Respiratory humidification system

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a respiratory humidification system and method. In particular, the present invention relates to a respiratory humidifier capable of electronic communication with other system components, a system including such a humidifier, and related methods.

Background Art

[0002] In some situations, it is necessary or desirable to supply humidified breathing gas to a patient. In such cases, a respiratory humidifier can be used to supply humidified breathing gas to the patient via a breathing circuit and a patient interface. In some configurations, the system provides respiratory support to the patient. Thus, such a system may include a flow generator, such as a ventilator, to provide a flow of breathing gas to the patient at a constant or variable positive pressure. In existing systems, each of the flow generator, the humidifier, and other components of the system typically includes its own sensor and, for some components, a user interface. Usually, each component is set independently of the other components and performs its control process by utilizing information collected from its own sensor. Thus, an object of the present invention is to at least provide useful choices to the general public.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

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

[0004] A preferred embodiment relates to a respiratory support and / or humidification system that includes a humidifier capable of electronic communication with one or more other components of the system, and thus capable of transferring data or control signals between the humidifier and other components of the system. In some systems, a flow generator, such as a ventilator, is provided to provide a flow of respiratory gases. The humidifier and the flow generator are capable of electronic communication with each other. In some configurations, the operating mode or parameters of the humidifier are set or confirmed by the flow generator, either automatically or manually, via the flow generator's user interface. The humidifier can also utilize data provided by the flow generator or other system components, such as an incubator, to set or confirm the humidifier's operating mode or parameters. In some configurations, the humidifier's user interface can display data from another system component, or the user interface may be configured to control other system components, such as a nebulizer or pulse oximeter.

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

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

[0007] In some configurations, the flow generator includes a user interface configured to allow the user to set the humidifier's operating parameters or modes by using the flow generator's user interface. The flow generator may provide prompts on the user interface for the user to set the humidifier's operating parameters or modes. Setting the operating parameters or modes may include confirming the humidifier's initial setting mode.

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

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

[0010] In some configurations, the flow generator is configured to communicate with a central monitoring system or an electronic patient data recording system, and the flow generator is configured to transmit the humidifier's operating parameters or mode to the central monitoring system or the electronic patient data recording system.

[0011] In some configurations, the system further includes a temperature controller and a communication connection configured to enable electronic communication between the temperature controller and a humidifier. Data regarding the temperature controller may be transmitted to the humidifier, and the humidifier may set operating parameters or modes based on the data regarding the temperature controller. The temperature controller may be an incubator, and the data regarding the temperature controller may include temperature levels. The humidifier may be located outside the incubator, the patient interface may be located inside the incubator, the breathing circuit may be extendable between the humidifier and the patient interface, the breathing circuit may include a first part located outside the incubator and a second part located inside the incubator, the first heating element may be configured to apply thermal energy to the first part, the second heating element may be configured to apply thermal energy to the second part, the sensor may be configured to detect parameters of the humidified breathing gas flow, the sensor may be located inside the first part, and the humidifier can control the first and second heating elements by utilizing data from the sensor and data from the incubator. Data from the sensor may include one or more of the flow rate and temperature of the humidified breathing gas. Data from the incubator may include one or more of the current temperature and temperature setpoints of the incubator.

[0012] In some configurations, the system may further include peripheral devices and communication connections configured for electronic communication between the peripheral devices and the humidifier. The humidifier may be able to set its operating parameters or modes based on data from the peripheral devices. The humidifier may include a user interface, which may display data from the peripheral devices on the user interface. The humidifier may be configured to allow the user to set the operating parameters or modes of the peripheral devices using the user interface. Peripheral devices may include a nebulizer or a pulse oxygen meter.

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

[0014] In some configurations, the humidifier further includes a user interface, and the system is configured so that the user can set the operating parameters or modes of the temperature control device by using the humidifier's user interface. Data regarding the temperature control device may be transmitted to the humidifier, and the humidifier can set the operating parameters or modes based on the data regarding the temperature control device. The temperature control device may be an incubator. The humidifier may be located outside the incubator, the patient interface may be located inside the incubator, the breathing circuit may be extendable between the humidifier and the patient interface, the breathing circuit may include a first part located outside the incubator and a second part located inside the incubator, the first heating element may be configured to apply thermal energy to the first part, the second heating element may be configured to apply thermal energy to the second part, the sensor may be configured to detect parameters of the flow of humidified breathing gas, the sensor may be located inside the first part, the humidifier can control the first heating element, and the second heating element can utilize data from the sensor and data from the incubator. The temperature control device may be an incubator, and the system may further include a sensor placed within the breathing circuit and configured to detect parameters of the humidified breathing gas flow, the data from which the sensor may include one or more of the flow rate and temperature of the humidified breathing gas. The data from the incubator may include one or more of the incubator's current temperature and temperature setpoints.

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

[0016] In some configurations, the humidifier sets its operating parameters or modes based on data from a peripheral device. The humidifier may include a user interface, which can display data from the peripheral device on the user interface. The humidifier may be configured to allow the user to set the operating parameters or modes of the peripheral device using the user interface. The peripheral device may be a nebulizer or a pulse oxygen meter.

