Abstract: A resuscitator has a patient airway interface device, a bag, a flow passage coupled between the bag and patient airway interface device, and a sensor assembly. The patient airway interface device may be a mask or an endotracheal tube. The sensor assembly has a display, at least one sensor coupled to the flow passage and configured to provide a measurement of at least one parameter, and a processor coupled to the display and the at least one sensor. The processor is configured to receive the measurement from the sensor and provide information on the display based on the received measurement. The information may include a current breath rate, a pressure-vs-time curve, and guidance to the user to assist in achieving a target breath rate.

Abstract: A gastric emptying breath test method that includes collecting a breath sample of the subject at only a single time point after the subject consumes the breath test meal, wherein the single time point is a time point selected from within an identified time window.

Abstract: A medical mouthpiece may include a generally U-shaped member forming a lateral interocclusal passageway extending from an anterior aperture to a posterior aperture configured to provide a conduit for respiratory gas exchange. A medical mouthpiece may include a sampling port for fluid communication with an analyzing apparatus configured to analyze exhaled respiratory gases. A medical mouthpiece may include a supplemental gas conduit for fluid communication between a source of supplemental gas and a supply orifice. A method for delivering a gas to a patient may include delivering a gas to the patient through a mouthpiece having a lateral interocclusal passageway such that the gas is delivered through a posterior aperture to a space adjacent the patient's posterior oropharynx.

Abstract: An airflow signal corresponding to the breathing of the patient is obtained. A section corresponding to inspiration, having a front portion and a middle portion, is found within the airflow signal. A peak value of the front portion is found, which is compared with a value representing the airflow of the middle portion. The presence of resisted breathing is determined based on the comparison between the peak value of the front portion with a value representing the airflow of the middle portion. A baseline value of the airflow signal is found by calculating the mode of values within an airflow signal representing the pressure within a patient's naris. The section corresponding to inspiration is determined by finding peak inspiration and baseline values within a breath and searching from the peak until the baseline is reached to find the section of inspiration.

Abstract: A gas sensor device which is connectable to a portable electronic device, and to associated methods. The gas sensor device includes a sensor adapted to detect a gas of interest in exhaled breath of a subject and provide an output signal which is dependent upon the concentration of gas detected, and an interface of the gas sensor device communicates with the portable electronic device. The gas sensor device may be connectable to the portable electronic device via an audio jack.

Abstract: A device for collecting material from lung aerosols. The device functions by collecting aerosols from the lower airway separated from material in the by collecting air from the upper airway in a chamber that when full causes the remaining exhaled aerosols from the lungs to be captured by a filter. The filter collects sample of material from the separated lung aerosols.

Abstract: A blood-alcohol content (BAC) tester for use at a facility serving alcohol. The BAC tester includes a breath-sampling unit having an air-chamber unit defining a closed position and an open position. The air-chamber unit has a first air-chamber block and a second air-chamber block, the first air-chamber block and the second air-chamber block defining an air chamber for receiving air exhaled from a user. The breath-sampling unit also includes a drive unit coupled to the second air-chamber block and an alcohol sensor. The BAC tester also includes a sensor circuit communicatively coupled to the drive unit and the alcohol sensor. The sensor circuit is configured to cause the drive unit to move the second-air chamber block relative to the first air-chamber block so as to cause the air-chamber unit to be in the closed or the open position.

Abstract: Ventilatory systems and methods are disclosed for detecting weaning readiness of a patient. In one aspect the method includes the steps of collecting patient data; analyzing the collected patient data to generate at least one patient parameter; comparing the at least one patient parameter to predetermined weaning readiness threshold criteria; and providing an advisory proposition to a clinician indicating a readiness of the patient to start a weaning trial if the at least one patient parameter meets the weaning readiness threshold criteria. The weaning trial may additionally or alternatively be automatically executed if the at least one patient parameter meets the weaning readiness threshold criteria.

Abstract: A portable electronic device is described with telecommunication capabilities to allow for data and/or voice communication via private or public networks, having an integrated chemical sensor sensitive to ketones within a breath sample of a user wherein the sensor comprises at least one metal oxide gas sensor and a control circuit for the sensor integrated onto a common substrate or package.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described to obtain and analyze one or more gas samples from the breath of a person, and organizing the samples in a sample registry for subsequent analysis. This technique solves the various problems that are associated with targeting an individual breath for analysis, and allows for additional versatility and options in the analysis process.

