Patent Application
20230330376
The subject matter described herein relates to systems and methods relating to various embodiments of a respiratory valve apparatus.
Respiratory support systems are commonly used to support the respiratory system of a critically ill patient for maintaining optimal blood oxygen levels, as well as optimal carbon dioxide levels and acid base balance. Typically, a prior art respiratory support system includes a tracheal tube, positioned either directly through the nose or mouth into the trachea of a patient. A multi-ported manifold is connected to the endotracheal tube at one port position, and a source of breathable gas is connected at a second port. The respiratory support system assists the patient in maintaining adequate blood oxygenation levels without overtaxing the patient's heart and lungs.
While a patient is attached to the respiratory support system, it is periodically necessary to aspirate fluids and or secretions from the patient's trachea and lungs. Aspiration and positive pressure ventilation has been accomplished by disassembling part of the respiratory support system, either by removing the ventilator manifold or by opening a port thereof and inserting a small diameter suction tube down the tracheal tube and into the patient's trachea and lungs. The fluid was then suctioned from the patient and the suction catheter was removed and the respiratory support system reassembled. However, due to the interruption of respiratory support during this procedure, a patient's blood oxygen level can often drop and the carbon dioxide can change to unacceptable levels. Disassembly of the respiratory support system for suctioning and other invasive procedures, such as bronchoscopy, can expose the patient's lungs to possible contaminants in the environment thereby increasing the chances of acquiring ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). Additionally, unless a sufficient positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) level is maintained, then the lungs can collapse. This creates a dangerous condition for the patient because the lungs can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, to reinflate.
Aspects of the current subject matter can include systems, devices and methods related to various embodiments of a respiratory valve apparatus. In one aspect, a respiratory valve apparatus can include a first port configured to releasably couple to a ventilator, a second port configured to releasably couple to a resuscitation bag or a transport ventilator, a third port configured to releasably couple to an endotracheal tube, and a piston slidably disposed within a housing of the respiratory valve apparatus. The piston can be biased in a first position within the housing. The piston can include a first flow pathway that allows fluid flow between the first port and the third port when the piston is in the first position and a second flow pathway that allows fluid flow between the second port and the third port when the piston is in a second position. The piston can prevent fluid flow between the second port and the third port when in the first position and prevent fluid flow between the first port and the third port when in the second position.
In some variations one or more of the following features can optionally be included in any feasible combination. The respiratory valve apparatus can include can also include a spring that biases the piston in the first position. The spring can be compressible to thereby allow the piston to move into a second position. The piston can be positioned adjacent the second port when in the first position for allowing the resuscitation bag or transport ventilator to move the piston into the second positon as a result of coupling the resuscitation bag or transport ventilator to the second port. The movement of the piston into the second position can prevent fluid flow through the first port and allow fluid flow through and between the second port and the third port.
In some embodiments, the respiratory valve apparatus can further include a first conduit including the first port at a first end and a first connection member at a second end, and the first connection member can be coupled to the housing and allow rotational movement of the first conduit relative to the housing. The respiratory valve apparatus can further include a second conduit including the third port and a forth port configured to releasably couple an accessory device. The accessory device can include one or more of a suction catheter, a bronchoscope, and a drug delivery catheter. The second conduit can further include a second connection member configured to couple to the housing and allow rotational movement of the second conduit relative to the housing. The fourth port can include a sealing member that prevents fluid flow therethrough when the accessory device is uncoupled from the fourth port.
In another aspect, a respiratory valve apparatus can include a first port configured to releasably couple to a ventilator, a second port configured to releasably couple to a resuscitation bag or a transport ventilator, a third port configured to releasably couple to an endotracheal tube, and a lever member pivotably disposed within a flow pathway extending along a housing of the respiratory valve apparatus. The lever member can be biased in a first position to allow fluid flow between the first port and the third port, and the lever member can be positioned adjacent the second port. The lever member can pivot into a second position as a result of coupling the resuscitation bag or the transport ventilator to the second port thereby allowing fluid flow between the second port and the third port.
In some embodiments, the lever member can prevent fluid flow between the second port and the third port when the lever member is in the first position, and the lever member can prevent fluid flow between the first port and the third port when the lever member is in the second position.
