Automated interpretive medical care system and methodology

Abstract

Improved apparatus and methods for monitoring, diagnosing and treating at least one medical respiratory condition of a patient are provided, including a medical data input interface adapted to provide at least one medical parameter relating at least to the respiration of the patient, and a medical parameter interpretation functionality (104, 110) adapted to receive the at least one medical parameter relating at least to the respiration (102) of the patient and to provide at least one output indication (112) relating to a degree of severity of at least one medical condition indicated by the at least one medical parameter.

Claims

1. A method for determining a condition of a patient, the method comprising: receiving, at a processor, a CO.sub.2 waveform indicative of partial-pressure CO.sub.2 values of the patient, wherein the CO.sub.2 waveform is obtained by a capnograph coupled to an element positioned within an airway of the patient; receiving, at the processor, a signal indicative of a cardiac function of the patient, wherein the signal is obtained by electrodes positioned on a chest of the patient; using the processor: computing at least one parameter relating to the CO.sub.2 waveform, wherein the at least one parameter relating to the CO.sub.2 waveform comprises a slope, an angle of rise, a time to rise, a run time of the rise, or any combination thereof; computing at least one additional parameter relating to the signal indicative of the cardiac function; identifying and storing a baseline cardiorespiratory pattern of the patient based on the at least one parameter relating to the CO.sub.2 waveform and the at least one additional parameter relating to the signal indicative of the cardiac function; activating a monitoring mode in response to a change in the baseline cardiorespiratory pattern, wherein the monitoring mode comprises a diagnostic protocol, wherein, in the diagnostic protocol, the processor: determines a respective change in the at least one parameter relating to the CO.sub.2 waveform, a respective change in the at least one additional parameter relating to the signal indicative of cardiac function, or both; and determines the condition of the patient based on the respective change in the at least one parameter relating to the CO.sub.2 waveform, the respective change in at least one additional parameter relating to the signal indicative of cardiac function, or both; and provides an instruction to a display to provide an alert indicative of the condition of the patient.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the additional parameter comprises a ST-segment value, a T-wave, a QRS complex, or any combination thereof.

3. The method of claim 2, comprising determining that the condition of the patient is an abnormal cardiac condition in response to identifying an increase in the ST-segment value and a decrease in an end-tidal CO.sub.2 (EtCO.sub.2) value relative to respective baseline values.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring mode comprises a sampling protocol in which the CO.sub.2 waveform and the signal indicative of the cardiac function of the patient are obtained, and the method comprises alternating between the sampling protocol and the diagnostic protocol.

5. The method of claim 4, comprising determining a waveform quality of the CO.sub.2 waveform while in the sampling protocol, wherein the waveform quality is based on a breath-to-breath correlation and a root mean square value of noise of the CO.sub.2 waveform.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the alert indicates the presence of acute cardiac ischemia.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the alert indicates the absence of acute cardiac ischemia.

8. The method of claim 1, comprising receiving, at the processor, one or more additional signals from one or more additional sensing units, wherein the one or more additional sensing units comprises a pulse oximeter comprising a first sensor positioned on a finger of the patient, a cerebral oximeter comprising a second sensor positioned on a forehead of the patient, an NIBP comprising a cuff positioned on an arm of the patient, or any combination thereof.

9. The method of claim 1, comprising providing another instruction to the display to provide a second alert indicating that the monitoring mode is activated.

10. A system configured to determine a cardiac condition of a patient, comprising: a processor configured to: receive, from a capnograph coupled to an element positioned within an airway of the patient, a CO.sub.2 waveform indicative of partial-pressure CO.sub.2 values of the patient; receive, from electrodes positioned on a chest of the patient, a second signal indicative of cardiac function of the patient; compute at least one parameter relating to the CO.sub.2 waveform, wherein the at least one parameter relating to the CO.sub.2 waveform comprises a slope, an angle of rise, a time to rise, a run time of the rise, or any combination thereof; compute at least one additional parameter relating to the signal indicative of the cardiac function; identify and store a baseline cardiorespiratory pattern of the patient based on the at least one parameter relating to the CO.sub.2 waveform and the at least one additional parameter relating to the signal indicative of the cardiac function; activate a monitoring mode in response to identification of a change in the baseline cardiorespiratory pattern, wherein the monitoring mode comprises a diagnostic protocol, wherein, in the diagnostic protocol, the processor is configured to: determine a respective change in the at least one parameter relating to the CO.sub.2 waveform, a respective change in the at least one additional parameter relating to the signal indicative of the cardiac function, or both; and determine the condition of the patient based on the respective change in the at least one parameter relating to the CO.sub.2 waveform, the respective change in the at least one additional parameter relating to the signal indicative of the cardiac function, or both; and provide an instruction to a display to provide an alert indicative of the condition of the patient.

11. The system of claim 10, comprising the capnograph and the electrodes.

12. The system of claim 11, comprising one or more additional sensing units, wherein the one or more additional sensing units comprises a pulse oximeter comprising a first sensor positioned on a finger of the patient, a cerebral oximeter comprising a second sensor positioned on a forehead of the patient, an NIBP comprising a cuff positioned on an arm of the patient, or any combination thereof.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is configured to provide an another instruction to the display to provide a second alert that indicates the monitoring mode is activated.

14. A patient monitoring system, comprising: a capnograph configured to measure at least one respiratory parameter relating to a CO.sub.2 waveform, wherein the at least one respiratory parameter comprises an end tidal CO.sub.2 (EtCO.sub.2) value; an electrocardiogram (ECG) configured to measure at least one cardiac parameter relating to cardiac function, wherein the at least one cardiac parameter comprises an ST-segment value, a T-wave, or both; a processor configured to: receive the at least one respiratory parameter and the at least one cardiac parameter; determine a baseline cardiorespiratory pattern based on the at least one respiratory parameter and the at least one cardiac parameter; activate a monitoring mode in response to identification of the baseline cardiorespiratory pattern, wherein, in the monitoring mode, the processor is configured to: instruct the capnograph to continuously measure the at least one respiratory parameter and instruct the ECG to continuously monitor the at least one the cardiac parameter; determine one or more changes to the at least one respiratory parameter, the at least one cardiac parameter, or both; generate an alert indicative of a condition of the patient in response to the one or more changes in the at least one respiratory parameter, the at least one cardiac parameter, or both; and instruct a display to display the alert, the at least one respiratory parameter, and the at least one cardiac parameter.

15. The patient monitoring system of claim 14, wherein the alert is indicative of a normal condition of the patient when the processor determines that the ST-segment value and the T-wave have not changed relative to respective baseline values.

16. The patient monitoring system of claim 14, wherein the alert is indicative of an abnormal condition when the processor detects an increase in the ST-segment value and a decrease in EtCO.sub.2 relative to respective baseline values.

17. The patient monitoring system of claim 16, wherein the abnormal condition is acute cardiac ischemia.

18. The patient monitoring system of claim 14, wherein the monitoring mode comprises a sampling protocol and a diagnostic protocol, and wherein the processor is configured to alternate between the sampling protocol and the diagnostic protocol to determine the condition of the patient.

19. The patient monitoring system of claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to determine a waveform quality of the CO.sub.2 waveform while in the sampling protocol, and wherein the waveform quality is based on a breath-to-breath correlation and a root mean square value of noise of the CO.sub.2 waveform.

20. The patient monitoring system of claim 14, comprising one or more additional sensing units, wherein the one or more additional sensing units comprises a pulse oximeter comprising a first sensor positioned on a finger of the patient, a cerebral oximeter comprising a second sensor positioned on a forehead of the patient, an NIBP comprising a cuff positioned on an arm of the patient, or any combination thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

(2) FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are simplified pictorial illustrations showing a medical care system and methodology employing at least one parameter relating at least to respiration for automatically providing an output indication relating to at least one medical condition in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in three different types of care environments;

(3) FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1C;

(4) FIG. 3 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an on-scene environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of a spontaneously breathing patient;

(5) FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 3;

(6) FIG. 5 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an on-scene environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of mechanically ventilated patients;

(7) FIGS. 6A and 6B are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

(8) FIG. 7 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of spontaneously breathing patients;

(9) FIGS. 8A and 8B are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 7;

(10) FIG. 9 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of mechanically ventilated patients;

(11) FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C are a flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 9;

(12) FIG. 11 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for detecting the severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of spontaneously breathing patients;

(13) FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 11;

(14) FIG. 13 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of mechanically ventilated patients;

(15) FIGS. 14A and 14B are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 13;

(16) FIG. 15 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for distinguishing between heart failure and emphysema, where emphysema is present;

(17) FIGS. 16A and 16B are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 15;

(18) FIG. 17 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for monitoring intubation status of a patient;

(19) FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 17;

(20) FIG. 19 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for monitoring respiratory status of a patient in a first clinical scenario;

(21) FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 19;

(22) FIGS. 21A and 21B are simplified pictorial illustrations of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for monitoring intubation status of a patient in a second clinical scenario;

(23) FIGS. 22A, 22B and 22C are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 21A and 21B;

(24) FIGS. 23A and 23B are simplified pictorial illustrations of a diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a physician's office environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of a spontaneously breathing patient in a first clinical scenario;

(25) FIGS. 24A and 24B are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 23A and 23B;

(26) FIGS. 25A and 25B are simplified pictorial illustrations of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a physician's office environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of a spontaneously breathing patient in a second clinical scenario;

(27) FIGS. 26A and 26B are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 25A and 25B;

(28) FIGS. 27A and 27B are simplified pictorial illustrations of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm from an allergic reaction, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition;

(29) FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 27A and 27B;

(30) FIG. 29 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for distinguishing between upper airway obstruction and lower airway obstruction, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition;

(31) FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 29;

(32) FIG. 31 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for distinguishing between heart failure and emphysema in a scenario in which heart failure is present;

(33) FIGS. 32A and 32B are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 31;

(34) FIG. 33 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for treating pulmonary edema;

(35) FIGS. 34A and 34B are flowcharts illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 33;

(36) FIG. 35 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for anesthesia monitoring;

(37) FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 35;

(38) FIG. 37 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary embolism;

(39) FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 37;

(40) FIGS. 39A and 39B are simplified pictorial illustrations of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for determination of correct nasogastric tube placement;

(41) FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 39A and 39B;

(42) FIG. 41 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for diagnosis and treatment of myocardial infarction;

(43) FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 41;

(44) FIG. 43 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for diagnosis and treatment of cardiogenic shock;

(45) FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 43;

(46) FIG. 45 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrest;

(47) FIG. 46 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 45;

(48) FIG. 47 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for diagnosis and treatment of cardiac ischemia;

(49) FIG. 48 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 47;

(50) FIG. 49 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for monitoring sedation; and

(51) FIG. 50 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 49;

(52) FIG. 51 is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for drug titration during sedation; and

(53) FIG. 52 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiment of FIG. 51.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(54) Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, which are simplified pictorial illustrations showing a medical care system and methodology employing at least one parameter relating at least to respiration for automatically providing an output indication relating to at least one medical condition in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention in three different types of care environments.

(55) Turning to FIG. 1A, it is seen that in an out of hospital environment, such as a doctor's office or other ambulatory care facility, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 100, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 102, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. electrocardiogram (ECG)), cerebral perfusion (e.g. CEREBRAL OXIMETRY), oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. . . . blood pressure (NIBP)), may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 104.

(56) The outputs of the capnograph 102 and possibly of additional instrumentation 104 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 110, which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 102, and also typically has an associated display 112, the display being at least one of a visual display, such as a computer screen, a virtual display, or a printed form of a display. Optionally further physiologic activities are outputted from capnograph 102 and instrumentation 104, and provided as outputs via computer 110 and display 112, which preferably contain diagnostic statements, which preferably characterize the type and severity of a medical condition, as well as treatment recommendations.

(57) Turning to FIG. 1B, it is seen that in an ambulance environment, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 100, such as a such as a Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 113, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), cerebral perfusion (e.g. CEREBRAL OXIMETRY), oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 114.

(58) The outputs of the capnograph 113 and possibly of additional instrumentation 114 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 116, having an associated display 118, which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 113 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains diagnostic statements, which preferably characterize the type and severity of a medical condition, as well as treatment recommendations.

(59) Preferably some or all of the outputs of computer 116 are transmitted in a wireless manner by a transmitter 119, such as via radio or a cellular telephone link, preferably to a dispatch center or patient receiving facility.

(60) Turning to FIG. 1C, it is seen that in a hospital environment, such as an emergency department, medical ward or intensive care unit (ICU), various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 120, such as a Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 122, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), cerebral perfusion (e.g. CEREBRAL OXIMETRY), oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 124.

(61) The outputs of the capnograph 122 and possibly of additional instrumentation 124 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 126 at the patient's bedside and/or at a central monitoring station, having an associated display 128, which typically continuously analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 122 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains diagnostic statements, which preferably characterize the type and severity of a medical condition, as well as treatment recommendations.

(62) Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a flowchart illustrating operation of the embodiments of FIGS. 1A-1C.

(63) In a sensing stage, the patient's physiologic activity preferably is monitored by collecting an expired air sample via cannula 100, and conveying the sample to an analyzer, integrally part of a capnograph, such as capnograph 102 (FIG. 1A), 113 (FIG. 1B), and 122 (FIG. 1C). Simultaneously, some of the patient's other physiological parameters may be sensed, sampled and monitored employing suitable instrumentation 104 (FIG. 1A), 114 (FIG. 1B), and 124 (FIG. 1C). These parameters include, but are not limited to, cardiac activity, ventilation and systemic and cerebral perfusion, and oxygenation parameters.

(64) Data including the parameters monitored and sampled by, for example, instrumentation 104 are relayed to computer 110. The measured patient parameters are analyzed by computer 110 and advisory statements, preferably including at least one of diagnostic statements as to the character and severity of a medical condition and therapeutic recommendations may be displayed on a display 112, or transmitted to a remote location. Changes in the measured patient parameters are recorded over time by computer 110 and the resulting trends may be displayed on display 112 or transmitted. The trends may also be employed for generating trend based advisory statements, preferably including at least one of diagnostic statements as to the character and severity of a medical condition and therapeutic recommendations.

(65) Typically, the exhaled carbon dioxide of the patient is measured continuously over thirty seconds by capnograph 102. Additionally or alternatively, patient may be measured for shorter or longer durations. The end tidal value of the exhaled carbon dioxide (ETCO.sub.2) profile is digitized as a waveform and may be stored for analysis in the memory of suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 110. Additionally or alternatively, the waveform may be stored and analyzed by other means,

(66) Thereafter, in an analyzing stage, the measured patient parameters, such as the limits of inspiration and expiration are delineated and/or marked on computer 110. The initial slope in the increase of the exhaled carbon dioxide concentration up to 80% of the maximum (henceforth designated as slope) and angle of rise up to 80% of the maximum carbon dioxide exhaled are measured.

(67) In a rule application step, the following rules defining the patient status preferably are applied by computer 110, for example, to the CO.sub.2 profile measured by capnograph 102:

(68) If:

(69) a) the time duration to reach 80% of the maximum CO.sub.2 concentration (designated henceforth as run or CO.sub.2 run) is greater than 0.3 seconds; and,

(70) b) the slope of the increase in concentration of CO.sub.2 is less than 100 mm Hg/sec (designated henceforth as slope or CO.sub.2 slope);

(71) then: an alert signal such as ALERT: BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT or ALERT: ASTHMA PATIENT is displayed on display 112 associated with computer 110.

(72) If the patient is an asthma patient according to the definition of the previous step, then the patient receives the appropriate treatment. Thereafter, a second set of exhaled carbon dioxide profile measurements are taken by capnograph 102, and the differences between the initial measurements and these second set of measurements are computed by computer 110. The following decision rule is preferably applied:

(73) If:

(74) a) the difference in the run is less than 0.1 sec; and

(75) b) the difference in the slope is less than +15 mm Hg/sec;

(76) then,

(77) a message is displayed on display 112 such as ADMIT PATIENT TO HOSPITAL. Additionally or alternatively, further tests may be performed for checking the severity of the patient's condition as are described hereinbelow.

(78) If the patient is not yet in hospital, as is portrayed in FIGS. 1A and 1B, then a typical message is ADMIT TO HOSPITAL. Whereas, if the patient is already in the hospital environment (FIG. 1C), a typical message is PATIENT REQUIRES URGENT TREATMENT BY PHYSICIAN. Additionally or alternatively, further tests may be performed for checking the severity of the patient's condition as are described hereinbelow.

