Anti-Suffocation Design for Mechanical Ventilation Devices

Abstract

A ventilator system having an ambient air intake port, an intake path having a two-way emergency valve and a dynamic blower, and an exhaust path having a two-way exhalation valve and an exhalation port, wherein when an obstruction occurs in the intake path, ambient air can be drawn in from the exhalation port through the two-way exhalation valve, and during exhalation, exhalation exits the ventilator system through the two-way exhalation valve and the exhalation port, and when an obstruction occurs in the exhalation path, inhalation is delivered by the dynamic blower, and during exhalation, the dynamic blower slows down or stops, and exhalation exits the ventilator system through the two-way emergency valve, the dynamic blower, and the ambient air intake port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 047,435, filed Jul. 2, 2020, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to methods and systems for preventing asphyxiation caused by occlusion during mechanical ventilation of a patient.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Although the design of ventilators is becoming increasingly complex and efficient, ventilators are plagued by several significant limitations that can threaten the health of the subject being ventilated. For example, a very simple event in the air flow path of a ventilator, namely occlusion (also referred to as obstruction or closure), restricts or blocks the air flow to the subject being ventilated. Even if the ventilator detects this occlusion and issues an alarm, the patient may not receive the necessary treatment within the time to be injured or killed by asphyxiation. When the alarm is issued, the clinician must receive the alarm, arrive at the ventilator, identify the occlusion, and resolve the occlusion so that the subject is properly ventilated again. If too much time elapses, lack of oxygen can result in serious health consequences for the subject.

[0004] In a ventilation device, occlusion can occur in several different ways. For example, if occlusion occurs in the tube system section that conveys gas to the subject, the subject can exhale the gas in the lungs through the expiratory limb (expiratory rim), the check valve, and the expiratory port of the ventilation device. However, when the subject attempts to inhale, due to the occlusion of the gas delivery path, little or no gas is delivered to the patient. This is further exacerbated by the check valve that obstructs the gas flow from the ambient environment towards the subject's lungs. Since the check valve in the expiratory system obstructs the gas flow from the ambient environment towards the subject, the subject cannot inhale air from the ambient environment.

[0005] Alternatively, occlusion occurs in the tube system between the subject's port and the exhaust port of the exhaled gas. This obstruction is identified within the tube circuit section, but can also occur due to a failure of the expiratory valve such that the expiratory valve remains closed and immobile. In this case, since the check valve placed at the gas delivery port blocks all gas flow into the ventilation device, the gas in the subject's lungs cannot leave the system. Only the gas flow towards the subject is permitted to flow, and since the check valve at the expiratory port closes the path of the gas to the atmosphere, this check valve prevents the gas from leaving the tube system, so the lungs remain inflated. This leaves the subject inflated and there is no possibility of gas exchange. In any of these cases, if the subject remains untreated, they will suffocate and die. If the clinician does not resolve this situation quickly enough, the subject will suffer from oxygen deprivation injury.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] Therefore, even if occlusion occurs in either the gas delivery path or the gas return path, there is a need for a ventilation device that enables the patient to breathe, thereby preventing oxygen deprivation disorder or asphyxiation.

[0007] The present disclosure is directed to inventive methods and systems for enabling airflow to and from a patient being ventilated in the event of an occlusion in a gas delivery pathway or a gas return pathway. Various embodiments and implementations herein have an intake pathway with an ambient air intake, a two-way emergency valve such as a safety valve or an intake retention valve, and a dynamic blower, and an exhalation pathway with a two-way exhalation valve and an exhalation port. The exhalation pathway is configured such that, when an occlusion occurs in the intake pathway, during inhalation, ambient air can be drawn by the patient through the exhalation port and through the two-way exhalation valve, and during exhalation, exhalation exits the ventilator through the two-way exhalation valve and the exhalation port. The intake pathway is configured such that, when an occlusion occurs in the exhalation pathway, during inhalation, intake is delivered to the patient by the dynamic blower, and during exhalation, the dynamic blower reduces speed or stops and exhalation exits the ventilator through the two-way emergency valve, the dynamic blower, and the ambient air intake.

