RESPIRATORY SENSOR
First Claim
1. A sensor assembly for monitoring the respiration pattern of a subject, the sensor comprising:
- a sensor element for exposing to a gas stream exhaled by the subject comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and an active layer extending between the first and second electrodes to provide an electrical path therebetween, the sensor element being responsive to the concentration of water vapour in the gas stream exhaled by the subject, whereby the conductivity of the path between the electrodes varies in response to changes in the concentration of water vapour;
a processor for determining the pattern of respiration of the subject; and
means for displaying information relating to the determined respiration pattern to a user.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A sensor assembly for monitoring the respiration pattern of a subject is disclosed, the sensor comprising a sensor element for exposing to a gas stream exhaled by the subject comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and an active layer extending between the first and second electrodes to provide an electrical path therebetween, the sensor element being responsive to the concentration of water vapour in the gas stream exhaled by the subject, whereby the conductivity of the path between the electrodes varies in response to changes in the concentration of water vapour; a processor for determining the pattern of respiration of the subject; and means for displaying information relating to the determined respiration pattern to a user. The sensor assembly is particular suitable for measuring the respiration rate and/or depth of respiration of the subject. The sensor and method find particular application in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea.
14 Citations
56 Claims
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1. A sensor assembly for monitoring the respiration pattern of a subject, the sensor comprising:
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a sensor element for exposing to a gas stream exhaled by the subject comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and an active layer extending between the first and second electrodes to provide an electrical path therebetween, the sensor element being responsive to the concentration of water vapour in the gas stream exhaled by the subject, whereby the conductivity of the path between the electrodes varies in response to changes in the concentration of water vapour; a processor for determining the pattern of respiration of the subject; and means for displaying information relating to the determined respiration pattern to a user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A method of monitoring the respiration pattern of a subject, the method comprising:
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contacting a gas stream exhaled by the subject with the sensor element of an electrochemical sensor assembly, thereby generating an signal from the sensor element in response to changes in the concentration of water vapour in the exhaled gas stream; processing the electrical signal to determine the respiration pattern of the subject; and generating a display of information relating to the respiration pattern for a user. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 55, 56)
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39. (canceled)
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46. A system for the treatment of a subject with sleep apnea, the system comprising:
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means for monitoring the respiration pattern of the subject; means for administering to the subject a stream of pressurized gas sufficient to open the airways of the subject when activated by the means for monitoring the respiration pattern. - View Dependent Claims (48)
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47. (canceled)
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49. A method of treating a subject with sleep apnea, the method comprising the steps of:
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monitoring the respiration pattern of the subject; and upon detection of a erratic respiration pattern indicating the onset of an apneic event, initiating the supply of a stream of pressurized gas to the nose and/or mouth of the subject sufficient to maintain the airways of the subject open.
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50. (canceled)
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51. (canceled)
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52. (canceled)
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53. A system for providing a continuous positive airway pressure to a subject, the system comprising:
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means for monitoring the respiration pattern of the subject; means for delivering a stream of gas to the subject sufficient to maintain a continuous positive airway pressure within the subject; and means for controlling the means for delivering the stream of gas responsive to the output from the means for monitoring the respiration pattern of the subject.
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54. (canceled)
Specification