Inventors:
Charles A. Smith - Louisville KY
International Classification:
A62B 710, A62B 2302, A62B 1900
Abstract:
The invention relates to a disposable single patient use device for conditioning air administered to a patient under anesthesia. The apparatus includes an air impervious independently supported container located in immediate proximity to the patient with an inlet and an outlet opening and a mass of granular carbon dioxide absorption material disposed within the container in flow communication with the inlet and outlet openings. The exhalent breath of the patient, laden with carbon dioxide, enters the container and contacts the carbon dioxide absorption material whereupon the carbon dioxide is absorbed with the resultant instantaneous generation of heat and water vapor. The size of the container and the amount of carbon dioxide absorption material is selected such that the normal breathing of the patient causes air to be warmed, humidified, freed of carbon dioxide and recirculated to the patient upon the second and subsequent breaths. The size of the container, the amount of carbon dioxide absorbing material and the location of the container in immediate proximity to the patient also combine to provide a self-regulating feature to the system such that air, at an acceptable humidity and carbon dioxide level and temperature, will be delivered compatible with the patient's breathing rate and tidal volume.