[0008] Generally, in one aspect, a ventilator system is provided that is configured to enable breathing in the event of an occlusion. The ventilator system includes (i) an intake pathway having an ambient air intake, a two-way emergency valve, and a dynamic blower, and (ii) an exhalation pathway having a two-way exhalation valve and an exhalation port wherein the exhalation pathway is configured such that, when an occlusion occurs in the intake pathway, during inhalation, ambient air can be drawn by the patient through the exhalation port and through the two-way exhalation valve, and during exhalation, exhalation exits the ventilator through the two-way exhalation valve and the exhalation port, and the intake pathway is configured such that, when an occlusion occurs in the exhalation pathway, during inhalation, intake is delivered to the patient by the dynamic blower, and during exhalation, the dynamic blower reduces speed or stops and exhalation exits the ventilator through the two-way emergency valve, the dynamic blower, and the ambient air intake.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the intake pathway further includes a two-way ambient airflow sensor.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the intake path has an ambient air gas engine and a high-pressure gas engine. According to one embodiment, the high-pressure gas engine is a high-pressure oxygen supply source controlled by a proportional valve. According to one embodiment, the intake path further has a high-pressure air gas engine. According to one embodiment, the high-pressure air gas engine is a high-pressure ambient air or oxygen supply source controlled by a proportional valve.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the intake path is configured such that when an occlusion occurs in the exhalation path, mechanical ventilation of the patient's lungs is possible.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the dynamic blower is a centrifugal blower that is dynamically controlled.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the exhalation path further has a bidirectional flow sensor.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the intake path has at least one proportional valve.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the intake path has a blower bypass valve. When there is an occlusion in the exhalation path, this blower bypass valve is configured to bypass the blower during exhalation, and this blower is a constant-speed blower.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the exhalation path has a dynamic blower configured to supply ambient air at a pressure drawn from the exhalation port when an occlusion occurs in the intake path.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the emergency valve is a bidirectional safety valve.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the emergency valve is an intake holding valve.

[0019] According to one aspect, a ventilation device system is provided that is configured to enable breathing when an occlusion occurs. This system (i) a bidirectional emergency valve in the intake path of the ventilation device system, and (ii) One or more controllers configured to detect an obstruction in the intake path and / or the exhalation path of a ventilation system, operate a blower in the intake path, and operate an emergency valve Including, when detecting an obstruction in the intake path, the one or more controllers are configured to open a bi-directional exhalation valve to enable the patient to inhale air from the exhalation port of the exhalation path, and when detecting an obstruction in the exhalation path, the one or more controllers are configured to, during inhalation, instruct the blower to deliver the intake air to the patient, and during exhalation, stop the delivery of the intake air to the patient and further instruct the bi-directional emergency valve to open so that the exhalation exits the ventilation device through the bi-directional emergency valve and the blower.

[0020] According to one embodiment, during exhalation, the exhalation exits the ventilation device through the bi-directional exhalation valve and the exhalation port of the exhalation path.

[0021] It should be understood that all combinations of the concepts described above and additional concepts discussed in more detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are considered to be part of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of the claimed subject matter at the end of this disclosure are considered to be part of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein.

[0022] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent from and be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described below. **Brief Description of the Drawings**

[0023] In the drawings, like reference numerals generally refer to the same parts throughout different views, and the drawings are not necessarily to scale, generally emphasizing the illustration of the principles of the invention.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

[0024] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of ventilation systems and methods. More generally, the applicant has recognized and understood that it would be beneficial to provide a ventilation system and method that enable a patient to breathe even if an occlusion occurs in either the gas delivery path or the gas return path. For example, a ventilation system has an intake path that includes an intake port for ambient air, a two-way emergency valve such as a safety valve or an intake retention valve, and a dynamic blower. The ventilation system also includes an exhalation path that includes a two-way exhalation valve and an exhalation port. When an occlusion occurs in the intake path, during inhalation, ambient air can be drawn in by the patient from the exhalation port through the two-way exhalation valve, and during exhalation, exhaled air exits the ventilation device through the two-way exhalation valve and the exhalation port. When an occlusion occurs in the exhalation path, during inhalation, the intake air is delivered to the patient by the dynamic blower, and during exhalation, the dynamic blower reduces its speed or stops, and the exhaled air exits the ventilation device through the two-way emergency valve, the dynamic blower, and the intake port for ambient air.

