Ventilator with operating data memory

Abstract

Ventilator with operating data memory, which has a control device for a respiratory gas source and in which the operating data memory is designed to store current, variable operating data and in which the control device is provided with a memory trigger for carrying out a storage of current operating parameters during an operating pause and with a memory activation for reading out the stored operating data after the end of the operating pause and for resuming operation in accordance with the stored operating data, wherein during a corresponding pause operating mode the device is in operation, but at least the air supply to the patient is reduced, characterized in that a pause operating mode can be specified by the user and that a pause operating mode is initiated automatically by the device after detection of predefined events.

Description

The invention relates to a ventilator with an operating data memory, which has a control device for a respiratory gas source and in which the operating data memory is designed to store current variable operating data and in which the control device is provided with a memory triggering for carrying out a storage of current operating parameters during an operating pause and with a memory activation for reading out the stored operating data after an end of the operating pause and for resuming operation in accordance with the stored operating data.Such respirators are used, for example, for ventilating patients and are typically equipped with a respiratory gas source, for example a blower. The breathing gas is typically provided to the user via a blower. The breathing gas is typically supplied to the user via a breathing gas tube which is coupled on the patient side to a breathing mask or another patient interface.During ventilation, the user is usually not able to speak to drink or eat due to his patient interface and / or the pressure of the breathing gas. Without briefly switching off the respirator and / or placing the respirator mask and / or the patient interface, it is therefore often not possible for a user to conduct a normal conversation, because the respiratory gas under pressure would then escape noisyly through the mouth opened for speaking. The process of shutting down the ventilator and placing the patient interface down is time consuming and is often felt by the user to be annoying and annoying.A further problem is that, after malfunctions have occurred, for example, a power supply fails, operating parameters individually set by the patient are usually no longer available and the device returns to a basic state specified by the manufacturer or by medical operating personnel. In this case, the user must again make the settings of the operating parameters individually selected by him.US 5881723 A already discloses a ventilator with a graphical user interface, in which a memory for ventilator settings is used.US 2005 / 0076906 A1 describes a ventilator having an alarm generator which communicates wirelessly with the ventilator.US 4537190 A describes a ventilator in which a content of carbon dioxide from respiratory air is taken into account as a control parameter.EP 1 287 843 A2 discloses a remote control for a ventilator.U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,921 B1 describes an automated initiation of a start and an end of the ventilation for a CPAP ventilation. In this case, sensors are used to detect whether a user has placed on the respective breathing mask.U.S. Pat. No. 7,225,809 B1 discloses implementing automatic control in a ventilation device.U.S. Pat. No. 7,347,207 B2 describes a control for an anaesthesia device.The object of the present invention is to design a ventilator of the type mentioned in the introduction in such a way that an increased ease of use is achieved.This object is achieved according to the invention in that during a corresponding pause operating mode the device is in operation, but at least the air supply to the patient is reduced and that a pause operating mode can be specified by the user and that a pause operating mode is initiated automatically by the device after detection of predefined events.By storing the current operating data, it is possible for the user to perform a brief interruption of the air supply through the ventilator, for example for speaking, drinking, eating or cooking, without the user having to switch off the ventilator for this purpose and / or without the user having to put down the patient interface for this purpose.An advantageous embodiment of the invention is realized in that in the area of the device, for example as a remote control, as a bracelet, for example with a clip, or as an automatic function in the ventilator, a device is provided by means of which the user can switch the ventilator into a pause operating mode for a period of time that can be specified by the user. The activation of the pause operating mode can be performed, for example, acoustic, mechanical, pneumatic, optical or electronic.For example, the functional activation takes place by pressure on an actuation surface, by an acoustic signal from the user or the like.The pause mode of operation is characterized in that the device is in operation, but at least the air supply to the patient is reduced.Alternatively, the air supply to the user in the pause mode of operation is equal to zero.It is also contemplated that the user may define the pause mode of operation itself. For example, in the pause operating mode, a predeterminable residual pressure can be maintained.It is