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

[0018] In some configurations, the flow generator includes a user interface configured to allow the user to set the humidifier's operating parameters or modes by using the flow generator's user interface. The flow generator may provide prompts on the user interface for the user to set the humidifier's operating parameters or modes. Setting the operating parameters or modes may include confirming the humidifier's initial setting mode.

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

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

[0021] In some configurations, the flow generator is configured to communicate with a central monitoring system or an electronic patient data recording system, and the flow generator is configured to transmit the humidifier's operating parameters or mode to the central monitoring system or the electronic patient data recording system.

[0022] In some configurations, data relating to the temperature control device may be transmitted to the humidifier, which can set operating parameters or modes based on the data relating to the temperature control device. The temperature control device may be an incubator, and the data relating to the temperature control device may include temperature levels. The humidifier may be located outside the incubator, the patient interface may be located inside the incubator, the breathing circuit may be extendable between the humidifier and the patient interface, and the breathing circuit may include a first part located outside the incubator and a second part located inside the incubator, the first heating element may be configured to apply thermal energy to the first part, the second heating element may be configured to apply thermal energy to the second part, the sensor may be configured to detect parameters of the humidified breathing gas flow, the sensor may be located inside the first part, and the humidifier can control the first and second heating elements by utilizing data from the sensor and data from the incubator. The data from the sensor may include one or more of the flow rate and temperature of the humidified breathing gas flow. Data from the incubator may include the incubator's current temperature and one or more of the temperature setpoints.

[0023] A preferred embodiment is a method of operating a respiratory humidifier, the method comprising establishing an electronic communication between the humidifier and a flow generator that provides a flow of breathing gas to the humidifier, and automatically setting an operating parameter or mode of the humidifier based on an operating parameter or mode of the flow generator.

[0024] In some cases, the flow generator instructs the setting of the operating parameters of the humidifier. The setting of the operating parameters of the humidifier can be performed by the humidifier based on the operating parameters or mode of the flow generator.

[0025] In some cases, the method further comprises transmitting respiratory circuit data regarding parameters of the respiratory circuit to the humidifier over an electronic communication connection, transmitting the respiratory circuit data to the flow generator, and setting an operating parameter or mode of a ventilation device based on the respiratory circuit data. The step of transmitting the respiratory circuit data to the humidifier can occur automatically when the respiratory circuit is connected to the humidifier.

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

[0027] A preferred embodiment is a method of operating a respiratory humidifier, the method comprising establishing an electronic communication between the humidifier and a flow generator that provides a flow of breathing gas to the humidifier, and setting an operating parameter or mode of the humidifier by using a user interface of the flow generator.

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

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

[0030] In some cases, the method further includes setting operation parameters or modes of the incubator using a user interface of the humidifier.

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

[0032] In some cases, the method further includes setting the operating parameters or modes of peripheral devices using the humidifier's user interface. The method further includes setting the operating parameters or modes of the humidifier based on peripheral device data.

[0033] Preferred embodiments having some features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention, intended to illustrate but not limit the present invention, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings include 13 figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] The present invention illustrates a respiratory humidification system having several features, embodiments, and advantages. The illustrated respiratory humidification system includes a gas flow generator, a humidifier, and a breathing circuit. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows the data communication connection between the flow generator and the humidifier in the respiratory humidification system. [Figure 3] This document describes a control routine for setting or verifying the operating parameters of a humidifier using a flow generator. [Figure 4] This describes a control routine for using a humidifier to transmit data related to the breathing circuit to the flow generator for setting or verifying the flow generator's operating parameters. [Figure 5] This document describes a control routine for transmitting data related to the flow generator to the humidifier and for using that data to set or verify the humidifier's operating parameters. [Figure 6] This shows a respiratory humidification system, similar to the system in Figure 1, that can transmit system data to a central monitoring system or an electronic patient data recording system. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows the control routine for transmitting system data from the humidifier to the central monitoring system via a flow generator. [Figure 8] This figure shows a respiratory humidification system similar to the system in Figure 1, which incorporates an incubator. [Figure 9]Figure 8 shows the data communication connection between the flow generator and the incubator of the respiratory support system. [Figure 10] This document describes a control routine for setting or verifying the operating parameters of a humidifier based on data related to the incubator. [Figure 11] This figure shows a respiratory humidification system similar to the system in Figure 1, which incorporates peripheral devices such as a nebulizer and / or a pulse oxygen meter. [Figure 12] This shows a respiratory humidification system including a humidifier, breathing circuit, and peripheral equipment. [Figure 13] The system displays data related to peripheral devices on the humidifier interface and / or provides control routines for setting or verifying the operating parameters of peripheral devices using the humidifier interface in the system shown in Figure 12. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] One or more embodiments of the respiratory humidification components, systems, and related methods disclosed herein provide electronic communication between two or more components of the system. In at least one configuration, data relating to the operating mode or parameters of a first system component is transmitted to a second system component, which can then use this data to set or verify the operating mode or parameters of the second system component or another system component. In at least one configuration, data communication between a first system component and a second system component enables a user interface of either the first or second system component to display or record (or control) data relating to the other. In at least one configuration, the first system component is connected to a second system component and can acquire data relating to the second system component. The first system component can then transmit this data to a third system component, which can use the data to set or confirm the operating parameters or modes of the third system component. In at least one configuration, the first system component is connected to a second system component and can acquire data relating to the second system component. The first system component can then use this data to set or confirm the operating parameters or modes of the third system component. Examples of such systems and methods are disclosed herein, but are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, some features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention.