[0025] The ventilation systems and methods disclosed herein or contemplated in another way provide a number of advantages over the prior art. Providing a ventilation device that enables exhalation through the intake path when an occlusion occurs in the exhalation path, and enabling inhalation from the exhalation path when an occlusion occurs in the intake path, allows the patient to breathe even if an occlusion occurs, thereby improving the patient's outcome.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art two-limb ventilation system 100 in one embodiment. This system includes an intake path 110 through which intake air is provided to patient 120. The intake air is any gas, including, but not limited to, ambient air and a gas containing oxygen. According to one embodiment, the ventilation system 100 has a unidirectional ambient air blower 130 as an air supply source and may include oxygen from a pressurized oxygen supply source. The intake path 110 includes an intake check valve 140 configured to prevent exhaled air from further entering the intake path among many other possible elements such as, for example, an air flow sensor (not shown). Thereby, the intake check valve 140, for example, prevents exhaled air from being breathed again and also prevents secondary contamination of the gas supply source (ambient air and O2) and the gas delivery path. The intake check valve and the blower are shown at specific positions along the intake path, but it should be understood that their positions are highly adaptable and can be at many different positions along this intake path.

[0027] The prior art two-limb ventilation system 100 also has an exhalation path 150 that receives exhaled air from patient 120 and through which the exhaled air exits the exhalation path through an exhalation port 160. The exhalation path 150 also has an exhalation check valve 170 configured to prevent intake air from passing through the exhalation port among many other possible elements such as, for example, an air flow sensor (not shown). The exhalation check valve 170 is shown at a specific position along the exhalation path, but it should be understood that its position is highly adaptable and can be at many different positions along this exhalation path.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the system also includes a controller 120, which among other types of controllers is a conventional microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on chip (SOC), and / or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The controller can be implemented with or without a processor and may be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware for performing certain functions and a processor (one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) for performing other functions.

[0029] The controller 120 can be coupled to or otherwise communicate with any required memory, power supply, I / O devices, control circuits, sensors, valves, blowers, and / or other devices necessary for the operation of the ventilation device according to the embodiments described herein or contemplated in other ways. For example, in various implementations, a processor or controller may be associated with one or more storage media. In some implementations, the storage media may be encoded with one or more programs that perform at least some of the functions described herein when executed on one or more processors and / or controllers. The various storage media may be fixed within the processor or controller, or may be transportable such that one or more programs stored within the media are loaded into the processor or controller to implement the various aspects of the invention described herein. The term "program" or "computer program" as used herein has its ordinary meaning and refers to any kind of computer code (e.g., software or microcode) used to program one or more processors or controllers.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the controller 120 is configured or programmed to function as a controller for a blower to adjust and control the blower function of the ventilation device. For example, the blower controller can control the speed and intensity of the blower of the system, thereby controlling or directing the flow through the circuit and the speed and thus pressure at the outlet of the circuit, or the flow from the outlet port. According to another embodiment, the blower controller is preferably a separate component that communicates with the controller 120 even if the multiple functions of the system are adjusted in other ways. Even if this embodiment uses a flow controller for the blower to energize the circuit, any type of flow source can be utilized that provides means for actual flow and pressure measurement, for example, a proportionally controlled compressed gas valve.

[0031] According to this prior art embodiment, if an occlusion occurs in the intake gas path 110, such as a limb of the tube system, the patient can exhale the gas in the lungs through the exhalation port 160, but since the exhalation check valve 170 intentionally prevents fresh gas from entering the tube, the patient cannot obtain air from the atmosphere.

[0032] Similarly, if an occlusion occurs in the exhalation limb 150, the exhalation port 160 is not available and the intake check valve 140 intentionally prevents gas from exiting through the intake gas path 110, so the patient cannot relieve the pressure in the lungs.

