Ventilation method and control of a ventilator based on same

• US 8,573,205 B2
• Filed: 07/23/2007
• Issued: 11/05/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 06/21/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nader M. Habashi
• Original Assignee: Intensive Care On-line Network, Inc.
• Inventors: Habashi, Nader Maher
• Primary Examiner(s): DOUGLAS, STEVEN O
• Application Number:
  US11/878,295
• Publication Number:
  US 20080072901A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,297 Days
• Field of Search: 128/200.24, 128/203.12, 128/204.18, 128/204.21, 128/204.23
• US Class Current: 128/204.23
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 16/0003 Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
• 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 2016/003 with a flowmeter
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0039 in the inspiratory circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2016/0042 in the expiratory circuit
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3331 Pressure; Flow
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3334 Measuring or controlling the flow rate
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/50 with microprocessors or computers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/202 partial carbon oxide pressure, e.g. partial dioxide pressure (P-CO2)
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2230/205 partial oxygen pressure (P-O2)

Abstract

The invention provides an improved ventilation method and method for controlling a ventilator apparatus in accordance with same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of controlling a ventilator apparatus comprising the steps of placing a ventilator in a mode capable of adjusting airway pressure (P) and time (T), monitoring expiratory gas flow, analyzing the expiratory gas flow over time (T) to establish an expiratory gas flow pattern, and setting and/or adjusting a low time (T2) based on the expiratory gas flow pattern. Alternatively, the present invention relates to a method of controlling a ventilator apparatus comprising the steps of placing a ventilator in a mode capable of adjusting airway pressure (P) and time (T), and setting a low airway pressure (P2) of substantially zero cmH₂O.

Claims

1. A method of controlling a ventilator apparatus comprising the steps of:

a) placing a ventilator in a mode capable of adjusting airway pressure (P) and time (T);

b) monitoring expiratory gas flow;

c) analyzing the expiratory gas flow over time (T) to establish an expiratory gas flow pattern, and

d) setting a low time (T2) based on the expiratory gas flow pattern.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of monitoring inspiratory gas flow and determining expiratory and inspiratory gas volume.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of setting a low airway pressure (P2) of substantially zero cmH₂O.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising the steps of:

a) monitoring inspiratory gas flow,

b) determining the relationship between the expiratory and inspiratory gas flow, and

c) setting a high airway pressure (P1).

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of determining the relationship comprises determining the ratio of the expiratory gas flow and the inspiratory gas flow.

6. The method of claim 4, further comprising the steps of analyzing the expiratory and inspiratory gas flow over time (T) to establish an expiratory and inspiratory gas flow pattern and analyzing the expiratory and inspiratory gas flow pattern.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein the mode comprises a preset continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) level mode with an intermittent pressure release.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of substantially simultaneously adjusting a high airway pressure (P1) and a high time (T1).

9. The method of claim 3, further comprising the steps of:

a) monitoring blood carbon dioxide levels for hypercarbia,

b) increasing a high time (T1) and maintaining a high pressure (P1) substantially unchanged.

10. The method of claim 3, further comprising the steps of:

a) monitoring blood oxygen levels, and

b) increasing a high airway pressure (P1) and a high time (T1) substantially contemporaneously to raise oxygenation levels.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein P1 is increased to a maximum of about 45 cmH₂O.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of subsequently decreasing P1 at a rate of about 1 cmH₂O per hour and maintaining oxygen levels.

13. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of controlling the ventilator with a control unit.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the control unit is programmed to analyze the expiratory gas flow over time.

17. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of setting low airway pressure (P2) of no more than zero cmH₂O.

15. A method of controlling a ventilator apparatus comprising the steps of:

a) placing a ventilator in a mode capable of adjusting airway pressure (P) and time (T),

b) setting a low airway pressure (P2) of substantially zero cmH₂O,

c) monitoring blood CO₂ levels, and

d) increasing the high time (T1) interval and decreasing the high airway pressure (P1).

16. The method claim 15, wherein the monitoring comprises determining whether the blood CO₂ levels are normal or below normal.