Korr Medical Technologies, Inc.

Ntc Technology, Inc.

Ric Investments, Inc.

Novametrix Medical Systems, Inc.

Respironics, Inc.

Respironics Novametrix, Inc.

Pulmonary Data Services, Inc.

Scott A Kofoed

Joseph Allen Orr

Michael Brian Jaffe

Dwayne Ronald Westenskow

Kevin Durst

David R Rich

Lawrence L Labuda

Leslie E Mace

Perry R Blazewicz

Dwayne Westenskow

Apparatus and methods for non-invasively determining cardiac output using partial re-breathing techniques are disclosed in which the apparatus is constructed with an instantaneously adjustable deadspace for accommodating differences in breathing capacities of various patients. The apparatus is constructed of inexpensive elements, including a single two-way valve which renders the apparatus very simple to use and inexpensive so that the unit may be readily disposable. The method of the invention provides a novel means of estimating cardiac output based on alveolar COvalues rather than end-tidal COvalues as previously practiced. A program for calculating cardiac output is also disclosed.

Apparatus and method for non-invasively measuring caridac output

Apparatus for non-invasively measuring cardiac output

A system for sensing respiratory pressure includes a portable pressure transducer configured to be carried by or proximate to a respiratory conduit, such as a breathing circuit or a nasal canula. The portable pressure transducer may removably couple with a pneumotach, in the form of an airway adapter, disposed along the respiratory conduit. The pneumotach may include two pressure ports positioned at opposite sides of an obstruction, which partially blocks flow through a primary conduit of the pneumotach. Corresponding sample conduits of the portable pressure transducer removably couple with the pressure ports. The pressure ports may have sealing elements which are configured to seal against piercing members of the sample conduits upon introduction of the piercing members therethrough. Upon removal of the piercing members, the sealing elements substantially reseal. Methods for using the system are also disclosed.

Portable pressure transducer, pneumotach for use therewith, and associated methods

An integrated airway adapter capable of monitoring any combination of respiratory flow, Oconcentration, and concentrations of one or more of CO, NO, and an anesthetic agent in real time, breath by breath. Respiratory flow may be monitored with differential pressure flow meters under diverse inlet conditions through improved sensor configurations which minimize phase lag and dead space within the airway. Molecular oxygen concentration may be monitored by way of luminescence quenching techniques. Infrared absorption techniques may be used to monitor one or more of CO, NO, and anesthetic agents.

Multiple function airway adapter

Apparatus and methods for non-invasively determining the cardiac output or pulmonary capillary blood flow of a patient using partial re-breathing techniques. The apparatus includes a substantially instantaneously adjustable deadspace volume for accommodating differences in sizes or breathing capacities of various patients. The apparatus may be constructed of inexpensive elements, including one or more two-way valves, which render the apparatus very simple to use and inexpensive so that the unit may be employed as a disposable product. The method of the invention includes estimating the cardiac output or pulmonary capillary blood flow of a patient based on partial pressure of alveolar CO, rather than on the partial pressure of end tidal CO, as previously practiced. A computer program for calculating the cardiac output or pulmonary capillary blood flow of a patient is also disclosed.

Apparatus and method for non-invasively measuring cardiac output

The present invention is directed to a reusable respiratory measurement device having a discardable flow tube in which a counter is included in a detachable (discardable) memory unit that removably engages the respiratory measurement device body. The memory unit includes a counter that tracks usage of the respiratory measurement device and disables the respiratory measurement device when usage has reached certain predetermined thresholds. The memory unit is then replaced with a new memory unit which re-enables the respiratory measurement device for further measurements. The memory unit is typically sold as part of a batch or lot of disposable flow tubes in which case the counter value is commonly the same as the number of flow tubes in the batch or lot.

Method and apparatus for tracking usage of a respiratory measurement device

Apparatus and methods for non-invasively determining cardiac output using partial re-breathing techniques are disclosed in which the apparatus is constructed with an instantaneously adjustable deadspace for accommodating differences in breathing capacities of various patients. The apparatus is constructed of inexpensive elements, including a single two-way valve which renders the apparatus very simple to use and inexpensive so that the unit may be readily disposable. The method of the invention provides a novel means of estimating cardiac output based on alveolar CO values rather than end-tidal CO values as previously practiced. A program for calculating cardiac output is also disclosed.

Apparatus and methods for non-invasively determining the cardiac output or pulmonary capillary blood flow of a patient using partial re-breathing techniques. The apparatus includes a substantially instantaneously adjustable deadspace volume for accommodating differences in sizes or breathing capacities of various patients. The apparatus may be constructed of inexpensive elements, including one or more two-way valves, which render the apparatus very simple to use and inexpensive so that the unit may be employed as a disposable product. The method of the invention includes estimating the cardiac output or pulmonary capillary blood flow of a patient based on partial pressure of alveolar CO , rather than on the partial pressure of end tidal CO , as previously practiced. A computer program for calculating the cardiac output or pulmonary capillary blood flow of a patient is also disclosed.

A calorimeter configured to determine a metabolic rate of an individual based on measurements of the individual's respiration. The calorimeter includes an inlet, a flow sensor, a mixing chamber, a gas sensor, and a calibrator. Each of these elements is located along a flow path through the calorimeter. The calibrator of the calorimeter includes a fan that is configured to force calibration gases, such as room air, through or past the gas sensor. A cardiac rate monitor is associated with a processor of the calorimeter. The processor is configured to substantially simultaneously determine and establish a relationship between the cardiac rate of the individual and the measured respiratory parameters or the metabolic rate of the individual. Data representative of this relationship may be communicated to a processor or memory of a portable calorimeter to be subsequently used by the individual. The portable calorimeter, which can be worn by the individual, includes a cardiac rate monitor that measures the cardiac rate of the individual and communicates data representative of the individual's cardiac rate to the processor, which then determines the metabolic rate of the individual based on relationship data obtained from the respiratory-based calorimeter. Methods of calibrating and using the calorimeters are also disclosed.

Calorimetry systems and methods

A peak flow monitoring system having a base unit and a flowhead. The flowhead is designed for roll and snap connection to the base unit so as to be easily removable therefrom after use for ease of cleaning and storage. A gasket compressed between the flowhead and a pressure transducer housed in the base unit forms a pneumatic seal between the two when the flowhead is connected to the base unit, providing a minimal dead volume therebetween. Pressure in the flowhead generated by patient exhalation therethrough is measured by the base unit pressure transducer and a microprocessor computes pulmonary function parameter values from the transducer output for storage and display. The base unit display function includes text-based, customizable, reconfigurable patient symptom and medication queries. Methods of system assembly, disassembly and operation are also disclosed.

Respiratory flow meter and methods of use

An intergrated airway adapter capable of monitoring CO,concentration in real time, breath by breath, using infrared absorption techniques and monitoring respiratory flow with differential pressure flowmeters under diverse inlet conditions through improved sensor configurations which minimize phase tag and dead space within the airway adapter.

Growing community of inventors

Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America

Scott A Kofoed