Medical ventilator communicating with the electronic device of a pressurized gas container

Abstract

Title of the invention Medical ventilator communicating with the electronic device of a pressurized gas container The invention relates to a ventilation assembly comprising a gas container (1), such as a pressurized oxygen cylinder, equipped with a gas distribution tap (2) and an electronic device (3) arranged on said gas distribution tap (2), and comprising data processing means (30), and a first communication system (32). A respiratory assistance device (4) is fluidically connected to the tap (2), and comprises a second communication system (40). The second communication system (40) is configured to transmit a use signal to the first communication system (32) in response to a start of gas distribution.The first communication system (32) receives said usage signal (S) and transmits it to the data processing means (30) in order to trigger a gas monitoring algorithm. Abstract figure: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Medical ventilator communicating with the electronic device of a pressurized gas container

[0001] The present invention relates to a patient ventilation assembly comprising a pressurized gas container, such as a gas cylinder, equipped with a gas distribution tap and an electronic device for displaying information, in particular gas autonomy, and a respiratory assistance device, such as a medical ventilator, fluidically connected to the gas distribution tap and communicating with the electronic device.

[0002] Document FR-A-2868160 teaches an electronic device for a pressurized gas container, typically for a gas cylinder, making it possible to determine and display the gas autonomy of the container on which it is mounted, i.e. to give an estimate of the residual quantity of gas in the container and / or the possible usage time of said container.

[0003] In general, a pressurized gas container of this type is fluidically connected to an assisted ventilation device, i.e. a medical ventilator, to supply it with gas, for example oxygen, intended to be administered to a patient via the medical ventilator, i.e. a respiratory assistance device.

[0004] To do this, the electronic device is equipped with an electronic card with microprocessor(s) periodically receiving measurement signals from a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor, for example when the container is in use or at another time.

[0005] These measurement signals are processed by one or more algorithms implemented by the microprocessor(s) of the electronic card. The residual quantity of gas and / or the possible usage time, i.e. the gas autonomy, are displayed on an electronic display, such as an electronic screen.

[0006] In this type of electronic device, the processing of the measurement signals by the microprocessor(s) begins after detection of the start of use, i.e. of gas withdrawal by the user.

[0007] In other words, the estimation of the remaining autonomy can only start after the device has detected consumption. To detect possible consumption, this type of measuring device actually waits to detect a pressure drop indicating a flow of gas leaving the gas container, typically a gas bottle or cylinder. The greater the flow of gas leaving the container, the greater the pressure drop generated. The time required for the device to detect consumption is directly proportional to the magnitude of the pressure drop. pressure. This is the time required for consumption to cause a pressure drop significant enough to be detected by the pressure sensor. However, in practice, it has been found that the time taken to detect the start of use could reach 10 minutes or more, which is problematic because it is far too long.

[0008] From there, a problem is to be able to detect more quickly the start of use of the gas container, that is to say the moment when the gas begins to be drawn off to supply an assisted ventilation device, also called a medical ventilator or ventilation machine, which is also fluidically connected to a patient by means of at least one flexible conduit and a respiratory interface, such as a respiratory mask or the like.

[0009] One solution concerns a ventilation assembly comprising:

[0010] - a gas container equipped with a gas distribution tap and a device electronic device arranged on said gas distribution tap, said electronic device comprising data processing means cooperating with storage means configured to store at least one gas monitoring algorithm, and a first communication system, and a respiratory assistance device, ie a medical ventilator, fluidically connected to said gas distribution tap, and comprising a second communication system,

[0011]

[0012] characterized in that: the second communication system of the respiratory assistance device is configured to transmit at least one usage signal to the first communication system of the electronic device, in response to the start of gas distribution by the respiratory assistance device, the first communication system of the electronic device is configured to receive said usage signal and transmit said usage signal to the data processing means, and the data processing means of the electronic device are configured to operate, i.e. launch or implement, at least one gas monitoring algorithm in response to the reception of said usage signal.

[0013] In other words, the fan is designed to communicate with the device electronics equipping the container tap so as to send it a usage signal to indicate that the fan has started to supply gas coming in particular from the container, for example when a user starts to use gas. After receiving this usage signal, the electronic device launches, ie operates, implements or starts, one (or more) algorithms stored and implemented by the processor so as to immediately begin monitoring, ie tracking, of the gas consumption. This significantly reduces the time required to detect the start of use, i.e. gas withdrawal, and monitoring can therefore begin without delay.

