Anti-asphyxia design of mechanical ventilator

Abstract

A ventilator system (200 / 300) includes: an inspiratory pathway including an ambient air inlet (208 / 308), a two-way emergency valve (214 / 314), and a dynamic blower (210 / 310); and an expiratory pathway (220 / 320) including a two-way expiratory valve (222 / 322) and an expiratory port (224 / 324); wherein, when an obstruction occurs in the inspiratory pathway, ambient air can be drawn from the expiratory port and through the two-way expiratory valve, and during exhalation, exhaled material exits the ventilator through the two-way expiratory valve and the expiratory port; wherein, when an obstruction occurs in the expiratory pathway, inhaled material is delivered by the dynamic blower, and during exhalation, the dynamic blower reduces its speed or stops, and exhaled material exits the ventilator through the two-way emergency valve, the dynamic blower, and the ambient air inlet.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 047,435, filed July 2, 2020, under 35 U.S. SC 119(e), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to methods and systems for preventing asphyxiation caused by obstruction during mechanical ventilation of a patient. Background Technology

[0004] Despite the increasing sophistication and effectiveness of ventilator designs, they remain subject to several significant limitations that can threaten the health of ventilated subjects. For example, a seemingly simple event in the ventilator's airflow pathway—an obstruction (also known as a blockage or occlusion)—can restrict or prevent airflow to the ventilated subject. Although the ventilator will detect the obstruction and issue an alarm, the patient may not receive the necessary attention in time, potentially leading to injury or death from suffocation. When the alarm is triggered, the clinician must receive the alert, arrive at the ventilator, identify the obstruction, and repair it to allow the subject to breathe correctly again. If too much time passes, hypoxia can have serious health consequences for the subject.

[0005] Obstruction can occur in several different ways within a ventilator. For example, if an obstruction occurs in the tubing system used to deliver gas to the subject, the subject will be able to exhale the gas in his / her lungs through the exhalation branch, check valve, and the ventilator's expiratory port. However, when the subject attempts to inhale, little or no gas is delivered to the patient due to the obstruction in the gas delivery pathway. This is further exacerbated by the check valve preventing gas from flowing from the environment to his / her lungs. The subject will be unable to inhale air from the environment because the check valve in the expiratory system will prevent gas from flowing from the environment to the subject.

[0006] Obstruction can occur selectively in the tubing system between the subject port and the expiratory outlet. This obstruction may be located in the tubing loop, but it can also occur due to a malfunction of the expiratory valve, causing it to remain closed. In this situation, gas in the subject's lungs cannot leave the system because the check valve at the gas delivery port blocks all gas flow into the ventilator. Only airflow towards the subject is allowed to flow, and the lungs remain inflated because the check valve at the expiratory port prevents gas from leaving the tubing system, as it obstructs the gas pathway to the atmosphere. This causes the subject to inflate and makes gas exchange impossible. In either of these situations, the subject will suffocate and die if left unattended. If the clinician does not address the situation quickly enough, the subject may suffer from hypoxic injury. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a ventilator that allows patients to breathe even when there is obstruction in the gas delivery or return pathway, thereby preventing hypoxic injury or asphyxiation.

[0008] This disclosure relates to inventive methods and systems for enabling air to flow in and out of a ventilated patient in the event of obstruction in a gas delivery or gas return pathway. Various embodiments and implementations herein relate to a ventilator system including an inspiratory pathway with an ambient air inlet, a bidirectional emergency valve such as a safety valve or inspiratory hold valve, and a dynamic blower, and an expiratory pathway including a bidirectional expiratory valve and an expiratory port. The expiratory pathway is configured such that, in the event of obstruction in the inspiratory pathway, during inspiration, the patient can draw ambient air from the expiratory port and through the bidirectional expiratory valve, and during expiration, exhaled material exits the ventilator through the bidirectional expiratory valve and the expiratory port. The inspiratory pathway is configured such that, in the event of obstruction in the expiratory pathway, during inspiration, inhaled material is delivered to the patient via the dynamic blower, and during expiration, the dynamic blower slows down or stops, and exhaled material exits the ventilator through the bidirectional emergency valve, the dynamic blower, and the ambient air inlet.

