Abstract
The invention relates to a ventilator which comprises a pneumatic system for conveying ventilation gas in a flow direction (d) to a patient or from a patient, and further comprises at least one light source which is directed, in emission direction (r), at the ventilation gas and/or at a display area and/or at the pneumatic system.
Claims
1. A ventilator, wherein the ventilator comprises a pneumatic system for conveying ventilation gas in a flow direction (d) to a patient or from a patient, and further comprises at least one light source which is directed, in emission direction (r), at the ventilation gas and/or at a display area and/or at the pneumatic system.
2. The ventilator of claim 1, wherein emitted light is selected from a first wavelength range of from 385 nm to 780 nm and/or from a second wavelength range of from more than 780 nm to 2000 nm.
3. The ventilator of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source is configured and embodied to at least weaken or inactivate germs (viruses, bacteria, fungi) by the emitted light.
4. The ventilator of claim 1, wherein the pneumatic system comprises at least one air supply to the ventilator and/or a respiratory gas outflow from the patient and/or a patient interface and/or a gas flow line and/or filters.
5. The ventilator of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source is disposed in a region of an air supply to the ventilator and/or in a region of a respiratory gas outflow from the patient and/or in a region of a patient interface and/or along gas flow lines.
6. The ventilator of claim 1, wherein the ventilator further at least one particle filter which is disposed within the pneumatic system, at least one light source being directed at the at least one particle filter in a light emission direction (r).
7. The ventilator of claim 6, wherein the at least one light source is disposed first in the flow direction (d), followed by the at least one particle filter.
8. The ventilator of claim 6, wherein light emitted toward the at least one particle filter is selected from a first wavelength range of from 385 nm to 780 nm and/or from a second wavelength range of from more than 780 nm to 2000 nm.
9. The ventilator of claim 6, wherein at least one light source is disposed in each case on both sides of the particle filter.
10. The ventilator of claim 6, wherein an entire area of the at least one particle filter is able to be illuminated on a side of the at least one light source.
11. The ventilator of claim 6, wherein the at least one particle filter is able to be illuminated in all round uniform fashion.
12. The ventilator of claim 6, wherein a plurality of types of light sources are directed in circumferential fashion at the at least one particle filter in an alternating sequence with respect to types of light sources, the types of light sources differing in terms of the respectively emitted light.
13. The ventilator of claim 12, wherein one type of light sources embodied to emit light with an emission maximum at 405 nm is provided.
14. The ventilator of claim 12, wherein emitted light of all light sources comprises a wavelength continuum from 385 nm to 2000 nm.
15. The ventilator of claim 6, wherein the at least one particle filter is embodied as a glass frit or as a pellet made of glass wool and/or for retaining pathogens.
16. The ventilator of claim 6, wherein a plurality of particle filters with a pore size respectively decreasing in the flow direction (d) are disposed in the pneumatic circuit system.
17. An adapter for a ventilator with a pneumatic system for conveying ventilation gas, the pneumatic system comprising at least an air supply to the ventilator and/or a respiratory gas outflow from the patient and/or a patient interface and/or a gas flow line and/or filters, wherein the adapter is equipped with at least one light source and is able to be connected to the air supply and/or the respiratory gas outflow and/or the patient interface and/or a gas flow line, and wherein the at least one light source can be directed at the ventilation gas and/or the pneumatic system and is configured and embodied in such a way that germs (viruses, bacteria, fungi) are at least weakened or inactivated by the emitted light.
18. The adapter of claim 17, wherein the adapter comprises at least one device for slowing a flow of the ventilation gas and/or for at least temporarily accumulating and/or filtering germs (viruses, bacteria, fungi) and the at least one light source is directed at this device.
19. The adapter of claim 18, the at least one device is present in the form of a particle filter and/or a baffle and/or a cover.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0072] The proposed ventilator is described in more detail below on the basis of of the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0073] FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section of the claimed ventilator in a schematic partial view of a pneumatic circuit system;
[0074] FIG. 2 shows a cross section through the pneumatic circuit system;
[0075] FIGS. 3a and 3b schematically show, in sections, an exemplary embodiment of the ventilator in which the light sources are disposed in such a way that the display area is irradiated;
[0076] FIG. 4 schematically shows a section of an exemplary embodiment of the ventilator, in which the light sources are disposed in the interior of the ventilator behind the display area;
[0077] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of the ventilator in sections, in which the light sources themselves are part of the display area;
[0078] FIGS. 6a and 6b show the region of the respiratory gas outflow of the ventilator in exemplary fashion;
[0079] FIG. 7 shows a section of an exemplary embodiment of the ventilator in the region of the respiratory gas outflow;
[0080] FIG. 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the ventilator in a section of the region of the respiratory gas outflow;
[0081] FIG. 9 shows a section of a further exemplary embodiment of the claimed ventilator; and
[0082] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary section of a patient interface of the claimed ventilator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0083] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description in combination with the drawings making apparent to those of skill in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.
[0084] In the following exemplary embodiment, the claimed ventilator 1 is embodied as an anesthesia appliance. The ventilator 1 has a pneumatic circuit system 2 for conveying ventilation gas in a flow direction d by means of an electric fan, through an appliance outlet and via an interface to a patient. The interface is provided by a ventilation tube that is connected to a tracheal tube, with the tracheal tube being guided directly to the respiratory organs of the patient. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are not true to scale. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 do not show the electric fan, the appliance outlet, the interface, the respiratory organs of the patient and the patient. In order to elucidate the general construction principle and functionality, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 each show schematic partial views of the claimed ventilator 1.
[0085] Three particle filters 31, 32 and 33 are pneumatically connected within the pneumatic circuit system 2. Six light sources are disposed in each case on both sides of each particle filter 31, 32 and 33, the light sources comprising those of a first type 41, a second type 42 and a third type 43. The light sources 41, 42 and 43 are directed toward the particle filters 31, 32 and 33, in a light emission direction r in each case.
[0086] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 elucidate the light emission directions r in the form of a dual arrow in each case.
[0087] FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section of the claimed ventilator 1 in a schematic partial view of a pneumatic circuit system 2. Within the pneumatic circuit system 2, the one to three particle filters 31, 32 and 33 are pneumatically connected, for example within cylindrical piping 21. The particle filters 31, 32 and 33 each have a front surface 310, 320 and 330 and each have a back surface 311, 321 and 331, the particle filters 31, 32 and 33 being pneumatically connected in the pneumatic circuit system 2 in such a way that, during operation of the claimed ventilator 1, the flow of ventilation gas in the flow direction d initially penetrates the respective front surface 310, 320 and 330 of the respective particle filter 31, 32 and 33, followed by the respective back surface 311, 321 and 331. The flow direction d is elucidated by an arrow in FIG. 1. Consequently, the front surfaces 310, 320 and 330 and the back surfaces 311, 321 and 331 each substantially correspond to a flow cross section.
[0088] A total of six light windows 22 are securely let into the piping 21 by way of a tongue and groove connection. The light windows 22 are likewise embodied as a cylindrical pipe section in each case, which, in addition to two connecting tongues on each connection side, has the same radius and wall thickness as the piping 21. The consequently circumferential, closed light windows 22 are identical in terms of form and manufactured from quartz. In the flow direction d, a light window 22 is in each case disposed upstream and in each case disposed downstream of each particle filter 31, 32 and 33.
[0089] Only the light sources of the first type 41 are visible in FIG. 1. A total of six light sources 41, 42 and 43 are affixed to each light window 22 in such a way that, in each case in the light emission direction r, an irradiation of both the respective front surface 310, 320 and 330 and the respective back surface 311, 321 and 331 of the relevant particle filter 31, 32 and 33 is facilitated. Consequently, the light sources 41, 42 and 43 are precluded from influencing a laminar flow of the ventilation gas on account of the design in the partial section of the piping 21 shown in FIG. 1. In this exemplary embodiment of the claimed ventilator 1, an irradiation of the pathogens both during the accumulation thereof in front of the front surface 310, 320 and 330 and during the passage through the back surface 311, 321 and 331 of the particle filters 31, 32 and 33 is thus facilitated on account of the design and in particularly advantageous fashion.