(79) If the values of the difference in the run and the difference in the slope are beyond those of the decision rule, then another message may be displayed such as PATIENT IMPROVING on display 112.

(80) Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an on-scene environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of the patient. As seen in FIG. 5, in an on scene environment, such as at a patient's home, after a patient calls EMS after having sensed shortness of breath, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 130, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 132, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 134, a finger sensor 136, a forehead/scalp sensor 138, cannula 130 and a blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer) 140 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 154.

(81) The outputs of the capnograph 132 and preferably of additional instrumentation 154 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 144, having an associated display 146, which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 132, and preferably other physiologic activities and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here ALERT: MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT. The severity of the patient's condition is defined by measured parameters as described hereinbelow.

(82) The patient is preferably given breathing treatment, such as a beta agonist nebulizer treatment and following such treatment and/or in the course thereof, the physiologic activities of the patient continue to be monitored. This monitoring is employed by computer 160 to indicate the response to the breathing treatment and the current status of the bronchospasm condition. The patient is then transferred to an ambulance.

(83) Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 4, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 3. The patient previously attached to a multi-parameter monitor including a capnograph 132 and suitable instrumentation 154, by means of cannula 130 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 134, finger sensor 136, forehead sensor 138 and blood pressure cuff 140, is monitored continuously for at least thirty seconds. Neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique, including visual and electroencephalograph (EEG) monitoring. Values of CO.sub.2 concentration, ECG, NIBP and the SPO.sub.2 (the percent saturation of the hemoglobin molecule with oxygen) in units of % saturation (designated as % SAT herein), are continuously monitored, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram 169 and together with other waveforms are stored in computer 144.

(84) At least one expired air sample is collected and conveyed for analysis by capnograph 132. The following gold standards of base pulmonary function measures are as follows: FEV1 is defined as the Forced Expiratory Volume over 1 second, and is a measure of flow. FVC is the Forced Vital Capacity and is a measure of volume.

(85) The character ratio is FEV1/FVC. This is the ratio of flow to volume: markedly less than 1 in bronchospasm, and close to a value of 1 in patients of normal status and those with restrictive disease.

(86) Severity of a pulmonary disease may preferably be defined by FEV1: Reduced flow and/or volume over the first second, as compared to normal. This applies to both obstructive and restrictive disorders.

(87) Forced expiratory volume (FEV) values are preferably determined employing, a correlation from at least one capnographic measurement, and are denoted herein as CAP-FEV or CAP-FEV1 (measured over one second). The severity criteria is assessed from the capnogram using a measure that we refer to as Cap-FEV1, to emphasize it's relation to the gold-standard FEV1 and it's derivation from the Capnogram. The area under capnogram 169 is measured over the first second. This, the CAP-FEV1 is computed as (SUM [CO.sub.2] (First second)) or, at 40 Hz device sampling rate, (SUM (n=0:40) [CO.sub.2]n). The units are % of expected value, or %. Additionally or alternatively, the CAP-FEV1 may be determined by standard spirometry techniques known in the art as is FEV1.

(88) The capnographic analysis preferably includes molecular correlation spectroscopy (MSC), but may also be performed employing infrared analysis. The outputs of the capnograph 132 and possibly of additional instrumentation 154 are preferably supplied to suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 144, having associated display 146, which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 132.

(89) In an analyzing step, computer 144 marks the onset and offset limits of a capnogram 169, pulse waveforms, and the QRS complex (of the ECG). The actual parameters measured include, but are not limited to heart rate (HR), BP, the systolic to diastolic ratio (SYS/DIA). SPO.sub.2, AND ETCO.sub.2. The slope of CO.sub.2 (mm Hg/sec), and CO.sub.2 run, of the capnogram 132, measured, to 80% of maximum CO.sub.2 concentration, are calculated by computer 144.

(90) Following each treatment, computer 144 computes the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters. Thereafter, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 144:

(91) 1). If: a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range; b) the respiratory rate is normal; c) CO.sub.2 run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec; d) CO.sub.2 slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec; e) SPO.sub.2 is greater or equal to than 95% SAT; and f) ETCO.sub.2 is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;

(92) then, display 146 shows the message VITAL SIGNS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS.

(93) 2) In contrast, if: a) CO.sub.2 run is greater than 0.3 sec; b) CO.sub.2 slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec; c) SPO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 91% SAT but less than 95% SAT; and d) ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(94) then, the message MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 146.

(95) 3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if: a) CAP-FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second) is less than 50%; b) SPO.sub.2 is less than 92% SAT; and c) ETCO.sub.2 (end tidal value of the exhaled carbon dioxide) is greater than 45 mm Hg;

(96) then, a message such as SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 146.

(97) It should be understood from this example that the severity of the a respiratory disorder, whether restrictive or obstructive, may be determined by CAP-FEV1 measurements. The use of the capnographic measurements for diagnosis of whether the respiratory disorder is restrictive or obstructive is described in FIG. 30 hereinbelow. Similarly, the ratio CAP-FEV1/FVC (forced vital capacity) may be applied to diagnose whether the patient is suffering from a restrictive or obstructive breathing disorder as is described hereinabove.

(98) Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is also a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an on-scene environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of the patient. As seen in FIG. 5 and similarly to that described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 3, in an on scene environment, such as at a patient's home, after a patient calls EMS after having sensed shortness of breath, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 150, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 152, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 154, a finger sensor 156, a forehead/scalp sensor 158 and a blood pressure cuff 160 respectively, and may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 154.

(99) The outputs of the capnograph 152 and preferably of additional instrumentation 154 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 160, having an associated display 162, which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 152 and preferably other physiologic activities and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here ALERT: SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.

(100) The patient is given breathing treatment, such as a beta agonist nebulizer treatment and following such treatment and/or in the course thereof, the physiologic activities of the patient continue to be monitored. This monitoring is employed by computer 160 to indicate the response to the breathing treatment and the current status of the bronchospasm condition. In the scenario of FIG. 3, the patient fails to respond sufficiently to the breathing treatment and this is indicated by a status statement, here POOR RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, CONDITION CRITICAL. A treatment recommendation may also be provided, such as CONSIDER INTUBATION.

(101) Intubation is performed and correct intubation tube placement is confirmed by continuing monitoring of the physiologic activities of the patient. A status statement, here: ADEQUATE CO.sub.2 WAVEFORMTUBE IN TRACHEA and a treatment recommendation, here SECURE TUBE appear.

(102) The patient is then transferred to an ambulance. While the physiologic activities of the patient continue to be monitored and serve to confirm continued proper placement of the intubation tube in the trachea. A status statement, here TUBE IN TRACHEA appears. Typically, the position of the tube is continuously monitored by computer 160, and a status statement MONITORING TUBE POSITION appears on display 162.

(103) Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 6A and 6B, which illustrate the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 5. In a monitoring step, the patient, attached to a multi-parameter monitor including a capnograph 152 and instrumentation 154, by means of cannula 150 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 164, finger sensor 166, forehead/scalp sensor 158 and blood pressure cuff 168, is monitored. Neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique.

(104) At least one expired air sample is collected and conveyed to capnograph 152. Further measurements of ECG and blood pressure are monitored by standard techniques, employing chest electrodes 164 and blood pressure cuff 168 respectively. The actual parameters measured include, but are not limited to heart rate, blood pressure ETCO.sub.2 and SPO.sub.2 (SYS/DIA). SPO.sub.2, NIBP, and cerebral oximetry values, and these parameters are measured and/or determined continuously by techniques as detailed hereinabove. These parameter values are typically digitized as waveforms and are further stored for analysis by computer 160.

(105) In an analyzing step, the onset and offset limits of capnograph 152, pulse waveforms, and the QRS complex (ECG) measured by additional instrumentation 154, are delineated and marked by computer 160. The limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined and recorded in computer 160. The slope of the capnogram (mm Hg/sec), and the run and thereof is measured to 80% of maximum CO.sub.2 concentration are calculated by computer 160.

(106) Thereafter, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are applied to the measured parameters by computer 160:

(107) 1. if: a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range; b) respiratory rate is normal; c) CO.sub.2 run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec; d) CO.sub.2 slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec; e) SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and f) ETCO.sub.2 is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;

(108) then, computer 160 displays a message NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT on display 162.

(109) 2) In contrast, if: a) CO.sub.2 run is greater than 0.3 sec; b) CO.sub.2 slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec; c) SPO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 91% SAT, but less than 95% SAT; and d) ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(110) then, computer 160 provides the message MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT on display 162.

(111) 3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if: a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%; b) SPO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 90% SAT, but is less than 91% SAT; and c) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 45 mm Hg, but less than or equal to 60 mm Hg;

(112) then, computer 160 provides a message SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT on display 162.

(113) 4. If the parameters measured are still yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if: a) SPO.sub.2 is less than 90% SAT; b) the respiratory rate is less than 8 per minute; c) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 60 mm Hg; and d) the neurological parameters are poor;

(114) then, computer 160 issues a message on display 162 stating RESPIRATORY FAILURE; CONDITION CRITICAL; CONSIDER INTUBATION.

(115) Subsequently, in an intubation stage, a standard intubation procedure is followed, as is described hereinabove in FIG. 5. Thereafter, an operator, typically a physician or paramedic, confirms that the intubation monitoring mode has been activated, and the patient is monitored for a successful outcome of the intubation. Thereafter, computer 160 displays a message stating MONITORING FOR INTUBATION on display 162.

(116) The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO.sub.2 value is measured by capnograph 152.

(117) The following checking rule is preferably applied.

(118) 1) If: a) the ETCO.sub.2 value is more than 15;

(119) then, a display is provided by computer 160 stating GOOD WAVEFORM, TUBE IN TRACHEA, CONFIRM AND SECURE TUBE on display 162.

(120) Thereafter, the ETCO.sub.2 value is measured again by capnograph 152, and recorded by computer 160. The following monitoring rules are preferably applied.

(121) 1). If a) the ETCO.sub.2 value is more than 15 mm Hg;

(122) then, a message is displayed by computer 160 on display 162 stating MONITORING TUBE IN POSITION: NO DISLODGEMENT.

(123) 2) Whereas, if: a) the ETCO.sub.2 value is less than or equal to 15 mm Hg; or b) there is a loss in the tracking of the waveform by capnograph 152;

(124) then, a message is displayed by computer 160 stating ALERT: CHECK FOR TUBE DISLODGEMENT on display 162.

(125) Reference is now made FIG. 7, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of spontaneously breathing patients. As seen in FIG. 7, in an ambulance environment, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 170, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 172, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 174, a finger sensor 176, a forehead/scalp sensor 178 and a blood pressure cuff 180 respectively, may be received and analyzed by additional instrumentation 182.

(126) The outputs of the capnograph 172 and possibly of additional instrumentation 182 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 184, having an associated display 186, which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 172 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here ALERT: MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT. A breathing treatment is administered after which a diagnostic statement which indicates the patient status and the severity of the respiratory condition is preferably presented, here GOOD RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, CONDITION IMPROVING. Additional breathing treatment is typically administered after which a diagnostic statement which indicates the current patient status and the severity of the respiratory condition is preferably presented, here NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT, CONDITION STABLE.

(127) Preferably, response to treatment statements as well as disposition recommendations may be appended to patient status statements, here RAPID RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, CONDITION REMAINS STABLE, DISCHARGE TO HOME LIKELY.

(128) Preferably some or all of the outputs of computer 184 are transmitted in a wireless manner by a transmitter 188, such as via radio or a cellular telephone link, preferably to a dispatch center or patient receiving facility.

(129) Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 8A and 8B, which illustrate the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 7. In a monitoring step, the patient in an ambulance environment, attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 172, by means of cannula 170 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 174, finger sensor 176, scalp/forehead sensor 178 and blood pressure cuff 178, is monitored continuously. Neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of the CO.sub.2 concentration monitored by capnograph 172, and ECG, NIBP, cerebral oximetry and SPO.sub.2 values, monitored by additional instrumentation 182 are supplied to computer 184, and are typically measured continuously over a period of 30 seconds, by techniques as detailed hereinabove. The parameter data may be digitized as waveforms and are further stored for analysis by computer 184. Thereafter, the limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer 184. The heart rate, blood pressure ETCO.sub.2 and SPO.sub.2 values are measured. The initial slope of the capnogram and the run, monitored by capnograph 172, are calculated by computer 184. Additionally, neurological findings, monitored by means of an EEG are inputted to computer 184.

(130) In an analyzing step, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, pulse waveforms, and the QRS complex (ECG) are marked by computer 184.

(131) Following each treatment, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are evaluated by computer 184. After each treatment, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 184:

(132) 1) If: a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range; b) the respiratory rate is normal; c) CO.sub.2 run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec; d) CO.sub.2 slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec; e) SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and f) ETCO.sub.2 is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;

(133) then, display 162 shows the message NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT

(134) 2) In contrast, if: a) CO.sub.2 run is greater than 0.3 sec; b) CO.sub.2 slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec; c) SPO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 91% SAT less than 95% SAT; and d) ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(135) then, the message MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 186.

(136) 3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if: a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%; b) SPO.sub.2 is less than 92% SAT; and c) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 45 mm Hg;

(137) then, a message such as SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 186.

(138) The findings of the last stage are stored by computer 184 and/or transmitted to a dispatch/receiving center, typically located at a hospital or medical center [ref. no]. A connection is established with the dispatch/receiving, center [ref. no], and the data is forwarded thereto. A medical supervisor typically watches display of the received data, and consequentially transmits the recommended treatment and/or transport recommendations back to the ambulance.

(139) After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer 184. Thereafter; the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 184.

(140) 1) If: a) the difference in the run values is greater than +0.1 sec; and b) the difference in the slope is more negative than 15 mm Hg/sec;

(141) then, computer 184 displays on display 186 BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING.

(142) 2) If: a) the difference in the run values is more negative than 0.1 sec; and b) the difference in the slope is more than +15 mm Hg/sec;

(143) then, computer 184 displays on display 186 BRONCHOSPASM IMPROVING.

(144) 3) If: a) the difference in the slope is more than or equal to 15 mm Hg/sec and less in than or equal to +15 mm Hg/sec;

(145) then, computer 184 displays on display 186 UNCHANGED.

(146) The change in patient's vital functional activities, including SPO.sub.2 and ETCO.sub.2, over the time interval are calculated by computer 184.

(147) 4) If: a) the decrease in SPO.sub.2 is more than 5% SAT; or b) the increase in the ETCO.sub.2 is more than +5 mm Hg;

(148) then, computer 184 displays on display 186 VITAL SIGNS DETERIORATING.

(149) 5) If: a) the increase in SPO.sub.2 is greater than +5% SAT; or b) the decrease in the ETCO.sub.2 is less than 5 mm Hg;

(150) then, computer 184 displays on display 186 VITAL SIGNS IMPROVING.

(151) 6) If: a) the change in SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 5% SAT, but less than or equal to +5%; or b) the change in the ETCO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 5 mm Hg, or less than or equal to +5 mm Hg;

(152) then. computer 184 displays on display 186 VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.

(153) Computer 184 preferably combines the results of these monitoring rules to display an integrated display 186 such as BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING; VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.

(154) Thereafter, in a transmission stage, the connection with the receiving center is maintained. The receiving center periodically receives updates of the patient's condition, who is in the ambulance en route to the hospital, in order to prepare in the most fitting and efficient transfer of the patient upon arrival to the hospital.

(155) Following the transmission stage, the following exit rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 184:

(156) 1) If:

(157) a) the blood pressure values are within normal limits;

(158) b) the respiratory rate is within normal limits;

(159) c) the value of the CO.sub.2 run is less than 0.3 seconds; and

(160) d) the CO.sub.2 slope is greater than 100 mm Hg/sec;

(161) then,

(162) Computer 184 preferably displays on display 186 NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.

(163) If the patient's record complies with this exit rule, then a copy of the patient's record is handed off from computer 184 to the receiving center, for example, in the form of a chart. Typically, the receiving center stores this chart, so that it may be used as a baseline for continued monitoring of the patient.

(164) Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of mechanically ventilated patients. As seen in FIG. 9 and similarly to that described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 5, in an ambulance environment various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 200, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 202, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 204, a finger sensor 206, a forehead/scalp sensor 208 and a blood pressure cuff 209 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 210. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), cerebral perfusion (e.g. CEREBRAL OXIMETRY), oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 212

(165) The outputs of the capnograph 202 and preferably of additional instrumentation 212 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 214 having an associated display 216, which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 202 and preferably other physiologic activities and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here ALERT: SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.

