Patent ID: 7464711
Filing Date: 2008-12-16
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A cough-simulating device operative to be used together with a respirator during respirator treatments, the cough-simulating device comprising: a tube member operative to be introduced into a trachea of a patient and to supply inhalation gas to and discharge exhalation gas from lungs of the patient, the tube member comprises an inhalation tube to supply the inhalation gas and an exhalation tube separate from the inhalation tube to discharge the exhalation gas separately from the inhalation gas, the inhalation tube comprising an outlet opening operative to be positioned in the trachea of the patient, and the exhalation tube comprising an inlet opening operative to be positioned in the trachea of the patient; a first conduit operative to connect the exhalation tube to the respirator and to permit said discharge of exhalation gas; a second conduit operative to connect the exhalation tube to a source providing a sub-pressure; a third conduit operative to connect the tube member to the inhalation tube and to supply the inhalation gas; a valve arrangement moveable between an active position and an inactive normal position, wherein in the active position the valve arrangement is operative to keep the second conduit open and to connect the exhalation tube to the source, and in the inactive normal position the valve arrangement is operative to keep the second conduit closed and to keep the first conduit open; and a controller operatively connected to the respirator to initiate the active position substantially immediately after an inhalation for a short period of time to simulate a coughing of the patient when breathing resistance exceeds a predetermined level, thereby causing a gas flow supporting a transport of secretions through airways of the patient and through the exhalation tube during the respirator treatment.