Medical ventilator with IGU that can switch to reduced display mode

Abstract

Title of the Invention: Medical Ventilator with IGU Capable of Switching to Reduced Display Mode. The invention relates to a medical ventilator (1) comprising a motorized micro-fan (3), a graphical user interface or IGU (2), and an electronic control unit (12) for driving the micro-fan (3) and controlling the display of information on the IGU (2). Display mode switching means (31, 35) allow, after activation by the user, a switch in the display on the IGU (2) from a full display mode in which information is displayed on the IGU (2) to a reduced display mode in which some of the information displayed in full display mode is not displayed and / or is hidden, or vice versa. The display mode switching means (31, 35) include one or more selection buttons, in particular a touch selection button displayed on the IGU's touchscreen.Figure from the summary: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Medical ventilator with IGU that can switch to reduced display mode

[0001] The invention relates to a medical ventilator equipped with an IGU that can switch to a reduced, or even minimalist, display mode, with a limited amount of information displayed so as to create a more pleasant and / or less stressful environment for visitors of a patient artificially ventilated by means of such a medical ventilator.

[0002] A medical ventilator is a respiratory support device used to deliver respiratory assistance, that is, artificial ventilation, to a patient suffering from respiratory disorders or insufficiency of varying severity, which may result from different pathologies or similar conditions. Some patients with severe pathologies may remain ventilated in a hospital setting for several days, or even several months.

[0003] During its operation, the medical ventilator delivers a respiratory gas to the patient, for example air or oxygen-enriched air, and operates a follow-up, i.e. monitoring, of ventilatory parameters such as gas pressure, patient esophageal pressure, volumes of gas exchanged, gas flow rate....

[0004] These ventilatory parameters are generally displayed on a graphical user interface (GUI) display screen in the form of various curves. In addition, the GUI screen also displays other data or information, and / or functions, such as touch keys, useful to healthcare staff for ensuring effective patient monitoring, for example icons related to ventilator operation, numerical values ​​of measured ventilator parameters or results of calculations performed from ventilator parameter measurements, for example peak pressure, patient FiO2....

[0005] One problem is that all these monitoring curves, information and / or data constantly displayed on the IG screen can cause unnecessary stress and / or anxiety, or even psychological trauma, in the patient's visitors, for example some family members, friends or acquaintances, who are not used to it and may misinterpret some information, in particular imagining a fatal course of the disease, when this is not the case.

[0006] Another problem is that when the medical ventilator can also include virtual keys displayed on the IGU touchscreen, which may attract some visitors, especially children, who may have fun pressing them, by play, and operate unwanted selections and / or disrupt the medical ventilator, or even stop ventilation, with all the risks that this implies for the patient.

[0007] The solution of the invention then relates to a medical ventilator, that is to say a respiratory assistance device, comprising: - a motorized micro-blower to supply breathing gas, - a graphical user interface or GUI to display information, and - an electronic control unit to operate the micro-blower and control the display of information on the IGU,

[0008] characterized in that it further comprises means for changing the display mode, operable by a user, configured to control, after their activation by the user, a switch of the display to the GUI: - a full display mode in which information is displayed on the GUI, - to a reduced display mode in which part of the information displayed in full display mode is not displayed and / or is hidden, or vice versa.