[0009] In one aspect, a ventilator system configured to enable breathing in the event of obstruction is provided. The ventilator system includes: (i) an inspiratory pathway including an ambient air inlet, a two-way emergency valve, and a dynamic blower; and (ii) an expiratory pathway including a two-way expiratory valve and an expiratory port; wherein the expiratory pathway is configured such that, in the event of obstruction in the inspiratory pathway, during inspiration, a patient can inhale ambient air from the expiratory port through the two-way expiratory valve, and during exhalation, exhaled material exits the ventilator through the two-way expiratory valve and the expiratory port; and wherein the inspiratory pathway is configured such that, in the event of obstruction in the expiratory pathway, inhaled material is delivered to the patient by the dynamic blower during inspiration, and during exhalation, the dynamic blower reduces its speed or stops, and the exhaled material exits the ventilator through the two-way emergency valve, the dynamic blower, and the ambient air inlet.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the intake passage also includes a bidirectional ambient air flow sensor.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the intake passage includes an ambient air gas engine and a high-pressure gas engine. According to one embodiment, the high-pressure gas engine is a high-pressure oxygen source controlled by a proportional valve. According to one embodiment, the intake passage further includes a high-pressure air gas engine. According to one embodiment, the high-pressure air gas engine is a high-pressure ambient air or oxygen source controlled by a proportional valve.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the inspiratory pathway is configured such that mechanical ventilation of the patient's lungs is possible when obstruction occurs in the expiratory pathway.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the dynamic blower is a dynamically controlled centrifugal blower.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the expiratory pathway also includes a bidirectional flow sensor.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the intake passage includes at least one proportional valve.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the inhalation passage includes a blower bypass valve configured to bypass the blower during exhalation when there is an obstruction in the exhalation passage, wherein the blower is a constant-speed blower.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the expiratory pathway includes a dynamic blower configured to provide ambient air at pressure drawn from the expiratory port when an obstruction occurs in the inspiratory pathway.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the emergency valve is a two-way safety valve.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the emergency valve is an intake holding valve.

[0020] According to one aspect, a ventilator system is provided, configured to enable breathing in the event of obstruction. The system includes: (i) a bidirectional emergency valve in the inspiratory pathway of the ventilator system; and (ii) one or more controllers configured to: detect obstruction in the inspiratory and / or expiratory pathways of the ventilator system; operate a blower in the inspiratory pathway; and operate the emergency valve; wherein, upon detection of obstruction in the inspiratory pathway, the one or more controllers are configured to open the bidirectional expiratory valve to allow the patient to inhale air from an expiratory port of the expiratory pathway; and wherein, upon detection of obstruction in the expiratory pathway, the one or more controllers are configured to instruct the blower to deliver inhaled material to the patient during inspiration, and are further configured to instruct the blower to stop delivering inhaled material to the patient during expiration, and open the bidirectional emergency valve so that exhaled material exits the ventilator through the bidirectional emergency valve and the blower.

[0021] According to one embodiment, during exhalation, exhaled material leaves the ventilator through a two-way expiratory valve and an expiratory port in the expiratory pathway.

[0022] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and the additional concepts discussed in more detail below (provided these concepts are not inconsistent with each other) are considered part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of the claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are considered part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

[0023] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0024] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals generally refer to the same parts in different views. Furthermore, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather focus on illustrating the principles of the invention.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a ventilator system based on existing technology.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a ventilator system according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a ventilator system according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for enabling breathing during obstruction in an anti-asphyxiation ventilator system, according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0029] This disclosure describes various embodiments of ventilator systems and methods. More generally, the applicant has recognized and appreciated that it would be advantageous to provide a ventilator system and method that allows a patient to breathe even when obstruction occurs in the gas delivery path or gas return path. For example, a ventilator system includes an inspiratory pathway with an ambient air inlet, a bidirectional emergency valve such as a safety valve or an inspiratory hold valve, and a dynamic blower. The ventilator system also includes an expiratory pathway with a bidirectional expiratory valve and an expiratory port. When obstruction occurs in the inspiratory pathway, during inspiration, the patient can draw ambient air from the expiratory port and through the bidirectional expiratory valve, and during expiration, exhaled material exits the ventilator through the bidirectional expiratory valve and the expiratory port. When obstruction occurs in the expiratory pathway, during inspiration, inhaled material is delivered to the patient through the dynamic blower, and during expiration, the dynamic blower slows down or stops, and exhaled material exits the ventilator through the bidirectional emergency valve, the dynamic blower, and the ambient air inlet.

