Respiratory humidifier communication system

Abstract

To provide a respiratory humidifier capable of performing electronic communication with one or more other components of the system, a system including such a respiratory humidifier, and related methods.SOLUTION: In some systems, a flow generator, such as a ventilator, is provided to supply a flow of breathing gas. The humidifier and the flow generator are capable of performing electronic communication with each other. In some arrangements, an operating mode or a parameter of the humidifier is set or confirmed by the flow generator, either automatically or manually, through a user interface of the flow generator. The humidifier can also utilize data provided by the flow generator or another system component, such as an incubator, to set or confirm an operating mode or parameter of the humidifier. In some arrangements, a user interface of the humidifier can display data from another system component, such as a nebulizer or a pulse oximeter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] RESPIRATORY HUMIDIFIER SYSTEMS AND METHODS FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates to respiratory humidifiers capable of electronic communication with other system components, systems including such humidifiers, and related methods. [Background technology]

[0002] In some circumstances, it is necessary or desirable to provide humidified respiratory gas to a patient. In such cases, a respiratory humidifier can be used to provide humidified respiratory gas to the patient via a breathing circuit and a patient interface. In some configurations, the system provides respiratory support to the patient. Thus, such systems may include a flow generator, such as a ventilator, to provide a flow of respiratory gas to the patient, often at a constant or variable positive pressure. In existing systems, the flow generator, humidifier, and other components of the system each typically include their own sensors and, for some components, a user interface. Typically, each component is configured independently of the other components and performs its control process by utilizing information collected from its own sensors. It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] Aspects of the present invention relate to the inventor's realization that providing electronic communication between components of a respiratory humidification system will allow for improved performance of individual components of the system and the overall system at similar or reduced cost compared to existing systems. One or more preferred embodiments provide communication between a humidifier and other components of the system, such as a flow generator. One preferred embodiment of the present invention is a humidifier configured for electronic communication with other components of a respiratory humidification system. Other preferred embodiments relate to systems incorporating such humidifiers and associated methods.

[0004] Preferred embodiments involve a respiratory support and / or humidification system including a humidifier capable of electronic communication with one or more other components of the system, thus allowing for the transfer of data or control signals between the humidifier and other components of the system. In some systems, a flow generator, such as a ventilator, is provided to provide a flow of respiratory gas. The humidifier and the flow generator are capable of electronic communication with each other. In some configurations, the operating mode or parameters of the humidifier are set or confirmed by the flow generator, either automatically or manually, via a user interface of the flow generator. The humidifier can also utilize data provided by other system components, such as a flow generator or an incubator, to set or confirm the operating mode or parameters of the humidifier. In some configurations, the user interface of the humidifier can display data from another system component, or the user interface can be configured to control other system components, such as a nebulizer or pulse oximeter.

[0005] A preferred embodiment involves a respiratory humidification system. The system includes a flow generator configured to deliver a flow of respiratory gas. A humidifier receives the flow of respiratory gas from the flow generator and outputs a flow of humidified respiratory gas. A breathing circuit receives the flow of humidified respiratory gas from the humidifier and a patient interface receives the flow of humidified respiratory gas from the breathing circuit. The patient interface delivers the flow of humidified respiratory gas to a patient. A communication connection between the humidifier and the flow generator is configured to enable electronic communication between the humidifier and the flow generator.

[0006] In some configurations, the flow generator automatically sets the operating parameters or mode of the humidifier based on the operating parameters or mode of the flow generator.

[0007] In some configurations, the flow generator includes a user interface configured to allow a user to set operational parameters or modes of the humidifier by using the user interface of the flow generator. The flow generator may provide prompts on the user interface for the user to set the operational parameters or modes of the humidifier. Setting the operational parameters or modes may include identifying a default mode of the humidifier.

[0008] In some configurations, the humidifier automatically sets the operating parameters or mode of the humidifier based on the operating parameters or mode of the flow generator. The operating parameters of the flow generator may include the flow rate of the flow of breathing gas.

[0009] In some configurations, the system may include a communication connection between the humidifier and the breathing circuit configured to enable electronic communication between the breathing circuit and the humidifier. The breathing circuit may communicate breathing circuit data to the humidifier, and the humidifier may communicate breathing circuit data to the flow generator, which sets operating parameters or modes based on the breathing circuit data. The breathing circuit data may be automatically communicated to the humidifier when the breathing circuit is connected to the humidifier.

[0010] In some configurations, the flow generator is configured to communicate with a central monitoring system or an electronic patient data record system, and the flow generator is configured to communicate operating parameters or modes of the humidifier to the central monitoring system or electronic patient data record system.

[0011] In some configurations, the system further includes a temperature regulator and a communication connection configured to enable electronic communication between the temperature regulator and the humidifier. Data regarding the temperature regulator may be communicated to the humidifier, and the humidifier may set an operating parameter or mode based on the data regarding the temperature regulator. The temperature regulator may be an incubator, and the data regarding the temperature regulator may include a temperature level. The humidifier may be located outside the incubator, and the patient interface may be located within the incubator, and the breathing circuit may be extendable between the humidifier and the patient interface, and the breathing circuit may include a first portion located outside the incubator and a second portion located within the incubator, and the first heating element may be configured to apply thermal energy to the first portion, and the second heating element may be configured to apply thermal energy to the second portion, and the sensor may be configured to sense a parameter of the flow of humidified respiratory gas, and the sensor may be located within the first portion, and the humidifier may control the first heating element and the second heating element by utilizing the data from the sensor and the data from the incubator. The data from the sensor may include one or more of a flow rate and a temperature of the humidified respiratory gas flow. The data from the incubator may include one or more of a current temperature and a temperature set point of the incubator.

[0012] In some configurations, the system may further include a peripheral device and a communication connection configured for electronic communication between the peripheral device and the humidifier. The humidifier may set an operating parameter or mode of the humidifier based on data from the peripheral device. The humidifier may include a user interface, and the humidifier may display data from the peripheral device on the user interface. The humidifier may be configured to allow a user to set an operating parameter or mode of the peripheral device by using the user interface. The peripheral device may be a nebulizer or a pulse oximeter.

[0013] A preferred embodiment relates to a respiratory humidification system including a humidifier that outputs a flow of humidified respiratory gas. A breathing circuit receives the flow of humidified respiratory gas from the humidifier. A patient interface receives the flow of humidified respiratory gas from the breathing circuit and delivers the flow of humidified respiratory gas to a patient. The system also includes a temperature regulator and a communication connection configured to enable electronic communication between the temperature regulator and the humidifier.

[0014] In some configurations, the humidifier further includes a user interface, and the system is configured to allow a user to set an operating parameter or mode of the temperature control device by using the user interface of the humidifier. Data regarding the temperature control device may be communicated to the humidifier, and the humidifier may set an operating parameter or mode based on the data regarding the temperature control device. The temperature control device may be an incubator. The humidifier may be located outside the incubator, and the patient interface may be located within the incubator, and the breathing circuit may extend between the humidifier and the patient interface, and the breathing circuit may include a first portion located outside the incubator and a second portion located within the incubator, the first heating element may be configured to apply thermal energy to the first portion, and the second heating element may be configured to apply thermal energy to the second portion, the sensor may be configured to sense a parameter of the flow of humidified respiratory gas, and the sensor may be located within the first portion, and the humidifier may control the first heating element, and the second heating element may utilize data from the sensor and data from the incubator. The temperature regulation device may be an incubator, and the system may further include a sensor disposed in the breathing circuit and configured to sense a parameter of the flow of humidified respiratory gas, and data from the sensor may include one or more of a flow rate and a temperature of the flow of humidified respiratory gas, and data from the incubator may include one or more of a current temperature and a temperature set point of the incubator.

[0015] A preferred embodiment involves a respiratory humidification system including a humidifier that outputs a flow of humidified respiratory gas. A breathing circuit receives the flow of humidified respiratory gas from the humidifier. A patient interface receives the flow of humidified respiratory gas from the breathing circuit and delivers the flow of humidified respiratory gas to a patient. The system also includes a peripheral device and a communication connection configured to enable electronic communication between the peripheral device and the humidifier.

