Ventilation mask with integrated piloted exhalation valve

摘要

A mask for achieving positive pressure mechanical ventilation (inclusive of CPAP, ventilator support, critical care ventilation, emergency applications), and a method for a operating a ventilation system including such mask. The mask includes a piloted exhalation valve that is used to achieve the target pressures/flows to the patient. The pilot for the valve may be pneumatic and driven from the gas supply tubing from the ventilator. The pilot may also be a preset pressure derived in the mask, a separate pneumatic line from the ventilator, or an electro-mechanical control. The mask of the present invention may further include a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) which is integrated therein.

主权项

1. A ventilation mask, comprising:
a housing defining an interior chamber and a valve pilot lumen; and an exhalation valve cooperatively engaged to the housing and fluidly coupled to the valve pilot lumen; the exhalation valve being piloted in a manner which facilitates the selective movement thereof from an open position to which it is normally biased and wherein at least a portion of the interior chamber is vented to ambient air, to a closed position wherein fluid flow between the interior chamber and ambient air is at least partially obstructed thereby, the valve pilot lumen being adapted to selectively apply a pilot fluid pressure to the exhalation valve in a manner facilitating the movement thereof.