Patent ID: 7802571

Claim:
An apparatus for automatically controlling a ventilator comprising: first means for processing data indicative of at least a measured oxygen level of a patient, and for providing output data indicative of: required concentration of oxygen in inspiratory gas of the patient (F IO2 ) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) for a next breath of the patient; wherein F IO2 is determined to reduce the difference between the measured oxygen level of the patient and a desired value; wherein PEEP is determined to keep a ratio of PEEP/F IO2 within a prescribed range and, while keeping the ratio within the prescribed range, to keep the measured oxygen level of the patient above a predefined value; and second means, operatively coupled to the first means, for providing control signals, based on the output data provided by the first means, to the ventilator; wherein the control signals provided to the ventilator automatically control PEEP, and F IO2 , for a next breath of the patient.