Cough effect measuring instrument and pleural cavity effusion discharge effect monitoring method

Abstract

The invention discloses a cough effect measuring instrument and a pleural cavity effusion discharge effect monitoring method, and relates to the technical field of medical instruments. The device comprises a myoelectricity sensor used for detecting the activity intensity of the transverse septum, a gas flow sensor used for detecting the expiration amount and a decibel detection sensor used for detecting the cough volume. The gas flow sensor is arranged in an expiration pipeline and is used for detecting the gas throughput in the expiration pipeline; the device further comprises a displayer, the myoelectricity sensor, the gas flow sensor and the decibel detection sensor are all electrically connected with the displayer, and the displayer is used for displaying display data of the myoelectricity sensor, the gas flow sensor and the decibel detection sensor. According to the invention, the activity condition of each part of the patient during cough is obtained through the three detection devices, so that a doctor can objectively and accurately obtain the cough data of the patient, and the accuracy of judging the cough state of the patient by the doctor is improved, so that the doctor can further condition the patient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of medical device technology, and in particular relates to a cough effect measuring instrument and a method for monitoring the drainage effect of pleural effusion. Background Technology

[0002] Coughing is a physiological activity that helps the body regulate itself, and it can enhance the effectiveness of treatment. For example, coughing helps the body expel respiratory secretions and promotes lung re-expansion. Therefore, doctors often recommend that patients use coughing as a way to regulate their bodies during treatment.

[0003] However, sometimes when patients cough, only the throat is strained, without significant movement of the chest and lung tissue. This type of cough does not produce the effects of expelling respiratory secretions or lung re-expansion. When instructing patients to regulate their bodies through coughing, doctors may adjust the patient's coughing movements to make them more effective. However, relying solely on experience to observe the patient's coughing movements lacks objectivity and consistency. It cannot accurately determine the specific movement of different parts of the body during coughing, nor can it accurately assess the effectiveness of the cough. Therefore, doctors cannot provide accurate guidance on the patient's coughing movements, resulting in poor coughing outcomes. This demonstrates that relying solely on experience to judge the effectiveness of a patient's cough is inherently subjective and inaccurate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cough efficacy measuring instrument to solve the problem of difficulty in objectively and accurately judging the cough efficacy of patients.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A cough effectiveness measuring device includes an electromyography sensor for detecting the intensity of diaphragmatic activity, a gas flow sensor for detecting expiratory volume, and a decibel detection sensor for detecting cough volume.

[0007] It also includes a face mask, wherein the gas flow sensor is disposed on the air outlet of the face mask;

[0008] The system also includes a display, to which the electromyography (EMG) sensor, gas flow sensor, and decibel sensor are electrically connected. The display shows the data from the EMG sensor, gas flow sensor, and decibel sensor. The data displayed includes the values ​​detected by the three sensors, as well as a waveform graph showing the relationship between the values ​​and time.

[0009] Electromyography (EMG) sensors detect the intensity of diaphragmatic muscle activity. The stronger the diaphragmatic muscle activity during a cough, the greater the compression of the lungs, resulting in better lung re-expansion. This invention uses EMG sensors to detect the intensity of diaphragmatic muscle activity to determine whether the patient's diaphragmatic muscle activity reaches a specified level during coughing. Doctors can then use this information to determine if the patient needs adjustments to the diaphragmatic muscle strength to make the cough more effective.

[0010] A gas flow sensor is used to detect the amount of air exhaled during a patient's cough. When a patient coughs to expel accumulated air and fluid from the pleural cavity, inhalation causes the lungs to expand, promoting lung re-expansion. Inspiratory volume corresponds to expiratory volume; if the expiratory volume is too low, it indicates that the patient is also inhaling too little air during coughing. This invention uses a gas flow sensor to detect the amount of air exhaled during coughing, allowing doctors to determine whether the patient's expiratory volume meets the standard. A face mask prevents exhaled air leakage, ensuring that all exhaled air passes through the gas flow sensor, guaranteeing accurate detection of exhaled air.

