초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for the sensing and reporting the relative humidity, moisture content, and temperature of inspired or delivered gases in a patient with an artificial airway. The apparatus includes a humidity sensing device, incorporated into an adapter that is compatible with and connectable

A method and apparatus for the sensing and reporting the relative humidity, moisture content, and temperature of inspired or delivered gases in a patient with an artificial airway. The apparatus includes a humidity sensing device, incorporated into an adapter that is compatible with and connectable in series to standard artificial airway connections of a patient's breathing circuit. The apparatus also includes a display means which receives signals from the sensing device, translates the signals and displays results as percent relative humidity and/or moisture content (water content per volume of gas delivered). One apparatus is connectable in series with the artificial airway just before the artificial airway enters the patient, or two apparati are connectable, one in the inspiratory branch of a breathing circuit, and one in the expiratory branch of the breathing circuit to monitor both inspired and expired gases in patients on mechanical ventilation or anesthesia. The method includes the use of the humidity sensing device and adapter in patients with an artificial airway. The apparatus and method are used on patients with or without mechanical ventilation. There is also an apparatus having two humidity sensing chambers, one for inspired gas and one for expired gas, each air-flow isolated from the other and each having a separate humidity sensing device such that both inspiratory and expiratory gases are monitored.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [29.] A method for monitoring humidity in a patient with an artificial airway comprising the steps ofinstalling an Rh sensor humidity sensing device selected from the group consisting of capacitive type and resistive type of Rh sensor technology, in an inspiratory limb of a breathing cir

[ I claim:] [29.] A method for monitoring humidity in a patient with an artificial airway comprising the steps ofinstalling an Rh sensor humidity sensing device selected from the group consisting of capacitive type and resistive type of Rh sensor technology, in an inspiratory limb of a breathing circuit of said artificial airway in humidity sensing communication with the patient's airflow;monitoring humidity readings of inspired gas delivered to the patient taken by said Rh sensor humidity sensing device; andtrending the Rh of these inspiratory gases allowing the use of said capacitive type and resistive type of Rh sensor technology.