[0033] In either case, the pressure within the tube system rises to the relief level required for a pressure relief valve (not shown) to begin limiting that pressure. An occlusion alarm is issued and the clinical staff must solve the problem. If the patient does not receive immediate treatment, the patient may be injured or asphyxiated.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a new ventilation device system 200 in one embodiment. This system has three components, namely (1) a high-pressure oxygen component 202 having an intake port for high-pressure oxygen and one or more other components such as a proportional valve and a flow sensor, (2) a high-pressure air component 204 having an intake port for high-pressure air and one or more other components such as a proportional valve and a flow sensor, and (3) an ambient air component 206 having an intake port 208 for ambient air, a dynamically controlled centrifugal blower 210, a bidirectional flow sensor 212, a bidirectional emergency valve 214 such as a safety valve, and optionally other components. It includes an intake path having [specific details not provided]. In particular, in this specific embodiment, the intake path of the ventilation system 200 has three gas delivery engines, although the system may have fewer or additional gas delivery engines. The intake path further has a mixer 216 configured to receive gas inputs from each of the three components of this intake path, mix these gas inputs, and supply the mixed gas to the patient 218.

[0035] The ventilation system 200 further has an exhalation path 220 that enables exhaled air to be expelled from the patient 218 to the exhalation port 224. The exhalation path 220 has one or more additional components, among other possible components, such as a flow sensor and a two-way exhalation valve 222.

[0036] In particular, the ventilation system 200 does not have the one-way intake check valve and the one-way exhalation check valve found in prior art ventilation systems. As will be described in detail below, this is an important aspect of the new ventilation system 200 that enables the system to prevent asphyxiation in the event of an obstruction in either the intake path or the exhalation path.

[0037] During normal inhalation, one or both of the proportional valves in the high-pressure path open, allowing high-pressure gas to enter the system, and the blower 210 forces ambient air into the system. The mixer 216 receives these gases, generates an appropriate mixture, and then this mixture is supplied to the patient 218 at the pressure for inhalation. During normal exhalation, one or both of the proportional valves in the high-pressure path close, and the blower 210 reduces speed or stops, not supplying gas to the patient. Exhaled air can exit through the exhalation path, through the exhalation valve 222 and the exhalation port 224.

[0038] Ventilation system 200 is configured to enable a patient 218 to breathe in the event of a closure or blockage occurring in either the intake path or the exhalation path. If a blockage occurs along the intake path, for example, at location 226 along the intake path or at any other location, gas is no longer supplied to the patient 218 from one or more high-pressure gas sources or ambient air sources. A blockage along the intake path is caused, for example, by a blockage of the tube circuit or the exhalation valve becoming immovable while closed. The intake air in the patient's lungs during a blockage can normally exit through the exhalation path, but in the design of the ventilation system 200, the patient cannot receive new gas. The ventilation system detects a blockage when a flow sensor in the intake path no longer detects flow, and the system issues an alarm, but in prior art systems, the problem cannot be solved in a time sufficient to prevent injury or asphyxiation. Accordingly, an exhalation path is configured with a two-way exhalation valve 222 that enables the patient 218 to inhale ambient air in the reverse direction along the exhalation path from the exhalation port 224 through the two-way exhalation valve 222 into the patient's lungs. Similarly, the patient can exhale normally through the exhalation path. Although no intake is provided to the patient under pressure, even a minimal spontaneous intake by the patient allows sufficient oxygen to enter the patient's lungs and prevents serious injury or asphyxiation.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the exhalation path has a dynamically controlled blower configured to supply ambient air to the patient from the exhalation port 224 in the event of a blockage in the intake path. When a blockage is detected in the intake path by the ventilation system, the blower is controlled to supply ambient air to the patient from the exhalation port 224 during the inhalation phase and to reduce or stop the speed of the blower during the exhalation phase. According to a further embodiment in which there is a blower in the exhalation path, this exhalation path can further have an on-off valve to close the path of the blower during normal operation and to avoid gas leakage through the blower when the blower is not in use. Many other variations are possible.

