Method and apparatus for determining a respiration parameter in a medical device

An apparatus for determining a respiration parameter in a medical device, comprising:

• means for sensing pressure signals to generate corresponding sample points;
• means for continuously adjusting a breath detection threshold in response to the generated sample points to generate a current adjusted breath detection threshold;
• means for comparing a current generated sample point to the current adjusted breath detection threshold;
• means for suspending the continuous adjusting of the breath detection threshold and setting the breath detection threshold equal to the most current adjusted breath detection threshold generated prior to the suspending;
• means for comparing a next sample point, generated subsequent to the suspending, to the set breath detection threshold;
• and
• means for determining the respiration parameter in response to the comparing of a next sample point to the set breath detection threshold.

An apparatus for determining a respiration parameter in a medical device, comprising:

• means for sensing pressure signals to generate corresponding sample points;
• means for continuously adjusting a breath detection threshold in response to a minimum amplitude of a predetermined number of the generated sample points to generate a first detection threshold;
• means for determining whether a current generated sample point is less than the first inspiration detection threshold;
• means for suspending the continuous adjusting of the breath detection threshold and setting the first respiration detection threshold equal to the most current adjusted breath detection threshold generated prior to the suspending;
• means for determining whether a first predetermined number of next sample points, generated subsequent to the suspending, is less than the first respiration detection threshold;
• means for resuming the continuous adjusting of the breath detection threshold to continuously adjust the breath detection threshold in response to a maximum amplitude of the generated sample points to generate a second respiration detection threshold;
• means for determining whether a current generated sample point is greater than the second respiration detection threshold;
• means for suspending the continuous adjusting of the breath detection threshold and setting the expiration detection threshold equal to the most current adjusted breath detection threshold generated prior to the suspending;
• means for determining whether a second predetermined number of next sample points, generated subsequent to the suspending, is greater than the second respiration detection threshold;
• and
• means for determining the respiration parameter in response to the predetermined number of next sample points being greater than the second respiration detection threshold.