Abstract: Methods for noninvasively determining a pulmonary capillary blood flow or a cardiac output of a subject include determining data of the amount of gas exchanged between blood and gas in lungs of the subject, as well as data of an indicator of the content of the gas in blood of the subject. Such a determination may be made during two or more different states of ventilation. A geometric relationship is identified between data points, with any data points outlying the geometric relationship being disregarded. The remaining data points may be used to estimate or calculate a measure of pulmonary capillary blood flow or cardiac output. Systems that include elements that are configured to effect such methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for detection of H. Pylori in breath emissions utilizing an unlabelled urea, in which a patient ingests a safe quantity of unlabelled urea. After ingestion, expired breath of the patient is analyzed for ammonia, with a detection based on levels of ammonia lower than 50 ppb to 500 ppm to detect helicobacter pylori.

Abstract: A method of using CPAP equipment to sense cardiogenic oscillations in a patient's airflow, and to monitor and treat the patient's cardiac condition. The apparatus diagnoses cardiac morbidity conditions, such as the existence of arrhythmias or other cardiac abnormalities, and influences and optimizes cardiac stroke volume. The apparatus further monitors pulse-transit time, changes in the heart pre-ejection period, and the duration of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A device and a process are provided for recognizing a correct use of an alcohol measuring device by a test subject. At least one alcohol measuring device is provided with a signal transmitter, an analysis and control unit and a camera unit. An image field of the camera unit is divided into an inner image field area and an outer image field area. The inner image field area detects at least the face area of the test subject. The camera unit records changes at a boundary between the inner image field area and the outer image field area. A signal sent by the signal transmitter in the inner image field area can be detected by the camera unit.

Abstract: Luer connector including a primary Luer male connector, having a secondary female section extending from a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector back towards a proximal part thereof, the primary Luer male connector including a first inner fluid flow channel extending from a proximal end thereof to the secondary female section, the primary Luer male connector being configured to mate with a primary Luer female connector having a secondary male section including a second inner fluid flow channel.

Abstract: A micromachined fluid flow regulating device is disclosed comprising a fluid flow channel, at least one flow orifice formed in the channel, defining an inlet portion of the channel upstream of the flow orifice, an outlet portion of the channel downstream of the flow orifice, the fluid having a flow direction from the inlet portion to the outlet portion of the channel. At least one piston is arranged upstream of the flow orifice, movably suspended in the channel by a spring means such that the piston is movable by the fluid in the flow direction of the fluid, towards the flow orifice, to regulate a fluid flow through the flow orifice. The disclosure further relates to the use of a micromachined flow regulating device in a breath analysis device and to a method of fabricating a flow regulating device.

Abstract: A process for the control of a gas analyzer, respirator or anesthesia device (10), a control module (19) and a gas analyzer, respirator or anesthesia device (10) are provided with a control module (19). The process is used for the output of online help and for guiding the user via a sequence of operating steps that are executed via defined operational controls (17). Each operational control (17) is designed with a selection signal generator and with an activation signal sensor in order to make possible a visual selection of the respective operational control. The selection may be coupled with the output of a visual indication on the graphical user interface (13).

Abstract: An inhalation anesthesia delivery system and method, wherein the system includes a fresh gas feeding arrangement connected to a breathing circuit, a monitor device, a control device and an interface unit. The fresh gas feeding arrangement is configured to deliver a desired concentration of gas to the breathing circuit, the desired concentration being set by using the interface unit. The monitor device is configured to monitor gas concentrations in the breathing circuit by analyzing gases flowing in the breathing circuit, and the control device is configured to control the fresh gas feeding arrangement on the basis of the data received from the monitor device to keep the desired breathing gas concentration. The control device is also configured to monitor expired inorganic gas concentration by comparing the measured expired breathing gas concentration with the set target value and changing the fresh gas delivery accordingly to meet the target value.

