US 2013/0255684 A2 · Ventilation Mask with Integrated Piloted Exhalation Valve And Method of Ventilating a Patient Using the Same

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mask for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications), and a method for a operating a ventilation system including such mask. The mask of the present invention includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The pilot may also be a preset pressure derived in the mask, a separate pneumatic line from the ventilator, or an electro-mechanical control. Additionally, the valve can be implemented with a diaphragm or with a flapper.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method of ventilating a patient utilizing a direct nasal interface mask worn by the patient and fluidly connected to a ventilator adapted to supply a pressurized, breathable gas to the direct nasal interface mask, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing the direct nasal interface mask with a housing defining at least one flow passage, and an exhalation valve which is integrated into the housing and fluidly coupled to the flow passage;
and
b) selectively moving the exhalation valve being between a closed position wherein fluid flow between the flow passage and ambient air is at least partially obstructed thereby, and an open position wherein at least a portion of the flow passage is vented to ambient air.

A method of ventilating a patient using a direct nasal interface mask worn by the patient and fluidly connected to a ventilator adapted to supply a pressurized, breathable gas to the direct nasal interface mask, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing the direct nasal interface mask with a housing at least partially defining a valve chamber which fluidly communicates with ambient air, a pilot port which fluidly communicates with the valve chamber, at least one flow passage which is selectively placeable into fluid communication with the valve chamber, and a diaphragm which is disposed within the valve chamber and selectively movable between a closed position wherein fluid flow between the flow passage and the valve chamber is obstructed thereby, and an open position wherein the flow passage is vented to ambient air via the valve chamber;
and
b) using the pilot port to selectively apply a pilot pressure to the diaphragm in a manner facilitating the movement thereof between the open and closed position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Ventilation Mask with Integrated Piloted Exhalation Valve And Method of Ventilating a Patient Using the Same

Life of this patent

Ventilation Mask with Integrated Piloted Exhalation Valve And Method of Ventilating a Patient Using the Same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20