[0030] The ventilator systems and methods disclosed or contemplated herein offer numerous advantages over existing technologies. A ventilator is provided that enables exhalation through the inspiratory pathway in the event of expiratory pathway obstruction and inhalation through the expiratory pathway in the event of inspiratory pathway obstruction, allowing the patient to breathe even in the event of obstruction, thereby improving patient outcomes.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 In one embodiment, this is a block diagram of a prior art dual-limb ventilation system 100. The system includes an inspiratory passage 110 through which inhaled material is delivered to a patient 120. The inhaled material is any gas, including but not limited to ambient air and oxygen. According to one embodiment, the ventilation system 100 includes a unidirectional ambient air blower 130 as an air source and may also include oxygen from a pressurized oxygen source. Among many other possible elements, such as an airflow sensor (not shown), the inspiratory passage 110 also includes an inspiratory check valve 140 configured to prevent exhaled material from further entering the inspiratory passage. The inspiratory check valve 140 thereby prevents, for example, rebreathing of exhaled material and also prevents cross-contamination of the gas delivery paths of the gas sources (ambient air and O2). Although the inspiratory check valve and blower are shown as being located at specific locations along the inspiratory passage, it should be understood that their locations are highly adaptable and can be located at many different locations along the inspiratory passage.

[0032] The prior art dual-limb ventilation system 100 also includes an expiratory passage 150 through which exhaled material is received from the patient 120 and exits the expiratory passage via an expiratory port 160. Among many other possible elements, such as an airflow sensor (not shown), the expiratory passage 150 also includes an expiratory check valve 170 configured to prevent inhalation through the expiratory port. Although the expiratory check valve 170 is shown as being located at a specific location along the expiratory passage, it should be understood that its location is highly adaptable and can be located at many different locations along the expiratory passage.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the system also includes a controller 120, which is a conventional microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), system-on-a-chip (SOC), and / or field-programmable gate array (FPGA), as well as other types of controllers. The controller may be implemented with or without a processor, and may also be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware for performing certain functions and a processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) for performing other functions.

[0034] The controller 120 may be coupled to or otherwise communicate with any required memory, power supply, I / O devices, control circuitry, sensors, valves, blowers, and / or other means required for the operation of the ventilator according to the embodiments described or contemplated herein. For example, in various implementations, the processor or controller may be associated with one or more storage media. In some implementations, the storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and / or controllers, perform at least some of the functions discussed herein. Various storage media may be embedded within a processor or controller, or may be transferable, such that one or more programs stored thereon may be loaded into the processor or controller to implement the various aspects of the invention discussed herein. The terms “program” or “computer program” are used herein in a general sense to refer to any type of computer code (e.g., software or microcode) that can be used to program one or more processors or controllers.

[0035] According to one embodiment, controller 120 is configured or programmed to function as a blower controller to coordinate and control the blower function of the ventilator. For example, the blower controller can control the rate and intensity of the system's (multiple) blowers, thereby controlling or directing the flow through the loop, as well as the velocity and therefore the pressure at its outlet, or the flow out of the outlet port. According to another embodiment, the blower controller is a separate component, preferably in communication with controller 120, although the various functions of the system can be coordinated in other ways. Although this embodiment uses a blower flow controller to actuate the loop, any type of flow source can be used, including, for example, a proportionally controlled compressed gas valve, where the source provides a means of measuring actual flow and pressure.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the prior art, if an obstruction occurs in the inspiratory gas path 110, for example, in a branch of the tubing system, the patient will be able to exhale the gas in their lungs through the expiratory port 160, but will not be able to inhale air from the atmosphere because the expiratory check valve 170 intentionally blocks fresh gas from entering the tubing.

[0037] Similarly, if a blockage occurs in the expiratory branch 150, the patient will not be able to release the pressure in their lungs because the expiratory port 160 is unavailable and the inspiratory check valve 140 intentionally prevents gas from escaping through the inspiratory gas path 110.

[0038] In either case, the pressure in the piping system will rise to the level required for the pressure-releasing valve (not shown) to begin limiting the pressure. An alarm for blockage will be triggered, and clinicians will have to address the problem. If the patient is not noticed in time, they may be injured or suffocate.

