Abstract:
The present technology relates to methods and apparatus to provide ventilation to patients. In particular, the present technology relates to changing ventilator parameters to match changing patient metabolic demand.
Abstract:
The apparatus provides for the determination of the instantaneous phase in the respiratory cycle, subject's average respiration rate and the provision of ventilatory assistance. A microprocessor (16) receives an airflow signal from a pressure transducer (18) coupled to a port (17) at a mask (11). The microprocessor (16) controls a servo (19), that in turn controls the fan motor (20) and thus the pressure of air delivered by the blower (10). The blower (10) is coupled to a subject's mask (ii) by a conduit (12). The invention seeks to address the following goals: while the subject is awake and making substantial efforts the delivered assistance should be closely matched in phase with the subject's efforts; the machine should automatically adjust the degree of assistance to maintain at least a specified minimum ventilation without relying on the integrity of the subject's chemoreflexes; and it should continue to work correctly in the presence of large leaks.
Abstract:
A mask assembly includes a mask with an inflatable bladder. The internal pressure of the inflatable bladder can be set to be higher than the delivered therapeutic pressure. The pressure offset may be constant, or it may vary over the range of therapeutic pressures. Thus, the force necessary to maintain a contact seal between the mask and the patient can be reduced, thereby providing a system that is more comfortable to the patient, which increases patient compliance.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for assessing the condition of and treating patients for heart failure by the delivery of continuous positive airway pressure are disclosed. Treatment of obstruction due to reflex vocal cord closure often experienced by heart failure patients is distinguished from treatment of upper airway obstruction typically associated with Obstructive Sleep Disorder. Treatment may also be implemented by delivering synchronized cardiac pressure oscillations superimposed on a respiratory pressure level to provide assistance for the heart. Heart treatment pressure dose indicator may be calculated for prescribing and monitoring the delivery of treatment. The apparatus may also generate data to track heart failure condition that may be indicative of the degree of severity of heart failure based upon breathing patterns to assist in the diagnosis and management of heart failure patients.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for the treatment of cardiac failure, Cheyne Stokes breathing or central sleep apnea are disclosed. A subject is provided with ventilatory support. Respiratory airflow is determined. From the respiratory airflow are derived a measure of instantaneous ventilation (for example half the absolute value of the respiratory airflow) and a measure of longterm average ventilation. A target ventilation is taken as 95% of the longterm average ventilation. The instantaneous ventilation is fed as the input signal to a clipped integral controller, with the target ventilation as the reference signal. The output of the controller determines the degree of ventilatory support. A third measure of ventilation, for example instantaneous ventilation low pass filtered with a time constant of 5 seconds, is calculated. Ventilatory support is in phase with the subject's respiratory airflow to the fuzzy extent that this ventilation is above target, and at a preset rate conversely.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for determining suitable settings for a servo-ventilator to be used during a treatment period. Respiratory characteristics of a patient are measured during a learning period preceding the treatment period. With these measured characteristics, a target ventilation setting may be calculated by alternative methods. The calculated setting may then be used for enforcing a minimum ventilation during the treatment period where ventilatory support is provided with a servo-controlled ventilator.
Abstract:
A comfortable low-leak mask assembly for use with Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) is provided to improve patient compliance and/or treatment. The mask system may include headgear having straps that are substantially inextensible and/or micro-adjustable; and/or a mask and/or cushion that includes various structures to allow enhanced/tailored sealing and/or fit at selected locations on the patient's face.
Abstract:
CPAP treatment apparatus is disclosed having a controllable flow generator (34, 38, 40) operable to produce breathable gas at a treatment pressure elevated above atmosphere to a patient by a delivery tube (32) coupled to a mask (30) having connection with a patient's airway. A sensor (44, 50, 56, 58) generates a signal representative of patient respiratory flow, that is provided to a controller (54, 62, 64). The controller (54, 62, 64) is operable to determine the occurrence of an apnea from a reduction in respiratory airflow below a threshold, and if an apnea has occurred, to determine the duration of the apnea and to cause the flow generator (34, 38) to increase the treatment pressure. In one preferred form the increase in pressure is zero if the treatment pressure before the apnea exceeds a pressure threshold. Below the pressure threshold the increase in pressure is an increasing of the duration of the apnea multiplied by the between the pressure threshold and the current function difference treatment pressure.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for the treatment of cardiac failure, Cheyne Stokes breathing or central sleep apnea are disclosed. A subject is provided with ventilatory support Respiratory airflow is determined. From the respiratory airflow are derived a measure of instantaneous ventilation and a measure of longterm average ventilation. A target ventilation is taken as 95% of the longterm average ventilation. The instantaneous ventilation is fed as the input signal to a clipped integral controller, with the target ventilation as the reference signal. The output of the controller determines the degree of ventilatory support. A third measure of ventilation, for example instantaneous ventilation low pass filtered with a time constant of 5 seconds, is calculated. Ventilatory support is in phase with the subject's respiratory airflow to the fuzzy extent that this ventilation is above target, and at a preset rate conversely.
Abstract:
CPAP treatment apparatus is disclosed having a controllable flow generator (34, 38, 40) operable to produce breathable gas at a treatment pressure elevated above atmosphere to a patient by a delivery tube (32) coupled to a mask (30) having connection with a patient's airway. A sensor (44, 50, 56, 58) generates a signal representative of patient respiratory flow, that is provided to a controller (54, 62, 64). The controller (54, pressure. In one preferred form the increase in pressure is zero if the treatment pressure before the apnea exceeds a pressure threshold. Below the pressure threshold the increase in pressure is an increasing function of the duration of the apnea multiplied by the difference between the pressure threshold and the current treatment pressure.