Active and passive humidification device for installation in patient ventilation circuit

Abstract

An active and passive humidification device (1) for installation in a patient ventilation circuit comprises a housing (2) having a respirator chamber (3) and an associated patient chamber (4) in communication with the respirator chamber (3) through a gas permeable filter (5) mounted between the respirator chamber (3) and the patient chamber (4). This filter (5) forms a passive humidifier that, in use, is operable to capture heat and moisture received from a patient and reflect the heat and moisture back to the patient. The respirator chamber (3) has a respirator connector port (9) for connection to a respirator. The patient chamber (4) has a patient connector port (10) for connection to a patient breathing catheter (13). A humidity generating device (15) is integrated in the housing (2) and is operable to control the humidity of air delivered from the patient chamber (4) to the patient through the patient connector port (10) and to provide active humidification of breathing air. The humidity generating device (15), the airflow sensor (38), the temperature sensor (39) and the ceramic heater plate (40) of the device (1) are all connected to an associated controller that regulates operation of the humidity generating device (15) and the heater plate (40) to maintain air at a desired temperature and humidity for delivery from the patient chamber (4) to the patient.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a device for intensive care ventilation of patients. Background technique [0002] Heat and moisture must be supplied / provided to the breathing gas of a mechanically ventilated patient or complications will occur. The initial humidification method is based on devices that heat or bubble water in order to create vapor in the respiratory stream, which is called active humidification. Active humidification has been used for over 60 years and is considered very effective for patients as it supplies a large amount of water and is said to match the physiological humidification of the human body as it can reach a temperature of 37°C and deliver 44mg H 2 O / l moisture. Intensive testing has shown that popular known active humidification devices fall short of the claimed 44mg H on patients at 37°C 2 O / l level. Since it can deliver 44mg H at 37°C 2 O / l perception, therefore active humidification is the preferred method used by many p...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0007] The present invention addresses the limitations of existing active and passive offerings that attempt to address these issues

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