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

[0037] Preferably, the ventilation system 14 also includes a user interface 16 for displaying ventilation system operation data and information. Preferably, the user interface 16 also allows the user to interact with the ventilation system 14 by inputting data or information or by setting or confirming various operating settings or modes of the ventilation system 14. The user interface 16 may be any preferred configuration including a display screen combined with user inputs such as buttons, knobs, keys, and navigation rings. In one preferred configuration, the user interface 16 may be a touchscreen capable of displaying information and receiving user inputs. The touchscreen may be a standalone user input or may be used in combination with other user inputs, such as those described above.

[0038] In the illustrated system 10, a breathing gas source 18, which may be a gas cylinder, a wall-mounted breathing gas source, or any other suitable source, is connected to the ventilation device 14. The breathing gas may be air, oxygen, a mixture of air and oxygen, or any other suitable gas used in respiratory therapy, such as hydrogen, helium, or nitrogen. In some embodiments, the ventilation device 14 utilizes indoor air or outside air alone, or in combination with the gas from the breathing gas source 18, to generate a flow of breathing gas. The ventilation device 14 can preferably precisely mix the outside air and the breathing gas from the breathing gas source 18 and deliver the mixed air and gas (collectively referred to as “breathing gas”) according to one or more parameters of a desired value or range, such as pressure, volume, flow rate, or time. In other embodiments, the flow generator 14 does not utilize outside air or indoor air.

[0039] The respiratory gas flow output from the ventilation device 14 is preferably delivered to a humidifier system (or humidifier 20) via a suitable conduit such as an inspiratory tube or supply tube 22. The humidifier 20 supplies moisture or vaporized liquid, such as water, to the respiratory gas flow received from the ventilation device in order to output the humidified respiratory gas flow to the patient interface 12 via a suitable conduit such as a supply tube 24. Preferably, the humidifier 20 can output the humidified respiratory gas flow at a setpoint or desired temperature and absolute or relative humidity, such as an optimal temperature of approximately 37 degrees Celsius and an absolute humidity of approximately 44 mg / L (i.e., 100% relative humidity), or within a desirable or acceptable range of the optimal temperature and absolute or relative humidity. For example, the acceptable range of absolute humidity may be any value greater than or equal to approximately 33 mg / L (i.e., the corresponding relative humidity of approximately 74.85% at 37 degrees Celsius).

[0040] The humidifier 20 may include a humidifier unit and a humidity chamber. The humidity chamber may hold a certain amount of liquid, such as water, which is heated by the humidifier unit to generate vapor within the humidity chamber that is transferred to the breathing gas flow. The humidity chamber may be of an autofill type, with a liquid source 26 connected to it to replenish a certain amount of liquid as needed. An example of the basic structure and operating principle of the humidifier unit is the MR850 humidifier sold by the assignee of this application, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Ltd. A preferred humidity chamber is the MR225 or MR290 humidity chamber sold by the assignee of this application. However, as described herein, the humidifier 20 is also configured for electronic communication with one or more components of the system 10 (preferably including a ventilation device 14 or other flow generators).

[0041] The supply tube 24 may be a heated supply tube to maintain a high temperature within the supply tube 24 and to avoid or limit condensation within the supply tube 24 or the patient interface 12. The supply tube 24 may include a heating element connected to a power source or heat source. Preferably, the humidifier 20 is configured to supply power to the heating element. A sensor or probe (not shown in Figure 1) may be coupled to the humidifier 20 and the supply tube 24 via the supply tube 24 to detect parameters of the humidified breathing gas flow, such as temperature and / or flow rate of the breathing gas flow. Preferably, the sensor is spaced away from the intake end of the supply tube 24 and may be located at the exhaust end of the supply tube 24 in some configurations. The sensor may be coupled to the humidifier 20 to transmit sensor data (e.g., temperature and / or flow rate) to the humidifier 20. The humidifier 20 can utilize information from the sensor 48 to control its operating parameters, such as the power level of a heating plate or element to maintain the temperature and / or humidity of the breathing gas flow in the supply pipe 24 at a desired level or within a desired or acceptable range.

[0042] A flow of humidified respiratory gas is supplied from the humidifier 20 to the patient interface 12. The patient interface 12 can be any suitable type of interface that can supply respiratory gas to the patient's respiratory system. For example, the patient interface 12 may be a face mask that covers both the patient's nose and mouth, or a nasal mask that covers only the patient's nose. Other suitable patient interfaces 12, such as a nasal interface that may include a nasal cannula, nasal tube, or other structure inserted into the patient's nostril, or a suitable interface device such as a catheter mount, can also be used in combination with an endotracheal tube, tracheostomy (tracheal) tube, or other invasive interface.