(166) The patient is given breathing treatment, such as a beta agonist nebulizer treatment and following such treatment and/or in the course thereof, the physiologic activities of the patient continue to be monitored. This monitoring is employed by computer 214 to indicate the response to the breathing treatment and the current status of the patient condition. In the scenario of FIG. 9, the patient fails to respond sufficiently to the breathing treatment and this is indicated by a status change statement, here POOR RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, CONDITION WORSENING. A treatment recommendation may also be provided, such as CONSIDER INTUBATION.

(167) Intubation is performed and correct initial tube placement is confirmed followed by continuous monitoring of the physiologic activities of the patient, which indicate current tube position. Where intubation is successful, a status statement, here: ADEQUATE CO2 WAVEFORMTUBE IN TRACHEA and a treatment recommendation, here SECURE TUBE appear. Where intubation is not successful, a status statement, here: NO CO2 WAVEFORMTUBE IN ESOPHAGUS and a treatment recommendation, here REINTUBATE appear.

(168) Following successful intubation, continuous monitoring may provide a status statement such as ADEQUATE CO2 WAVEFORM-TUBE IN TRACHEANO DISLOGEMENT may appear. If tube dislodgment occurs at any time following intubation, a status statement appears, here CO2 WAVEFORM ABSENT preferably accompanied by a treatment recommendation, here CHECK FOR TUBE DISLOGEMENT.

(169) Preferably some or all of the outputs of computer 214 are transmitted in a wireless manner by a transmitter 218, such as via radio or a cellular telephone link, preferably to a dispatch center or patient receiving facility.

(170) Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 10A-10C, which illustrate the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 9.

(171) In a monitoring step, the patient in an ambulance environment, attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 202 and instrumentation 212, by means of cannula 200 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 204, finger sensor 206, scalp/forehead sensor 208 and blood pressure cuff 209, is monitored continuously, Neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of the CO.sub.2 concentration monitored by capnograph 202, and ECG, NIBP, cerebral oximetry and SPO.sub.2 values, monitored by additional instrumentation 212 are supplied to computer 214, and are typically measured continuously over a period of 30 seconds, by techniques as detailed hereinabove. The parameter data may be digitized as waveforms and are further stored for analysis by computer 214. Thereafter, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer 214. The heart rate, blood pressure ETCO.sub.2 and SPO.sub.2 values are measured. The initial slope of the capnogram and the run, monitored by capnograph 202, are calculated by computer 214. Additionally, neurological findings, monitored by means of an EEG are inputted to computer 214.

(172) Following each treatment, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are evaluated by computer 214. After each treatment, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 214:

(173) 1) If: a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range; b) the respiratory rate is normal; c) CO.sub.2 run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec; d) CO.sub.2 slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec; e) SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and f) ETCO.sub.2 is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;

(174) then, display 216 shows the message NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.

(175) 2) In contrast, if: a) CO.sub.2 run is greater than 0.3 sec; b) CO.sub.2 slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec; c) SPO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 91% SAT but less than 95% SAT; and d) ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(176) then, the message MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 216.

(177) 3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if: a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%; b) SPO.sub.2 is less than 91% SAT; and c) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 45 mm Hg;

(178) then, a message such as SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is preferably displayed on display 216.

(179) The findings of the last stage are stored by computer 214 and/or transmitted to a dispatch/receiving center, typically located at a hospital or medical center]. A connection is established with the dispatch/receiving center, and the data is forwarded thereto. A medical supervisor typically watches display of the received data, and consequentially transmits the recommended treatment and/or transport recommendations back to the ambulance.

(180) After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer 214: Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 214.

(181) 1) If: a) the difference in the run values is greater than 0.1 sec; and b) the difference in the slope is more negative than 15 mm Hg/sec;

(182) then, computer 214 displays on display 216 BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING.

(183) 2) If: a) the difference in the run values is more negative than 0.1 sec; and b) the difference in the slope is more positive than +15 mm Hg/sec;

(184) then, computer 214 displays on display 216 BRONCHOSPASM IMPROVING.

(185) 3) If: a) the difference in the slope is more than or equal to 15 mm Hg/sec and less than or equal to +15 mm Hg/sec;

(186) then, computer 214 displays on display 216 BRONCHOSPASM UNCHANGED.

(187) The change in patient's vital functional activities, including SPO.sub.2 and ETCO.sub.2, over the time interval are calculated by computer 214.

(188) 4) If: a) the decrease in SPO.sub.2 is more negative than 5% SAT; or b) the increase in the ETCO.sub.2 is more positive than +5 mm Hg;

(189) then, computer 214 displays on display 216 VITAL SIGNS DETERIORATING.

(190) 5) If: a) the change in SPO.sub.2 is greater than +5% SAT; or b) the change in the ETCO.sub.2 is more negative than 5 mm Hg;

(191) then, computer 214 displays on display 216 VITAL SIGNS IMPROVING.

(192) 6) If: a) the change in SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 5% SAT, but less than or equal to +5% SAT; or b) the change in the ETCO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 5 mm Hg, but less than or equal to +5 mm Hg;

(193) then, computer 214 displays on display 216 VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.

(194) Computer 214 preferably combines the results of these monitoring rules to display an integrated display such as BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING; VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.

(195) In a checking rule step, the following rule is preferably applied:

(196) 1) A patient appears to be entering respiratory failure phase if: a) the SPO.sub.2 is less than 90% SAT; b) the respiratory rate is less than 8/min; c) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 60 mm Hg; and d) the patient's neurological symptoms are qualified as being bad;

(197) then, computer 214 displays RESPIRATORY FAILURE; CONDITION CRITICAL; CONSIDER INTUBATION. on display 216.

(198) Following this, in an alert data transmission stage, a high priority update is transmitted via transmitter 218 from computer 214 to notify the dispatch/receiving centers of the significant deterioration and change in the patient's condition.

(199) Once these changes in the patient's condition have been confirmed by an operator, the patient is consequentially intubated according to standard techniques and capnograph 202 is activated in intubation monitoring mode by computer 214. Once the successful intubation of the patient is verified by data comparison of the patient's capnogram and standardized capnograms for intubation in computer 214, the computer displays MONITORING FOR INTUBATION.

(200) Thereafter, the following check rule is preferably applied to the patient's capnogram:

(201) 1. If: a) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 15 mm Hg;

(202) then, computer 214 displays GOOD WAVEFORM, TUBE IN TRACHEA. CONFIRM AND SECURE TUBE.

(203) In the next step, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the patient's capnogram:

(204) 1) If: a) the value of ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 15 mm Hg;

(205) then, computer 214 displays MONITORING TUBE POSITION: NO DISLODGEMENT on display 216.

(206) 2) If: a) the value of ETCO.sub.2 is less than or equal to 15 mm Hg; or b) there is a loss of the waveform;

(207) then, computer 214 displays ALERT: CHECK FOR TUBE DISLODGEMENT on display 216.

(208) Computer 214 transmits the data monitored via transmitter 218 to the receiving center. The receiving center periodically receives updates of the patient's condition, who is in the ambulance en route to the hospital, in order to prepare in the most fitting and efficient transfer of the patient upon arrival to the hospital.

(209) A copy of the patient's record is handed off from computer 184 via transmitter 218 to the receiving center, for example, in the form of a chart. Typically, the receiving center stores this chart, so that it may be used as a baseline for continued monitoring of the patient.

(210) Reference is now made to FIG. 11, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in a hospital environment, such as a medical ward, emergency department or ICU, for detecting the presence and indicating the severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending treatment and disposition of spontaneously breathing patients. As seen in FIG. 11, in a hospital environment, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 220, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 222, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 224, a finger sensor 226, a forehead/scalp sensor 228 and a blood pressure cuff 230 respectively.

(211) The outputs of the capnograph 222 and possibly of additional instrumentation 230 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 232, having an associated display 234 which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 222 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here ALERT: MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT. A breathing treatment is administered after which a diagnostic statement which indicates the patient status and the severity of the respiratory condition is preferably presented, here GOOD RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, CONDITION IMPROVING. Additional breathing treatment is typically administered after which a diagnostic statement which indicates the current patient status and the severity of the respiratory condition is preferably presented, here NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT, CONDITION STABLE.

(212) Preferably, response to treatment statements as well as disposition recommendations may be appended to patient status statements, here RAPID RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, CONDITION REMAINS STABLE, DISCHARGE TO HOME LIKELY.

(213) Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 12, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 11. The patient in the hospital environment, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 222 and instrumentation 230, by means of cannula 220 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 230, finger sensor 226, scalp/forehead sensor 228 and blood pressure cuff 236, is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of CO.sub.2 concentration, ECG, NIBP and SPO.sub.2 are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram and other waveforms and stored.

(214) The parameter data may be digitized as waveforms and are further stored for analysis by computer 232. Thereafter, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer 232. The heart rate, blood pressure ETCO.sub.2 and SPO.sub.2 values are measured. The initial slope of the capnogram and the run, monitored by capnograph 222, are calculated by computer 232. Additionally, neurological findings, monitored by means of an EEG are inputted to computer 232.

(215) Following each treatment, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are evaluated by computer 232. After each treatment, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 234:

(216) 1) If: a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range; b) the respiratory rate is normal; c) CO.sub.2 run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec; d) CO.sub.2 slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec; e) SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and f) ETCO.sub.2 is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;

(217) then, display 234 shows the message VITAL SIGNS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS.

(218) 2) In contrast, if: a) CO.sub.2 run is greater than 0.3 sec; b) CO.sub.2 slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec; c) SPO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 91% SAT, but less than 95% SAT; and d) ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(219) then, the message MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 234.

(220) 3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if: a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%; b) SPO.sub.2 is less than 92% SAT; and c) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 45 mm Hg;

(221) then, a message such as SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 234.

(222) The findings of the last stage are stored by computer 232 and/or transmitted to a dispatch/receiving center, typically located at a hospital or medical center. A connection is established with the dispatch/receiving center, and the data is forwarded thereto. A medical supervisor typically watches display of the received data, and consequentially transmits the recommended treatment and/or transport recommendations back to the hospital.

(223) After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer 232: Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 232.

(224) 1) If: a) the difference in the run values is greater than 0.1 sec; and b) the difference in the slope is less than 15 mm Hg/sec;

(225) then, computer 232 displays on display 234 BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING.

(226) 2) If: a) the difference in the run values is more negative than 0.1 sec; and b) the difference in the slope is more than +15 mm Hg/sec;

(227) then, computer 232 displays on display 234 BRONCHOSPASM IMPROVING.

(228) 3) If: a) the difference in the slope is greater than or equal to 15 mm Hg/sec, but less than or equal to +15 mm Hg/sec; and a) the difference in the run values is greater or equal to 0.1 sec; but less than or equal to +0.1 sec;

(229) then, computer 232 displays on display 234 BRONCHOSPASM UNCHANGED.

(230) The change in patient's vital functional activities, including SPO.sub.2 and ETCO.sub.2, over the time interval are calculated by computer 232.

(231) 4) If: a) the change in SPO.sub.2 is greater than 5% SAT; or b) the change in the ETCO.sub.2 is more than +5 mm Hg;

(232) then, computer 232 displays on display 234 VITAL SIGNS DETERIORATING.

(233) 5) If: a) the change in SPO.sub.2 is greater than +5% SAT; or b) the change in the ETCO.sub.2 is less than 5 mm Hg;

(234) then, computer 232 displays on display 234 VITAL SIGNS IMPROVING.

(235) 6) If: a) the change in SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 5% SAT, and less than or equal to +5% SAT; or b) the change in the ETCO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 5 mm Hg, but less than or equal to +5 mm Hg;

(236) then, computer 232 displays on display 234 VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.

(237) Computer 232 preferably combines the results of these monitoring rules to display an integrated display 234 such as BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING; VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.

(238) Following the monitoring stage, the following exit rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of the patient by computer 232:

(239) 1) If: a) the blood pressure values are within normal limits; b) the respiratory rate is within normal limits; c) the value of the CO.sub.2 run is less than 0.3 seconds; d) the CO.sub.2 slope is greater than 100 mm Hg/sec; and e) ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(240) then,

(241) Computer 232 preferably displays on display 234 NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT

(242) (If the patient's record complies with this exit rule, then a copy of the patient's record is handed off from computer 232 to the receiving center, for example, in the form of a chart. Typically, the receiving center stores this chart, so that it may be used as a baseline for continued monitoring of the patient).

(243) Reference is now made to FIG. 13, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of mechanically ventilated patients. As seen in FIG. 13 and similarly to that described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9, in a hospital environment, such as a medical ward, emergency department or ICU, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 250, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 252, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 254, a finger sensor 256, a forehead/scalp sensor 258 and a blood pressure cuff 260 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 262.

(244) The outputs of the capnograph 252 and preferably of additional instrumentation 262 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 264 having an associated display 266, which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 252 and preferably other physiologic activities and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here ALERT: SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.

(245) The patient is given breathing treatment, such as a beta agonist nebulizer treatment and following such treatment and/or in the course thereof, the physiologic activities of the patient continue to be monitored. This monitoring is employed by computer 264 to indicate the response to the breathing treatment and the current status of the patient condition. In the scenario of FIG. 13, the patient fails to respond sufficiently to the breathing treatment and this is indicated by a status change statement, here POOR RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, CONDITION WORSENING. A treatment recommendation may also be provided, such as CONSIDER INTUBATION.

(246) Intubation is performed and correct initial tube placement is confirmed followed by continuous monitoring of the physiologic activities of the patient, which indicate current tube position. Where intubation is successful, a status statement, here: ADEQUATE CO2 WAVEFORMTUBE IN TRACHEA and a treatment recommendation, here SECURE TUBE appear. Where intubation is not successful, a status statement, here: NO CO2 WAVEFORM TUBE IN ESOPHAGUS and a treatment recommendation, here REINTUBATE appear.

(247) Following successful intubation, continuous monitoring may provide a status statement such as ADEQUATE CO2 WAVEFORMTUBE IN TRACHEANO DISLOGEMENT may appear. If tube dislodgment occurs at any time following intubation, a status statement appears, here CO2 WAVEFORM ABSENT preferably accompanied by a treatment recommendation, here CHECK FOR TUBE DISLOGEMENT.

(248) Preferably some or all of the outputs of computer 262 are transmitted in a wireless manner by a transmitter 268, such as via radio or a cellular telephone link, preferably to a dispatch center or patient receiving facility.

(249) Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 14A and 14B, which illustrate the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 13.

(250) The patient in the hospital environment, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 252 and instrumentation 262, by means of cannula 250 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 254, finger sensor 256, scalp/forehead sensor 258 and blood pressure cuff 260, is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of CO.sub.2 concentration, ECG, NIBP and SPO.sub.2 are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram and other waveforms and stored by computer 264.

(251) Thereafter, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer 264. The heart rate, blood pressure ETCO.sub.2 and SPO.sub.2 values are measured. The initial slope of the capnogram and the run, monitored by capnograph 252, are calculated by computer 264. Additionally, neurological findings, monitored by means of an EEG are inputted to computer 264. Following each treatment, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are evaluated by computer 264. After each treatment, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 264:

(252) 1) If: a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range; b) the respiratory rate is normal; c) CO.sub.2 run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec; d) CO.sub.2 slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec; e) SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and f) ETCO.sub.2 is less than or equal to 45 mm. Hg;

(253) then, display 266 shows the message VITAL SIGNS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS.

(254) 2) In contrast, if: a) CO.sub.2 run is greater than 0.3 sec; b) CO.sub.2 slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec; c) SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 91% SAT, but less than 95% SAT; and d) ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(255) then, the message MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 266.

(256) 3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if: a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%; b) SPO.sub.2 is less than 91% SAT; and c) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 45 mm Hg;

(257) then, a message such as SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 266.

(258) The findings of the last stage are stored by computer 264 and/or transmitted by transmitter 268 to a dispatch/receiving center, typically located at a hospital or medical center. A connection is established with the dispatch/receiving center [ref. no], and the data is forwarded thereto. A medical supervisor typically watches display of the received data, and consequentially transmits the recommended treatment and/or transport recommendations back to the hospital.

(259) After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer 264: Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 264.

(260) 1) If: a) the difference in the run values is greater than +0.1 sec; and b) the difference in the slope is more negative than 15 mm Hg/sec;

(261) then, computer 264 displays on display 266 BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING.

