Method and apparatus for inducing sputum samples for diagnostic evaluation
AssigneeHill-Rom Services, Inc.
InventorsNicholas P. Van Brunt, Donald J. Gagne
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for inducing sputum samples for diagnosing pulmonary disorders, especially as it relates to detection of early stages of lung cancer. The apparatus is comprised of a pneumatic chest compression vest, a pneumatic pressure generator, and a mouthpiece connected to a nebulizer. Sputum samples are induced by applying an oscillating force to the chest via the pneumatic chest compression vest and pressure generator, while simultaneously providing an aerosolized solution (such as normal or hypertonic saline) via the nebulizer while the patient is standing. The sample is subsequently evaluated to ascertain a patient's risk of or the presence of a pulmonary disorder such as lung cancer.
Claims41
An apparatus for inducing sputum from a patient, the apparatus comprising:
- a chest compression vest for applying force to a chest region of the patient;
- a pressure generator connected to the vest for providing an oscillating pressure;
- a mouthpiece having a first portion configured to extend sufficiently into the patient's mouth to depress the patient's tongue to minimize airflow resistance, the first portion of the mouthpiece placed in the patient's mouth being configured to be spaced apart from the patient's trachea, and
- a support which maintains the patient in a generally standing position.
An apparatus for inducing sputum from a patient, the apparatus comprising:
- a chest compression vest for applying force to a chest region of the patient;
- a pressure generator connected to the vest for providing an oscillating pressure;
- and
- a mouthpiece having a first portion configured to extend sufficiently into the patient's mouth to depress the patient's tongue to minimize airflow resistance, the first portion of the mouthpiece placed in the patient's mouth being configured to be spaced apart from the patient's trachea,
- wherein the pressure generator provides the oscillating pressure at at least one frequency between about 5 pressure cycles per second and about 25 pressure cycles per second.
An apparatus for inducing sputum from a patient, the apparatus comprising:
- means for applying force to a chest region of the patient;
- means for providing an oscillating pressure, the means for applying force being connected to the means for providing an oscillating pressure;
- and
- a mouthpiece having a first opening configured to be received in the patient's mouth, a second opening configured to be positioned outside the patient's mouth and communicating directly with atmosphere and a passageway extending between the first and second openings through which the patient inhales from and exhales to the atmosphere.
An apparatus for inducing sputum from a patient, the apparatus comprising:
- a chest compression vest for applying force to a chest region of the patient;
- a pressure generator connected to the vest for providing an oscillating pressure;
- and
- a mouthpiece having a first opening configured to be received in the patient's mouth, a second opening configured to be positioned outside the patient's mouth and communicating directly with atmosphere and a passageway extending between the first and second openings through which the patient inhales from and exhales to the atmosphere.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.