Methods and apparatus for measuring infant lung function and providing respiratory system therapy
US5261397A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 10, 1991 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 10, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/085
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for determining respiratory system compliance (C.sub.rs) and resistance (R.sub.rs) are disclosed. The present invention provides apparatus whereby an airflow is introduced to a patient via a set of one way valves such that the inspiratory and expiratory flow paths are separate. By selectively occluding expiration, C.sub.rs can be determined and, following subsequent release of the occlusion, the respiratory system time constant (.tau..sub.rs) is measured, from which R.sub.rs can be derived. In another embodiment, by selectively occluding inspiration after expiration has been occluded, a drop in pressure due to the compliance of the lungs can be measured and from this and other data, another measure of R.sub.rs can be obtained. The introduction of an airflow into the patient permits the present invention to obtain passive and dynamic respiratory function data. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the present invention permits medication to be effectively introduced into the airways of the patient. The present invention also permits analysis of the airway pressure waveform to determine the relative homogeneity of the air passageways leading to the alveolar sacs…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.