[0016] In some configurations, the humidifier sets an operating parameter or mode of the humidifier based on data from the peripheral device. The humidifier may include a user interface, and the humidifier may display data from the peripheral device on the user interface. The humidifier may be configured to allow a user to set an operating parameter or mode of the peripheral device by using the user interface. The peripheral device may be a nebulizer or a pulse oximeter.

[0017] In some configurations, the peripheral device may be a flow generator or a temperature control device. The flow generator may automatically set the operating parameters or mode of the humidifier based on the operating parameters or mode of the flow generator.

[0018] In some configurations, the flow generator includes a user interface configured to allow a user to set operational parameters or modes of the humidifier by using the user interface of the flow generator. The flow generator may provide prompts on the user interface for the user to set the operational parameters or modes of the humidifier. Setting the operational parameters or modes may include identifying a default mode of the humidifier.

[0019] In some configurations, the humidifier automatically sets the operating parameters or mode of the humidifier based on the operating parameters or mode of the flow generator. The operating parameters of the flow generator may include a flow rate of the flow of breathing gas.

[0020] In some configurations, the system may include a communication connection between the humidifier and the breathing circuit configured to enable electronic communication between the breathing circuit and the humidifier. The breathing circuit may communicate breathing circuit data to the humidifier, and the humidifier may communicate breathing circuit data to the flow generator, which sets operating parameters or modes based on the breathing circuit data. The breathing circuit data may be automatically communicated to the humidifier when the breathing circuit is connected to the humidifier.

[0021] In some configurations, the flow generator is configured to communicate with a central monitoring system or an electronic patient data record system, and the flow generator is configured to communicate operating parameters or modes of the humidifier to the central monitoring system or electronic patient data record system.

[0022] In some configurations, data related to the temperature control device may be communicated to the humidifier, and the humidifier may set an operating parameter or mode based on the data related to the temperature control device. The temperature control device may be an incubator, and the data related to the temperature control device may include a temperature level. The humidifier may be located outside the incubator, and the patient interface may be located within the incubator, and the breathing circuit may be extendable between the humidifier and the patient interface, and the breathing circuit may include a first portion located outside the incubator and a second portion located within the incubator, and the first heating element may be configured to apply thermal energy to the first portion, and the second heating element may be configured to apply thermal energy to the second portion, and the sensor may be configured to sense a parameter of the flow of humidified respiratory gas, and the sensor may be located within the first portion, and the humidifier may control the first heating element and the second heating element by utilizing data from the sensor and data from the incubator. The data from the sensor may include one or more of a flow rate and a temperature of the flow of humidified respiratory gas. The data from the incubator may include one or more of the current temperature and the temperature set point of the incubator.

[0023] A preferred embodiment relates to a method of operating a respiratory humidifier, the method including the steps of establishing electronic communication between the humidifier and a flow generator that provides a flow of respiratory gas to the humidifier, and automatically setting operating parameters or modes of the humidifier based on operating parameters or modes of the flow generator.

[0024] In some cases, the flow generator dictates the setting of operating parameters of the humidifier, which may be performed by the humidifier based on the operating parameters or mode of the flow generator.

[0025] In some cases, the method further includes transmitting breathing circuit data related to a parameter of the breathing circuit to the humidifier over an electronic communication connection, transmitting the breathing circuit data to the flow generator, and setting an operating parameter or mode of the ventilator based on the breathing circuit data. The step of transmitting the breathing circuit data to the humidifier may occur automatically when the breathing circuit is connected to the humidifier.

[0026] In some cases, the method further includes transmitting data regarding the humidifier via the flow generator to a central monitoring system or an electronic patient data record system. The method further includes delivering a flow of humidified respiratory gas to a patient interface located within the incubator, and setting an operating parameter or mode of the humidifier based on the data regarding the operating parameter or mode of the incubator transmitted from the incubator to the humidifier.

[0027] A preferred embodiment involves a method of operating a respiratory humidifier comprising the steps of establishing electronic communication between the humidifier and a flow generator that provides a flow of respiratory gas to the humidifier, and setting operating parameters or modes of the humidifier by using a user interface of the flow generator.

[0028] In some cases, the method further includes transmitting breathing circuit data related to a parameter of the breathing circuit to the humidifier over an electronic communication connection, transmitting the breathing circuit data to the flow generator, and setting an operating parameter or mode of the ventilator based on the breathing circuit data. The step of transmitting the breathing circuit data to the humidifier may occur automatically when the breathing circuit is connected to the humidifier. The method may further include transmitting data related to the humidifier via the flow generator to a central monitoring system or an electronic patient data record system. The method may further include delivering a flow of humidified respiratory gas to a patient interface located within the incubator, and setting an operating parameter or mode of the humidifier based on the data related to the operating parameter or mode of the incubator transmitted from the incubator to the humidifier.

[0029] A preferred embodiment relates to a method of operating a respiratory humidifier, the method including the steps of establishing electronic communication between the humidifier and an incubator, supplying a flow of humidified respiratory gas from the humidifier to a patient interface located within the incubator, and setting an operating parameter or mode of the humidifier using data regarding the operating parameter or mode of the incubator transmitted from the incubator to the humidifier.

[0030] In some cases, the method further includes setting an operating parameter or mode of the incubator using a user interface of the humidifier.

[0031] A preferred embodiment relates to a method of operating a respiratory humidifier, the method comprising the steps of establishing electronic communication between the humidifier and a peripheral device, transmitting peripheral device data from the peripheral device to the humidifier, the peripheral device data including operating parameters or modes of the peripheral device, and displaying the peripheral device data on a user interface of the humidifier.

[0032] In some cases, the method further includes setting an operational parameter or mode of the peripheral device using a user interface of the humidifier.The method further includes setting an operational parameter or mode of the humidifier based on the peripheral device data.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments having certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention, which are intended to illustrate but not limit the present invention, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which include 13 figures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a respiratory humidification system having certain features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention.The illustrated respiratory humidification system includes a gas flow generator, a humidifier, and a breathing circuit. [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates a data communication connection between a flow generator and a humidifier of the respiratory humidification system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 13 illustrates a control routine for setting or checking the operating parameters of a humidifier using a flow generator. [Figure 4] 13 shows a control routine for using a humidifier to send data regarding the breathing circuit to a flow generator for setting or checking the operating parameters of the flow generator. [Diagram 5] A control routine is provided for communicating data regarding the flow generator to the humidifier and using the data to set or verify operating parameters of the humidifier. [Figure 6] 2 illustrates a respiratory humidification system, such as a system similar to that of FIG. 1, capable of transmitting system data to a central monitoring system or electronic patient data record system. [Figure 7] 7 shows a control routine for communicating system data for the system of FIG. 6 from the humidifier via the flow generator to the central monitoring system. [Figure 8] 2 illustrates a respiratory humidification system, such as a system similar to that of FIG. 1, that includes an incubator. [Figure 9]9 illustrates a data communication connection between the flow generator and the incubator of the respiratory support system of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 13 illustrates a control routine for setting or verifying operating parameters of the humidifier based on data regarding the incubator. [Figure 11] 1 shows a respiratory humidification system, such as a system similar to that of FIG. 1, incorporating peripheral devices such as a nebulizer and / or a pulse oximeter. [Figure 12] 1 shows a respiratory humidification system including a humidifier, a breathing circuit, and peripheral devices. [Figure 13] 13 illustrates a control routine for displaying data regarding a peripheral device on the humidifier interface and / or setting or viewing operating parameters of a peripheral device using the humidifier interface in the system of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] One or more embodiments of the respiratory humidification components, systems, and associated methods disclosed herein provide for electronic communication between two or more components of the system, in at least one configuration, data regarding an operating mode or parameter of a first system component can be communicated to a second system component, which can utilize the data to set or confirm an operating mode or parameter of the second or another system component. In at least one configuration, communication of data between the first system component and the second system component allows a user interface of one of the first or second system components to display or record (or control) data relating to the other of the first or second system components. In at least one configuration, the first system component is connected to the second system component and can obtain data relating to the second system component. The first system component can then communicate that data to a third system component, which can use that data to set or confirm an operating parameter or mode of the third system component. In at least one configuration, the first system component is connected to the second system component and can obtain data relating to the second system component. The first system component can then use that data to set or confirm an operating parameter or mode of the third system component. Examples of such systems and methods are disclosed herein, intended to illustrate, but not limit, certain features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a respiratory humidification system generally referred to by reference numeral 10. System 10 preferably provides a flow of humidified respiratory gas to a user or patient (not shown) via a suitable patient interface 12 and allows for the communication of system data between two or more components of system 10. The illustrated system 10 includes a flow generator 14 capable of providing a suitable flow of respiratory gas. In the illustrated configuration, flow generator 14 is a ventilator capable of providing air, oxygen, or an air / oxygen mixture to patient interface 12 at a continuous or variable pressure above ambient pressure. Thus, flow generator 14 is also referred to herein as a ventilator. Preferably, ventilator 14 is an electronic ventilator that includes electronic or computerized control of several ventilator functions, such as the timing, pressure, volume, or flow rate of respiratory gas delivered by ventilator 14. Ventilator 14 also includes a memory for storing relevant ventilator data and operating protocols.

