U.S. patent application number 13/067081 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-06 for air delivery system.
This patent application is currently assigned to ResMed Limited. Invention is credited to Mark Bertinetti, Muditha Pradeep Dantanarayana, Philip Rodney Kwok.
Application Number | 20110240024 13/067081 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37692960 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110240024 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kwok; Philip Rodney ; et
al. |
October 6, 2011 |
Air delivery system
Abstract
An air delivery system includes a controllable flow generator, a
primary controller, and an auxiliary controller. The flow generator
is operable to generate a supply of pressurized breathable gas to
be provided to a patient for treatment. The primary controller is
associated with at least one primary control feature to select at
least a first aspect of operation of the flow generator. The
auxiliary controller is associated with at least one auxiliary
control feature to select at least a second aspect of operation of
the flow generator. The second aspect selected by the auxiliary
controller is different than the first aspect selected by the
primary controller. The primary and auxiliary controllers may be
interchangeably usable to control operation of the flow
generator.
Inventors: |
Kwok; Philip Rodney;
(Chatswood, AU) ; Dantanarayana; Muditha Pradeep;
(Cherrybrook, AU) ; Bertinetti; Mark; (Ermington,
AU) |
Assignee: |
ResMed Limited
Bella Vista
AU
|
Family ID: |
37692960 |
Appl. No.: |
13/067081 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11494522 |
Jul 28, 2006 |
7958892 |
|
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13067081 |
|
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60703457 |
Jul 29, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
128/204.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 15/00 20130101;
A61M 11/00 20130101; A61M 2205/17 20130101; A61M 2205/35 20130101;
A61M 2205/3334 20130101; A61M 2205/505 20130101; A61M 16/0057
20130101; A61M 2230/201 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/204.21 |
International
Class: |
A61M 16/00 20060101
A61M016/00 |
Claims
1-44. (canceled)
45. An air delivery system, comprising: a controllable flow
generator operable to generate a supply of pressurized breathable
gas to be provided to a patient for treatment; and a controller
adapted for wireless communication with the flow generator to
control at least a first aspect of operation of the flow
generator.
46. The air delivery system according to claim 45, wherein the
controller is a separate and distinct structure from the flow
generator.
47. The air delivery system according to claim 45, wherein the
controller is in the form of a hand-held device.
48. The air delivery system according to claim 45, wherein the flow
generator includes a mounting portion adapted to support the
controller.
49. The air delivery system according to claim 45, wherein the
controller includes a clock, an alarm, and/or a radio.
50. The air delivery system according to claim 45, wherein the
controller includes a stand structured to maintain the controller
in a generally upright position on a support surface.
51. The air delivery system according to claim 45, wherein the flow
generator includes a registration feature to identify an operating
frequency of the controller.
52. The air delivery system according to claim 45, wherein the
controller includes a configurable touchscreen display.
53. The air delivery system according to claim 45, wherein the
controller includes one or more control features to control one or
more aspects of operation of the flow generator.
54. The air delivery system according to claim 45, wherein the
controller and the flow generator are placed in separate and
distinct locations from one another.
55. The air delivery system according to claim 45, wherein the flow
generator is positioned in a concealed location away from the
controller.
56. An air delivery system, comprising: a controllable flow
generator operable to generate a supply of pressurized breathable
gas to be provided to a patient for treatment; and a controller to
control operation of the flow generator, the controller being a
separate and distinct structure from the flow generator and adapted
to wirelessly connect with the flow generator.
57. The air delivery system according to claim 56, wherein the
controller is in the form of a hand-held device.
58. The air delivery system according to claim 56, wherein the
controller includes a clock, an alarm, and/or a radio.
59. The air delivery system according to claim 56, wherein the flow
generator includes a registration feature to identify an operating
frequency of the controller.
60. The air delivery system according to claim 56, wherein the
controller includes one or more control features to control one or
more aspects of operation of the flow generator.
61. The air delivery system according to claim 56, wherein the
controller and the flow generator are placed in separate and
distinct locations from one another.
62. The air delivery system according to claim 56, wherein the flow
generator is positioned in a concealed location away from the
controller.
63. An air delivery system, comprising: a controllable flow
generator operable to generate a supply of pressurized breathable
gas to be provided to a patient for treatment; and a controller
adapted for wireless communication with the flow generator to allow
control of the flow generator, wherein the flow generator is
located in a concealed location with respect to the controller.
64. The air delivery system according to claim 63, wherein the
controller is a separate and distinct structure from the flow
generator.
