Abstract: An airway adaptor includes: a gas passage into which a respiratory gas of a subject is to flow; a respiratory gas introducing portion which is configured to guide the respiratory gas expired from at least one of nostrils and a mouth of the subject, to the gas passage; and an airway case on which a temperature sensor that is configured to detect a temperature change of the respiratory gas flowing into the gas passage is mountable.

Abstract: An inline water trap including a filter component and a panel connector configured to interface with a patient gas monitor. In one embodiment the inline water trap indicates to the patient gas monitor that it is in place and that the patient gas monitor may begin intaking and analyzing the filtered patient sample. The inline water trap receives a patient sample and filters water and contaminants from the sample before allowing the remaining gas portion of the sample to pass through to the patient gas monitor, thereby protecting the patient gas monitor from damage. One embodiment of the inline water trap additionally contains an RFID tag to indicate to the patient gas monitor that the correct type of inline water trap is engaged.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing respiratory gas are configured to function in both divertive and non-divertive configurations. A mainstream gas analyzer housing economically and removably couples with a sidestream gas sampling component.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an apparatus and method for measuring analytes in exhaled air. The device contains an inlet through which exhaled air is received. A tube, having a number of different paths running throughout the device, is coupled to the inlet which enables the exhaled air to be re-circulated through the device. At least one portion of the tube is configured in a non-linear fashion. This particular portion of the tube may be used to temporarily store a sample of the exhaled air. The device also contains a converter configured to partially convert an analyte in the exhaled breath from a first state to a second state as the exhaled air is being re-circulated. An analyte sensor is also included to measure the levels of the converted analyte in the exhaled breath.

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: The present disclosure provides, in part, a self-contained, point-of-care device for the early detection of infection, or other pathologic conditions that can lead to system inflammation, by the detection of the endogenous gaseous mediator nitric oxide (NO.) and methods of use.

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: An apparatus for determining sleep apnea includes: an expiratory gas collector which is configured to collect an expiratory gas of a subject; an analyzer which is configured to analyze a constituent and a concentration of the constituent in the collected expiratory gas; and a determiner which is configured to determine whether the subject is in sleep apnea or not, based on a concentration of at least VOC in the analyzed expiratory gas.

Abstract: Methods for treating dyspnea with therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated system and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to methods that block, reduce, and/or inhibit renal sympathetic nerve activity to achieve a reduction in central sympathetic tone. Renal sympathetic nerve activity may be altered or modulated along the afferent and/or efferent pathway. The achieved reduction in central sympathetic tone may carry therapeutic benefits for patients with dyspnea.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gas sensing devices and to mouthpieces therefor. More particularly it relates to gas sensor devices for detecting gases in exhaled air, and to improved mouthpieces and mouthpiece interfaces for use with such devices. The invention also provides methods for using such devices and kits.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a medical device for monitoring an exhaled breath from a patient. Some embodiments include a tubular portion and a distal member comprising an at least partially shielded sampling hole.

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: The disclosure relates to breath test devices and methods for the evaluation of liver functional and metabolic capacity or to assess liver heath and/or degree of liver injury. Specifically, there is provided a method of evaluating a liver condition, the method includes on-line monitoring a metabolic product of methacetin, a salt or a derivative of methacetin, in a subject's breath after administering to the subject isotope labeled methacetin, a salt or a derivative thereof in water solution form. There is also provided a device for evaluating a liver condition, the device includes one or more sensors adapted to monitor on-line an isotope level of a metabolic product of labeled methacetin, or a salt or a derivative of methacetin in a subject's breath and a controller adapted to sample measurements of the one or more sensors at a continuous mode.

Abstract: An oral/nasal cannula manifold gas sampling and oxygen delivering manifold for sampling exhaled breath of a subject and delivering supplemental oxygen, the cannula including a main body portion having a suction port which is connected with a collection tube to a suction device for sampling the exhaled breath of the subject. A nasal prong upwardly protrudes from the main body portion and is positioned for insertion into a nostril of the subject to collect nasally exhaled breath. An oral conduit passage is embedded in a deflector/concentrator plate that extends downwardly from the main body portion. The straight conduit passages of the nasal and oral passages are connected to and aligned in the same plane whereby the opposed nasal and oral conduit passages are connected with the conduit passage of the suction port without any adjacent connected void volumes or dead spaces in any of the passages.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device comprising an odor sensor and methods of operation are disclosed. An odor is detected using an odor sensor coupled to the mobile electronic device, and a predetermined process is performed if the odor is a predefined odor.