[0014] Depending on the case, the ventilation assembly may comprise one or more of the following technical characteristics:

[0015] - the gas container is a pressurized gas cylinder, i.e. a canister or the like. - the gas container is a medical grade oxygen cylinder. - the gas container contains gas packaged at a pressure that can reach 200 bar low, or more. - the gas distribution tap includes an integrated gas pressure relief system. Such a tap is called an RDI for integrated pressure relief tap. - the electronic device comprises at least one microprocessor, in particular a microcontroller, preferably the microprocessor is carried by an electronic card. - the electronic device comprises at least one pressure sensor. - the first communication system of the electronic device comprises a first antenna configured to allow, ie ensure, communication with the second communication system, ie a transmission of data or the like. - the first antenna is integrated directly into a first microprocessor of the first communication system. - the second communication system of the respiratory assistance device comprises a second antenna configured to allow, ie ensure, communication with the first communication system, ie a transmission of data or the like. - the second antenna is integrated directly into a second microprocessor of the second communication system. - the electronic device includes a graphical user interface or GUI. - the IGU includes a data display, such as a digital screen. - the electronic device comprises a position sensor configured to determine the position of the flow selector of the gas distribution valve, preferably an RDI. - the flow selector is a rotary flow selection wheel. - the electronic device includes a source of electrical energy, such as a battery (or batteries) or the like. - the graphical user interface is configured to display at least one in training relating to gas pressure, gas autonomy or the status of communication between the respiratory assistance device and the electronic device, in particular gas autonomy information. - the electronic device comprises a box containing the various elements or components enabling the operation of said electronic device. - the respiratory assistance device or medical ventilator is fluidically connected to the patient via a flexible pipe and a respiratory interface, such as a mask or similar.

[0016] The ventilation assembly according to the invention will now be better understood thanks to the following detailed description, given for illustrative but non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended figures among which:

[0017] [fig. 1] is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a set of ventilation according to the invention, and

[0018] [fig.2] shows a diagram of a curve showing the variation of gas pressure over time.

[0019] [fig.l] is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a set of ventilation according to the invention comprising a gas container 1, in particular a pressurized gas cylinder, in particular medical grade oxygen at a pressure of up to 200 bar abs or more, equipped with a gas distribution tap 2 and an electronic device 3 arranged on the gas distribution tap 2. The gas distribution tap 2 is preferably an RDI, i.e. a tap with an integrated gas pressure relief system.

[0020] The gas distribution valve 2 comprises an outlet connector 20 delivering gas into a flexible pipe 5 fluidly connected to a respiratory assistance device 4, called a medical ventilator, supplying respiratory gas to a patient P to which it is fluidly connected via another flexible pipe 7 and a respiratory interface 6, such as a mask or the like. The respiratory gas is, for example, oxygen or oxygen-enriched air.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, the term 'gas' encompasses pure gases, i.e. single-constituent, and gas mixtures, i.e. with several constituents.

[0022] The electronic device 3 comprises data processing means 30, in particular one or more microprocessors, cooperating with storage means 31, such as an EEPROM type memory which can be used to store one or more algorithms and / or data or the like supplying the algorithm(s). It should be noted that one or more algorithms can also be stored in the flash memory of the microprocessor.

[0023] Furthermore, the fan 4 comprises a second communication system 40 communicating and cooperating with the first communication system 32 of the electronic device 3.

[0024] More precisely, the second communication system 40 of the ventilator 4 is configured to transmit at least one use signal S to the first communication system 32 of the electronic device 3, in response to the start of gas distribution by the ventilator 4, i.e. when the ventilator 4 begins to deliver respiratory gas to the patient P.

[0025] In other words, there is a communication channel between the fan 4 and the electronic device 3 allowing the fan 4 to send one or more signals S to the electronic device 3 so as to warn it of the start of use of the gas and therefore to “wake it up”, that is to say to allow it to switch from a “sleep / standby” mode to an “active” mode.

[0026] This (or these) usage signal S is then received by the first communication system 32 of the electronic device 3, then transmitted by the latter to the data processing means 30 which process this signal S.

[0027] When the data processing means 30 of the electronic device 3 determine that it is the use signal S, they start or initiate, i.e. implement, a gas monitoring algorithm. This algorithm is found or selected within the storage means, then implemented by the processor 30 so as to immediately monitor the gas distributed by the RDI 2 to the fan 4.

[0028] The gas monitoring may comprise a determination of the pressure of the gas leaving the bottle 1 by means of a pressure sensor 35 and / or the temperature of the gas by means of a temperature probe or sensor 36.

