Device for ventilation

Abstract

Device for ventilation, comprising: a device housing (1) with a control panel (2) and a display (3), wherein a breathing gas pump is arranged in the area of ​​the device housing (1) in an interior compartment, wherein the device housing (1) further comprises an interface (8) to enable data transmission; a connecting hose (5) which is connected via a coupling (4); a patient valve (17) which is arranged in the area of ​​an extension of the connecting tube (5) facing away from the device housing (1) and which can be positioned in close proximity to a ventilation mask (10); a connecting chamber (16) which is connected to the patient valve (17) via the connecting hose (5); a pressurized gas supply (13); a control (20) for the compressed gas supply (13), wherein a setpoint for a PEEP or EPAP pressure level can be supplied to the control (20) via a setpoint connection (21); a pressure sensor (22) which is located in the area of ​​the connection chamber (16) and is connected to the control unit (20) via a sensor line (23); a proportional valve (14) which is connected to the control unit (20) via a first control line (24), wherein the pressurized gas supply (13) is connected to the connecting chamber (16) via the proportional valve (14); a check valve (26) which is arranged in a transition area of ​​the connecting hose (5) to the connecting chamber (16) and is designed to prevent the connecting hose (5) from emptying into the connecting chamber (16) when the pressure of the connecting chamber (16) decreases; a switching valve (29) designed as a 3 / 2-way valve, which is connected to the control unit (20) via a second control line (32); an orifice (28) which is connected to the connecting chamber (16) and is connected to an environment (30) via the switching valve (29), wherein the orifice (28) is connected in series with the switching valve (29); wherein the device is designed such that a continuous gas flow to the environment (30) can be generated via the orifice (28) and the switching valve (29), whereby a pressure drop at the orifice (28) also occurs in the connecting chamber (16), so that it is possible to specify a resulting pressure in the area of ​​the patient valve (17) due to this essentially equal pressure level.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for ventilation which has a pressurized gas supply and a control for the pressurized gas supply and in which a controllable valve is arranged in the area of ​​one end of a ventilation tube.

[0002] Furthermore, a method for controlling a ventilator is disclosed in which a generated pressure is controlled using a valve positioned in the area of ​​a breathing tube, and in which a pressure provided by a compressed gas supply is regulated using at least one metrologically detected signal.

[0003] Such ventilation devices can be designed, for example, to perform PEEP (positive end-expiratory pressure) or EPAP (positive expiratory pressure) ventilation. Ventilators of this type are known with control units that employ a magnetic pressure relief valve. Disadvantages of the known methods and devices include discontinuous pressure relief and comparatively large dead spaces, which lead to time delays in pressure build-up and pressure reduction during pressure increases and decreases, respectively.

[0004] US 2004 / 0211422 A1 describes a pressure or flow control valve for use in a fluid supply system. The movement of the control valve can be non-linearly damped to improve the valve response and controllability in the fluid supply system.

[0005] EP 0 671 181 A1 describes a ventilator that enables continuous, closed control of the gas pressure in the mouth or airways of a patient according to any selected pressure input waveform.

[0006] DE 199 07 362 A1 describes a device for mixing several gas components using a Venturi nozzle.

[0007] DE 102 05 845 C1 describes another example of a device for mixing several gas components using a Venturi nozzle.

[0008] DE 10 2004 030 747 A1 describes a device for mixing oxygen and air using a Venturi nozzle.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to construct a device of the type mentioned in the introduction in such a way that continuous and fast control is made possible with a simple design.

[0010] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim.

[0011] By using the orifice, it is possible to continuously regulate the expiratory pressure over a wide pressure range. A continuous gas flow is generated across the orifice relative to the surrounding environment, and a defined pressure drop occurs across the orifice depending on the gas flow rate. This pressure can be measured and compared to a predefined setpoint in a control unit. The delivery pressure of a patient valve can then be adjusted using an appropriate control characteristic.

[0012] For example, a mask, a tube, a helmet or a tracheostomy can be used as a ventilation access for a patient.

[0013] Using the device according to the invention, time constants for pressure relief can be achieved that are in the range of 10 to 50 milliseconds.

[0014] The resulting leakage losses can be reduced by connecting the orifice plate in series with a switching valve.

[0015] To support suction operation, a check valve is provided in parallel to the series connection of the orifice and the switching valve.

[0016] The prevention of inspiratory leakage is supported by connecting the orifice to a Venturi nozzle.

[0017] A simple design is supported by the fact that the pressure sensor is located in the area of ​​a connecting chamber that is positioned between a pressurized gas source and the breathing tube.

[0018] Rapid system response, preventing the breathing tube from emptying during a pressure drop, is achieved by installing a check valve in the area where the breathing tube connects to the connecting chamber.

