Device for enriching breathing gas with oxygen

Abstract

A ventilation device comprising a pressurized gas source connectable to a patient interface and an oxygen inlet valve for enriching respiratory gas with oxygen, characterized in that the inlet valve can be coupled to the housing of the ventilator via at least one coupling element (15, 18, 19) which interacts with a connection element of the ventilator, wherein an oxygen-conducting connection to the ventilator is established via the coupling of the oxygen outlet (15) of the inlet valve with an oxygen inlet (29) of the ventilator, wherein oxygen is introduced from the oxygen inlet (29) via a connecting tube through the device housing into the air passage in the area of ​​the blower box (27) which surrounds the blower of the ventilator.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for ventilation which has a pressurized gas source connectable to a patient interface and an oxygen supply valve for enriching breathing gas with oxygen, wherein the oxygen supply valve can be arranged in the area of ​​the device housing as required and wherein oxygen is introduced from the oxygen inlet via a connecting hose through the device housing into the air path in the area of ​​the blower box that surrounds the blower of the ventilator.

[0002] Such switching valves are, according to current technology, often installed inside the ventilator and serve to supply a patient with breathing air that has an increased oxygen content. If the switching valve is permanently integrated into the housing, the cost of the valve itself and the associated installation costs are always included in the device price, regardless of whether the patient actually needs the switching valve.

[0003] For optimal oxygen delivery, a high inspiratory oxygen supply is crucial, depending on the therapeutic requirements. With oxygen delivery valves that can be adapted to the ventilator, oxygen is introduced at the patient interface or within the breathing circuit. In these cases, the distance from the delivery point to the patient is often insufficient to achieve a sufficiently high oxygen enrichment of the inhaled air. Consequently, the amount of oxygen inhaled by the patient is insufficient at times. Furthermore, an adapter, such as a T-piece, is required for connection to the patient interface or breathing circuit.

[0004] When using pressure or flow sensors, which are often located in the area of ​​the air outlet of the ventilator, the introduction of oxygen downstream of the sensors, due to the presence of a flow source downstream of these sensors, distorts the sensor readings and consequently the control of the ventilation.

[0005] US patent 6 269 811 B1 discloses a device for ventilation which has a pressurized gas source connectable to a patient interface and an oxygen supply valve for enriching breathing gas with oxygen.

[0006] German patent DE 10 2005 012 753 A1 discloses an oxygen delivery method into a ventilation mask. A comparable oxygen delivery method using a humidifier is described in German patent DE 10 2007 039 004 A1.

[0007] US patent 2007 / 0044799A1 describes the design of an oxygen supply valve as a separate module. The oxygen supply valve is equipped with pressure sensors and / or flow sensors.

[0008] Standard DIN EN ISO 5359. 2006-04-00. discloses low-pressure hose systems for use with medical gases.

[0009] Standard DIN EN ISO 1307. 2007-11-00. discloses rubber and plastic hoses - hose dimensions, minimum and maximum internal diameters, and tolerances for cut hoses.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to construct a device of the type mentioned in the introduction in such a way as to support the demand-dependent use of a switching valve.

[0011] A further object of the invention is to arrange the oxygen introduction point in the airway in such a way that the patient is provided with the highest possible oxygen concentration and that, when using pressure or flow sensors, the entire volume of ventilation air plus oxygen is sensorially detected.

[0012] This problem is solved according to the invention by making the switching valve adaptable to the housing of a ventilator as required and by realizing an oxygen supply into the air path in the area of ​​this device housing.

[0013] The adaptable positioning of the switching valve on the device housing allows it to be easily connected to the ventilator only when oxygen is actually required. The adaptable switching valve is suitable for both home and clinical use. In all applications, user-friendly operation is guaranteed.

[0014] Particularly good accessibility is provided by the fact that the switching valve can be arranged on the outside of the device housing of the ventilator.

[0015] The advantages of easy adaptability can be combined with a compact device design by having the switching valve be inserted, at least in some areas, into a recess on the device housing.

[0016] Reliable device handling is facilitated by connecting the switching valve to the device housing via at least one locking coupling. Functional integration of the switching valve into the ventilator's control system is simplified by its electrical control. Other implementation options include pneumatic, magnetic, or mechanical control.