In yet another aspect, a modular respiratory valve apparatus can include an airflow module including a first port configured to releasably couple to a ventilator, a second port configured to releasably couple to a resuscitation bag or a transport ventilator, and a first housing connection port. The modular respiratory valve apparatus can further include a procedure module including a third port configured to releasably couple to an endotracheal tube and a second housing connection port configured to releasably couple to the first housing connection port. The modular respiratory valve apparatus can further include a piston slidably disposed within the airflow module, and the piston can be biased in a first position within the airflow module. The piston can include a first flow pathway that allows fluid flow between the first port and the third port when the piston is in the first position and a second flow pathway that allows fluid flow between the second port and the third port when the piston is in a second position. The piston can prevent fluid flow between the airflow module and the procedure module when in the second position and allow fluid flow between the first port and the third port when in the first position.
In some variations one or more of the following features can optionally be included in any feasible combination. The modular respiratory valve can further include a spring that biases the piston in the first position. The spring can be compressible to thereby allow the piston to move into a second position. The piston can be positioned adjacent the second port when in the first position for allowing the resuscitation bag or transport ventilator to move the piston into the second positon as a result of coupling the resuscitation bag or transport ventilator to the second port. The movement of the piston into the second position can prevent fluid flow through the first port and allow fluid flow through and between the second port and the third port.
In some embodiments, the modular respiratory valve apparatus can further include a first conduit including the first port at a first end and a first connection member at a second end, and the first connection member can be coupled to the housing and allow rotational movement of the first conduit relative to the housing. The modular respiratory valve apparatus can further include a second conduit including the third port and a forth port configured to releasably couple an accessory device. The accessory device can include one or more of a suction catheter, a bronchoscope, and a drug delivery catheter. The second conduit can further include a second connection member configured to couple to the housing and allow rotational movement of the second conduit relative to the housing. The forth port can include a sealing member that prevents fluid flow therethrough when the accessory device is uncoupled from the fourth port.
In another interrelated aspect of the current subject matter, a method includes coupling, at a first port of the respiratory valve apparatus, a connecting end of a ventilator. The respiratory valve apparatus can include a second port configured to releasably couple to a resuscitation bag or a transport ventilator, a third port configured to releasably couple to an endotracheal tube, and a piston slidably disposed within a housing of the respiratory valve apparatus. The piston can be biased in a first position within the housing. The piston can include a first flow pathway that allows fluid flow between the first port and the third port when the piston is in the first position and a second flow pathway that allows fluid flow between the second port and the third port when the piston is in a second position. The method can further include coupling, at the third port of the respiratory valve apparatus, a connecting end of the endotracheal tube. Additionally, the method can include coupling, at the second port of the respiratory valve apparatus, a connecting end of the resuscitation bag or the transport ventilator. Furthermore, the coupling of the resuscitation bag or the transport ventilator to the second port forces the piston into a second position can thereby allow fluid flow between the second port and the third port and prevent fluid flow between the first port and the third port.
In some embodiments, the method can include uncoupling the connecting end of the resuscitation bag or the transport ventilator from the second port thereby allowing the piston to move into the first position to allow fluid flow between the first port and the third port and prevent fluid flow between the second port and the third port.
In some embodiments, the respiratory valve apparatus can include a second conduit including the third port and a forth port configured to releasably couple an accessory device. In some embodiments, the method can further include coupling one or more of a suction catheter, a bronchoscope, and a drug delivery catheter to the third port and/or the fourth port.
In another interrelated aspect, a method includes coupling, at a first port of the respiratory valve apparatus, a connecting end of a ventilator. The respiratory valve apparatus can include a second port configured to releasably couple to a resuscitation bag or a transport ventilator, a third port configured to releasably couple to an endotracheal tube, and a lever member pivotably disposed within a flow pathway extending along a housing of the respiratory valve apparatus. The lever member being biased in a first position to allow fluid flow between the first port and the third port. The method can further include coupling, at the third port of the respiratory valve apparatus, a connecting end of the endotracheal tube. The method can further include coupling, at the second port of the respiratory valve apparatus, a connecting end of the resuscitation bag or the transport ventilator. Furthermore, coupling of the resuscitation bag or the transport ventilator to the second port can force the lever member to pivot into a second position thereby allowing fluid flow between the second port and the third port and preventing fluid flow between the first port and the third port.
