RESPIRATORY THERAPY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING A RESPIRATORY THERAPY SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention relates to a respiratory therapy system having two respiratory therapy devices operable separately and independently of one another. The respiratory therapy devices each have a control unit and each have a device component controllable by means of the control unit for providing a device function. In this case, a coupling unit is provided for establishing an operational connection between the respiratory therapy devices. The coupling unit is designed for the purpose of controlling the control units of the respiratory therapy devices when the operational connection is established.

Claims

1.-23. (canceled)

24. A respiratory therapy system, wherein the respiratory therapy system comprises at least two respiratory therapy devices which are operable separately and independently of one another, the at least two respiratory therapy devices each comprising at least one control unit at least one device component which is controllable by the at least one control unit to provide at least one device function, wherein at least one coupling unit is provided for establishing an operational connection between the at least two respiratory therapy devices, the at least one coupling unit being configured for controlling the control units of the at least two respiratory therapy devices when the operational connection is established, and wherein at least one device component of the at least one respiratory therapy device is at least partially functionally expandable and/or at least partially functionally replaceable by at least one device component of the at least one other respiratory therapy device by the coupling unit.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein at least one respiratory therapy device is designed as a ventilator and at least one other respiratory therapy device is designed as a coughing device, the ventilator comprising a therapy unit which is designed as a ventilating unit which is equipped with a blower unit and/or a valve, and the coughing device being configured for targeted assistance of secretion removal from airways of a patient and comprising a therapy unit designed as a coughing unit which comprises at least one blower unit and at least one valve.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein at least one display unit of the at least one respiratory therapy device is at least partially functionally expandable and/or replaceable by at least one display unit of at least one other respiratory therapy device.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the display units of the operationally-connected respiratory therapy devices can each be oriented in consideration of a spatial location of the respiratory therapy device.

28. The system of claim 24, wherein at least one operating unit of at least one respiratory therapy device is at least partially functionally expandable and/or replaceable by at least one operating unit of at least one other respiratory therapy device and wherein a therapy unit of the at least one other respiratory therapy device is controllable from the operating unit of the at least one respiratory therapy device, the therapy unit comprising in particular at least one ventilating unit and/or at least one coughing unit.

29. The system of claim 24, wherein at least one therapy unit of at least one respiratory therapy device is at least partially functionally expandable and/or replaceable by at least one therapy unit of at least one other respiratory therapy device.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein, by means of the coupling unit, a therapy unit of at least one respiratory therapy device can be synchronized with a therapy unit of at least one other respiratory therapy device at least in consideration of at least one device parameter and/or ventilation parameter.

31. The system of claim 29, wherein a therapy unit of at least one respiratory therapy device is configured to control, by means of the coupling unit, at least one nebulizer unit arranged in at least one other respiratory therapy device.

32. The system of claim 29, wherein a therapy unit of at least one respiratory therapy device is configured to control, by means of the coupling unit, an exhalation system of at least one other respiratory therapy device.

33. The system of claim 29, wherein a therapy unit of at least one respiratory therapy device is connectable to at least one expiration part of another respiratory therapy device to establish a flow connection, in order to be used as a partial vacuum unit for exhalation in an expiration when an operational connection is established.

34. The system of claim 24, wherein the coupling unit is configured for at least partially deactivating and/or activating the device component of the at least one respiratory therapy device and/or the device component of the at least one other respiratory therapy device when the respiratory therapy devices are operationally connected.

35. The system of claim 24, wherein the system comprises at least one receptacle apparatus for physically receiving the at least two respiratory therapy devices the at least one receptacle apparatus comprising at least one receptacle unit for each of the respiratory therapy devices and/or comprising at least one joint receptacle unit for the respiratory therapy devices.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the respiratory therapy devices are arranged in the receptacle apparatus in such a way that a display unit of one respiratory therapy device is arranged inclined at an angle in relation to a horizontal and this angle is in the range of from 4 to 45, and wherein a display unit of the other respiratory therapy device is arranged inclined at an angle (b) in relation to a vertical (v) and this angle is in the range of from 4 to 45.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein the respiratory therapy devices are arranged in the receptacle apparatus in such a way that the display units have an angle (c) in relation to one another which is greater than 90.

38. The system of claim 35, wherein the respiratory therapy devices are arranged in the receptacle apparatus in such a way that a lower edge of one display unit is essentially at the same height as an upper edge of the other display unit.