[0037] Preferably, the ventilator 14 also includes a user interface 16 that displays ventilator operational data and information. Preferably, the user interface 16 also allows a user to interact with the ventilator 14 by inputting data or information or by setting or reviewing various operational settings or modes of the ventilator 14. The user interface 16 may be of any suitable configuration including a display screen in combination with user inputs such as buttons, knobs, keys, navigation rings, etc. In one preferred configuration, the user interface 16 may be a touch screen capable of displaying information and receiving user inputs. The touch screen may be the sole user input or may be used in combination with other user inputs such as those previously mentioned.

[0038] In the illustrated system 10, a breathing gas source 18, which may be a gas cylinder, a wall source of breathing gas, or any other suitable source, is connected to the ventilator 14. The breathing gas may be air, oxygen, a mixture of air and oxygen, or any other suitable gas used in respiratory therapy, such as hydrogen, helium, or nitrogen. In some embodiments, the ventilator 14 utilizes room air or outside air, alone or in combination with gas from the breathing gas source 18, to generate a flow of breathing gas. The ventilator 14 is preferably capable of precisely mixing outside air with breathing gas from the breathing gas source 18 and delivering the mixed air and gas (collectively referred to as "breathing gas") according to one or more parameters of desired values ​​or ranges, such as pressure, volume, flow rate, or time. In other embodiments, the flow generator 14 does not utilize outside or room air.

[0039] The flow of respiratory gas output from the ventilator 14 is preferably delivered to a humidifier system (or humidifier 20) by a suitable conduit, such as an intake or supply conduit 22. The humidifier 20 provides moisture or vaporized liquid, such as water, to the flow of respiratory gas received from the ventilator for output to the patient interface 12 via a suitable conduit, such as a delivery conduit 24. Preferably, the humidifier 20 can output the flow of humidified respiratory gas at a set point or desired temperature and absolute or relative humidity, such as an optimum temperature of about 37 degrees Celsius and an absolute humidity of about 44 mg / L (i.e., 100% relative humidity), or within a desired or acceptable range of the optimum temperature and absolute or relative humidity. For example, the acceptable range of absolute humidity can be any value equal to or greater than about 33 mg / L (i.e., a corresponding relative humidity of about 74.85% at 37 degrees Celsius).

[0040] The humidifier 20 may include a humidifier unit and a humidity chamber. The humidity chamber may hold a quantity of liquid, such as water, that is heated by the humidifier unit to generate vapor in the humidity chamber that is transferred to the respiratory gas flow. The humidity chamber may be of the auto-fill type, with a liquid source 26 connected to the humidity chamber to replenish the quantity of liquid as needed. An example of the basic structure and operating principle of the humidifier unit is the MR850 humidifier sold by the assignee of the present application, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Ltd. A suitable humidity chamber is the MR225 or MR290 humidity chamber sold by the assignee of the present application. However, as described herein, the present humidifier 20 is also configured for electronic communication with one or more of the components of the system 10, preferably including the ventilator 14 or other flow generator.

[0041] The supply conduit 24 may be a heated supply conduit such that the temperature of the respiratory gas flow is maintained at a high level within the supply conduit 24 and to avoid or limit condensation within the supply conduit 24 or the patient interface 12. The supply conduit 24 may include a heating element connected to a power or heat source. Preferably, the humidifier 20 is configured to provide power to the heating element. A sensor or probe (not shown in FIG. 1 ) may be coupled to the humidifier 20 and the supply conduit 24 via the supply conduit 24 for sensing a parameter of the humidified respiratory gas flow, such as the temperature and / or flow rate of the respiratory gas flow. Preferably, the sensor is spaced from the inlet end of the supply conduit 24 and in some configurations may be located at the outlet end of the supply conduit 24. The sensor may be coupled to the humidifier 20 for transmitting sensor data (e.g., temperature and / or flow rate) to the humidifier 20. The humidifier 20 can utilize information from the sensors 48 to control operating parameters of the humidifier 20, such as the power level of a heating plate or element to maintain the temperature and / or humidity of the flow of respiratory gas in the supply conduit 24 at a desired level or within a desired or acceptable range.

[0042] The humidifier 20 provides a flow of humidified respiratory gas to the patient interface 12. The patient interface 12 may be any suitable type of interface capable of providing respiratory gas to the patient's respiratory system. For example, the patient interface 12 may be a face mask that covers both the patient's nose and mouth or a nasal mask that covers only the patient's nose. Other suitable patient interfaces 12, such as nasal interfaces that may include nasal cannulas, nasal tubes, or other structures inserted into the patient's nares, or suitable interface devices such as catheter mounts, may also be used in combination with endotracheal tubes, tracheostomy (tracheal) tubes, or other invasive interfaces.

[0043] In some embodiments, the patient interface 12 provides a sealed or nearly sealed system for delivering a flow of respiratory gas to the patient and receiving an exhaled gas from the patient. Preferably, the system 10 is a biased flow system in which respiratory gas flows continuously through the system 10 in a direction generally from the inlet of the patient interface 12 to the outlet of the patient interface 12. Thus, the patient can inhale a portion of the respiratory gas flow while the remaining portion is passed through the patient interface 12. The exhaled or expiratory gases can mix with the breathing gas flow and exit the patent interface 12 along with an unused portion of the breathing gas flow. It is understood that either or both of the patient's exhaled gas and unused breathing gas may be present at any particular time, but for convenience, the gas exiting the patient interface 12 will be referred to as the exhaled gas, or breathing gas flow.

[0044] In some applications, such as neonatal applications, for example, expiratory gas flows from the patient interface 12 to an optional expiratory pressure device 30 configured to regulate the minimum pressure within the system 10, preferably to a level above ambient or atmospheric pressure. Preferably, the expiratory pressure device 30 is connected to the patient interface 12 by a suitable conduit, such as an expiratory tube 32. The expiratory pressure device 30 may be of any suitable configuration depending on the particular system 10, type of flow generator 14, or treatment protocol. For example, the expiratory pressure device 30 may be an expiratory valve or port that regulates the outflow of expiratory gas from the system 10. The expiratory valve 30 may be located remotely from the flow generator 14, or may be located at the flow generator 14, or may be integral with the flow generator, in which case the expiratory tube 32 may extend to the flow generator 14 as indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 1 (and other figures herein). In another configuration, the expiratory pressure device 30 may be directly connected to or integral with the patient interface 12.