In some embodiments, the method can include uncoupling the connecting end of the resuscitation bag or the transport ventilator from the second port thereby allowing the lever member to pivot into the first position to allow fluid flow between the first port and the third port and prevent fluid flow between the second port and the third port.
In some embodiments, the respiratory valve apparatus can include a second conduit including the third port and a forth port configured to releasably couple an accessory device. In some embodiments, the method can further include coupling one or more of a suction catheter, a bronchoscope, and a drug delivery catheter to the third port and/or the fourth port.
The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations. In the drawings,
When practical, similar reference numbers denote similar structures, features, or elements.
Implementations of the current subject matter include methods, apparatuses, articles of manufacture, and systems relating to various embodiments of a respiratory valve apparatus, including a modular respiratory valve apparatus that can releasably couple to a variety of devices (e.g., ventilator, endotracheal tube, etc.) in a variety of different configurations. Additionally, the respiratory valve apparatus embodiments described herein can include features for assisting with maintaining a closed ventilator circuit (e.g., exhaled air from patient is at least substantially prevented from being released from respiratory valve apparatus), such as during coupling and uncoupling of devices relative to the respiratory valve apparatus. Such closed circuit ventilator provided by the respiratory valve apparatus can reduce or eliminate harmful exposure between patient and caregiver, as well as reduce or eliminate contamination of the respiratory valve apparatus and/or devices coupled to the respiratory valve apparatus.
As described herein, a ventilator circuit can include an airflow pathway of the respiratory valve apparatus in fluid communication with a patient. As such, a closed ventilator circuit can include the airflow pathway in communication with the patient (e.g., patient's lungs) and/or with one or more devices coupled to the respiratory valve apparatus. The closed ventilator circuit can limit or prevents flow from escaping the respiratory valve apparatus and, instead, provide a substantially sealed fluid pathway (including airflow pathway) between one or more of a variety of devices and the patient.
In some embodiments, the respiratory valve apparatus includes at least four ports (e.g., a ventilator connection port, a suction catheter port, an endotracheal tube port, and a resuscitation bag port) that enable a patient to be switched from mechanical ventilation (e.g., ventilator) to manual ventilation (e.g., using a resuscitation bag and/or transport ventilator) without the need to open ventilator circuit. As such, switching between mechanical and manual ventilation using the respiratory valve apparatus can substantially prevent air entering or exiting the respiratory valve apparatus. This can reduce the risk of ventilator-acquired pneumonia and loss of positive-end expiratory pressure (PEEP) for the patient. The risk of the healthcare worker being exposed to any fluids contained within the ventilator system is also reduced or eliminated with the respiratory valve apparatus described herein.
Patients may have fluid drawn from their lungs as often as six times a day and sometimes more, possibly over long periods of time. As such, the respiratory valve apparatus can minimize patient discomfort while allowing various procedures (e.g., bronchoscopies) and pulmonary function tests to be performed, such as before weaning a patient off a ventilator. In addition, such a device can be widely used in treating pediatric patients, especially premature infants, as well as adults, who are subject to respiratory problems and may need frequent aspirations. As such, it is desirable to simplify such devices and reduce the number of parts in order to reduce costs and increase reliability.
The respiratory valve apparatus described herein provides improvements over other valves, including other respiratory valves. For example, the respiratory valve apparatus disclosed herein can be modular (e.g., form various configurations and/or can be separated into more than one parts) and can include a moveable piston that allows for at least two alternate air pathways as a result of movement by the piston. In addition, the respiratory valve apparatus described herein provides improved transition between mechanical and manual ventilation and/or to a transport ventilator. Furthermore, the respiratory valve apparatus described herein provides reduced dead space within the valve. Such improvements (either alone or in combination) can assist with maintaining positive-end pressure in the patient and reduce the risk of the patient rebreathing CO2 during ventilation. Other features and benefits of the respiratory valve apparatus are described herein and/or are within the scope of this disclosure.