[0043] In some embodiments, the patient interface 12 provides a sealed or nearly sealed system that delivers a stream of breathing gas to the patient and receives exhaled gas from the patient. Preferably, the system 10 is a biased flow system in which the breathing gas constantly flows within the system 10 in a direction approximately from the inspiratory port of the patient interface 12 to the exhaust port of the patient interface 12. Thus, the patient can inhale a portion of the breathing gas stream, while the remainder passes through the patient interface 12. Exhaled or expiratory gases mix with the breathing gas stream and can exit the patient interface 12 along with the unused portion of the breathing gas stream. It is understood that either or both of the patient's exhaled gas and unused breathing gas may be present at any given time, but for convenience, the gas exiting the patient interface 12 is referred to as the exhaled gas or breathing gas stream.

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

[0045] Preferably, the expiratory pressure device 30 is configured to provide the lowest pressure or lowest back pressure (which may be called positive end-expiration pressure (PEEP)) within the system 10 and especially at the patient interface 12. In some systems, PEEP is approximately equal to or equal to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Thus, such a device 30 may be called a CPAP generator. In some configurations, the expiratory pressure device 30 may be a vibrating valve that can provide pressure oscillations relative to the mean PEEP pressure. One type of vibrating pressure CPAP device 30 is a fluid resistance valve, particularly a liquid or water resistance valve, often called a bubbler. Generally, a water resistance valve delivers exhaled gas to an exhaust port submerged in a reservoir, thus creating resistance to the outflow of exhaled gas that is greater than that caused by ambient pressure or atmospheric pressure and is related to the depth of the exhaust port relative to the water surface in the reservoir. In some configurations, the depth of the exhaust port is adjustable so that the PEEP is adjusted to a desired level. One preferred bubbler is the Bubble CPAP generator sold by the assignee of this application. Further details of preferred bubbler devices are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,805,120, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The bubble tube (or other vibratory pressurizing device) is preferably capable of generating vibrations in the patient's chest at a frequency of approximately 5 to 30 Hz.

[0046] However, the expiratory pressure device 30 is not necessary and can be omitted in many applications. Exhaled gas can be discharged from the system 10 in any preferred manner by any preferred configuration (e.g., a simple expiratory port that may or may not regulate the pressure within the system 10, or may or may not assist in regulation). In some configurations, the expiratory tube 32 can be extended from the patient interface 12 to the ventilator 14 without incorporating the expiratory pressure device 30. An expiratory port or valve may be incorporated within the ventilator 14 to regulate the discharge of exhaled gas in any preferred manner. For example, the expiratory port or valve may have a closed position in which exhaled gas cannot be discharged and an open position in which exhaled gas can be discharged, with or without significant resistance.

[0047] The illustrated system 10 may be considered to have an inspiratory circuit and an expiratory circuit. In the illustrated configuration, the inspiratory circuit may include all or part of a flow generator 14 (and respiratory gas source 18), a supply tube 22, a humidifier 20, and a supply tube 34. The expiratory circuit may include all or part of an expiratory tube 32 and an optional expiratory pressure device 30. Part of the patient interface 12 may be largely occupied by the flow of inhaled respiratory gas before inspiration by the patient or before it becomes available to the patient, while another part of the patient interface 12 may be largely occupied by the flow of expiratory gas exhaled by the patient or bypassed by the patient. Thus, the patient interface 12 may be considered to form part of the inspiratory circuit and part of the expiratory circuit, respectively. Part of the patient interface 12 may also contain a mixture of inspiratory and expiratory gases for at least a certain period of time and may not be considered part of either the inspiratory circuit or the expiratory circuit, or may be considered part of each.

[0048] A portion of system 10 may be called the respiratory circuit, and is generally shown by reference no. 40. Typically, the breathing circuit 40 includes at least conduits or tubes that carry the flow of breathing gas between components of the system 10. In some cases, the breathing circuit may also include the patient interface 12 and / or the humidifier 20 or a part thereof (e.g., the humidifier chamber). In the illustrated configuration, the breathing circuit 40 may include one or more of the supply tubes 22, supply tubes 24, and expiratory tubes 32. The tubes 22, 24, and 32 of the breathing circuit 40 may be tubular or flexible plastic material that can be reinforced with reinforcing structures such as spiral reinforcements. The tubes 22, 24, and 32 of the breathing circuit 40 may be somewhat elastic and may bend or deform (e.g., expand and contract) in response to pressure changes within the system 10. This deformation of the tubes 22, 24, and 32 changes the total volume of the breathing circuit 40 in response to the system pressure and is called the "compliance" of the breathing circuit 40. Compliance of a specific breathing circuit 40 is useful information to assist the flow generator 14 in precisely controlling the delivery of breathing gases. This is because changes in the volume of the system 10 can be interpreted as the breathing gases otherwise being utilized by the patient.

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

[0050] The breathing circuit 40 may also include a section that handles both the inspiratory and expiratory flows of the breathing gas. The volume of such a section defines the dead space of the breathing circuit 40. The dead space is also useful information to assist the flow generator 14 in precisely controlling the delivery of the breathing gas by allowing the flow generator 14 to determine the actual volume of breathing gas utilized by the patient. Some or all of the information regarding the breathing surface 40, such as compliance, leak rate, and dead space, may be provided in the breathing circuit 40 in electronic or electronically readable form, preferably in several types of non-volatile memory (such as EEPROM, RFID, or barcodes), for use by the system 10 as described below.