(262) 2) If: a) the difference in the run values is more negative than 0.1 sec; and b) the difference in the slope is more positive than +15 mm Hg/sec;

(263) then, computer 264 displays on display 266 BRONCHOSPASM IMPROVING.

(264) 3) If: a) the difference in the run values is greater or equal to 0.1 sec but less than or equal to +0.1 sec; or b) the difference in the slope is more than or equal to 15 mm Hg/sec but less than or equal to +15 mm Hg/sec;

(265) then, computer 264 displays on display 266 BRONCHOSPASM UNCHANGED.

(266) The change in patient's vital functional activities, including SPO.sub.2 and ETCO.sub.2, over the time interval are calculated by computer 264.

(267) 4) If: a) the change in SPO.sub.2 is greater than 5% SAT; or b) the change in the ETCO.sub.2 is more than +5 mm Hg;

(268) then, computer 264 displays on display 266 VITAL SIGNS DETERIORATING.

(269) 5) If: a) the change in SPO.sub.2 is greater than +5% SAT; or b) the change in the ETCO.sub.2 is less than 5 mm Hg;

(270) then, computer 264 displays on display 266 VITAL SIGNS IMPROVING.

(271) 6) If: a) the change in SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 5% SAT, but less than or equal to +5% SAT; or b) the change in the ETCO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 5 mm Hg, but less than or equal to +5 mm Hg;

(272) then, computer 264 displays on display 266 VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.

(273) Computer 264 preferably combines the results of these monitoring rules to display an integrated display 266 such as BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING; VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.

(274) In a checking rule step, the following rule is preferably applied:

(275) 1) A patient appears to be entering respiratory failure phase if: a) the SPO.sub.2 is less than 90% SAT; b) the respiratory rate is less than 8/min; c) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 60 mm Hg; and d) the patient's neurological symptoms are qualified as being bad;

(276) then, computer 264 displays RESPIRATORY FAILURE; CONDITION CRITICAL; CONSIDER INTUBATION. on display 266.

(277) Once these changes in the patient's condition have been confirmed by an operator, the patient is consequentially intubated according to standard techniques and capnograph 252 is activated in intubation monitoring mode by computer 264. Once the successful intubation of the patient is verified by data comparison of the patient's capnogram and standardized capnograms for intubation in computer 264, the computer displays MONITORING FOR INTUBATION.

(278) Thereafter, the following check rule is preferably applied to the patient's capnogram:

(279) 1. If: a) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 15 mm Hg;

(280) then, computer 264 displays GOOD WAVEFORM, TUBE IN TRACHEA. CONFIRM AND SECURE TUBE.

(281) In the next step, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the patient's capnogram:

(282) 1) If: a) the value of ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 15 mm Hg;

(283) then, computer 266 displays MONITORING TUBE POSITION: NO DISLODGEMENT on display 268.

(284) 2) If: a) the value of ETCO.sub.2 is less than or equal to 15 mm Hg; or b) there is a loss of the waveform;

(285) then, computer 264 displays ALERT: CHECK FOR TUBE DISLODGEMENT on display 266.

(286) Reference is now made to FIG. 15, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in a hospital environment operative for distinguishing between heart failure and emphysema in a situation where a hospital patient becomes short of breath. As seen in FIG. 15, in a hospital environment, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 270, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 272, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 274, a finger sensor 276, a forehead/scalp sensor 278 and a blood pressure cuff 280 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 282.

(287) The outputs of the capnograph 272 and possibly of additional instrumentation 282 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 284, having an associated display 286 which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 272 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT. This diagnostic statement would suggest treatment for emphysema rather than for heart failure. Breathing treatment is administered after which a diagnostic statement which indicates the patient status and the severity of the respiratory condition is preferably presented, here MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM, CONDITION IMPROVING

(288) Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 16A and 16B, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 15. FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate the utility of using the capnograph in both diagnostic and monitoring modes as an aid to diagnosis and monitoring-respectively.

(289) The patient in the hospital environment, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 272 and the suitable instrumentation, by means of cannula 270 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 274, finger sensor 276, forehead/scalp sensor 278 and blood pressure cuff 280, is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of CO.sub.2 concentration, ECG, NIBP and SPO.sub.2 are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram and other waveforms and stored on computer 284.

(290) In the above exemplified scenario (FIG. 15), the medical team initially do not know whether the patient's symptoms are indicative of a breathing-related medical problem, such as emphysema, or from a heart related medical problem, such as heart failure. The following methodology assists and enables the medical team to reach the correct diagnosis. In contrast, in FIG. 11 above, here were no indications that the patient's diagnosis could include a heart-related episode.

(291) Thereafter, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer 284. The initial slope of the capnogram and the run are determined and stored in computer 284.

(292) At a startup stage, computer 284 checks to verify that a valid signal is received from capnograph 272. In a case where the signal is indicative of there being obstructive lung disease, due to the sluggish run time for example or an acute angled initial slope, then the mode of monitoring on capnograph 272 is shifted to its bronchospastic monitoring mode.

(293) In a monitoring rule stage, the following rule is preferably applied to the values of the end tidal value of exhaled carbon dioxide:

(294) 1) If: a) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 15 mm Hg;

(295) then, computer 284 displays on display 286 GOOD WAVEFORM QUALITY; CRITERIA FOR BRONCHOSPASM MET: STARTING MONITORING.

(296) Thereafter a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated.

(297) I) Sampling Step

(298) a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula 270 to capnograph 272.

(299) b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph 272 as a capnogram.

(300) c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer 284.

(301) d) Computer 284 marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.

(302) e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(303) f) The slope and the run are determined by computer 284.

(304) II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step

(305) In a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of I) Sampling step by computer 284:

(306) 1) If: a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range; b) the respiratory rate is normal; c) CO.sub.2 run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec; d) CO.sub.2 slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec; e) SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and f) ETCO.sub.2 is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;

(307) then, display 286 shows the message NO BROCHOSPASM PRESENT.

(308) 2) In contrast, if: a) CO.sub.2 run is greater than 0.3 sec; b) CO.sub.2 slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec; c) SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 91% SAT, but less than 95% SAT; and d) ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(309) then, the message MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 286.

(310) 3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if: a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%; b) SPO.sub.2 is less than 91% SAT; and c) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 45 mm Hg;

(311) then, a message such as SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 286.

(312) At any one of the diagnostic rule application steps, it may be verified that the patient is suffering from bronchospasm. Once bronchospasm is verified, the operator switches capnograph 272 to a serial comparison mode. The medical team applies the appropriate interventions to the patient to treat the bronchospasm.

(313) Thereafter, a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) monitoring rule application step to the previous sample step I) is initiated.

(314) I) Sampling Step

(315) a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula 270 to capnograph 272.

(316) b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph 272 as a capnogram.

(317) c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer 284.

(318) d) Computer 284 marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.

(319) e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(320) f) The slope and the run are determined by computer 284.

(321) II) Monitoring Rule Application Step

(322) After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer 284: Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 284.

(323) 1) If: a) the difference in the run values is greater than 0.1 sec; and b) the difference in the slope is less than 15 mm Hg/sec;

(324) then, computer 284 displays on display 286 BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING.

(325) 2) If: a) the difference in the run values is more negative than 0.1 sec; and b) the difference in the slope is more than +15 mm Hg/sec;

(326) then, computer 284 displays on display 286 BRONCHOSPASM IMPROVING

(327) 3) If: a) the difference in the run is more than or equal to 0.1 sec, but is less than or equal to 0.1 sec; or b) the difference in the slope is more than or equal to 15 mm Hg/sec and less than or equal to +15 mm Hg/sec;

(328) then, computer 284 displays on display 286 BRONCHOSPASM UNCHANGED.

(329) The change in patient's vital functional activities, including SPO.sub.2 and ETCO.sub.2, over the time interval are calculated by computer 284.

(330) 4) If: a) the change in SPO.sub.2 is more negative than 5% SAT; or b) the change in the ETCO.sub.2 is more than +5 mm Hg;

(331) then, computer 284 displays on display 286 VITAL SIGNS DETERIORATING.

(332) 5) If: a) the change in SPO.sub.2 is greater than +5% SAT; or b) the change in the ETCO.sub.2 is less than 5 mm Hg;

(333) then, computer 284 displays on display 286 VITAL SIGNS IMPROVING.

(334) 6) If: a) the change in SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 5% SAT, but less than or equal to +5% SAT; or b) the change in the ETCO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 5 mm Hg, but less than or equal to +5 mm Hg;

(335) then, computer 284 displays on display 286 VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.

(336) Computer 284 preferably combines the results of these monitoring rules to display an integrated display 286 such as BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING; VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.

(337) Once the medical interventions have concluded and the patient's disposition has been determined, the operator switches the capnograph back to its diagnostic mode.

(338) Reference is now made to FIG. 17, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in a hospital environment, operative for continuously monitoring correct tube position in an intubated patient. As seen in FIG. 17, in a hospital environment, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 300, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 302, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 304, a finger sensor 306, a forehead/scalp sensor 308 and a blood pressure cuff 310 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 312.

(339) The outputs of the capnograph 302 and possibly of additional instrumentation 312 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 314, having an associated display 316 which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 302 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here ALERT !!! LOSS OF CO2 WAVEFORM preferably accompanied by a treatment recommendation, here CHECK FOR TUBE DISLODGEMENT. Following re-intubation, a revised diagnostic statement, here CO2 WAVEFORM RESTORED, TUBE IN TRACHEA, preferably accompanied by a treatment recommendation, here SECURE TUBE appears.

(340) Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 18, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 17.

(341) The patient in the hospital environment, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 302 and instrumentation 312, by means of cannula 200 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 304, finger sensor 306, forehead/scalp sensor 308 and blood pressure cuff 310, is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Expired air is collected via cannula 300 and is conveyed to the capnograph 302.

(342) Values of CO.sub.2 concentration, ECG, NIBP and SPO.sub.2 are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram and together with other waveforms are stored on computer 314.

(343) The onset and offset limits of the patient's capnogram from capnograph 302 are delineated by computer 314.

(344) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 1 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(345) If the quality is unacceptable, further samples are collected until a sample of acceptable quality, according to the above two criteria, is taken.

(346) The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO.sub.2 value is measured by capnograph 302.

(347) The following checking rule is preferably applied.

(348) 1) If: a) the ETCO.sub.2 value is more than 15 mm Hg;

(349) then, a display is provided by computer 314 stating GOOD WAVEFORM, TUBE IN TRACHEA, CONFIRM AND SECURE TUBE on display 316.

(350) If the intubation is successful, the operator confirms this, by for example, entering the relevant code into computer 314, and capnograph 302 is then entered into an intubation monitoring mode. The patient is monitored continuously. Thus, computer 314 displays MONITORING INTUBATION on display 316.

(351) If there is a loss of the signal from capnograph 302, it may be indicative that the cannula tube 300 has slipped away from the patient's trachea. In such a case, the computer preferably displays ALERT: CHECK FOR TUBE DISLODGEMENT.

(352) Thereafter a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated.

(353) I) Sampling Step

(354) In this sampling step, an exhaled air sample from cannula 300 is periodically collected, conveyed and measured by capnograph 302. The carbon dioxide concentration value is determined continuously by capnograph 302. Computer 314 digitizes the capnograph signals as a waveform and store the waveform for analysis.

(355) Thereafter, the ETCO.sub.2 value is determined.

(356) II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step.

(357) The following diagnostic rules are applied to each sample:

(358) 1) If: a) The value of ETCO.sub.2 is greater or equal to 15 mm Hg; and b) There is no loss in the waveform from capnograph 302;

(359) then, computer 314 displays MONITORING TUBE POSITION: NO DISLODGMENT on display 316.

(360) 2) If: a) The value of ETCO.sub.2 is less than or equal to 15 mm Hg; or b) There is a loss in the waveform from capnograph 302;

(361) then, computer 314 displays ALERT: CHECK FOR TUBE DISLODGMENT on display 316.

(362) This cycle typically proceeds until the patient monitoring is halted by the medical team or operator.

(363) Reference is now made to FIG. 19, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology, operative in a hospital environment, for continuously monitoring the respiratory status of a spontaneously breathing patient in first operational scenario. As seen in FIG. 19, in a hospital environment, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 330, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 332, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic Oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 334, a finger sensor 336, a forehead/scalp sensor 338 and a blood pressure cuff 340 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 342.

(364) The outputs of the capnograph 332 and possibly of additional instrumentation 342 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 344, having an associated display 346 which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 332 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here PATIENT STABLENO CHANGE IN CLINICAL PARAMETERS. If a change occurs in the patient respiratory status, a diagnostic statement, here ALERT: MILD BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT appears on the display 346, indicating to medical personnel that a bronchospastic condition is present. Following administration of breathing treatment, an updated diagnostic statement appears, here GOOD RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.

(365) Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 20, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 19.

(366) The patient in the hospital environment, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 332 and instrumentation 342, by means of cannula 330 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 334, finger sensor 336, forehead/scalp sensor 338 and blood pressure cuff 340, is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Expired air is collected via cannula 300 and is conveyed to the capnograph 332.

(367) Values of CO.sub.2 concentration, ECG, NIBP and SPO.sub.2 are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram and together with other waveforms are stored on computer 344.

(368) The onset and offset limits of the patient's capnogram from capnograph 332 are delineated by computer 344.

(369) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(370) If the quality is unacceptable, further samples are collected until a sample of acceptable quality, according to the above two criteria, is taken.

(371) The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO.sub.2 value is measured by capnograph 332. The slope and run values of the capnogram from capnograph 332 are determined by computer 344.

(372) At startup, the following checking rule is preferably applied.

(373) 1) If: a) the ETCO.sub.2 value is more than 15 mm Hg;

(374) then, a display is provided by computer. 344 stating GOOD WAVEFORM, QUALITY: MONITORING FOR BRONCHOSPASM.

(375) If the monitoring is successful, the operator confirms this, by for example, entering the relevant code into computer 344, and capnograph 332 is then entered into a diagnostic monitoring mode. The patient is monitored continuously by capnograph 332.

(376) Thereafter a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated.

(377) I) Sampling Step

(378) a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula 330 to capnograph 332.

(379) b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph 332 as a capnogram.

(380) c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer 344.

(381) d) Computer 344 marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.

(382) e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(383) f) The slope and the run are determined by computer 344.

(384) II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step

(385) In a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of I) Sampling step by computer 344:

(386) 1) If: a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range; b) the respiratory rate is normal; c) CO.sub.2 run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec; d) CO.sub.2 slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec; e) SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and f) ETCO.sub.2 is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;

(387) then, display 346 shows the message NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.

(388) 2) In contrast, if: a) CO.sub.2 run is greater than 0.3 sec; b) CO.sub.2 slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec; c) SPO.sub.2 is greater or equal to 91% SAT, but less than 95% SAT; and d) ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(389) then, the message MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 346. The patient then receives suitable breathing treatment as is shown in FIG. 19 hereinabove.

(390) 3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if: a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%; b) SPO.sub.2 is less than 91% SAT; and c) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 45 mm Hg;

(391) then, a message such as SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 346.

(392) Reference is now made to FIGS. 21A and 21B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology, operative in a hospital environment, for continuously monitoring the respiratory status of a spontaneously breathing patient in a second clinical scenario. As seen in FIGS. 21A and 21B, in a hospital environment, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 350, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 352, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 354, a finger sensor 356, a forehead/scalp sensor 358 and a blood pressure cuff 360 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 362.

(393) The outputs of the capnograph 352 and possibly of additional instrumentation 362 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 364, having an associated display 366 which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 352 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here PATIENT STABLENO CHANGE IN CLINICAL PARAMETERS. If a change occurs in the patient respiratory status, a diagnostic statement, here ALERT: MILD BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT appears on the display 346, indicating to medical personnel that a bronchospastic condition is present. Following administration of breathing treatment, an updated diagnostic statement appears, here NO RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT. Additional breathing treatment is administered and thereafter an updated diagnostic statement appears, here NO RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT, which may prompt the physician to transfer the patient to the ICU.

(394) Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 22A-22C, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIGS. 21A and 21B.

(395) The patient in the hospital environment, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 352, is monitored continuously for at least 30 seconds. Expired air is collected via cannula 350 and is conveyed to the capnograph 352.

(396) Values of the CO.sub.2 concentration is continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram and together with other waveforms are stored on computer 364.