[0039] refer to Figure 2According to one embodiment, a schematic diagram of a novel ventilator system 200 is shown. The system includes an inspiratory pathway comprising three components: (1) a hyperbaric oxygen component 202 having a hyperbaric oxygen inlet and one or more other components such as a proportional valve and a flow sensor; (2) a hyperbaric air component 204 having a hyperbaric air inlet and one or more other components such as a proportional valve and a flow sensor; and (3) an ambient air component 206 having an ambient air inlet 208, a dynamically controlled centrifugal blower 210, a bidirectional flow sensor 212, a bidirectional emergency valve 214 such as a safety valve, and optional other components. It is noteworthy that although the inspiratory pathway of the ventilator system 200 includes three gas delivery motors in this particular embodiment, the system may include fewer or more gas delivery motors. The inspiratory pathway also includes a mixer 216 configured to receive gas inputs from each of the three components of the inspiratory pathway, mix the gas inputs, and provide them to a patient 218.

[0040] The ventilator system 200 also includes an expiratory pathway 220 through which exhaled material is allowed to be exhaled from the patient 218 to the expiratory port 224. The expiratory pathway 220 includes one or more additional components, such as a flow sensor and a two-way expiratory valve 222, as well as other possible components.

[0041] It is worth noting that the ventilator system 200 lacks the one-way inspiratory check valve and one-way expiratory check valve found in existing ventilator systems. As described in detail below, this is an important aspect of the novel ventilator system 200, which enables the system to prevent asphyxiation in the event of obstruction of either the inspiratory or expiratory pathway.

[0042] During normal inspiration, one or both proportional valves in the high-pressure pathway open to allow high-pressure gas to enter the system, and blower 210 forces ambient air into the system. Mixer 216 receives the gas and produces a suitable mixture, which is then supplied to patient 218 under pressure for inspiration. During normal expiration, one or both proportional valves in the high-pressure pathway close, and blower 210 reduces its speed or stops, and no gas is supplied to the patient. Exhaled gas is allowed to exit via the expiration passage, through expiration valve 222 and expiration port 224.

[0043] The ventilator system 200 is configured to enable patient 218 to breathe in the event of obstruction or blockage in the inspiratory or expiratory pathway. In the event of an obstruction along the inspiratory pathway, such as at location 226 or any other location along the inspiratory pathway, gas may no longer be supplied to patient 218 from one or more hyperbaric gas sources or ambient air sources. Obstruction along the inspiratory pathway can be caused by, for example, a blocked tubing loop or a stuck expiratory valve. In the event of obstruction, inhaled material in the patient's lungs could normally exit through the expiratory pathway, but without the design of the ventilator system 200, the patient would not receive new gas. Since the flow sensor in the inspiratory pathway no longer detects flow, the ventilator system will detect the obstruction and issue an alarm; however, in prior art systems, this problem cannot be resolved within a sufficient time to prevent injury or suffocation. Therefore, the expiratory pathway is configured with a bidirectional expiratory valve 222, which allows the patient 218 to inhale ambient air in reverse: along the expiratory pathway, from the expiratory port 224 through the bidirectional expiratory valve 222, and into the lungs of the patient 218. Similarly, the patient can exhale through the expiratory pathway as normal. Although the inhaled material is not delivered to the patient under pressure, even the patient's minimum self-initiated inhalation will allow sufficient oxygen to enter the patient's lungs to prevent serious injury or suffocation.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the expiratory pathway may include a dynamically controlled blower configured to supply ambient air to the patient from the expiratory port 224 in the event of an inspiratory pathway obstruction. When the ventilator system detects an obstruction in the inspiratory pathway, the blower may be controlled to supply ambient air to the patient from the expiratory port 224 during the inspiratory phase, and the blower may be controlled to reduce or stop the blower speed during the expiratory phase. According to another embodiment of the blower in the expiratory pathway, the expiratory pathway may also include an on / off valve to block the blower path during normal operation and to prevent gas leakage through the blower when the blower is not activated. Many other variations are possible.