[0009] Depending on the embodiment considered, the medical ventilator of the invention may comprise one or more of the following features: - The IGU includes a display screen. - The IGU includes a touchscreen, preferably in color. - it also includes selection keys to allow a user to make adjustments or selections. - Selection keys include virtual keys displayed on the GUI, particularly on the GUI touchscreen, for example virtual keys displayed as selection icons. - the electronic control unit is configured to operate a display of virtual keys in full display mode and to hide at least part of the virtual keys in reduced display mode. - in full display mode, the information displayed on the GUI includes one or more curves or graphical representations, for example one or more symbols, icons, windows, columns, cells, bar graph, pie chart... or others, and / or one or more alphanumeric characters, including one or more numeric values, abbreviations, words or groups of words, or others, and their combinations or associations. - the means for changing the display mode cooperate with the electronic control unit to operate a switch from full display mode to reduced display mode, or vice versa. The means of changing the display mode include a virtual mode change key displayed on the IGU touch screen. The electronic control unit is configured to allow and / or command a return to full display mode only after user action on unlocking means. The unlocking methods include a virtual unlock key displayed on the IGU touchscreen. In one embodiment, the virtual mode switch key and the virtual unlock key are different keys, specifically selection icons. In this embodiment, one of the keys is used to switch to a minimized display mode and the other to return to a full display mode. In another embodiment, the virtual mode switch key and the virtual unlock key are a single virtual key, specifically a selection icon. In this embodiment, the same single key is used to switch between a minimized display mode and a full display mode. The virtual mode change key and / or the virtual unlock key are represented by one or more selection icons displayed on the GUI screen. The means for changing the display mode include at least one mode change key, preferably a virtual key, which, after digital pressing by the user on said mode change key, allows switching from full display mode to reduced display mode, or vice versa. It includes a validation key to validate a selection made by the operator, in particular the selection (i.e. digital press) of the mode change key or the unlock key. The validation key is a virtual validation key displayed on the GUI touchscreen, specifically a selection icon. After switching to reduced display mode, returning to full display mode is done by pressing the user's digital key (i.e. selection or choice) on the virtual unlock key and preferably then by validating this choice with another digital press by the user on the virtual validation key. In reduced display mode, the electronic control unit is configured to hide at least part of the information displayed on the IGU, by displaying at least one photo, a video animation or an opaque area. - The motorized micro-blower includes an electric motor, preferably brushless. - the electronic control unit includes at least one microprocessor, preferably a microcontroller. - said at least one microprocessor implements one or more algorithms. - the electronic control unit includes at least one electronic board on which is arranged said at least one microprocessor. - The electronic control unit and the motorized micro-blower are arranged in a rigid outer casing or shell of the medical ventilator. - The IGU touchscreen is fitted into the rigid casing of the medical ventilator so that it is flush with the surface of this casing. - it includes means of power supply, for example means of connection to the mains (electrical plug and cord) and / or a battery (or batteries), preferably rechargeable.

[0010] The invention also relates to a patient-assisted ventilation system comprising a medical ventilator according to the invention supplying gas, a patient respiratory interface, such as a respiratory mask or an intubation probe.

[0011] The medical ventilator is fluidically connected to the patient's respiratory interface via a flexible supply conduit, such as a polymer tube.

[0012] The invention will now be better understood with reference to the following detailed description, given by way of illustration but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0013] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates an embodiment of a display screen in "normal" display mode according to the invention;

[0014] [Fig.2] schematically shows the display screen of the [Fig.1] switched to display mode “ reduced” according to the invention; and

[0015] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates an architecture of an embodiment of a device respiratory assistance according to the invention with the display screen of [Fig.1] and [Fig.2],

[0016] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates an architecture of an embodiment of a device respiratory assistance 1 delivering assisted ventilation, also called a medical ventilator, according to the invention, which is designed to supply a respiratory gas to a patient 9, for example air from the ambient atmosphere 13A, oxygen-enriched air from an oxygen source 13B, for example a medical-grade oxygen cylinder, or even pure oxygen (100%).

[0017] Oxygen is added to the air within the fan 1, either upstream or in the micro-blower 3 (not shown), or downstream (at 15) of it, for example to an internal gas circuit 4 arranged at the outlet of the micro-blower 3, as explained below.

[0018] The fan 1 includes a rigid external casing 14, for example made of polymer, in which is arranged a motorized micro-blower 3, also called a turbine or compressor, delivering a breathing gas, typically air, an air / O2 mixture, or even pure oxygen.