[0045] Preferably, the expiratory pressure device 30 is configured to provide a minimum pressure or backpressure within the system 10 and particularly at the patient interface 12, which may be referred to as positive end expiration pressure (PEEP). In some systems, PEEP is approximately equal to or equal to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Thus, such a device 30 may be referred to as a CPAP generator. In some configurations, the expiratory pressure device 30 may be an oscillating valve capable of providing pressure oscillations relative to the average PEEP pressure. One type of oscillating pressure exhalation device 30 is a fluid resistance valve, particularly a liquid or water resistance valve, often referred to as a bubbler. Generally, a water resistance valve delivers exhaled gas to an exhaust port submerged in a water reservoir, thus creating a resistance to the outflow of exhaled gas that is greater than that caused by ambient or atmospheric pressure and related to the depth of the exhaust port relative to the surface of the water in the reservoir. In some configurations, the depth of the exhaust port is adjustable so that PEEP can be adjusted to a desired level. One suitable bubbler is the Bubble CPAP generator sold by the assignee of the present application. Further details of a suitable bubbler device are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,120, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. The vial (or other oscillating pressure device) is preferably capable of producing vibrations within the patient's chest at a frequency of about 5-30 Hz.

[0046] However, the expiratory pressure device 30 is not necessary and may be omitted in many applications. Exhaled gas may be exhausted from the system 10 in any suitable manner by any suitable configuration (e.g., a simple expiratory port that may or may not regulate or assist in regulating pressure within the system 10). In some configurations, the expiratory tube 32 may extend from the patient interface 12 to the ventilator 14 without incorporating an expiratory pressure device 30. An expiratory port or valve may be incorporated within the ventilator 14 to regulate the release of expiratory gas in any suitable manner. For example, the expiratory port or valve may have a closed position that does not allow expiratory gas to be released and an open position that allows expiratory gas to be released, with or without significant resistance.

[0047] The illustrated system 10 may be considered to have an inhalation circuit and an exhalation circuit. In the illustrated configuration, the inhalation circuit may include all or a portion of the flow generator 14 (and breathing gas source 18), the supply tube 22, the humidifier 20, and the supply tube 34. The exhalation circuit may include all or a portion of the exhalation tube 32 and the optional exhalation pressure device 30. A portion of the patient interface 12 may be occupied predominantly by a flow of inhaled breathing gas prior to inspiration by the patient or before it is available to the patient, while another portion of the patient interface 12 may be occupied predominantly by a flow of exhaled gas exhaled by the patient or bypassing the patient. Thus, the patient interface 12 may be considered to form a portion of each of the inhalation circuit and the exhalation circuit. A portion of the patient interface 12 may also contain a mixture of inhaled and exhaled gases for at least some time and may not be considered a part of either the inhalation circuit or the exhalation circuit, or may be considered a part of each.

[0048] One portion of the system 10 may be referred to as a breathing circuit and is generally designated by the reference numeral 40 . Typically, the breathing circuit 40 includes at least conduits or tubing that deliver the flow of breathing gas between components of the system 10. In some cases, the breathing circuit may also include the patient interface 12 and / or the humidifier 20 or portions thereof (e.g., a humidifier chamber). In the illustrated configuration, the breathing circuit 40 may include one or more of the supply tube 22, the supply tube 24, and the expiratory tube 32. The tubes 22, 24, 32 of the breathing circuit 40 may be coils or tubes constructed from a soft plastic material that may be reinforced with a reinforcing structure such as a spiral wound reinforcement. The tubes 22, 24, 32 of the breathing circuit 40 may be somewhat elastic in nature, such that the tubes 22, 24, 32 may bend or deform (e.g., expand and contract) in response to pressure changes within the system 10. This deformation of the tubes 22, 24, 32 causes the overall volume of the breathing circuit 40 to change in response to system pressure and is referred to as the "compliance" of the breathing circuit 40. The compliance of a particular breathing circuit 40 is useful information to assist the flow generator 14 in precisely controlling the delivery of breathing gas, since changes in the volume of the system 10 could otherwise be interpreted as the amount of breathing gas being utilized by the patient.

[0049] Another characteristic of the system 10 that is useful information to assist the flow generator 14 in precisely controlling the delivery of respiratory gas is the leak rate of the system 10. The leak rate is the rate of loss of respiratory gas from the system 10 as a result of leaks between components of the system 10 between the patient interface 12 and the patient or other system losses. The total leak rate can be broken down into leak rate fractions within various parts of the system 10. In particular, a determination or estimate of the leak rate within the breathing circuit 40 can be useful information to assist the flow generator 14 in precisely controlling the delivery of respiratory gas. The leak rate of a particular breathing circuit 40 may be estimated, such as based on theoretical calculations or actual measurements of a sample size of a breathing circuit model. The leak rate of a particular breathing circuit 40 may also be measured during manufacture.

[0050] The breathing circuit 40 may also include portions that handle both the inhalation and exhalation flows of breathing gas. The volumes of such portions define the dead space of the breathing circuit 40. The dead space is also useful information to assist the flow generator 14 in precisely controlling the delivery of breathing gas by allowing the flow generator 14 to determine the actual volume of breathing gas utilized by the patient. Some or all of the information regarding the breathing surface 40, such as compliance, leak rate, and dead space, may be provided in the breathing circuit 40, preferably in electronic or electronically readable form such as some type of non-volatile memory (EEPROM, RFID, bar code, etc.), for use by the system 10, as described below.

[0051] Preferably, the system 10 is configured to allow electronic communication between two or more components of the system 10. In the illustrated configuration, the humidifier 20 and the flow generator or ventilator 14 are in electronic communication via a communication connection 50. Similarly, the humidifier 20 and the breathing circuit 40 are in electronic communication via a communication connection 52. The communication connections 50, 52 may be of any suitable configuration, including wired or wireless connections and utilizing any suitable communication protocol. The communication connections 50, 52 may be direct between the system components or indirect (e.g., via other system components or over a network such as a Wi-Fi network).

[0052] With such an arrangement, information may be transmitted between the humidifier 20 and the breathing circuit 40 or between the humidifier 20 and the ventilator 14. For example, information regarding the breathing circuit 40 may be transmitted to the humidifier 20 and used by the humidifier 20 to set or confirm one or more operating parameters or modes of the humidifier 20. Information regarding the breathing circuit 40 may also be provided by the humidifier 20 to the ventilator 14. The ventilator 14 may use this information to set or confirm one or more operating parameters or modes of the ventilator 14. Information regarding the humidifier 20 may also be communicated to the ventilator 14 for similar purposes.

[0053] In some configurations, the communication connections 50, 52 may allow control signals to be transmitted between various components of the system 10 to enable one component to control another. For example, the ventilation device 14 may set or confirm one or more operating parameters or modes of the humidifier 20. The ventilation device 14 may automatically control the humidifier 20 or may allow a user of the system 10 to set or confirm one or more operating parameters or modes of the humidifier 20 by utilizing the user interface 16. The information or data transmitted between the components of the system 10 may be any type of information related to the operation of the system 10 including, for example, the on / off power status of the components, the current operating status of the components, current sensor data, and parameter set points.

[0054] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of information flow between the ventilator 14 and the humidifier 20. As described above, information about the ventilator 14 may be transmitted to the humidifier 20 over the communication connection 50. As shown in block 60, information or data about the ventilator 14 (or other flow generator) may include any information related to the operation of the ventilator, such as flow rate, ventilation waveform (breathing pattern), error conditions, and pressure. The humidifier 20 may utilize this information to assist in optimizing the operating parameters of the humidifier 20 to provide better humidity generation, breathing circuit condensation management, and improved false detection rates. As shown in block 62, information or data about the humidifier 20 or breathing circuit 40 (collectively, "humidifier data") may be transmitted to the ventilator 14 over the communication connection 50. The humidifier data may include any information related to the status or operation of the humidifier 20, such as temperature information, error conditions, or alarm conditions, or the compliance, leak rate, and dead space of the breathing circuit 40.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 3, an example process flow or control routine 70 for operating a humidifier 20 or other flow generator with a ventilator 14 is shown. At block 72, communication, such as electronic communication via a communication connection 50, is established between the humidifier 20 and the ventilator 14. Communication may be established at any suitable time using any suitable communication protocol. Communication may be initiated by the ventilator 14, the humidifier 20, or another component of the system 10. Communication may be maintained once established, or may be initiated or re-established in response to other occurrences or conditions, such as every time the ventilator 14 or humidifier 20 is turned on or powered up, or when the humidifier 20 or other system component has new information to transmit. In some configurations, the flow generator 14 and humidifier 20 may be integrated with each other such that a communication channel is always available.

