Non-invasive device and method for the diagnosis of pulmonary vascular occlusions
AssigneeCharlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital
InventorJeffrey A. Kline
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention involves a device and method for ascertaining the functioning of the respiratory system and determining whether a pulmonary embolism is present. The device comprises an apparatus containing sensors for measuring the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations as well as the volume of air inhaled and exhaled by a patient. From this data, a processor computes the ratio of carbon dioxide to oxygen for the volume of expired air and displays the results on a screen. By comparing the results to predetermined normal values, an accurate determination can be made regarding the presence of a pulmonary embolism.
Claims6
A method for measuring the response to resuscitation, comprising the steps of:
- allowing said patient to inhale through a mouthpiece;
- measuring the oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures of the inhaled air.
- allowing said patient to exhale air through said mouthpiece;
- measuring the oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures of the exhaled air;
- calculating the amount of oxygen delivered to the patient;
- and
- determining whether resuscitation is complete.
A method for measuring a patient's response to resuscitation, comprising the steps of:
- providing a device capable of measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures;
- supplying a relatively low concentration of inspired oxygen of about 21 to 30 percent;
- providing a relatively high concentration of inspired oxygen of about 45 to 50 percent;
- calculating the amount of oxygen delivered to the patient for both the lower concentration of inspired oxygen and the higher concentration of inspired oxygen;
- and
- comparing the difference in oxygen delivered between the lower concentration and the higher concentration with expected values.
A method of measuring the efficiency of alveolar ventilation, comprising the steps of:
- providing a mouthpiece to a patient;
- allowing said patient to inhale through said mouthpiece;
- measuring the oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures of the inhaled air;
- calculating the amount of oxygen delivered;
- calculating the amount of carbon dioxide released;
- determining the efficiency of alveolar ventilation during each tidal volume breath.
A method of measuring the cardiac output of a patient, comprising the steps of:
- providing a mouthpiece to a patient;
- allowing said patient to inhale and exhale through said mouthpiece;
- continuously measuring oxygen partial pressures of the inhaled and exhaled air;
- continuously measuring the arterial oxygen saturation through pulse oximetry;
- measuring the pH and hemoglobin concentration of a venous blood sample;
- and
- calculating the cardiac output.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.