(397) The onset and offset limits of the patient's capnogram from capnograph 352 are delineated by computer 364.

(398) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(399) If the quality is unacceptable, further samples are collected until a sample of acceptable quality, according to the above two criteria, is taken.

(400) The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO.sub.2 value is measured by capnograph 352. The slope and run values of the capnogram from capnograph 352 are determined by computer 364.

(401) At startup, the following checking rule is preferably applied.

(402) 1) If: a) the ETCO.sub.2 value is more than 15 mm Hg;

(403) then, a display is provided by computer 364 stating GOOD WAVEFORM, QUALITY: MONITORING FOR BRONCHOSPASM.

(404) If the monitoring is successful, the operator confirms this, by for example, entering the relevant code into computer 364, and capnograph 352 is then entered into a diagnostic monitoring mode. The patient is monitored continuously by capnograph 352.

(405) Thereafter a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated.

(406) I) Sampling Step

(407) a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula 350 to capnograph 352.

(408) b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph 352 as a capnogram.

(409) c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer 364.

(410) d) Computer 364 marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.

(411) e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(412) f) The slope and the run are determined by computer 364.

(413) II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step

(414) In a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of I) Sampling step by computer 364:

(415) 1) If: a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range; b) the respiratory rate is normal; c) CO.sub.2 run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec; d) CO.sub.2 slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec; e) SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and f) ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(416) then, display 366 shows the message NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.

(417) 2) In contrast, if: a) CO.sub.2 run is greater than 0.3 sec; b) CO.sub.2 slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec; c) SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 91% SAT, but less than 95% SAT; and d) ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(418) then, the message MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM. PRESENT is displayed on display 366.

(419) 3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if: a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%; b) SPO.sub.2 is less than 91% SAT; and c) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 45 mm Hg;

(420) then, a message such as SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 366.

(421) At any one of the diagnostic rule application steps, it may be verified that the patient is suffering from bronchospasm. Once bronchospasm is verified, the operator switches capnograph 352 to a serial comparison mode. The medical team applies the appropriate interventions to the patient to treat the bronchospasm.

(422) The patient is attached multi-parameter monitor leads and instrumentation 362, by means of cannula 350 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 354, finger sensor 356, forehead/scalp sensor 358 and blood pressure cuff 360, is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique.

(423) Values of the CO.sub.2 concentration monitored by capnograph 352, and ECG, NIBP, cerebral oximetry and SPO.sub.2 values, monitored by additional instrumentation 362 are supplied to computer 364, and are typically measured continuously over a period of 30 seconds, by techniques as detailed hereinabove. The parameter data may be digitized as waveforms and are further stored for analysis by computer 364. Thereafter, the limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer 364.

(424) The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO.sub.2 value is measured by capnograph 352. The initial slope of the capnogram and the run, monitored by capnograph 352, are calculated by computer 364.

(425) At startup, the following checking rule is preferably applied.

(426) 1) If: a) the ETCO.sub.2 value is more than 15 mm Hg;

(427) then, a display is provided by computer 344 stating GOOD WAVEFORM, QUALITY: MONITORING FOR BRONCHOSPASM.

(428) If the monitoring is successful, the operator confirms this, by for example, entering the relevant code into computer 364, and capnograph 352 is then entered into a diagnostic monitoring mode. The patient is monitored continuously by capnograph 352.

(429) Thereafter, a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) monitoring rule application step to the previous sample step I) is initiated.

(430) I) Sampling Step

(431) a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula 350 to capnograph 352.

(432) b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph 352 as a capnogram.

(433) c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer 364.

(434) d) Computer 364 marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.

(435) e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(436) f) The slope and the run are determined by computer 364.

(437) II) Monitoring Rule Application Step

(438) After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer 364: Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 364.

(439) 1) If: a) the difference in the run values is greater than +0.1 sec; and b) the difference in the slope is more negative than 15 mm Hg/sec;

(440) then, computer 364 displays on display 366 BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING.

(441) 2) If: a) the difference in the run values is more negative than 0.1 sec; and b) the difference in the slope is more than +15 mm Hg/sec;

(442) then, computer 364 displays on display 366 BRONCHOSPASM IMPROVING.

(443) 3) If: a) the difference in the run values is equal to or greater than 0.1 sec, but less than or equal to +0.1 sec; or b) the difference in the slope is more than or equal to 15 mm Hg but less than or equal to +15 mm Hg/sec;

(444) then, computer 364 displays on display 366 BRONCHOSPASM UNCHANGED.

(445) The change in patient's vital functional activities, including SPO.sub.2 and ETCO.sub.2, over the time interval are calculated by computer 364.

(446) 4 If: a) the decrease in SPO.sub.2 is more than 5% SAT; or b) the increase in the ETCO.sub.2 is more than 5 mm Hg;

(447) then, Computer 364 displays on display 366 VITAL SIGNS DETERIORATING.

(448) 5) If: a) the increase in SPO.sub.2 is more than 5% SAT; or b) the decrease in the ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 5 mm Hg;

(449) then, computer 364 displays on display 366 VITAL SIGNS IMPROVING.

(450) 6) If: a) the change in SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 5% SAT but less than or equal to +5% SAT; or b) the change in the ETCO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 5 mm Hg or less than or equal to +5 mm Hg;

(451) then, computer 364 displays on display 366 VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.

(452) Computer 364 preferably combines the results of these monitoring rules to display an integrated display 366 such as BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING; VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.

(453) Once the medical interventions have concluded and the patient's disposition has been determined, the operator switches the capnograph back to its diagnostic mode.

(454) Reference is now made to FIGS. 23A and 23B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a physician's office environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of a spontaneously breathing patient in a first clinical scenario. As seen in FIGS. 23A and 23B, a child having an asthma attack is brought to a physician's office. Various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 400, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 402, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 404, a finger sensor 406, a forehead/scalp sensor 408 and a blood pressure cuff 410 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 412.

(455) The outputs of the capnograph 402 and preferably of additional instrumentation 404 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 416 having an associated display 418, which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 402 and preferably other physiologic activities and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.

(456) The patient is given breathing treatments, such as beta agonist nebulizer treatments and following such treatments and/or in the course thereof, the physiologic activities of the patient continue to be monitored. This monitoring is employed by computer 160 to indicate the response to the breathing treatments and the current status of the bronchospasm condition. When the breathing treatments are successful, a status message, here GOOD RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, is presented accompanied by a disposition recommendation, here CONSIDER DISCHARGE TO HOME and the physician may allow the child to return home after the treatment.

(457) Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 24A and 24B, which illustrate the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIGS. 23A and 23B.

(458) The patient in the clinical environment, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 402, is monitored continuously for at least 30 seconds. Expired air is collected via cannula 400 and is conveyed to the capnograph 402.

(459) Values of the CO.sub.2 concentration is continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram and together with other waveforms are stored on computer 416.

(460) The onset and offset limits of the patient's capnogram from capnograph 402 are delineated by computer 416.

(461) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(462) If the quality is unacceptable, further samples are collected until a sample of acceptable quality, according to the above two criteria, is taken.

(463) The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO.sub.2 value is measured by capnograph 402. The slope and run values of the capnogram from capnograph 402 are determined by computer 416.

(464) At startup, the following checking rule is preferably applied.

(465) 1) If: a) the ETCO.sub.2 value is more than 15 mm Hg;

(466) then, a display is provided by computer 416 stating GOOD WAVEFORM, QUALITY: MONITORING FOR BRONCHOSPASM.

(467) If the monitoring is successful, the operator confirms this, by for example, entering the relevant code into computer 416, and capnograph 402 is then entered into a diagnostic monitoring mode. The patient is monitored continuously by capnograph 402.

(468) Thereafter a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step is initiated. The sampling step is typically performed every 15 minutes for one hour after the treatment.

(469) I) Sampling Step

(470) a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula 400 to capnograph 402.

(471) b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph 402 as a capnogram 417.

(472) c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer 416.

(473) d) Computer 416 marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.

(474) e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(475) f) The slope and the run are determined by computer 416.

(476) II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step

(477) In a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of I) Sampling step by computer 416:

(478) 1) If: a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range; b) the respiratory rate is normal; c) CO.sub.2 run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec; d) CO.sub.2 slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec; e) SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and f) ETCO.sub.2 is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;

(479) then, display 418 shows the message NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.

(480) 2) In contrast, if: a) CO.sub.2 run is greater than 0.3 sec; b) CO.sub.2 slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec; c) SPO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 91% SAT, but less than 95% SAT; and d) ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(481) then, the message MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 418.

(482) 3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if: a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%; b) SPO.sub.2 is less than 91% SAT; and c) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 45 mm Hg;

(483) then, a message such as SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 418.

(484) At any one of the diagnostic rule application steps, it may be verified that the patient is suffering from bronchospasm. Once bronchospasm is verified, the operator switches capnograph 402 to a serial comparison mode. The medical team applies the appropriate interventions to the patient to treat the bronchospasm.

(485) The following rule is preferably applied to the capnogram by computer 416:

(486) 1) If: a) the value of CAP-FEV1 is greater than 50%; and b) the slope is greater or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec; and, c) the angle of rise of the carbon dioxide concentration is greater than a predetermined value in degrees

(487) then, computer 416 displays a message on display 418: GOOD RESPONSE TO TREATMENT: CONSIDER DISCHARGE HOME.

(488) Reference is now made to FIGS. 25A and 25B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a physician's office environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition of a spontaneously breathing patient in a second clinical scenario. As seen in FIGS. 25A and 25B, a child having an asthma attack is brought to a physician's office. Various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 420, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 422, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiological activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 424, a finger sensor 426, a forehead/scalp sensor 428 and a blood pressure cuff 430 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 432.

(489) The outputs of the capnograph 422 and preferably of additional instrumentation 424 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 426 having an associated display 428, which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 422 and preferably other physiologic activities and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.

(490) The patient is given breathing treatments, such as beta agonist nebulizer treatments and following such treatments and/or in the course thereof, the physiologic activities of the patient continue to be monitored. This monitoring is employed by computer 426 to indicate the response to the breathing treatments and the current status of the bronchospasm condition. When the breathing treatments are not successful, a status message, here POOR RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, is presented accompanied by a disposition recommendation, here CONSIDER ADMISSION TO HOSPITAL and the physician may send the child to the hospital.

(491) Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 26A and 26B, which illustrate the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIGS. 25A and 25B.

(492) The patient in the clinical environment, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 422, is monitored continuously for at least 30 seconds. Expired air is collected via cannula 420 and is conveyed to the capnograph 422.

(493) Values of the CO.sub.2 concentration is continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram and together with other waveforms are stored on computer 426.

(494) The onset and offset limits of the patient's capnogram from capnograph 422 are delineated by computer 426.

(495) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(496) If the quality is unacceptable, further samples are collected until a sample of acceptable quality, according to the above two criteria, is taken.

(497) The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO.sub.2 value is measured by capnograph 422. The slope and run values of the capnogram from capnograph 422 are determined by computer 426.

(498) At startup, the following checking rule is preferably applied.

(499) 1) If: a) the ETCO.sub.2 value is more than 15 mm Hg;

(500) then, a display is provided by computer 426 stating GOOD WAVEFORM, QUALITY: MONITORING FOR BRONCHOSPASM.

(501) If the monitoring is successful, the operator confirms this, by for example, entering the relevant code into computer 426, and capnograph 422 is then entered into a diagnostic monitoring mode. The patient is monitored continuously by capnograph 422.

(502) Thereafter a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated. The sampling step is typically performed every 15 minutes for one hour after the treatment.

(503) I) Sampling Step

(504) a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula 420 to capnograph 422.

(505) b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph 422 as a capnogram.

(506) c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer 426.

(507) d) Computer 426 marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.

(508) e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(509) f) The slope and the run are determined by computer 426.

(510) II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step

(511) In a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of I) Sampling step by computer 426:

(512) 1) If: a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range; b) the respiratory rate is normal; c) CO.sub.2 run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec; d) CO.sub.2 slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec; e) SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and f) ETCO.sub.2 is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;

(513) then, display 428 shows the message NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.

(514) 2) In contrast, if: a) CO.sub.2 run is greater than 0.3 sec; b) CO.sub.2 slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec; c) SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 91% SAT, but less than 95% SAT; and d) ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(515) then, the message MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 428.

(516) 3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if: a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%; b) SPO.sub.2 is less than 91% SAT; and c) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 45 mm Hg;

(517) then, a message such as SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 428.

(518) At any one of the diagnostic rule application steps, it may be verified that the patient is suffering from bronchospasm. Once bronchospasm is verified, the operator switches capnograph 422 to a serial comparison mode. The medical team applies the appropriate interventions to the patient to treat the bronchospasm.

(519) The following rule is preferably applied to the capnogram by computer 426:

(520) 1) If: a) the value of CAP-FEV 1 is less than 50%; and b) the slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec; and, c) the angle of rise of the carbon dioxide concentration is less than a predetermined value in degrees;

(521) then, computer 426 displays a message on display 428: POOR RESPONSE TO TREATMENT: CONSIDER ADMISSION TO HOSPITAL INTENSIVE CARE.

(522) Reference is now made to FIGS. 27A and 27B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for detecting the presence and severity of bronchospasm from an allergic reaction, gauging the response to treatment and recommending disposition. As seen in FIGS. 27A and 27B, a child complains of difficulty breathing. The parent summons an ambulance and similarly to that described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 9, in an ambulance environment various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 450, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 452, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 454, a finger sensor 456, a forehead/scalp sensor 458 and a blood pressure cuff 460 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 462. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), cerebral perfusion (e.g. CEREBRAL OXIMETRY), oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 462.

(523) The outputs of the capnograph 452 and preferably of additional instrumentation 462 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 464 having an associated display 466, which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 452 and preferably other physiologic activities and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement indicating the presence of lower airway obstruction, here ALERT: MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT. The presence of bronchospasm definitively indicates lower airway obstruction.

(524) The patient is given breathing treatment, such as a beta agonist nebulizer treatment and following such treatment and/or in the course thereof, the physiologic activities of the patient continue to be monitored. This monitoring is employed by computer 464 to indicate the response to the breathing treatment and the current status of the patient condition. In the scenario of FIGS. 14A and 14B, the patient fails to respond sufficiently to the breathing treatment and this is indicated by a status change statement, here POOR RESPONSE TO TREATMENT, CONDITION CRITICAL. A treatment recommendation may also be provided, such as CONSIDER INTUBATION.

(525) Intubation is performed and correct initial tube placement is confirmed followed by continuous monitoring of the physiologic activities of the patient, which indicate current tube position. In this scenario, where intubation is successful, a status statement, here: ADEQUATE CO.sub.2 WAVEFORMTUBE IN TRACHEA and a treatment recommendation, here SECURE TUBE appear.

(526) Following successful intubation, continuous monitoring may provide a status statement such as ADEQUATE CO.sub.2 WAVEFORMTUBE IN TRACHEANO DISLOGEMENT. If tube dislodgment occurs at any time following intubation, a status statement would appear, such as CO.sub.2 WAVEFORM ABSENT preferably accompanied by a treatment recommendation, such as CHECK FOR TUBE DISLOGEMENT.

(527) Preferably some or all of the outputs of computer 464 are transmitted in a wireless manner by a transmitter 468, such as via radio or a cellular telephone link, preferably to a dispatch center or patient receiving facility.

(528) Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 28, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIGS. 27A and 27B. FIG. 28 illustrates an example of the system and methodology applied to assessing whether a patient has an upper or lower airway obstruction, in the duration of the patient being transferred by ambulance.

(529) In the scenario described in FIGS. 27A and 27B hereinabove, it is presumed that the patient may be having an allergic reaction. The operator switches capnograph 452 into an assessing mode so as to enable an assessment to be made whether and if the patient has an upper or a lower airway disorder.

(530) The patient previously attached to a multi-parameter monitor including a capnograph 452 and suitable instrumentation 462, by means of cannula 450 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 454, finger sensor 456, forehead sensor 458 and blood pressure cuff 460, is monitored continuously for at least thirty seconds. Neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique, including visual and electroencephalograph (EEG) monitoring. Values of CO.sub.2 concentration, ECG, NIBP and (the percent saturation of the hemoglobin molecule with oxygen) SPO.sub.2 are continuously monitored, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram 452 and together with other waveforms are stored in computer 464.