39. A method of operating a respiratory therapy system having at least two separate respiratory therapy devices operable independently of one another, wherein the respiratory therapy devices each comprise at least one control unit and at least one device component controlled by the control unit and wherein at least one device function is provided by the device component, wherein the method comprises establishing at least one operational connection between the at least two respiratory therapy devices by means of at least one coupling unit, and when the operational connection is established, controlling the control units of the at least two respiratory therapy devices at least temporarily, at least one device component of the at least one respiratory therapy device being at least partially functionally expanded and/or at least partially functionally replaced by at least one device component of the at least one other respiratory therapy device, visualizing data of the one respiratory therapy device on at least one display unit of the other respiratory therapy device so that at least one display unit of one respiratory therapy device is supplemented and/or replaced, data relating to at least one device parameter and/or at least one ventilation parameter of a ventilation of a patient and the device parameter and/or ventilation parameter being preferably graphically represented, and displaying at least one menu for controlling a ventilating unit on the one respiratory therapy device, and performing a graphic representation of the ventilation parameter at the same time on the other respiratory therapy device, namely a graphic plot of the ventilation parameter as a function of time and/or as a function of another ventilation parameter.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein an operation of one respiratory therapy device is carried out on an operating unit of the other respiratory therapy device so that an operating unit of the one respiratory therapy device is supplemented and/or replaced, and wherein at least one device function of the other respiratory therapy device is started and/or stopped and/or set from the one respiratory therapy device.

41. The method of claim 39, wherein at least one device parameter and/or ventilation parameter for a device function is transmitted to the other respiratory therapy device from the one respiratory therapy device, and wherein a device function of the other respiratory therapy device is adapted as a function of the transmitted device parameter and/or ventilation parameter so that a synchronization or a parameter setting of the respiratory therapy devices is enabled.

42. The method of claim 39, wherein a coughing unit of a respiratory therapy device designed as a coughing device is controlled and/or operated from a respiratory therapy device designed as a ventilator and/or wherein a ventilation is performed by the ventilator and wherein, during the ventilation, at least one respiration assistance, in particular designed as a coughing maneuver, is provided by the coughing unit and/or wherein at least one point in time of an insufflation and/or an exsufflation and/or a pause is set from the ventilator, and/or wherein the coughing unit is switched from the ventilator into at least one automatic mode, in which a coughing maneuver is triggered at least partially automatically and/or wherein the ventilator at least partially automatically carries out a coughing maneuver by means of the coughing unit during a ventilation, and/or wherein the ventilator outputs at least one notification to a user, which notifies of a coughing maneuver to be carried out.

43. The method of claim 39, wherein at least one device parameter and/or ventilation parameter is registered over time by each of a ventilator and a coughing device, and wherein the device parameters and/or ventilation parameters are exchanged between the coughing device and the ventilator in at least one direction, and wherein at least one joint visualization of the device parameters and/or ventilation parameters is displayed before and after and/or during a coughing maneuver, so that an effect of the coughing maneuver can be monitored.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] Further advantages and features of the present invention result from the description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained hereafter with reference to the appended figures.

[0072] In the figures:

[0073] FIG. 1 shows a very schematic illustration of a respiratory therapy system according to the invention;

[0074] FIGS. 2A and 2B show very schematic illustrations of coupling modes of a respiratory therapy system; and

[0075] FIG. 3-5 show very schematic illustrations of further coupling modes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0076] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description in combination with the drawings making apparent to those of skill in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.

[0077] FIG. 1 shows a respiratory therapy system 100 according to the invention, which comprises two respiratory therapy devices 1 here. The respiratory therapy system 100 is operated as per the method according to the invention. The respiratory therapy devices 1 are provided here by a ventilator 12 and a coughing device 22.

[0078] The ventilator 12 comprises a therapy unit 7 here, which is designed as a ventilating unit 17. The ventilating unit 17 is equipped with a blower unit 67 or a fan to generate a respiratory airflow to ventilate the patient. The ventilating unit 17 can additionally comprise at least one valve. The ventilating unit 17 comprises, for example, at least one blower unit 67 and optionally or additionally at least one valve, using which a respiratory airflow for an insufflation and a respiratory airflow for an exsufflation are generated.

[0079] The ventilating unit 17 alternatively comprises, for example, two blower units 67 and at least one valve using which a respiratory airflow for an insufflation and a respiratory airflow for an exsufflation are generated. The blower unit and/or the valve are optionally additionally designed and configured to superimpose a respiratory airflow for an insufflation and/or a respiratory airflow for an exsufflation with a defined pulsation. The blower unit and/or the valve are optionally additionally designed and configured to generate the respiratory airflow for an exsufflation in the form of a partial vacuum.

