Inversion-based feed-forward compensation of inspiratory trigger dynamics in medical ventilators

A ventilator, comprising:

• a pneumatic system for providing and receiving breathing gas;
• and
• a controller operatively coupled with the pneumatic system, where the controller is operable to:
• receive a baseline closed-loop input corresponding to a desired output pressure of breathing gas from the pneumatic system;
• receive an additional feed-forward input corresponding to a desired boost pressure waveform to be added to the desired output pressure, the additional feed-forward input being dependent upon at least one of an operator-selected ventilator parameter and an operator-selected patient parameter;
• detect patient initiation of an inspiratory phase of a respiration cycle;
• and
• during the inspiratory phase, command the pneumatic system to provide positive pressure breathing assistance based on the closed-loop input and the additional feed-forward input, the positive pressure breathing assistance being constrained through application of a feedback signal to the controller.

A method of operating a patient-triggered, positive pressure ventilator, comprising:

• driving a pneumatic system of the ventilator with a closed-loop control regime to provide positive pressure breathing assistance during inspiration;
• providing a supplemental added pressure boost during inspiration in addition to the breathing assistance commanded by the closed-loop control regime;
• and
• setting the supplemental added pressure boost based on operator input of at least one of a ventilator parameter and a patient parameter.