Patent ID: 6530372
Filing Date: 2003-03-11
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A method for automated respiration of a patient involving positive airway pressure, comprising the steps of:(a) supplying a patient with air at a positive air pressure, (b) providing a preset, normal positive airway pressure (Pn) for the supplying of air to the patient, (c) measuring the respiratory gas flow (V) of the patient, (d) assessing a critical collapse pressure (Pcrit), and a respiratory flow resistance or a respiratory flow limitation, wherein said critical collapse pressure (P crit) is determined by measuring the respiratory gas flow ({dot over (V)}) at a positive air pressure (P) guaranteeing that the airways are completely open , gradually decreasing (1B, 1C, 1D) the positive air pressure (P) and measuring the respective respiratory gas flow ({dot over (V)}) in a time interval (t1 . . . t2), wherein {dot over (V)} does not become zero, and integrating the respective respiratory gas flow ({dot over (V)}) over the time interval (t1 . . . t2), calculating a straight line having the smallest possible distance from the values of the integrals as a function of the positive air pressure (P), and determining the critical air pressure (Pcrit) from the straight line at the integral value zero, (e) assessing on the basis of the measurement results of steps (c) and (d) whether the patient is experiencing a case of normal breathing (A), obstructive respiratory disturbance (B), non-obstructive respiratory disturbance (C) or snoring (D), and (f) maintaining or modifying the normal positive airway pressure (Pn) in accordance with the assessments of said step (e).