[0056] At block 74, the flow generator or ventilator 14 sets (e.g., identifies, reads, selects, adjusts, confirms) the operating parameters of the humidifier 20. The operating parameters may be any parameter or set of parameters available or adjustable or selectable on the particular humidifier 20 being utilized. The operating parameters may include one or more operating modes of the humidifier. The operating parameters or modes may relate to the type of flow generator utilized, such as the ventilator 14, or may relate to the operating mode of the ventilator 14 or other flow generator.

[0057] The operating parameters of the humidifier 20 may be set automatically by the ventilator 14 or manually using the user interface 16. For example, available operating modes or parameters may be communicated to the ventilator 14, and the ventilator 14 may set the operating mode or parameters based on ventilator information or data, such as ventilator type or ventilator operating mode. Such a configuration would result in the humidifier 20 being automatically placed in an operating mode appropriate for the type of flow generator 14 or type of therapy, without additional action by a user of the system 10. In another configuration, the humidifier 20 could query the ventilator or flow generator 14 for information and set the humidifier 20 operating parameters or modes in response to the ventilator or flow generator 14 information.

[0058] Alternatively, the user interface 16 of the ventilation device 14 may be utilized to set the operating parameters or modes of the humidifier 20. The user interface 16 of the ventilation device 14 may replace the user interface of the humidifier 20 or provide an alternative interface. The user interface 16 of the ventilation device 14 may include a menu displaying available operating parameters or modes of the humidifier 20 that may be set by the user via the user interface 16. In some configurations, a prompt may be displayed on the user interface 16 to instruct the user to set the operating parameters or modes of the humidifier 20. For example, the humidifier 20 may have a default mode that is inappropriate or undesirable for certain types of flow generators or certain operating modes of the flow generators. Thus, the prompt may increase the likelihood that the user will set the humidifier 20 to the appropriate operating mode. In some cases, the ventilation device 14 or other flow generator may remain in a disabled state until the operating parameters or modes of the humidifier 20 are set by the user. Such a configuration avoids a situation where the humidifier 20 operates in a default or previous mode that may not be ideal for the current operating mode of the ventilator 14 or other flow generator.

[0059] 4, a flow processing or control routine 80 for providing system data to the ventilator 14 or other flow generator. In block 82, the humidifier 20 identifies the breathing circuit 40 via any suitable configuration. For example, the humidifier 20 may automatically identify the breathing circuit 40 when the breathing circuit 40 is brought within proximity of or connected to the humidifier 20. Thus, the humidifier 20 and breathing circuit 40 may have a data transfer configuration for transferring identification data from the breathing circuit 40 to the humidifier 20. The data transfer configuration may include an RFID tag and receiver, an electronic pin and receiver, an automatic barcode reader, or any other suitable data transfer configuration. Identification of the breathing circuit 40 may also be accomplished based on the humidifier 20 identifying characteristics of the breathing circuit. Identification of the breathing circuit 40 may be accomplished manually, such as by a manual barcode reader of the breathing circuit identification information or by entering the breathing circuit identification information into a user interface of the humidifier 20.

[0060] At block 84, the humidifier 20 transmits information or data regarding the breathing circuit 40 and / or the humidifier 20 to the ventilator 14. The breathing circuit data may include compliance information, leak rate information, dead space information, or other relevant information regarding the nature, characteristics, or operation of the breathing circuit 40 that may assist the ventilator 14 in precisely controlling the delivery of the flow of respiratory gas. The humidifier data may include temperature information, humidity information, chamber volume information, or other relevant information regarding the nature or characteristics of the humidifier 20 that may assist the ventilator 14 in precisely controlling the delivery of the flow of respiratory gas.

[0061] At block 86, the ventilator 14 or other flow generator may set or confirm operating parameters or modes based on the breathing circuit data and / or humidifier data. For example, the ventilator 14 may utilize the breathing circuit data to more accurately determine actual patient tidal volumes.

[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a flow processing or control routine 90 for transmitting information regarding the ventilator 14 or other flow generator to the humidifier 20 so that the humidifier 20 can use the data to set or confirm operating parameters or modes. At block 92, communication is established between the ventilator 14 and the humidifier 20. As discussed above in connection with FIGS. 1 and 3, communication may be established over any suitable connection, such as the communication connection 50, using any suitable communication process or protocol. Once communication is established between the ventilator 14 and the humidifier 20, at block 94 the ventilator 14 transmits information or data regarding the ventilator 14 to the humidifier 20. The ventilator data may include flow rate information, waveform (breathing pattern) information, error status information, pressure information, or any other relevant information to assist the humidifier 20 in precisely controlling the temperature and / or humidity of the flow of respiratory gas delivered from the humidifier 20.

[0063] In block 96, the humidifier 20 may utilize the ventilator data to set or confirm operating parameters or modes of the humidifier 20 to improve operation of the humidifier 20. For example, by utilizing the ventilator data, the humidifier 20 may achieve better humidity generation, breathing circuit condensation management, and improve false positive rates. Advantageously, such a configuration may result in improved performance of the humidifier 20 compared to a configuration in which the humidifier does not receive ventilator data. In most existing configurations, the humidifier relies on its own sensors to determine information regarding the flow of respiratory gas that is relevant to the humidifier function. Inaccuracies in the measurement of respiratory gas parameters, and therefore in the control of the humidifier, may be introduced due to delays, for example as a result of the response time of the sensors or the physical location of the sensors. Some embodiments of the present systems and methods involve the realization that the ventilator 14 also includes sensors for measuring parameters related to the respiratory gas to achieve precise control of the flow of respiratory gas, and that this information, if shared with the humidifier 20, may result in improved performance of the humidifier 20.

[0064] For example, the ventilator 14 can output measured or controlled parameters to the humidifier 20, and the humidifier 20 can control its operation or can utilize information provided by the humidifier 20 sensors in combination with ventilator data as feedback control to improve the operation or accuracy of the humidifier 20. For example, the humidifier 20 can adapt one or more of its control parameters, such as proportional, integral and derivative (PID) coefficients, patient end temperature set point, heater plate set point, or otherwise operate its heat generating components (e.g., heater plate and heater wires) or other components by using the ventilator data to provide better responses and alarms regarding humidity generation and delivery. In one particular application, if the flow of respiratory gas is interrupted or stopped, the ventilator 14 can immediately notify the humidifier 20, and the humidifier 20 can respond by shutting off all heat generating components, thus reducing the chance of delivering superheated gas when flow resumes. Because of the communication between the ventilation system 14 and the humidifier 20, a blockage of a heat generating component can occur more quickly than if the humidifier 20 relied on its own sensors to determine a blockage or cessation of gas flow.

[0065] FIG. 6 shows a respiratory humidification system 100, preferably similar to system 10 described above. Thus, the same reference numbers are used to indicate the same or similar parts as system 10. System 100 includes a flow generator, such as a ventilator 14 having a user interface 16. Ventilator 14 provides a flow of respiratory gas to a humidifier 20 via a supply conduit 22. A respiratory gas source, not shown, may provide respiratory gas to ventilator 14. Humidifier 20 provides a flow of humidified respiratory gas to patient interface 12 via a supply conduit 24. Although not shown, humidifier 20 may be connected to a water or other fluid source for supplemental purposes. Patient interface 12 delivers exhaled gas to an expiratory conduit 32. An optional expiratory pressure device 30 may be connected to patient interface 12 by expiratory conduit 32. As noted above, if specified, the expiratory pressure device 30 may be located remotely from the ventilator 14, or may be located at the ventilator 14, or may be integral with the ventilator 14, in which case the expiratory tube 32 may extend to the ventilator 14 as indicated by the dashed line in Figure 6. The breathing circuit 40 may include the supply tubes 22, 24 along with the expiratory tube 32. Preferably, the ventilator 14 and the humidifier 20 are electronically connected to each other for communication by a communication connection 50. Similarly, the humidifier 20 and the breathing circuit 40 are preferably electronically connected to each other for communication by a communication connection 52.

