Abstract: A gas sensor is disclosed herein. The gas sensor includes an emitter for emitting radiation to a body at least partly coated with a luminophore emitting luminescent radiation indicative of an oxygen concentration when in contact with a respiratory gas. The gas sensor also includes a filter for transmitting the luminescent radiation emitted by the luminophore and an oxygen detector for receiving the luminescent radiation transmitted by the filter. The gas sensor also includes an infrared thermometry unit for receiving a thermal radiation from the luminophore. A gas analyzer and a method for measuring oxygen concentration of a respiratory gas are also provided.

Abstract: A mainstream gas monitoring system and method that includes using a mainstream airway adapter and a gas sensing assembly associated with the 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 determines whether the oxygen measurements are of sufficient quality for their intended use, such as for measuring oxygen consumption or metabolic estimations. Quality measurements may be used to improve accuracy of derived metabolic estimations. Methods are provided by which carbon dioxide measurements can be processed and substituted for direct oxygen measurement for all or part of a respiratory cycle.

Abstract: A method for analyzing lunch function includes receiving, at a signal generating device, an output of a respiratory maneuver, where the output of the respiratory maneuver includes one or more respiratory parameters. The method also includes producing, at the signal generating device, a signal corresponding to the output of the respiratory maneuver based on the one or more respiratory parameters, wherein the signal describes one or more characteristics of the respiratory maneuver. The method further comprises transmitting the signal from the signal generating device to a signal receiving device at a remote location over a network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting the presence of cancer cells in an animal such as a human or other mammal, comprising administering a measured volume of air to the subject wherein 16O2 and 18O2 are present and then measuring the ?18O in the subject's exhaled CO2. A Photoacoustic Spectrometer system is used for measuring the amount of laser light (Infrared) absorbed by isotopes of CO2(C16O2, C18O2) in the exhalant.

Abstract: Devices for attaching medical tubing to a nasal cannula are provided. Such devices may comprise a body having a distal end and a proximal end, a connector disposed on the body and adapted to releasably attach the body to the nasal cannula, and one of the following: at least one tube holding member extending along at least one surface of the body and adapted to accept the medical tubing, or at least one body channel extending through the body and having an outlet at the distal end of the body, and a tube connector attached to the proximal end of the body and adapted to fluidly connect the medical tubing the at least one channel.

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 means coupled to the plurality of sensors and the thermal control system for aiding in the diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction.

Abstract: This disclosure describes novel systems and methods for monitoring volumetric CO2 during ventilation of a patient being ventilated by a medical ventilator. The disclosure describes more accurate, more cost effective, and/or less burdensome non-invasive methods and systems for calculating volumetric CO2 than previously utilized methods and systems. The disclosure describes estimating a flow rate in a breathing circuit to calculate a volumetric CO2. Further, the disclosure describes synchronizing the estimated flow rate with a measured CO2 to calculate a volumetric CO2. Additionally, the disclosure describes synchronizing a measured flow rate from within the breathing circuit with a measured CO2 to calculate a volumetric CO2.

Abstract: This disclosure describes novel systems and methods for monitoring volumetric CO2 during ventilation of a patient being ventilated by a medical ventilator. The disclosure describes more accurate, more cost effective, and/or less burdensome non-invasive methods and systems for calculating volumetric CO2 than previously utilized methods and systems. The disclosure describes estimating a flow rate in a breathing circuit to calculate a volumetric CO2. Further, the disclosure describes synchronizing the estimated flow rate with a measured CO2 to calculate a volumetric CO2. Additionally, the disclosure describes synchronizing a measured flow rate from within the breathing circuit with a measured CO2 to calculate a volumetric CO2.

Abstract: An system for monitoring alcohol in the breath of a test client confirms the identity of the test client based on spirometric data. The system includes a sample chamber receiving a breath sample, an alcohol sensor measuring the alcohol content of the breath sample, and a spirometric sensor generating spirometric data from the breath sample over the test clients entire exhalatory phase. A processor analyzes the spirometric data with stored client characterization data for a known client to confirm the identity of the test client. The client characterization data can be a probability density in a phase space in which at least two spirometric variables (e.g., flow and volume time-series data) are correlated.

Abstract: A CO2 sensor includes: a sensing portion operable to change in color in accordance with a CO2 partial pressure in expiration from at least one of nares and a mouth of a living body; and a mounting member adapted to hold the sensing portion at a position where the expiration from the at least one of the nares and the mouth impinges on the sensing portion.

