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 sized and configured to be positionable between a patient's nose and mouth in contact with the patient's nose, the housing defining an internal fluid chamber, at least one gas delivery lumen which fluidly communicates with the fluid chamber, and a valve pilot lumen; and a piloted exhalation valve attached to the housing and at least partially residing within the fluid chamber thereof, the exhalation valve comprising:
a valve housing defining a valve chamber which fluidly communicates with the fluid chamber, the pilot lumen and ambient air; anda diaphragm disposed within the valve chamber, the diaphragm normally being biased to an open position wherein the fluid chamber fluidly communicates with ambient air via the valve chamber, and a closed position wherein fluid communication between the fluid chamber and ambient air is blocked thereby, the movement of the diaphragm from the open position to the closed position being facilitated by the selective pressurization of at least a portion of the valve chamber via the pilot lumen.