In some embodiments, the respiratory valve apparatus can include at least one or more of the following features: at least four main ports (e.g., a ventilator connection port, a suction catheter port, an endotracheal tube port, and a resuscitation bag port); the ability to switch from mechanical ventilation to manual ventilation (e.g., via a resuscitation bag) without opening of the ventilation circuit and/or transport ventilator; the ability to conduct pulmonary function tests without opening the ventilator circuit; a piston mechanism within the respiratory valve apparatus that securely switches ventilation control between a ventilator to a resuscitation bag (e.g., as the resuscitation bag is placed on or in connection with the resuscitation bag port); a suction catheter port that is directly in-line with the patient and has a sealing member to allow for medical procedures (e.g., bronchoscopy, drug delivery) to be carried out without interference from ventilator airflow and minimal risk of contamination; an irrigation port positioned along the suction catheter port; and swivel connectors along the respiratory valve apparatus to allow for ergonomic positioning of the respiratory valve apparatus regardless of which ports are in use.
Turning now to
Housing 102 may include a closed, second end 122 opposite or substantially aligned with first end 116. As will be described herein, second end 122 may function as a spring seat or spring stop when a resuscitation bag is retained on or within resuscitation bag connection port 112. Housing 102 may also include a third end 126 opposing a fourth end 128 along line A, and line A can be normal to a line B defined by first end 116 and second end 122. Each of third end 126 and fourth end 128 may include a connection member 132. Connection members 132 may include, for example, a flange, rib, rim, void, swivel connector, female connection member, and/or a male connection member for securing and/or retaining conduits thereto.
For example, respiratory valve apparatus 100 may also include a conduit 136 including a ventilator connection port 140 and a connection member 142. Connection member 142 may be disposed on an opposing end of conduit 136 from ventilator connection port 140. Connection member 142 may include any means for coupling with connection member 132 of one of third end 126 or fourth end 128 of housing 102 such as, for example, a flange, rib, rim, void, a swivel connector, a female connection member, and/or a male connection member. For example, where connection member 132 includes a male connection member, connection member 142 may include a female connection member. Connection members 132, 142 may couple, connect, attach, join, link and/or fasten such that conduit 136 is in fluid communication with housing 102. While conduit 136 is shown as being coupled with fourth end 128 of housing 102, it is to be understood that conduit 136 may instead couple with third end 126. Connection members 132, 142 may allow for ergonomic positioning of conduit 136 relative to housing 102 thereby aiding in the use of ventilator connection port 140 and resuscitation bag connection port 112.
For example, connection members 132, 142 may engage such that connection members 132, 142 allow 360° rotation of conduit 136 to prevent kinking, twisting, or tangling of the artificial airway circuit. Ventilator connection port 140 may also be known as a respirator connection port, and may be sized and shaped to accommodate a respirator or ventilator (not shown) being engaged, connected, attached, joined, linked and/or fastened thereto. Ventilator connection port 140 may be threaded or include rotation locking grooves (not shown) for receiving and retaining the respirator or ventilator. However, any conventional means may be used for receiving and retaining the ventilator within or on ventilator connection port 140.
Respiratory valve apparatus 100 may also include a conduit 144 including an accessory port 148, an endotracheal tube connection port 150, and a connection member 152. Accessory port 148 may be sized and shaped for receiving any desirable medical accessory, e.g., a suction catheter, bronchoscope, drug delivery catheter, etc. For example, accessory port 148 may be threaded or include rotation locking grooves for receiving and retaining the accessory. In addition, accessory port 148 may include a sealing member 154 therein. Sealing member 154 may include any means for maintaining a closed ventilator circuit within respiratory valve apparatus 100 (e.g., exhaled air from patient prevented from entering surrounding atmosphere) when accessory port 148 is or is not in use, i.e., when an accessory such as a suction catheter, bronchoscope, or drug delivery catheter is or is not being used. For example, sealing member 154 may include, for example, a dome valve, a duck-billed valve (e.g., duck-billed valve 660 in
In some embodiments, endotracheal tube connection port 150 (e.g., a patient port) may be sized and shaped for receiving an endotracheal tube being coupled thereto. For example, endotracheal tube connection port 150 may be threaded or include rotation locking grooves for receiving and retaining the endotracheal tube. However, any conventional means may be used for receiving and retaining the endotracheal tube within or on endotracheal tube connection port 150. The endotracheal tube may be at least partially disposed within a patient, e.g., within a trachea of the patient.