[0066] The illustrated system 100 is connected for communication by a suitable communication connection 104 (which may be wired or wireless) to an external storage or monitoring device, such as a central monitoring system 102. The central monitoring system 102 is typically located remotely from the system 100 and can collect and display information from the system 100 to enable monitoring from a remote location. Typically, the central monitoring system 102 collects and displays data from multiple individual patient systems, which may be similar or different to the system 100. Thus, the central monitoring system 102 enables remote monitoring of multiple patient systems. Although illustrated as a central monitoring system 102, the system 100 can also be configured for communication with other types of external, remote, or central systems, such as electronic patient data record systems. Electronic patient record management is becoming increasingly common and is used for patient diagnosis, for fault finding, and to supplement or replace paper records. Thus, the system 100 can be configured to publish data to an electronic patient data record system. As used herein, references to the central monitoring system 102 include other external, remote, or central systems, such as electronic patient data record systems, unless otherwise specified.

[0067] Preferably, the communication connection 104 between the system 100 and the central monitoring system 102 originates from the ventilator 14 on the system 100 end. Thus, preferably, data from the system 100 is communicated via the ventilator 14 (or other flow generator) to the central monitoring system 102. In respiratory humidification systems that include a ventilator, the humidifier is often considered an auxiliary device. Therefore, the ventilator is more likely to be connected to the central monitoring system than the humidifier. Even if the humidifier is capable of communicating with the central monitoring system, there may not be a connection port available for the humidifier in addition to the ventilator. Even if a connection port is available, in a wired system, separate connections for the ventilator and humidifier result in two cables running from the system to the connection port, which can be inconvenient.

[0068] Advantageously, in the illustrated system 100, the ventilator 14 can collect information from other system components, such as the humidifier 20 or breathing circuit 40, and transmit that information along with the ventilator data to the central monitoring system 102. Thus, the humidifier data or other system data can be included in the information provided to the central monitoring system 102 without the humidifier 20 having to be able to communicate directly with the central monitoring system 102. This monitoring or record keeping data is therefore more complete than in a system in which only ventilator data is transmitted. The humidifier data or other system data forwarded to the central monitoring system 102 via the ventilator 14 can include any normal operating parameters, alarm conditions, duration of use, etc.

[0069] In some configurations, the system 100 may provide direct communication between the humidifier 20 and the central monitoring system 102, for example, via an optional wired or wireless communication connection 106. In such configurations, system data may be communicated between the humidifier 20 and the central monitoring system 102. The system data may include information about the humidifier 20, or in some configurations, the humidifier 20 may obtain information from other system components, such that the system data communicated between the humidifier 20 and the central monitoring system 102 may include information from system components in addition to or other than the humidifier 20. For example, the other system components (e.g., the respiratory apparatus 14 or the breathing circuit 40) may provide information to the humidifier 20. The humidifier 20 may transmit the system data to the central monitoring system 102 via the communication connection 106.

[0070] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a process flow or control routine 110 that may be utilized by the system 100 of FIG. 6 to provide humidifier data or other system data to the central monitoring system 102 via the ventilator 14. In block 112, communication is established between the ventilator 14 and the humidifier 20 as described above. In block 114, the humidifier 20 transmits data, such as humidifier data, breathing circuit data, or other system data (collectively, "humidifier data") to the ventilator 14. In block 116, the ventilator 14 transmits the data to the central monitoring system 102 via the communication connection 104. The ventilator 14 may transmit the humidifier data to the central monitoring system 102 separately from the ventilator data, or the ventilator 14 may aggregate the ventilator data and the humidifier data and send the aggregated data as a single data set. The ventilator 14 may transmit the data to the central monitoring system 102 via any suitable communication protocol.

[0071] 8 illustrates another system 150 that is preferably similar to systems 10 and 100 described above. Accordingly, the same reference numbers are used to refer to the same or similar parts. System 150 includes a flow generator, such as a ventilator 14 having a user interface 16. The ventilator 14 supplies a flow of respiratory gas to the humidifier 20 via a supply tube 22. A respiratory gas source, not shown, can supply respiratory gas to the ventilator 14. The humidifier 20 provides a flow of humidified respiratory gas to the patient interface 12 via a supply tube 24. Although not shown, the humidifier 20 can be connected to a water or other fluid source for supplemental purposes. The patient interface 12 delivers exhaled gas to an expiratory tube 32. An optional expiratory pressure device 30 can be connected to the patient interface 12 by an expiratory tube 32. As mentioned above, if specified, the expiratory pressure device 30 can be located remotely from the ventilator 14, or can be located on the ventilator 14, or can be integrated with the ventilator 14, in which case the expiratory tube 32 can extend to the ventilator 14 as indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 8. A breathing circuit 40 can include the supply tubes 22, 24 along with the expiratory tube 32. Preferably, the ventilator 14 and the humidifier 20 are electronically coupled for communication with each other by a communication connection 50. Similarly, the humidifier 20 and the breathing circuit 40 are preferably electronically coupled for communication with each other by a communication connection 52.

[0072] The illustrated system 150 incorporates peripheral components or devices, such as a temperature control device 152 configured to regulate the ambient temperature of an area near or around the patient. The environment controlled by the temperature control device can completely or partially surround the patient. In the illustrated configuration, the temperature control device is an incubator 152, such as an incubator, that can regulate the temperature of the space within the incubator 152. The incubator 152 typically provides an environment at an elevated temperature compared to the ambient temperature of the area surrounding the incubator 152. However, other types of temperature control devices that provide an elevated or reduced local temperature environment can also be used. Thus, the temperature control device can also be a cooling device. The term "incubator" is used herein for convenience in describing one particular example of the system 150. However, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context that the present disclosure is specific to incubators, the term is also intended to apply to other types of temperature control devices. Preferably, the system 150 includes a communication connection 154 between the incubator 152 and the humidifier 20, which may be any suitable connection using any suitable communication protocol to enable electronic communication between the incubator 152 and the humidifier 20. The connection 154 may be wired or wireless.

[0073] In the illustrated configuration, the humidifier 20 is external to the incubator 152 and the patient interface 12 is within the incubator 152. The supply conduit 24 extends from the humidifier 20, which is external to the incubator 152, to the patient interface 12 within the incubator 152. The supply conduit 24 may be a single tube or may have a tube portion outside and a tube portion inside the incubator 152. The illustrated supply conduit 24 includes at least one sensor (generally 156) that is connected to the humidifier 20 by a suitable connection 160. The sensor 156 senses one or more parameters (e.g., temperature and / or flow rate) of the humidified respiratory gas in the supply conduit 24 and communicates that information to the humidifier 20. The humidifier 20 uses the information from the sensor 156 to control the temperature or humidity of the respiratory gas. The sensor 156 may be located outside the incubator 152 (sensor 156a) or inside the incubator 152 (sensor 156b). In some configurations, both sensors 156a and 156b may be provided.

[0074] The illustrated configuration also includes a heating element 162 capable of delivering thermal energy to the flow of respiratory gas in the supply conduit 24. The heating element 162 is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8 as surrounding the supply conduit 24, but may be contained within a wall of the supply conduit 24 or may be otherwise integrated with the supply conduit 24. The heating element 162 is powered by the humidifier 20. The humidifier 20 may operate the heating element 162 to compensate for heat losses, for example to control the temperature of the flow of respiratory gas in the supply conduit 24.

