RELIABILITY-ENHANCED APPARATUS OPERATION FOR RE-BREATHING AND METHODS OF EFFECTING SAME

摘要

This invention is methods, and apparatus for enhancing reliability of, and monitoring operation of airway valves (50) to enhance patient safety. Pneumatic control line pressure (positive or negative) for actuation of the airway valve may be specified at a given magnitude or within a selected range, and monitored continuously. Reduced or excessive pressure may be compensated by actuation of a pressure source (104) or a bleed valve (108). Monitoring may be effected so as to warn the user of any deviation from the range, or deviations of selected magnitudes or frequencies or a combination thereof. The inspired volume of carbon dioxide may be monitored using airflow, and carbon dioxide sensing (560), with detection of excessive carbon dioxide volume triggering a warning. Similarly, measured end-tidal or end-inspired carbon dioxide or other appropriate measures of carbon dioxide concentration may be employed as a warning trigger. Other driving energy sources for airway valves, and monitoring thereof, are also disclosed. In addition, alternative devices, approaches for initiation of re-breathing, and their monitoring are disclosed.