Connection member 152 may include any means for coupling with connection members 132 one of third end 126 or fourth end 128 of housing 102 opposite of conduit 136. Connection member 152 may include, for example, a flange, rib, rim, void, swivel connector, female connection member, and/or a male connection member. For example, where connection member 132 includes a male connection member, connection member 152 may include a female connection member. Connection members 152, 142 may couple, connect, attach, join, link and/or fasten such that conduit 144 is in fluid communication with housing 102. While conduit 144 is shown as being coupled with third end 126 of housing 102, it is to be understood that conduit 144 may instead couple with fourth end 128. Connection members 152, 142 may allow for ergonomic positioning of conduit 144 relative to housing 102 thereby aiding in the use of accessory port 148 and endotracheal tube connection port 150. For example, connection members 132, 152 may engage such that connection members 132, 152 allow 360° rotation of conduit 144 to prevent kinking, twisting, or tangling of the artificial airway circuit.
As shown in
In some embodiments, respiratory valve apparatus 100 may also include another accessory port 158. Accessory port 158 may be optional and can include, e.g., an injection port or saline port when, for example, a suction catheter is used in connection with accessory port 148. Accessory port 158 may be sized and shaped for receiving another accessory such as a saline tube being engaged, connected, attached, joined, linked and/or fastened thereto.
Referring now to
Referring only now to
Piston 160 may be retained within optional rotational locking grooves 176 (
First and second flow pathways P1, P2 provided by piston 160 can be sealed in some embodiments. That is respiratory valve apparatus 100 can include one or more optional seals as may be necessary. For example, respiratory valve apparatus 100 can include a first seal 182 at a first end of piston 160, a second seal 184 at a second end of piston 160, and a third seal 186 positioned along the length of piston 160 between first and second ends of piston 160. More specifically, first seal 182 may be disposed at an end of piston 160 nearest the spring 162 (
In some embodiments, the first seal 182 and third seal 186 can assist with directing fluid or airflow through first flow pathway P1. Second seal 184 and third seal 186 can assist with directing fluid or airflow through second flow pathway P2. Each of first seal 182, second seal 184, and third seal 186 can include any type of seal for maintaining a closed circuit (e.g., respiratory valve apparatus 100 does not include fluid/air leaks) and assisting with directing fluid or airflow within pathways P1, P2. For example, seals 182, 184, 186 (as well as any other seals of the respiratory valve apparatus 100) may include an O-ring, U-ring, V-ring, lip, double lip, cord ring, piston seal, rod seal, flange, chevron, wiper, etc. In some embodiments, piston 160 may use a custom silicone connected O-ring overmolded and connected by two silicone channels 180 along the piston 160. Seals 182, 184, 186 may be optionally positioned within seal grooves 188, 190, 192 (
For example, once the resuscitation bag is placed into/onto the resuscitation bag connection port 112, piston 202 is actuated and spring 162 is compressed. During actuation of piston 202 (or compression of spring 162), piston 202 is forced in a direction toward closed, second end 122 of housing 102 which acts as a spring seat or stop for spring 162. In some embodiments, internal walls of housing 102 of resuscitation bag connection port 112 can be sloped to provide frictional forces along the wall of resuscitation bag connection port 112 as piston 202 reaches appropriate displacement thereby locking the resuscitation bag, and subsequently the piston 202, in position for flow channels of endotracheal tube connection port 150 and resuscitation bag connection port 112 to become in fluid communication with one another. When the resuscitation bag is removed from resuscitation bag connection port 112, piston 202 is returned to a resting position (as shown in
Similar to piston 160 and piston 202, piston 302 may be actuated by use or connection of a resuscitation bag onto/into the resuscitation bag connection port 112 (
Respiratory valve apparatus 100 described herein can provide at least the following: improved transition between mechanical ventilation and manual ventilation; reduced dead space volume within the piston thereby reducing both the risk of losing positive-end pressure within the lungs of the patient and reducing the risk of contamination within the piston (e.g., reduction of infection risk for patient); improved ability to conduct ventilator weaning studies on the patient without risking opening the circuit and removing the patient from mechanical ventilation too early in recovery. Respiratory valve apparatus 100 can be substantially T-shaped, X-shaped, Y-shaped, or t-shaped. Respiratory valve apparatus 100 can include or be a part of a kit having a resuscitation bag adapted to securely connect with the resuscitation bag connection port, an endotracheal tube adapted to securely connect with the endotracheal connection port.
