Oscillatory chest compression device

Abstract

An oscillatory chest compression device includes an oscillatory air flow generator and a positive air flow generator. A first feedback system controls the oscillation rate of the oscillatory air flow generator, and a second feedback system controls the peak pressure created by the positive air flow generator.

Description

[0001]This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08 / 661,931, filed Jun. 11, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,797.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to an oscillatory chest compression device.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Certain respiratory disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, emphysema, asthma, and chronic bronchitis, may cause mucous and other secretions to build up in a person's lungs. It is desirable, and sometimes essential, that the secretion build-up be substantially removed from the lungs to enable improved breathing. For example, Cysticcystic fibrosis is an hereditary disease that affects the mucous secreting glands of a person, causing an excessive production of mucous. The mucous fills in the person's lungs and must be reduced daily to prevent infection and enable respiration by the person.[0004]Currently there is no cure for cystic fibrosis. Current treatment of cystic fibrosis includes an aerosol therapy to assist lung drainage and repeated pou...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention is directed to an oscillatory chest compression device that loosens and assists in expulsion of secretions in a person's lungs. A vest, containing a bladder, is secured to a patient's upper torso. One or more tubes connect the bladder with a generator. The generator includes a first, oscillatory air flow generator. A second, positive air flow generator is operably connected with the oscillatory air flow generator. Feedback systems control both the oscillatory air flow generator and the positive air flow generator, providing treatment at user-selected parameters and preventing unsafe conditions.

[0009]The inventors of the present invention were the first to recognize several design aspects that result in an efficacious, safe, and easy-to-use oscillatory chest compression device. The oscillatory air flow generator includes a reciprocating diaphragm. The reciprocating diaphragm delivers a generally constant pressure throughout the range of oscillation frequencies, providing efficacious treatment throughout the range of user-selectable frequency settings. The reciprocating diaphragm provides a more efficient transfer of electrical energy to pneumatic energy as compared to prior rotary-valve designs.

[0011]The present invention includes a positive air flow generator operably connected with the oscillatory air flow generator. The positive air flow generator compensates for any leakage in the system, including the hoses and bladder. Also, the positive air flow generator, in connection with a feedback system, maintains the desired peak pressure delivered by the bladder, independent of variations in the bladder and the patient. The positive air flow generator includes the safety feature of a fuse connected with the input power. The fuse is rated so as to prevent a power surge from causing the positive air flow generator to generate an unsafe, high pressure.

[0012]The oscillatory chest compression device of the present invention is automated, allowing the user to select operating parameters for a treatment and then direct his attention to other matters. The feedback systems of the present invention maintain the user-selected parameters during the treatment. The user controls are selected so that the user cannot select operating parameters that would result in unsafe chest compression treatment.

Problems solved by technology

Currently there is no cure for cystic fibrosis.

This daily treatment may take several hours and requires a trained individual to apply the pounding treatment.

Vibrators and other direct mechanical compression devices are likely to be heavier than pneumatic compression devices.

The patient receiving treatment should not be able to adjust the device to create unsafe treatment conditions.

The device should be easy to understand and operate by the user; detailed training and complicated controls increase the cost of the treatment.

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