[0080] A breathing tube system (not shown in greater detail here) can be connected via a fitting unit 57. Moreover, the ventilating unit 17 comprises here, for example, a nebulizer unit 37, in order to nebulize medications in the respiration air, for example.

[0081] The coughing device 22 is used for the targeted assistance of a secretion removal from the airways of a patient and comprises a therapy unit 7 designed as a coughing unit 27 here. The coughing unit 27 comprises, for example, at least one blower unit 67 and optionally additionally at least one valve, using which a respiratory airflow for an insufflation and a respiratory airflow for an exsufflation are generated. The coughing unit 27 alternatively comprises, for example, two blower units 67 and at least one valve, using which a respiratory airflow for an insufflation and a respiratory airflow for an exsufflation are generated. The blower unit and/or the valve are optionally additionally designed and configured to superimpose a respiratory airflow for an insufflation and/or a respiratory airflow for an exsufflation with a defined pulsation, in order to loosen secretions. The blower unit and/or the valve are optionally additionally designed and configured to generate the respiratory airflow for an exsufflation in the form of a partial vacuum, to thus assist the coughing of a patient effectively.

[0082] A tube system (not shown in greater detail here), which is suitable for the coughing maneuver and/or a coughing therapy, can be connected via a fitting unit 57. The tube system comprises, for example, an exhalation system 47.

[0083] Exhalation air can be continuously discharged via this, for example. The discharge of exhalation air can also be selectively adapted to respiration phases and/or coughing phases, however. In order to enable further device functions in addition to a therapy function, the respiratory therapy devices 1 are equipped here with further device components 3. Thus, each respiratory therapy device 1 has here a display unit 5 and an operating unit 6 for performing inputs and settings. The display unit 5 comprises, for example, a monitor or display. A touchscreen can also be provided. The respiratory therapy devices 1 can have further device components 3 (not shown in greater detail here). The respiratory therapy devices 1 each comprise one or more control units 2 here for controlling the device components 3.

[0084] The device components 3 can also partially have independent or separate control units. Presets for controlling the device components 3 are preferably saved or stored in the control unit 2. These presets can be at least partially adapted in particular by the user or a caregiver. The control unit 2 comprises, for example, at least one controller and/or other control components.

[0085] The respiratory therapy system 100 has a coupling unit 4 to be able to establish an operational connection between the respiratory therapy devices 1. An interface 14 or connecting interface can be arranged, for example, in each respiratory therapy device 1 for the coupling unit 4. The respiratory therapy devices 1 can communicate in a wireless and/or wired manner via the interfaces 14. The interfaces 14 are preferably operationally connected to the control units 2. The coupling unit 4 is suitable and designed for the purpose of controlling the control units 2 of the respiratory therapy devices 1 when the operational connection is established. The coupling unit 4 can be designed as wired or wireless, for example, as a USB or Bluetooth connection. The coupling unit 4 can alternatively also be designed as a plug connection between the respiratory therapy devices.

[0086] The respiratory therapy system 100 offers the option here of functionally expanding or replacing one or more device components 3 of one respiratory therapy device 1 by way of a corresponding device component 3 of the other respiratory therapy device 1 via the coupling unit 4.

[0087] In FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3 to 5, the respiratory therapy system 100 is shown having coupled respiratory therapy devices 1, which are arranged in various coupling modes. The observer position and the viewing angle of a user are indicated by a circle and an arrow, respectively.

[0088] A receptacle apparatus 8 for physically receiving the respiratory therapy devices 1 in a common receptacle unit 28 is shown in FIG. 2A. The receptacle apparatus 8 can also be designed for indirect physical connection of the respiratory therapy devices 1 to the receptacle unit 28. The respiratory therapy devices 1 then have identical, mechanical connecting elements which enable a mechanical coupling to coupling means of the receptacle unit 28. The mechanical connecting elements are embodied as female, for example, and the coupling means are embodied as male. In addition, the mechanical connecting elements and the coupling means can have mechanical catch means.

[0089] The receptacle unit 28 is equipped here with a chassis. One respiratory therapy device 1 is positioned upright here, while the other respiratory therapy device 1 is arranged recumbent. The receptacle apparatus 8 can also be designed for the direct physical connection of the respiratory therapy devices 1. The respiratory therapy devices 1 then have mechanical connecting elements complementary to one another, which enable a mechanical coupling of both respiratory therapy devices 1.

