Patent ID: 6974418
Filing Date: 2005-12-13
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method for calibrating an indicator of the status of blood volume in a patient breathing with the aid of a mechanical ventilator, the blood volume status indicator being derived from blood pressure measurements carried out on the patient, the physiological characteristics of the patient's lungs being subject to change and the operating parameters of the mechanical ventilator being alterable during ventilation, said method comprising the steps of: a) obtaining blood pressure data from the patient; b) determining a patient blood volume status indicator from the blood pressure data; c) obtaining at least one patient physiological characteristic or mechanical ventilator operating parameter; d) ascertaining changes in the at least one patient physiological characteristic or ventilator operating parameter; e) altering the patient blood volume status indicator in accordance with changes in the at least one patient physiological characteristic or ventilator operating parameter; and f) providing a calibrated patient blood volume status indicator.