US 7,802,571 B2 · Method and apparatus for controlling a ventilator

Abstract

Method and apparatus for controlling a ventilator are described. The invention can be used to control mechanical ventilators as well as respiratory assist devices such as CPAP machines. The apparatus receives input data indicative of patient's oxygen level. A controller determines PEEP, or CPAP, and FIO2, on the basis of data indicative of the patient's oxygen level. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus further receives input data indicative of patient's carbon dioxide levels, respiratory elastance and airway resistance, and barometric pressure. The controller further utilizes the said input data to determine the optimal values of tidal volume and breathing frequency for a next breath of the patient, and uses the respiratory elastance and airway resistance data to determine any necessary adjustments in the I:E ratio. The controller also applies safety rules, detects and corrects artifacts, and generates warning signals when needed.

Claims45

Dependent claims

An apparatus for automatically controlling a ventilator comprising:

first means for processing data indicative of at least a measured oxygen level of a patient, and for providing output data indicative of:
required concentration of oxygen in inspiratory gas of the patient (FIO2) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) for a next breath of the patient;
wherein FIO2 is determined to reduce the difference between the measured oxygen level of the patient and a desired value;
wherein PEEP is determined to keep a ratio of PEEP/FIO2 within a prescribed range and, while keeping the ratio within the prescribed range, to keep the measured oxygen level of the patient above a predefined value;
and
second means, operatively coupled to the first means, for providing control signals, based on the output data provided by the first means, to the ventilator;
wherein the control signals provided to the ventilator automatically control PEEP, and FIO2, for a next breath of the patient.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for controlling a ventilator

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for controlling a ventilator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims45