Patient ventilation system having sensors and electrodes connected to an intubation tube

Abstract

To provide an improved ventilator system for a patient.SOLUTION: A ventilator system 11 comprises an oxygen-enriched humidified air (OHA) supply subsystem (OHAS) 24 comprising an air compressor and a humidifier 25. The air compressor 23 is configured to compress a preassigned gas mixture to a preassigned pressure. The ventilation system 11 comprises tubes connected between the OHAS 24 and a hospital supply 16. The air compressor 23 is configured to receive oxygen (O2) and air via outlets 21 of the hospital supply 16 so as to produce the OHA at a preassigned mixture (e.g., defined in volumetric percentage) and a preassigned pressure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a patient ventilation system, and more particularly to a method and system for improving patient ventilation using a sensor coupled to the intubation tube of the ventilation system. [Background technology]

[0002] Various techniques for estimating a patient's respiratory status and adjusting ventilation strategies have been published in the patent literature.

[0003] For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,587,726 describes an exemplary device and method for electrically stimulating the phrenic nerve. In one embodiment, electrodes are placed posteriorly and anteriorly in the cervical spine region. Current having a multiphasic waveform is periodically applied to the electrodes to stimulate the phrenic nerve, causing contraction of the diaphragm.

[0004] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0269701 describes a medical method for treating a human, comprising repeatedly compressing the human's chest. The method further comprises repeatedly delivering positive pressure breaths to the human while repeatedly compressing the human's chest, and using a vacuum after the positive pressure breath to draw breathing gas from the human's airway to a lower pressure within the thorax, creating an intrathoracic vacuum to improve blood flow to the heart. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Embodiments of the invention described herein provide a ventilator system for a patient, the ventilator system including an intubation tube, a first microgravity sensor and a second microgravity sensor, and a processor.

[0006] The intubation tube is configured to deliver oxygen-enriched humidified air (OHA) to the patient's lungs and evacuate exhaled air from the lungs, the intubation tube including (i) a distal end configured for insertion into the patient's trachea and (ii) a proximal end configured for connection to one or more tubes for receiving the OHA and evacuating the exhaled air. The first microgravity sensor is coupled to the intubation tube at a first position and configured to generate a first signal indicative of a first micro-acceleration of the intubation tube at the first position. The second microgravity sensor is coupled to the intubation tube at a second position different from the first position and configured to generate a second signal indicative of a second micro-acceleration of the intubation tube at the second position. The processor is configured to control the ventilation system to apply a ventilation regime in response to the first signal and the second signal.

[0007] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to estimate a respiratory state of the patient based on the first signal and the second signal and to control the ventilation system to apply a ventilation strategy responsive to the estimated respiratory state. In other embodiments, the processor is configured to calculate a differential signal for estimating the respiratory state of the patient based on the first signal and the second signal. In yet other embodiments, the ventilation system includes one or more additional sensors coupled to the intubation tube and configured to generate one or more additional signals indicative of the respiratory state of the patient.

[0008] In embodiments, the one or more additional sensors include at least one of a carbon dioxide sensor and a pressure sensor. In another embodiment, the ventilation system includes one or more electrodes coupled to the distal end of the intubation tube and configured to detect diaphragmatic actuation of the phrenic nerve, which activates the patient's diaphragm.

[0009] In some embodiments, the ventilation system includes one or more electrodes coupled to a distal end of the intubation tube and configured to apply a triggering signal to the patient's phrenic nerve, and the processor configured to apply the triggering signal to the phrenic nerve via the one or more electrodes based on at least the first signal and the second signal. In other embodiments, the first location includes the distal end of the intubation tube and the second location includes the proximal end of the intubation tube.

[0010]

[0010] A further embodiment of the present invention provides a method including inserting an intubation tube into a patient's trachea to flow oxygen-enriched humidified air (OHA) toward the patient's lungs and ventilate exhaled air from the lungs. The intubation tube includes (i) a distal end inserted into the trachea and (ii) a proximal end connected to one or more tubes for receiving the OHA and ventilating the exhaled air. A first signal indicating a first minute acceleration of the intubation tube at a first position is received from a first microgravity sensor coupled to the intubation tube at the first position. A second signal indicating a second minute acceleration of the intubation tube at a second position, different from the first position, is received from a second microgravity sensor coupled to the intubation tube at the second position. The ventilation system is controlled to apply a ventilation strategy in response to the first signal and the second signal.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method includes receiving one or more additional signals indicative of the patient's respiratory status from one or more additional sensors. In other embodiments, the one or more additional signals are indicative of at least one of: (a) a volume of carbon dioxide in exhaled air from the lungs; and (b) a pressure of at least one of (i) the exhaled air from the lungs and (ii) OHA flowing toward the lungs.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is further provided a method for generating a ventilator system for a patient, the method including receiving an intubation tube configured to flow oxygen-enriched humidified air (OHA) toward the patient's lungs and vent exhaled waste air from the lungs, the intubation tube including (i) a distal end configured to be inserted into the patient's trachea and (ii) a proximal end configured to connect to one or more tubes for receiving the OHA and venting the waste air. A first microgravity sensor is coupled to the intubation tube at a first position to generate a first signal indicative of a first minute acceleration of the intubation tube at the first position. A second microgravity sensor is coupled to the intubation tube at a second position different from the first position to generate a second signal indicative of a second minute acceleration of the intubation tube at the second position. A processor is coupled to the first and second microgravity sensors for controlling the ventilation system to apply a ventilation regime in response to the first and second signals.

[0013] The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic, pictorial view of a ventilation system having a subsystem for detecting a patient's respiratory status, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a flow chart that schematically illustrates a method for controlling ventilation based on signals received from a sensor coupled to an intubation tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a flow chart that schematically illustrates a method for generating a ventilation system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Overview Ventilation systems are used to mechanically assist or replace autonomous breathing when a patient is unable to breathe adequately on their own. Such systems can be operated in various ventilation modes depending on the patient's clinical situation, as described below. In practice, when a patient attempts to breathe, it is important not to resist such attempts. For example, if the ventilation system is supplying air and the patient coughs, the ventilator should be controlled to withhold the air supply and resume it after the patient stops coughing and / or requires ventilation. Therefore, it is important to identify or even predict when a patient is attempting to breathe on their own, or will soon attempt to breathe.

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention described herein below provide improved techniques for estimating a patient's respiratory status so as to adjust ventilation treatment in response to changes in the patient's clinical condition, particularly the patient's respiratory status.

[0017] In some embodiments, a ventilator system for ventilating a patient includes an intubation tube configured to direct oxygen-enriched humidified air (OHA) toward the patient's lungs and to exhaust exhaled air from the lungs, the OHA being generated by a ventilation system and various parameters of the OHA, such as flow, pressure, and gas mixture, being controlled by a processor in a control unit of the ventilator system.

[0018] In some embodiments, the intubation tube comprises (i) a distal end configured to be inserted into the patient's trachea, and (ii) a proximal end configured to receive an OHA and connect to one or more tubes for venting evacuated air.

[0019] In some embodiments, the ventilator system includes a first microgravity sensor coupled to a proximal end of the intubation tube, the first microgravity sensor configured to generate a first signal, also referred to herein as a first microgravity signal, indicative of a first minute acceleration of the intubation tube at the proximal end. The ventilator system further includes a second microgravity sensor coupled to a distal end of the intubation tube, the second microgravity sensor configured to generate a second signal, also referred to herein as a second microgravity signal, indicative of a second minute acceleration of the intubation tube at the distal end of the intubation tube.

[0020] The microgravity sensor is configured to detect small movements of the intubation tube, and therefore, the microgravity signal received by the processor may have an insufficient signal-to-noise ratio to detect or predict changes in the patient's respiratory state. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to calculate a differential signal for estimating the patient's respiratory state based on the first microgravity signal and the second microgravity signal. For example, the processor may calculate the differential signal by subtracting the first microgravity signal from the second microgravity signal.

[0021] In some embodiments, the ventilator system includes one or more additional sensors, such as, but not limited to, a carbon dioxide sensor and a pressure sensor, coupled to the distal end of the intubation tube. The carbon dioxide sensor is configured to detect the amount of carbon dioxide flowing out of the patient's lungs, and the pressure sensor is configured to detect the pressure of the OHA and exhaled air flowing between the lungs and the intubation system. The ventilator system further includes one or more electrodes coupled to the distal end of the intubation tube and configured to detect activation of the phrenic nerve, which activates the patient's diaphragm.

[0022] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to apply a triggering signal to the phrenic nerve via one or more electrodes to stimulate spontaneous breathing of the patient based on a signal received from a sensor coupled to the intubation tube.

[0023] The disclosed techniques improve the quality of ventilation for patients who are unable to breathe on their own based on differential signals derived from microgravity signals received from sensors positioned at different locations along an intubation tube. Such differential signals may indicate muscle contractions in the patient's chest and / or the patient's diaphragm, and these signals may indicate or even predict changes in the patient's state of consciousness. Such indications may be used by a ventilation system control unit to adapt the ventilation regime to the patient's respiratory status to improve treatment of such patients.

[0024] System Description FIG. 1 is a schematic, pictorial illustration of a ventilation system 11, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] In some embodiments, ventilation system 11 includes an oxygen-enriched humidified air (OHA) supply subsystem (OHAS) 24 that includes an air compressor 23 and a humidifier 25. Air compressor 23 is configured to compress a pre-assigned gas mixture to a pre-assigned pressure, described below.

[0026] In some embodiments, ventilation system 11 includes tubing 18 connected between OHAS 24 and hospital supply 16. In this example, air compressor 23 is configured to receive oxygen (O2) and air via outlet 21 of hospital supply 16 to generate said OHA at a pre-assigned mixture (e.g., defined by volume percentage) and pre-assigned pressure. In this embodiment, the generated OHA has a typical oxygen fraction of about 21% to 100%, and a pre-assigned pressure of approximately zero cmH2O (when patient 10 is breathing on their own) to 50 cmH2O.

[0027] In some embodiments, the humidifier 25 is configured to set a pre-assigned OHA humidity level, capture moisture from the environment, or receive water from any suitable source. For example, the humidifier 25 is configured to provide the OHA with a selected humidity level of approximately 40% to 100%, or any other suitable humidity. In this example, the OHAS 24 includes a reusable air compressor 23 and humidifier 25, which may require minimal or no cleaning or sterilization between applications of mechanical ventilation to different patients 10.

[0028] In some embodiments, the system 11 comprises an intubation tube 22 having a distal end 13 configured to be inserted into the trachea 12 of the patient 10 and a proximal end 17 connected to a bifurcated adapter 20 .

[0029] In some embodiments, the intubation tube 22 has a microgravity sensor 55A coupled to the proximal end 17 at any suitable location. In the example of Figure 1, the microgravity sensor 55A is located within the oral cavity of the patient 10, but in other embodiments, the microgravity sensor 55A may be located at any other suitable location along the intubation tube 22, for example, outside the oral cavity of the patient 10 at the proximal end 17, or within the trachea 12 but not at the distal end 13.

[0030] Reference is now made to inset 60, which illustrates the distal end 13 of intubation tube 22. In some embodiments, intubation tube 22 includes one or more types of sensors coupled to distal end 13. In this example, (i) a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor 61 configured to generate a signal indicative of the amount (e.g., flow or pressure) of CO2 exhaled or flushed from lungs 14 of patient 10, and (ii) a pressure sensor 62 configured to generate a signal indicative of the pressure of gas flowing between lungs 14 and intubation tube 22. Note that when system 11 infuses OHA into lungs 14, the signal generated by pressure sensor 62 provides an indication of the actual OHA pressure pumped into lungs 14. Similarly, when air flows from lungs 14 into intubation tube 22, pressure sensor 62 is configured to provide an indication of the actual pressure of the air flushing from lungs 14, and CO2 sensor 61 provides an indication of the amount or percentage (out of the total amount of air) of CO2 flushed from lungs 14.

[0031] In some embodiments, the intubation tube 22 is equipped with a microgravity sensor 55B, which may be similar to or different from the microgravity sensor 55A described above, and is coupled to the distal end 13 of the intubation tube 22.

[0032] In some embodiments, microgravity sensors 55A and 55B are configured to generate a first microgravity signal and a second microgravity signal, also referred to herein as a first signal and a second signal, respectively. The first microgravity signal indicates a first minute acceleration of intubation tube 22 at the location of microgravity sensor 55A, e.g., at proximal end 17. The second microgravity signal indicates a second minute acceleration of intubation tube 22 at the location of microgravity sensor 55B, e.g., at distal end 13.

[0033] In some embodiments, microgravity sensors 55A and 55B comprise any suitable type of microgravity sensor, such as the LIS3DSHTR microgravity detection family of products manufactured by STMicroelectronics (Geneva, Switzerland). In such embodiments, microgravity sensors 55A and 55B comprise digital microgravity acceleration sensors configured to detect three-dimensional microgravity accelerations over an acceleration range of approximately ±2 g, 4 g, 6 g, 8 g, and 16 g, and a detection sensitivity range of approximately 16,666 (±2 g) LSB / g to 1,369 (±16 g) LSB / g. In other words, the sensitivity of LIS3DSHTR-based microgravity sensors 55A and 55B is approximately 120 microg, which corresponds to 16,666 (±2 g) LSB / g. As noted above, microgravity sensors 55A and 55B may comprise the same or different products of microgravity sensors, and may comprise any suitable type of microgravity sensor other than the LIS3DSHTR microgravity detection family of products described above.

[0034] In some embodiments, the intubation tube 22 includes one or more electrodes 63, in this example two electrodes 63, coupled to the distal end 13 and configured to detect triggering of the phrenic nerve (not shown) to activate the diaphragm (not shown) of the patient 10. Additionally or alternatively, the electrodes 63 are configured to apply a triggering signal to the phrenic nerve of the patient 10.

[0035] In some embodiments, the intubation tube 22 includes a braid 64 of conductive wires, such as electrical wires or traces, formed on a flexible printed circuit (not shown) and configured to provide electrical connection between (i) the sensors 61, 62, 55A and 55B and the electrodes 63, and (ii) the control unit 33 of the system 11, which is described in more detail below.

[0036] In other embodiments, system 11 includes one or more wireless communication devices (not shown) instead of braid 64, which are coupled to intubation tube 22 and one or more additional wireless communication devices (not shown) integrated into control unit 33. The wireless communication devices (WCDs) and additional WCDs are configured to exchange detected signals and initiation signals wirelessly instead of through braid 64. In such embodiments, system 11 may be configured without braid 64 and may include a WCD.

[0037] Referring now back to the schematic diagram of Figure 1, in some embodiments, the ventilation system 11 includes an OHA tube 30 coupled between the branch adapter 20 and the OHAS 24 and configured to direct OHA generated by the air compressor 23 and humidifier 25, or the OHAS 24, toward the lungs 14 of the patient 10 via the intubation tube 22. Note that the lungs 14 are shown exposed in the illustration of Figure 1 for purposes of clarity, and that the lungs 14 within the thoracic cavity of the patient 10 are covered by natural tissue (e.g., pleura, bone, muscle, skin, etc.) that has been removed from Figure 1 for conceptual clarity.

[0038] In some embodiments, the system 11 further comprises an exhaust tube 32 coupled between the branch adapter 20 and a hospital exhaust system (AES) 42. The exhaust tube 32 is configured to direct exhaled air from the lungs 14 through the intubation tube 22 toward the AES 42.

[0039] It should be noted that the term "exhaled" applies when the patient 10 is able to unassisted exhale at least some of the air from the lungs 14. If this is not the case, the term exhaled may be replaced with the terms "exhaled," "aspirated," or "inhaled," which generally refer to the expulsion, drawing, or inhalation of some of the air from the lungs 14 of the patient 10.

[0040] In another embodiment, the ventilation system 11 comprises multiple patches, in this example two patches 37A and 37B, coupled to the outside, e.g., skin, of the chest 41 of the patient 10. Each patch comprises one or more electrodes, in this example patch 37A comprises electrode 35A and patch 37B comprises electrode 35B.

[0041] In some embodiments, electrode 35A is configured to generate a first electrocardiogram (ECG) signal and electrode 35B is configured to generate a second ECG signal.

[0042] In some embodiments, the control unit 33 of the ventilation system 11 is configured to monitor and control parameters of the ventilation process, such as, but not limited to, ventilation rate, gas mixture (e.g., oxygen), flow rate (e.g., between about 10 liters per minute (LPM) and 60 LPM, or any other suitable flow rate), and humidity of the OHA flowing into the lungs 14. In this example, the control unit 33 comprises a processor 44 electrically connected to the OHAS 24 via electrical leads 39 (or suitable cables), among others, a display 15, electrodes 35A and 35B, and additional devices such as sensors and valves (not shown) for controlling the ventilation system 11.

[0043] In some embodiments, the braid of wires 64 is connected to the control unit 33 (e.g., by connecting wires to and running along the intubation tube 22 and exhaust 32) and is configured to exchange signals between the processor 44 and devices connected to the intubation tube 22 (e.g., the above-mentioned sensors 61, 62, 55A and 55B, and electrode 63).

[0044] In some embodiments, the processor 44 is configured to control the air compressor 23 and the humidifier 25 of the OHAS 24 by setting pre-assigned thresholds such as the OHA's gas mixture (having an oxygen percentage of approximately 21% to 100%), pressure (approximately 0 cmH2O to 100 cmH2O) and humidity (e.g., approximately 40% to 100%), and by controlling the frequency of the ventilation rate performed by the compressor 23.

[0045] In some embodiments, system 11 includes one or more displays, such as, but not limited to, display 15 or a display of control unit 33 (not shown).

[0046] In some embodiments, the processor 44 is configured to display one or more parameters, for example on the display 15, indicating the ventilation speed, flow rate, and / or humidity of the OHA, and / or any other suitable parameters, as well as the exhaust air flowing through the tubes 30 and 32.

[0047] In some embodiments, processor 44 is configured to control ventilation system 11 to apply a ventilation strategy in response to the first and second microgravity signals received from microgravity sensors 55A and 55B.

[0048] In some embodiments, processor 44 is configured to estimate a respiratory state of patient 10 based on the first microgravity sensor and the second microgravity signal. For example, processor 44 is configured to calculate a differential signal for estimating a respiratory state of patient 10 based on the first microgravity signal and the second microgravity signal. The differential signal may be generated by processor 44 using any suitable technique, for example, by subtracting between the first microgravity signal and the second microgravity signal.