Housing 102 and conduits 136, 144 may be composed of any number of a variety of materials, such a biocompatible materials, including those used for respiratory or medical valves. For example, such materials can include or more of a plastic, a metal, a polymer, polypropylene, medical grade silicone, biocompatible material, etc. Housing 102 may be substantially t-shaped, x-shaped, or any other shape that is able to define pathways P1, P2 together with piston assembly 108. Respiratory valve apparatus 100 may be formed by injection molding, rotational molding, blow molding, compression molding, 3D printing or additive manufacturing, machining, etc. Pistons 160, 202, 302 may be composed of one or more of a plastic, a metal, a composite, a polymer, etc. Pistons 160, 202, 302 may be formed by injection molding, rotational molding, blow molding, compression molding, 3D printing or additive manufacturing, machining, etc. The spring 162 (or any biasing member acting against an embodiment of the piston, such as pistons 160, 202, 302) may be composed of one or more of a plastic, a metal, a composite, a polymer, etc.
Additionally, while various embodiments of the piston (e.g., piston 160, 202, 302) have been shown and described herein, other piston embodiments that can allow at least two passageways for fluidly connecting an endotracheal tube port to a ventilator connection port and the endotracheal tube port to a resuscitation bag port (e.g., passageways P1, P2) can be included without departing from the scope of this disclosure. That is, the respiratory valve apparatus 100 can be used together with a piston or feature that is capable of switching from mechanical ventilation to manual ventilation (e.g., via a resuscitation bag) without opening of the ventilation circuit (maintain a closed ventilation circuit). For example, the respiratory valve apparatus 100 can allow the conduction of pulmonary function tests without opening the ventilator circuit, as well as switch from a ventilator to a resuscitation bag as the resuscitation bag is placed on or in connection with the resuscitation bag port without opening the ventilation circuit.
In this embodiment, respiratory valve apparatus 100 may include housing 406 having an inner chamber 408 therein. Housing 406 may differ from housing 102 (
Lever member 402 may be pivotably disposed within the inner chamber 408. Lever member 402 may include any type of bar, rod, flap, etc. Lever member 402 may be any shape or type of member for substantially sealing passageways P1, P2. As shown in
As shown in
Various methods associated with the respiratory valve apparatus 100 are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, a method may include providing respiratory valve apparatus 100 according to at least one of the embodiments described herein and coupling a connecting end of a resuscitation bag (e.g., resuscitation bag 414 (
In some embodiments, the actuating of piston assembly 108 may include compressing the spring 162 disposed within inner chamber 104 of housing 102. Further, once resuscitation bag is no longer needed or in use, the method may include removing the resuscitation bag from resuscitation bag connection port 112 thereby actuating the piston assembly 108 such that first passageway P1 opens and second passageway P2 closes. The actuating of piston assembly 108 such that first passageway P1 opens and second passageway P2 closes may include expanding the spring 162 disposed within inner chamber 104 of housing 102. In another embodiment, the actuating of lever member 402 may include forcing or causing lever member 402 to contact the projection 410. The placing of the resuscitation bag onto resuscitation bag connection port 112 and the removing of the resuscitation bag from resuscitation bag connection port 112 may be performed such that respiratory valve apparatus 100 remains a closed ventilator circuit during operation.