[0011] A decibel sensor is used to detect the volume of a patient's cough. The more forcefully a patient coughs, the louder the cough, allowing phlegm and other substances that have moved to the throat to be expelled, and making it easier to expel secretions from the lungs. Insufficient force in the throat can cause phlegm and other substances to become stuck and unable to be coughed up, thus preventing an effective cough. This invention uses a decibel sensor to detect the volume of a cough, allowing doctors to determine whether the patient is using sufficient force in their throat when coughing.

[0012] The effectiveness of coughing is assessed based on the intensity of diaphragmatic muscle activity, lung capacity, and the volume of the cough. After the electromyography (EMG) sensor, gas flow sensor, and decibel sensor all detect the results, both the doctor and the patient can directly observe the results on a monitor. The doctor can compare the data with the standard data that the patient should achieve to accurately determine which part of the body is insufficiently active during coughing, and thus provide recommendations for treatment. The patient can also directly see which parts of the body are not active enough during coughing, and can more accurately control their diaphragm, inspiratory volume, and laryngeal effort to effectively expel accumulated air and fluid from the lungs through coughing. The integrated data from the EMG sensor, gas flow sensor, and decibel sensor avoids the inaccuracy of data from a single testing device, providing doctors with more accurate data.

[0013] When detecting a patient's expiratory volume using a gas flow sensor, it is necessary to prevent leakage of the exhaled gas. This invention uses an expiratory conduit as the channel for the patient's exhaled gas, placing the gas flow sensor inside the expiratory conduit. This ensures that all the gas exhaled when the patient coughs passes through the expiratory conduit, guaranteeing the accuracy of the data obtained by the gas flow sensor.

[0014] The compression of the pleural cavity by the diaphragm is mainly reflected in the vertical movement of the diaphragm, which is detected by electromyography (EMG). Doctors can accurately assess the diaphragm's compression effect on the pleural cavity based on this vertical movement.

[0015] The edge of the mask is in contact with the skin of the face, so that when the patient coughs, the exhaled air will not leak from the edge of the mask, but can only be expelled through the exhalation tube.

[0016] The decibel detection sensor is used to detect the volume of a cough and is located inside the mask. The decibel detection sensor inside the mask can detect the volume of a patient's cough at a position closest to the patient's mouth, while the mask also isolates external noise, thus improving the accuracy of the detection data.

[0017] The mask is provided with an air inlet, and both the air inlet and the exhalation pipe are provided with one-way valves. The one-way valve of the air inlet allows gas to flow into the mask, and the one-way valve of the exhalation pipe allows gas to flow out of the mask.

[0018] If only an exhalation channel is provided, then in addition to preventing air leakage at the mask edge, the exhalation channel also needs to have an intake function. In this case, exhalation and intake are handled through a single channel. During inhalation, the gas flow sensor also detects the inhalation volume, making it difficult to determine whether the data indicates exhalation or inhalation, leading to inaccurate and unclear data. This invention provides an air inlet and incorporates one-way valves on both the inlet and outlet channels, thus solving the problem of inaccurate data from the gas flow sensor.

[0019] Optionally, the air inlet can be connected to an air inlet pipe, with a one-way valve installed on the air inlet pipe. The air inlet pipe connects to an oxygen cylinder, providing oxygen to the patient and ensuring sufficient air supply during coughing, thus preventing hypoxia and improving the stability of the cough's state and effectiveness.

[0020] A method for monitoring the effectiveness of pleural effusion drainage includes the following steps:

[0021] S1. The activity intensity of the diaphragm was monitored using the above-mentioned cough efficacy measuring instrument;

[0022] S2. The above-mentioned cough effect measuring instrument is used to monitor the expiratory volume. The expiratory volume corresponds to the inspiratory volume, and the inspiratory volume corresponds to the degree of lung expansion. The degree of lung expansion is monitored by monitoring the expiratory volume.

[0023] S3. Count the number of times the diaphragm activity intensity exceeds a specified value and the number of times the expiratory flow exceeds a specified value from the waveform of the display of the cough effect measuring instrument.