Abstract: A device to facilitate carbon dioxide sampling in the exhalation breath of a person comprising a single nasal prong (10) insertable into a nostril of the person having a first lumen (20) which allows gas passage from the nostril to the surrounding external air, a second lumen (34) located within the first lumen (20). A tube (40) is connected at a first end (42) to an end of the second lumen (34) that is further from the nostril and connectable at a second end (44) to a carbon dioxide monitoring device (50). The carbon dioxide monitoring device (50) detects the level of carbon dioxide in the portion of the person's exhalation that passes through the second lumen (34). The portion of the person's exhalation that passes through the first lumen (20) is dispersed in the surrounding air.

Abstract: A patient monitoring instrument protects the ports of a patient gas analyzer when not in use. A spring-loaded door covers the inlet and outlet ports of the gas analyzer when not connected to a gas collection tube. The door can be opened against the force of its spring with a gas tube connector, which is guided into its fitting by the contour of the door. When the connector is locked in place the connector holds the door open, exposing the outlet port of the analyzer.

Abstract: The treatment of snoring related sleep disorders require the knowledge of the location of origin of snoring in a patient. A method and device are provided for the determination of a location of origin of a primary vibration signal generated by snoring in an upper airway of a patient. At least two sensors are used to respectively detect the primary vibration signal and to generate respective intermediate signals. The sensors are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the patient's neck. The respective intermediate signals are processed to generate an output signal. The output signal is indicative of the location of origin.

Abstract: There is provided a method of determining at least one parameter value relating to nitric oxide, NO, production in the lower respiratory tract of a subject, the method comprising obtaining a plurality of measurements of NO levels in exhaled air and air flow rate during multiple exhalations of a subject performing tidal breathing; analyzing the plurality of measurements to identify exhalations where the NO produced in the lower respiratory tract dominates the NO contribution from other sources; determining at least one parameter value relating to NO in the lower respiratory tract of the subject from the measurements of NO levels and/or air flow rate obtained during the identified exhalations.

Abstract: A mouthpiece with an eject mechanism is disclosed. The mouthpiece includes an eject mechanism adapted to conform to a testing device, such as a breath analysis device. The eject mechanism allows for hygienic removal of a used mouthpiece from the testing device. A guiding surface allows for alignment of the mouthpiece with the testing device.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns improved capabilities for evaluating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). A system and method of evaluating PAH in a subject may include measuring end tidal partial pressure of exhaled carbon dioxide in the subject, wherein the measurement is made orally using described systems or devices. Integrated sensors enable the measurement and characterization of other respiratory gas components, some of which may be indicative of disease. The system and method can be used to monitor a course of treatment for PAH.

Abstract: A portable system (10) is disclosed for collecting a sample from exhaled breath of a subject. Drug substance in the exhaled breath are detected or determined. The sample is collected for further analysis using mass-spectroscopy. The system comprises a sampling unit (14) and a housing (12) arranged to hold the sampling unit (14), the sampling unit (14) is adapted to collect non-volatile and volatile compounds of the at least one drug substance from the exhaled breath from the subject. The housing (12) has at least one inlet (15) for the subject to exhale into the housing (12) to the sampling unit (14) and at least one outlet (16) for the exhaled breath to exit through.

Abstract: A screening method can be used to determine whether a subject is a suitable candidate for interventional therapy. The method can be used to determine the likelihood the subject will receive a therapeutic effect from denervation therapy. The determination is based, at least in part, on lung information obtained by performing lung function tests with and without treating the subject's lungs with a test agent. Based on the response to a test agent, the subject's response to a therapy is predicted.

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: A neonatal colorimetric carbon dioxide detector has a colorimetric carbon dioxide detector membrane having a pH-sensitive chemical indicator that undergoes colorimetric change in the presence of carbon dioxide. The detector has a patient orifice in fluid communication with the baby's airway and a respiration equipment orifice connected to a breathing system. The patient orifice is connected to a breathing tube and when the breathing tube is inserted correctly into the trachea, as the baby exhales, carbon dioxide interacts with the colorimetric membrane which changes color based upon the concentration of carbon dioxide. The internal volume of the neonatal colorimetric carbon dioxide detector is reduced to properly function with low-birth-weight (neonatal) infants.

