Portable rescue breathing device

Details Portable rescue breathing device Portable rescue breathing device

1998-03-20

2001-09-18

Lewis, Aaron J. (Department: 3735)

Surgery

Respiratory method or device

Means using rescuer's breath for supplying respiratory gas...

C128S204210, C128S205230

Reexamination Certificate

active

06289890

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
I. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to respiration assist devices. More particularly, this invention relates to a portable device which can be used by people with minimal training to provide emergency assistance to victims having trouble breathing or who have ceased breathing.
II. Discussion of the Prior Art
Various respirators and ventilators have been designed to assist patients with their breathing. These devices are generally designed to inject breathable gases (air) into a patient's lungs at a controlled rate and pressure. The operation of such prior art devices requires significant training given the dangers that can arise from improper use. Problems can arise if gases are delivered at an improper rate or pressure. If too little gas is delivered, the air supply will be inadequate to provide proper assistance to the patient. Delivery of the gas at too high a pressure can cause gastric insufflation (air in the stomach), which is a major cause of vomiting. Aspiration of material vomited into the mask of a respirator or ventilator can cause serious lung trauma. Delivery of the gas at too high a pressure can also cause lung trauma directly.
Proper parameters for delivery of gases will differ depending upon the size, weight and age of the victim. Proper settings of tidal volume, minute volume, frequency, pressure maximums and peak flow all can vary from patient to patient.
In emergency situations there is not often someone present who has the skills and training necessary to properly assess the situation and operate a standard ventilator or respirator for the maximum benefit of the patient. Yet, in such emergency situations, the need to provide assistance can be immediate. Also, in emergency situations even those trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation have difficulty administering mouth-to-mouth, mouth-to-mask or even bag-valve-mask resuscitation. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an easy-to-operate breathing assist device that can be operated with minimal training for the maximum benefit of the person in crisis. The present invention is designed to meet this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The portable breathing assist device of the present invention consists of:
(1) a gas source;
(2) a pressure sensor to monitor the pressure being imposed on the victim;
(3) a first valve which directs air into the patient on inhalation and out to the atmosphere on exhalation;
(4) a second valve for venting pressure out of the device on exhalation;
(5) tubing and a mask to direct air into the victim's mouth, nose, or mouth and nose;
(6) a microprocessor-based control module;
(7) a voice prompt module; and
(8) various input switches.
The gas source may be of several designs. It may be an air pump driven by an electric motor. It may be reciprocating air pump driven by a linear electromagnet (solenoid). It may be a container pressurized with air or oxygen delivered through a pressure reducing regulator and valve actuatable by a solenoid.
The pressure sensor, typically a pressure transducer, is positioned in the circuit between the gas source and the face mask. The pressure sensor delivers electrical signals proportional to the pressure to a microprocessor-based control module. The first valve is connected directly to the mask which is positioned over the victim's face.
The microprocessor-based controller operates the device in accordance with a pre-existing set of instructions. This set of instructions causes the microprocessor to respond in an appropriate fashion to inputs it receives from the pressure sensor and the various operator switches. The controller's responses include outputs to the gas source (proportional valve, motor or solenoid) and the voice module. Thus, the controller not only controls the delivery of air to the victim, but also provides voice instructions to the user related to the patient's needs and the operation of the breathing assist device.


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