[0024] In step S3, the number of times the diaphragm activity intensity exceeds a specified value refers to the number of times the diaphragm effectively compresses the pleural cavity. Only when the diaphragm activity intensity exceeds a certain specified value will it significantly compress the pleural cavity, thus prompting the drainage of accumulated air and fluid from the pleural cavity through the drainage tube. The specified value here needs to be determined by the doctor based on factors such as the patient's body type. The number of times the expiratory flow rate exceeds a specified value refers to the number of times lung expansion effectively compresses the pleural cavity. Only when the degree of lung expansion reaches a certain level, that is, when the inspiratory and expiratory volumes reach certain values, can effective compression be achieved in the pleural cavity, causing the accumulated air and fluid to drain from the drainage tube. When the degree of lung expansion or the diaphragm activity intensity is insufficient, the compression of the pleural cavity is ineffective. In this case, the accumulated air and fluid in the pleural cavity will be squeezed from one place to another, failing to achieve the effect of draining the accumulated air and fluid; therefore, this is called ineffective compression.

[0025] When the electromyography (EMG) sensor detects that the diaphragm's activity intensity exceeds a specified value for a certain number of times, and the expiratory flow rate exceeds a specified value for a certain number of times, it indicates that the diaphragm and lungs have reached their limit in compressing the pleural cavity. A large amount of the accumulated air and fluid in the pleural cavity has been squeezed out, and the remaining air and fluid need to be allowed to drain naturally. At this point, the patient can stop using coughing to compress the pleural cavity.

[0026] In step S3, the number of times is counted on an hourly basis. The number of times the diaphragm activity intensity exceeds a specified value and the number of times the expiratory flow exceeds a specified value are counted in each hour. The effect of diaphragm and lung expansion on the drainage of pleural effusion in each hour is judged.

[0027] After the diaphragm or lungs expand and compress the pleural cavity a certain number of times, the accumulated air and fluid in the pleural cavity are squeezed to other locations within the pleural cavity. Then, the accumulated air and fluid can wait to return to their corresponding positions in the pleural cavity and diaphragm or lungs, and then be expelled again by the diaphragm and lungs through compression. A cough efficacy measurement device can monitor the effective number and frequency of compressions of the diaphragm and lungs into the pleural cavity per hour in real time, thereby monitoring the effectiveness of air and fluid removal from the pleural cavity. The greater the amount of air and fluid removed within the same time period, the better the effect; conversely, the smaller the amount removed within the same time period, the worse the effect. Therefore, by monitoring the number of compressions of the diaphragm and lungs into the pleural cavity each hour using a cough efficacy measurement device, and controlling the number and frequency of compressions each hour based on the measurement results, it is possible to determine whether the accumulated air and fluid in the pleural cavity have time to return to their compressible positions by the diaphragm or lungs, thus judging the effectiveness of air and fluid removal.

[0028] The coughing motion is used to compress the pleural cavity, squeezing the pleural effusion into the drainage tube. The coughing motion is measured using the aforementioned cough efficacy measuring instrument. Based on the measurement results, the coughing motion is adjusted so that it can effectively compress the pleural cavity.

[0029] Patients undergoing open-chest surgery typically have pneumothorax and effusion in their pleural cavity, which is drained through a drainage tube inserted into the body. When a patient coughs, the diaphragm and lungs move, compressing the pleural cavity and making it easier for the accumulated air and fluid to be expelled through the drainage tube, thus improving drainage efficiency. By measuring the effectiveness of the patient's cough using the above method and adjusting the diaphragm and lung movements based on the results, the coughing action can achieve a better compression effect on the pleural cavity, more efficiently draining the accumulated air and fluid, allowing for earlier removal of the drainage tube, and reducing patient discomfort.

[0030] The measurement results include the diaphragmatic muscle activity intensity measured by an electromyography sensor and the expiratory volume during coughing measured by a gas flow sensor. The data obtained from the measurement steps are compared with the baseline data. If both measured data are higher than the baseline data, no adjustment is required. If either the diaphragmatic muscle activity intensity or the expiratory volume during coughing is lower than the baseline data, the adjustment step is initiated. When both of the above test results match the patient's corresponding standard data, the patient's cough is considered an effective cough, which can promote the expulsion of pleural effusion and promote lung re-expansion.