[0051] Preferably, the system 10 is configured to enable electronic communication between two or more components of the system 10. In the illustrated configuration, the humidifier 20 and the flow generator or ventilation device 14 can communicate electronically via a communication connection 50. Similarly, the humidifier 20 and the breathing circuit 40 can communicate electronically via a communication connection 52. The communication connections 50 and 52 may be any preferred configuration that includes wired or wireless connections and utilizes any preferred communication protocol. The communication connections 50 and 52 may be direct or indirect between system components (for example, via other system components or over a network such as a Wi-Fi network).

[0052] With this configuration, information can be transmitted between the humidifier 20 and the breathing circuit 40, or between the humidifier 20 and the ventilation device 14. For example, information about the breathing circuit 40 may be transmitted to the humidifier 20 and used by the humidifier 20 to set or confirm one or more operating parameters or operating modes of the humidifier 20. Information about the breathing circuit 40 may also be provided by the humidifier 20 to the ventilation device 14. The ventilation device 14 can use this information to set or confirm one or more operating parameters or operating modes of the ventilation device 14. Information about the humidifier 20 can also be transmitted to the ventilation device 14 for a similar purpose.

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

[0054] Figure 2 shows an example of the flow of information between the ventilator 14 and the humidifier 20. As described above, information about the ventilator 14 may be transmitted to the humidifier 20 over the communication connection 50. As shown in block 60, information or data about the ventilator 14 (or other flow generator) may include any information related to the operation of the ventilator (e.g., flow rate, ventilation waveform (breathing pattern), error conditions, and pressure). The humidifier 20 can use this information to help optimize its operating parameters in order to provide better humidity generation, breathing circuit condensation management, and improved error detection rates. As shown in block 62, information or data about the humidifier 20 or the breathing circuit 40 (collectively, "humidifier data") may be transmitted to the ventilator 14 over the communication connection 50. The humidifier data may include any information about the state or operation of the humidifier 20, e.g., temperature information, error conditions, or alarm conditions, or compliance, leak rate, and dead space of the breathing circuit 40.

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

[0056] In block 74, the flow generator or ventilator 14 sets the operating parameters of the humidifier 20 (e.g., identify, read, select, adjust, verify). The operating parameters may be any parameters or a set of parameters available on or adjustable or selectable on the particular humidifier 20 being used. The operating parameters may include one or more operating modes of the humidifier. The operating parameters or modes may relate to the type of flow generator being used, such as the ventilator 14, or to the operating modes of the ventilator 14 or other flow generators.

[0057] The operating parameters of the humidifier 20 can be set automatically by the ventilation device 14 or manually using the user interface 16. For example, available operating modes or parameters can be transmitted to the ventilation device 14, which can then set the operating mode or parameters based on ventilation device information or data, such as the ventilation device type or ventilation device operating mode. In such a configuration, the humidifier 20 will automatically be positioned in an operating mode appropriate to the type of flow generator 14 or treatment type without any additional action from the user of the system 10. In another configuration, the humidifier 20 may query the ventilation device or flow generator 14 for information and set its operating parameters or mode according to the information from the ventilation device or flow generator 14.

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

[0059] Referring to Figure 4, a flow processing or control routine 80 provides system data to the ventilation device 14 or other flow generators. In block 82, the humidifier 20 identifies the breathing circuit 40 via any preferred configuration. For example, the humidifier 20 can automatically identify the breathing circuit 40 if it is located in the vicinity of or connected to the humidifier 20. Thus, the humidifier 20 and the breathing circuit 40 may have a data transfer configuration that transfers identification data from the breathing circuit 40 to the humidifier 20. The data transfer configuration may include an RFID tag and receiver, an electronic pin and receiver, an automatic barcode reader, or any other preferred data transfer configuration. Identification of the breathing circuit 40 may also be achieved based on the humidifier 20 identifying the characteristics of the breathing circuit. Identification of the breathing circuit 40 may be achieved manually, for example, by a manual barcode reader for breathing circuit identification information or by inputting breathing circuit identification information into the user interface of the humidifier 20.

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

[0061] In block 86, the ventilator 14 or other flow generator can set or confirm operating parameters or operating modes based on respiratory circuit data and / or humidifier data. For example, the ventilator 14 can utilize respiratory circuit data to more accurately determine the actual patient's tidal volume.

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

[0063] In block 96, the humidifier 20 can use ventilation system data to set or verify its operating parameters or operating modes to improve its operation. For example, by using ventilation system data, the humidifier 20 can achieve better humidity generation, respiratory circuit condensation control, and improved error detection rates. Advantageously, such a configuration can result in improved performance of the humidifier 20 compared to a configuration in which the humidifier does not receive ventilation system data. In most existing configurations, the humidifier relies on its own sensors to determine information regarding the respiratory gas flow related to the humidifier function. Inaccuracies in measuring respiratory gas parameters and therefore inaccuracies in humidifier control can be introduced, for example, due to delays resulting from the sensor's response time or the sensor's physical location. Some embodiments of the system and method involve realizing that the ventilation system 14 also includes sensors for measuring parameters related to respiratory gas to achieve precise control of the respiratory gas flow, and that sharing this information with the humidifier 20 can result in improved performance of the humidifier 20.

