A patient module (10) is intended for use when ventilating a patient with a pressure source (24) that can be fluidically coupled via the patient module (10) to a patient interface (26), which can be connected to the airways of a patient. The patient module (10) includes a housing (12) and a valve section (14) in the housing (12) as well as an HME filter (30) spaced apart from the valve section (14). The HME filter (30) is located upstream of the valve section (14) in relation to an expiratory volume flow, so that the HME filter (30) divides an interior of the housing (12) into a dry area and an area coming into contact with the moisture carried along by the exhaled breathing gas. The valve section (14) is located in the dry area. A process for operating the patient module (10) includes calibration steps.

A bidirectional flow-controllable artificial respirator, according to one embodiment, comprises: a chamber for storing air; a tube connected to the chamber and having air flowing therein; a mask connected to the tube and mounted on a face or mouth; and a flow control valve unit provided in the tube and controlling the air flow between the chamber or an air supply source, and the mask. The flow control valve unit comprises: a first valve allowing an air supply path from the air supply source toward the mask; and a second valve allowing an air discharge path from the mask toward the outside of the respirator, wherein the first valve and the second valve are alternately opened and closed during artificial respiration, the first valve is blocked during chest compressions so that negative pressure in a subject receiving air is maintained for a long period, and the first valve and the second valve may be selectively opened and closed so as to allow air to be supplied according to a preset air supplying period.

Systems and methods for producing oxygen enriched air using vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) are disclosed. In one implementation, an oxygen concentrator includes a canister system having at least one canister, a pumping system having at least one motor-controlled pump, a set of valves pneumatically coupling the canister system and the pumping system, and a controller. The canister is configured to receive a gas separation adsorbent. The controller is configured to control operation of the pumping system and the set of valves to: selectively pneumatically couple the motor-controlled pump and the canister so as to pressurize the canister and selectively pneumatically couple the motor-controlled pump and the canister so as to evacuate the canister.

An ambulatory assist ventilation (AA V) apparatus and system are disclosed for the delivery of a respiratory gas to assist the spontaneous breathing effort of a patient with a breathing disorder. The AA V system includes a compressed respiratory gas source, a respiratory assist device for controlling respiratory gas flow to the patient, a patient circuit tubing and a low profile nasal interface device, which does not have a dead space or hollow area where CO2 can collect, for delivering the respiratory gas to the patient, wherein the nasal interface device is fluidly connected to the respiratory assist device via tubing for receiving the respiratory gas therefrom.

A combination positive airway pressure (PAP) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and resuscitation system and related methods. The systems can be well-suited for use in providing CPAP therapy for a neonate or infant patient, with the ability to also provide resuscitation therapy at a peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) as needed or desired without switching to another system or switching the patient interface. The system can include an expiratory pressure device capable of regulating a positive end expiration pressure (PEEP) of the system, which preferably can also induce pressure oscillations relative to a mean PEEP.

This invention provides ventilators that provide superior air-oxygen mixing and gas delivery. The ventilators that supply a gas mixture to the lungs of a subject. The gas mixture comprises a first gas (e.g. oxygen) and a second gas (e.g. ambient air). The ventilators comprise a first gas inlet, a second gas inlet, flow modulator of the first gas, a flow modulator of the second gas, a junction configured to mix the first gas and the second gas, a patient interface configured to deliver the gas mixture to a subject, a pressure sensor, a plurality of flow sensors comprising at least a first flow sensor and a second flow sensor, and at least one controller configured for obtaining data from the pressure sensor and flow sensors and controlling the flow modulators to provide a gas mixture having a target pressure and a target oxygen content.

An apparatus for oxygenation and/or CO2 clearance of a patient. The apparatus comprising: a flow source or a connection for a flow source for providing a gas flow, a gas flow modulator, a controller to control the gas flow. The controller is operable to: receive input relating to heart activity and/or trachea gas flow of the patient, and control the gas flow modulator to provide a varying gas flow with at least two oscillating components. One oscillating component has a frequency based on the heart activity and/or trachea flow of the patient. One oscillating component has a frequency to: promote bulk gas flow movement, or promote mixing.

An inhaler device for pulmonary delivery of at least one substance from a drug dose cartridge to an inhaling user, including: a first conduit for conducting a carrier airflow to a proximal opening of a mouthpiece for use by the user; a holder configured to position the dose cartridge within the carrier airflow; and a second conduit for conducting a shunting airflow to the mouthpiece without passing through the dose cartridge position. In some embodiments, a controller connected to a valve controls a rate of carrier airflow, for example by controlling the shunting airflow, based on a sensor indication of airflow rate and a target airflow profile.

An inhaler comprises (a) a first passage having a first open end and a second open end; (b) a pressure source configured for generating an airflow; said pressure source connected to said first open end of said first passage; (c) a rotating shutter configured for blocking and releasing said airflow; (d) a mouthpiece being in fluid communication with second open end of said first passage; said mouthpiece configured for delivering a modulated airflow to a patient's airway. The inhaler further comprises a second passage having first open end and a second open end; said first open end of said second passage is in fluid communication with said mouthpiece; said second open end of said second passage is vented to ambient air; said first and second passages are arranged such that said rotating shutter blocks and releases said first and second passages in an alternate manner.

The invention provides a wound-treating gas composition and a wound-treating apparatus usable with a novel wound-treating method making use of hydrogen sulfide. The wound-treating gas composition contains hydrogen sulfide in a proportion of 20 ppm or lower, and the wound-treating apparatus includes a cover or container to which the wound-treating gas is fed.