BROAD-BAND, LOW FREQUENCY, HIGH-AMPLITUDE, LONG TIME DURATION, OSCILLATING AIRWAY PRESSURE BREATHING APPARATUS AND METHOD UTILIZING BUBBLES

摘要

It has been found that high amplitude, low frequency, broadband spectral pressure vibrations of sufficient time duration can help stabilize lung volume and improve gas exchange in patients undergoing assisted breathing by helping to restore and stabilize the alveoli. It is proposed that the novel device is capable of producing pressure oscillations with high amplitude, low broadband frequency spectrum and long duration. Additionally, the device may maintain the patient's mean airway pressure at one or more adjusted levels. The apparatus is capable of adjusting vibration amplitude, frequency range and composition, time duration and average airway pressure level by adjusting parameters of a particular device such as the angle and depth of the device in fluid. Devices and mechanical systems for remotely adjusting and measuring the angle of a device in a fluid are also described. Furthermore, devices and systems capable of delivering pressure oscillations with high amplitude, low broadband frequency spectrum, long duration and multiple mean airway inspiratory and exhalation pressure levels are described. The apparatus and system also provide a means for adjusting the rate of inspiratory time to respiration rate, such as respiratory rate per minute, inspiratory time, and exhalation time.