[0049] In some embodiments, the processor 44 is configured to control the ventilation system 11 to apply a ventilation strategy according to the estimated respiratory state based on the differential signal. It is noted that by using the differential signal, the overall movement of the patient 10 (both microgravity sensors 55A and 55B moving together) is excluded from the differential signal, thereby improving the sensitivity of the processor 44 to detect whether the patient 10 is breathing on their own. For example, as a patient moves from an unconscious or anesthetized state to a conscious state, the patient may move their body, or at least some of their organs; as a result, the use of the differential signal can distinguish between movements that are not directly related to the respiratory state of the patient 10.

[0050] In such an embodiment, processor 44 is configured to determine any relative movement between the first and second microgravity signals detected by microgravity sensors 55A and 55B, respectively. For example, when patient 10 begins to inhale, microgravity sensor 55A moves relative to microgravity sensor 55B (due to movement of the patient's 10's oral muscles), which then moves relative to microgravity sensor 55A as lungs 14 expand to a certain extent, moving microgravity sensor 55B relative to microgravity sensor 55A. Similarly, when patient 10 begins to exhale, microgravity sensor 55B moves relative to microgravity sensor 55A, which then moves relative to microgravity sensor 55B. In such an embodiment, processor 44 is configured to control OHAS 24 to reduce the pressure and / or flow rate of the OHA flowing into lungs 14 to assist and / or stimulate spontaneous breathing of patient 10.

[0051] In some embodiments, processor 44 is configured to detect when patient 10 indicates an intention to stop breathing and / or gradually and / or immediately stops breathing based on a differential signal generated by subtracting the first microgravity signal from the second microgravity signal. In such embodiments, processor 44 is configured to control OHAS 24 to increase the flow rate and / or pressure of OHA flowing into lungs 14 via intubation tube 22. In some embodiments, processor 44, in addition to adjusting the ventilation strategy based on the differential signal, is further configured to coordinate the adjustment of the ventilation strategy in response to ECG signals received from electrodes 35A and 35B.

[0052] In some embodiments, in addition to adjusting the ventilation scheme based on the differential signal, the processor 44 is further configured to adjust the ventilation scheme in response to signals received from the CO2 sensor 61 and / or the pressure sensor 62.

[0053] In some embodiments, processor 44 is configured to apply a signal to electrodes 63 to stimulate spontaneous breathing of patient 10 by activating the phrenic nerve based on the respiratory state of patient 10 and / or the ventilation regimen applied to patient 10. Additionally or alternatively, processor 44 can tailor ventilation adjustments based on signals received from one or more electrodes 63 that detect phrenic nerve activation in addition to a differential signal, which may be indicative of diaphragm movement of patient 10.

[0054] Additionally or alternatively, processor 44 is configured to control ventilation system 11 based on the first and second ECG signals received from electrodes 35A and 35B, respectively, to apply a ventilation method or style in response to the ECG signals received from electrodes 35A and 35B. Such techniques are described in detail, for example, in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 107,009, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0055] In some embodiments, processor 44 is configured to adjust the ventilation rate (i.e., the number of ventilation cycles per minute) and other ventilation parameters in response to signals received from microgravity sensors 55A and 55B, from sensors 61 and 62, and from electrodes 63, 35A and 35B. For example, if an initial differential signal (derived from the first differential signal and the second differential signal) indicates an unconscious or anesthetized state and a later differential signal indicates or predicts that patient 10 has regained consciousness, processor 44 may adjust one or more ventilation parameters, such as the ventilation rate of the OHA supplied by compressor 23 of OHAS 24.

[0056] In such an embodiment, the processor 44 is configured to switch between a hyperventilation mode (HVM) and a normal ventilation mode (NVM) of the ventilation system 11. In other words, the processor 44 is configured to detect or even predict that the patient 10 has regained consciousness based on the differential signal, and thus can reduce the ventilation cycles per minute from approximately 100 ventilation cycles per minute to approximately 15 ventilation cycles per minute.

[0057] In the context of this disclosure and in the claims, the term "about" or "approximately" used in connection with any numerical value or range of values ​​indicates a reasonable tolerance of dimensions that allows a portion of a component or a collection of components to function in accordance with its intended purpose as described herein.

[0058] In some embodiments, the processor 44 is configured to switch between the HVM mode and the NVM mode by controlling the frequency at which the air compressor 23 and the humidifier 25 of the OHAS 24 generate specified attributes of the OHA generated by the OHAS 24.

[0059] Typically, processor 44 comprises a general-purpose processor that is programmed with software to perform the functions described herein. The software may be downloaded to the processor in electronic form, for example, over a network, or the software may alternatively or additionally be provided and / or stored on non-transitory, tangible media, such as magnetic, optical, or electronic memory.