[0064] For example, the ventilation system 14 can output measured or controlled parameters to the humidifier 20, which can control its operation, or it can utilize the information provided by the humidifier 20 sensors in combination with ventilation system data as feedback control to improve the operation or accuracy of the humidifier 20. For example, the humidifier 20 can adapt one or more control parameters, such as proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) coefficients, patient end temperature setpoints, and heater plate setpoints, or it can operate its heating components (e.g., heater plates and heater wires) or other components by using ventilation system data to provide better responses and alarms regarding humidity generation and delivery. In a particular application, if the flow of breathing gas is interrupted or stopped, the ventilation system 14 can immediately notify the humidifier 20, which can respond by shutting off all heating components, and thus reducing the opportunity to supply superheated gas when the flow is resumed. Communication between the ventilation device 14 and the humidifier 20 allows for the shutdown of heat-generating components more quickly than if the humidifier 20 relied on its own sensors to determine whether to shut off or stop the gas flow.

[0065] Figure 6 shows a respiratory humidification system 100 preferably similar to system 10 described above. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts as in system 10. System 100 includes a flow generator, such as a ventilator 14 having a user interface 16. The ventilator 14 supplies a flow of respiratory gas to a humidifier 20 via a supply tube 22. A respiratory gas source can supply respiratory gas to the ventilator 14, although not shown. The humidifier 20 supplies a flow of humidified respiratory gas to the patient interface 12 via a supply tube 24. The humidifier 20 can be connected to water or another fluid source for replenishment purposes, although not shown. The patient interface 12 delivers exhaled gas to an exhalation tube 32. An optional expiratory pressure device 30 can be connected to the patient interface 12 via the exhalation tube 32. As described above, if specified, the expiratory pressure device 30 may be located away from the ventilator 14, located within the ventilator 14, or integrated with the ventilator 14, in which case the expiratory tube 32 may be extended to the ventilator 14 as shown by the dashed line in Figure 6. The breathing circuit 40 may include supply tubes 22, 24 together with the expiratory tube 32. Preferably, the ventilator 14 and the humidifier 20 are electronically connected to each other by a communication connection 50 for communication. Similarly, preferably, the humidifier 20 and the breathing circuit 40 are electronically connected to each other by a communication connection 52 for communication.

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

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

[0068] Advantageously, in the illustrated system 100, the ventilation device 14 can collect information from other system components such as the humidifier 20 or the breathing circuit 40 and transmit this information along with the ventilation device data to the central monitoring system 102. Therefore, humidifier data or other system data can be included in the information provided to the central monitoring system 102 without requiring the humidifier 20 to be able to communicate directly with the central monitoring system 102. Thus, this monitoring data or record management data is more complete than in a system where only ventilation device data is transmitted. Humidifier data or other system data transferred to the central monitoring system 102 via the ventilation device 14 may include arbitrary normal operating parameters, alarm conditions, usage period, etc.

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

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

[0071] Figure 8 shows another system 150, preferably similar to systems 10 and 100 described above. Therefore, the same reference numbers are used to refer to the same or similar parts. System 150 includes a flow generator, such as a ventilation device 14 having a user interface 16. The ventilator 14 supplies a flow of respiratory gas to the humidifier 20 via the supply pipe 22. Although not shown, a respiratory gas source can supply respiratory gas to the ventilator 14. The humidifier 20 provides a flow of humidified respiratory gas to the patient interface 12 via the supply pipe 24. Although not shown, the humidifier 20 may be connected to water or another fluid source for replenishment purposes. The patient interface 12 delivers exhaled gas to the expiratory tube 32. An optional expiratory pressure device 30 may be connected to the patient interface 12 via the expiratory tube 32. As described above, if specified, the expiratory pressure device 30 may be located away from the ventilator 14, located within the ventilator 14, or integrated with the ventilator 14, in which case the expiratory tube 32 may be extended to the ventilator 14 as shown by the dashed line in Figure 8. The breathing circuit 40 may include supply pipes 22, 24 together with the expiratory tube 32. Preferably, the ventilation device 14 and the humidifier 20 are electronically connected to each other by a communication connection 50 for communication. Similarly, the humidifier 20 and the breathing circuit 40 are preferably electronically connected to each other by a communication connection 52 for communication.

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

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

[0074] The illustrated configuration also includes a heating element 162 that can deliver thermal energy to the breathing gas flow in the supply pipe 24. The heating element 162 is schematically shown in Figure 8 as surrounding the supply pipe 24, but may be contained within the wall of the supply pipe 24, or otherwise integrated with the supply pipe 24. The heating element 162 is powered by a humidifier 20. The humidifier 20 can compensate for heat loss by operating the heating element 162, for example, to control the temperature of the breathing gas flow in the supply pipe 24.