[0019] Pneumatic control of the patient valve is supported by connecting the connecting chamber to the patient valve via a control hose.

[0020] Another design variant consists of both the orifice and the check valve arranged parallel to the orifice being connected to the connecting chamber.

[0021] Furthermore, it is ensured that the check valve connects the Venturi nozzle to the environment.

[0022] Contamination of the orifice is avoided even without the use of a check valve by connecting the orifice to a connection area between the Venturi nozzle and the breathing tube.

[0023] Suction operation is also supported by the fact that the check valve is arranged parallel to the orifice.

[0024] The ingress of contaminants into the area of ​​the orifice during suction operation can be prevented by arranging the orifice in series with a check valve.

[0025] Another design variant consists of connecting the orifice to the connecting chamber and the check valve to the venturi nozzle.

[0026] A simplified embodiment is provided by connecting the orifice and the switching valve to the connecting chamber and by connecting the connecting chamber directly to the pressurized gas source via a proportional valve.

[0027] A further simplified design is supported by the fact that the connection chamber is directly connected to the pressurized gas source.

[0028] A typical application is that training in performing home ventilation is available.

[0029] Another application is defined by the availability of training in performing emergency ventilation.

[0030] It is also assumed that training in performing transport ventilation is available. Another option is application in intensive care ventilation.

[0031] According to a typical embodiment, it is provided that an expiratory pressure is regulated.

[0032] Precise control is supported by the fact that pressure regulation is carried out using a proportional valve.

[0033] Particularly good control quality can be achieved by implementing continuous or quasi-continuous control over time.

[0034] The drawings schematically illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. They show: Fig. 1. A perspective view of a ventilator with a connecting tube to a ventilation mask. Fig. 2. A block diagram illustrating the essential functional components in a maximum configuration. Fig. 3 a contrast to the representation in Fig. 2 modified embodiments, Fig. 4 an arrangement without the use of a 3 / 2-way valve, Fig. 5 a compared to the embodiment in Fig. 4. Modified embodiment using an additional check valve, Fig. 6 another embodiment without a 3 / 2-way valve, Fig. 7 an embodiment without a Venturi nozzle and Fig. 8 an embodiment both without a Venturi nozzle and without a 3 / 2-way valve.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows the basic structure of a ventilation device. A breathing gas pump is arranged inside a device housing 1, which includes a control panel 2 and a display 3. A connecting hose 5 is attached via a coupling 4. An additional control hose 27 can run along the connecting hose 5 and can be connected to the device housing 1 via a pressure inlet port 7. The device housing 1 has an interface 8 to enable data transmission.

[0036] In the area of ​​an extension of the connecting hose 5 facing away from the device housing 1, a patient valve 17 is arranged as an exhalation element.

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 further shows a ventilation mask 10, which is designed as a nasal mask. It can be secured to the patient's head using a head covering 11. The ventilation mask 10 has a coupling element 12 in the area where it faces the connecting tube 5.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows a block diagram illustrating the essential functional components arranged between a pressurized gas source 13 and the ventilation mask 10 for the provision of the pressurized gas supply. The pressurized gas source 13 is connected to a Venturi nozzle 15 via a proportional valve 14. One outlet of the Venturi nozzle 15 leads into a connecting chamber 16. The connecting chamber 16 is connected to a patient valve 17 via the connecting tube 5. The patient valve 17 is positioned in close proximity to the ventilation mask 10.

[0039] A bypass line 18 runs between the pressurized gas source 13 and the connecting chamber 16, bypassing the Venturi nozzle 15. A further proportional valve 19 is located in this bypass line. The proportional valves 14 and 19 are each connected to a controller 20, which receives a setpoint for the PEEP pressure level or an EPAP pressure level via a setpoint port 21.

[0040] As an alternative to at least one of the proportional valves 14, 19, it is also possible to use an adjustable blower or a piston for pressure control. Furthermore, the use of electromechanical, pneumatic, magnetic, or electromagnetic actuators is also possible.

[0041] A pressure sensor 22 is arranged in the area of ​​the connection chamber 16 and is connected to the control unit 20 via a sensor line 23. The proportional valves 14 and 19 are connected to the control unit 20 via control lines 24 and 25.

[0042] A check valve 26 is arranged in a transition area between the connecting hose 5 and the connecting chamber 16. This valve prevents the connecting hose 5 from emptying into the connecting chamber 16 if the pressure in the connecting chamber drops. A control hose 27 runs from the connecting chamber 16 to the patient valve 17.

[0043] The Venturi nozzle 15 is connected to the environment 30 via a series connection of an orifice plate 28 and a switching valve 29. A check valve 31 is positioned parallel to the orifice plate 28, preventing compressed air from flowing from the Venturi nozzle 15 towards the environment 30. The switching valve 29 is designed as a 3 / 2-way valve and is connected to the control unit 20 via a control line 32.