Abstract: A method for managing health of ruminants or other animals. The method includes providing a feed dispenser for feeding ruminants nutrient supplements, and the feed dispenser includes a gas analyzer where a ruminant places its head. The method includes determining a particular ruminant has accessed the feed dispenser such as by reading an identifier from an RFID ear tag and operating the feed dispenser to provide a ration of methane-controlling nutrient supplement. The method may include using the identifier to determine that the animal should be vaccinated such as based on their age and no record of prior vaccination. The method includes dispensing a dose of a nasal vaccine into the feed dispenser near the animal's nostrils. The method may include discharging a diagnostic agent such as propane or carbon monoxide and processing data collected to diagnose the animal as having a disease or condition such as a lung-related sickness.

Abstract: A carbon-dioxide sampling device for non-invasively measuring carbon dioxide in exhaled breath. The device includes a breath-sampling chamber and a carbon-dioxide collector. The breath-sampling chamber is configured to be disposed over a respiratory opening of a patient, and is also configured to seal with the patient's face preventing unintentional leakage of respiratory gases from the chamber. The carbon-dioxide collector is disposed in the breath-sampling chamber in fluid dynamic isolation from the respiratory gases. Moreover, the carbon-dioxide collector is configured to be disposed in proximity to, and outside of, the respiratory opening of the patient, and to collect a sample of exhaled breath from the patient.

Abstract: A carbon-dioxide sampling system for accurately monitoring carbon dioxide in exhaled breath. The system includes a ventilator. The ventilator is configured to ventilate a patient with respiratory gases. The ventilator includes a carbon-dioxide sampling control unit and a carbon-dioxide analyzer. The carbon-dioxide sampling control unit is configured to control the timing of sampling of carbon dioxide in the exhaled breath of a patient, and to control the timing of the analysis of exhaled gases by the carbon-dioxide analyzer.

Abstract: A respiratory waveform analyzer, operable to analyze a respiratory waveform, which is generated based on a temporal change of a concentration of a component in respiratory gas of a subject, includes: a respiratory gas concentration generator which generates a concentration signal based on an output signal from a sensor that is placed to measure the concentration of the component; a flatness calculator which calculates a flatness indicative of flat degree of the respiratory waveform based on a temporal change of the concentration signal; and a reliability calculator which calculates a reliability of the respiratory waveform based on the flatness and the concentration signal.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a concentration of an anesthetic drug using a patient's breath is provided. The system comprises a sampling subsystem for processing the patient's breath to form a breath sample, one or more sensors to measure drug concentration in the breath sample, one or more sensors to measure a concentration of gases in the breath sample; and one or more microprocessors for determining a concentration of the drug in a plasma of the patient using a transfer function and the concentration of the drug in the breath sample. A system for monitoring propofol concentration in patient's breath sample is also provided.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a concentration of an anesthetic drug using a patient's breath is provided. The method comprises forming a breath sample using the patient's breath; exposing one or more sensors to the breath sample; detecting one or more components of the anesthetic drug in the breath sample; measuring a concentration of at least one of the components of the anesthetic drug in the breath sample; and determining a concentration of the component in a plasma of the patient using a transfer function and the concentration of the component in the breath sample.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a medical device for monitoring carbon dioxide in the exhaled breath from a non-intubated patient. Various embodiments provide methods for monitoring expired carbon dioxide, when a patient is under conscious sedation or is in any situation in which knowledge of respiratory status is useful.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for measuring levels of a specified gas in exhaled breath, the apparatus comprising a photoacoustic sensor for providing a measurement representative of the level of the specified gas in the exhaled air, wherein the photoacoustic sensor comprises a light source that is modulated at a first frequency; a sound speed measurement module for measuring the sound speed of the exhaled breath, wherein the sound speed measurement module operates either at a second frequency that is substantially different to the first frequency or in a pulsed mode; wherein the first frequency of the modulated light source is adjusted during exhalation in accordance with the measured speed of sound of the exhaled breath.

Abstract: Based on a capnometry signal, one or more breathing parameters of a subject are determined that require valid breaths by the subject to be distinguished from anatomical events that cause the CO2 content of gas at or near the airway of the subject to fluctuate. To improve the accuracy of one or more of these determinations, gas at or near the airway of the subject is diluted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly and accurately identifying and quantifying analytes in a complex mixture is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an ultra-sensitive cavity-enhanced spectrometer coupled to data-collection and analysis devices. The method comprises the use of a database containing the absorption cross-sections of various analytes to numerically determine the composition of the sample.