[0031] Doctors and patients can visually assess the diaphragm and expiratory volume data during coughing via a monitor. Data from electromyography (EMG) and gas flow sensors indicates whether the cough effectively compresses the pleural cavity. Based on these measurements, adjustments can be made to the coughing motion to ensure subsequent coughs effectively compress the pleural cavity and accelerate the drainage of accumulated air and fluid. This process only requires the doctor to determine the patient's body type and baseline values; the patient can then adjust the technique based on the displayed data.

[0032] After obtaining the corresponding data through the above-mentioned cough effect measurement method, further conditioning steps can be carried out. The conditioning steps are as follows: increase the contraction force of the diaphragm and increase the inhalation volume when coughing, and measure the new cough until the new measurement data are all greater than the baseline data.

[0033] Increasing the contractile force of the diaphragm enhances its compression effect on the pleural cavity. Similarly, increasing expiratory volume requires increasing inspiratory volume, which in turn allows the lungs to expand further, thus increasing the lung's compression effect on the pleural cavity. Adjusting the diaphragm and inspiratory volume ensures that each cough effectively compresses the pleural cavity, pushing accumulated air and fluid into the drainage tube and accelerating the drainage of pleural effusion.

[0034] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0035] This invention uses three detection devices to detect the patient's diaphragm, expiratory volume during coughing, and cough volume, thereby obtaining the activity status of each part of the body when the patient coughs. This allows doctors to obtain objective and accurate cough data, improving the accuracy of doctors' judgment of the patient's cough status, so as to facilitate further treatment of the patient. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0039] Figure 3 The waveform of diaphragmatic activity intensity obtained from an electromyography sensor;

[0040] Figure 4 The waveform of respiration volume obtained from the gas flow sensor;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a waveform diagram of the volume obtained from a decibel sensor.

[0042] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0043] 1. Electromyography sensor; 2. Controller; 3. Display; 4. Exhalation tubing; 5. Air inlet; 6. One-way valve; 7. Mask; 8. Decibels sensor; 9. Gas flow sensor; 10. Collection tube; 11. Receiving cavity; 12. Fixing tape. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through specific implementation methods of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] Example 1

[0046] Please see Figure 1 As shown, this invention is a cough efficacy measuring device, including a mask 7, an exhalation tube 4, an electromyography sensor 1 for detecting diaphragmatic stretch, a gas flow sensor 9 for detecting cough volume, and a decibel sensor 8 for detecting the amount of exhaled air during coughing. One end of the exhalation tube 4 is connected to the mask 7, so that the inside of the mask 7 is connected to the exhalation tube 4. When the mask 7 is worn on the patient's face, the patient's exhaled air enters the exhalation tube 4 from inside the mask 7. The decibel sensor 8 is connected to the exhalation tube 4 and is used to detect the air flow rate in the exhalation tube 4. The gas flow sensor 9 is disposed inside the mask 7 and is used to detect the volume of the patient's cough. The mask 7 is provided with an air inlet 5, through which air enters the mask 7 for the patient to breathe. Both the air inlet 5 and the exhalation tube 4 are provided with one-way valves 6, allowing only one-way gas passage. The direction of the one-way valve 6 located at the air inlet 5 allows air to pass into the mask 7. The one-way valve 6 located in the exhalation channel 4 allows gas from the mask 7 to pass outwards. Three electromyographic (EMG) sensors 1 are provided, mounted on a fixing patch 12 and fixed to the human body to detect the diaphragm. A display 3 is also included to show the detection data from the EMG sensors 1, gas flow sensor 9, and decibel sensor 8. The signal output terminals of the EMG sensors 1, gas flow sensor 9, and decibel sensor 8 are all connected to a controller 2. When the controller 2 receives signals from the EMG sensors 1, gas flow sensor 9, and decibel sensor 8, it transmits the corresponding signals to the display 3 for observation by the doctor.

[0047] An electromyography (EMG) sensor is used to detect changes in the patient's diaphragm, specifically the intensity of diaphragm contraction. The EMG sensor detects the electromyographic signals generated during diaphragm contraction and transmits these signals to a controller 2. The controller 2 converts the signals detected by the EMG sensor into digital signals, which are then displayed on a monitor 3. The monitor 3 displays the changes detected by the EMG sensor, allowing the doctor to understand the patient's diaphragm movement status during coughing.