[0017] It proves particularly advantageous that the switching valve is designed as a solenoid valve.

[0018] Simplified handling can be achieved by connecting the gas outlet of the switching valve to the air path of the breathing gas via a connecting path through the device housing.

[0019] Oxygen supply to the device housing via a supply line is supported by the fact that a gas outlet of the switching valve is designed as a nozzle which can be connected to the device housing via a locking coupling, whereby the oxygen is guided via a connecting hose through the device housing to a blower box containing a blower or to another component of the air supply path within the ventilator and is mixed there with the breathing gas flow.

[0020] The introduction of oxygen within the housing of the ventilator preferably takes place significantly upstream of any pressure and / or flow sensors used, in order not to distort their measurement signals.

[0021] An advantage of the invention compared to the prior art described is that the oxygen-air mixture is detected at the sensors, which in particular prevents the flow signal from being distorted, as is the case with oxygen introduction downstream of the therapy device - for example, with introduction at a T-piece into the breathing tube.

[0022] The oxygen is preferably introduced well upstream of an air inlet within the housing of the ventilator, in order to prevent the supplied oxygen from being released into the environment during expiration of a patient, but rather to temporarily store the oxygen in a suitable volume of the air path.

[0023] A mechanically robust mounting of the switching valve can be provided by connecting the switching valve to the device housing by at least one retaining pin that engages in an associated socket.

[0024] To provide the necessary electrical connections for controlling and powering the valve, it is proposed that the switching valve be connected to the ventilator by at least one electrical coupling.

[0025] Ease of use is facilitated by the fact that the switching valve can be coupled to the housing of the ventilator via at least one coupling element that interacts with a connection element of the ventilator, whereby an oxygen-conducting connection to the ventilator is established via the coupling of the oxygen output of the switching valve with a counter-connection of the ventilator.

[0026] The fact that the oxygen line extends through the coupling element also contributes to a compact device design and easy handling.

[0027] High usability is also supported by the fact that a coupling element for fixing the switching valve in the area of ​​the ventilator is designed as a snap-in coupling.

[0028] A signal indicating that the individual components have been properly joined can be provided by the coupling element having a design that generates a click sound during a locking process, or alternatively or additionally by a design that is designed for haptic recognition of the locking process.

[0029] A further advantage of the invention is that no additional requirements exist for the connecting tube to the patient interface when introducing oxygen. The same tube used for ventilation without oxygen introduction can be used, and no further components – such as T-pieces – are necessary for introducing the oxygen into the connecting tube. Accordingly, a separate connecting line between the output of any switching valve, as described in the prior art, and the connecting tube is no longer required, which represents a further simplification.

[0030] The drawings schematically illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. They show: Fig. 1. A perspective view of a ventilator with connecting tube and a patient interface designed as a ventilation mask. Fig. 2 a representation of the device with a laterally arranged external oxygen supply valve, Fig. 3 the order according to Fig. 2 after removing and turning the switching valve, Fig. 4 an arrangement of the switching valve in a partially cutaway view from a first side, Fig. 5 an arrangement of the switching valve in a partially cutaway view from another side, Fig. 6. An arrangement of the ventilator in a partially cutaway view from above and Fig. 7 Another illustration of the device with a laterally arranged external oxygen supply valve.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows the basic structure of a ventilation device. A breathing gas pump is located inside a device housing (1) with a control panel (2) and display (3). A connecting hose (5) is attached via a coupling (4). An additional pressure measuring hose (6) 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.

[0032] An exhalation element (9) is arranged in the area of ​​an extension of the connecting hose (5) facing away from the device housing (1). An exhalation valve can also be used. In this case, the device housing shown has an additional connection (not shown) for controlling the exhalation valve. Fig. Figure 1 further shows a ventilation mask (10) designed as a nasal mask. Fixation to the patient's head can be achieved using a head cap (11). The patient interface (10) has a coupling element (12) on the side facing the connecting tube (5).

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows an oxygen inlet valve (13) arranged laterally next to the device housing (1). In this embodiment, the inlet valve (13) has a cuboid valve housing and is attached laterally to the device housing (1).