Abstract: A first source of medical gas has a generally cylindrical male outlet with a cylindrical bore and a threaded outer cylindrical surface. A flexible cylindrical elastomeric medical gas tubing has an input end with a bushing making a flush abutment with the male outlet at the output orifice. An output end attaches to any of a plurality of medical gas utilizing devices, but preferably with a dampening disperser held in position in the space in the vicinity of a patient's nose and mouth. An annular flange of the input end bushing resides within a central cylindrical bored out region extending through the first end and nearly to the second end of a rotatable connector forming an interior surface of a connector with threads coupling with the threads of the male outlet. The second end is an annular abutment against the annular flange holding the input end tubing bushing against the outlet source and providing an airtight coupling. A gripping means is on the exterior surface of the connector.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described to obtain and analyze a gas sample from a desired section of the breath of a person, while accounting for erratic, episodic or otherwise challenging breathing patterns that may otherwise make the capturing of a gas sample from the desired section of breath difficult. These techniques may provide more reliable, accurate and adequate samples of gas such as end-tidal gas, and ultimately an accurate analysis of the sample captured.

Abstract: A patient interface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is configured to be at least partially carried by a patient and to receive gas exhaled by the patient. The patient interface includes first and second cannula tubes each having a first end and a second end, the first ends are configured to be inserted into the nostrils of a patient, the first and second cannula tubes are configured to direct exhaled gas from the patient from the first ends to said second ends. The patient interface also includes first and second sensors positioned near the second ends, and the first and second sensors are configured to provide first and second signals based upon the gas, wherein the first and second signals are indicative of a physiological parameter of the patient. The patient interface also includes a communications link configured to provide the signal to a physiological monitor.

Abstract: A method employing pattern recognition techniques for identifying the functional status of patients with Pulmonary Hypertension is described. This method describes a process by which sets of cardiopulmonary exercise gas exchange variables are measured during rest, exercise and recovery and stored as unique data sets. The data sets are then analyzed by a series of feature extraction steps, yielding a multi-parametric index (MPIPH) which reflects the current functional status of a patient. The method also employs a description scheme that provides a graphical image that juxtaposes the measured value of MPI to a reference classification system. An additional description scheme provides a trend plot of MPI values measured on a patient over time to provide feedback to the physician on the efficacy of therapy provided to the patient.

Abstract: A device for detecting and counting coughing events is provided. In one embodiment a sensor for sensing and transducing low frequency and high frequency mechanical vibrations, sends signals to a coincidence detector that determines if high and low signals coincide. In another embodiment, ultrasonic energy is introduced to the trachea and if Doppler shift in frequency is detected, association is made to a coughing event. In another embodiment a change in the impedance of the neck is considered associated with coughing event if correlated over time with a specific mechanical frequency sensed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable alcohol tester with biometric and location recordation and transmission. The portable unit may use photo, retina, or fingerprint recordation while the system is testing to ensure the identity of the participant. The unit may also use Wi-Fi stations, cellular towers or global position satellites to identify a location, time, and date for the test and record said information. The unit may be equipped with RF, Wireless, cellular, or Bluetooth™ communications to transmit the test information to a remote data center. The data center is equipped to merge the various different data points received into a coordinated presentation. The test information can be used by criminal justice agencies for recording the time, date, location, biometric ID, and breath alcohol content. The same information could be used for participant monitoring or rehab institutions.

Abstract: Provided are devices for collecting an aerosol sample from a subject. The devices comprise a conduit that defines an inner space for the passage of exhaled air. An example conduit has a long axis and a first opening for receiving exhaled air from the subject. The devices further comprise a filter for collecting a sample from the exhaled air. Also provided are methods for collecting samples aerosols exhaled from a subject.

Abstract: An apparatus is for detecting the presence of selected gaseous compounds indicative of a medical condition includes a probe having one or more sensor elements having a conductivity which is responsive to the presence of selected gaseous compounds, at least one sensor element containing a transition metal oxide selected from the group consisting of WO3, beta-MoO3 and UO2; and means for measuring the conductivity of each said sensor element.

Abstract: Generally, in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the present method comprises collecting data from monitoring devices, uploading the data from a monitoring device to a central database, pairing the data with secure transactional data to provide one or more secure transactional stamp(s), storing the data and the paired secure transactional stamp(s) in the central database, producing a report comprising the data and the paired transactional stamp, and providing the report to an authorized third party. Preferably, the transactional stamp comprising the name of personnel, time, and any changes made to the data collected from the monitoring device is generated and attached to the data. Further, the present invention discloses methods for transactional stamping all reviews of the monitoring device data and/or all client input data to produce a secure report, admissible under the Federal Rules of Evidence.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spirometer for measuring pulmonary respiration of a test subject, comprising a body and a sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit can be interchanged with further sensor units. In a corresponding method, such a spirometer is operated with a sensor unit and the sensor unit is subsequently interchangeably replaced by a further sensor unit.