[0048] A V-shaped fixation patch 12 is inverted and applied to the chest and abdomen of the body. The fold point in the middle of the fixation patch 12 is attached to the lower side of the xiphoid process, and an electromyography (EMG) sensor is fixed at the fold point in the middle of the fixation patch 12. The two ends of the fixation patch 12 are respectively attached to the lower side of the sixth rib, and an EMG sensor is also placed at the lower side of the sixth rib. By using the EMG sensors and the V-shaped fixation patch 12 in conjunction, three locations of the diaphragm can be detected, thereby determining the intensity of movement at each point of the diaphragm. The movement intensities at each point of the diaphragm are cross-referenced, avoiding inaccurate signal detection by a single EMG sensor. A scale is set on the V-shaped fixation patch 12, starting from the middle of the fixation patch 12 and extending to both ends. The scale and data at both ends of the fixation patch 12 are symmetrical with respect to the middle of the fixation patch 12. Different patients have different body shapes, so when the electromyography (EMG) sensor is fixed to the patient's side, the scale and data corresponding to that location will also be different. For example, there is a significant difference in data between adults and children. These scales and data correspond to the patient's expiratory volume. When the EMG sensor is attached below the sixth rib on the patient's side, the patient's corresponding expiratory volume can be determined based on the data corresponding to the position of the fixation patch 12 and the EMG sensor. The fixation patch 12 fits snugly against the body, corresponding to the patient's expiratory volume based on the size of the chest cavity, ensuring accurate alignment of the standard expiratory volume data with the patient, eliminating the need for doctor observation and judgment.

[0049] For example, the vertical movement of the diaphragm is used as a measure of its change. When a patient is not coughing, the vertical movement of the diaphragm is small; however, when a patient coughs, this movement increases. The vertical movement of the diaphragm during coughing varies among different patients, resulting in different data displayed on the monitor. Doctors use these data to determine whether the diaphragm's movement during coughing provides sufficient compression to the lungs and pleural cavity.

[0050] The volume of a patient's cough is detected by a decibel sensor, allowing doctors to visually observe the volume of the patient's cough.

[0051] A gas flow sensor is used to check the amount of air a patient exhales when coughing, allowing doctors to directly observe the amount of air exhaled during a cough.

[0052] When the decibel detection sensor 8 uses a gas flow sensor, it also includes a mask 7. The edge of the mask 7 is in contact with the skin to prevent the patient's exhaled air from leaking out of the edge of the mask 7 and causing inaccurate detection data. The mask 7 is provided with an exhalation tube 4, through which the patient's exhaled air is discharged. The gas flow sensor is located on the exhalation tube 4. When the patient coughs, the exhaled air will be discharged through the exhalation tube 4. Therefore, by measuring the amount of air passing through the exhalation tube 4 when the patient coughs, the amount of air exhaled by the patient during coughing can be obtained.

[0053] The mask 7 is also provided with an air inlet 5. Both the air inlet 5 and the exhalation pipe 4 are provided with one-way valves 6 to prevent inhalation and exhalation from interfering with the data detected by the gas flow sensor. The one-way valve 6 of the air inlet 5 allows gas to flow towards the mask 7, and the one-way valve 6 of the exhalation pipe 4 allows gas to flow away from the mask 7.

[0054] The one-way valve 6 on the exhalation tubing 4 is located between the gas flow sensor and the mask 7.

[0055] The decibel detection sensor is located inside the mask 7 and is used to detect the volume of a cough from inside the mask 7. By placing the decibel detection sensor inside the mask 7, the sensor can more accurately detect the volume of a cough. Furthermore, the mask 7 provides sound insulation, preventing external noise from interfering with the sensor's detection.

[0056] The electromyography (EMG) sensor has its probe attached to the diaphragm. When a patient coughs, the EMG sensor can detect the intensity of diaphragmatic movement, which is determined by the distance the diaphragm moves up and down. The detected signals are displayed on monitor 3 for the doctor to observe visually.