65. A method for operating a flow generator system, the flow
generator system including a flow generator to generate a supply of
pressurized breathable gas to be provided to a patient for
treatment and a controller adapted for wireless communication with
the flow generator, the method comprising: positioning the flow
generator in a concealed location with respect to the controller;
and controlling operation of the flow generator with the controller
by wireless communication.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/703,457, filed Jul. 29, 2005, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a flow generator used in
the treatment, e.g., of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) with CPAP
or Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A flow generator typically includes a housing with an
integrated control panel for controlling the delivery of
pressurized air to be provided to a patient for treatment.
Treatment may be provided in various forms, from both simple CPAP
systems to more complex non-invasive positive pressure ventilation
(NIPPV), such as a Bi-level pressurized gas delivery system. The
flow generator may be structured to administer only one form of
treatment, or the flow generator may be structured to administer
various forms of treatment.
[0004] Regardless of the type of flow generator, the control panel
of the flow generator allows a clinician and/or patient to adjust
the operating parameters or settings of the flow generator for a
particular treatment. When the treatment is more complex, the
control panel may be relatively advanced with multiple menus and
features. If the operating parameters for a treatment are not
appropriately selected, e.g., selected by an untrained patient, the
treatment may be ineffective and/or harmful to the patient, or the
patient simply will not use the apparatus.
[0005] Known control panels provide security codes to prevent the
patient from inappropriately adjusting certain operating
parameters. However, if the patient learns the security codes
and/or the security codes are not implemented, the patient can
access the same operating parameters as a trained clinician.
Therefore, a need has developed in the art to provide improvements
to known flow generators to prevent inappropriate selection of
operating parameters.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] One aspect of the invention is directed towards an air
delivery system including a flow generator with interchangeable
controllers to control operation of the flow generator, wherein one
of the controllers includes basic features for use by a patient and
the other of the controllers includes more advanced features for
use by a trained clinician.
[0007] Another aspect of the invention relates to an air delivery
system including a controllable flow generator, a primary
controller, and an auxiliary controller. The flow generator is
operable to generate a supply of pressurized breathable gas to be
provided to a patient for treatment. The primary controller is
associated with at least one primary control feature to select at
least a first aspect of operation of the flow generator. The
auxiliary controller is associated with at least one auxiliary
control feature to select at least a second aspect of operation of
the flow generator. The second aspect selected by the auxiliary
controller is different than the first aspect selected by the
primary controller. The primary and auxiliary controllers may be
interchangeably usable to control operation of the flow
generator.
[0008] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to an air
delivery system including a controllable flow generator and a
primary controller. The flow generator is operable to generate a
supply of pressurized breathable gas to be provided to a patient
for treatment. The primary controller is detachably mountable to
the flow generator. The controller is associated with at least one
primary control feature to select or control at least a first
aspect of operation of the flow generator.
[0009] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to an air
delivery system including a flow generator and a primary
controller. The flow generator is structured to generate a supply
of pressurized breathable gas. The flow generator is programmed
with basic flow generator control features and advanced flow
generator control features. The primary controller is only in
communication with at least one of the basic control features of
the flow generator.
[0010] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to an air
delivery system including a flow generator and a blood glucose
monitor. The flow generator is operable to generate a supply of
pressurized breathable gas to be provided to a patient for
treatment. The blood glucose monitor is detachably mountable to the
flow generator.
[0011] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to an air
delivery system including a controllable flow generator operable to
generate a supply of pressurized breathable gas to be provided to a
patient for treatment. The flow generator is operable in a
continuous pressure delivery mode and a variable pressure delivery
mode. At least one controller is configured to operate the flow
generator in one of the continuous pressure delivery mode or the
variable pressure delivery mode.
[0012] Other aspects, features, and advantages of this invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a
part of this disclosure and which illustrate, by way of example,
principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the
various embodiments of this invention. In such drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air delivery system
constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention,
the air delivery system including a flow generator and
interchangeable controllers;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an air delivery system
constructed according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an air delivery system
constructed according to still another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an air delivery system
constructed according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 5A is a plan view of a touchscreen display configured
for a basic controller according to another embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 5B is a plan view of a touchscreen display configured
for an advanced controller according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an air delivery system 10 constructed
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The air
delivery system 10 includes a controllable flow generator 12
operable to generate a supply of pressurized breathable air to be
provided to a patient for treatment, e.g., of Sleep Disordered
Breathing (SDB) with CPAP or Non-Invasive Positive Pressure
Ventilation (NIPPV).