[0075] Advantageously, the illustrated system 150 allows the incubator 152 to communicate information regarding the operating conditions of the incubator 152 to the humidifier 20. The humidifier 20 can utilize the incubator information to better control the parameters of the respiratory gas delivered to the patient interface 12. For example, the humidifier 20 often has incomplete information regarding the environmental conditions along the entire supply conduit 24 because the information provided by the sensor 156 is dependent on the sensor location. In a system that includes an incubator, the location of the sensor (whether inside or outside the incubator environment) provides an incomplete depiction of the environment along the entire supply conduit between the humidifier and the patient interface. Multiple sensors, such as a sensor outside the incubator and a sensor within the incubator, can be employed, but this solution unfortunately increases the cost and complexity of the system. If the sensor is located outside the incubator, the temperature control is based on the environmental conditions outside the incubator, but depending on whether the temperature within the incubator is above or below the target temperature of the respiratory gas stream, this may result in overheating of the respiratory gas stream and a loss of humidity from a desired or target level or condensation. If the sensor is placed inside an incubator, the temperature control is based on the environmental conditions inside the incubator, which are typically warmer than the conditions outside the incubator, and as a result, the humidifier may not provide enough heat to the respiratory gases, which can result in condensation.

[0076] With the illustrated configuration, the sensor 156 may be located outside the incubator 152, which can provide incubator data to the humidifier 20 to provide a more complete depiction of conditions along the relevant portions of the supply conduit 24 (e.g., outside the incubator 152 and inside the incubator 152). The incubator data may include any relevant information (such as current temperature and temperature set point) that assists the humidifier 20 in precisely controlling the delivery of humidified respiratory gas. In one configuration, the sensor 156a is provided outside the incubator 152 (such as at the end of the portion of the supply conduit 24 immediately before the incubator 152). By using the current temperature and / or temperature set point, the humidifier 20 can control the temperature and humidity of the delivered respiratory gas taking into account the conditions outside the incubator 152 (via sensor 156a) and the conditions inside the incubator 152 (via incubator data) to compensate for changing conditions experienced by the flow of respiratory gas from outside to inside the incubator 152. Thus, assuming that the incubator extension tube is not heated and that the incubator temperature is lower than the temperature of the respiratory gas, the end of the breathing tube 24 temperature set point (at sensor 156a, or at the end of the tube section just before the incubator 152) can be dynamically adjusted to compensate for the temperature drop in the portion of the supply tube 24 inside the incubator 152 (i.e., the incubator extension tube). The end of the breathing tube 24 set point may depend on the incubator temperature and gas flow rate, among other factors.

[0077] In one configuration, a second heating element 164 may be provided to apply thermal energy to the flow of respiratory gas in the portion of the supply tube 24 within the incubator 152, i.e., the incubator extension. Advantageously, the second heating element 164 is controllable by the humidifier 20 separately from the first heating element 162. Thus, the humidifier 20 may heat the gas in the incubator extension by a different amount (different applied thermal energy) compared to the gas in the portion of the supply tube 24 outside the incubator 152. Advantageously, such a configuration may utilize data from the sensor 156a to provide feedback control of the heating element 162 and feedforward control of the heating element 164. The feedforward control of the heating element 164 may be based on the incubator 152 current temperature or a temperature set point. Thus, an extra sensor 156b is not required, but may be provided if desired. For example, it may be desirable for sensor 156b to act as a safety backup for sensor 156a, or to verify temperature information from incubator 152, or to act as a safety backup for a sensor in incubator 152. Such a configuration allows precise control of the temperature and / or humidity of the respiratory gas flow in both the portion of supply tube 24 outside incubator 152 and the extension portion of supply tube 24 within the incubator in a cost-effective manner. The humidifier 20 may be used to operate the incubator 152 either automatically or manually. For example, a user interface of the humidifier 20 may be utilized to allow a user of system 150 to operate incubator 152 over communication connection 154. In other configurations, the humidifier 20 may be able to automatically send control signals to operate incubator 152 (e.g., set operating parameters or modes).

[0078] 9 illustrates an example of the flow of incubator data 166 from the incubator 152 to the humidifier 20 over the communication connection 154. As indicated in block 166, the incubator data may include any relevant information regarding the operating parameters or conditions of the incubator 152 (including the incubator current temperature and the incubator temperature set point) that may assist the humidifier 20 in precisely controlling the temperature and humidity of the flowing respiratory gas. The incubator data 166 may also be transmitted to the ventilator 14 and a central monitoring system (not shown) or other remote or external memory or monitoring device (e.g., the central monitoring system 102 of FIG. 6).

[0079] 10 illustrates an example process flow or control routine 170 for operating the humidifier 20 based on incubator data 166 transmitted from the incubator 152 to the humidifier 20. In block 172, communication is established between the humidifier 20 and the incubator 152 by any suitable method or protocol, including those described above with respect to the other disclosed communication connections. In block 174, the incubator transmits the incubator data 166 to the humidifier 20. In block 176, the humidifier 20 uses the data 166 to set or confirm an operating parameter or mode. The humidifier 20 can use the humidifier data along with other information (e.g., gas flow rate) to set an operating parameter (e.g., temperature within the humidifier 20 and power level of the heating element 162 or 164). The actions of blocks 174 and 176 can be repeated as frequently as desired to establish a control loop.

[0080] 11 illustrates another system 180 that is preferably similar to systems 10, 100 and 150 described above. Accordingly, the same reference numbers are used to refer to the same or similar parts. System 180 includes a flow generator, such as a ventilator 14 having a user interface 16. Ventilator 14 provides a flow of respiratory gas via supply conduit 22 to a humidifier 20. A respiratory gas source, not shown, may provide respiratory gas to ventilator 14. Humidifier 20 provides a flow of humidified respiratory gas via supply conduit 24 to patient interface 12. Although not shown, the humidifier 20 may be connected to a water or other fluid source for replenishment purposes. The patient interface 12 delivers exhaled gases to an expiratory tube 32. The optional expiratory pressure device 30 may be connected to the patient interface 12 by an expiratory tube 32. As noted above, if specified, the expiratory pressure device 30 may be located remotely from the ventilator 14, or may be located on the ventilator 14, or may be integrated with the ventilator 14, in which case the expiratory tube 32 may extend to the ventilator 14 (not shown in FIG. 11 ). The breathing circuit 40 may include the supply tubes 22, 24 along with the expiratory tube 32. Preferably, the ventilator 14 and the humidifier 20 are electronically connected to each other by a communication connection 50 for communication. Similarly, the humidifier 20 and the breathing circuit 40 are preferably electronically connected to each other by a communication connection 52 for communication.

[0081] The system 180 also includes one or more additional system components (which may be referred to as peripheral components or devices) configured for electronic communication with the humidifier 20. In the illustrated system 180, a drug delivery device, such as a nebulizer 182, is incorporated into the system 180 to deliver a substance in the form of a vaporized mist to the breathing circuit 40. The nebulizer 182 may communicate directly with the supply tube 24 of the breathing circuit 40. The nebulizer 182 communicates with the humidifier 20 via a suitable communication connection 184, which may be wired or wireless, using any suitable communication protocol. The illustrated humidifier 20 includes a user interface 186, which preferably includes a display. The system 180 is configured to enable the nebulizer 182 to transmit information regarding the operation of the nebulizer (nebulizer data) to the humidifier 20. The humidifier 20 may receive the nebulizer data and display the same on the user interface 186. Such a configuration may allow the nebulizer 182 to omit a user display, reducing the cost of the nebulizer 182 and avoiding duplication of features within the system 180. In some configurations, the system 180 is configured to allow the humidifier 20 to send information, such as control signals, to the nebulizer 182. Thus, the nebulizer 182 may also omit a user interface, further reducing the cost of the nebulizer 182. User interface functionality may be accomplished by a user interface 186 of the humidifier 20. Similar to the operation of the conventional systems 10, 100, 150, the humidifier 20 of the system 180 may utilize the nebulizer data to improve the operation of the humidifier 20 and the overall system 180. For example, the nebulizer data may include alarm conditions, such as nebulizer overheating, and the humidifier 20 (or other system components) may utilize such information if the alarm conditions or alarm functionality is provided by a particular nebulizer. In response to such information, the humidifier 20 can quickly react to shut off all heating elements to help reduce heat in the nebulizer 182.