[0090] The display units are equipped, for example, with position sensors, so that the display units adapt the mode of display to the positioning of the respiratory therapy device.

[0091] One particular advantage becomes clear in this arrangement. FIG. 2B shows: The display unit 5a of the one respiratory therapy device 1a is arranged inclined at an angle (a) to a horizontal (h). This angle is in the range of 4 to 25, preferably 6 to 18, particularly preferably 9 to 15 in relation to the horizontal.

[0092] The display unit 5b of the other respiratory therapy device 1b is arranged inclined at an angle (b) in relation to a vertical (v). This angle is in the range of 4 to 25, preferably 6 to 18, particularly preferably 9 to 15 in relation to the vertical. Therefore, both display units can be read well by an observer (B).

[0093] The display units 5a and 5b have an angle (c) in relation to one another which is greater than 90, preferably 92 to 102, particularly preferably 92 to 132, very particularly preferably 92 to 162. Therefore, both display units can be read well jointly by an observer (B). The respiratory therapy devices are preferably oriented in such a way that the lower edge of one display unit is essentially at the same height as the upper edge of the other display unit.

[0094] The display units 5 can be oriented in this case to the respective position. In this coupling mode, for example, both display units 5 are active, so that an expanded display can be performed.

[0095] A receptacle apparatus 8 is shown in FIG. 3, which comprises one receptacle unit 18 having a chassis for each respiratory therapy device 1.

[0096] FIG. 4 shows the receptacle units 18 in a wall mounting. In this case, the respiratory therapy devices 1 can be arranged, for example, one over the other or adjacent to one another.

[0097] A coupling mode without a physical coupling of the respiratory therapy devices 1 is shown in FIG. 5. For example, the respiratory therapy devices 1 stand on a table or the like in this case. The respiratory therapy devices 1 are arranged back-to-back here. One of the display units 5 is preferably deactivated in this case.

[0098] In one example, the ventilator 12 is coupled to the coughing device 22 for control, data visualization, and data analysis.

[0099] In one example, it is coupled to the coughing device 22 for control, data visualization, and data analysis.

[0100] Data from the coughing device 22 can thus be transmitted to the ventilator 12, wherein the data memory of the ventilator 12 is used for data from the ventilator 12 and for data from the coughing device 22. The ventilator supplies an item of time information in this case, which is stored with the data. If the coughing device also supplies data with an item of time information, this time information of the coughing device is scaled to the time information of the ventilator. The data of ventilator and coughing device thus chronologically stored can be read out and visualized by software or transferred via remote data transfer or read out and processed by a user. Due to the joint analysis of ventilation and coughing data in one piece of software, it is possible to better judge the effects of the therapy. For example, a patient is ventilated and the physiological values worsen (noticeable from lower inspiration volume and low oxygen saturation (SpO2)). A coughing maneuver is then carried out and possibly fixed secretion is loosened. The fact that the coughing therapy was successful can be established, for example, from the measured peak flow in the exhalation (PCFpeak cough flow). Ventilation is then performed again and the physiological values are measured again. It can thus be observed what type of influence a coughing maneuver had.

[0101] The coughing device 22 can thus be used as an additional monitor for the ventilator 12. The coughing device 22 can be connected to the ventilator 12 and is used as an additional monitor, in which various ventilation parameters can be displayed. In this case, for example, both devices are fixedly and in particular detachably installed on a chassis or a wall mount.

[0102] Different data can be displayed on different display units to display more data overall.

[0103] For example, data from the ventilator 12 such as pressures, flow, volume, oxygen content in the blood, each over time, but also pressure over flow or pressure over volume can be recorded by the ventilator and displayed on the display unit 5 of both the ventilator 12 and the coughing device. It is preferably provided in this case that specific data and measured values from the ventilator are displayed on the display unit 5 of the ventilator and other data and measured values of the ventilator are displayed on the display of the coughing device.

[0104] Specific data relevant to the observer can be displayed on each of the two display units. For the medical professional, for example, pressure and flow curves can be displayed on the display unit 5 of the ventilator 12 and simplified signals or symbols (for example, arrows) for the inspiration and expiration of the patient can be displayed on the display unit 5 of the coughing device.

[0105] The invention offers the advantage that the items of information can be prepared spatially isolated and separately depending on the observer. In contrast to the case of only one monitor (which only reproduces the values), they can also be processed accordingly here.

