Method and apparatus for determining airway resistance and lung compliance
US6068602A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/085
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus is disclosed for determining airway resistance and lung compliance using an electrical circuit model wherein at least one component parameter is non-linear. The system non-intrusively obtains pressure and flow data signals from a pressure transducer and a laminar flow element without interrupting or interfering with normal breathing and gas supply to a patient. An invariant exponential is determined empirically based on physical characteristics of the airway. The non-linear airway resistance and lung compliance can then be calculated based on the sensed flow rate, gas pressure, a calculated gas volume, and the invariant exponential using linear techniques. The resulting airway resistance can be normalized to a standard reporting flow rate value. The system is particularly useful in anesthesia applications, but is also useful in any breathing system where fresh gas is supplied constantly from a gas source other than a ventilator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.