[0075] Advantageously, the illustrated system 150 allows the incubator 152 to transmit information regarding its operating conditions to the humidifier 20. The humidifier 20 can then utilize the incubator information to better control the parameters of the respiratory gas delivered to the patient interface 12. For example, because the information provided by sensor 156 depends on the sensor's location, the humidifier 20 often has incomplete information about the environmental conditions along the entire supply tube 24. In a system including an incubator, the sensor's location (whether inside or outside the incubator environment) provides an incomplete description of the environment along the entire supply tube between the humidifier and the patient interface. While multiple sensors, such as sensors outside and inside the incubator, could be employed, this solution unfortunately increases the cost and complexity of the system. If sensors are placed outside the incubator, temperature control is based on the environmental conditions outside the incubator, but depending on whether the temperature inside the incubator is above or below the target temperature for the respiratory gas flow, this can result in overheating of the respiratory gas flow and a decrease in humidity from the desired or target level or condensation. If the sensor is placed inside the incubator, temperature control is typically based on the warmer internal environmental conditions of the incubator compared to the external conditions. As a result, the humidifier may not supply enough heat to the breathing gas, potentially causing condensation.

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

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

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

[0079] Figure 10 shows an example of a processing flow or control routine 170 for operating the humidifier 20 based on incubator data 166 transmitted from the incubator 152 to the humidifier 20. In block 172, communication is established between the humidifier 20 and the incubator 152 by any preferred method or protocol, including those described above with respect to other disclosed communication connections. In block 174, the incubator transmits incubator data 166 to the humidifier 20. In block 176, the humidifier 20 uses the data 166 to set or confirm operating parameters or operating modes. The humidifier 20 may use the humidifier data along with other information (e.g., gas flow rate) to set operating parameters (e.g., temperature inside the humidifier 20 and power levels of heating elements 162 or 164). The work in blocks 174 and 176 may be repeated at any desired frequency to establish a control loop.

[0080] Figure 11 shows another system 180, preferably similar to systems 10, 100, and 150 described above. Therefore, the same reference numbers are used to refer to the same or similar parts. System 180 includes a flow generator, such as a ventilator 14 having a user interface 16. The ventilator 14 supplies a flow of respiratory gas to a humidifier 20 via a supply pipe 22. A respiratory gas source, not shown, can supply respiratory gas to the ventilator 14. The humidifier 20 supplies a flow of humidified respiratory gas to a patient interface 12 via a supply pipe 24. Although not shown, the humidifier 20 may be connected to water or another fluid source for replenishment purposes. The patient interface 12 delivers exhaled gas to the exhalation tube 32. The optional expiratory pressure device 30 may be connected to the patient interface 12 by the exhalation tube 32. As stated above, if specified, the expiratory pressure device 30 may be located away from the ventilator 14, located within the ventilator 14, or integrated with the ventilator 14, in which case the exhalation tube 32 may be extended to the ventilator 14 (not shown in Figure 11). The breathing circuit 40 may include supply tubes 22, 24 together with the exhalation tube 32. Preferably, the ventilator 14 and the humidifier 20 are electronically connected to each other by a communication connection 50 for communication. Similarly, the humidifier 20 and the breathing circuit 40 are preferably electronically connected to each other by a communication connection 52 for communication.

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

[0082] System 180 may also include other peripheral devices or components 190, which may be measuring devices such as a pulse oxytocinometer. The pulse oxytocinometer 190 can communicate with the humidifier 20 via a preferred communication connection 192, which may be wired or wireless, using any preferred communication protocol. Similar to the nebulizer 182, the pulse oxytocinometer 190 may utilize the user interface 186 of the humidifier 20, which enables the display of pulse oxytocinometer 190 information or data and, if necessary, allows the setting of parameters of the pulse oxytocinometer 190 without requiring the pulse oxytocinometer 190 to have its own user interface. The pulse oxytocinometer 190 data may include oxygen saturation (SpO2) among several other relevant data. Such a configuration can reduce the cost of the pulse oxytocinometer 190 while maintaining or improving functionality. The humidifier 20 may also transmit data about any peripheral devices such as the nebulizer 182 and the pulse oxytocinometer 190 to the ventilation system 14. The ventilation device 14 can use this data to control its operating parameters, or it can send this data to another component or system, such as a central monitoring system or a patient record system. In an alternative configuration, peripheral devices 182, 190 (or any other peripheral devices) may be configured for communication with the ventilation device 14, or with other system components, including a user interface, in place of or in addition to the humidifier 20.

[0083] Figure 12 shows another system 200, similar to system 180 but without the ventilation device 14. In system 200, the humidifier 20 may simply supply humidified air or humidified room air to the patient interface 12. The humidifier 20 may have an internal flow source to generate a flow of air or other gases. Alternatively, the breathing gas flow may be provided by, for example, a non-electronic breathing gas source (such as a mechanical flow regulator or gas mixer, gas cylinder, or gas wall source). In other respects, system 200 is preferably similar to system 180, and communication between the humidifier 20 and peripheral devices 202 is enabled via a suitable communication connection 204 using any suitable communication protocol.