Abstract: An apparatus to measure pulmonary blood flow and cardiac output (Q) comprising: a) a breathing circuit which, at exhalation, keeps exhaled gas separate from inhaled gas and at inhalation, when VE is greater than first gas set (FGS) flow, results in a subject inhaling FGS first and then a second gas set (SGS), for the balance of inhalation; b) a gas sensor for monitoring gas concentrations at the patient-circuit interface; c) a gas flow control means for controlling the rate of FGS flow into the breathing circuit; d) machine intelligence consisting of a computer or logic circuit capable of controlling the gas flow control means which receives the output of the gas sensor means and outputs pulmonary blood flow.

Abstract: A nitrogen oxide concentration measurement device comprises a zero scrubber disposed within a gas flow path, and a controller. The zero scrubber performs subjects exhaled air flowing through the gas flow path from a mouthpiece toward a chamber to a NO removal treatment in a first period, out of a first period and a second period. The controller acquires the concentration of NO contained in the exhaled air on the basis of the differential voltage value outputted in the second period, which uses as a reference the differential voltage value outputted in the first period.

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 first inner fluid flow channel having a diameter of approximately d1 increasing at a connection point between the first inner fluid flow channel and the secondary female section to form a neck N the secondary female section having an internal diameter of d2 at a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector, where d1 is smaller than d2, 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 ex having an internal diameter of approximately d1.

Abstract: A method for monitoring cardiac output (pulmonary blood flow) of a subject, the method including: measuring a first net pulmonary uptake or elimination of a breathed gas species by the subject and a first partial pressure of the gas species at a first time, and at a second time later than the first time, determining a first pulmonary blood flow of the patient at the first time, and determining a pulmonary blood flow of the subject at the second time on the basis of the first pulmonary blood flow, the first net pulmonary uptake or elimination, the second net pulmonary uptake or elimination, the first partial pressure, and the second partial pressure.

Abstract: There is provided herein a dryer polymer substance including a hetero-phase polymer composition including two or more polymers wherein at least one of the two or more polymers include sulfonic groups, wherein the substance is adapted to pervaporate a fluid. The fluid may include water, water vapor or both. There is also provided herein a process for the preparation of a dryer polymer substance adapted to pervaporate a fluid (such as water, water vapor or both) the process includes mixing two or more polymers, wherein at least one of the two or more polymers may include groups which are adapted to be sulfonated, to produce a hetero-phase polymer composition and processing the polymer blend into a desired form.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a bite block assembly adapted for capnography and oxygen delivery to a subject, the bite block assembly (50) including a first capnography passageway adapted for passage therethrough of exhaled breath from the subject to a capnograph and a second oxygen delivery passageway, separate from the first passageway, adapted for passage therethrough of oxygen from an oxygen source to the mouth of the subject.

Abstract: The present application discloses nasal tube devices, methods for placing and securing a nasal tube to a patient, as well as adapters and connectors for a nasal tube. In one exemplary embodiment, the nasal tube has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and one or more lumens. A securing device may be attached to the proximal portion of the nasal tube and may be configured to attach a flexible line of a retention system to the nasal tube. The securing device may also be configured to selectively compress the proximal portion of the nasal tube. In certain embodiments, one or more medical tubes are disposed in the lumen of the nasal tube and may be selectively secured in the lumen with the securing device. The nasal tube device may also have a retention flange for attaching a flexible line of a retention system to the nasal tube.

Abstract: A system and method for aiding in the diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction is described. More particularly, a system and method for aiding in the diagnosis of one or more pulmonary embolisms is described. The system and method described herein include a plurality of sensors, a thermal control system, and a controller coupled to the plurality of sensors and the thermal control system for aiding in the diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting an ineffective effort of a patient being mechanically ventilated by a ventilator comprises (i) monitoring a respiratory flow of air of the patient after said ventilator has cycled; (ii) creating a signal indicative of said flow; (iii) removing artefact from said signal; (iv) monitoring said signal for perturbations; and (v) determining that an ineffective effort has occurred when said perturbation is significant.

