Patent ID: 6571796
Filing Date: 2003-06-03
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
A respiratory system comprising:a. an endotracheal tube having a proximal end and a distal end; b. a tracheal pressure conduit in fluid communication with the distal end of the endotracheal tube; c. an inhalation conduit in fluid communication with the proximal end of the endotracheal tube; d. an exhalation conduit having an exhalation valve, the exhalation conduit in fluid communication with the proximal end of the endotracheal tube; e. a pressurized gas source; and f. a pressure regulator having a reference chamber and a demand valve in selective fluid communication with the pressurized gas source and the inhalation conduit, wherein the reference chamber is in fluid communication with the tracheal pressure conduit, wherein the demand valve is responsive to pressure within the reference chamber to open and close in proportion to a baseline pressure, wherein the demand valve is proportionally moveable between a first position during inhalation, in which the demand valve is opened so that the inhalation conduit is in fluid communication with the pressurized gas source, and a second position during exhalation, in which the demand valve is closed so that the inhalation conduit is not in fluid communication with the pressurized gas source, and wherein the demand valve opens proportionally upon a pressure drop in the reference chamber relative to the baseline pressure and is closed when pressure in the reference chamber is equal to or greater than the baseline pressure.