[0090] By way of example, the particle filter 31 is embodied as a glass frit 31. By way of example, silver or titanium dioxide is additionally introduced into the glass frit 31, with the titanium dioxide containing platinum with a mass fraction of 1%. Consequently, the glass frit 31 is embodied as a catalyst, which accelerates the oxidation of microorganisms in both photocatalytic and thermocatalytic fashion; hence, a decomposition, killing and/or inactivation of microorganisms is realizable in three mutually independent ways in this exemplary embodiment. The glass frit 31 has a pore width of 1 m to 200 m and consequently represents a negligible flow resistance under operating conditions. The particle filter 32 is embodied to retain bacteria and fungi and the particle filter 33 is embodied to retain viruses. Consequently, three particle filters 31, 32 and 33 with a respectively decreasing pore dimension in the flow direction d are disposed in the pneumatic circuit system 2.
[0091] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the claimed ventilator 1 in a schematic partial view of the pneumatic circuit system 2. Here, FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the front surface 310 of the particle filter 31. The arrangements of the light sources 41, 42 and 43 around all particle filters 31, 32 and 33 are identical in each case, and so FIG. 2 is representative for the arrangement of all light sources 41, 42 and 43. The light sources 41, 42 and 43 shown in FIG. 2 are securely disposed at respectively equal distances from one another and, in respect of one type, opposite one another around the front surface 310 of the particle filter 31 in a common holder. This corresponds to an arrangement of the light sources 41, 42 and 43 in circumferential fashion in an alternating sequence with respect to the sorts thereof. A circumferentially uniform illumination of the front surface 310 and the back surface 311 of the particle filter 31, over the entire area thereof, ensures that all pathogens striking the particle filter 31 or passing through the particle filter 31 are exposed to the same, or at least approximately the same, radiance of the light emitted by the light sources 41, 42 and 43. The holder is designed to be removable from the piping 21 for simple maintenance. Consequently, an identical holder with light sources 41, 42 and 43 is respectively assigned to each light window 22. In this exemplary embodiment: [0092] the light sources of the first type 41 are embodied to emit light in a wavelength interval restricted to 385 nm to 425 nm, with an emission maximum at 405 nm, [0093] the light sources of the second type 42 are embodied to emit light in a wavelength interval restricted to 385 nm to 1000 nm, with an emission maximum at 600 or 630 nm, and [0094] the light sources of the third type 43 are embodied to emit light in a wavelength interval restricted to 900 nm to 1700 or 2000 nm, with a first emission maximum at 1300 or 1400 nm and a second emission maximum at 1550 or 1600 nm.
[0095] This ensures the excitation of all electrons and oscillator states of the microorganisms.
[0096] FIGS. 3a and 3b schematically show, in sections, an exemplary embodiment of the ventilator 1, in which the light sources 41, 42 and 43 are disposed in such a way that the display area 103 is irradiated. To this end, the light sources 41, 42 and 43 are disposed in a light source housing 1031, for example, and so the light sources are located above the display area. Consequently, it is possible for the emission direction r of the light sources 41, 42, 43 to strike the display area 103. In an exemplary embodiment, the light source housing 1031 comprises a type of screen 1032, which extends beyond the end of the light sources. As a result of this screen 1032, the display area 103 can be irradiated but the light sources 41, 42, 43 do not emit in the direction of persons gazing on the display area, for example. In a conceivable further exemplary embodiment, additional reflectors, not shown, are attached to the light source housing 1031 in such a way that the emission direction r of the light sources 41, 42, 43 is steered onto the display area 103, in particular. Particularly if the display area 103 is embodied as a touchscreen, on which the inputs, such as a variation in the ventilation pressure, for example, are set directly on the display area 103, it is advantageous if this surface can be sterilized by the light sources.
[0097] FIG. 4 schematically shows a section of an exemplary embodiment of the ventilator 1, in which the light sources 41, 42, 43 are disposed in the interior of the ventilator behind the display area 103. The light sources 41, 42, 43 are configured in such a way that the emission direction r radiates on the display area from the back. Advantageously, the display area 103 is configured in such a way, for example, that the radiation shines through the display area 103 and at least reaches the surface of the display area. In an exemplary embodiment, the light sources 41, 42, 43 simultaneously also serve as a background illumination for the display area 103 in addition to the sterilization of the surface of the display area. To this end, the display area 103 is embodied as an LCD, for example.
