Adjustable peep valves for ventilators
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12521515-B2
Publication Date
2026-01-13
Expiration Date
Abstract
PEEP-valves configured to be placed inline with the exhalation path of a ventilator and ahead of the exhalation valve. The PEEP-valve functions as a resistor that can provide a higher PEEP value for any given PIP, lung compliance, and respiratory rate combination compared to a standard PIP to PEEP ratio.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an adjustable Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) valve apparatus with a valve body having an inlet port and an outlet port, including an inlet housing and an outlet housing. It uses a fixed disk retained in the outlet housing and a rotatable disk retained in the valve body, each having aligned central orifices that restrict fluid flow between the inlet port and the outlet port, and the fixed disk further includes a radial orifice while the rotatable disk includes a control port.
The rotatable disk is rotatable between a first position and a second position to change the fluidic pathway controlling flow resistance. In the first position, the rotatable disk blocks the radial orifice, and in the second position the radial orifice and the control port are in fluidic communication, which increases fluid flow between the inlet port and the outlet port. Maximum resistance to fluid flow is established when the rotatable disk is in the first position.
The apparatus is configured for use with a ventilator by connecting the inlet port and the outlet port inline with an exhaust path upstream of an exhaust valve in the ventilator. Maximum resistance to fluid flow establishes a maximum PEEP level provided to a patient by the ventilator, and rotation from the first position to the second position decreases PEEP level. The invention also includes an adjustment knob coupled to the rotatable disk and a flexible key with spaced-apart lock stops, where rotation of the adjustment knob is impeded when the flexible key engages a lock stop.
Claims Coverage
The document includes three independent claims defining an adjustable PEEP valve apparatus with selectable fluidic communication between a radial orifice and a control port, a maximum resistance state, ventilator inline exhaust-path connection, and adjustment/locking features. Across the independent claims, eight inventive features are identified.
Rotatable disk selects fluidic communication between radial orifice and control port
A fixed disk having a central orifice and a radial orifice, and a rotatable disk having a central orifice and a control port, wherein the central orifices are aligned and in fluidic communication.
Central orifices restrict fluid flow between inlet port and outlet port
The central orifice in the fixed disk and the central orifice in the rotatable disk each have a diameter sufficient to restrict fluid flow between the inlet port and the outlet port.
Blocked radial orifice first position establishes maximum resistance
The rotatable disk is rotatable between a first position wherein the radial orifice is blocked and a second position wherein the radial orifice and the control port are in fluidic communication, wherein fluidic communication increases fluid flow and maximum resistance is established in the first position.
Ventilator exhaust-path upstream of exhaust valve connection
The inlet port and the outlet port are configured for connection to ventilator inline with an exhaust path and upstream of an exhaust valve in the ventilator.
Maximum resistance sets maximum PEEP level for patient
Maximum resistance to fluid flow establishes a maximum PEEP level provided to a patient by the ventilator.
Rotating rotatable disk decreases PEEP level
Rotation of the rotatable disk from the first position to the second position decreases PEEP level.
Adjustment knob coupled to rotatable disk
An adjustment knob rotatable about the valve body is coupled to the rotatable disk so that rotation of the adjustment knob rotates the rotatable disk.
Flexible key and lock stops impede knob rotation
A flexible key positioned interiorly to the adjustment knob and a plurality of spaced-apart lock stops positioned on the valve body impede rotation when the flexible key engages a lock stop.
The independent claims center on a valve with aligned central orifices on fixed and rotatable disks and a rotatable-disk selection mechanism that blocks or unblocks fluidic communication between the radial orifice and the control port, thereby establishing a maximum resistance state. The claims further specify that maximum resistance corresponds to a maximum PEEP level, that rotation from the first to the second disk position decreases PEEP level, and that ventilator inline connection upstream of an exhaust valve is provided, with an adjustment knob and flexible-key/lock-stop arrangement to impede rotation.
Stated Advantages
Improves over a standard PIP-to-PEEP ratio while elevating PEEP without increasing PIP.
Establishes a maximum PEEP level corresponding to a maximum resistance to fluid flow.
Maintains PEEP performance relative to ARDS PEEP titration targets.
Provides fixed and adjustable PEEP-valve embodiments including selectable effective resistance via selectable restrictor/orifice configurations.
Documented Applications
Used inline with a ventilator exhalation path upstream of an exhalation valve to adjust Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP).
Benchtop testing using a TTL lung simulator with measured PEEP and tidal volume across PIP, respiratory rate, and lung compliance values.
Use for ARDS PEEP titration targets, including maintaining minimum PEEP of at least 5 cmH2O as described.
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