[0060] This particular configuration of ventilation system 11 is provided as an example to illustrate the particular problem addressed by embodiments of the present invention and to demonstrate the applicability of these embodiments in improving the performance of such systems. However, embodiments of the present invention are in no way limited to this particular type of exemplary system, and the principles described herein may be similarly applied to other types of ventilation systems and / or to any other type of ventilation subsystem used as a module in a system for performing any medical procedure.

[0061] Control of ventilation using differential microgravity signals to estimate a patient's respiratory status FIG. 2 is a flow chart that schematically illustrates a method for controlling ventilation based on signals received from a sensor coupled to an intubation tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] The method begins with step 100 of inserting an intubation tube into the trachea 12, as detailed in Figure 1 above, with the intubation tube 22 having (i) a distal end 13 inserted into the trachea and having sensors 55B, 61 and 62 and an electrode 63 connected thereto, and (ii) a proximal end 17 connected to tubes 30 and 32 via an adapter 20 for flowing OHA towards the lungs 14 and for exhausting exhaled air from the lungs 14.

[0063] In the microgravity signal receiving step 102, as detailed in FIG. 1 above, the processor 44 receives a first microgravity signal and a second microgravity signal from the microgravity sensors 55A and 55B indicating a first microacceleration and a second microacceleration of the intubation tube 22, the first microgravity signal and the second microgravity signal being obtained at the proximal end and the distal end of the intubation tube 22, respectively.

[0064] In some embodiments, the processor 44 generates a differential signal based on the first microgravity signal and the second microgravity signal, as detailed in FIG. 1 above.

[0065] Completing the method, in a ventilation system control step 104, processor 44 estimates the respiratory status of patient 10 and controls ventilation system 11 to apply or adjust a ventilation strategy in response to a differential signal based on the first microgravity signal and the second microgravity signal. As described above in FIG. 1, processor 44 can use additional signals received from either sensors 61 and 62 and from either electrodes 63, 35A, and 35B to further adjust the ventilation strategy. Additionally, processor 44 can apply a triggering signal to the phrenic nerve via electrode 63 to stimulate spontaneous breathing of patient 10, as detailed above in FIG. 1.

[0066] 2 is shown as an example to illustrate the particular problem addressed by embodiments of the present invention and to demonstrate the applicability of these embodiments in improving the performance of such ventilation methods. However, embodiments of the present invention are in no way limited to this particular type of example method, and the principles described herein may be similarly applied to other types of ventilation systems and / or any other type of method for ventilating a patient.

[0067] FIG. 3 is a flow chart that schematically illustrates a method for producing a ventilation system 11, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] The method begins with an intubation tube receiving step 200, as detailed in FIG. 1 above, where a receiving intubation tube 22 has (i) a distal end 13 configured for insertion into a patient's trachea 12, and (ii) a proximal end 17 connected to tubes 30 and 32 via an adapter 20 for flowing OHA toward the lungs 14 and for venting exhaled air from the lungs 14.

[0069] In other embodiments, the method further includes connecting proximal end 17 to one or more tubes, such as tubes 30 and 32, using adapter 20 or any other suitable connection technique.

[0070] In device coupling step 202, microgravity sensor 55A is coupled to proximal end 17 for generating a first microgravity signal indicative of a first microacceleration of intubation tube 22 at proximal end 17. Additionally, microgravity sensor 55B is coupled to distal end 13 for generating a second microgravity signal indicative of a second microacceleration of intubation tube 22 at distal end 13.

[0071] In some embodiments, one or more WCDs described in FIG. 1 above may also be coupled to the distal end 13, and one or more additional WCDs may be coupled to the proximal end 17 to exchange signals between (i) the above-mentioned sensors and electrodes coupled to the intubation tube and (ii) the processor 44 of the control unit 33.

[0072] Completing the method at device connection step 204, conductor braid 64 and / or WCD described in FIG. 1 and step 202 above are used to connect (i) microgravity sensors 55A and 55B (and between sensors 61 and 62 and electrodes 63) and (ii) processor 44 of control unit 33 described in FIG. 1 above. In some embodiments, the connection between the devices and processor 44 in step 202 is made to control the ventilation system, applying and / or adjusting the ventilation regimen described above in response to the first and second microgravity signals and other detected signals received from sensors 61 and 62 and from electrodes 63. The electrical connection may also be used to apply a triggering signal to the phrenic nerve via electrodes 63 to stimulate spontaneous breathing in patient 10.

[0073] In other embodiments, the connection between the proximal end 17 and one or more tubes, as described in step 200 above, may be made after completing the coupling and connection of the device, as described in steps 202 and 204 above.

[0074] This particular configuration for producing system 11 is presented as an example to illustrate the particular problem addressed by embodiments of the present invention and to demonstrate the applicability of these embodiments in enhancing the performance of such systems. However, embodiments of the present invention are simplified for conceptual clarity and are in no way limited to this particular type of exemplary method for producing this ventilation system. Furthermore, it will be understood that producing such a ventilation system includes additional steps that have been intentionally omitted from the method for simplicity of presentation.