Abstract: A sidestream sampling system includes a sidestream gas measurement assembly and a sample cell configured to be assembled therewith. The sidestream gas measurement assembly includes a receptacle for removably receiving at least a portion of the sample cell. The sample cell is coupled to a sampling tube that is configured to communicate with an airway of an individual. When the sample cell is assembled with the sidestream gas measurement assembly, a window of the sample cell is oriented toward a corresponding source and/or detector of the sidestream gas measurement assembly to facilitate monitoring of an amount of at least one gas or vaporized material in an individual's respiration.

Abstract: A mainstream gas monitoring system and method that includes 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 gas sensing portion is subject to temperature variations associated with variations in flow rate and direction of respiratory gases. Methods are described that utilize the measurement of instantaneous respiratory flow rate combined with estimates of gas temperature and composition to estimate the sensor cooling effects from which a flow based time varying compensation factor is derived.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity analyzer for nitric oxide in exhaled breath at levels of 200 ppb or less with a sensor containing cytochrome C is rendered capable of multiple uses without the need for installing a new sensor for each use. This capability is achieved by regenerating the analyzer after each use by purging the sensor and surrounding regions with NOx -free air in a controlled manner, preferably in pulses separated by equilibration periods.

Abstract: Methods, system and apparatus for identifying an extreme epileptic state/event in a patient are provided. In one aspect, at least two seizure events are identified. At least one inter-seizure interval (ISI) value related to the at least two seizure events are determined. The ISI value is compared to at least one reference value. An occurrence of an extreme seizure event is determined based upon the comparison of the determined ISI value to the at least one reference value. In another aspect, a first seizure event is detected. At least one body index affected by the first seizure event is determined. A second seizure event is detected. An occurrence of an extreme seizure event is determined based at least in part in response to a determination that the second seizure event occurred prior to the body index value returning to a reference value.

Abstract: Shown and described is a user unit (1) for determining output parameters from respiratory gas analyses, particularly for use in spiroergometry devices, with a preferably replaceable breathing tube (2) and a housing part (3), wherein the breathing tube (2), also preferably, can be inserted into the housing part (3) in order to put the user unit into a measuring mode. A provision is made according to the invention that a nose clip (4) connected to the housing part (3) and designed to seal the nose of a user (5) during the determination of the output parameters is provided on the top side of the housing part (3).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a non-invasive way of assessing tissue perfusion in a patient, especially for treatment follow-up and prognosis of septic shock. More specifically, tissue perfusion is assessed by measuring the cutaneous partial pressure of carbon dioxide of said patient, for example at ear lobe with a PCO2 sensor which is not heated at a temperature superior to 37.5° C., and by calculating the difference between said cutaneous PCO2 and either the arterial or the end-tidal partial pressure of CO2. A device for performing a continuous non-invasive perfusion follow-up is also part of the invention.

Abstract: A method of sampling one or more respiratory profile characteristics and monitoring a variety of respiratory profile parameters. The sampled respiratory characteristics include respiratory flow rate, respiratory pressure, and partial pressure of at least one constituent of a patient's respiration. The method detects patient breaths, determines whether each breath is a spontaneous breath or a ventilator-induced breath and calculates various respiratory profile parameters based on the sampled measurements. The method displays the respiratory profile parameters in graphic and numeric forms. Preferably, the method allows a user to select the displayed respiratory profile parameters.

Abstract: A breathing circuit for use in conjunction with a ventilator serving a mechanically-ventilated patient includes an expiratory gas airflow pathway; an inspiratory gas airflow pathway; and a gas mixing mechanism operable to mix inspiratory gas and expiratory gas in an amount sufficient to equilibrate the patient's PETCO2 and arterial PCO2 such that the patient's PETCO2 is a clinically reliable approximation of the patient's PaCO2.

Abstract: A method of creating a noninvasive predictor of both physiologic and imposed patient effort of breathing from airway pressure and flow sensors attached to the patient using an adaptive mathematical model. The patient effort is commonly measured via work of breathing, power of breathing, or pressure-time product of esophageal pressure and is important for properly adjusting ventilatory support for spontaneously breathing patients. The method of calculating this noninvasive predictor is based on linear or non-linear calculations using multiple parameters derived from the above-mentioned sensors.

