Device for removing pulmonary secretions

• US 20100012126A1
• Filed: 07/06/2009
• Published: 01/21/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/18/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Iph Establishment
• Original Assignee: Iph Establishment
• Inventors: Gandini, Alessandro
• Granted Patent: US 8,584,675 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/205.190
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0006 with means for creating vibrations in patients' airways
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0012 by Venturi means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0057 Pumps therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0021 with a proportional output signal, e.g. from a thermistor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0027 pressure meter
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0036 in the breathing tube and used in both inspiratory and expiratory phase

Abstract

A device for removing bronchopulmonary secretions of a patient provides for a duct, an expansion chamber and means for accelerating the exhaled air.

Claims

1. Device for removing bronchopulmonary secretions of a patient characterised in that it provides for a duct, an expansion chamber and means for accelerating the exhaled air.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises

a) a duct connectable with the respiratory tracts of the patient;

b) an expansion chamber which provides for

b1) a first opening for the inflow of a gaseous current,

b2) at least a second opening through which the gaseous current exits from the expansion chamber and is inserted into the duct;

c) means for supplying the gaseous current inside the expansion chamber,

where said means for accelerating the exhaled air are constituted by the gaseous current inserted in the duct.

3. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the exhaled air acceleration means are also constituted by the duct having a Venturi valve structure.

4. Device according to claim 1, moreover comprising:

d) a flow sensor for generating a positive signal in the presence of an exhaled air flow in the duct or a negative signal in the presence of an inhaled air flow;

e) control means for activating the gaseous current supply means in response to the positive signal coming from the flow sensor and for deactivating the means in response to a negative signal.

5. Device according to claim 1, moreover comprising a pressure sensor for generating a signal in the presence of reduced pressure in the duct which is above a specific threshold value.

6. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the duct is connected to a mouthpiece.

7. Device according to claim 1, wherein the duct is connected to a nasal mask.

8. Device according to claim 2, wherein the means for supplying a gaseous current consist of a pump.

9. Device according to claim 1, wherein the expansion chamber is an annular chamber having two or more openings, preferably at least 4, for the exit of the inserted gaseous current.

10. Device according to claim 1, wherein the duct connectable with the respiratory tracts of the patient moreover comprises an opening through which it is possible to insert a flow of air or other breathable gas.