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

[0085] In some of the systems disclosed herein, the flow generator has been described as a ventilation device for illustrative purposes only. However, the system may include any type of ventilation device or any other type of flow generator capable of delivering a flow of breathing gases. For example, the flow generator may be a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, a variable or bi-level positive airway pressure (VPAP) machine, an infant ventilator, or a machine capable of operating in one or more of these modes. The flow generator may also be, for example, an electronic gas mixer, gas from a cylinder, or gas from a wall gas source. Thus, the use of the term “ventilation device” herein is illustrative and not limiting.

[0086] While the present invention has been disclosed in the context of several preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other embodiments and / or uses of the invention, obvious modifications and equivalents of the invention. In particular, while the system has been described in the context of particularly preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand, in light of this disclosure, that several advantages, features, and aspects of the system (many of which are described above) can be realized in a wide variety of other uses. In addition, it is conceivable that the various aspects and features of the invention described may be carried out separately, combined, or substituted for others, and that a wide variety of combinations and subcombinations of these features and aspects may still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention disclosed herein is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined solely by a fair reading of the claims.

[0087] Throughout this specification and the claims, terms such as “includes” and “contains” should be understood in a comprehensive sense (i.e., “includes but not limited” unless the context explicitly requires otherwise).

[0088] While the present invention has been described as an example with reference to possible embodiments, it should be understood that modifications or improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without prejudice to its associated advantages. Furthermore, where any particular part or integer of the present invention that has known equivalents is referred to, such equivalents are incorporated herein as if they were described individually.

[0089] Nothing discussed in this specification regarding background art should be considered to imply that such art is well known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Claims

1. A humidifier configured to receive a gas flow from a flow generator and output a humidified gas flow, A central monitoring system configured to communicate with the flow generator, A first communication connection between the central monitoring system and the flow generator, wherein the first communication connection is configured to enable electronic communication between the central monitoring system and the flow generator, A second communication connection between the humidifier and the flow generator, wherein the second communication connection is configured to enable electronic communication between the humidifier and the flow generator, A third communication connection between the central monitoring system and the humidifier, A respiratory humidification system including, The second communication connection enables the transmission of control signals between the flow generator and the humidifier so that the flow generator can control the humidifier. A respiratory humidification system configured such that humidifier data from the humidifier is transferred to the flow generator, and one or more of the humidifier data are transferred to the central monitoring system via the flow generator.

2. The respiratory humidification system according to claim 1, wherein the flow generator is connected to the central monitoring system via a connection port of the central monitoring system.

3. The respiratory humidification system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the humidifier is indirectly connected to the central monitoring system via the flow generator.

4. The respiratory humidification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the humidifier data configured to be transferred to the flow generator includes information relating to the state or operation of the humidifier.

5. The respiratory humidification system according to claim 4, wherein the humidifier data configured to be transferred to the flow generator includes operating parameters or modes, alarm conditions, compliance, leak rate, dead space information, temperature, or error status information.

6. The respiratory humidification system according to claim 5, wherein the one or more humidifier data configured to be transmitted to the central monitoring system via the flow generator includes alarm conditions or usage period.

7. The respiratory humidification system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the one or more humidifier data configured to be transmitted to the central monitoring system are monitoring data or record management data from the humidifier.

8. The respiratory humidification system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the humidifier data is separate from the flow generator data.

9. The respiratory humidification system according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the humidifier data is aggregated with the flow generator data to form a single dataset that is transmitted to the central monitoring system.

10. The respiratory humidification system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the central monitoring system is located away from the respiratory humidification system.

11. The respiratory humidification system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first communication connection includes a wired connection.

12. The respiratory humidification system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first communication connection includes a wireless connection.

13. The respiratory humidification system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second communication connection includes a wired connection.

14. The respiratory humidification system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the second communication connection includes a wireless connection.

15. The respiratory humidification system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the data from the flow generator includes at least one of flow rate, ventilation waveform, error status, or pressure.

16. The respiratory humidification system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the flow generator is configured to transmit the operating parameters or modes of the humidifier to the central monitoring system.

17. The respiratory humidification system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the flow generator includes one of a ventilation device, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, a variable or two-level positive airway pressure (VPAP) or bi-level positive airway pressure (BPAP) machine, an infant respiratory device, an electronic gas mixer, a gas cylinder, and a wall gas source.

18. A respiratory humidification system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a fourth communication connection between the humidifier and the breathing circuit, the fourth communication connection being configured to enable electronic communication between the breathing circuit and the humidifier, and the humidifier receiving data from the breathing circuit via the fourth communication connection.

19. The respiratory humidification system according to claim 18, wherein the humidifier receives data from the breathing circuit via the fourth communication connection, and the data from the breathing circuit includes at least one of the following: gas temperature, flow rate, identification information of the breathing circuit, compliance, leak rate, or dead space.

20. The respiratory humidification system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein electronic communication between the humidifier and the flow generator is initiated by the flow generator.

21. The respiratory humidification system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the humidifier data includes respiratory circuit data and / or other system data.

22. The respiratory humidification system according to claim 1, wherein the third communication connection is a wireless connection.

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