[0021] The air delivery system 10 provides interchangeable
controllers 14 and 16 to control operation of the flow generator
12. One controller 14 includes basic features for use by the
patient, and the other controller 16 includes more advanced
features for use by a trained clinician. This arrangement prevents
the patient from selecting inappropriate operating parameters of
the flow generator 12, as discussed in greater detail below.
Flow Generator
[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the flow generator 12 includes a housing
18 that supports a blower. As is known in the art, the blower is
operable to draw a supply of air into the housing through one or
more intake openings and provide a pressurized flow of air at an
outlet 20.
[0023] The supply of pressurized air is delivered to the patient
via an air delivery conduit 22 that includes one end coupled to the
outlet 20 of the flow generator 12 and an opposite end coupled to a
patient interface 24 (e.g., see FIG. 2).
[0024] The patient interface 24 comfortably engages the patient's
face and provides a seal. The patient interface 24 may have any
suitable configuration as is known in the art, e.g., full-face
mask, nasal mask, oro-nasal mask, mouth mask, nasal prongs, etc.
Also, any suitable headgear arrangement may be utilized to
comfortably support the patient interface in a desired position on
the patient's face.
Interchangeable Primary and Auxiliary Controllers
[0025] As noted above, the flow generator 12 is controllable by
interchangeable controllers 14 and 16. Both controllers 14 and 16
are compatible with the flow generator 12 and may be
interchangeably useable to control operation of the flow generator
12.
[0026] Also, a removable or interchangeable controller allows the
controller to be installed into a replacement flow generator
without having to reprogram as patient information may be stored in
the removable controller.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, each of the controllers 14 and 16 is in
the form of a hand-held device that may be wirelessly communicated
with the flow generator 12. A suitable protocol controls whether
the controller 14 or controller 16 operates to select operational
aspects of the flow generator. For example, a "registration" button
may be provided on the flow generator 12 that is configured to
learn the operating frequency of a controller, e.g., radio
frequency wireless technology.
[0028] Each controller 14 and 16 is operable to receive input,
e.g., input signals, and to control operation of the flow generator
12 based on input signals. The controllers 14, 16 include a control
panel 26, 28 that provides a display screen 30, 32 and one or more
control features 34, 36, e.g., rotatable knob and buttons,
respectively, that provide input signals. The control features 34,
36 of each controller 14, 16 may be manually selected to adjust
operating parameters of the flow generator 12. As illustrated, the
housing 18 of the flow generator 12 provides a recess 38, e.g., in
the top wall, adapted to removably hold a selected one of the
controllers 14, 16.
[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, one controller 14 is a
primary controller that is operable to receive input signals from
primary control features 34 to control operation of the flow
generator 12. That is, the primary controller 14 includes
relatively basic control features 34 adapted to control relatively
basic aspects of the flow generator 12. The primary controller 14
is adapted for use by one who is relatively untrained, e.g.,
patient, to prevent the control of advanced aspects of the flow
generator 12 that could alter the effectiveness of the treatment
and/or cause harm to the patient. Also, the problem of patients
being able to learn how to enter a program mode is ameliorated over
current devices.
[0030] The other controller 16 is an auxiliary controller that is
operable to receive input signals from auxiliary control features
36 to control operation of the flow generator 12. That is, the
auxiliary controller 16 includes relatively advanced control
features 36 adapted to control relatively advanced aspects of the
flow generator 12. The auxiliary controller 16 may also include
basic control features similar to those provided by the primary
controller 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary
controller 16 provides more control features than the primary
controller 14. Regardless, the auxiliary controller 16 provides
control features that are different than the basic features
provided by the primary controller 14, thereby allowing control of
aspects not accessible by the primary controller 14. The auxiliary
controller 16 is adapted for use by one, e.g., clinician, who is
relatively trained in breathing treatment to allow control of
advanced aspects of the flow generator 12 in order to tailor and/or
adjust treatment provided to the patient. Furthermore, a service
technician may have a controller version that allows the service
technician to diagnose motor and/or circuit board operations,
perform testing, and/or service the flow generator.
[0031] Thus, the flow generator 12 provides separate clinical and
patient use. In an embodiment, the primary controller 14 is usable
by a patient to operate the flow generator 12 in a manner that has
been already pre-programmed by a trained clinician. This
facilitates operation, and prevents the patient from changing the
operating parameters.
