Patent ID: 6095140
Filing Date: 2000-08-01
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A system for triggering insufflation by a pressure-driven or continuous-flow ventilator comprising:a) a connector including:i) an inspiratory conduit which is coupled to an inspiratory valve of the ventilator,ii) an expiratory conduit which is coupled to an expiratory valve of the ventilator, andiii) a patient-connecting conduit which is coupled to a breathing passage of a patient;b) a one-way expiratory valve disposed in the expiratory conduit which is moveable from a closed position to an open position responsive to exhalation of the patient through the patient-connecting conduit, whereby the patient's breath passes through the one-way expiratory valve to the ventilator when the respirator is in an expiratory mode;c) a variable pressure inspiratory check valve disposed in the inspiratory conduit, said inspiratory check valve including means for adjusting the valve cracking pressure to selectively allow said inspiratory check valve to be moveable between an open position, wherein fluid communication is provided between the patient-connecting conduit and the inspiratory valve, and a closed position, wherein the inspiratory check valve seals the patient-connecting conduit from the inspiratory valve, for both pressure-driven flow and continuous flow; andd) an air tap disposed at a portion of the connector which is between the one-way expiratory valve and the inspiratory check valve and which is coupled to the ventilator, and responsive to voluntary inhalation by the patient to move the one-way expiratory valve and the inspiratory check valve from their open positions to their closed positions to cause pressure within the connector and in the air tap to diminish in an amount sufficient to trigger the ventilator to shift from an expiratory mode to an inspiratory mode, in which the expiratory valve closes and the inspiratory valve opens, and in which air is directed from the ventilator through the inspiratory valve to force the inspiratory check valve from the closed position to the open position, thereby causing insufflation of the patient by the ventilator.