[0034] Fig. Figure 3 shows the arrangement according to Fig. 2 after removing the switching valve (13) from the device housing (1). This results in a Fig. 2 The rear side of the switching valve (13), facing the device housing (1), is visible. On the rear side of the switching valve (13), locking pins (19) adapted to the socket-shaped retaining elements in the side wall of the ventilator, as well as a plug contact (18) designed to complement the electrical coupling, are arranged. The switching valve (13) also has an oxygen inlet (17) and an oxygen outlet (15).

[0035] Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the switching valve (13). A valve (20) with an oxygen line (21) and the oxygen inlet (17) are visible. In particular, a nozzle-shaped design is envisaged onto which a corresponding connecting hose or the oxygen line (21) can be attached. Function indicators, which can be, for example, LEDs, are arranged on the upper surface of the switching valve (13) (not shown here).

[0036] Within the switching valve housing, an oxygen line (21) extends from the oxygen inlet (17) to the O2 outlet and is actuated by the valve (20). The valve is a control valve (20) that is electrically actuated by a solenoid device.

[0037] The oxygen to be metered by the switching valve (13) is supplied by an oxygen source (not shown). The oxygen source can be, for example, an oxygen concentrator, a liquid oxygen system, or a central gas system. A flow limiter prevents overdosing. Preferably, the flow limiter is set to a maximum flow rate of 15 l / min. The oxygen source typically has a supply pressure in the range of 500 to 6000 hPa.

[0038] The metered oxygen is preferably added to the breathing gas via a silicone tube (21) running through the breathing gas air path in the ventilator. In the event of a malfunction in the ventilator, the oxygen supply is interrupted and, if a 3 / 2-way valve (20) is used, the oxygen is released to the environment, or, if a 2 / 2-way valve (20) is used, it is blocked. Such an operating condition is indicated by the function indicator.

[0039] Fig. Figure 5 shows the switching valve (13) in a cross-section from one side. The oxygen line (21) runs from the valve (20) inside the valve housing of the switching valve, directly to the O2 outlet (15).

[0040] From the side view in Fig. Figure 2 shows that a lateral boundary of the switching valve has a contour that is adapted to a contour of the device housing. This allows for a very compact overall design when the switching valve (13) is combined with the ventilator. Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 7 shows that the switching valve has a plug contact (18) which acts as an electrical connection and can be connected to a corresponding connection (35) of the ventilator. The electrical connection is connected to the valve (20) of the switching valve. The O2 output (15) of the switching valve can be connected to a corresponding connection – oxygen inlet – (29) of the ventilator, as shown in Fig. 7 is recognizable. In addition, the locking pins (19) can be coupled together via coupling elements of the ventilator (34). Thus, an oxygen-conducting connection from the switching valve to the ventilator can be established practically with a single movement.

[0041] Fig. Figure 6 shows the ventilator with the top cover removed. The oxygen line (21) supplies oxygen to the blower box (27). The oxygen line (21) is preferably routed as a continuous tube within the device housing. To prevent backflow of oxygen, a check valve (26) is arranged in the oxygen line (21). This valve opens in the direction of oxygen flow based on pressure conditions, but closes in the opposite direction when no oxygen is being supplied. In another embodiment, the check valve is integrated into the coupling element of the ventilator (29). Fig. 6 integrated.

[0042] In this case, the check valve is preferably spring-loaded.

[0043] In Fig. Figure 6 shows the air path through the ventilator (33). The air path begins at the air inlet (28) and runs through the filter housing (31) (with the filter inserted) via the pre-silencer (32) to the blower box (27). The blower box serves to house and store the blower and to provide sound insulation.

[0044] The oxygen line (21) terminates in the blower box, where the oxygen is introduced into the air path. The blower ensures particularly thorough mixing of the air and oxygen at this point. According to the invention, however, any number of additional points of introduction for oxygen into the air path are conceivable. From the blower box, the air path continues via a connecting tube to the air outlet of the ventilator (not shown). A pressure and / or flow sensor (30) is located shortly before the air outlet.

[0045] Fig. Figure 7 shows that the device housing (1) has a mounting surface for connection to the switching valve (13), in the area of ​​which two socket-shaped retaining elements (34) and an electrical coupling (35), which is designed as a socket, are arranged. The device-side O2 inlet (29) serves to receive the O2 outlet of the switching valve (13). The corresponding mating connections of the switching valve are not visible here.