[0045] In the event of an obstruction along the expiratory pathway, such as at location 228 or any other location along the expiratory pathway, gas can still be supplied to the patient 218 from one or more high-pressure gas sources and ambient air sources, but the patient cannot exhale through the expiratory pathway. Therefore, in a normal ventilator system, during obstruction, exhaled material from the patient's lungs cannot leave the ventilator system, and no gas can be supplied to the patient. Since the flow sensor in the inspiratory pathway no longer detects flow, and / or the flow sensor in the expiratory pathway no longer detects flow, the ventilator system will detect the obstruction and will issue an alarm. However, in prior art systems, this problem cannot be resolved in sufficient time to prevent injury or suffocation. Therefore, the inspiratory pathway is configured with a blower 210, a bidirectional sensor 212, and a bidirectional safety valve 214. Thus, when an obstruction occurs in the expiratory pathway, the system detects both the obstruction in the expiratory pathway and the lack of flow and exhaled material in the patient's lungs. Blower 210 reduces its speed or stops, and exhaled material is allowed to exit the ambient air component 206 of the inspiratory pathway via a two-way safety valve 214, a two-way flow sensor 212, blower 210, and ambient air inlet 208, which serves as the outlet. At the end of exhalation, blower 210 and one or more proportional valves can be actuated to deliver pressurized air to the patient via the inspiratory pathway as normal.

[0046] according to Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the inspiratory pathway includes a blower bypass valve 332 configured to bypass the blower in the event of obstruction. In this embodiment, the blower can be dynamically controlled or controlled to provide a constant speed. In the event of obstruction in the expiratory pathway, the blower bypass valve can be used to generate inspiratory and expiratory phases through the inspiratory pathway. For example, during inspiration, the blower bypass valve can be configured to open or close, allowing the constant-speed blower to deliver inhaled material to the patient. During exhalation through the inspiratory pathway due to obstruction in the expiratory pathway, the blower bypass valve can be configured to open or close, bypassing the constant-speed blower and allowing exhalation through the inspiratory pathway.

[0047] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of a novel ventilator system 300 according to one embodiment. The system includes an inspiratory pathway comprising two components: (1) a hyperbaric oxygen component 302 having a hyperbaric oxygen inlet and one or more other components such as an O2 valve and a flow sensor; and (2) an ambient air component 306 having an ambient air inlet 308, an emergency valve 314 such as an inspiratory hold valve, and optional other components. It is noteworthy that although the inspiratory pathway of the ventilator system 300 includes two gas delivery motors in this particular embodiment, the system may include fewer or more gas delivery motors. The inspiratory pathway of the ventilator system 300 also includes a dynamically controlled centrifugal blower 310, which in this particular embodiment is located downstream of a mixer for the hyperbaric oxygen component 302 and the ambient air component 306. The inspiratory pathway leads to a gas output port 330, which leads to a patient (not shown).

[0048] The ventilator system 300 also includes an expiratory pathway 320 that receives exhaled material from the patient via a gas return port 340 and directs it to an expiratory port 324. The expiratory pathway 320 includes one or more additional components, such as a flow sensor and a two-way expiratory valve 322, as well as other possible components.

[0049] It is worth noting that the ventilator system 300 lacks the one-way inspiratory check valve and one-way expiratory check valve found in existing ventilator systems. As described in detail below, this is an important aspect of the novel ventilator system 300, which enables the system to prevent asphyxiation in the event of obstruction of either the inspiratory or expiratory pathway.

[0050] During normal inhalation, the O2 valve in the high-pressure pathway opens to allow high-pressure gas to enter the system, the inhalation hold valve 314 allows air to flow into the system from the air inlet 308, the gas is mixed by a mixer or via the O2 valve and the control of air and O2 sensors, and the blower 310 forces the mixed gas to the patient via the gas output port 330. During normal exhalation, the O2 valve in the high-pressure pathway closes and the inhalation hold valve 314 prevents air from flowing into the system from the air inlet 308, and the blower 310 reduces its speed or stops, and no gas is supplied to the patient. Exhaled gas is allowed to exit via the expiratory pathway, from the patient through the expiratory valve 322 and the expiratory port 324 to the gas return port 340.