[0057] When monitoring the effectiveness of a patient's cough and displaying the data on monitor 3, not only are real-time numerical values ​​shown, but the data is also displayed as a waveform graph. The horizontal axis of the waveform graph is based on time, and the vertical axis is based on the measured data.

[0058] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the three detection devices—electromyography sensor 1, gas flow sensor 9, and decibel detection sensor 8—correspond to three waveforms. The frequency and state of coughing can be observed through the waveforms.

[0059] When a patient coughs, the detected data increases significantly, corresponding to a peak on the waveform. Furthermore, all three waveforms change synchronously during a cough. By comparing the changes in all three waveforms, interference from single data points can be avoided. For example, if a patient's expiratory volume remains consistently high, the waveform of expiratory volume alone is insufficient to determine the cough's status. However, combining the waveforms of diaphragmatic contraction and cough volume allows for an accurate assessment. Similarly, when a patient experiences frequent dry coughs due to throat discomfort, the waveform of cough volume alone is insufficient to determine the cough's status, but combining the other two waveforms provides a more accurate assessment. Moreover, comparing the waveforms allows for the determination of the frequency of dry coughs and other symptoms, facilitating further evaluation of the patient's cough response by the physician.

[0060] Doctors can determine the frequency of a patient's cough and thus assess the patient's cough condition by analyzing the time intervals between peaks. Because doctors are responsible for a large number of patients and cannot observe a single patient for extended periods, this invention solves the problem of doctors being unable to observe a patient's cough condition for long periods using a waveform display method.

[0061] Displaying test data using a waveform graph can also avoid biases in results caused by the doctor's subjective judgment.

[0062] When a doctor observes a patient's cough, the readings from the three detection devices on display 3 can be used to adjust the patient's cough. This allows the patient to cough effectively, expelling air and fluid from the pleural cavity and promoting lung re-expansion.

[0063] An effective cough involves the following steps: an effective cough requires a deep inhalation (diaphragm descends) – holding your breath – coughing (abdominal muscle contraction, glottis opening) – airflow from bottom to top through the respiratory tract (diaphragm rises) – expectoration of phlegm.

[0064] If a patient coughs incorrectly, using excessive force in the throat to produce a loud cough, but without sufficient abdominal muscle contraction and airflow, lung expansion will be poor, hindering lung re-expansion and preventing the expulsion of lung secretions into the trachea. Similarly, while a deep exhalation may have a large airflow, without the explosive force of strong abdominal muscle contraction, lung secretions cannot be expelled into the trachea, resulting in an ineffective cough. Conversely, without proper throat exertion, secretions located in the trachea cannot be coughed up.

[0065] Therefore, by observing the values ​​corresponding to the patient's diaphragm activity intensity, expiratory volume, and cough volume on a monitor, doctors can directly determine whether these three values ​​meet the criteria for an effective cough, and thus accurately guide the patient's coughing method based on the data on the monitor. If the electromyography sensor detects insufficient diaphragm activity during coughing, the patient is instructed to contract the diaphragm forcefully during coughing to achieve the required diaphragm activity intensity for an effective cough; if the gas flow sensor detects insufficient airflow during coughing, the patient is instructed to take a deep breath before coughing; if the decibel sensor detects insufficient cough volume, the patient is instructed to exert more force in the throat during coughing.

[0066] When doctors provide guidance, the test data from the three testing devices can be used as a reference to tell the patient the corresponding standard values, so that the patient can adjust their cough state according to the readings on the display 3, thereby enabling the patient to cough effectively.

[0067] The standard values ​​for the three testing devices differ for patients of different ages and physical conditions. Doctors can also choose the appropriate standard value based on actual conditions such as age and body type.

[0068] In one embodiment, a collection tube section 10 is also provided. The collection tube section 10 is a section of pipe located between the mask 7 and the exhalation tubing 4. The collection tube section 10 is used to collect sputum and other liquids coughed up during coughing. The collection tube section 10 can prevent sputum from entering components such as the one-way valve 6 of the exhalation tubing 4, and also facilitates doctors to collect sputum for testing.

[0069] The collection tube segment 10 is connected to the exhalation tubing 4 at both ends by a plug-in connection. The plug-in connection facilitates the disassembly and replacement of the collection tube segment 10.