[0029] Advantageously, the electronic device 3 also comprises a graphical user interface or IGU 33, such as a digital screen or the like, making it possible to display one or more pieces of information intended for a user, such as healthcare personnel. For example, the IGU 33 can display information on pressure, gas autonomy of the cylinder, i.e. residual quantity of gas in the cylinder and / or time of use, and / or a state of the communication between the ventilator and the device 3, or other.

[0030] The electronic device 3 may also comprise a position sensor 37 making it possible to determine the opening position of the RDI 2, i.e. the position of the flow selector of the RDI 2, such as a rotary flow selection wheel.

[0031] Optionally, the electronic device 3 can also communicate information or data to the ventilator 4, for example values ​​of flow rate, pressure, autonomy, etc., which can then be displayed on a graphical interface of the ventilator, such as a digital screen, in particular a touch screen.

[0032] It should be noted that the electronic device 3 also comprises a source electrical energy 34, for example one (or more) batteries, cells or the like, rechargeable or not, which supplies electric current to the data processing means 30, in particular a microprocessor, the storage means 31, such as a memory, and / or the first communication system 32. Likewise, the fan 4 is supplied with electric current coming from the mains or from one (or more) batteries or the like, preferably rechargeable.

[0033] In use, the electronic device 3 mounted on the RDI 2 of a gas cylinder 1 and the fan 4 are generally placed at a short distance from each other, for example within a hospital room, for example a bedroom or a treatment room, within an emergency vehicle, such as an ambulance or the like. Typically, they are located at a distance of between 10 cm and 5 m, generally between approximately 50 cm and 3 m.

[0034] The communication between the electronic device 3 and the fan 4 communicates with each other wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or other, for example NFC, LoRa, Radio-Frequency, Zigbee, or via a wired system, i.e. connecting cable or other.

[0035] As soon as the electronic device 3 receives a signal S from the fan 4 corresponding to the start of gas consumption, it triggers or implements one or more algorithms making it possible to monitor, i.e. to follow, the gas output from the bottle 1 by then estimating the gas flow rate, the quantity of residual gas in the bottle 1 and / or the gas autonomy.

[0036] These quantities can be determined in particular from the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 35 which measures the pressure upstream of the expansion system of the RDI 2 and / or the temperature probe or sensor 36 which makes it possible to estimate the temperature of the gas. The fan can also communicate the flow rate of gas drawn from the bottle, which would make it possible to corroborate the calculations made, for example using the sensors in the device 3.

[0037] Thanks to the invention, it is no longer necessary to detect a pressure drop at the RDI 2, as in the prior art, which makes it possible to ensure immediate monitoring, i.e. without latency or delay, of the gas consumption by the ventilator 4, and therefore indirectly of the quantity of gas supplied to the patient P.

[0038] As an example, [fig.2] shows a diagram of a P / T curve of gas pressure P as a function of time T obtained during ventilation of a patient P, for example measured by the pressure sensor 35 of the electronic device 3.

[0039] Such a P / T curve can be analyzed and processed by the data processing means 30 to deduce pressure variations which can be converted into variations in the quantity of gas or into gas consumption, for example by applying the equation for ideal gases PV = nRT or that for real gases: PV = nZRT, where (in SI units):

[0040] - P is the measured gas pressure, - V is the volume of the container, - n is the quantity in moles of gas, - R is the ideal gas constant, - T is the gas temperature which can be approximated by the temperature probe 36 which measures the ambient temperature or estimated via a stored temperature model, or even measured by the fan 4 and sent to the electronic device 3, and - Z is a known compressibility factor from a stored table corresponding to the gas mixture present in the container.

[0041] It should be noted that the fan 4 can send other information, i.e. measurement signals or others, to the electronic device 3 equipping the RDI 2. For example, the fan 4 can send information such as:

[0042] • start of use of the gas by the ventilator 4, i.e. start of ventilation of the patient P, with supply of the gas from the gas bottle 1, • end of ventilation, i.e. gas is no longer drawn from bottle 1, • average gas flow rate at fan inlet 4 for example, • pairing signals, as explained below, etc.

[0043] The first and / or second communication systems 32, 40 comprise, for example, an antenna and a communication module or driver. Preferably, this is a microprocessor present on an electronic card called a “Bluetooth module” which comprises a 2.4 GHz antenna within the chip itself.

[0044] In order to protect the electronic device 3, a protective cover may be arranged around the RDI 2 and said electronic device 3, for example by being fixed to the neck of the container 1. Such a cover is described in particular by EP-A-3006810 or EP-A-3002498.

[0045] Example of operation with “wireless” communication channel

[0046] In this case, communication can be done for example via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other.