[0032] The trained clinician pre-programs the flow generator 12
with the auxiliary controller 16. As noted above, the auxiliary
controller 16 allows access to advanced features, e.g., via
clinical menus, to program the flow generator 12 for a particular
treatment. The auxiliary controller 16 may allow access to a memory
that stores preferred operating parameters for a variety of
treatments. The auxiliary controller 16 can then control the flow
generator 12 based on the stored operating parameters in the memory
for the selected treatment. Alternatively, the operating parameters
for a selected treatment may be entered manually through the
auxiliary controller 16. Further, the auxiliary controller 16 may
allow access to a log of the patient's use for tracking purposes.
This separate clinical/patient arrangement of the system allows the
clinician to monitor operation and adjust operating parameters of
the flow generator 12 without patient interference.
[0033] In an embodiment, the relatively basic controller 14 may be
configured to control start, stop, and delay timer operations. When
the flow generator 12 is registered with the relatively advanced
controller 16, the relatively basic controller 14 still functions
but the relatively advanced controller 16 can override the
relatively basic controller 14. The relatively advanced controller
16 may also have patient setup and diagnostic functions such as
adjusting pressure, checking patient compliance, and/or usage data.
The relatively advanced controller 16 may be deregistered from the
flow generator 12 once the flow generator 12 has been operated with
the relatively basic controller 14 for more than one sleep
session.
[0034] It is noted that a flow generator 12 may be controllable by
a single controller or multiple controllers, with each of
controllers having control features suitable for a particular
treatment. For example, one controller may be usable to operate the
flow generator as a simple CPAP device, one controller may be
usable to operate the flow generator as a more advanced VPAP
device, etc. Thus, the flow generator may be upgraded by
communicating a new controller with the flow generator 12.
"Plug and Play" Arrangement
[0035] The air delivery system may provide a "plug and play"
arrangement wherein the patient can simply communicate a controller
with the flow generator 12 to automatically configure the flow
generator 12 for a particular treatment. For example, the system
may include controller to operate the flow generator as a CPAP
device, and a controller to operate the flow generator as a VPAP
device. Each controller would have a unique identifying feature so
that the flow generator 12 can recognize which controller is
communicated to the flow generator 12. Moreover, the controller can
optimize operation of the flow generator 12 for the specified
treatment.
Controller with Clock/Alarm
[0036] As noted above, the controller 14, 16 for the flow generator
12 may be wirelessly communicated with the flow generator 12. This
arrangement allows the patient and/or clinician to easily adjust
operating parameters of the flow generator 12 without being
adjacent to the flow generator 12. Moreover, this arrangement
allows the flow generator 12 and the controller 14, 16 to be in
placed in separate locations.
[0037] For example, FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment wherein the
controller 214 is placed on a bedside table 80 and the flow
generator 212 is placed under the table 80 away from the controller
214. As illustrated, the controller 214 includes a stand 82
structured to maintain it in a generally upright position on the
table 80. Additionally, the controller 214 is structured to
function as a clock with an alarm and/or radio. In use, the flow
generator 212 can operate under the table 80 where it is concealed
and the noise during use is less disturbing to the patient.
Meanwhile, the patient can wirelessly control the flow generator
212 by the controller 214 which doubles as an clock, alarm, and/or
radio.
Controller with Integral Blood Glucose Monitor
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates an arrangement that includes a flow
generator 312 and a removably attachable blood glucose monitor 314.
The monitor 314 may be stored within a recess 338 provided in the
housing 318 of the flow generator 312. As illustrated, the monitor
314 includes a control panel 326 and a recess 390 adapted to
receive one of the patient's fingers for performing a blood glucose
test. Information from the monitor 314 may be communicated to a
physician via the flow generator. In an embodiment, the monitor 314
may adapt therapeutic pressure to optimize patient ventilation
according to blood glucose levels.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, control features 334 for
operating the flow generator 312 are provided on the housing 318.
However, the control features 334 may be incorporated into the
monitor 314 in a manner as described above.
Medicine Delivery Module
[0040] In another embodiment, the flow generator may include an
add-on or integral medicine delivery module that delivers medicinal
drug (e.g., insulin) into the air delivery path. The medicinal drug
may include atomized, aerosol, and/or particulate medication, and
the medicinal drug may be delivered into the air delivery path
anywhere between the flow generator and the patient interface. In
an embodiment, the medicine delivery module may be integrated with
the controller and a bypass tube may add the drug into the air
delivery path.