[0051] The ventilator system 300 is configured to enable a patient to breathe in the event of obstruction or blockage in the inspiratory or expiratory pathway. In the event of obstruction along the inspiratory pathway, such as at position 326 or any other location along the inspiratory pathway, gas can no longer be supplied to the patient from a high-pressure gas source or an ambient air source. Obstruction along the inspiratory pathway can be caused by, for example, a blockage in the tubing loop. In the event of obstruction, inhaled material in the patient's lungs could normally exit through the expiratory pathway, but without the design of the ventilator system 300, the patient would not receive new gas. The ventilator system would use a flow sensor in the inspiratory pathway that no longer detects flow or insufficient flow to detect obstruction, and the system would issue an alarm; however, in prior art systems, this problem cannot be resolved in sufficient time to prevent injury or suffocation. Therefore, the expiratory pathway is configured with a bidirectional expiratory valve 322, which allows the patient to reverse-draft ambient air along the expiratory pathway, from the expiratory port 324 through the bidirectional expiratory valve 322 and into the patient's lungs. Similarly, the patient is able to exhale normally through the expiratory pathway. Although the inhaled material is not delivered to the patient under pressure, even the patient's minimal self-inspired breath will allow sufficient oxygen to enter the patient's lungs to delay serious injury or suffocation, thus allowing caregivers to address the problem. Furthermore, as described above, according to one embodiment, the expiratory pathway may include a dynamically controlled blower configured to deliver ambient air to the patient from the expiratory port 224 in the event of inspiratory pathway obstruction.

[0052] It is worth noting that, according to one embodiment, an obstruction, such as in the inspiratory or expiratory pathway, may not be a complete obstruction. Rather, the obstruction may be partial, but severe enough to impede normal breathing and thus potentially lead to asphyxiation or other serious injury. Therefore, in the case of partial obstruction, alternative flow pathways described or contemplated herein can be implemented. The ventilator system can be programmed, designed, or configured to have a threshold level of flow or pressure, ranging from no flow or pressure to a predetermined, experimentally derived, or programmed flow or pressure level that triggers an alternative flow pathway described or otherwise contemplated herein.

[0053] In cases of obstruction along the expiratory pathway, such as at location 328 or any other location along the expiratory pathway, gas can still be supplied to the patient from both the hyperbaric gas source and the ambient air source, but the patient cannot exhale through the expiratory pathway. Therefore, in a normal ventilator system, during obstruction, exhaled material from the patient's lungs cannot leave the ventilator system, and new gas cannot be supplied to the patient. The ventilator system would detect the obstruction using information transmitted by one or more of the flow and pressure sensors monitoring ventilation activity in the machine and / or the flow sensor in the expiratory pathway no longer detecting flow, and the system would issue an alarm. However, in prior art systems, this problem might not be resolved in sufficient time to prevent injury or suffocation. Therefore, the inspiratory pathway is configured with a blower 310 and a two-way inspiratory hold valve 314. Thus, when obstruction occurs in the expiratory pathway, the system detects both the obstruction in the expiratory pathway and the lack of flow and exhaled material in the patient's lungs. The blower 310 reduces its speed or stops, and exhaled material is allowed to exit the ambient air component 306 of the inspiratory pathway via the blower 310 and the two-way inspiratory hold valve 314, and exit the ambient air inlet 308, which serves as the outlet. At the end of exhalation, the blower 310 and one or more inspiratory valves can be activated to deliver pressurized air to the patient through the inspiratory pathway as normal. Therefore, the inspiratory hold valve 314 can be controlled to allow or prevent gas from entering.

[0054] It is worth noting that both ventilator systems 200 and 300 are capable of providing mechanical ventilation to the patient's lungs, at least in the event of expiratory path obstruction. Additional mechanisms may be provided to allow mechanical ventilation via an auxiliary valve controlled by the ventilator control center in the event of expiratory path obstruction.

[0055] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 In one embodiment, a flowchart of method 400 is provided, which enables a patient to breathe even in the event of obstruction in the gas delivery path or gas return path, thereby preventing hypoxic injury or asphyxiation. In step 410 of the method, an anti-asphyxiation ventilator system is provided. The anti-asphyxiation ventilator system can be any embodiment described or envisioned herein.

[0056] At some point during ventilator operation, an unintentional obstruction occurs in either the inspiratory or expiratory pathway. Anti-asphyxia ventilator systems detect and adapt to this obstruction, allowing the patient an opportunity to breathe regardless of the obstruction.

