U.S. Patent No. 7,802,571-Method and Apparatus for Controlling a Ventilator

U.S. Patent No. 7,802,571-Method and Apparatus for Controlling a Ventilator

U.S. Patent No. 7,802,571-Method and Apparatus for Controlling a Ventilator

  • U.S. Patent No: 7,802,571
  • Issued on: September 28, 2010.
  • Category: Mechanical Ventilation

Tehrani, Fleur T., U.S. Patent No. 7,802,571, Method and Apparatus for Controlling a Ventilator, issued on September 28, 2010.

Abstract

Method and apparatus for controlling a ventilator are described. The invention can be used to control mechanical ventilators as well as respiratory assist devices such as CPAP machines. The apparatus receives input data indicative of patient’s oxygen level. A controller determines PEEP, or CPAP, and FIO2, on the basis of data indicative of the patient’s oxygen level. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus further receives input data indicative of patient’s carbon dioxide levels, respiratory elastance and airway resistance, and barometric pressure. The controller further utilizes the said input data to determine the optimal values of tidal volume and breathing frequency for a next breath of the patient, and uses the respiratory elastance and airway resistance data to determine any necessary adjustments in the I:E ratio. The controller also applies safety rules, detects and corrects artifacts, and generates warning signals when needed.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/481,693, filed Nov. 21, 2003, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,268 entitled “Method and Apparatus for Controlling an Artificial Respirator,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

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