Resuscitator regulator with carbon dioxide detector

• US 6,427,687 B1
• Filed: 04/04/2000
• Issued: 08/06/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/15/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Mallinckrodt Incorporated (Mallinckrodt plc)
• Original Assignee: Mallinckrodt Incorporated (Mallinckrodt plc)
• Inventors: Kirk, Gilbert M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lewis, Aaron J.
• Application Number:
  US09/542,686
• Time in Patent Office: 854 Days
• Field of Search: 128/202.28, 128/203.11, 128/205.13, 128/205.17, 128/205.23
• US Class Current: 128/203.11
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0078 Breathing bags
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0084 self-reinflatable by elasticity, e.g. resuscitation squeeze bags
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0816 Joints or connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/1065 in the expiratory path
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/12 by mixing different gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/22 Carbon dioxide-absorbing devices ; Other means for removing carbon dioxidecartridges with absorbing substances for respiratory apparatus A62B19/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0413 with detectors of CO2 in exhaled gases
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/7536 allowing gas passage, but preventing liquid passage, e.g. liquophobic, hydrophobic, water-repellent membranes
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/432 partial CO2 pressure (P-CO2)

Abstract

A resuscitator is provided with an integral carbon dioxide detector for indicating the presence of carbon dioxide in a patient. The carbon dioxide detector is a conventional pH sensitive chromogenic compound that is positioned in the breathing circuit to permit a rapid indication.

Claims

1. A resuscitator comprising:

a flexible container for supplying gas to a patient having outlet and inlet openings;

a regulator fixed to said outlet opening having an inhalation port, an exhalation port and a viewing window;

a control valve located in said regulator over said outlet opening for controlling fresh gas flow to a patient through said inhalation port; and

means for detecting carbon dioxide (CO₂) in exhaled gas from said patient, said means positioned in said exhalation port directly in a flow path of the exhaled gas of said patient for display to a user.

2. The resuscitator of claim 1 further comprising valve means located between said inhalation and exhalation ports for preventing the mixing of said fresh and stale gasses.

3. The resuscitator of claim 1 where the means for detecting CO₂ is alternatingly exposed to exhaled gas and the atmosphere.

4. The resuscitator of claim 1 where the means for detecting CO₂ is exposed to exhaled gases.

5. The resuscitator of claim 1 where the means for detecting CO₂ is exposed to a mixture of exhaled gas and the atmosphere.

6. A resuscitator comprising:

a flexible container for supplying gas to a patient having outlet and inlet openings;

a control valve housing fixed to said outlet opening of said container having an inhalation port, an exhalation port and a viewing window;

a control valve located in said housing over said outlet opening for controlling flow of fresh gas to a patient through said inhalation port; and

means for detecting carbon dioxide in exhaled gas from said patient located in the exhalation port in a direct breathing circuit of said patient and located in said viewing window of said housing, said means locates in such a manner that substantially all of the gas exhaled from said patient contacts said means.

7. The resuscitator of claim 6 further comprising a sealing means.

8. The resuscitator of claim 7 further comprising scavenging means associated with said sealing means for absorbing carbon dioxide.

9. A resuscitator comprising:

a flexible container for supplying gas to a patient having outlet and inlet openings;

a control valve housing fixed to said outlet opening of said container having an inhalation port and an exhalation port;

a control valve located in said horsing over said outlet opening for controlling flow of fresh gas to a patient through said inhalation port; and

carbon dioxide detector means located in the exhalation port for detecting carbon dioxide in gas exhaled from said patient, said carbon dioxide detector means positioned in the exhalation port such that substantially all of the gas exhaled from said patient contacts the carbon dioxide detector means.

10. The resuscitator of claim 9 wherein the exhalation port has means for viewing said carbon dioxide detector means.

11. The resuscitator of claim 9 wherein the exhalation port is constructed of a clear material suitable for viewing said carbon dioxide detector means.

12. The resuscitator of claim 9 wherein means for detecting carbon dioxide further comprises a carrier impregnated with a chromogenic pH-sensitive indicator so that a color change occurs when said indicator is exposed to a gas containing at least 1.0% carbon dioxide.

13. The resuscitator of claim 12 wherein said color change occurs within five seconds after exposure to carbon dioxide.