[0040] For example, if an occlusion occurs at a position along the expiratory path, such as position 228 or any other position along the expiratory path, gas is still supplied to the patient 218 from one or more high-pressure gas sources and an ambient air source, but the patient cannot exhale through the expiratory path. Thus, in a normal ventilation system, during an occlusion, the exhaled air in the patient's lungs cannot exit the ventilation system, and new gas cannot be supplied to the patient. This ventilation system detects an occlusion when the flow sensor in the inspiratory path no longer detects flow and / or the flow sensor in the expiratory path no longer detects flow, and the system issues an alarm, but in prior art systems, the problem cannot be solved in a time sufficient to prevent injury or asphyxiation. Accordingly, the inspiratory path is configured using a blower 210, a bidirectional sensor 212, and a bidirectional safety valve 214. Thus, when an occlusion occurs in the expiratory path, the system detects the absence of flow and exhaled air in the patient's lungs when there is an occlusion in the expiratory path. The blower 210 reduces speed or stops, and allows exhaled air to exit from the ambient air component 206 of the inspiratory path through the bidirectional safety valve 214, the bidirectional flow sensor 212, the blower 210, and the ambient air intake 208 that functions as an exhaust port. At the end of exhalation, the blower 210 and the proportional valve are actuated to supply pressurized air to the patient through the inspiratory path as normal.

[0041] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the inspiratory path has a blower bypass valve 332 configured to bypass the blower in the event of an occlusion. In this embodiment, the blower may be dynamically controlled or controlled to provide a constant speed. If an occlusion occurs in the expiratory path, the blower bypass valve can function to provide an inspiratory and expiratory phase through the inspiratory path. For example, the blower bypass valve can open or close during inspiration, depending on the configuration, such that a constant speed blower can provide an inspiration to the patient. During exhalation through the inspiratory path due to an occlusion in the expiratory path, the blower bypass valve can open or close, depending on the configuration, to bypass the constant speed blower and allow exhalation through the inspiratory path.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a new ventilation system 300 according to an embodiment. This device has two components, namely (1) a high-pressure oxygen intake port, and a high-pressure oxygen component 302 having one or more other components such as, for example, an O2 valve and a flow sensor, and (2) an ambient air intake port 308, an emergency valve such as, for example, an intake holding valve, and an ambient air component 306 having optional other components including an intake path. In particular, in this specific embodiment, the intake path of the ventilation system 300 has two gas delivery engines, although the system may have fewer or additional gas delivery engines. The intake path of the ventilation system 300 further has a dynamically controlled centrifugal blower 310, and in this specific embodiment, the centrifugal blower 310 is downstream of a mixer for the high-pressure oxygen component 302 and the ambient air component 306. The intake path leads to a gas output port 330 that reaches a patient (not shown).

[0043] The ventilation system 300 further has an exhalation path 320 that receives exhaled air from the patient via a gas return port 340 and flows it to an exhalation port 324. The exhalation path 320 has one or more additional components such as, for example, a flow sensor and a two-way exhalation valve 322 among other possible components.

[0044] In particular, the ventilation system 300 does not have a one-way intake check valve and a one-way exhalation check valve found in prior art ventilation systems. As will be described in detail below, this is an important aspect of the new ventilation system 300 that enables the system to prevent asphyxiation in the event of an obstruction in either the intake path or the exhalation path.

[0045] During normal inhalation, the O2 valve in the high-pressure path opens, enabling high-pressure gas to enter the system. The intake retention valve 314 allows air to flow from the ambient air intake port 308 into the system. These gases are mixed either by a mixer or by either the O2 valve and through the control of the air and O2 sensors. The blower 310 forces the mixed gas into the patient through the gas output port 330. During normal exhalation, the O2 valve in the high-pressure path closes, the intake retention valve 314 prevents air from flowing from the ambient air intake port 308 into the system, the blower 310 reduces speed or stops and does not supply gas to the patient. Exhaled air can pass through the exhalation path, through the exhalation valve 322 and the exhalation port 324 from the patient to the gas return port 340.