[0075] Although the embodiments described herein primarily address ventilator systems for patients, the methods and systems described herein can also be used in other applications.

[0076] It will therefore be understood that the above-described embodiments are cited by way of example, and that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described above. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described in the foregoing specification, as well as variations and modifications thereof that would occur to one skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description, but which are not disclosed in the prior art. Documents incorporated by reference into this patent application are deemed to be part of this application, except that if any term is defined in such incorporated document in a way that contradicts the definition given herein, either expressly or impliedly, then only the definition given herein shall be considered.

[0077] [Embodiment] (1) A ventilator system for a patient, the ventilator system comprising: an intubation tube configured to direct oxygen-enriched humidified air (OHA) toward the patient's lungs and evacuate exhaled waste air from the lungs, the intubation tube comprising: (i) a distal end configured to be inserted into the patient's trachea; and (ii) a proximal end configured to receive the OHA and connect to one or more tubes for evacuating the waste air; a first microgravity sensor coupled to the intubation tube at a first position and configured to generate a first signal indicative of a first microacceleration of the intubation tube at the first position; a second microgravity sensor coupled to the intubation tube at a second position different from the first position and configured to generate a second signal indicative of a second microacceleration of the intubation tube at the second position; a processor configured to control the ventilation system to apply a ventilation strategy in response to the first signal and the second signal; A ventilator system comprising: (2) A ventilator system as described in embodiment 1, wherein the processor is configured to estimate the patient's respiratory state based on the first signal and the second signal, and to control the ventilation system to apply the ventilation method according to the estimated respiratory state. (3) A ventilator system as described in embodiment 2, wherein the processor is configured to calculate a differential signal for estimating the respiratory state of the patient based on the first signal and the second signal. (4) A ventilator system as described in embodiment 2, comprising one or more additional sensors connected to the intubation tube and configured to generate one or more additional signals indicative of the patient's respiratory status. (5) A ventilator system as described in embodiment 4, wherein the one or more additional sensors include at least one of a carbon dioxide sensor and a pressure sensor.

[0078] (6) The ventilator system of embodiment 1, comprising one or more electrodes connected to the distal end of the intubation tube and configured to detect activation of the phrenic nerve, which activates the patient's diaphragm. (7) A ventilator system as described in embodiment 1, comprising one or more electrodes connected to the distal end of the intubation tube and configured to apply a triggering signal to the patient's phrenic nerve, and the processor configured to apply the triggering signal to the phrenic nerve via the one or more electrodes based on at least the first signal and the second signal. (8) A ventilator system as described in embodiment 1, wherein the first position comprises the distal end of the intubation tube and the second position comprises the proximal end of the intubation tube. (9) A method comprising: inserting an intubation tube into the patient's trachea to flow oxygen-enriched humidified air (OHA) toward the patient's lungs and evacuate exhaled waste air from the lungs, the intubation tube including: (i) a distal end inserted into the trachea; and (ii) a proximal end connected to one or more tubes for receiving the OHA and evacuating the waste air; receiving a first signal from a first microgravity sensor coupled to the intubation tube at a first location, the first signal indicating a first microacceleration of the intubation tube at the first location; receiving a second signal from a second microgravity sensor coupled to the intubation tube at a second position different from the first position, the second signal indicating a second micro-acceleration of the intubation tube at the second position; controlling the ventilation system to apply a ventilation strategy in response to the first signal and the second signal; A method comprising: (10) The method of embodiment 9, wherein controlling the ventilation system includes estimating a respiratory state of the patient based on the first signal and the second signal, and controlling the ventilation system to apply the ventilation method in accordance with the estimated respiratory state.

[0079] (11) The method of embodiment 10, wherein estimating the respiratory state includes calculating a differential signal based on the first signal and the second signal, and controlling the ventilation system to apply the ventilation method in response to the differential signal. (12) The method of embodiment 10, comprising receiving one or more additional signals indicative of the respiratory status of the patient from one or more additional sensors. (13) The method of embodiment 12, wherein the one or more additional signals indicate at least one of: (a) the volume of carbon dioxide in the exhaled air exhaled from the lungs; and (b) the pressure of at least one of: (i) the exhaled air exhaled from the lungs; and (ii) the OHA flowing toward the lungs. (14) The method of claim 9, comprising detecting actuation of the patient's phrenic nerve, which activates the patient's diaphragm. (15) The method of embodiment 9, comprising applying a triggering signal to the patient's phrenic nerve using one or more electrodes coupled to the distal end of the intubation tube.