Abstract: The invention application presents a fast, efficient, reproductive alternative of a non-invasive method for diagnosing the severity of heart failure based on a specific biomarker. An additional object of the present invention is a collector device for the biomarker from exhaled breath that is portable, simple, low cost and does not need to run on electric power. This invention advantageously permits the replacement of invasive diagnosis methods, favoring the patient's comfort in addition to the agility and speed of medical attention at hospitals, and may become a standard method for all suspected cases of circulatory disease and heart failure and, more specifically, decompensated heart failure.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for a breathalyzer. A body (20) includes a breath inlet (22) and a breath outlet (24) through which breath enters and exits. A breathalyzer fitting part (30) protrudes from the outer circumference of the body (20), and is fitted into a breathalyzer (10). A transparent hollow breath indicator (40) is disposed on the body (20) so as to be perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the body (20). A breath flow hole (50) provided on the body (20) allows the breath indicator (40) and the body (20) to communicate with each other such that the breath that has entered through the breath inlet (22) moves into the breath indicator (40). A breath indicator ball (60) is movable upward and downward inside the breath indicator (40) so as to be lifted up by the breath that has entered the breath indicator (40) through the breath flow hole (50).

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 invention can provide a system and method for DLCO quality control testing and can include an apparatus for testing a pulmonary diagnostic device capable of performing single breath carbon monoxide uptake measurement, comprising: a single gas-tight chamber, with a gas port configured to receive gas from or to expel gas to the exterior of the chamber and a partition configured to change the volume of the single gas-tight chamber; the single gas-tight chamber capable of expanding and contracting; a member disposed within the single gas-tight chamber and configured to limit the movement of the partition, the member being adjustable to set a predetermined maximum volume of the single gas-tight chamber and a predetermined volume of DLCO test gas that the single gas-tight chamber can receive; and an interface configured for the transfer of gas between the pulmonary diagnostic device and the simulation device via the gas port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for carrying out a signal-processing viewing of a measurement signal that is correlated with the respiratory activity of an individual, for example, of a measurement signal that is correlated with the respiratory gas. The aim of the invention is to provide solutions with which an improved electronic analysis of the signals that are representative with regard to respiratory activity can be achieved. To this end, the invention provides that viewing results are obtained within the scope of a signal-processing viewing of said measurement signal and make a differentiation between obstructive and central respiratory disorders possible. The viewing results are determined, in particular, while taking into account changes of selected breathing characteristics such as, for example, the change in the ratio of inhalation time to exhalation time.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for detecting a response of a patient to an external stimulus. An exemplary method comprises the acts of generating at least one time series of at least one physiologic parameter, detecting the external stimulus, detecting at least one response associated with the stimulus, the response comprising at least one of a pattern and a value, and outputting an indication of the response.

Abstract: A sensor assembly which includes a first physiological parameter sensor configured to sense a physiological parameter and a first reactance sensor connected to the first physiological parameter sensor. The first reactance sensor provides a signal corresponding to a position of a tissue relative to the first reactance sensor and corresponding to the first physiological parameter sensor.

Abstract: A system is described herein for evacuating gas as it is leaking from a patient's airway. The system comprises a gas evacuation flowpath configured for collecting a gas flow escaping from the patient when inserted into the patient's airway. A vacuum source is connected to the gas evacuation flowpath. Devices that may be employed as part of the system and a method for evacuating gas from a patient are also described.

Abstract: A pulmonary testing device and method are provided that measure an inspired volume of a selected gas component. In one configuration, the selected gas component is injected into the device in an airway of the device upstream of a gas analyzer. The device has opposing open ends, one for the patient's mouth and the other for inspiration of air.