[0047] When in “sleep / standby” mode, the first communication system 32 of the electronic device 3 fitted to the valve 2 arranged on the gas container 1 can emit a pairing signal at regular time intervals, for example from once per second to once per minute, or any other duration, and then waits for a response signal from the fan 4, for a pre-set response duration, for example a response duration of 1 to 5 seconds, or other.

[0048] When a user, such as a healthcare worker, wishes to use the ventilator 4 to supply respiratory gas to a patient P, he begins by entering the ID or identification of the desired container 1, via an input interface, such as keys or the like, present on the fan 4 or connected to and / or communicating with it, for example via a smartphone or a digital tablet.

[0049] The identification signal (ID) is then transmitted to the first communication system 32 of the electronic device 3 by the second communication system 40 of the fan 4 and a pairing can then occur between them, for example for a pairing duration of up to 1 minute, or more, given that the electronic device 3 then receives the identification signal (ID) from the fan 4.

[0050] Once paired with the ventilator 4, the electronic device 3 is ready to receive the other signals emitted by the ventilator 4, in particular the signal representative of the start of use of the gas, i.e. of supply of gas to the patient P.

[0051] However, an end of communication and pairing between them can be provided, if no signal representative of a start of use of the gas is received for a fixed duration, in particular an adjustable duration, for example after 1 or several minutes, for example after 2 to 5 minutes. In this case, the electronic device 3 returns to “standby / sleep” mode.

[0052] Conversely, if a usage signal S of the fan 4 is received, the data processing means 30 of the electronic device 3 can then trigger or implement one (or more) gas monitoring algorithms, as explained above.

[0053] Example of operation with wired communication channel

[0054] In this case, the fan 4 is connected to the electronic device 3 of the tap 2 equipping the bottle 1 by one (or more) wired connections, that is to say one (or more) electric cable or similar, for example a connecting cable provided with USB type connectors connecting to complementary USB sockets arranged on the fan 4 and on the electronic device 3.

[0055] Communication between them is established and continues as soon as the connectors are connected. The rest is carried out as before.

[0056] Generally speaking, the patient ventilation assembly according to the invention comprising a pressurized gas container, such as a pressurized oxygen cylinder, equipped with a gas distribution tap and an electronic device for displaying information, in particular gas autonomy, and a respiratory assistance device, such as a medical ventilator, fluidically connected to the gas distribution tap and communicating with the electronic device can be used to treat patients suffering from respiratory insufficiencies or disorders or the like, requiring administration of a therapeutic gas, typically oxygen or oxygen-enriched air.

Claims

Claims

1. Ventilation assembly (1,4) comprising: - a gas container (1) equipped with a gas distribution tap (2) and an electronic device (3) arranged on said gas distribution tap (2), said electronic device (3) comprising data processing means (30) cooperating with: • storage means (31) configured to store at least one gas monitoring algorithm, and • a first communication system (32), - and a respiratory assistance device (4) fluidically connected to said gas distribution valve (2), and comprising a second communication system (40), characterized in that: - the second communication system (40) of the respiratory assistance device (4) is configured to transmit at least one usage signal to the first communication system (32) of the electronic device (3), in response to the start of gas distribution by the respiratory assistance device (4), - the first communication system (32) of the electronic device (3) is configured to receive said usage signal (S) and transmit said usage signal (S) to the data processing means (30), and - the data processing means (30) of the electronic device (3) are configured to trigger at least one gas monitoring algorithm in response to the reception of said usage signal (S).

2. Ventilation assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the data processing means (30) of the electronic device- electronics (3) include at least one microprocessor.

3. Ventilation assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic device (3) comprises at least one pressure sensor (35).

4. Ventilation assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic device (3) comprises an electrical energy source (34).

5. Ventilation assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first communication system (32) of the electronic device (3) comprises a first antenna configured to allow communication with the second communication system (40).

6. Ventilation assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the second communication system (40) of the respiratory assistance device (4) comprises a second antenna configured to allow communication with the first communication system (32).

7. Ventilation assembly according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the first antenna is integrated into a first microprocessor and / or the second antenna is integrated into a second microprocessor.

8. Ventilation assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic device (3) comprises a graphical user interface (33).

9. Ventilation assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the graphical user interface (33) is configured to display at least one item of information relating to the gas pressure, the gas autonomy or the state of the communication between the respiratory assistance device (4) and the electronic device (3).

10. Ventilation assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic device (3) comprises a position sensor (37) configured to determine the position of the flow selector of the gas distribution tap (2).

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