[0070] In one embodiment, the collection pipe is provided with a receiving cavity 11, which is a hollow chamber disposed on the wall of the collection pipe for containing sputum or other liquids within the collection pipe. The receiving cavity 11 can be cylindrical, cuboid, or irregularly shaped. When the receiving cavity 11 is about to fill with sputum or other liquids, a new collection pipe section 10 can be replaced.

[0071] Based on the aforementioned cough efficacy measuring instrument, a method for measuring cough efficacy can be derived. The cough efficacy of a patient is measured using this instrument by employing an electromechanical sensor to measure the activity state of the diaphragm, a gas flow sensor to measure the expiratory volume during coughing, and a decibel sensor to measure the volume of the cough.

[0072] The controller 2, such as a PLC, receives electrical signals from the electromyography sensor, gas flow sensor, and decibel sensor, and transmits the corresponding values ​​to the display 3. The display 3 then shows the corresponding values ​​for direct viewing by doctors and patients.

[0073] The display 3 can simultaneously show the diaphragm activity, the amount of air exhaled during coughing, and the decibel level of coughing in three rows for easy observation.

[0074] A method for monitoring the drainage effect of pleural effusion, S1, using the above-mentioned cough effect measuring instrument to monitor the activity intensity of the diaphragm;

[0075] S2. The above-mentioned cough effect measuring instrument is used to monitor the expiratory volume. The expiratory volume corresponds to the inspiratory volume, and the inspiratory volume corresponds to the degree of lung expansion. The degree of lung expansion is monitored by monitoring the expiratory volume.

[0076] S3. Count the number of times the diaphragm activity intensity exceeds a specified value and the number of times the expiratory flow exceeds a specified value from the waveform of the display of the cough effect measuring instrument.

[0077] In step S3, the number of times the diaphragm activity intensity exceeds a specified value refers to the number of times the diaphragm effectively compresses the pleural cavity. Only when the diaphragm activity intensity exceeds a certain specified value will it significantly compress the pleural cavity, thus prompting the drainage of accumulated air and fluid from the pleural cavity through the drainage tube. The specified value here needs to be determined by the doctor based on factors such as the patient's body type. The number of times the expiratory flow rate exceeds a specified value refers to the number of times lung expansion effectively compresses the pleural cavity. Only when the degree of lung expansion reaches a certain level, that is, when the inspiratory and expiratory volumes reach certain values, can effective compression be achieved in the pleural cavity, causing the accumulated air and fluid to drain from the drainage tube. When the degree of lung expansion or the diaphragm activity intensity is insufficient, the compression of the pleural cavity is ineffective. In this case, the accumulated air and fluid in the pleural cavity will be squeezed from one place to another, failing to achieve the effect of draining the accumulated air and fluid; therefore, this is called ineffective compression.

[0078] When the electromyography (EMG) sensor detects that the diaphragm's activity intensity exceeds a specified value for a certain number of times, and the expiratory flow rate exceeds a specified value for a certain number of times, it indicates that the diaphragm and lungs have reached their limit in compressing the pleural cavity. A large amount of the accumulated air and fluid in the pleural cavity has been squeezed out, and the remaining air and fluid need to be allowed to drain naturally. At this point, the patient can stop using coughing to compress the pleural cavity.

[0079] In step S3, the number of times is counted on an hourly basis. The number of times the diaphragm activity intensity exceeds a specified value and the number of times the expiratory flow exceeds a specified value are counted in each hour. The effect of diaphragm and lung expansion on the drainage of pleural effusion in each hour is judged.

[0080] After the diaphragm or lungs expand and compress the pleural cavity a certain number of times, the accumulated air and fluid in the pleural cavity are squeezed to other locations within the pleural cavity. Then, the accumulated air and fluid can wait to return to their corresponding positions in the pleural cavity and diaphragm or lungs, and then be expelled again by the diaphragm and lungs through compression. A cough efficacy measurement device can monitor the effective number and frequency of compressions of the diaphragm and lungs into the pleural cavity per hour in real time, thereby monitoring the effectiveness of air and fluid removal from the pleural cavity. The greater the amount of air and fluid removed within the same time period, the better the effect; conversely, the smaller the amount removed within the same time period, the worse the effect. Therefore, by monitoring the number of compressions of the diaphragm and lungs into the pleural cavity each hour using a cough efficacy measurement device, and controlling the number and frequency of compressions each hour based on the measurement results, it is possible to determine whether the accumulated air and fluid in the pleural cavity have time to return to their compressible positions by the diaphragm or lungs, thus judging the effectiveness of air and fluid removal.

