Adaptive controller for automatic ventilators

Abstract

An automatic controller utilizes a pulse oximeter signal to regulate the oxygen mixture output, peak expiratory end pressure, and inspiratory ventilation time from a positive pressure respiratory assist ventilator. The pulse oximeter senses a patient's hemoglobin saturation and pulse rate by an optical sensor to develop a signal which is used by calculator to determine the patient's corresponding partial pressure of arterial blood. The calculated partial pressure of arterial blood is then used by the calculator in determining the level of inspired oxygen, peak expiratory end pressure, and inspiratory ventilation time provided to the patient. The calculator generates a signal to control the level of inspired oxygen, expiratory end pressure, and inspiratory ventilation time output from a positive pressure respiratory assist ventilator. The level of inspired oxygen, peak expiratory end pressure, and inspiratory ventilation time provided from the ventilator to the patient is varied to maintain a desired predetermined partial pressure of arterial oxygen.

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