[0057] In step 420, an obstruction exists in the inspiratory pathway of the anti-asphyxiation ventilator system, and gas can no longer be supplied to the patient 218 from one or more hyperbaric gas sources or ambient air sources. In the event of obstruction, inhaled material in the patient's lungs can exit through the expiratory pathway as normal, but without the design of the anti-asphyxiation ventilator system, the patient would not receive new gas. In step 420, the anti-asphyxiation ventilator system detects the obstruction because the flow sensor in the inspiratory pathway no longer detects flow or detects insufficient flow.

[0058] In step 430, the system issues an alarm to warn healthcare providers and / or professionals of a blockage.

[0059] In step 440, due to obstruction in the inspiratory pathway, the anti-asphyxiation ventilator system enables both inhalation and exhalation through the expiratory pathway. For example, the expiratory pathway is configured with a bidirectional expiratory valve that allows the patient to draw ambient air in reverse through the expiratory port into the patient's lungs. Similarly, the patient can exhale through the expiratory pathway as normal. Although the inhaled material is not delivered to the patient under pressure, even the patient's minimal self-inspired breath will allow sufficient oxygen to enter the patient's lungs to prevent or delay serious injury or asphyxiation.

[0060] In step 442, when an obstruction exists in the expiratory pathway, the anti-asphyxiation ventilator system enables both inhalation and exhalation via the inspiratory pathway. For example, the inspiratory pathway is equipped with at least a blower and a two-way safety valve or inspiratory hold valve. Therefore, when an obstruction occurs in the expiratory pathway, the system detects a lack of flow and exhaled material in the patient's lungs simultaneously with the obstruction. The blower reduces its speed or stops, and exhaled material is allowed to exit the ambient air components of the inspiratory pathway via the blower and the two-way safety valve or inspiratory hold valve. During exhalation, the blower and one or more proportional valves are activated to deliver pressurized air to the patient through the inspiratory pathway as normal.

[0061] In step 450, the clinician has resolved the obstruction, the anti-asphyxia ventilator system detects normal airflow, and the system returns to normal ventilation operation.

[0062] Therefore, the ventilator systems and methods disclosed or contemplated herein offer numerous advantages over the prior art. A ventilator is provided that enables exhalation through the inspiratory pathway in the event of expiratory pathway obstruction and enables inhalation through the expiratory pathway in the event of inspiratory pathway obstruction, allowing the patient to breathe even in the event of obstruction, thereby improving patient outcomes.

[0063] All definitions defined and used herein should be understood as control dictionary definitions, definitions in referenced incorporated literature, and / or the general meaning of the defined terms.

[0064] The indefinite articles “a” and “an” used in the specification and claims shall be understood to mean “at least one”, unless clearly indicated to the contrary.

[0065] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase “and / or” should be understood to mean “any one or both” of the elements so combined, that is, elements that exist together in some cases and separately in others. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be interpreted in the same way, that is, “one or more” of the elements so combined. Other elements may optionally exist in addition to those specifically specified by the “and / or” clause, whether related to or unrelated to those specifically specified.

[0066] As used herein in the specification and claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” should be interpreted as inclusive, i.e., including at least one of a plurality or a list of elements, but also including more than one, and optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms that clearly indicate the opposite, such as “only one” or “exactly one”, or when used in the claims, “consisting of…”, will refer to including a plurality of elements or an exact one element in a list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein should only be interpreted as indicating an exclusive substitution (i.e., “one or the other but not both”), when it is preceded by an exclusive term such as “any one,” “one of,” “only one,” or “exactly one.”

[0067] As used herein in the specification and claims, the phrase "at least one" in relation to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more elements in the list, but not necessarily including at least one of each element specifically listed in the list, and does not exclude any combination of elements in the list. This definition also allows for the optional presence of elements other than those specifically identified in the list of elements referred to by the phrase "at least one," whether related to or unrelated to those specifically identified elements.

[0068] It should also be understood that, unless expressly indicated to the contrary, in any method claimed herein that includes more than one step or action, the order of the steps or actions of the method is not necessarily limited to the order of the steps or actions of the method.

[0069] In the claims and the foregoing description, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “consisting of,” etc., shall be understood as open-ended, meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “substantially consisting of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases as described in Section 2111.03 of the U.S. Patent Examination Procedure Manual.