provided that the user can specify the duration of the pause operating mode via a selection function. From a control point of view, a time counting function then runs in the device, the duration of which essentially corresponds to the user specification. After the time counting function has expired, the device is again in that operating mode in which it was before the initiation of the pause operating mode.In another embodiment, it is provided that the user initiates the pause operating mode via a selection function. The pause operating mode is then activated until the patient terminates the pause operating mode via a selection function. From a control point of view, the device then stores the operating mode in which it was in prior to the initiation of the pause operating mode, in order to then return immediately to the active operating mode after the termination of the pause operating mode.In a further embodiment, it is provided that the user initiates the pause operating mode via a selection function. The pause operating mode is then activated until the patient terminates the pause operating mode via a selection function. In the pause operating mode, the device can then maintain the operating mode in which it was located before the initiation of the pause operating mode; only a diversion of the breathing gas to the patient does not take place. Upon completion of the pause mode of operation, the device immediately returns to the active mode of operation.In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the device initiates the pause operating mode itself-automatically-via a selection circuit when events are detected which cause a pause operating mode. The pause operating mode is then activated until either the user terminates the pause operating mode via a selection function, or until the device does not register an event by which the pause operating mode is activated.Upon completion of the pause mode of operation, the device immediately returns to the active mode of operation.The controller for the automatic pause operating mode has an analyzer for detecting at least one event, and the analyzer is coupled to the controller in such a way that the pause operating mode is activated when the event is detected.In particular, it is provided that upon detection of an event, a sequence switching predefined by control technology activates a pause operating mode.In the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention, use is made of the fact that specific events lead to typical influences on the breathing parameter detected by measurement techniques. The corresponding typical time curves of the breathing parameter, which are associated with a specific event, enable automatic evaluation of the signal curve with respect to the respective curves and thus control-technology identification of the respective event.Corresponding specific events that can be recognized on the signal profile are, for example, mouth examination, mouth breathing, leakage, swallowing, speaking, sneezing or coughing. In the case of automatic recognition of such events, it is possible to modify the pressure control in such a way that those measurement parameters which are evaluated by the control for a pressure increase or a pressure decrease in a normal state and which can no longer be evaluated reliably upon occurrence of the respective event are taken into account by the control for the time duration of the occurrence of the event in such a way that the pause operating mode is activated.A typical process sequence is implemented in that the control is designed to carry out CPAP, APAP, bi-level, home, clinic, intensive care and / or emergency ventilation.According to one embodiment, it is provided that the analyzer is designed to evaluate a flow profile.In addition, it is also contemplated that the analyzer is designed to evaluate a pressure curve.One method variant consists in that the analyzer is designed for evaluating inspiration phases.In addition, it is also possible for the analyzer to be designed for evaluating exhalation phases.A simple evaluation principle consists in that the analyzer is designed for evaluating amplitude values.In addition, it is also possible for the analyzer to be designed for evaluating power values of the energy consumption of the respiratory gas source.According to a further embodiment variant, it is provided that the analyzer has a reference value comparator.A frequency-dependent signal evaluation is supported by a band-pass filtering of the measured pressure signal.In particular, it is contemplated that a frequency band in the band-pass filtering is defined such that an amplitude of a volume vibration generated by the apparatus is measured. An excitation signal adapted for band pass filtering can be provided by generating the volume vibration by a diaphragm pump.A good compromise between a simple implementability and a good evaluation capability of the excitation signal is that a volume oscillation is generated with a frequency of approximately 20 Hz.According to a typical evaluation method, it is provided that an evaluation is carried out in such a way that a detection of an expiratory constriction of the airways is carried out by an expiratory increase in the pressure oscillation amplitude compared to a reference value.A particular variant of the fault detection is that an evaluation is carried out in such a way that individual or cumulative expiratory restrictions are evaluated as events.When events are stored and evaluated, it is possible to further refine the quality of the reaction of the