Abstract: Sidestream sampling of gas to determine information related to the composition of gas at or near the airway of a subject is implemented. From such information one or more breathing parameters of subject 12 (e.g., respiratory rate, end-tidal CO2, etc.) are determined, respiratory events (e.g., obstructions, apneas, etc.) are identified, equipment malfunction and/or misuse is identified, and/or functions are performed. To improve the accuracy of one or more of these determinations, information related to pressure at or near the airway of subject is implemented. This information may include detection of pressure at or near a sidestream sampling cell.

Abstract: A method for predicting the onset of any (NO)-related negative influence of hemolysis, such as pain or the likely occurrence of a stroke, in a human patient by detecting abnormal levels of hemolysis, through the measurement of one or more breath gas concentrations.

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: An inhalation mask (1) for fitting to a snout of an equine animal or an animal having an equine shaped snout is provided and comprise: a unitary mask body (6) defining a housing with an open end (11) which is adapted to overfit and accommodate the snout of the animal. The open end (11) of the housing being an integral part of the housing and forming a deformable seal about the open end (11) for sealing about the snout of the animal, wherein the open end (11) of the housing comprises a deformable lip (10) which forms the deformable seal, the lip (10) being formed by a continuation of a side wall (7) forming the mask body (6), which when the mask (1) is fitted, turns back inward upon itself, into the open end (11) of the mask (1), so that the lip (10) engages with the animal's snout to support the mask body (6) on the snout.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for monitoring the respiration of a subject, the apparatus comprising a sensor for measuring the concentration of a specified gas in air exhaled by the subject and a processor configured to provide an output indicating the concentration of the specified gas in a selected portion of the exhaled air, the selected portion of the exhaled air corresponding to air from a specific part of the respiratory system of the subject.

Abstract: Gastric emptying classification systems, displays, methods for classifying gastric emptying data, methods for treating patients, and methods for developing gastric emptying classification systems are disclosed.

Abstract: An automated patient care system and method for diagnosing and monitoring respiratory insufficiency is presented. A plurality of monitoring sets are stored into a database. Each monitoring set includes recorded measures, which each relate to patient information and contain medical device measures recorded on a substantially continuous basis or derived measures calculable therefrom. The monitoring sets are retrieved from the database. A set of indicator thresholds are defined. Each indicator threshold corresponds to a quantifiable physiological measure of a pathophysiology indicative of respiratory insufficiency. A respiratory insufficiency finding is diagnosed. A change in patient status is determined by comparing at least one recorded measure to at least one other recorded measure with both recorded measures relating to the same type of patient information. Each patient status change is compared to the indicator threshold corresponding to the same type of patient information as the recorded measures.

Abstract: Gastric emptying classification systems, displays, methods for classifying gastric emptying data, methods for treating patients, and methods for developing gastric emptying classification systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluating a patient status from sampled physiometry for use in respiratory insufficiency management and heart failure assessment is presented. Physiological measures are stored and include direct measures regularly recorded on a substantially continuous basis by a medical device for a patient or measures derived from the direct measures. The physiological measures are sampled, which each relate to a same type of physiometry, and those of the physiological measures, which each relate to a different type of physiometry. A status is determined through analysis of those sampled physiological measures assembled from a plurality of recordation points. The sampled physiological measures are evaluated. Any trends are identified and include one of a status quo and a change, which might affect cardiac performance or respiratory performance.

Abstract: A main stream gas analyzing device for measuring a concentration of a trace gas present in a gas stream and a method of measuring the concentration of the trace gas is disclosed. The main stream gas analyzing device includes a measuring chamber for receiving a gas flow, an infrared reflective material provided on an inner surface of the measuring chamber, an infrared radiation source directed toward the infrared reflective material of the measuring chamber and obliquely angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the measuring chamber such that infrared radiation being emitted from the infrared radiation source is reflected off of the infrared reflective material at least once, and an infrared radiation detector obliquely angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the measuring chamber to receive the reflected infrared radiation.

Abstract: An anatomical shaped oxygen face mask with ports allows medical procedures to take place while the mask remains affixed to patient's face covering both mouth and nose. The mask is specially designed to allow the patient to ventilate spontaneously while at the same time instrument to access is provided by means of ports located at the front of the mask. One port may be used for procedures while an other port can be used for suctioning of secretion and blood.