Abstract: An impairment detection device includes a body and a housing removably secured to the body that together resemble a beverage container. A breath analyzer is located within the housing or body and includes a chemical sensor that is configured to detect a chemical impairment level of a user, such as resulting from the use of drugs and/or alcohol. The housing is configured to be removably secured to the body to enable a user to quickly attach and remove the housing from the body. The combination of the housing and body provides a disguise for the impairment detection device because it resembles an actual beverage container. A mouthpiece extends from the housing and is in communication with the chemical sensor for receiving a user breath sample. The housing includes a user interface that is operably associated with the breath analyzer.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the establishment, implementation and management of a personalized information system pertinent to a user's general health, wellness and/or sport performance. Disclosed is a system capable of transcutaneous measurement of a subject including at least one light source, at least one light detector, and at least one component for generating or storing at least one value of VC02 or at least one value of V02 from the detected signal. Further, disclosed is a portable device for analyzing the composition of the respired gasses of a subject including at least one air flow conduit through which the subject can inspire or expire air through the body of the device, at least one sampling portal, an oxygen sensor, and at least one flow sensor. A dual-battery system is also provided by which an uninterrupted power supply can be provided for electronic components.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for image-based determination of carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in exhaled breath. In one embodiment, an image of the exhaled airstream of a subject of interest is received. The image is captured using a mid-wave infrared camera system having an optical filter tuned to the infrared absorption band of CO2. The image is preprocessed to isolate a region of pixels containing the exhaled airstream and intensity values of pixels in the identified region are normalized by a value of a known radiance such as that of the subject's nose or face. The image is analyzed to determine CO2 concentration levels of the exhaled airstream using a calibration curve which relates pixel intensity to CO2 concentrations. The calibration curve is derived using a physics-based parameterized model. The CO2 concentration levels are determined and communicated to a computer workstation. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods of detecting lung, gastrointestinal tract, and systemic infections by measuring 13CO2/12CO2 isotopic ratios of gaseous carbon dioxide in exhaled breath samples of a subject after administration of a 13C-isotopically-labeled compound.

Abstract: A nasal cannula allows insertion of an upper endoscopy probe, a transesophageal echo probe for exams, or the like. Currently, a nasal cannula is used to measure expired carbon dioxide and deliver oxygen to sedated patients undergoing these procedures. Use of a face mask, such as a non-rebreathing face mask, during these procedures allows increased delivery of oxygen in patients with compromised respiratory function. A side port can be cut into the non-rebreathing face mask to allow insertion of the probes into patient's mouths while allowing delivery of a higher oxygen concentration. The facemask has the ability to easily separate from the nasal cannula, providing for continued use of the nasal cannula during, for example, a recovery period from sedation.

Abstract: Vital sign monitoring is especially challenging in small animals, given the high metabolic rates and small volumes under consideration. An embodiment of the present invention includes a unique nose-cone design and associated instrumentation which allows for measurement of respiratory parameters, including anesthesia gas concentration, inspiratory and expiratory O2, and inspiratory and expiratory CO2 (capnometry). Such instrumentation facilitates a physiologic assessment of small animals undergoing general anesthesia, an increasingly important consideration as small animals play a greater role in in vivo biomedical studies. In addition, the techniques proposed herein are suitable for measurement on small respiratory volumes associated with neonatal monitoring.

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 evaluation of heart failure status is provided based on a disordered breathing index. Patient respiration is sensed and a respiration signal is generated. Disordered breathing episodes are detected based on the respiration signal. A disordered breathing index is determined based on the disordered breathing episodes. The disordered breathing index is trended and used to evaluate heart failure status. The disordered breathing index may be combined with additional information and/or may take into account patient activity, posture, sleep stage, or other patient information.

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: Methods, computer program products, and systems are described that include accepting an indication of a schedule for administration of a bioactive agent to an individual and presenting an indication of an artificial sensory experience at least partly based on the accepting an indication of the schedule for administration of the bioactive agent to the individual.

Abstract: A handheld, small but accurate and reliable device for diagnostic NO measurements using a NO sensor, where the parameters governing the taking of the sample are different from the parameters optimal for the accuracy of said NO sensor. By temporarily storing a portion of the exhaled air, and feeding this to the sensor at a flow rate adapted to the NO sensor, the accuracy and sensitivity of a system/method involving NO sensors, in particular electrochemical NO sensors, can be increased. The method for diagnostic NO measurements comprises steps for controlling the inhalation of NO free air, as well as the exhalation, both by built-in means and by audible and/or visual feedback to the patient.

Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring patient physiological data are presented herein. In one embodiment, a physiological sensor and a mobile computing device can be connected via a cable or cables, and a processing board can be connected between the sensor and the mobile computing device to conduct advanced signal processing on the data received from the sensor before the data is transmitted for display on the mobile computing device.

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 characteristic, generate an output signal which directs the user to modify a parameter of the voluntary action indicated by the first characteristic.