(531) At least one expired air sample is collected and conveyed for analysis by capnograph 452. The outputs of the capnograph 452 and possibly of additional instrumentation 462 are preferably supplied to suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 464, having associated display 466, which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 452.

(532) In an analyzing step, the onset and offset limits of a capnogram 469, pulse waveforms, and the QRS complex (of the ECG) are marked by computer 464. The actual parameters measured include, but are not limited to heart rate (HR), BP, the systolic to diastolic ratio (SYS/DIA). SPO.sub.2, AND ETCO.sub.2. The slope of CO.sub.2 (mm Hg/sec), and CO.sub.2 run, of the capnogram 469, measured to 80% of maximum CO.sub.2 concentration, are calculated by computer 464.

(533) Following each treatment, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are computed by computer 464. Thereafter, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 464:

(534) 1) If: a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range; b) the respiratory rate is normal; and c) ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(535) then, display 466 shows the message VITAL SIGNS STABLE.

(536) 2) In contrast, if:

(537) 1) If: a) the blood pressure values are not within the normal range; b) the respiratory rate is not normal; and c) ETCO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 45 mm Hg;

(538) then, display 466 shows the message RESPIRATORY IMPAIRMENT.

(539) Additionally, the following rules may also be applied:

(540) 3) If: a) CO.sub.2 run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec; and b) CO.sub.2 slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec;

(541) then, display 466 shows the message NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT: CONSIDER UPPER AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION.

(542) 4) If: a) CO.sub.2 run is more than 0.3 sec; b) CO.sub.2 slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec;

(543) then, display 466 shows the message BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT: CONSIDER LOWER AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION.

(544) The findings of the last stage are stored by computer 464 and/or transmitted via transmitter 468 to a dispatch/receiving center, typically located at a hospital or medical center. A connection is established with the dispatch/receiving center, and the data is forwarded thereto. A medical supervisor typically watches display of the received data, and consequentially transmits the recommended treatment and/or transport recommendations back to the ambulance.

(545) After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer 464: Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 464.

(546) 1) If: a) the difference in the run values is greater than +0.1 sec; and b) the difference in the slope is more negative than 15 mm Hg/sec;

(547) then, computer 464 displays on display 466 BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING.

(548) 2) If: a) the difference in the run values is more negative than 0.1 sec; and b) the difference in the slope is more positive than +15 mm Hg/sec;

(549) then, computer 464 displays on display 466 BRONCHOSPASM IMPROVING.

(550) 3) If: a) the difference in the run is greater or equal to 0.1 sec, but less than or equal to +0.1 sec; or b) the difference in the slope is more than or equal to 15 mm Hg/sec and less than or equal to +15 mm Hg/sec;

(551) then, computer 464 displays on display 466 BRONCHOSPASM UNCHANGED.

(552) The change in patient's vital functional activities, including SPO.sub.2 and ETCO.sub.2, over the time interval are calculated by computer 464.

(553) 4) If: a) the decrease in SPO.sub.2 is more negative than 5% SAT; or b) the increase in the ETCO.sub.2 is more than +5 mm Hg;

(554) then, computer 184 displays on display 186 VITAL SIGNS DETERIORATING.

(555) 5) If: a) the increase in SPO.sub.2 is more than +5% SAT; or b) the decrease in the ETCO.sub.2 is more than 5 mm Hg;

(556) then, computer 464 displays on display 466 VITAL SIGNS IMPROVING.

(557) 6) If: a) the change in SPO.sub.3 is greater than or equal to 5% SAT, but less than or equal to +5% SAT; or b) the change in the ETCO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 5 mm Hg, but less than or equal to +5 mm Hg;

(558) then, computer 464 displays on display 466 VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.

(559) Computer 464 preferably combines the results of these monitoring rules to display an integrated display 466 such as BRONCHOSPASM WORSENING; VITAL SIGNS UNCHANGED.

(560) In a checking rule step, the following rule is preferably applied:

(561) 1) A patient appears to be entering respiratory failure phase if: a) the SPO.sub.2 is less than 90% SAT; b) the respiratory rate is less than 8/min; c) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 60 mm Hg; and d) the patient's neurological symptoms are qualified as being bad;

(562) then, computer 464 displays RESPIRATORY FAILURE; CONDITION CRITICAL; CONSIDER INTUBATION. on display 466.

(563) Following this, in an alert data transmission stage, a high priority update is transmitted via transmitter 468 from computer 464 to notify the dispatch/receiving centers of the significant deterioration and change in the patient's condition.

(564) Once these changes in the patient's condition have been confirmed by an operator, the patient is consequentially intubated according to standard techniques and capnograph 452 is activated in intubation monitoring mode by computer 464. Once the successful intubation of the patient is verified by data comparison of the patient's capnogram and standardized capnograms for intubation in computer 464, the computer displays MONITORING FOR INTUBATION.

(565) Thereafter, the following check rule is preferably applied to the patient's capnogram:

(566) 1. If: a) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 15 mm Hg;

(567) then, computer 464 displays GOOD WAVEFORM, TUBE IN TRACHEA. CONFIRM AND SECURE TUBE.

(568) In the next step, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the patient's capnogram:

(569) 1) If: a) the value of ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 15 mm Hg;

(570) then, computer 214 displays MONITORING TUBE POSITION: NO DISLODGEMENT on display 216.

(571) 2) If: a) the value of ETCO.sub.2 is less than or equal to 15 mm Hg; or b) there is a loss of the waveform;

(572) then, computer 464 displays ALERT: CHECK FOR TUBE DISLODGEMENT on display 466.

(573) Computer 464 transmits the data monitored via transmitter 468 to the receiving center. The receiving center periodically receives updates of the patient's condition, who is in the ambulance en route to the hospital, in order to prepare in the most fitting and efficient transfer of the patient upon arrival to the hospital.

(574) A copy of the patient's record is handed off from computer 464 via transmitter 468 to the receiving center, for example, in the form of a chart. Typically, the receiving center stores this chart, so that it may be used as a baseline for continued monitoring of the patient.

(575) Reference is now made to FIG. 29, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology in an ambulance environment for distinguishing between upper airway obstruction and lower airway obstruction, such as distinguishing between asthma and croup, bronchiolitis and croup, and allergic reactions affecting the upper or lower airways. As seen in FIG. 29, a person complains of difficulty breathing. An ambulance is summoned and similarly to that described hereinabove with reference to FIG. 17, in an ambulance environment various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 470, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 472, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 474, a finger sensor 476, a forehead/scalp sensor 478 and a blood pressure cuff 480 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 482. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), cerebral perfusion (e.g. CEREBRAL OXIMETRY), oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 482.

(576) The outputs of the capnograph 472 and preferably of additional instrumentation 482 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 484 having an associated display 486, which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 472 and preferably other physiologic activities and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement differentiating upper airway obstruction from lower airway obstruction, here ELEVATED RESPIRATORY RATE. NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT. The absence of bronchospasm in this scenario strongly suggests upper airway obstruction.

(577) The patient is given an intravenous or intra-muscular medication, such as adrenaline, and following such treatment and/or in the course thereof, the physiologic activities of the patient continue to be monitored. This monitoring is employed by computer 484 to indicate the response to the treatment and the current status of the patient condition. In the scenario of FIG. 29, the patient responds to the treatment and this is indicated by a status change statement, here CONDITION STABLE. Preferably some or all of the outputs of computer 484 are transmitted in a wireless manner by a transmitter 488, such as via radio or a cellular telephone link, preferably to a dispatch center or patient receiving facility.

(578) Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 30, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 29. The patient is treated in an ambulance environment as is described hereinabove in FIG. 29; and the patient is being assessed to see whether his/her upper or lower airway is obstructed. The methodology illustrates the case where an upper obstruction is found.

(579) In the scenario described in FIG. 29 hereinabove, it is presumed that the patient may be having an allergic reaction. The operator switches capnograph 452 into an assessing mode so as to enable an assessment to be made whether and if the patient has an upper or a lower airway disorder.

(580) The patient previously attached to a multi-parameter monitor including a capnograph 472 and suitable instrumentation 482, by means of cannula 470 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 474, finger sensor 476, forehead sensor 478 and blood pressure cuff 480, is monitored continuously for at least thirty seconds. Neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique, including visual and electroencephalograph (EEG) monitoring. Values of CO.sub.2 concentration, ECG, NIBP and SPO.sub.2 are continuously monitored, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram 472 and together with other waveforms are stored in computer 484.

(581) At least one expired air sample is collected and conveyed for analysis by capnograph 472. The outputs of the capnograph 472 and possibly of additional instrumentation 482 are preferably supplied to suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 484, having associated display 486, which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 472.

(582) In an analyzing step, the onset and offset limits of a capnogram 489, pulse waveforms, and the QRS complex (of the ECG) are marked by computer 484. The actual parameters measured include, but are not limited to heart rate (HR), BP, the systolic to diastolic ratio (SYS/DIA). SPO.sub.2, AND ETCO.sub.2. The slope of CO.sub.2 (mm Hg/sec), and CO.sub.2 run, of the capnogram 489, measured to 80% of maximum CO.sub.2 concentration, are calculated by computer 484.

(583) Following each treatment, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are computed by computer 484. Thereafter, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 484:

(584) 1) If: a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range; b) the respiratory rate is normal; and c) ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(585) then, display 486 shows the message VITAL SIGNS STABLE.

(586) 2) In contrast, if:

(587) 1) If: a) the blood pressure values are not within the normal range; b) the respiratory rate is not normal; and c) ETCO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 45 mm Hg;

(588) then, display 486 shows the message RESPIRATORY IMPAIRMENT.

(589) Additionally, the following rules may also be applied:

(590) 3) If: a) CO.sub.2 run is less than 0.3 sec; b) CO.sub.2 slope is more than 100 mm Hg/sec;

(591) then, display 486 shows the message NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.

(592) 4) If: a) CO.sub.2 run is more than 0.3 sec; b) CO.sub.2 slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec;

(593) then, display 486 shows the message BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT: CONSIDER LOWER AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION.

(594) The findings of the last stage are stored by computer 484 and/or transmitted via transmitter 488 to a dispatch/receiving center, typically located at a hospital or medical center. A connection is established with the dispatch/receiving center, and the data is forwarded thereto. A medical supervisor typically watches display of the received data, and consequentially transmits the recommended treatment and/or transport recommendations back to the ambulance.

(595) A copy of the patient's record is handed off from computer 464 via transmitter 488 to the receiving center, for example, in the form of a chart. Typically, the receiving center stores this chart, so that it may be used as a baseline for continued monitoring of the patient.

(596) Reference is now made to FIG. 31, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology for distinguishing between heart failure and emphysema in a scenario in which heart failure is present. As seen in FIG. 31, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 500, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal. FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 502, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 504, a finger sensor 506, a forehead/scalp sensor 508 and a blood pressure cuff 510 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 512.

(597) The outputs of the capnograph 502 and possibly of additional instrumentation 512 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 514, having an associated display 516 which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 517 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement differentiating heart failure from emphysema, here ABNORMAL CO.sub.2 WAVEFORM CONSISTENT WITH MODERATE CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE.

(598) This diagnostic statement indicates that treatment is required for heart failure rather than for emphysema. Intravenous and/or sublingual medications such as nitroglycerin, morphine and LASIX are administered after which a diagnostic statement which indicates the patient status and the severity of the cardio-respiratory condition is preferably presented, here MILD CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, CONDITION IMPROVING

(599) Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 32A and 32B, which illustrate the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 31. The patient is treated in an ambulance environment as is described hereinabove in FIG. 15, and the patient is being assessed to see whether his/her upper or lower airway is obstructed. The methodology illustrates the case where an upper obstruction is found.

(600) In the scenario described in FIG. 31 hereinabove, it is presumed that the patient may be suffering from either emphysema or a heart failure in an ambulance. It is shown hereinbelow how the patient is diagnosed as having a heart failure.

(601) The patient, previously attached to a multi-parameter monitor including a capnograph 502 and suitable instrumentation 512, by means of cannula 500 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 504, finger sensor 506, forehead sensor 508 and blood pressure cuff 510, is monitored continuously for at least thirty seconds. Neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique, including visual and electroencephalograph (EEG) monitoring. Values of CO.sub.2 concentration, ECG, NIBP and SPO.sub.2 are continuously monitored, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram 517 and together with other waveforms are stored in computer 514.

(602) At least one expired air sample is collected and conveyed for analysis by capnograph 472. The outputs of the capnograph 502 and possibly of additional instrumentation 512 are preferably supplied to suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 514, having associated display 516, which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 502.

(603) In an analyzing step, the onset and offset limits of a capnogram 517, pulse waveforms, and the QRS complex (of the ECG) are marked by computer 514. The actual parameters measured include, but are not limited to heart rate (HR), BP, the systolic to diastolic ratio (SYS/DIA). SPO.sub.2, AND ETCO.sub.2. The slope of CO.sub.2 (mm Hg/sec), and CO.sub.2 run, of the capnogram 517, measured to 80% of maximum CO.sub.2 concentration, are calculated by computer 514.

(604) Following each treatment, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are computed by computer 514. Thereafter, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 514:

(605) 1) If: a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range; b) the respiratory rate is normal; and c) ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(606) then, display 516 shows the message VITAL SIGNS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS.

(607) 2) In contrast, if: a) the value of Diminished CAP-FEV1 is a 40:10 point ratio; and, b) Normal CAP-FEV1/FVC (FORCED VITAL CAPACITY); c) CO.sub.2 run is less than 0.3 sec; d) CO.sub.2 slope is more than 100 mm Hg/sec;

(608) then, display 516 shows the message HEART FAILURE PRESENT.

(609) Additionally, if a heart failure is present then the following rules may also be applied:

(610) 3) If: a) the value of CAP-FEV1 is less than 80%;

(611) then display 516 shows the message MODERATE HEART FAILURE PRESENT. 4) If: a) the value of CAP-FEV1 is less than 80%; b) the value of SPO.sub.2 is less than 91% SAT; and c) the value of ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(612) then, display 516 shows the message SEVERE HEART FAILURE PRESENT.

(613) Thereafter a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated.

(614) I) Sampling Step

(615) a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula 500 to capnograph 502.

(616) b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph 502 as capnogram 517.

(617) c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer 514.

(618) d) Computer 514 marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.

(619) e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(620) f) The slope and the run are determined by computer 514.

(621) II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step

(622) In a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of I) Sampling step by computer 514:

(623) 1) If: a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range; b) the respiratory rate is normal; c) CO.sub.2 run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec; d) CO.sub.2 slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec; e) SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and f) ETCO.sub.2 is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;

(624) then, display 516 shows the message NO HEART FAILURE PRESENT.

(625) 2) If: a) the value of CAP-FEV1 is more than 50%, but less than or equal to 80%; and b) the value of SPO.sub.2 is greater or equal to 91% SAT but less than 95% SAT;

(626) then display 516 shows the message MODERATE HEART FAILURE PRESENT. 3) If: a) the value of CAP-FEV1 is less than 80%; b) the value of SPO.sub.2 is less than 91% SAT; and c) the value of ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(627) then, display 516 shows the message SEVERE HEART FAILURE PRESENT.

(628) Reference is now made to FIG. 33, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in an ambulance environment for treating pulmonary edema. As seen in FIG. 33, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 550, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 552, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 554, a finger sensor 556, a forehead/scalp sensor 558 and a blood pressure cuff 560 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 562.

(629) The outputs of the capnograph 552 and possibly of additional instrumentation 562 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 564, having an associated display 566 which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 552 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement indicating the presence and severity of congestive heart failure, here ABNORMAL CO.sub.2 WAVEFORM CONSISTENT WITH SEVERE CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE.

(630) This diagnostic statement indicates that treatment is required for heart failure. Intravenous and/or sublingual medications such as nitroglycerin, morphine and LASIX R are administered after which a diagnostic, statement which indicates the patient status and the severity of the cardio-respiratory condition is preferably presented, here MODERATE CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, CONDITION IMPROVING.

(631) Reference is now made additionally to FIGS. 34A and 34B, which illustrate the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 33.

(632) The patient previously attached to a multi-parameter monitor including a capnograph 552 and suitable instrumentation 562, by means of cannula 550 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 554, finger sensor 556, forehead sensor 558 and blood pressure cuff 560, is monitored continuously for at least thirty seconds. Neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique, including visual and electroencephalograph (EEG) monitoring. Values of CO.sub.2 concentration, ECG, NIBP, SPO.sub.2, and cerebral oximetry are continuously monitored, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram 567 and together with other waveforms are stored in computer 564.

