Sleep apnea treatment apparatus

• US 7,770,578 B2
• Filed: 01/27/2006
• Issued: 08/10/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/01/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS LLC (Respironics Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: RIC INVESTMENTS LLC (Respironics Incorporated)
• Inventors: Estes, Mark C., Cattano, Janice M
• Primary Examiner(s): DEMILLE, DANTON D
• Application Number:
  US11/342,002
• Publication Number:
  US 20060118112A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,656 Days
• Field of Search: 128/202.22, 128/204.18, 128/204.21, 128/204.23
• US Class Current: 128/204.18
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0051 with alarm devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0069 the speed thereof being controlled by respiratory parameters, e.g. by inhalation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/024 including calculation means, e.g. using a processor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0021 with a proportional output signal, e.g. from a thermistor
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0039 in the inspiratory circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3561 local, e.g. within room or hospital

Abstract

Improved methodology and apparatus for the clinical study and treatment of sleep apnea which incorporates one or more of the following features: (1) application of mono-level, alternating high and low level, or variable positive airway pressure generally within the airway of the patient with the mono-level, high and low level, or variable airway pressure generally being coordinated with and/or responsive to the spontaneous respiration of the patient, (2) usage of adjustably programmable pressure ramp circuitry capable of producing multiple pressure ramp cycles of predetermined duration and pattern whereby the ramp cycles may be customized to accommodate the specific needs of an individual sleep apnea patient so as to ease the patient'"'"'s transition from wakefulness to sleep, (3) remote control or patient-sensed operation of the apparatus, (4) employment of safety circuitry, reset circuitry and minimum system leak assurance circuitry, controls and methods, and (5) utilization of clinical control circuitry whereby sleep disorder data may be compiled and appropriate therapy implemented during a one-night sleep study.

Claims

1. A system for delivering pressurized gas to an airway of a patient comprising:

a pressure generating system;

a conduit having a first end operatively coupled to the pressure generating system and a second end;

a patient interface operatively coupled to the second end of the conduit;

a sensor operatively coupled to the pressure generating system, the conduit, or the patient interface, wherein the sensor is adapted to detect a parameter indicative of a patient breathing into the patient interface; and

a processor operatively coupled to the sensor and the pressure generating system, wherein the processor determines whether a patient is breathing into the patient interface based on the output of the sensor, wherein the processor is programmed to activate the pressure generating system from a first state in which the pressure generating system does not provide gas to a patient at a treatment pressure to a second state in which the pressure generating system provides a gas to the patient at a first continuous positive airway pressure during inspiratory phases and a third state in which the pressure generating system provides a gas to the patient at a second continuous positive airway pressure during expiratory phases of a respiratory cycle and over multiple successive respiratory cycles, the first continuous pressure different from the second continuous pressure, and wherein the processor causes the pressure generating system to transition from the first state to the second state responsive to a determination that such a patient is breathing into the patient interface.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is programmed to deactivate the pressure generating system responsive a determination that such a patient is not breathing into the patient interface.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure generating system comprises:

a pressure generator adapted to generate a flow of gas; and

a pressure controller cooperable with the pressure generator to control the flow of gas within the conduit at variable pressures.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising pressure ramping means for executing a ramp cycle in which a pressure of the pressurized gas increases over time.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the ramping means includes a manually actuatable mechanism that, when actuated, causes the ramping means to execute the ramp cycle.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising an exhaust port defined in at least one of the conduit and the patient interface.