[0046] The ventilation system 300 is configured to enable a patient to breathe in the event of a closure or obstruction occurring in either the intake path or the exhalation path. For example, when an obstruction occurs along the intake path, such as at position 326 along the intake path or any other position, gas is no longer supplied to the patient from the high-pressure gas supply source or the ambient air supply source. An obstruction along the intake path is caused, for example, by an obstruction in the tube circuit. The intake air in the patient's lungs during an obstruction exits through the exhalation path as normal, but in the design of the ventilation system 300, the patient cannot receive new gas. The ventilation system uses the fact that a flow sensor in the intake path no longer detects flow or detects insufficient flow to detect the obstruction and the system issues an alarm, but in prior art systems, the problem cannot be solved in a time sufficient to prevent injury or asphyxiation. Accordingly, an exhalation path is configured with a two-way exhalation valve 322 that enables the patient to inhale ambient air in the reverse direction along the exhalation path from the exhalation port 324 through the two-way exhalation valve 322 into the patient's lungs. Similarly, the patient can exhale normally through the exhalation path. Although intake air is not provided to the patient under pressure, even a minimal spontaneous intake by the patient allows sufficient oxygen to enter the patient's lungs, delaying severe injury or asphyxiation and enabling the caregiver to solve the problem. Further, as described above, according to one embodiment, the exhalation path has a dynamically controlled blower configured to supply ambient air to the patient from the exhalation port 224 in the event of an obstruction in the exhalation path.

[0047] In particular, according to one embodiment, a closure in either the intake or exhalation path, e.g., an obstruction, may not be a complete closure. Instead, the closure may be partial but severe enough to interfere with proper breathing and can lead to asphyxiation or other injuries. Accordingly, alternative flow paths described herein or contemplated in another manner are implemented when a partial closure occurs. The ventilation system can be programmed, designed, or configured such that there is a threshold level of flow or pressure that will actuate an alternative flow path described herein or contemplated in another manner to reach a predetermined, experimentally derived, or programmed flow rate or pressure level since there is no flow or pressure.

[0048] If an obstruction occurs along the exhalation path, e.g., at location 328 or any other location along this exhalation path, gas is still supplied to the patient from the high-pressure gas source and the ambient air source, but the patient cannot exhale through the exhalation path. Accordingly, in a normal ventilation system, the exhaled air in the patient's lungs during an obstruction cannot exit the ventilation system, and new gas cannot be supplied to the patient. The ventilation system detects the obstruction using information transmitted by one or more of the flow and pressure sensors that monitor the ventilation activity within the machine, and / or the fact that the flow sensor in the exhalation path no longer detects flow, and the system issues an alarm, but in prior art systems, the problem cannot be resolved in time to prevent injury or asphyxiation. Accordingly, the intake path is configured using the blower 310 and the two-way intake retention valve 314. Accordingly, when an obstruction occurs in the exhalation path, the system detects the lack of flow and exhaled air in the patient's lungs when there is an obstruction in the exhalation path. The blower 310 reduces speed or stops, and the exhaled air can exit the ambient air component 306 of the intake path through the blower 310 and the two-way intake retention valve 314 and out the intake port 308 of the ambient air that functions as an exhaust port. At the end of exhalation, the blower 310 and the intake valve can operate to supply pressurized air to the patient through the intake path as normal. Accordingly, the intake retention valve 314 can be controlled to permit or block the entry of gas.

[0049] In particular, both the ventilation device systems 200 and 300 are capable of mechanically ventilating the patient's lungs, at least when the expiratory gas path is blocked. When the expiratory gas path is blocked by providing an auxiliary valve controlled by the control center of the ventilation device, other mechanisms may be provided to enable mechanical ventilation.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method 400 for enabling a patient to breathe and thereby prevent oxygen deprivation injury or asphyxiation even if an occlusion occurs in either the gas delivery path or the gas return path in one embodiment. In step 410 of the method, an asphyxiation prevention ventilation device system is provided. This asphyxiation prevention ventilation device system is any of the embodiments described herein or contemplated by another method.

[0051] At some point during the operation of the ventilation device, an inadvertent occlusion occurs in either the intake path or the expiratory path. The asphyxiation prevention ventilation device system detects the occlusion and adapts to give the patient an opportunity to breathe despite the occlusion.