As mentioned above, conventional ventilator circuits generally include tubing, adaptors, and other components configured to direct air from a ventilator to an endotracheal tube and to the patient. Over time during use, mucus may build up in the endotracheal tube which may require a disconnection in the ventilator circuit to expose the endotracheal tube for cleaning, such as with a closed suction catheter. During this disconnection, exhausted breathe from the patient can be released into the ambient atmosphere thereby contaminating the area and creating a greater possibility of infecting caretakers and other patients. By reducing the number of circuit openings and eliminating the need to disconnect the endotracheal tube, the current design provides a safer ventilator circuit, especially when treating exceptionally infectious viruses.
Additionally, in other situations such as patients requiring suctioning, a bronchoscopy, transport, or a resuscitation bag, conventional ventilator circuits may need to be opened to administer such connections, thus risking exposure to others. The current design solves these issues by providing multiple connection ports for various treatments such that the ventilator adapter as described herein maintains a closed ventilator circuit and thus reduces or eliminates the possibility of exposure to infectious agents.
In some embodiments, the respiratory valve apparatus described herein provides improvements over other valves, including other respiratory valves. For example, the respiratory valve apparatus disclosed herein may allow a section of the respiratory valve apparatus including an accessory port and endotracheal tube connection port to be detached. Such detachable features may be useful because the respiratory valve apparatus can be compatible with commercially available suction catheters and suction catheter systems and may be easily integrated in other ventilator circuit configurations.
Described herein includes various embodiments of a respiratory valve apparatus including a ventilator adapter. The ventilator adapter may include an airflow module and a procedure module. The airflow module may include at least three ports (e.g., a ventilator connection port, a resuscitation bag connection port, and an output port), however, more or less ports are within the scope of this disclosure. The procedure module may include at least four ports (e.g., a closed suction catheter port, a saline flush port, an endotracheal tube connection port, and an input port), however, more or less ports are within the scope of this disclosure. The multiple ports of the ventilator adapter, as further described herein, enable health professionals to provide various patient treatments to an intubated patient without the need to open a ventilator circuit.
Turning now to
The ventilator adapter 500 may include a detachable double annular connection 505 (shown as coupled in
In some embodiments, the respiratory valve apparatus 100 may include a ventilator adapter 500 for use between the ventilator connection port 540 and the endotracheal tube connection port 550. The ventilator adapter 500 may be configured to maintain a closed circuit when transitioning to manual ventilation (e.g., transport or resuscitation), performing in-line suction/flush, or performing bronchoscopy (including up to 16 Fr). The ventilator adapter 500 may be configured to maintain positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and functional residual capacity (FRC) when switching from mechanical to manual ventilation or when performing patient care tasks such as suctioning or bronchoscopy procedures. The ventilator adapter 500 may be configured for single patient use and/or disposable.
The procedure module 544 may include a second accessory port 558, such as a saline flush port, configured to flush saline through the ventilator to clean mucus out through a suction valve. The saline port may include a spring and a silicone tapered bullet. The spring may be configured to apply a force onto the tapered bullet such that the bullet is pushed away from the spring and toward the outer opening of the saline port to seal the saline port opening. A saline tube may be connected to the saline flush port by inserting an end bulb on the saline tube into the outer opening of the saline flush port. For example, as the end bulb of the saline tube is inserted into the saline flush port, the bullet is pushed back and compresses the spring, thus creating a channel configured to allow the saline to flow through the ventilator adapter.
As shown in
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, a closed suction catheter system 547 may be detachably coupled to ventilator adapter 500 (e.g., via inlet 527) while the procedure module 544 is detached from airflow module 536, as shown in
In some embodiments, the airflow module 536 may be connected to a closed suction catheter system 547, as shown in
In some embodiments, the ventilation source may be changed from the ventilator connection port 540 to a resuscitation bag 514 via a resuscitation bag connection port 512 without disconnecting the ventilator adapter 500 or ventilator connection port 540. For example, a cap 513 may be removed from the resuscitation bag connection port 512 of ventilator adapter 500, and a resuscitation bag connector 515 included on the resuscitation bag 514 may be inserted into the resuscitation bag connection port 512, as shown in
Upon completion of a patient procedure, the resuscitation bag 514 may be disconnected. When the resuscitation bag 514 is removed, the resuscitation bag piston 560 may be in an up or first position and configured to disengage such that ventilator flow is redirected to the endotracheal tube 551.