(633) At least one expired air sample is collected and conveyed for analysis by capnograph 552. The outputs of the capnograph 552 and possibly of additional instrumentation 562 are preferably supplied to suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 564, having associated display 566, which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 552.

(634) In an analyzing step, the onset and offset limits of a capnogram 567, pulse waveforms, and the QRS complex (of the ECG) are marked by computer 564. The actual parameters measured include, but are not limited to heart rate (HR), BP, the systolic to diastolic ratio (SYS/DIA). SPO.sub.2, AND ETCO.sub.2. The slope of CO.sub.2 (mm Hg/sec), and CO.sub.2 run, of the capnogram 567, measured to 80% of maximum CO.sub.2 concentration, are calculated by computer 564.

(635) Following each treatment, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are computed by computer 564. Thereafter, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 564:

(636) 1) If: a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range; b) the respiratory rate is normal; and c) ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(637) then, display 566 shows the message VITAL SIGNS WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS.

(638) 2) In contrast, if: a) the value of Diminished CAP-FEV1 is a 40:10 point ratio; b) Normal CAP-FEV/FVC; c) CO.sub.2 run is less than 0.3 sec; and, d) CO.sub.2 slope is more than 100 mm Hg/sec;

(639) then, display 566 shows the message BRONCHOSPASM IS PRESENT.

(640) Additionally, if bronchospasm is present then the following rules may also be applied:

(641) 3) If: a) the value of CAP-FEV1 is less than 80%;

(642) then display 566 shows the message MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM IS PRESENT.

(643) 4) If: a) the value of CAP-FEV1 is less than 80%; b) the value of SPO.sub.2 is less than 91% SAT; and c) the value of ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(644) then, display 566 shows the message SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.

(645) Thereafter a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated:

(646) I) Sampling Step

(647) a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula 550 to capnograph 552.

(648) b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph 552 as capnogram 567.

(649) c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer 564.

(650) d) Computer 564 marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.

(651) e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(652) f) The slope and the run are determined by computer 564.

(653) II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step

(654) In a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of I) Sampling step by computer 564:

(655) 1) If: a) the blood pressure values are within the normal range; b) the respiratory rate is normal; c) CO.sub.2 run is less than or equal to 0.3 sec; d) CO.sub.2 slope is more than or equal to 100 mm Hg/sec; e) SPO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 95% SAT; and f) ETCO.sub.2 is less than or equal to 45 mm Hg;

(656) then, display 566 shows the message NO BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT.

(657) 2) In contrast, if: a) CO.sub.2 run is greater than 0.3 sec; b) CO.sub.2 slope is less than 100 mm Hg/sec; c) SPO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 91% SAT, but less than 95% SAT; and d) ETCO.sub.2 is less than 45 mm Hg;

(658) then, the message MODERATE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 566.

(659) 3) If the parameters measured are yet further removed from the acceptable range, such as if: a) CAP-FEV1 is less than 50%; b) SPO.sub.2 is less than 91% SAT; and c) ETCO.sub.2 is greater than 45 mm Hg;

(660) then, a message such as SEVERE BRONCHOSPASM PRESENT is displayed on display 566.

(661) At any one of the diagnostic rule application steps, it may be verified that the patient is suffering from bronchospasm. Once bronchospasm is verified, the operator switches capnograph 552 to a serial comparison mode. The medical team applies the appropriate interventions to the patient to treat the bronchospasm.

(662) Reference is now made to FIG. 35, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital or EMS environment for diagnosing and treating respiratory failure. As seen in FIG. 35, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 570, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 572, such as, a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 574, a finger sensor 576, a forehead/scalp sensor 578 and a blood pressure cuff 580 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 582.

(663) Following intubation of the patient and prior to securing the tube, the outputs of the capnograph 572 and possibly of additional instrumentation 582 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 584, having an associated display 586 which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 572 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement indicating proper intubation, here TUBE IN TRACHEA.

(664) The system determines whether characteristics of the capnograph waveform amplitude are normal. If the CO.sub.2 levels as indicated by the capnograph waveform amplitude are below normal a diagnostic statement indicating right mainstem bronchus intubation is presented, here ABNORMAL WAVEFORM, CHECK FOR RIGHT MAINSTEM BRONCHUS INTUBATION.

(665) Following repositioning of the tube, the system provides a patient status statement, here WAVEFORM NORMALIZED, TUBE IN TRACHEA.

(666) Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 36, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 35.

(667) The patient in an ambulance, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 572, is monitored continuously for at least 30 seconds. Expired air is collected via cannula 570 and is conveyed to the capnograph 572.

(668) Values of the CO.sub.2 concentration is continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram and together with other waveforms are stored on computer 584.

(669) The onset and offset limits of the patient'S capnogram from capnograph 572 are delineated by computer 584.

(670) The waveform quality of the capnogram 587 is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 1 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(671) If the quality is unacceptable, further samples are collected until a sample of acceptable quality, according to the above two criteria, is taken.

(672) The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO.sub.2 value is measured by capnograph 572. The slope and run values of the capnogram from capnograph 572 are determined by computer 584.

(673) At startup, the following checking rule is preferably applied.

(674) 1) If: a) the ETCO.sub.2 value is more than 15 mm Hg;

(675) then, a display is provided by computer 584 stating GOOD WAVEFORM, TUBE IN TRACHEA.

(676) In a checking step, repeated checks for abnormal waveform shape of capnogram 587. The following rules are preferably applied to the capnogram shape:

(677) 1) If: a) an abnormal waveform shape is observed;

(678) then, computer 584 displays TUBE IMPROPERLY POSITIONED: CHECK FOR RIGHT MAINSTEM INTUBATION on display 586.

(679) 2) If: a) a normal waveform shape is observed;

(680) then, computer 584 displays TUBE PROPERLY POSITIONED: CONFIRM BREATH SOUNDS AND SECURE TUBE on display 586.

(681) When tube is secure as is confirmed by an operator, the operator typically inputs a code into computer 584 to activate an intubation monitoring mode in capnograph 572. The capnogram is monitored continuously for loss of signal. Loss of signal from capnograph 572 is indicative of the tube having slipped away from the trachea. As long as there is a regular signal, computer 584 displays MONITORING INTUBATION on display 586.

(682) Reference is now made to FIG. 37, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for diagnosing and treating pulmonary embolism. As seen in FIG. 37, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 600, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461; O.sub.2/CO.sub.2Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 602, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 604, a finger sensor 606, a forehead/scalp sensor 608 and a blood pressure cuff 610 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 612.

(683) The outputs of the capnograph 602 and possibly of additional instrumentation 612 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 614, having an associated display 616 which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 602 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement alerting hospital staff to the possible presence of pulmonary embolism. A typical such statement is ALERT: ABNORMAL WAVEFORM CONSISTENT WITH PULMONARY EMBOLISM. Following intravenous medication for dissolving blood clots in the lungs, the system determines whether characteristics of the CO2 waveform amplitude and shape are approaching normal and preferably provides a patient status statement, here WAVEFORM NORMALIZING, GOOD RESPONSE TO TREATMENT.

(684) Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 38, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 37.

(685) The patient, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 602 and instrumentation 612, by means of cannula 600 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 604, finger sensor 606, scalp/forehead sensor 608 and blood pressure cuff 610, is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of CO.sub.2 concentration, ECG, NIBP and SPO.sub.2 are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram 617 and other waveforms and stored by computer 614.

(686) Thereafter, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer 614. The heart rate, blood pressure ETCO.sub.2 and SPO.sub.2 values are measured. The initial slope of the capnogram and the run, monitored by capnograph 602, are calculated by computer 614. Additionally, neurological findings, monitored by means of an EEG are inputted to computer 614.

(687) At various intervals, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are evaluated by computer 614. After each treatment, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rule is preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 614:

(688) 1) If: a) the heart rate is greater than 100/min; b) the SPO.sub.2 is less than 90% SAT; c) the ETCO.sub.2 is less than 35 mm Hg; d) the amplitude (area under curve) of the CO.sub.2 waveform is less than a predetermined value: e) the ECG is normal; and f) the respiratory rate is greater than 15/min;

(689) display 616 shows the message ALERT: VITAL SIGNS CONSISTENT WITH ACUTE PULMONARY EMBOLISM.

(690) After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer 614: Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 614.

(691) 1) If: a) the decrease in the SPO.sub.2 values is greater than 5% SAT; or b) the difference in the ETCO.sub.2 slope is greater than +5 mm Hg;

(692) then, computer 614 displays on display 616 PATIENT STATUS: DETERIORATING.

(693) 2) If: a) the increase in the SPO.sub.2 values is greater than +5% SAT; or b) the difference in the ETCO.sub.2 slope is more than 5 mm Hg;

(694) then, computer 614 displays on display 616 PATIENT STATUS:IMPROVING.

(695) 3) If: a) the difference in the SPO.sub.2 values is more positive than or equal to 5% SAT, but less than or equal to +5%; or b) the difference in the ETCO.sub.2 slope greater than or equal to 5 mm Hg, but less than or equal to +5 mm Hg;

(696) then, computer 614 displays on display 616 PATIENT STATUS:UNCHANGED.

(697) Following the monitoring stage, the following exit rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of the patient by computer 232:

(698) 1) If: a) the ECG values are within normal limits; b) the respiratory rate is within normal limits; c) the heart rate is within normal limits; d) the SPO.sub.2 value is greater than 95% SAT; and e) the ETCO.sub.2 value is less than 45 mm Hg;

(699) then, Computer 614 preferably displays on display 616 VITAL SIGNS STABLE.

(700) (If the patient's record complies with this exit rule, then a copy of the patient's record is handed off from computer 616 to the receiving center, for example, in the form of a chart. Typically, the receiving center stores this chart, so that it may be used as a baseline for continued monitoring of the patient).

(701) Reference is now made to FIGS. 39A and 39B, which are simplified pictorial illustrations of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for determining correct placement of a nasogastric tube in a patient. As seen in FIGS. 39A and 39B, following insertion of a nasogastric tube in a patient, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 630, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 632, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 634, a finger sensor 636, a forehead/scalp sensor 638 and a blood pressure cuff 640 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 642.

(702) The outputs of the capnograph 632 and possibly of additional instrumentation 642 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 644, having an associated display 646 which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 632 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a status statement alerting hospital staff to the possible misplacement of the nasogastric tube. A typical such statement NASOGASTRIC (NG) TUBE IN LUNG. This status statement is preferably accompanied by a treatment recommendation; here REPOSITION NASOGASTRIC TUBE. Following repositioning of the nasogastric tube, a status statement confirming proper placement is preferably provided, here NASOGASTRIC TUBE IN STOMACH. This statement is preferably accompanied by a treatment recommendation, here SECURE TUBE.

(703) Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 40, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIGS. 39A and 39B.

(704) The patient, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 632, is monitored continuously for at least 30 seconds. Expired air is collected via cannula 630 and is conveyed to the capnograph 632.

(705) Values of the CO.sub.2 concentration is continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram 647 and, together with other waveforms, is stored on computer 644.

(706) The onset and offset limits of the patient's capnogram from capnograph 632 are delineated by computer 644.

(707) The waveform quality of the capnogram 647 is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 1 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(708) If the quality is unacceptable, further samples are collected until a sample of acceptable quality, according to the above two criteria, is taken.

(709) The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO.sub.2 value is measured by capnograph 632. The slope and run values of the capnogram from capnograph 632 are determined by computer 644.

(710) The following checking rules are preferably applied.

(711) 1) If: a) the ETCO.sub.2 value is less than or equal to 15 mm Hg; or b) there is a loss of the waveform of capnogram 647; then, a display is provided by computer 644 stating NO WAVEFORM PRESENT, NG TUBE NOT IN TRACHEA.

(712) 2) If: a) the ETCO.sub.2 value is more than or equal to 15 mm Hg; or b) profile of exhaled gas is detected as a waveform of capnogram 647;

(713) then, a display is provided by computer 644 stating CO.sub.2 DETECTED, NG TUBE IN TRACHEA.

(714) Reference is now made to FIG. 41, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for determining the presence of acute myocardial infarction in a patient. As seen in FIG. 41, following a patient complaint of chest pains, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 650, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 652, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 654, a finger sensor 656, a forehead/scalp sensor 658 and a blood pressure cuff 660 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 662.

(715) The outputs of the capnograph 652 and possibly of additional instrumentation 662 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 664, having an associated display 666 which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 652 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement alerting hospital staff to the possibility of occurrence of acute myocardial infarction. A typical such statement is VITAL SIGNS CONSISTENT WITH HEART ATTACK. CONDITION CRITICAL. Following sublingual and/or intravenous administration of a medicament such as nitroglycerin and morphine, a patient status statement is preferably provided, here GOOD RESPONSE TO TREATMENT. CONDITION IMPROVING.

(716) Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 42, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 41.

(717) The patient, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 652 and suitable instrumentation 662, by means of cannula 650 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 654, finger sensor 656, forehead/scalp sensor 658 and blood pressure cuff 660, is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of CO.sub.2 concentration, HR, BP (SYS/DIA) ECG, NIBP and SPO.sub.2 are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram 667 and other waveforms and stored on computer 664.

(718) Thereafter, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer 664. The initial slope of the capnogram and the run are determined and stored in computer 664.

(719) At various intervals, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are evaluated by computer 664. After each treatment, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 664:

(720) 1) If: a) there is a localized elevation in the ST segment in the ECG; and b) the ETCO.sub.2 is declining at least by 2 mm Hg/min over five minutes;

(721) then, display 666 shows the message ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION (MI) SUSPECTED.

(722) 2) If: a) the SPO.sub.2 value is less than 91% SAT; and b) the ETCO.sub.2 value is less than 30 mm Hg;

(723) then, display 66 shows the message VITAL SIGNS CRITICAL.

(724) After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer 664: Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 664.

(725) 1) If: a) the difference in the ST elevation in the ECG is greater than 0.1 mm and b) the difference in the ETCO.sub.2 slope is less than 1 mm Hg/min;

(726) then, computer 664 displays on display 666 PATIENT STATUS: WORSENING.

(727) 2) If: a) the difference in the ST elevation in the ECG is less than 0.1 mm and b) the difference in the ETCO.sub.2 is more than 1 mm Hg/min;

(728) then, computer 664 displays on display 666 PATIENT STATUS: IMPROVING.

(729) 3) If: a) the difference in the ST elevation in the ECG is more than or equal to 0.1 mm but less than or equal to 0.1 mm; or b) the difference in the ETCO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 1 mm Hg/min and is less than or equal to 1 mm Hg/min;

(730) then, computer 664 displays on display 666 PATIENT STATUS: UNCHANGED.

(731) Reference is now made to FIG. 43, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for determining the presence of cardiogenic shock in a patient. As seen in FIG. 43, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 670, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 672, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest-electrodes 674, a finger sensor 676, a forehead/scalp sensor 678 and a blood pressure cuff 680 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 682.

(732) The outputs of the capnograph 672 and possibly of additional instrumentation 682 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 684, having an associated display 686 which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 672 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement alerting hospital staff to the possibility of occurrence of cardiogenic shock. A typical such statement is VITAL SIGNS CONSISTENT WITH CARDIOGENIC SHOCK. CONDITION CRITICAL. Following intravenous administration of a medicament such as dopamine dobutamine, a patient status statement is preferably provided, here CONDITION IMPROVING.

(733) Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 44, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 43.

(734) The patient, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 672 and suitable instrumentation 682, by means of cannula 670 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 674, finger sensor 676, forehead/scalp sensor 678 and blood pressure cuff 680, is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of CO.sub.2 concentration, HR, BP (SYS/DIA) ECG, NIBP and SPO.sub.2 are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram 667 and other waveforms and stored on computer 684.

(735) Thereafter, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer 684. The initial slope of the capnogram and the run are determined and stored in computer 684.

(736) At various intervals, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are evaluated by computer 684.

(737) After each interval, in a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 684:

(738) 1) If: a) the systolic blood pressure is less than 90 mm Hg; b) the heart rate is more than 100/min; c) the respiratory rate is more than 15/min; and d) and the ETCO.sub.2 is less than 35 mm Hg;

(739) then, display 686 shows the message ALERT: CONSIDER CARDIOGENIC SHOCK.

(740) 2) a) the SPO.sub.2 value is less than 91% SAT; and b) the ETCO.sub.2 value is less than 30 mm Hg;

(741) then, display 686 shows the message VITAL SIGNS CRITICAL.

