초록 ▼

Improved methodology and apparatus for the clinical study and treatment of sleep apnea which incorporates one or more of the following features: (1) application of mono-level, alternating high and low level, or variable positive airway pressure generally within the airway of the patient with the mon

Improved methodology and apparatus for the clinical study and treatment of sleep apnea which incorporates one or more of the following features: (1) application of mono-level, alternating high and low level, or variable positive airway pressure generally within the airway of the patient with the mono-level, high and low level, or variable airway pressure generally being coordinated with and/or responsive to the spontaneous respiration of the patient, (2) usage of adjustably programmable pressure ramp circuitry capable of producing multiple pressure ramp cycles of predetermined duration and pattern whereby the ramp cycles may be customized to accommodate the specific needs of an individual sleep apnea patient so as to ease the patient's transition from wakefulness to sleep, (3) remote control or patient-sensed operation of the apparatus, (4) employment of safety circuitry, reset circuitry and minimum system leak assurance circuitry, controls and methods, and (5) utilization of clinical control circuitry whereby sleep disorder data may be compiled and appropriate therapy implemented during a one-night sleep study.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Apparatus for delivering pressurized gas to an airway of a patent, said apparatus comprising:a gas flow generator that provides a flow of gas;a conduit operatively coupled to said gas flow generator, said conduit being adapted to deliver said flow of gas to an airway of a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Apparatus for delivering pressurized gas to an airway of a patent, said apparatus comprising:a gas flow generator that provides a flow of gas;a conduit operatively coupled to said gas flow generator, said conduit being adapted to deliver said flow of gas to an airway of a patient;a pressure controller cooperable with said gas flow generator to provide said flow of gas within said conduit at selectively variable pressures;reset means for permitting a patient to substantially instantaneously reset said pressure controller to provide said flow of gas at a predetermined reduced pressure after which said pressure controller resumes provision of said flow of gas in a manner substantially similar to that provided prior to said reset; andsafety means for preventing said pressure controller from providing said flow of gas at a pressure above a predetermined maximum pressure.