ventilator and the detection of events by a self-learning system.The apparatus for ventilation has a compressed gas source connectable to a patient interface, a control for the compressed gas source and a measuring device for detecting at least one breathing parameter. The control is provided with an adaptation device for changing the pressure provided by the compressed gas source as a function of an evaluation of the measured breathing parameter. The controller has an analyzer for detecting at least one event. The analyzer is coupled to the controller such that upon detection of an event, the ventilator is switched to a pause mode of operation.Exemplary embodiments of the invention are schematically illustrated in the drawings. The following are shown: FIG. 1 shows a perspective illustration of a ventilator with a respiratory gas tube and a respiratory mask, FIG. 2 shows a ventilator modified in comparison with FIG. 1 with a separate pause button, FIG. 3 shows the ventilator according to FIG. 2 with connected humidifier, FIG. 4 shows the ventilator according to FIG. 2 with the oxygen cut-off valve connected, FIG. 5 shows the ventilator according to FIG. 4 in a perspective view from behind, FIG. 6 shows a perspective illustration of a ventilator arranged in a carrying case with additional detailed illustrations, FIG. 7 shows a perspective illustration of a transport device for a mobile ventilator, FIG. 8 shows the support device according to FIG. 7 after installation of the ventilator according to FIG. 6, FIG. 9 shows a pause key which can be arranged in the region of a bracelet, FIG. 10 shows the pause button according to FIG. 9 in a modified dimensioning, FIG. 11 shows the pause button according to FIG. 10 after application in the region of a wrist of a patient, and FIG. 12 shows a representation of a patient with a clip-like pause key.FIG. 1 shows the basic structure of a device for ventilation. In the region of a device housing ( 1) with control panel ( 2) and display ( 3), a breathing gas pump is arranged in a device interior. A connecting hose (5) is connected via a coupling (4). Along the connecting hose (5) an additional pressure measuring hose (6) can run, which can be connected to the device housing (1) via a pressure inlet connection (7). To enable data transmission, the device housing ( 1) has an interface ( 8). In the region of an extension of the connecting hose (5) facing away from the device housing (1), an exhalation element (9) is arranged. FIG. 1 also shows a patient interface ( 10), which is designed as a nasal mask. A fixation in the region of a patient's head can be effected via a head hood (11). In the region of its extension facing the connecting tube (5), the respirator mask (10) has a connecting piece (12).A pause button (13) is arranged in the area of the device housing (1) in order to be able to specify a pause operating state of the ventilator manually. According to a further embodiment, the pause key ( 13) can also be arranged in the area of the control panel ( 2) or can be designed as an external control element.FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the ventilator, the pause button ( 13) being positioned here in an upper lateral region of the device housing ( 1).To avoid drying out of the airways, it has proven to be advantageous, in particular in the case of relatively long ventilation phases, to carry out moistening of the breathing air according to FIG. 3. Such humidifications of the breathing air can also be realized in other applications. For moistening, adaptable respiratory humidifiers (14) are usually introduced into the air path between ventilator and patient.In addition, according to FIG. 4, an oxygen supply valve ( 15) can be adapted to supply an increased amount of oxygen with the breathing gas to a user.FIG. 5 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 4 in a perspective illustration from behind. This again illustrates in particular the contouring of the device housing ( 1).FIG. 6 shows a ventilator, the functional components of which are installed in two suitcases (16, 17). Placement of the ventilator in suitcases (16,17) supports mobile use. The suitcases (16, 17) are provided with handles (18, 19). In addition, an air inlet (20) and a hose connection (21) can be seen. Holding of the luggage cases (16, 17) can be carried out using pocket suspensions (22).FIG. 7 shows a transport device ( 23) for the luggage cases ( 16, 17). The transport device (23) is constructed similar to a bag truck and has wheels (24) and a handle (25). For positioning the luggage cases (16, 17), holding elements (26) are arranged in the region of vertical struts (27).FIG. 8 shows the transport device ( 23) after fastening the luggage cases ( 16, 17). The luggage cases (16, 17) are fixed with their bag suspensions (22) in the region of the holding elements (26).FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which the pause key (13) is arranged in the region of a carrier (28) to which a bracelet (29) is fastened. The bracelet ( 29) can be placed, for example, in the area of a wrist of a user and enables the pause function to be triggered remotely.FIG. 10 shows the carrier (28) with pause key (13) according to FIG. 9 in a changed dimensioning. FIG. 11 shows the arrangement of the carrier (28) with pause button (13) using the bracelet (29) in the region of a wrist of a user.FIG. 12 shows an embodiment in which the carrier (28) with pause key (13) is designed in a clip-like manner. This makes it possible, for example, to plug onto pockets of a shirt or a jacket.

