Ventilator With Controlled Purge Function

Abstract

This disclosure describes systems and methods for purging narrow diameter sensor tubing in a ventilation system. Among other aspects, this disclosure describes ventilation systems in which a sensor tube purge module utilizes a ventilator-generated signal to synchronize the purging of sensor tubes with the delivery of respiratory therapy. Through the signal, purging is prevented from occurring during inspiration and during events such as ventilation maneuvers. Purging may be further improved by monitoring the pressure of the gas used to purge the sensor tubes in order to prevent purges being performed when the pressure is too high or too low. One way to achieve this is by purging the sensor tubes using gas discharged from an accumulator, in which the pressure in the accumulator is monitored and controlled by the sensor tube purging module.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 094,377 filed Sep. 4, 2008 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 169,976 filed Apr. 16, 2009, which applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.INTRODUCTION

[0002] Medical ventilators may determine when a patient takes a breath in order to synchronize the operation of the ventilator with the natural breathing of the patient. In some instances, detection of the onset of inhalation and / or exhalation may be used to trigger one or more actions on the part of the ventilator.

[0003] In order to accurately detect the onset of inhalation and / or exhalation, and / or obtain a more accurate measurement of inspiratory and expiratory flow / volume, a flow or pressure sensor may be located close to the patient. For example, to achieve accurate and timely non-invasive signal measurements, differential-pressure flow transducers may be placed at the patient wye proximal to the patient. However...

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