Patent ID: 9616194
Date: 2017-04-11
CPC Classifications: A61M

Claim:
1. A method of ventilating a patient utilizing a direct nasal interface mask worn by the patient and fluidly connected to a ventilator adapted to supply a pressurized, breathable gas to the direct nasal interface mask, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing the direct nasal interface mask with a housing defining at least one flow passage, and a piloted exhalation valve is integrated into the housing and fluidly coupled to the flow passage; and b) applying a pilot pressure to the exhalation valve via the ventilator and 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 flow passage is vented to ambient air, to a closed position wherein fluid flow between the flow passage and ambient air is at least partially obstructed thereby.