[0080] (16) The method of embodiment 9, wherein the first position comprises the distal end of the intubation tube and the second position comprises the proximal end of the intubation tube. (17) A method of generating a ventilator system for a patient, comprising: receiving an intubation tube configured to flow oxygen-enriched humidified air (OHA) toward the patient's lungs and evacuate exhaled waste air from the lungs, the intubation tube having (i) a distal end configured to be inserted into the patient's trachea, and (ii) a proximal end configured to connect to one or more tubes for receiving the OHA and evacuating the waste air; connecting to the intubation tube: (i) a first microgravity sensor at a first position for generating a first signal indicative of a first micro-acceleration of the intubation tube at the first position; and (ii) a second microgravity sensor at a second position different from the first position for generating a second signal indicative of a second micro-acceleration of the intubation tube at the second position; a processor coupled to the first microgravity sensor and the second microgravity sensor for controlling the ventilation system to apply a ventilation strategy in response to the first signal and the second signal; A method comprising: (18) The method of embodiment 17, further comprising connecting one or more additional sensors to the intubation tube for generating one or more additional signals indicative of the patient's respiratory status. (19) The method of embodiment 18, wherein the one or more additional sensors include at least one of a carbon dioxide sensor and a pressure sensor. (20) The method of embodiment 17, comprising coupling one or more electrodes to the distal end of the intubation tube for at least one of: (i) activating the patient's diaphragm, detecting activation of the patient's phrenic nerve, and (ii) applying an activation signal to the phrenic nerve.

Claims

1. 1. A ventilator system for a patient, the ventilator system comprising: an intubation tube configured to direct oxygen-enriched humidified air (OHA) toward the patient's lungs and evacuate exhaled waste air from the lungs, the intubation tube comprising: (i) a distal end configured to be inserted into the patient's trachea; and (ii) a proximal end configured to receive the OHA and connect to one or more tubes for evacuating the waste air; a first microgravity sensor coupled to the intubation tube at a first position and configured to generate a first signal indicative of a first microacceleration of the intubation tube at the first position; a second microgravity sensor coupled to the intubation tube at a second position different from the first position and configured to generate a second signal indicative of a second microacceleration of the intubation tube at the second position; 1. A processor, comprising: calculating a differential signal by subtracting between the first signal and the second signal; estimating a respiratory state of the patient based on the differential signal; configured to control the ventilator system to adjust the pressure and / or flow rate of the OHA to the lungs in response to the respiratory status of the patient. a processor; A ventilator system comprising:

2. 10. The ventilator system of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional sensors coupled to the intubation tube and configured to generate one or more additional signals indicative of the respiratory status of the patient.

3. The ventilator system of claim 2 , wherein the one or more additional sensors include at least one of a carbon dioxide sensor and a pressure sensor.

4. 10. The ventilator system of claim 1, comprising one or more electrodes coupled to the distal end of the intubation tube and configured to detect phrenic nerve activation, which activates the patient's diaphragm.

5. 2. The ventilator system of claim 1, further comprising one or more electrodes coupled to the distal end of the intubation tube and configured to apply a triggering signal to the patient's phrenic nerve, and the processor configured to apply the triggering signal to the phrenic nerve via the one or more electrodes based at least on the patient's respiratory condition.

6. 2. The ventilator system of claim 1, wherein the first position comprises the distal end of the intubation tube and the second position comprises the proximal end of the intubation tube.

7. 1. A method of manufacturing a ventilator system for a patient, comprising: receiving an intubation tube configured to flow oxygen-enriched humidified air (OHA) toward the patient's lungs and evacuate exhaled waste air from the lungs, the intubation tube having (i) a distal end configured to be inserted into the patient's trachea, and (ii) a proximal end configured to connect to one or more tubes for receiving the OHA and evacuating the waste air; connecting to the intubation tube: (i) a first microgravity sensor at a first position for generating a first signal indicative of a first micro-acceleration of the intubation tube at the first position; and (ii) a second microgravity sensor at a second position different from the first position for generating a second signal indicative of a second micro-acceleration of the intubation tube at the second position; 1. A processor, comprising: calculating a differential signal by subtracting between the first signal and the second signal; estimating a respiratory state of the patient based on the differential signal; controlling the ventilator system to adjust the pressure and / or flow rate of the OHA to the lungs in response to the respiratory status of the patient; a processor for connecting the first microgravity sensor and the second microgravity sensor to the first microgravity sensor; A method comprising:

8. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising coupling one or more additional sensors to the intubation tube for generating one or more additional signals indicative of the respiratory status of the patient.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the one or more additional sensors include at least one of a carbon dioxide sensor and a pressure sensor.

10. 8. The method of claim 7, comprising coupling one or more electrodes to the distal end of the intubation tube for at least one of: (i) activating the patient's diaphragm, detecting activation of the patient's phrenic nerve, and (ii) applying an activation signal to the phrenic nerve.

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