Devices, systems, and methods for applying positive end expiratory pressure
Inventors
Callaghan, Matthew John • Miller, Lawrence Edward • Ayrapetian, Edward
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11446463-B2
Publication Date
2022-09-20
Expiration Date
Abstract
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to ventilation devices, systems, and methods for applying positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) to the lungs of a patient. For example, applying above atmospheric pressure to the lungs of the patient may mitigate alveolar collapse in the lungs and/or may have other health benefits for the patient.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a ventilation system for applying positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) in ventilation of lungs of a patient. The system includes an exhalation line in fluid communication with the lungs and configured to receive exhaled gas, and a diaphragm valve coupled to the exhalation line that restricts fluid flow therefrom to apply positive end expiratory pressure during exhalation.
Control of the diaphragm valve position is performed by applying a control pressure to an actuator of the diaphragm valve. An actuator line couples the diaphragm valve to a source of pressurized fluid, with an electrically-controllable valve coupled to the actuator line controlling the pressure applied to the actuator, and a controller directing operation of the electrically-controllable valve to change the positive end expiratory pressure.
The system further provides an outlet line in fluid communication with approximately atmospheric pressure, with the diaphragm valve positioned between the exhalation line and the outlet line. The system can include pressure sensors in fluid communication with the exhalation line to send signals to a controller for controlling the electrically-controllable valve. Alternative configurations include applying PEEP using a pressure-operated valve controlled by control pressure supplied from a source of pressurized breathable gas, along with selectable venting to reduce pressure.
Claims Coverage
The relevant independent claims are three in number and define PEEP application and control architectures: a diaphragm-valve system actuated by a pressurized fluid through an electrically-controllable valve, a pressure-operated valve system using pressurized breathable gas and an electrically/valve-based supply, and a method using actuator-pressure control with a solenoid valve to control flow and PEEP.
Diaphragm valve PEEP with electrically-controllable actuator-pressure control
A ventilation system for applying positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) comprising an exhalation line in fluid communication with the lungs; a diaphragm valve coupled to the exhalation line and configured to restrict fluid flow therefrom to apply PEEP during exhalation in response to a control pressure applied at the actuator; an actuator line coupling the diaphragm valve to a source of pressurized fluid; an electrically-controllable valve coupled to the actuator line and controlling the pressure applied to the actuator effective to control a position of the actuator and the diaphragm; an outlet line coupled to the diaphragm valve and in fluid communication with approximately atmospheric pressure, the diaphragm valve positioned between the exhalation line and the outlet line; and a controller configured to change PEEP by directing operation of the electrically-controllable valve.
Pressure-operated valve PEEP with pressurized breathable gas and supply/actuator control
A system for applying positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) comprising an exhalation line in fluid communication with the lungs and receiving exhaled gas; a pressure-operated valve coupled to the exhalation line and configured to restrict fluid flow to apply PEEP during exhalation in response to a control pressure applied on an actuator of the pressure-operated valve; an actuator line coupling the valve control to a source of pressurized breathable gas configured to supply the control pressure with the pressure-operated valve between the exhalation line and the actuator line; an inhalation line coupleable to the source to supply the breathable gas into the lungs; an outlet line in fluid communication with approximately atmospheric pressure downstream from the pressure-operated valve such that exhaled gas flows from the exhalation line, through the pressure-operated valve, and out the outlet line; and a supply valve coupleable to the source, coupled to the actuator line and the inhalation line, configured to control supply of the pressurized breathable gas to the actuator line and the inhalation line.
Method of controlling PEEP using pressure-controllable valve actuated by solenoid-controlled actuator pressure
A method for controlling application of positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) comprising placing a pressurizable channel in fluid communication with the lungs for accepting exhaled gas; operating a pressure-controllable valve to control flow of the exhaled gas in the pressurizable channel by applying pressure from an actuator line at an actuator of the pressure-controllable valve, the pressure controllable valve located between the actuator line and the pressurizable channel; placing an outlet line in fluid communication with approximately atmospheric pressure and coupled downstream from the pressure-controllable valve and the pressurizable channel such that the exhaled gas flows from the pressurizable channel, through the pressure controllable valve, and out the outlet line; and controlling a solenoid valve to apply the pressure at the actuator of the pressure-controllable valve.
Across the independent claims, PEEP is applied by restricting exhaled gas flow using a diaphragm valve or a pressure-operated valve, where valve actuation is controlled by applying control pressure to a valve actuator via an actuator line. A controller directs electrically-controllable valve operation or solenoid valve operation to change PEEP, with exhaled gas routed to an outlet line in fluid communication with approximately atmospheric pressure; additional claim sets cover selectable venting and inclusion of sensing/pressurized breathable gas delivery.
Stated Advantages
Controls application of positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) during ventilation of lungs of a patient by changing the positive end expiratory pressure.
Applies PEEP during exhalation by restricting fluid flow from an exhalation line to an outlet line in fluid communication with approximately atmospheric pressure.
Supports controlling valve actuation by directing operation of an electrically-controllable valve or controlling a solenoid valve to apply pressure at the actuator.
Enables reducing pressure by selective venting of fluid applying pressure to the actuator.
Documented Applications
Ventilation of lungs of a patient using positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP).
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