Claims

Ventilator with an operating data memory, which has a control device for a respiratory gas source and in which the operating data memory is designed to store current variable operating data and in which the control device is provided with a memory triggering for carrying out a storage of current operating parameters during an operating pause and with a memory activation for reading out the stored operating data after an end of the operating pause and for resuming operation in accordance with the stored operating data, wherein during a corresponding pause operating mode the device is in function but at least the air supply to the patient is reduced, characterised in that a pause operating mode can be predefined by the user and in that a pause operating mode is initiated automatically by the device after detection of predefined events.Ventilator according to claim 1, characterised in that the memory triggering has an activation in the event of an operating fault occurring.Ventilator according to claim 1, characterised in that the memory triggering has an activation upon a manual actuation of a pause function.Ventilator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that during the pause operating mode the user can talk and / or sneeze and / or drink and / or eat and / or kitchen and / or cough and / or telephone and / or read and / or take medicaments substantially unimpeded by the ventilator.Ventilator according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ventilator provides the user with a breathing gas pressure which is reduced compared to an initial state during the pause operating mode.Ventilator according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the ventilator provides the user with a breathing gas pressure of less than 6 mbar during the pause operating mode.Ventilator according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the ventilator provides the user with a breathing gas pressure of less than 4 mbar during the pause operating mode.Ventilator according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the ventilator provides the user with a breathing gas pressure of less than 2 mbar during the pause operating mode.Ventilator according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the ventilator provides the user with a breathing gas pressure of essentially 0 mbar during the pause operating mode.Ventilator according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the pause function can be triggered by a remote control.Ventilator according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the pause function can be triggered by a pause key (13) arranged in the region of a bracelet (29).Ventilator according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the pause function can be triggered by a pause button (13) arranged in the region of a clip.Ventilator according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the pause function can be activated for a predeterminable period of time.Ventilator according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that an analyser is provided for automatically detecting termination of a pause state.Ventilator according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a microphone is connected to the analyzer for event detection.Ventilator according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the analyzer is connected to a memory for storing noise patterns.Ventilator according to one of Claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the pause function can be deactivated for a predeterminable period of time.Method for controlling a ventilator, in which a user can specify a pause operating mode via at least one selection means and in which the device is in operation during the pause operating mode, but at least the air supply to the patient is reduced, characterised in that the device automatically activates the pause operating mode on the basis of an event recognition and / or in that a user activates the pause operating mode.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a user activates the pause operating mode by actuating a means which is provided in the region of the apparatus for ventilation.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a user activates the pause operating mode by actuating a means which communicates with the apparatus for ventilation via a cable.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a user activates the pause operating mode by actuating a means which communicates wirelessly with the apparatus for ventilation.Method according to one of Claims 18 to 21, characterized in that at least one event is detected by a microphone.Method according to one of Claims 18 to 22, characterized in that a detected noise is compared with a stored noise pattern.Method according to one of Claims 18 to 23, characterized in that the pause mode is deactivated in a predeterminable manner.Ventilator according to claim 1, characterised in that a means is used which communicates wirelessly with the ventilator and in which a user can activate the pause operating mode of a device for ventilation by making contact with the means.

Images