Abstract:
An apparatus and method are disclosed for monitoring physiological parameters associated with the ventilation of infants during assisted ventilation. The infant is placed in a plethysmograph and various sensor means are used to measure flow of gas into and out of the plethysmograph and infant respiration. The outputs of the sensor means are supplied to a microcomputer system for processing. A unique calibration system is provided which constantly corrects for changing system parameters such as plethysmographic chamber air leaks, compliance and the like. Additionally, a heating system which exhibits radiant as well as convective heating properties is provided to maintain the infant in a constant temperature environment with a minimal amount of temperature fluctuation. From this data, ventilator breaths are discriminated from infant breaths.
Abstract:
A quick occlusion controlled device particularly intended to evaluate the sensitivity of respiratory centres comprises a body (1) connected to the respiratory apparatus of the patient through a buccal connector (2), provided with a pressure tap (3). According to the invention, the device is characterized in that the body (1) comprises an inspiration connector (4) which opens into the inner volume of the body (1) through a valve (5), as well as a respiration connector (6) which opens into the inner volume of the body (1) through a second valve (7), said device being further provided with an occlusion means of both/either of the valves (5) and (7).
Abstract:
An arrangement for measuring bidirectional respiration flow, including a hose (1) which is connected to the breathing passages of a patient in which, via a Y-piece (2) is also connected to a tube (3) for inspiration gas and to a tube (4) for expiration gas. The tubes (3, 4) are connected to a breathing apparatus. Each tube has a venturi means arranged therein. According to the invention a pressure differential meter (8) having two inlets is connected with one inlet to each venturi means. A magnet valve (7) is arranged to periodically connect both inlets together, and there is provided an electronic means (9) for calculating the valve measured and for controlling the zero-setting, to which end the control means is connected electrically to the pressure differential meter (8) and to the magnet valve (7).
Abstract:
Apparatus for providing a measure of extravascular lung water of a subject using a single thermal indicator, including means (16) for providing an injection of the thermal indicator into the bloodstream of the subject at a position proximal to or in the right heart (10) means (26) for detecting a first time-temperature concentration curve of the bloodstream at a position in the pulmonary artery, means (104) responsive to the first time-temperature concentration curve detected in the pulmonary artery for calculating a characteristic time for the first time-temperature concentration curve, means (28) for detecting a second time temperature concentration curve of the bloodstream at a position in a systemic artery, means (104) responsive to the second time-temperature concentration curve detected in the systemic artery for calculating a characteristic time for the second time-temperature concentration curve, means (104) for calculating the flow of blood through the heart and lungs, and means (104) for calculating a measure of extra-vascular lung water in accordance with the difference between the products of the blood flow times the first characteristic time and the blood flow times the second characteristic time.
Abstract:
A method for predicting the onset of any (NO)-related negative influence of hemolysis, such as pain or the likely occurrence of a troske, in a human patient by detecting abnormal levels of hemolysis, through the measurement of one or more breath gas concentrations.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for determination of heart rate, heart stroke volume, and cardiac output from thoracic bioimpedance signals and electrocardiograms. A unique bioimpedance electrode arrangement is employed, and the bioimpedance signals are corrected for gain phase-frequency distortion through the use of sinusoidal test signals through the measuring or detection electrodes to identify distortions and correct for same during actual measurements. Time-derivative bioimpedance signals are employed, the power spectrum calculated, and a novel autoconvolution procedure used to emphasize the heart rate harmonic. Breath waves and other signals not indicative of the patient's cardiocycles are removed. Left ventricular ejection time is derived from the bioimpedance signals, and an improved version of Kubicek's equation is employed to derive heart stroke volume and thus cardiac output.
Abstract:
It is disclosed a device based on active element(s) (1, 25) that can both monitor/measure and control the temperature of a given environment. Such element(s) are characterized by a low thermal capacity and are supplied power by means of a pulse width modulating technique. Monitoring is performed - on the same element(s) - by means of analysis of the temperature relaxation between heating pulses. The element(s) can be controlled to body temperature, thus resulting in a low-power, high-precision, pocket-size and light-weight instrument (pneumotacograph) suitable to perform accurate spirometry measurements. The device can be easily adapted for applications in high precision flow rate measurements and high sensitivity calorimetry as well.
Abstract:
The invention provides a method of classifying respiratory sounds. The method provides the steps of selecting a first set of respiratory sounds (102) and manually determining a classification content of the first set of respiratory events. The method further includes extrapolating the classification content (109) of the first set of respiratory events (110) to an at least second set of respiratory events (111).
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for measuring tissue oxygenation using oxygen dependent quenching phosphorescence. The apparatus (10) comprises a phosphorescent probe (14) applied to the surface of the skin (15); an oxygen impermeable film (16) placed over the probe (14) and the apparatus (10); a light excitation means (12) for exciting the probe (14); a heating element (22) for heating the probe (14); and an analyzer circuit (26) for analyzing the output.
Abstract:
A breathing monitor article of wearing apparel, adapted for child users in order to monitor breathing conditions of a child user. The apparatus and the method of the invention are particularly adaptable for infant child users in order to prevent conditions such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrom and similar conditions arising from apnea. The article of wearing apparel comprises a shirt or like garment adapted to extend around the chest and/or abdomen portion of the child user and which contains a pocket having a monitor therein. An elastic belt extends about the chest and/or abdomen of the user and, particularly, in the region of the user's lungs. A strain gauge is secured to the elastic belt and detects breathing movement through the expansion and contraction of the chest wall. The monitor is electronically operated and constructed so as to generate an alarm signal if there is a cessation of breathing for a minimum predetermined time period. The shirt, or like garment, is also constructed so that when it is secured to the child user, it automatically energizes the monitor, thereby eliminating the necessity of an attendant to the child from turning the monitor on or off.