[0019] Air is drawn in by the motorized micro-blower 3, when it is operating, and enters it through an inlet passage 3A in fluidic communication with the ambient atmosphere 13 A.

[0020] The motorized micro-blower 3 has a conventional design. It comprises one or more impellers driven in rotation by the rotating shaft of an electric motor. The impeller is arranged, free to rotate, within a wheel compartment arranged in a volute, preferably sandwiched between a lower and an upper half-volute sealed together. The volute includes an inlet for the gas from the gas inlet passage 3A, i.e., for the gas drawn in by the impeller during its rotations. Furthermore, a gas outlet 3B is provided through which the gas flow is expelled from the volute during the rotations of the impeller.

[0021] The operation of the micro-blower 3, in particular the accelerations or braking of the motor, are controlled by control means, i.e. by an electronic control unit 12, typically an electronic card with microprocessor(s).

[0022] The gas flow delivered at outlet 3B of micro-blower 3 is recovered and conveyed by an internal gas circuit 4, typically one or more gas passages or conduits arranged in the casing 14 of the fan 1 and in fluidic communication with the gas outlet conduit 3B of the micro-blower 3.

[0023] The internal gas circuit 4 carries the breathing gas to a flexible conduit or hose 8, which is in fluidic communication upstream with the internal gas circuit 4 and downstream with the patient 19 via a breathing interface 10, such as a breathing mask or similar device. The flexible conduit 8 connects (at 9), in a fluidic and detachable manner, to the ventilator 1.

[0024] A pressure sensor (or sensors) 6 is arranged in the ventilator 1 so as to measure the pressure P of the breathing gas in the internal gas circuit 4, i.e. downstream of the micro-blower 3. The pressure measurement is preferably done continuously.

[0025] The pressure signals P measured by the pressure sensor 6 are transmitted by the latter to the electronic control unit 12 acting as a means of controlling the fan 1, where they are processed and converted into pressure values ​​P, as detailed below.

[0026] The fan 1 further includes a first 5 and a second 7 flow sensors (Q) arranged on the internal gas circuit 4, on either side of the pressure sensor 6, used to determine the flow rate(s) of the gas flow in the internal gas circuit 4.

[0027] When supplemental oxygen is provided, the first flow sensor 5 is arranged upstream of the additional oxygen injection site 15 supplied by the oxygen source 13B, while the second flow sensor 7 is arranged downstream of the additional oxygen injection site 15 and the pressure sensor 6, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. In this case, the flow sensors 5 and 7 make it possible to determine the gas flow rate upstream and downstream of the additional oxygen injection site 15, i.e., when an air / O2 mixture is created in the internal gas circuit 4 of the ventilator 1, before being sent to the patient 19.

[0028] Here again, the flow signals Q measured by the flow sensors 5, 7 are transmitted to the electronic control unit 12 where they are processed and converted into flow values ​​(Q1, Q2). For example, the flow sensors 5, 7 are mass flow and / or hot-wire sensors, or similar.

[0029] The electronic control unit 12, advantageously a microcontroller implementing one or more algorithms, monitors and regulates the ventilation delivered to the patient 19 by exploiting, i.e. processing, the pressure and flow signals measured by the flow and / or pressure sensors 5, 6 and 7.

[0030] The pressure and / or flow values ​​can be stored within the electronic control unit 12, in particular within a flash memory type or other memory carried by the electronic card, or in any other means of storage, including in a microprocessor algorithm.

[0031] Furthermore, a human-machine interface or HMI serves as an interface for setting or selection, for example by digital action of a user, i.e. the nursing staff, on selection keys 11 which can be virtual and / or real.

