dioxide concentration in the patient airway at a carbon dioxide monitoring location between the cuff and the vocal cords and adjusting inflation of the cuff based at least in part on the monitoring in order that the cuff inflation generally prevents leakage of carbon dioxide past the cuff.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for monitoring, diagnosing and treating at least one medical respiratory condition of a patient are provided, including a medical data input interface adapted to provide at least one medical parameter relating at least to the respiration of the patient, and a medical parameter interpretation functionality (104, 110) adapted to receive the at least one medical parameter relating at least to the respiration (102) of the patient and to provide at least one output indication (112) relating to a degree of severity of at least one medical condition indicated by the at least one medical parameter.

Abstract: An indirect calorimeter for measuring the metabolic activity of a subject includes a respiratory connector operative to be supported in contact with the subject so as to pass inhaled and exhaled gases therethrough as the subject breathes, and a flow tube forming a flow pathway for passing inhaled and exhaled gases therethrough, wherein one end of the flow tube is operatively connected to the respiratory connector and the other end of the flow tube is open, and a wall of the flow tube includes an opening. The indirect calorimeter also includes a flow meter adapted to generate a signal as a function of the instantaneous volume of inhaled and exhaled gases in the flow pathway that is in fluid communication with the flow pathway via the opening in the flow tube, and an oxygen sensor operative to generate a signal as a function of the instantaneous fraction of oxygen in the inhaled and exhaled gases in the flow pathway that is in fluid communication with the flow pathway via the opening in the flow tube.