[0070] While several embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily conceive of a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the functions described herein and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more advantages, and each of these variations and / or modifications is considered to be within the scope of the embodiments of the invention described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily understand that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and constructions described herein are exemplary, and actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or constructions will depend on the specific application using the teachings of this invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to determine many equivalents of the specific inventive embodiments described herein using only conventional experimentation. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only, and embodiments of the invention may be practiced in ways different from those specifically described and claimed within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The inventive embodiments of this disclosure relate to each individual feature, system, article of manufacture, material, kit, and / or method described herein. Furthermore, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles of manufacture, materials, kits, and / or methods, provided that such features, systems, articles of manufacture, materials, kits, and / or methods do not contradict each other, is included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A ventilator system (200 / 300) configured to enable breathing in the event of obstruction, the ventilator system comprising: The air intake passage includes an ambient air inlet (208 / 308), a two-way emergency valve (214 / 314), and a blower (210 / 310); An exhalation pathway (220 / 320) comprising a two-way exhalation valve (222 / 322) and an exhalation port (224 / 324); in, The blower is a dynamic blower and the inspiratory pathway is configured such that, in the event of obstruction in the expiratory pathway, during inspiration, inhaled material is delivered to the patient via the dynamic blower, and during expiration, the dynamic blower slows down or stops, and exhaled material exits the ventilator via the dynamic blower, the two-way expiratory valve, and the expiratory port. The inspiratory pathway includes a blower bypass valve (332) and the blower is a constant-speed blower. The inspiratory pathway is configured such that, in the event of an obstruction in the expiratory pathway, during inhalation, the inhaled material is delivered to the patient via the constant-speed blower, and during exhalation, the blower bypass valve is configured to bypass the blower and allow exhalation through the inspiratory pathway.

2. The ventilator system according to claim 1, wherein the inspiratory pathway further includes a bidirectional ambient air flow sensor (212).

3. The ventilator system according to claim 1, wherein the inspiratory pathway comprises: Ambient air gas engine (206 / 306) and high pressure gas engine (202 / 302).

4. The ventilator system according to claim 3, wherein the inhalation passage further comprises a high-pressure air gas engine (204).

5. The ventilator system of claim 1, wherein the inspiratory pathway is configured such that mechanical ventilation of the patient's lungs is possible in the event of obstruction in the expiratory pathway.

6. The ventilator system according to claim 1, wherein the dynamic blower is a dynamically controlled centrifugal blower.

7. The ventilator system of claim 1, wherein the expiratory pathway includes a dynamic blower configured to provide ambient air at a pressure drawn from the expiratory port when an obstruction occurs in the inspiratory pathway.

8. The ventilator system according to claim 1, wherein the emergency valve is a two-way safety valve.

9. The ventilator system according to claim 1, wherein the emergency valve is an inspiratory hold valve.

10. The ventilator system of claim 1, wherein the blower is a dynamic blower, and the ventilator system further comprises: One or more controllers (120) are configured to: Detect obstruction in the inspiratory and / or expiratory pathways of the ventilator system; Operate the blower (210 / 310) in the intake passage; and Operate the emergency valve; Wherein, upon detection of an obstruction in the inspiratory pathway, the one or more controllers are configured to open the bidirectional expiratory valve in the expiratory pathway to allow the patient to draw air from the expiratory port (224 / 324) of the expiratory pathway; and When an obstruction in the expiratory pathway is detected, the one or more controllers are configured to instruct the blower to deliver inhaled material to the patient during inhalation, and are also configured to instruct the blower to reduce or stop the blower speed during exhalation, and open the bidirectional emergency valve so that exhaled material exits the ventilator through the bidirectional emergency valve and the blower.

11. The ventilator system according to claim 10, wherein the dynamic blower is a dynamically controlled centrifugal blower.

12. The ventilator system of claim 10, wherein the inspiratory pathway is configured such that mechanical ventilation of the patient's lungs is possible in the event of obstruction in the expiratory pathway.

13. The ventilator system of claim 10, wherein during exhalation, exhaled material leaves the ventilator through the bidirectional expiratory valve and the expiratory port of the expiratory pathway.

14. The ventilator system according to claim 10, wherein the inhalation pathway includes an ambient air gas engine (206 / 306) and a high-pressure gas engine (202 / 302).

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