Tracheal catheter and prosthesis and method of respiratory support of a patient

Abstract

A method and apparatus is described for supporting the respiration of a patient. The spontaneous respiration of a patient can be detected by sensors and during inhalation an additional amount of oxygen can be administered to the lungs via a jet gas current. If required, during exhalation a countercurrent can be administered to avoid collapse of the respiration paths. This therapy can be realized by an apparatus including a transtracheal catheter, an oxygen pump connected to an oxygen source, spontaneous respiration sensor(s) connected to a control unit for activating the oxygen pump and, if needed, a tracheal prosthesis. The tracheal prosthesis may include a connection for the catheter and the breath sensor(s). The tracheal prosthesis, if used, and the catheter can be dimensioned so the patient can freely breathe, cough, swallow and speak without restriction, and the system can be wearable to promote mobility.

1 . A method for supporting the respiration of a patient comprising the steps of:
 detecting the spontaneous respiration of the patient is by sensors;   identifying the end of the inhalation process; and   administering an additional amount of oxygen to the lungs.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the additional amount of oxygen is administered at the end of an inhalation process. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the amount of oxygen has a volume of about between 25 ml-150 ml. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the amount of oxygen has a volume of about between 25 ml-150 ml. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of braking the exhalation process of the patient with a countercurrent. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising the step of braking the exhalation process of the patient with a countercurrent. 
   
   
       7 . An apparatus for supporting the respiration of a patient that comprises an oxygen pump operatively connected to an oxygen source, the apparatus further comprising sensors for detecting the spontaneous respiration of the patient, the sensors are connected to a control unit for activating the oxygen pump. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the oxygen pump comprises a tracheal prosthesis connectable by a catheter, the tracheal prosthesis having a tubular support body with a connection for the catheter. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the sensors are associated with the support body of the tracheal prosthesis. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein at least one sensor is coupled with the inner wall of the support body. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the end of the catheter located in the support body is deflected approximately parallel to its longitudinal axis (L) and is provided on the end with a jet nozzle. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the end of the catheter located in the support body is deflected approximately parallel to its longitudinal axis and is provided on the end with a jet nozzle. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the oxygen pump is a piston pump. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the oxygen pump is a piston pump. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the catheter has a double-lumen design. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the catheter has a double-lumen design. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising additional respiration sensors. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising additional respiration sensors. 
   
   
       19 . A tracheal prosthesis comprising a tubular support body, a connection for a jet catheter and at least two sensors coupled with the support body. 
   
   
       20 . The tracheal prosthesis of  claim 19 , wherein at least one of the sensors is coupled with the inner wall of the support body. 
   
   
       21 . The tracheal prosthesis of  claim 19 , wherein the catheter is operatively coupled with the support body. 
   
   
       22 . The tracheal prosthesis of  claim 20 , wherein the catheter is operatively coupled with the support body. 
   
   
       23 . A catheter having a first and second end, one end affixable by at least one sensor. 
   
   
       24 . The catheter of  claim 23 , wherein the at least one end comprises a jet nozzle. 
   
   
       25 . The catheter of  claim 23 , wherein the at least one end has a curved course. 
   
   
       26 . The catheter of  claim 24 , wherein the at least one end has a curved course.