Insufflation-exsufflation system for removal of broncho-pulmonary secretions with automatic triggering of inhalation phase

Abstract

An improved insufflation-exsufflation system for removal of broncho-pulmonary secretions with automatic triggering of inhalation phase includes a conduit for connection to a patient's airway; a pressure source with a positive pressure port and a negative pressure port; a switching device selectively connecting the conduit to the positive pressure port, the negative pressure port and the dwell port; the sensor system for sensing an inhalation by the patient; and a controller system for driving the switching device to connect the conduits sequentially to the positive port, the negative port and the dwell port and to return again to the positive port in response to the sensor system sensing an inhalation by the patient while the conduit is connected to the dwell port.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to an improved insufflation-exsufflation system with automatic triggering of inhalation phase. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The use of mechanical insufflation and exsufflation (MI-E) with negative pressure is a well-known technique for helping patients with an ineffective cough to remove secretions from the respiratory tract. Patients who can benefit from the technique include: post-polio, muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), post-cardiac surgery, amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS), mechanically ventilated, or anyone with insufficient muscle strength to generate the high expiratory flows necessary for moving secretions up the tracheo-bronchial tree. The technique involves the use of a blower and valve, which, via a facemask, mouthpiece or adapter for a tracheal tube, alternately applies positive pressure first to inflate the lungs, then shifts rapidly to negative pressure to create a high expiratory flow. [0003...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] It is a further object of this invention to provide such an improved insufflation-exsufflation system with reliable automatic triggering of the inhalation phase.

[0009] It is a further object of this invention to provide such an improved insufflation-exsufflation system, which is easier to synchronize with a patient's spontaneous breaths.

[0010] It is a further object of this invention to provide such an improved insufflation-exsufflation system, which increases inhalation volume for patients including unconscious, uncooperative, and pediatric patients.

[0011] It is a further object of this invention to provide such an improved insufflation-exsufflation system which is more comfortable for patients.

Problems solved by technology

If the sequence is begun while the patient is exhaling, or the patient is not ready for an inhalation from the device, the patient may find the first inhalation uncomfortable, and may even unconsciously block the flow of air into the lungs.

This can limit the effectiveness of the treatment, since a full deep inhalation breath is necessary to achieve adequate exhalation flow.

Another shortcoming of the current device is that it is difficult to use on very young pediatric patients, and on unconscious or uncooperative patients, where it is difficult to explain to the patient when to begin an inhalation.

While automatic assist modes work well with positive pressure ventilators they are not easily applicable to insufflation-exsufflation systems.

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