[0106] In particular, different levels are possible, which supplement the operation. Both display units can be operated to interact with the data, for example, by typing and stopping or zooming in the respective region.

[0107] Thus, for example, a curve view of the ventilation without superposition of the ventilator monitor can be performed. For example, starting and stopping of an automatic mode can be performed from the ventilator 12, so that the coughing device 22 does not have to be operated. Moreover, the manual mode can also be started from the ventilator 12, so that the coughing maneuver can then be triggered with the aid of a remote control. The signal profile of pressure and flow is shown during this on the ventilator 12.

[0108] The coughing maneuver itself can also be operated from the ventilator 12. This means the determination of the points in time of the insufflation, exsufflation, and pause by an operation directly on the ventilator 12.

[0109] For example, a parameter setting for the coughing device 22 can be performed in the ventilator 12. The setting/control of various parameters of the coughing device 22 is performed by means of the ventilator 12. The transfer of the set ventilation parameters for the respiratory assistance can be performed, for example, in the coughing device 22.

[0110] Furthermore, a time-based or individual notification/reminder adapted to the user can be performed via the ventilator 12, which notifies of an imminent/further performance of the therapeutic respiratory assistance by means of coughing device 22. Thus, for example, a registration by sensors of parameterssuch as flow, pressure, oxygen saturation, frequency, and volumeduring the ventilation and analysis of these parameters individually for the patient can be performed. From a comparison of these parameter values over a specific period of time, of hours or days or weeks, the ventilator 12 can identify a possible worsening of the patient respiration and thereupon generate a warning notification or a recommendation to use the coughing device 22.

[0111] An integrated nebulizer 37 can potentially also be activated to prepare for the coughing up by medication nebulizing.

[0112] The shutdown of the coughing device 22 can also be performed via the ventilator 12 (energy saving mode).

[0113] One particular advantage is that only one device is used and/or operated. This offers a space-saving setup and simplifies the coughing application.

[0114] A joint data visualization with a data transfer from the coughing device 22 to the ventilator 12 and thus a better analysis of the signal profiles of a patient can also occur in the context of both therapies. For example, a potential positive effect of the coughing up of secretion on the following ventilation values (above all volume) can be observed better in context (before/after visualization).

[0115] Upon the coupling and/or when the devices 1 are connected, for example, a coupling symbol appears in both devices 1. A message appears in both devices 1, for example, that the coupling was established. In one of the devices 1 and, for example, in the ventilator 12, a message or user input offers the option of changing the coupling mode. The coupling mode is thus settable, for example, in a system menu.

[0116] The connection can be implemented in multiple coupling modes.

[0117] The last-used coupling mode is preferably always active upon coupling.

[0118] For example, in the case of a back-to-back arrangement, the monitor or display screen of one device 1 and in particular of the coughing device 22 is switched off. The therapy of the coughing device 22 may then be started and ended via the ventilator 12 or the remote control and, for example, a housing switch. The function of remotely controlling the coughing device 22 is available in the display of the ventilator 12. The function simulates the home display screen of the coughing device 22, for example. The coughing therapy can now be started and stopped. For example, the therapy program of the coughing device 22 can be selected or set. Therapy measured values of the coughing device are displayed. The start and the stop of the coughing therapy are noted in the event list of the ventilator 12. In this case, the ventilation or ventilating of the ventilator 12 can be active simultaneously.

[0119] For example, with an arrangement of the devices 1 one over another or adjacent to one another, both display screens are active. Both devices 1 are usable in the familiar manner thereof. The function of expanding the display screen is available on the display screen of the ventilator 12. If the function is deactivated, the user interface thereof is usable in the display of the coughing device 22. If the function is activated, a curve view of the ventilator 12 is visible in the display of the coughing device 22. The curve view on the ventilator 12 in particular does not display any curves, but rather indicates the active function, and that the contents are displayed on the coughing device 22.

[0120] If the devices 1 are decoupled, for example, the display units 5 of both devices 1 are active. The coupling symbol disappears in both devices 1. A message that the connection was decoupled appears in both devices 1.

[0121] The present invention offers a coupling/interaction of ventilator and coughing device, which were heretofore used independently of one another. To improve the usage, one device 1 can be switched into the standby mode as soon as the use of the respective other device 1 is recognized. Moreover, a synchronization of data in the case of mobile use of the devices, for example, is enabled. Better handling and an expanded functionality of both devices 1 are achieved when they are coupled.