[0032] Indeed, the HMI can include real selection keys 11, typically buttons, sliders or the like, as illustrated in [Fig.3], and / or virtual selection keys lla-llf displayed on the display screen of an IGU 2, as explained below and illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0033] Virtual selection keys may be in the form of icons or similar symbols. These selection keys allow a user, for example, to make choices and / or adjustments, such as desired pressure levels or other ventilation parameters, enabling and disabling ventilation options 1,

[0034] Furthermore, the electronic control unit 12 controls the motorized micro-blower 3, in particular the accelerations and decelerations (i.e. braking) of its electric motor, to supply the breathing gas at the desired flow rate and pressure, preferably selected by the user via the HMI.

[0035] The fan 1 further includes a graphical user interface or GUI 2 comprising a graphic display, such as a digital screen (i.e. digital), preferably a touch screen, advantageously in color, electrically connected to the electronic control unit 12. According to a preferred embodiment, at least some of the selection keys 11 of the HMI are virtual keys lla-llf displayed on the graphic display of the GUI 2, typically on a touch screen, as illustrated in [Fig.1] and explained below.

[0036] A source of electrical current (not shown), for example one (or more) battery(ies) integrated into the fan 1, a cable with mains plug, or both, provides electrical power to the components of the fan 1 which need it to operate, in particular the micro-blower 3, the electronic control unit 12, in particular electronic board(s) and microprocessor(s), the pressure 6 and / or flow sensors 5, 7, the IGU 2, in particular its display screen, and / or other components.

[0037] According to the invention, the IGU 2 includes a graphic display connected to the electronic control unit 12 so that the electronic control unit 12 can control the displays operating on the IGU 2, preferably on the graphic display or touch screen, in particular a display of Ci-C4 tracking curves, i.e. monitoring, of the patient's ventilation as a function of time or of functions, such as virtual selection keys lla-llf, or other information or functions, as illustrated in [Fig.1] and [Fig.2].

[0038] Thus, [Fig.1] illustrates an example of displaying information and functions on the IGU 2 of the fan 1, according to a full display mode, also called the "normal" or "default" display mode, in which a maximum of available, i.e. selectable, information and / or functions are visible on the graphic display of the IGU 2. In this full display mode, the IGU 2 here displays curves Ci-C4, functions, e.g. the selection keys lla-llf, and other alphanumeric and / or graphic information, including graphical representations, as detailed below.

[0039] More specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the graphic display of the IGU 2 can display curves representing the variations in pressure Ci (in cmH2O), flow rate C2 (in L / min), and esophageal pressure C3 (in cmH2O) and C4 volume (in mL) as a function of time in a ventilated patient, for example over a period of less than 1 hour, typically less than 30 minutes. This duration may or may not be adjustable; preferably, it is set (i.e., chosen or selected) by the user via the HMI.

[0040] Furthermore, it can also be seen that the IGU 2, in particular its touchscreen, is also configured to display, monitor or adjust other parameters, information or functions (20, 21; 30, 31; 40-42...), such as: - one or more other ventilatory or other parameters which are followed, i.e. monitored, and represented in the form of display windows 21 arranged here in two juxtaposed columns 20. These display windows 21 represent ventilation parameters, such as for example the expired volume (VTe), the expired volume adjusted for patient weight (VTe / PBW), the peak pressure (Pcrete), the plateau pressure (Pplat), the measured frequency (f), the inspiratory volume (VTi), the driving pressure (DP for Driving Pressure), the ratio between inspiratory time and expiratory time (LE), the FiO2 or other parameters. - a top band 30 including icons 31 relating to the operation of the fan, for example, or one or more icons relating to selectable menus, such as a "Home" button to return to the main menu, a "Menu" button to activate several ventilation options, such as interface language, device brightness, date and time..., or an icon to disable the sound of a beep, a power supply icon, a battery life icon..., a day / night icon to decrease or increase the screen brightness, a screen lock icon, or the "family screen" icon 35 used to switch between reduced and full mode, as explained below.

[0041] The upper band 30 may also include an indication or general information relating to the operation of the fan 1, such as "Fan in progress" (see [Fig.1]) or "Screen Locked" (see [Fig.2]).

