Importance

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Abstract

A method for providing assisted ventilation which avoids hypoxia and hypocapnia is disclosed, in which a predetermined dead space in an assisted ventilation system is provided external to the patient. The method may also be used to create normocapnia or moderate hypercapnia without causing hypoxia during assisted ventilation. Preferably, hypoxia can be avoided while inducing and/or maintaining the arterial carbon dioxide tension between about 35 and 95 mmHg. Dead space volumes as small as 10 ml and exceeding 150 ml are utilized in the method. An improved proximal terminal, tubular attachments, and coaxial filter are disclosed, which are safer and less expensive to use than prior art unilimb assisted ventilation systems; the devices of the present invention also reduce medical wastes in comparison to prior art assisted ventilation systems. An interface is provided, which incorporates the proximal terminal and other functional devices, to which tubular respiratory conduits of predetermined and/or adjustable dead space volumes can be connected.

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First Claim