[0081] Coughing causes the diaphragm and lungs to compress the pleural cavity, thus squeezing out any accumulated air or fluid and promoting its drainage through a drainage tube. The compression effect of the diaphragm and lungs on the pleural cavity is measured using one of the coughing efficacy measurement methods described above.

[0082] The above-mentioned method for measuring cough effectiveness is used to obtain the vertical movement distance of the diaphragm and the expiratory volume. Doctors determine a baseline value for the diaphragm movement distance based on the patient's body shape. When the diaphragm movement distance exceeds this baseline value, the diaphragm effectively compresses the pleural cavity, promoting the expulsion of accumulated air and fluid. Doctors also determine a baseline value for the patient's expiratory volume based on their body shape. When the expiratory volume exceeds this baseline value, lung expansion effectively compresses the pleural cavity, promoting the expulsion of accumulated air and fluid.

[0083] When a patient coughs and the diaphragm and expiratory volume do not reach the baseline values, the patient can still see the measured values ​​on the monitor. By comparing the measured values ​​with the baseline values ​​given by the doctor, the patient can adjust their coughing action to effectively compress the pleural cavity, thereby promoting the drainage of accumulated air and fluid from the pleural cavity.

Claims

1. A cough efficacy measuring instrument, characterized in that: It includes an electromyography sensor (1) for detecting the intensity of diaphragmatic activity, a gas flow sensor (9) for detecting expiratory volume, and a decibel sensor (8) for detecting cough volume; It also includes a face mask (7), wherein the gas flow sensor (9) is disposed on the air outlet of the face mask (7); It also includes a display (3), wherein the electromyography sensor (1), the gas flow sensor (9) and the decibel detection sensor (8) are all electrically connected to the display (3). The display (3) is used to display the data detected by the electromyography sensor (1), the gas flow sensor (9) and the decibel detection sensor (8).

2. The cough efficacy measuring instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intensity of diaphragmatic activity detected by the electromyography sensor is the distance the diaphragm moves up and down.

3. The cough efficacy measuring instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an exhalation tube (4), one end of which is set on the air outlet of the mask (7), and the gas flow sensor (9) is set on the exhalation tube (4) to detect the gas in the exhalation tube (4).

4. The cough efficacy measuring instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that: The decibel detection sensor (8) is located on the inner side of the mask (7).

5. A cough efficacy measuring instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that: The mask (7) is provided with an air inlet (5), and both the air inlet (5) and the exhalation pipe (4) are provided with one-way valves (6). The one-way valve (6) of the air inlet (5) allows gas to flow to the mask (7), and the one-way valve (6) of the exhalation pipe (4) allows gas to flow out of the mask (7).

6. A method for monitoring the drainage effect of pleural effusion, characterized in that: S1. The activity intensity of the diaphragm was monitored using the above-mentioned cough efficacy measuring instrument; S2. The above-mentioned cough effect measuring instrument is used to monitor the expiratory volume. The expiratory volume corresponds to the inspiratory volume, and the inspiratory volume corresponds to the degree of lung expansion. The degree of lung expansion is monitored by monitoring the expiratory volume. S3. Count the number of times the diaphragm activity intensity exceeds a specified value and the number of times the expiratory flow exceeds a specified value from the waveform of the display of the cough effect measuring instrument, and judge the drainage effect of intrapleural effusion based on the statistical data.

7. The method for monitoring the drainage effect of pleural effusion according to claim 6, characterized in that: In step S3, the number of times is counted on an hourly basis. The number of times the diaphragm activity intensity exceeds a specified value and the number of times the expiratory flow exceeds a specified value are counted in each hour. The effect of diaphragm and lung expansion on the drainage of pleural effusion in each hour is judged.

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