In some embodiments, the ventilation source may be changed from the ventilator connection port 540 to a transport ventilator 517 without disconnecting the ventilator connection port 540. For example, a cap 513 may be removed from the resuscitation bag connection port 512 of ventilator adapter 500, (a tubing connection adapter or elbow may be needed). The transport ventilator connector 518 may be pushed into the resuscitation bag connection port 512 to engage the resuscitation bag piston 560. The transport ventilator 517 may be inserted into the resuscitation bag connection port 512 until the transport ventilator connector 518 is stopped by complete insertion and the resuscitation bag piston 560 is positioned at a bottom position. Such configuration may allow air to flow from the transport ventilator 517 through ventilator adapter 500 to the patient once the transport ventilator 517 is turned on. A cap 513 may be placed onto the disconnected ventilator connection port 540 on ventilator adapter 500, as shown in
Upon completion of the transport or patient procedure, the cap 513 may be removed from the ventilator connection port 540 and a bedside or other ventilator may be connected to the ventilator connection port 540. When the ventilator is connected to the ventilator connection port 540 and is on, the resuscitation bag piston 560 may be in an up or first position and configured to disengage such that ventilator flow is directed from the ventilator connection port 540 to the endotracheal tube 551. A cap 513 may be placed onto the disconnected resuscitation bag connection port 512 on ventilator adapter 500, as shown in
One or more methods for use of a respiratory valve apparatus 100 including a ventilator adapter 500 may include at least one or more of the following steps.
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
At a step 2710, the resuscitation bag 514 may be ready for manual ventilation. At a step 2712, upon completing the procedure, the resuscitation bag 514 may be disconnected. At a step 2714, with the removal of the resuscitation bag 514, the resuscitation bag piston 560 may be disengaged to redirect ventilator flow to the endotracheal tube 551. At a step 2716, the resuscitation bag piston 560 may be visually confirmed to be in an up position. At a step 2718, the cap 513 may be placed back on the resuscitation bag connection port 512.
As shown in
At a step 2810, the bedside ventilator that was previously in use may be turned off prior to disconnecting from the ventilator connection port 540. At a step 2812, the cap 513 may be placed onto the ventilator connection port 540 on ventilator adapter 500. At a step 2814, upon completing the transport or procedure, the bedside ventilator may be prepared for the patient according to the manufacturer's instructions. At a step 2816, the cap 513 may be removed from the ventilator connection port 540 and the bedside ventilator may be attached to the ventilator connection port 540 and turned on. At a step 2818, with the removal of the transport ventilator 517 from the resuscitation bag connection port 512, the resuscitation bag piston 560 may be disengaged to redirect ventilator flow to the endotracheal tube 551. At a step 2820, the resuscitation bag piston 560 may be visually confirmed to be in an up position. At a step 2822, the cap 513 may be placed on the resuscitation bag connection port 512.
In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at least one of” or “one or more of” may occur followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term “and/or” may also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it is used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any of the recited elements or features in combination with any of the other recited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and/or B” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similar interpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more of A, B, and C;” and “A, B, and/or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together.” Use of the term “based on,” above and in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.
The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. For example, the process steps set forth above may be performed in a different order. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Note that the use of terms, such as “first,” “second,” “third” or “fourth” to describe various processes or structures in this specification and in the attached claims is only used as a shorthand reference to such steps/structures and does not necessarily imply that such steps/structures are performed/formed in that ordered sequence. Of course, depending upon the exact claim language, an ordered sequence of such processes may or may not be required. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.
The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Although a few variations have been described in detail herein, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations described above can be directed to various combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and sub-combinations of one or more features further to those disclosed herein. In addition, the logic flows depicted in the accompanying figures and/or described herein do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. The scope of the following claims may include other implementations or embodiments.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 63/019,043, filed on May 1, 2020 and entitled “RESPIRATORY VALVE APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS,” the disclosures of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US21/30320 | 4/30/2021 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63019043 | May 2020 | US |