Abstract: Immediately after airway placement and/or following any patient transfer, an automated program may be activated in a CO2 monitoring device to provide an airway device placement check. The automated program needs time to determine if the airway placement has been successful or not. During analysis of CO2 respiration data by the program, real-time feedback is displayed to the user as soon as the airway check program is activated until the time that a final decision on the success of airway placement is made. The real-time feedback displays one or more indicators of the progress of the program toward a determination of a successful or failed placement.

Abstract: An improved medical capnographysystem (22) automatically determines the effect of therapy on the underlying patient. The system enable the determination of proper endotracheal tube or advanced airway placement, the effectiveness of CPR, and the occurrence of the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or loss of spontaneous circulation by use of a therapy analyzer (36) implementing an analyze therapy algorithm (336). The system may be implemented in platform-independent hardware or software.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method and software for monitoring a diver comprising: a topside monitoring system 13 on a vessel comprising a receiver for receiving data from at least one diver 12, the data being transmitted using an acoustic modem 207 and specifying information relating to the diver 12, wherein the information relating to the diver comprises the depth of diver, a computer for processing the data 101, and a user interface 111 for conveying the information and the elapsed time of dive to a dive supervisor so that the dive supervisor can manage the dive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable, personal breath tester device for testing the blood alcohol content of the user of the device. The breath tester comprises a circuit board, wherein a sensor, a liquid crystal display, and a processing unit are installed on and electrically connected to the circuit board. The processing unit receives a voltage signal from the sensor representing the blood alcohol content of the user and converts the voltage signal to a precise value that is displayed on the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: An embodiment of an implantable system configured to be implanted in a patient includes an accelerometer, a neural stimulator, and a controller. The neural stimulator is configured to deliver neural stimulation to a neural target. The controller is configured to use the accelerometer to detect laryngeal vibration or coughing, and is configured to deliver a programmed neural stimulation therapy using the neural stimulator and using detected laryngeal vibration or detected coughing as an input to the programmed neural stimulation therapy.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided such that electrical stimulation can be delivered to a patient's skeletal muscles in response to certain respiratory signals, such as when voluntary breathing is detected.

Abstract: An upper respiratory bacterial infection is detected from exhaled mammalian breath by using a colorimetric sensor array having a spectral response characteristic that changes when exposed to bacteria-produced analytes in the exhaled breath. A flow regulating system directs a leading portion of the exhaled breath into gaseous communication with the array to change its spectral response characteristic, and discharges a trailing portion of the exhaled breath exteriorly of the apparatus. A spectral analysis system analyzes the spectral response characteristic changed solely by the leading portion of the exhaled breath, and detects the upper respiratory bacterial infection when the bacteria-produced analytes are present therein. Reactivity of the analytes with the array is increased by advance oxidizing and/or heating the analytes.

Abstract: A noninvasive of detecting patient-ventilator asynchrony that is easily adaptable to existing ventilator monitoring systems and provides timely and actionable information on the degree of patient asynchrony both during invasive and non-invasive ventilation. Display of, frequency spectra and the use of a measure of spectral organization, such as H1/DC, allows for both manual and automatic adjustment of a ventilators to prevent or correct patient-ventilator asynchrony.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring breath alcohol concentration of a user. A flow of an expired breath sample is passed through a fuel cell sensor giving an output signal proportional to the amount of alcohol present in the breath sample. By measuring the flow rate, the volume of the breath sample may be calculated, whereas the breath alcohol concentration is calculated based on the fuel cell output signal. Both the sample volume and the breath alcohol concentration values are continually updated by integrating the measured instantaneous flow rate and the fuel cell output signal over time. If the user stops blowing, flow compensation is performed to obtain a compensated fuel cell output signal using a stored calibration volume. Hence, an improved method for accurately measuring the breath alcohol concentration of a test person is achieved, capable of handling varied expired volumes of breath, which obviates the need for a sampling mechanism.