[0042] In the embodiment of [Fig.1], the IGU 2, in particular its touch screen, is also configured to display a lower band 40 comprising a row of display windows 41 of parameters offering values ​​of ventilation parameters useful to caregivers, such as the patient's FiO2, the tidal volume (VT), the respiratory rate f, the positive end-expiratory pressure or PEEP, or other parameters... The lower band 40 may also include a button 42 used to pause ventilation.

[0043] In addition, as illustrated in [Fig.1], it can be seen that the touch screen of the IGU 2 is also configured to display touch selection keys or icons 11 a-1 If, useful to healthcare personnel, in full display mode. These virtual keys 1 la-1 If, namely touch selection keys or icons, allow the user to operate settings or adjustments, choices, selections or other, for example a key lia allowing to select the delivery of 100% oxygen (100 %O2), a key 11b to access functional exploration functions of the patient (Explor), i.e. his lung condition, a key 1 le of alarm thresholds (Auto thresholds), a key 1 Id of nebulization (1 Id), a key 1 le used for the configuration of Cl-C4 Curves (Config. Curve), and a key 1 If to record image / photo and video (camera logo).

[0044] All this information, i.e. the variation curves, the displayed values, the selection keys or icons or others, is essential for the healthcare staff to be able to properly monitor the patient and ensure that the treatment given to him is effective and proceeds without problems.

[0045] However, this information displayed continuously on the screen of the IGU 2 can also be a source of stress and anxiety, or even psychological trauma, for visitors to the patient, for example some family members, friends or acquaintances, who are not used to it and may misinterpret certain information and imagine that the patient is in a worse state of health than in reality or, conversely, realize that the patient is really in bad condition when they did not think so beforehand.

[0046] In all cases, causing stress or anxiety in these visitors is not desirable for themselves and their psychological balance, but also for the patient because this stress and / or anxiety can affect the patient himself.

[0047] Similarly, it must be possible to prevent certain visitors, such as children, from making unwanted changes or selections by means of the virtual keys lla-llf or 41, typically touch selection keys.

[0048] In order to solve these problems, according to the invention, the medical ventilator 1 is equipped with display mode switching means designed and configured to allow a switch of the IGU 2 display from the full display mode, i.e. the "normal" or "default" mode of [Fig.1], to a reduced or limited display mode, i.e. minimalist, as illustrated in [Fig.2], also called "family screen" or "visitor screen".

[0049] Switching from full display mode to reduced display mode is preferably done by the user pressing a virtual key or icon displayed on the IGU 2 touchscreen, for example a change of key mode 35, that is, a key to switch to "family screen" or "visitor screen" mode, as illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0050] Thus, healthcare staff can switch to this reduced display mode simply by pressing the selection key 35 when visitors arrive in or are present in the patient's room, because in this mode, less information is available on the screen than in the full display mode; i.e., some information is hidden. This limits visitors' access to information, thereby reducing the risks of stress, anxiety, or other issues mentioned above.

[0051] Furthermore, hiding all or part of the virtual keys 1 la-1If or other selection keys or icons, i.e., touch selection keys, prevents certain visitors, particularly children, from accidentally selecting them, for example while playing, and thus changing the settings of fan 1 or making unwanted selections. This improves the safety of fan 1 in operation.

[0052] Indeed, as can be seen in [Fig.2], in reduced display mode, the screen displays, compared to [Fig.1], only a limited amount of information, namely here only the top and bottom bands 30, 40 and a single column 20, namely the one with the windows 21 of the most important tracking parameters for example.

[0053] Other information or functions, in particular the curves Ci-C4, one of the columns 20, and the virtual keys 1 la-1 If, are masked, preferably by an opacified area, for example a blackened or greyed surface of the screen, by a photo for example of the wallpaper type or by a video animation, for example a sunrise or sunset sequence whose evolution is correlated with that of the sun's course, i.e. 'time lapse', that is to say based on the time set on the fan 1.

[0054] Photos or video animations can be stored in a memory of the medical ventilator 1.