[0082] The system 180 may also include another peripheral device or component 190, which may be a measurement device, such as a pulse oximeter. The pulse oximeter 190 may communicate with the humidifier 20 via a suitable communication connection 192, which may be wired or wireless, using any suitable communication protocol. As with the nebulizer 182, the pulse oximeter 190 may utilize the user interface 186 of the humidifier 20, which may allow for the display of pulse oximeter 190 information or data and, if desired, for the setting of parameters of the pulse oximeter 190 without the need for the pulse oximeter 190 to have its own user interface. The pulse oximeter 190 data may include oxygen saturation (SpO2), among other relevant data. Such a configuration may reduce the cost of the pulse oximeter 190 while maintaining or improving functionality. The humidifier 20 may also transmit data regarding any peripheral devices, such as the nebulizer 182, the pulse oximeter 190, etc., to the ventilator 14. The ventilator 14 may use the data to control operating parameters of the ventilator 14 or may publish the data to another component or system, such as a central monitoring system or a patient records system. In another configuration, the peripherals 182, 190 (or any other peripherals) may be configured for communication with the ventilator 14 or with other system components, including a user interface, instead of or in addition to the humidifier 20.

[0083] 12 shows another system 200 that is similar to system 180 but omits the ventilator 14. In system 200, the humidifier 20 may simply supply humidified ambient or room air to the patient interface 12. The humidifier 20 may have an internal flow source to generate the flow of air or other gas. Alternatively, the flow of respiratory gas may be provided by, for example, a non-electronic respiratory gas source (such as a mechanical flow regulator or gas mixer, a gas cylinder, or a gas wall source). In other respects, system 200 is preferably similar to system 180 and allows communication between the humidifier 20 and peripheral device 202 via a suitable communications connection 204 using any suitable communications protocol.

[0084] Fig. 13 shows an example of a process flow or control routine 210 for displaying data or for enabling control of peripheral devices 182, 190, 202 or for enabling the humidifier 20 to operate based on the data in the system 180 of Fig. 11 or the system 200 of Fig. 12. In block 212, communication is established between the humidifier 20 and the peripheral devices 182, 190, 202 by using any suitable method or protocol, such as those described above. In block 214, the peripheral devices 182, 190, 202 send data to the humidifier 20, which may include any relevant information regarding the operation of the peripheral devices 182, 190, 202. In block 216, if appropriate, the humidifier 20 displays some or all of the peripheral device data on the user interface 186 of the humidifier 20. In block 218, if appropriate, the humidifier 20 can set or confirm operating parameters or modes based on the peripheral device data. For example, if the peripheral device is a nebulizer 182, the nebulizer data may include an alarm condition (e.g., overheating of the nebulizer), in response to which the humidifier 20 may take appropriate action (e.g., shut off the heating element). Additionally, the user interface 186 of the humidifier 20 may be utilized to set parameters of the peripheral devices 182, 190, 202.

[0085] In some of the systems disclosed herein, the flow generator has been described as a ventilator for example only. However, the system may include any type of ventilator or any other type of flow generator capable of delivering a flow of respiratory gas. For example, the flow generator may be a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, a variable or bi-level positive airway pressure (VPAP or BPAP) machine, an infant ventilator, or a machine capable of operating in one or more of such modes. The flow generator may also be, for example, an electronic gas mixer, bottled gas, or gas from a wall gas source. Thus, the use of the term "ventilator" herein is by way of example and not by way of limitation.

[0086] Although the present invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and / or uses of the present invention, obvious modifications and equivalents of the present invention. In particular, while the present system has been described in the context of a particularly preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize in light of this disclosure that certain advantages, features, and aspects of the present system, many of which have been described above, can be realized in a wide variety of other applications. In addition, it is contemplated that the various aspects and features of the present invention described may be implemented separately, combined, or substituted for one another, and that various combinations and subcombinations of these features and aspects may be made and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention disclosed herein should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments above, but should be determined solely by a fair reading of the claims.

[0087] Throughout this specification and the claims, the terms "comprises", "including", and the like are to be construed in their inclusive sense (i.e., in the sense of "including but not limited to" unless the context clearly requires otherwise).

[0088] Although the present invention has been described by way of example with reference to possible embodiments, it should be understood that modifications or improvements can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Furthermore, when reference is made to specific parts or integers of the present invention that have known equivalents, such equivalents are incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0089] Any discussion of background technology throughout this specification should in no way be taken as an admission that such technology is well known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Claims

1. A humidifier configured to receive a flow of gas from a flow generator and to output a humidified flow of gas; a central monitoring system configured to communicate with the flow generator; a first communication connection between the central monitoring system and the flow generator, the first communication connection configured to enable electronic communication between the central monitoring system and the flow generator; a second communication connection between the humidifier and the flow generator, the second communication connection configured to enable electronic communication between the humidifier and the flow generator; and Respiratory humidification system including:

2. A respiratory humidification system as described in claim 1, wherein the flow generator is connected to the central monitoring system via a connection port of the central monitoring system.

3. A respiratory humidification system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the humidifier is indirectly connected to the central monitoring system via the flow generator.

4. A respiratory humidification system as described in claim 3, configured such that data from the humidifier is transferred to the central monitoring system via the flow generator.

5. A respiratory humidification system as described in claim 4, wherein the humidifier data is an operating parameter or an alarm condition.

6. A respiratory humidification system as described in claim 5, wherein the humidifier data is compliance, leak rate, dead space information, temperature and error status information.

7. A respiratory humidification system as described in claim 4, wherein the humidifier data is the period of use.

8. A respiratory humidification system as described in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the humidifier data is separate from the flow generator data.

9. A respiratory humidification system as described in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein data from the humidifier is aggregated with data from the flow generator to form a single data set that is forwarded to the central monitoring system.

10. A respiratory humidification system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the central monitoring system is located away from the respiratory humidification system.

11. A respiratory humidification system as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first communication connection includes a wired connection.

12. A respiratory humidification system as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first communication connection includes a wireless connection.

13. A respiratory humidification system as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second communication connection includes a wired connection.

14. A respiratory humidification system as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second communication connection includes a wireless connection.

15. A respiratory humidification system as described in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first communication connection and the second communication connection enable control signals to be transmitted between various components of the respiratory humidification system to enable one component to control another component.

16. A respiratory humidification system as described in claim 8 or 9, wherein the flow generator data includes at least one of flow rate, ventilation waveform, error state, or pressure.

17. A respiratory humidification system as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the flow generator is configured to transmit operating parameters or modes of the humidifier to the central monitoring system.

18. The respiratory humidification system of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the flow generator comprises one of a ventilator, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, a variable positive airway pressure (VPAP or bi-level positive airway pressure (BPAP)) machine, an infant ventilator, an electronic gas mixer, a cylinder gas, and a wall gas source.

19. A respiratory humidification system as described in any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a third communication connection between the humidifier and the respiratory circuit, the third communication connection configured to enable electronic communication between the respiratory circuit and the humidifier, and the humidifier receiving respiratory circuit data from the respiratory circuit via the third communication connection.

20. A respiratory humidification system as described in claim 19, wherein the humidifier receives data of the respiratory circuit via the third communication connection, the respiratory circuit data including at least one of gas temperature, flow rate, identification information of the respiratory circuit, compliance, leak rate, or dead space.

21. A respiratory humidification system as described in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein electronic communication between the humidifier and the flow generator is initiated by the flow generator.

22. A respiratory humidification system as described in any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the humidifier data includes breathing circuit data and / or other system data.

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