Input/Output to Couple Flow Generator and Controller
[0041] In illustrated embodiments, the controller 14, 214 for the
flow generator 12, 212 may be wirelessly communicated with the flow
generator 12, 212. However, the controller 14, 214 may be
communicated with the flow generator 12, 212 in any other suitable
manner.
[0042] For example, as schematically shown in FIG. 4, the flow
generator 12 may include an input 50, and each controller 14 may
include an output 52 (e.g., a communication port or an electrical
contact) adapted to removably engage the input 50 to communicate
each controller 14 with the flow generator 12. In an embodiment,
the input may be provided within the recess 38 of the flow
generator housing 18 shown in FIG. 1, and the output of the
controller removably engages the input when the controller is
removably inserted into the recess 38. The system may be disabled
if a controller is not properly engaged with the flow generator. In
another embodiment, the input and output are coupled via a
cable.
Controller and Patient Monitors
[0043] The controller may be adapted to receive information from
one or more patient monitors monitoring one or more patient
parameters, e.g., patient's heart rate, breathing effort, etc. The
patient and/or clinician may adjust the operating parameters of the
flow generator based on the monitored parameters and/or the flow
generator may automatically update the operating parameters based
on the monitored parameters.
Programmable Controller
[0044] The controller may be programmable to operate other devices,
e.g., television, stereo, etc. That is, the controller may be
programmed via self learning to function as a remote control for
the television, stereo, etc. and may interface with wireless smart
wiring in the home to control lighting, etc.
Flow Generator with Single Controller
[0045] In an embodiment, the flow generator may be provided with a
single removable controller that may be used by the patient and/or
clinician. Thus, the controller may form a common unit that
incorporates primary and auxiliary controllers. The common unit may
be selectively attachable to and detachable from the flow generator
in a manner as described above. Moreover, the auxiliary controller
may only be accessible using an electronic key, e.g., only
available at a health clinic, provided to only a licensed clinician
or health provider.
[0046] In another embodiment, the single controller may be used by
the clinician to program the flow generator, and the flow generator
may be supplied to the patient without the controller so the
patient cannot adjust the operating parameters.
[0047] In still another embodiment, the flow generator and the
controller may be sold separately from one another. That is, the
patient may purchase the controller separately from the flow
generator depending on desired control features and/or treatment.
Also, the patient could rent a flow generator when traveling, e.g.,
overseas, and therefore only travel with the controller which makes
travel more convenient.
[0048] In yet another embodiment, the flow generator may be
upgradable or simply changeable between AUTOSET.RTM. (generically
known as auto-adjusting mode), CPAP, VPAP.RTM. (generically known
as bi-level mode), etc, by using different controllers or a single
controller that can select the desired operating mode. That is, the
patient can upgrade a basic flow generator that is programmed and
structured to operate in a plurality of modes (e.g., AUTOSET.RTM.,
CPAP, VPAP.RTM., etc., all available from ResMed) by using a new
controller, and hence make the flow generator work like an
AUTOSET.RTM., CPAP, VPAP.RTM., etc. The flow generator can be
upgraded with a hardware upgrade, i.e., using a different
controller, and/or a software upgrade, i.e., upgrading software of
a single controller.
Controller Usable in Plurality of Flow Generators
[0049] In still another embodiment, the flow generator may include
a single patient controller and a single technician controller.
Moreover, the technician controller may be used in a plurality of
flow generators. Thus, the technician may use a single controller
to adjust the operating parameters of different flow
generators.
Controller with Touchscreen Display
[0050] In another embodiment, the controller may have a touchscreen
display, which may be configured to display functions for operating
certain types of flow generators and/or for certain user levels.
The display may include a relatively large touchscreen with a
configurable background that shows simple menus and information,
and start/stop buttons. The clinician can set up the display to
suit the user and/or the user can select which functions need to be
displayed, i.e., buttons frequently used by the user. For example,
FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of a touchscreen display 60 that
is configured to include simple functions for a basic controller,
and FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment of a touchscreen display 62
that is configured to include more complex functions for a more
advanced controller; e.g., clinician controller.
[0051] While the invention has been described in connection with
what are presently considered to be the most practical and
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is
not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the
contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent
arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in
conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment
may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realize yet
other embodiments. In addition, while the invention has particular
application to patients who suffer from OSA, it is to be
appreciated that patients who suffer from other illnesses (e.g.,
congestive heart failure, diabetes, morbid obesity, stroke,
barriatric surgery, etc.) can derive benefit from the above
teachings. Moreover, the above teachings have applicability with
patients and non-patients alike in non-medical applications.
* * * * *