[0052] In step 420, there is an occlusion in the intake path of the asphyxiation prevention ventilation device system, and gas is no longer supplied to the patient 218 from one or more high-pressure gas supply sources or ambient air supply sources. The intake air in the patient's lungs at the time of occlusion can normally exit through the expiratory path, but if it is not part of the design of the asphyxiation prevention ventilation device system, the patient cannot receive new gas. In step 420, the asphyxiation prevention ventilation device system detects the occlusion by the flow sensor in the intake path no longer detecting flow or detecting insufficient flow.

[0053] In step 430, the system issues an alarm to alert the medical facility and / or the specialist of the presence of the occlusion.

[0054] In step 440, if there is an obstruction in the intake path, the anti-asphyxia ventilation device system enables both inhalation and exhalation through the exhalation path. For example, the exhalation path is configured using a two-way exhalation valve that allows the patient to inhale ambient air in the reverse direction along the exhalation path from the exhalation port through the two-way exhalation valve into the patient's lungs. Similarly, the patient can exhale normally through the exhalation path. Although inhalation is not provided to the patient under pressure, even minimal spontaneous inhalation by the patient allows sufficient oxygen to enter the patient's lungs, preventing severe damage or asphyxia.

[0055] In step 442, if there is an obstruction in the intake path, the anti-asphyxia ventilation device system enables both inhalation and exhalation through the intake path. For example, the intake path is configured using at least a blower and a two-way safety valve or an intake retention valve. Thus, when an obstruction occurs in the exhalation path, the system detects the lack of flow and exhalation in the patient's lungs when there is an obstruction in the exhalation path. The blower reduces speed or stops, and exhalation can exit from the ambient air component of the intake path through the blower and the two-way safety valve or the intake retention valve. At the end of exhalation, the blower and the proportional valve can operate to supply pressurized air to the patient through the intake path as normal.

[0056] In step 450, the obstruction is removed by the clinician. The anti-asphyxia ventilation device system detects normal air flow, and the system returns to normal ventilation operation.

[0057] Therefore, the ventilation device systems and methods disclosed herein or contemplated in another way provide numerous advantages over the prior art. Providing a ventilation device that enables exhalation through the intake path when an obstruction occurs in the exhalation path and inhalation from the exhalation path when an obstruction occurs in the intake path allows the patient to breathe even when an obstruction occurs, thereby improving the patient's outcome.

[0058] All definitions, as used in this specification, shall be understood to take precedence over dictionary definitions, definitions in incorporated references, and / or ordinary meanings of defined terms, when defined and used herein.

[0059] The articles "a" and "an" as used in the specification and claims should be understood to mean "at least one" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0060] The expression "and / or" as used in the specification and claims should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so conjoined, i.e., in some cases, elements that are connected and in other cases, elements that are disjunctively present. The plural elements recited using "and / or" should likewise be construed as "one or more" of the elements so conjoined. Optionally, other elements may be present in addition to the elements specifically recited, whether or not related to a particular element specifically identified, by the phrase "and / or".

[0061] As used in the specification and claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" is inclusive, i.e., includes at least one of a plurality of elements or list of elements, but also includes more than one, and optionally includes items not in the additional list. Other terms such as "only one of" or "exactly one of", or when used in the claims, "consisting of", where the context clearly dictates otherwise, refer to exactly one of a plurality of elements or recited elements. In general, the term "or" as used herein should simply be construed to indicate an exclusive alternative (i.e., "one or the other but not both") when preceded by exclusive terms such as "either", "one of", "only one of", or "exactly one of".

[0062] As used in the specification and claims, with respect to elements in one or more lists, the expression "at least one" should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list, but does not necessarily include at least one of each and every element specifically recited in the list, nor does it exclude any combination of elements in the list. This definition also allows for elements to optionally be present, whether or not they are related to the specifically recited elements, other than the elements specifically recited in the list to which the expression "at least one" refers.

[0063] Unless otherwise clearly specified, it should also be understood that in any method claimed in this specification that includes two or more steps or operations, the order of these method steps or operations is not necessarily limited to the order in which the method steps or operations are recited.