[0098] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of the ventilator 1 in sections, in which the light sources 41, 42 and 43 themselves are part of the display area 103. By way of example, the light sources can be embodied as organic light-emitting diodes and, together, yield an OLED display. Thus, the general advantages of an OLED displayspace-saving structure and low power requirementcan be combined with the sterilizing effect of the chosen light sources.
[0099] FIGS. 6 to 9 illustrate exemplary embodiments of the ventilator 1, in which the light sources are disposed in the region of the respiratory gas outflow 102. In addition to the shown examples, combinations with the functional principle described in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, are furthermore also possible. The exemplary embodiments of the partial sections, described in FIGS. 1 and 2, can be disposed, e.g., in front of the outlet 1025 within the ventilator 1 but downstream of the patient in the flow direction d. The embodiments described in FIGS. 6 to 9 relate, in particular, to ventilators in which the respiratory gas is guided back to the ventilator from the patient in a two-tube system, for example, and said respiratory gas is discharged from the ventilation system, for example by way of a respiratory gas outflow.
[0100] FIGS. 6a and 6b show the region of the respiratory gas outflow 102 of the ventilator 1 in exemplary fashion. A baffle 1021, which covers but does not seal the outlet 1025 of the respiratory gas outflow 102, for example, is disposed in the region of the respiratory gas outflow 102. To this end, the baffle 1021 is connected to the region of the respiratory gas outflow 102 at a distance from the outlet 1025 of the respiratory gas flow by connections 1024. By way of example, the connections 1024 are disposed in spaced apart fashion around the outlet 1025. Three connections 1024 are shown in exemplary fashion in FIG. 6b; however, more or fewer connections could also be disposed between the baffle 1021 and the region of the respiratory gas outflow 102. By way of example, the light sources 41, 42, 43 are disposed in the housing interior and around the outlet 1025 in the region of the respiratory gas outflow 102. Here, the light sources 41, 42, 43 can be disposed in such a way, for example, that the individual types of light sources are disposed in alternating fashion. That is to say, disposed next to a light source 41 there can be a light source 42 and, next, a light source 43. However, the sequence can also have any other structure. Additionally, the number of individual light source types need not have a uniform distributionby way of example, twice as many light sources 41 could be present than light sources 42 and 43. Additionally, use could be made of only one or two types of light sources. In the region of the respiratory gas flow 102, the housing of the ventilator 1 has openings or light windows not described in any more detail such that the light sources 41, 42, 43 can radiate in the direction of the baffle 1021, for example. By way of example, the area of the baffle 1021 is greater than the cross-sectional area of the outlet 1025 and completely covers the outlet, as can be identified schematically in FIG. 6b.
[0101] By way of example, the baffle 1021 is configured in such a way that the ventilation gas flows with the flow direction d in the direction of the baffle 1021 and, in the process, strikes the baffle 1021. Firstly, this reduces the flow speed and secondly this may also lead to the accumulation on the surface of pathogens or germs from the ventilation gas. This renders it possible to lengthen the irradiation duration of the pathogens and leads to more effective sterilization. By way of example, the baffle 1021 can also be coated with silver or platinum-containing titanium oxide in order to obtain additional advantageous effects, as described in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0102] In FIG. 6a, the baffle 1021 is disposed perpendicular to the flow direction d, for example. In other exemplary embodiments, the baffle 1021 can also have an inclined arrangement in relation to the flow direction d. In further embodiments, the baffle 1021 is embodied as a structured surface. In further embodiments, the baffle 1021 could also assume any other geometric form, such as a conical form, the form of a hemisphere or any free form. By way of example, the light sources 41, 42, 43 might also not be distributed around the outlet 1025, but only be disposed at points or on one side.
[0103] In a further embodiment, not shown in any more detail, an arrangement of particle filters, as described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, is disposed, for example, in the region of the respiratory gas outflow 102 instead of a baffle 1021.
[0104] According to the invention, particle filters could also be disposed on the baffle.
[0105] In all exemplary embodiments, the particle filters are configured and embodied to at least partly retain germs (viruses, bacteria, fungi). By way of example, said particle filters are additionally configured and embodied in all exemplary embodiments to at least partly transmit the light according to the invention or allow the latter to penetrate into deeper layers of the filter.