(742) After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer 684: Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 684.

(743) 1) If: a) the difference in the systolic blood pressure is less than 5 mm Hg; and b) the difference in the ETCO.sub.2 is less than 1 mm Hg/min;

(744) then, computer 664 displays on display 666 PATIENT STATUS:WORSENING.

(745) 2) If: a) the difference in the systolic blood pressure is more than 5 mm Hg; and b) the difference in the ETCO.sub.2 is more than 1 mm Hg/min;

(746) then, computer 664 displays on display 666 PATIENT STATUS:IMPROVING.

(747) 3) If: a) the difference in the systolic blood pressure is more than or equal to 5 mm Hg and less than or equal to +5 mm Hg; and/or b) the difference in the ETCO.sub.2 is more than or equal to 1 mm Hg/min and is less than or equal to 1 mm Hg/min;

(748) then, computer 684 displays on display 686 PATIENT STATUS:UNCHANGED.

(749) Reference is now made to FIG. 45, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital environment for determining the presence of cardiac arrest in a patient. As seen in FIG. 45, a patient who is found to be unconscious and unresponsive is subsequently connected to the system of the present invention. Various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 700, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 702, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 704, a finger sensor 706, a forehead/scalp sensor 708 and a blood pressure cuff 710 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 712.

(750) The outputs of the capnograph 702 and possibly of additional instrumentation 712 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 714, having an associated display 716 which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 702 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement alerting hospital staff to the possibility of occurrence of cardiac arrest. A typical such statement is ALERT: CARDIAC ARREST. Following treatment, typically including intubation and intravenous administration of a medicament such as adrenaline, during external cardiac massage, a patient status statement, indicating the effectiveness of the treatment is preferably provided, here EFFECTIVE CARDIAC COMPRESSIONS: The system also preferably diagnoses the return of spontaneous circulation and prompts the caregiver to check for the presence of a pulse, here by means of a diagnostic statement and a treatment recommendation such as RETURN OF SPONTANEOUS CIRCULATION. CHECK FOR PULSE.

(751) Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 46, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 45.

(752) The patient, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 702 and suitable instrumentation 712, by means of cannula 700 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 704, finger sensor 706, forehead/scalp sensor 708 and blood pressure cuff 710, is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of CO.sub.2 concentration, HR, BP (SYS/DIA) ECG, NIBP and SPO.sub.2 are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram 717, and is stored on computer 714 together with other waveforms.

(753) Thereafter, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer 714: The initial slope of the capnogram and the run are determined and stored in computer 714.

(754) At various intervals, the differences between consecutive measurements of the various patient parameters are evaluated by computer 714.

(755) After each time interval, the difference between consecutive measures of each parameter are calculated by computer 714: Thereafter, the following monitoring rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters by computer 714.

(756) 1) If: a) the heart rate is less than 30/min; and b) the ETCO.sub.2 value is less than 15 mm Hg;

(757) then, computer 714 displays on display 716 NO RETURN OF CIRCULATION.

(758) 2) If: a) the heart rate is more than or equal to 30/min; and b) the ETCO.sub.2 value is more than or equal to 15 mm Hg;

(759) then, computer 714 displays on display 716 RETURN OF CIRCULATION.

(760) Reference is now made to FIG. 47, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a out of hospital environment for determining the presence of acute cardiac ischemia in a patient.

(761) As seen in FIG. 47, while a patient, undergoes treadmill testing in a doctor's office, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 730, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 732, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 734, a finger sensor 736, a forehead/scalp sensor 738 and a blood pressure cuff 740 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 742.

(762) The outputs of the capnograph 732 and possibly of additional instrumentation 742 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 744, having an associated display 746 which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 732 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement, here VITAL SIGNS NORMAL, which indicates normal patient condition. At some point thereafter, a further diagnostic statement appears, here, ALERT: ACUTE CARDIAC ISCHEMIA. Upon noticing this statement, the physician causes the patient to lie down and administers oxygen treatment to the patient. The system assesses the patient's response to the treatment and provides a patient status message, here VITAL SIGNS NORMAL.

(763) Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 48, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 47.

(764) The patient, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 732 and suitable instrumentation 742, by means of cannula 730 and preferably also by means of chest electrodes 734, finger sensor 736, forehead/scalp sensor 738 and blood pressure cuff 740, is monitored continuously. The neurological status of the patient is acquired by any suitable technique. Values of CO.sub.2 concentration, HR, BP (SYS/DIA) ECG, NIBP and SPO.sub.2 are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram 747, and is stored on computer 744 together with other waveforms.

(765) Thereafter, the onset and offset limits of the capnogram, the pulse waveform and QRS onset and offset are determined by computer 744. The initial slope of the capnogram and the run are determined and stored in computer 744.

(766) In the next step, when the monitoring has been verified by the operator, that it is functioning correctly, the baseline cardiorespiratory pattern is stored in computer 744.

(767) Thereafter, computer 744 and/or the operator activates capnograph 732 in a monitoring mode. The patient is monitored continuously by capnograph 732 for any significant change in the cardiorespiratory pattern.

(768) The following monitoring rule is preferably applied to capnogram 747 by computer 744.

(769) 1) If: a) a significant change in the cardiorespiratory pattern is apparent;

(770) then, computer 744 displays MONITORING STRESS RESPONSE on display 746.

(771) Thereafter, a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated.

(772) I) Sampling step

(773) a) A sample of expired air is taken and conveyed from cannula 400 to capnograph 732.

(774) b) The carbon dioxide concentration is measured continuously by capnograph 744 as a capnogram 747.

(775) c) The capnogram is digitized as waveform and store for analysis by computer 744.

(776) d) Computer 744 marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.

(777) e) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(778) f) The Slope and the run are determined by computer 744.

(779) II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step

(780) In a diagnostic rule application step, the following diagnostic rules are preferably applied to the measured parameters of each sample in I) Sampling step by computer 744:

(781) 1) If: a) there are no signs of ischemia (no elevation from baseline in the ECG ST segment; and no changes from baseline in the T-waves; b) there are no changes towards ischemia (rising ST-segment values on ECG from baseline, and dropping ETCO.sub.2 values >5 mm Hg from baseline);

(782) then, Computer 744 displays on display 746 NO SIGNS OF ACUTE CARDIAC ISCHEMIA.

(783) 2) If: a) a) there are signs of ischemia; or b) there are changes towards ischemia; then, Computer 744 displays on display 746 ALERT: SIGNS OF ACUTE CARDIAC ISCHEMIA.

(784) Reference is now made to FIG. 49, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital or outpatient environment for sedation and/or anesthesia monitoring. As seen in FIG. 49, while a patient is under sedation and/or anesthesia, typically in the course of a medical procedure, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 800, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS, 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2 Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 802, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 804, a finger sensor 806, a forehead/scalp sensor 808 and a blood pressure cuff 810 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 812.

(785) The outputs of the capnograph 802 and possibly of additional instrumentation 812 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 814, having an associated display 816 which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 802 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a diagnostic statement confirming proper respiration, here NORMAL WAVEFORM RHYTHM.

(786) If at a later stage during the medical procedure, a deviation from the patient's normal CO2 waveform rhythm is sensed, a further diagnostic statement is provided, here ALERT: SIGNIFICANT DEVIATION IN WAVEFORM RHYTHM. This statement is preferably accompanied by a treatment recommendation, here REDUCE SEDATION LEVEL. Following reduction in the sedation level, a diagnostic statement which indicates the patient status is preferably presented, here NORMAL WAVEFORM RHYTHM RESTORED.

(787) Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 50, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 49.

(788) The patient, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 802, is typically monitored continuously for at least 30 seconds. Additionally or alternatively, the patient may be monitored for shorter or longer durations. Expired air is collected via cannula 800 and is conveyed to the capnograph 802.

(789) Values of the CO.sub.2 concentration are continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram 817 and, together with other waveforms, is stored on computer 814.

(790) The onset and offset limits of the patient's capnogram from capnograph 802 are delineated by computer 814.

(791) The waveform quality of the capnogram 817 is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 1 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(792) If the quality is unacceptable, further samples are collected until a sample of acceptable quality, according to the above two criteria, is taken.

(793) The next step entails a checking procedure, wherein the ETCO.sub.2 value is measured by capnograph 632. The slope and run values of the capnogram from capnograph 632 are determined by computer 644.

(794) The following checking rule is preferably applied.

(795) 1) If: a) the ETCO.sub.2 value is more than 15 mm Hg;

(796) then, a display is provided by computer 814 stating NORMAL WAVEFORM RHYTHM.

(797) After the waveform rhythm has been confirmed by an operator, the capnograph is entered into its monitoring mode, either by the operator or by computer 814. Capnograph 802 then monitors for any changes in the breathing pattern of the patient.

(798) Thereafter, computer 814 displays MONITORING SEDATION on display 646.

(799) The next step entails a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated.

(800) I) Sampling Step

(801) In this sampling step, an exhaled air sample from cannula 800 is periodically collected, conveyed and measured by capnograph 802. The carbon dioxide concentration value is determined continuously by capnograph 802. Computer 814 digitizes the capnograph signals as a waveform and store the waveform for analysis.

(802) Thereafter, the ETCO.sub.2 value is determined.

(803) II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step.

(804) The following diagnostic rules are applied to each sample:

(805) 1) If: a) The value of ETCO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 15 mm Hg; and b) There is no loss in the waveform from capnograph 802; and c) The respiratory rate is greater than or equal to 12/min;

(806) then, computer 814 displays NORMAL VENTILATORY WAVEFORM AND RHYTHM on display 816.

(807) 2) If: a) The value of ETCO.sub.2 is less than 15 mm Hg; or b) There is a loss in the waveform from capnograph 802; or c) The respiratory rate is less than 10/min; or d) There is a decline in ETCO.sub.2 of 50%; or e) There is a 50% increase in the pattern variability; or f) There is a 50% decrease in the pattern similarity;

(808) then, computer 814 displays ALERT: DIMINISHED VENTILATORY WAVEFORM on display 816.

(809) This cycle typically proceeds until the patient monitoring is halted by the medical team or operator.

(810) Reference is now made to FIG. 51, which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automatic medical diagnostic and treatment system and methodology operative in a hospital or outpatient environment for sedation and/or anesthesia titration. As seen in FIG. 51, when a patient is being sedated prior to carrying out of a medical procedure, various patient physiologic activities are sensed and measured, including respiratory physiologic activities, preferably via an oral airway adapter and/or a nasal or nasal/oral cannula 900, such as a Model Nasal FilterLine Adult XS 04461, O.sub.2/CO.sub.2Nasal FilterLine Adult 007141, or Smart CapnoLine Adult (Oral/nasal FilterLine) 007414, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel, typically coupled with a capnograph 902, such as a Microcap, commercially available from Oridion Ltd., of Jerusalem Israel. Other patient physiologic activities relating to cardiac function (e.g. ECG), systemic oxygenation (e.g. pulse oximetry), cerebral oxygenation (e.g. cerebral oximetry) and systemic circulation (e.g. NIBP), typically sensed by means of chest electrodes 904, a finger sensor 906, a forehead/scalp sensor 908 and a blood pressure cuff 910 respectively, may also be sensed and measured by suitable instrumentation 912.

(811) The outputs of the capnograph 902 and possibly of additional instrumentation 912 are preferably supplied to a suitably programmed automatic diagnostic and treatment computer 914, having an associated display 916 which typically analyzes the respiration parameter output of the capnograph 902 and possibly other parameters and provides an output which preferably contains a patient status statement confirming proper respiration, here NORMAL RESPIRATORY PATTERN.

(812) If, following the administration of additional medication, a deviation from the patient's normal CO2 waveform shape, amplitude or periodicity is sensed, a further status statement is provided, here ALERT: MILD HYPOVENTILATION PRESENT. Following the administration of additional medication which increases the sedation level, an additional diagnostic statement which indicates the patient status is preferably presented, here ALERT MODERATE HYPOVENTILATION PRESENT. This alert indicates that at this point, titration of medication is complete and the medical procedure may be commenced. Following completion of the medical procedure, monitoring continues until a further status statement, here NORMAL RESPIRATORY PATTERN RESTORED indicates normal respiration and that the patient may be safely discharged.

(813) Reference is now made additionally to FIG. 52, which illustrates the operation of the system and methodology of the system of the present invention in the context of FIG. 51.

(814) The patient, preferably attached to a multi-parameter monitor including capnograph 902, is monitored continuously for at least 30 seconds. Expired air is collected via cannula 900 and is conveyed to the capnograph 902.

(815) Values of the CO.sub.2 concentration is continuously measured, typically over a period of 30 seconds, and carbon dioxide waveforms are preferably digitized as a capnogram 917 and, together with other waveforms, is stored on computer 914.

(816) The onset and offset limits of the patient's capnogram from capnograph 902 are delineated by computer 914.

(817) The waveform quality of the capnogram 917 is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(818) If the quality is unacceptable, further samples are collected until a sample of acceptable quality, according to the above two criteria, is taken.

(819) Thereafter, the ETCO.sub.2 value and the respiratory rate are determined.

(820) At startup a checking procedure is performed, wherein the ETCO.sub.2 value is measured by capnograph 902. The slope and run values of the capnogram from capnograph 902 are determined by computer 914.

(821) The following checking rule is preferably applied.

(822) 1) If: a) the ETCO.sub.2 value is more than 15 mm Hg;

(823) then, a display is provided by computer 914 stating GOOD WAVEFORM QUALITY; MONITORING LEVEL OF SEDATION.

(824) After the waveform rhythm has been confirmed by an operator; the baseline breathing pattern is stored in computer 914. Capnograph 902 is entered into its monitoring mode, either by the operator or by computer 914. Capnograph 902 then monitors for any changes in the breathing pattern of the patient.

(825) The next step entails a cycle of alternating I) sampling step (data collection and measurement) twice per minute and II) diagnostic rule application to the previous sample step I) is initiated.

(826) I) Sampling Step

(827) In this sampling step, an exhaled air sample from cannula 900 is periodically collected, conveyed and measured by capnograph 902. The carbon dioxide concentration value is determined continuously by capnograph 902. Computer 914 digitizes the capnograph signals as a waveform and computer 914 stores the waveform for analysis. Computer 914 marks onset and offset limits of the capnogram.

(828) The waveform quality of the capnogram is assessed by employing the criteria that an acceptable quality is defined by: i) the root mean square (rms) of the noise of the waveform must be less than 2 mm Hg; and ii) the breath-to-breath correlation must be greater than 0.85.

(829) Thereafter ETCO.sub.2 and the respiratory rate are measured, and the results stored on computer 914.

(830) II) Diagnostic Rule Application Step.

(831) The following diagnostic rules are applied to each sample:

(832) 1) If: a) The value of ETCO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 15 mm Hg, but less than 50 mm Hg; b) There is no loss in the waveform from capnograph 902; and c) The respiratory rate is greater than 12/min;

(833) then, computer 914 displays NORMAL RESPIRATORY PATTERN on display 916.

(834) 2) If: a) The respiratory rate is more than or equal to 10/min, but less than 12/min;

(835) then, computer 914 displays MILD HYPOVENTILATION on display 916.

(836) 3) If: a) The value of ETCO.sub.2 is greater than or equal to 50 mm Hg, but less than 60 mm Hg; and b) The respiratory rate is more than or equal to 6/min, but less than 10/min;

(837) then, computer 914 displays MODERATE HYPOVENTILATION on display 916.

(838) 4) If: a) The value of ETCO.sub.2 is greater or equal to 60 mm Hg; or b) There is a loss in the waveform; or c) The respiratory rate is less than 6/min;

(839) then, computer 914 displays ALERT: SEVERE HYPOVENTILATION OR APNEA on display 916.

(840) It should be understood that the rules, such as monitoring and diagnostic rules exemplified hereinabove are not meant to be limiting only to those and the numerical values therein that have been shown herein, and that these rules could be applied using to similar or different numerical values and could incorporate further rules applied to other parameters. The rules provided herein may be provided as continuous or discontinuous rules, and may additionally or alternatively be applied in other combinations of continuity or discontinuity. Furthermore, it should be understood that the term time interval may include the time required for a treatment to be effective in a patient, and the word treatment may also be used to denote the time required for the treatment to be effective, such as in the phrase after each treatment.

(841) It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the features described hereinabove as well as modifications and variations thereof which would occur to a person of skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art.