[0064] In the claims and the above specification, all transitional phrases such as, for example, "comprising", "including", "carrying", "having", "containing", "including", "holding", and "consisting of" are to be understood as being open-ended, i.e., they include but are not limited to those. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases as defined in section 2111.03 of the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

[0065] Although several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of various other means and / or structures for performing the above functions and / or obtaining one or more of the results and / or advantages described herein, and each such variation and / or modification is considered to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are intended to be illustrative, and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations depend on the particular application in which the teachings of the invention are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the above-described embodiments are presented by way of example only, and it should be understood that inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure, provided such features, systems, products, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

Claims

1. In a ventilation system configured to enable breathing when an occlusion occurs, the ventilation system includes: An intake path having an intake port for ambient air, a two-way emergency valve, and a dynamic blower; An exhalation path having a two-way exhalation valve and an exhalation port; And has When an occlusion occurs in the intake path, during inhalation, ambient air can be inhaled by the patient from the exhalation port through the two-way exhalation valve, and during exhalation, exhaled air is configured to exit the ventilation device through the two-way exhalation valve and the exhalation port. When an occlusion occurs in the exhalation path, during inhalation, intake air is delivered to the patient by the dynamic blower, and during exhalation, the dynamic blower reduces speed or stops, and exhaled air is configured to exit the ventilation device through the two-way emergency valve, the dynamic blower, and the intake port for ambient air. The exhalation path has a dynamic blower configured to supply ambient air at a pressure inhaled from the exhalation port when an occlusion occurs in the intake path. Ventilation system.

2. The intake path further includes a flow sensor, the ventilation system according to claim 1.

3. The intake path has an ambient air supply path and a high-pressure oxygen supply path, the ventilation system according to claim 1.

4. The intake path further includes a high-pressure air supply path, the ventilation system according to claim 3.

5. The intake path is configured to enable mechanical ventilation of the patient's lungs when an occlusion occurs in the exhalation path, the ventilation system according to claim 1.

6. The dynamic blower included in the intake path is a dynamically controlled centrifugal blower, the ventilation system according to claim 1.

7. The intake path has a blower bypass valve, and the blower bypass valve is configured to bypass the blower during exhalation when there is an occlusion in the exhalation path, and the blower is a constant-speed blower, the ventilation system according to claim 1.

8. The emergency valve is a two-way safety valve, the ventilation system according to claim 1.

9. The emergency valve is an intake retention valve, the ventilation system according to claim 1.

10. In a ventilation system configured to enable breathing when an occlusion occurs, the ventilation system includes: A two-way emergency valve in the intake path of the ventilation system, A two-way exhalation valve in the exhalation path of the ventilation system, and One or more controllers having, the one or more controllers being configured to detect an occlusion in the intake path and / or exhalation path of the ventilation system, operate a dynamic blower in the intake path, operate a dynamic blower in the exhalation path, operate the emergency valve, and operate the exhalation valve such that, when an occlusion is detected in the intake path, the one or more controllers are configured to open the two-way exhalation valve to enable a patient to inhale air from the exhalation port of the exhalation path, and when an occlusion is detected in the exhalation path, the one or more controllers are configured to, during inhalation, instruct the dynamic blower in the intake path to deliver inhalation to the patient, and during exhalation, lower the speed or stop the dynamic blower in the intake path and further instruct the two-way emergency valve to open such that exhalation exits the ventilation device through the two-way emergency valve and the dynamic blower in the intake path, when an occlusion is detected in the intake path, the one or more controllers are configured to supply ambient air to the dynamic blower in the exhalation path at a pressure inhaled from the exhalation port ventilation system.

11. The ventilation system according to claim 10, wherein the dynamic blower in the intake path is a dynamically controlled centrifugal blower.

12. The ventilation system according to claim 10, wherein the intake path is configured such that mechanical ventilation of a patient's lungs is possible when an occlusion occurs in the exhalation path.

13. The ventilation system according to claim 10, wherein when an occlusion is detected in the intake path, during exhalation, exhalation exits the ventilation system through the two-way exhalation valve and the exhalation port of the exhalation path.

14. The ventilation system according to claim 10, wherein the intake path has a surrounding air supply path and a high-pressure oxygen supply path. ​

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