[0046] The oxygen inlet valve (13) is "clicked" onto the side of the therapy device. The plug connector (18) serves to supply power and control the inlet valve.

[0047] The locking pins (19) serve to securely position the switching valve on the housing of the therapy device.

[0048] The O2 switching valve (13) consists of a solenoid valve (20) with a housing; the control unit is integrated into the ventilator. The O2 switching valve (13) is clicked onto the side of the device housing (1). The solenoid valve (20) is connected to the control unit and powered via the plug connector. During operation of the ventilator, the valve (20) is activated. A green LED indicates the activated state. Oxygen can then be supplied via the tubing into the breathing gas stream within the device housing, specifically into the blower box, using an oxygen concentrator, a liquid oxygen system, or a central gas system.

[0049] To support the simplest possible design of the switching valve (13), the switching valve (13) is controlled from a control unit of the ventilator.

[0050] The software for controlling the O2 add-in valve is located in the ventilator. If the ventilator is operating correctly, the switching power to open the valve is enabled.

[0051] A standstill of the blower is detected via at least one sensor device or by analyzing the rotational speed. Oxygen flows from the O2 outlet (15) into the therapy device. There, the oxygen mixes with the breathing air.

[0052] The status indicator is used to monitor the function of the switching valve. The status indicator lights up when oxygen is being introduced into the therapy device. The oxygen inlet (17) is used to connect an oxygen system (concentrator, liquid oxygen system, oxygen cylinder with pressure regulator, central gas system).

[0053] The therapy device is powered and controlled via the plug connector (18). When the therapy device and the oxygen system are switched on and functioning correctly, the oxygen supply valve automatically begins introducing oxygen. The green status indicator of the oxygen supply valve illuminates.

[0054] If the therapy device is switched off or a malfunction occurs (e.g., power outage), the oxygen inlet valve blocks the oxygen supply to the therapy device. The green status indicator of the oxygen inlet valve goes out.

[0055] For connection to the oxygen system, an oxygen hose with an inner diameter of preferably 4 mm is used. To ensure proper functioning of the oxygen inlet valve, the hose should not be longer than 20 m.

[0056] The oxygen supply valve according to the invention is suitable for use with oxygen from an oxygen concentrator, an oxygen cylinder with a pressure reducer, a continuous-flow liquid oxygen system, or a central gas system. The oxygen system should have its own flow control. According to the invention, up to 15 l / min of oxygen (O2), preferably up to 25 l / min, can be introduced into the breathing air during ventilation.

[0057] A functional check that may be required in practice can be carried out, for example, using the following test procedure with the [tool / method] in Fig. The test procedure is carried out using the bellows shown in section 2 (14). For this purpose, the oxygen supply valve is first connected to the ventilator with the therapy device switched off. The status indicator on the top of the valve will then not be illuminated.

[0058] The opening of the test bulb (14) is placed over the O2 inlet (17). When the test bulb is squeezed, no air can be forced through the valve if it is functioning correctly. The test bulb is difficult to compress during this process because the contained air cannot escape but is only compressed. When the therapy device is switched on, the status indicator of the oxygen supply valve illuminates and the valve opens with a soft "click". If the test bulb is now squeezed, it can be easily compressed, provided the valve is functioning correctly. The air can then escape through the oxygen line towards the therapy device.

[0059] The ventilator with a switching valve (13) can be used in patients with various conditions of ventilatory insufficiency. Typical applications include obstructive ventilatory disorders, e.g., COPD, respiratory mechanics disorders, such as scoliosis, neuromuscular diseases, central respiratory control disorders, or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Claims

[1] A device for ventilation comprising a pressurized gas source connectable to a patient interface and an oxygen inlet valve for enriching breathing gas with oxygen, characterized by , that the switching valve can be coupled to the housing of the ventilator via at least one coupling element (15, 18, 19) which interacts with a connection element of the ventilator, wherein an oxygen-conducting connection to the ventilator is established via the coupling of the oxygen output (15) of the switching valve with an oxygen input (29) of the ventilator, wherein an oxygen supply from the oxygen input (29) is provided via a connecting tube through the device housing into the air passage in the area of ​​the blower box (27) which surrounds the blower of the ventilator.

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