Gated programmable ventilator

Abstract

Abstract A ventiltor for ventilating the lungs of a patient is described as including a valve member connected to a fluid source and to the patient. The valve member controls the flow of fluid to the patient in response to a control signal. A programmable controller, connected to the valve member, generates the control signal for the valve member. The programmable controller includes a memory in which fluid flow rate information has been stored and a microprocessor. The controller is operative to determine a desired fluid flow rate in relation to the flow rate information and for generating the control signal in relation to the flow rate signal. In a preferred embodiment the valve member includes a plurality of first and second valves, wherein each of the second valves are operative to allow fluid to pass therethrough at flow rates which are multiples of a master flow rate. It is especially preferred for the multiple for each second valve to be equal to the value 2 M , where M is an integer from zero to one less than the number of second valves. If the memory further has stored therein pressure information it is desireable to include a first monitor for generating a heart signal, a second monitor for generating a lung flow rate and a third monitor for generating a lung pressure signal. In such a situation it is preferred for the controller to be connected to receive the heart signal, the flow rate signal and the pressure signal, and for the control signal to be generated in response to such signals.

Inventors

• 👤 Eric A. Hoffman
• 👤 C. William Hanson, III
• 👤 Charles F. Ward, III

Bibliographic Details