[0106] It should be understood that the number and arrangement of the light sources and of the baffle should predominantly reproduce the functional principle in exemplary fashion and both light sources and baffles may be present in different numbers, arrangements and forms.
[0107] FIG. 7 shows a section of an exemplary embodiment of the ventilator 1 in the region of the respiratory gas outflow 102. The basic elements and functionality are as described in FIG. 6. Additionally, further light sources 41, 42, 43 are disposed in a light source housing 1022, for example on the baffle as well. The light sources 41, 42, 43 are disposed and configured in such a way that the emission direction r is formed counter to the flow direction d. To this end, the baffle 1021 is configured and embodied in such a way that openings or, preferably, light windows are disposed in the region of the light sources. These additional light sources offer the advantage that, firstly, the ventilation gas (with pathogens contained therein) can already be irradiated over a distance in front of the outlet 1025. Secondly, the distance between the light sources and the baffle 1021 additionally reduces, and so the radiation intensity on the baffle 1021 can be additionally increased or, alternatively, light sources 41, 42, 43 with a weaker power can be used.
[0108] In a further exemplary embodiment, it is possible to dispense with the light sources on the side of the outlet 1025 and only dispose the light sources on the side of the baffle 1021.
[0109] FIG. 8 illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of the ventilator 1 in a section of the region of the respiratory gas outflow 102. In addition to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6a, b and FIG. 7, a type of wall 1023 is set up around the baffle 1021. By way of example, this wall 1023 is connected to the region of the respiratory gas outflow 102 and has an opening over the baffle. Here, the wall 1023 prevents radiation of the light sources 41, 42, 43 from also being perceivable outside of the appliance.
[0110] FIG. 9 shows a section of a further exemplary embodiment of the ventilator 1. Here, the light sources 41, 42, 43 are disposed at a point within the housing, in the flow direction between the patient and the outlet 1025 in the region of the respiratory gas outflow 102. The general functional principle of the arrangement shown in FIG. 9 in exemplary fashion corresponds to the principle explained in FIGS. 1 and 2. In contrast to the embodiment described in FIGS. 1 and 2, only a baffle 1021 is introduced into the gas flow, said baffle slowing the gas flow down and serving as an accumulation surface for pathogens.
[0111] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary section of a patient interface 105 of the ventilator 1. The light sources 41, 42, 43 are disposed in exemplary fashion in the region of the outflow openings 1053. Covers 1051, for example, are attached downstream of the outflow openings 1053 in the flow direction d, said covers having a similar function or the same function to the baffles 1021 described in FIGS. 6-9. Here, the covers 1051 are connected to a part of the patient interface 105, for example. Ventilation gas is supplied to the patient through the gas supply line 1052. The ventilation gas expired by the patient leaves the patient interface through the outflow openings 1053, with the flow direction d, and strikes the cover 1051 in perpendicular fashion in the process. Here, the cover 1051 firstly serves as a location for slowing down the gas flow but also for at least temporary accumulation of pathogens and germs, which are irradiated and weakened or inactivated by the light sources 41, 42, 43. The inactivated or weakened germs or pathogens are regularly removed by the gas flow, and so no permanent accumulation occurs.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0112] 1 Ventilator [0113] 101 Air supply [0114] 102 Respiratory gas outflow [0115] 103 Display area [0116] 105 Patient interface [0117] 106 Gas flow line [0118] 107 Gas flow line [0119] 1021 Baffle [0120] 1022 Light source housing [0121] 1023 Wall [0122] 1024 Connections [0123] 1025 Outlet [0124] 1031 Light source housing [0125] 1032 Screen [0126] 1051 Cover [0127] 1052 Gas supply line [0128] 1053 Outflow opening [0129] 2 Pneumatic circuit system [0130] 21 Piping [0131] 22 Light window [0132] 31 Particle filter [0133] 32 Particle filter [0134] 33 Particle filter [0135] 310 Front surface [0136] 320 Front surface [0137] 330 Front surface [0138] 311 Back surface [0139] 321 Back surface [0140] 331 Back surface [0141] 41 Light source of a first type [0142] 42 Light source of a second type [0143] 43 Light source of a third type [0144] 6 Adapter [0145] d Flow direction [0146] r Light emission direction