[0044] By using orifice 28 and at least one of the proportional valves 14, 19, it is possible to continuously regulate the expiratory pressure over a relatively large pressure range. A continuous gas flow to the environment 30 is generated via orifice 28 and switching valve 29. The pressure drop across orifice 28 is also present in both the connecting chamber 16 and the control tube 27. This essentially uniform pressure level makes it possible to predetermine the resulting pressure at the patient valve 17.

[0045] In the embodiment according to Fig. In this embodiment, the orifice 28 is directly connected to the connecting chamber 16. The check valve 31 is connected to the venturi nozzle 15 and runs parallel to the series connection of the orifice 28 and the switching valve 29.

[0046] Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which, as a modification of the embodiment according to Fig. 2. The aperture 28 is connected directly to the environment 30 without the use of a switching valve 29. Alternatively to the one in Fig. Instead of the four Venturi nozzles 15 shown, a plurality of Venturi nozzles 15 with bypass lines 18 can also be used. Through the check valve 31 according to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4. It is possible for the Venturi nozzle 15 to draw in ambient air and feed it into the gas mixture. According to a typical embodiment, the proportional valve 14 is designed for a lower flow rate than the proportional valve 19. Pressure control using the proportional valve 14 therefore offers the advantage of finer adjustability.

[0047] According to the embodiment in Fig. 5 is a variation of Fig. 4. A further check valve 33 is arranged between the orifice 28 and the environment 30, which prevents the ingress of foreign bodies into the area of ​​the orifice 28 during suction operation of the Venturi nozzle 15. In general, the use of a Venturi nozzle 15 makes it possible to avoid a switching valve 29 while simultaneously minimizing losses of supply gas during mixed operation. In such mixed operation, ambient air is drawn in and no breathing gas flows outwards through the orifice 28.

[0048] According to the embodiment in Fig. 6 is a variation of Fig. 4. The check valve 31 is arranged directly between the venturi nozzle 15 and the environment 30. The orifice 28, on the other hand, connects the connecting chamber 16 directly to the environment 30. This embodiment also allows ambient air to be drawn in through the venturi nozzle 15 via the check valve 31 while simultaneously allowing a continuous gas flow through the orifice 28.

[0049] According to the embodiment in Fig. 7 The compressed gas supply 13 is connected directly to the connection chamber 16 via the proportional valve 14. This results in a design without the use of a Venturi nozzle 15. The orifice 28 is connected to the connection chamber 16 and can be connected to the environment 30 via the switching valve 29.

[0050] According to the embodiment in Fig. 8 represents a further simplification compared to the embodiment in Fig.7 by omitting the switching valve 29. The aperture 28 thereby permanently connects the connecting chamber 16 with the environment 30.

Claims

[1] Ventilation device comprising: a device housing (1) with a control panel (2) and a display (3), wherein a breathing gas pump is arranged in the region of the device housing (1) in a device interior, wherein the device housing (1) further comprises an interface (8) for enabling data transmission; a connecting hose (5) connected via a coupling (4); a patient valve (17) which is arranged in the region of an extension of the connecting tube (5) facing away from the device housing (1) and can be positioned in spatial proximity to a ventilation mask (10); a connecting chamber (16) connected to the patient valve (17) via the connecting tube (5); a compressed gas supply (13); a controller (20) for the compressed gas supply (13), wherein a setpoint value for a PEEP or EPAP pressure level can be supplied to the controller (20) via a setpoint connection (21); a pressure sensor (22) arranged in the region of the connecting chamber (16) and connected to the controller (20) via a sensor line (23); a proportional valve (14) connected to the controller (20) via a first control line (24), wherein the compressed gas supply (13) is connected to the connecting chamber (16) via the proportional valve (14); a check valve (26) which is arranged in a transition region of the connecting hose (5) to the connecting chamber (16) and is designed to prevent the connecting hose (5) from emptying into the connecting chamber (16) when the pressure in the connecting chamber (16) drops; a switching valve (29) designed as a 3 / 2-way valve, which is connected to the control (20) via a second control line (32); a diaphragm (28) connected to the connecting chamber (16) and connected to an environment (30) via the switching valve (29), the diaphragm (28) being connected in series with the switching valve (29); wherein the device is designed such that a continuous gas flow to the environment (30) can be generated via the aperture (28) and the switching valve (29), wherein a pressure dropping across the aperture (28) also occurs in the connecting chamber (16), so that due to this substantially equal pressure level it is possible to specify a resulting pressure in the region of the patient valve (17). [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting chamber (16) is further connected to the patient valve (17) via a control hose (27), the device being designed such that the pressure dropping across the orifice (28) is also set in the region of the control hose (27).

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