Abstract: A system is configured to determine one or more breathing parameters of a subject, such as one or both of end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration and/or breath rate. The system is configured to make a plurality of preliminary determinations of an individual breathing parameter according to a plurality of different algorithms. A final determination of the breathing parameter is obtained by selecting one of the preliminary determinations based on therapy parameters, gas parameters, and/or other parameters that impact the accuracy and/or precision of the different algorithms.

Abstract: A system is configured to perform capnometry/capnography, and/or other compositional analysis on a non-invasively ventilated subject. As such, the system determines amounts of a molecular species of gas (e.g., carbon dioxide, oxygen, etc.) excreted by the subject on a per-breath basis. Determinations of amounts of the molecular species of gas excreted are adjusted to reflect amounts of the molecular species of gas leaked from the non-invasive interface used to communicate with the airway of the subject.

Abstract: A method for configuring a presentation of physiological data for a patient includes identifying one or more physiological sensor modules that are connected in a physiological parameter monitoring device. After the physiological sensor modules are identified, the physiological parameter monitoring device is configured so that display areas are allocated on a display screen of the physiological parameter monitoring device for displaying physiological data for the patient. A separate display area is allocated for each identified physiological module. After one or more physiological sensor modules are detected as being connected, the physiological parameter monitoring device is automatically configured to include one or more additional display areas on the display screen for displaying physiological data for the patient. A separate additional display area is allocated for each of the additional physiological sensor modules that is connected.

Abstract: A process is provided for verifying an electrochemical substance in a gas sample. The process generates in an electrochemical sensor a measured electric value changing over time with a characteristic rising from a reference line to a maximum and again declining to the reference line. The percentage of the electrochemical substance in the gas sample is determined in an analysis circuit by setting a first interval and a second interval in the range of the characteristic after the maximum has been exceeded. The first interval includes the range of the characteristic in the vicinity of the maximum and the second interval includes the range of the maximum in the vicinity of the reference line. The electrochemical substance is determined by determining the ratio of the slopes of the first and second intervals and by comparison with a reference value of the ratio of the slopes of the first and second intervals.

Abstract: Breaths of a subject are identified based on the concentration of carbon dioxide at or near the airway of the subject. Troughs corresponding to inhalation are identified and plateaus corresponding to exhalation are identified. A breath is identified responsive to a trough being followed by a plateau.

Abstract: An airway device is provided that may track the flow of respiratory gases through the device with sensing elements at a plurality of locations along the gas flow path of the device. Such a device may be useful for assessing a variety of clinical states, for adjusting patient ventilator settings, or for determining whether or not an airway device has been properly inserted into a patient airway.

Abstract: A portable alveolar gas measurement device and method of determining at least one alveolar gas level are disclosed. The device includes a structure that receives a sample portion of breath, and a gas sensor in communication with the structure that detects a gas level of a gas within the sample portion and provides a first signal indicative of the level. The device further includes circuitry coupled at least indirectly to the gas sensor, where the circuitry receives at least one of the first signal and a second signal related to the first signal, and where the circuitry provides at least some assistance in determining whether a portion of information provided by the at least one signal is used as an indication of an alveolar gas level. Additionally, the device includes an output device coupled to the circuitry that provides an output indicative of the first alveolar gas level.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an integrated analysis device for simultaneously detecting exhaled breath condensates (EBCs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in human exhaled breath. The device comprises a module for sampling, separating and enriching a detected object, an EBCs detection module and a combined VOCs detection module. The module for sampling, separating and enriching a detected object is connected with the EBCs detection module via a syringe pump for sample injection. The module for sampling, separating and enriching a detected object is connected with the combined VOCs detection module by a capillary separation column. In the present invention, it is achieved that EBCs and VOCs in human exhaled breath are simultaneously sampled, separated and condensed; the heavy metal ions, cell factors, etc.

Abstract: A tool for telemedicine including an improved breath collection system of human breath to facilitate the analysis of volatile organic components (VOCs) contained in human breath in which breath tests can be performed at remote sites for rapid detection of different diseases. The system can include a standoff breath collection device including an arcuate structure for concentration and analysis of volatile organic components (VOCs) at the point-of-use that avoids the use of mouthpieces found in conventional breath collection apparatuses.

