Re-breathing apparatus for non-invasive cardiac output, method of operation, and ventilator circuit so equipped
US6631717B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 21, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 21, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M16/0045
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A re-breathing apparatus including a novel dual chamber reservoir connected to a ventilator circuit by means of a diverting adapter. The dual chamber reservoir utilizes two gas chambers which can be operated in reciprocating fashion. To accomplish re-breathing, expired gas is drawn into one chamber, while gas is ejected from the other chamber. The expired gas is then ejected into the breathing circuit as the patient inspires, while a charge of fresh gas is drawn into the other chamber. The diverting adaptor minimizes mixing of gases being drawn into and ejected from the two chambers. An advantage of the inventive method is that the total volume of gases in the system can be kept constant throughout re-breathing. The preferred embodiment of the inventive reservoir is a one-piece, blow-molded plastic, bellows-like structure which can be manufactured simply and inexpensively for one-time (disposable) use. Actuation of the system may be performed under microprocessor control.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.