Importance

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Abstract

The system and method for flow triggering pressure supported ventilation include a source of a predetermined, preinspiratory, constant flow of breathing gas to a patient, one or more flow sensors for measuring the rate of gas flow in a flow path communicating with the patient, means for determining when inhalation from the flow path has occurred, and means for generating pressure support in the delivered gas flow in response to inhalation by the patient, means to terminate pressure support when inspiratory phase concludes, and means to reestablish the predetermined, preinspiratory, continuous flow of breathing prior to the patient's next inspiratory effort. A plurality of individual gas sources preferably provide a controlled mixture of breathing gas. In combination with pressure support to the patient during the inspiration effort, the flow triggering strategy of the invention offers significant improvements in providing breath support to patients having weakened respiratory capabilities.

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First Claim