Abstract: In a method for continuous and non-invasive determination of the effective lung volume, the cardiac output, and/or the carbon dioxide content of venous blood of a subject during a sequence of respiratory cycles, the inspiratory and expiratory flow, and the carbon dioxide content of at least the expiration gas are measured. In each respiratory cycle, a first parameter related to the subject's fraction of alveolar carbon dioxide, a second parameter related to the carbon dioxide content of the subject's arterial blood, and a third parameter related to the subject's carbon dioxide elimination are determined based on the measured inspiratory flow, expiratory flow and carbon dioxide content. The effective lung volume, the cardiac output, and/or the carbon dioxide content of venous blood of the subject is determined based on the correlation of the first, second and third parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for the collection of samples of exhaled air during normal respiration, comprising a flow generator, an orally insertable exhalation air receiver, and a device for isolating the nasal airways, wherein the apparatus further comprises: a sensor for detecting a change in a parameter representing the change from inhalation to exhalation and to transmit said change as a signal; a control unit adapted to receive said signal and to control said device for isolating the nasal airways; wherein the flow generator is connected to or integrated with the exhalation air receiver.

Abstract: A respiratory valve assembly (1), such as in a manual resuscitator, has a carbon dioxide color change indicator element (52) in a disc shape housing (50) arranged to clip onto a grove (59) on the valve assembly. Expiratory and inspiratory gas is supplied to the housing via two flexible tubes (60) and (61) extending side-by-side from the valve assembly (1) to the indicator housing (50) so that the indicator can be undipped from the valve and repositioned if desired.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a respiratory stream can be provided by monitoring color change of a color change material to determine a CO2 level of the respiratory stream in contact with the color change material by emitting visible light onto the color change material. Related devices, systems, and compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated system and method for passive testing of alcohol and drug abuse. The system enters a participant or subject into the system who is to be monitored during a probationary or other program for alcohol or drug abuse offenders. The system provides a drug testing home device or a drug testing kiosk device for use by the participant. The system enrolls the biometrics information of the participant into the computer system (e.g., finger print, voice, image, volatile compound organic gas level, and pH level). When the participant is to be tested in accordance with a testing schedule, the system validates these same biometrics of the participant, conducts the test, and then analyzes the test information for determining if the participant has been using alcohol or other drugs and should be subjected to a confirming urinalysis exam.

Abstract: A disposable manometer includes a chamber connectable to a source of respiratory gases via a patient breathing valve and a passageway. A pointer is rotatably disposed with respect to a dial to indicate pressure within the chamber. The pointer has an actuator stem with a spiral-shaped protrusion coupled to a groove within an opening of a stem coupling attached at the center of a diaphragm forming one wall of the chamber. Responsive to pressure entering the chamber, the diaphragm reciprocates against the force of a biasing non-magnetic resilient member moving the stem coupling with respect to the actuator stem of the pointer so that the interaction between the spiral-shaped protrusion and the groove causes rotation of the pointer to indicate the pressure within the chamber. The disposable manometer is useful with any source of respiratory gasses and in the vicinity of any strong magnetic field.

Abstract: A protective ensemble hydration monitor configured to be disposed within a face mask of a protective ensemble is disclosed. In one embodiment, the protective ensemble hydration monitor includes a humidity sensor to detect the user's breath within the face mask and output a breath signal based on the detected user's breath. Further, the protective ensemble hydration monitor includes a microprocessor coupled to the humidity sensor to receive the breath signal and output a control signal based on a pre-determined humidity threshold value. Furthermore, the protective ensemble hydration monitor includes a vibrator configured to provide a tactile feedback to the user upon receiving the control signal from the microprocessor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting P aeruginosa infection and bacterial burden in the lungs of patients who are at risk for P. aeruginosa infections, especially including patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The present method provides numerous tests (breath, blood, urine) which are readily administered to a patient that will sensitively and specifically detect the presence and extent of lung infection P. aeruginosa (both mucoid and non-mucoid), and allow monitoring of bacterial load as a parameter in monitoring treatment.