[0055] In other words, switching to reduced display mode allows for the creation of a more user-friendly screen displaying a reduced amount of information or functions, which is activated by the healthcare staff in the presence of visitors, for example during a visit from the patient's family or friends, by simply pressing the reduced mode button 35 which is among the icons 31 displayed on the touch screen of the IGU 2, as illustrated in [Fig.1] or [Fig.2].

[0056] When the fan 1 is in reduced display mode, the return to full display mode, i.e., normal mode, can be achieved after activation of unlocking means, for example, a specific virtual key for returning to full mode or, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], the same selection key 35 that was used to switch to reduced mode. In other words, in this second embodiment, the electronic control unit is configured to allow and / or command a return in full display mode only after the user presses key 35, which also serves as a means of unlocking.

[0057] According to another embodiment, the choice made by the user, i.e. pressing the 35 key, must be validated either by pressing a validation key, or by entering a specific code or scanning a professional identity card (ID) of a healthcare worker.

[0058] Preferably, an automatic switch to full display mode, i.e. a return from reduced mode, is controlled by the electronic control unit 12, when an alarm is triggered, so that the care staff can intervene and take charge of the patient's ventilation.

[0059] The medical ventilator 1 according to the invention is a respiratory assistance device used to deliver respiratory assistance, i.e. artificial ventilation, to a patient, i.e. adult, child or infant, suffering from more or less severe respiratory disorders or insufficiencies, which may result from various pathologies or similar conditions.

Claims

1. Claims Medical ventilator (1) comprising: - a motorized micro-blower (3) to supply a gas respiratory, - a graphical user interface or GUI (2) including a touch screen to display information, - selection keys (11) for allowing a user to make adjustments or selections, said selection keys (11) comprising virtual keys (11 a-1 If) displayed on the touch screen of the IGU (2), - an electronic control unit (12) for controlling the micro-blower (3) and controlling the display of information on the IGU (2), and - display mode changing means (31, 35), operable by a user, configured to control, after their actuation by the user, a change of the display on the IGU (2): - a full display mode in which information is displayed on the GUI (2), - to a reduced display mode in which part of the information displayed in full display mode is not displayed and / or is hidden, or vice versa, and wherein the electronic control unit (12) is configured to operate a display of the virtual keys (11 a-1 If) in the full display mode and to hide at least part of the virtual keys (1 la-1 If) in the reduced display mode, characterized in that: - it further comprises a memory for storing one or more photos or video animations, in reduced display mode, the electronic control unit (12) being configured to mask at least part of the information displayed on the IGU (2) by displaying at least one photo or video animation stored by said memory, and - the electronic control unit (12) is configured to control an automatic change of the display mode reduced to full display mode when an alarm is triggered.

2. Fan according to claim 1, characterized in that the display mode changing means (31, 35) comprise at least one mode changing key (35) allowing, after digital pressure by the user on said mode changing key (35), to control the change from the full display mode to the reduced display mode, or vice versa.

3. Fan according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic control unit (12) is configured to authorize and / or command a return to the full display mode only after action by the user on unlocking means.

4. Fan according to claim 3, characterized in that the unlocking means comprise a virtual unlocking key displayed on the touch screen (2) of the IGU.

5. Fan according to claims 2 and 4, characterized in that the virtual mode change key and the virtual unlock key are different keys, one of the keys being used to switch to a reduced mode display and the other to return to a full mode display.

6. Fan according to claims 2 and 4, characterized in that the virtual mode change key and the virtual unlock key are one and the same virtual key.

7. Fan according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the virtual mode change key and the virtual unlock key are one or more selection icons.

8. Installation for assisted ventilation of a patient comprising a medical ventilator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, supplying gas to a patient respiratory interface (10), such as a respiratory mask or an intubation probe, the medical ventilator (1) being fluidically connected to the patient respiratory interface (10) via a flexible supply conduit (8).

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