Apparatus and Method for Generating Nitric Oxide in Controlled and Accurate Amounts

Abstract

A nitric oxide generator generates nitric oxide from a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen such as air treated by a pulsating electrical discharge. The desired concentration of nitric oxide is obtained by controlling at least one of a frequency of the pulsating electrical discharge and duration of each electrical discharge pulse.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An apparatus for generating nitric oxide comprising:
 a pair of electrodes;   a filter arranged downstream of the electrodes;   one or more sensors in communication with a controller;   the controller further in communication with the electrodes and configured to supply an electrical signal to the electrodes that controls timing and sparking characteristics of the electrodes; and   wherein the sparking characteristics of the electrodes determine a concentration of nitric oxide generated by the electrodes.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the electrodes comprise a nobel metal. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more sensors includes a flow sensor to measure the flowrate of gas. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein a transformer is in communication with the controller and the electrodes. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the controller is further configured to instruct the transformer to supply stored electrical energy to the electrodes. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the electrical signal supplied to the electrodes controls at least one of a pulse frequency of the electrical discharge or a pulse duration of the electrical discharge independent of the pulse frequency. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the controller is further configured to vary at least one of a pulse frequency of the electrical discharge or a pulse duration of the electrical discharge independent of the pulse frequency. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising a gas pump arranged upstream of the electrodes. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the one or more sensors provide an indication of inspiration. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the controller is further configured to supply the electrical signal to the electrodes in response to detecting inspiration. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus for generating nitric oxide, the apparatus comprising:
 a pair of electrodes in communication with the inspiratory line;   a filter arranged downstream of the electrodes;   one or more sensors in communication with a controller;   the controller in further communication with the electrodes, the one or more sensors, and an airway flowmeter, and configured to supply an electrical signal to the electrodes that controls timing and sparking characteristics of the electrodes; and   wherein the sparking characteristics of the electrodes determine a concentration of nitric oxide generated by the electrodes, and   wherein the apparatus is to be integrated into a respiratory system having a breathing apparatus, an inspiratory line, and the airway flowmeter arranged on the inspiratory line.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the electrodes are arranged between an inlet and an outlet, the outlet coupled to the inspiratory line. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the electrodes are at least partially integrated into the inspiratory line. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the filter is arranged on the inspiratory line. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the electrodes comprise a nobel metal. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein a transformer is in communication with the controller and the electrodes. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the controller is further configured to instruct the ignition coil to supply stored electrical energy to the electrodes. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the electrical signal supplied to the electrodes controls at least one of a pulse frequency of the electrical discharge or a pulse duration of the electrical discharge independent of the pulse frequency. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the controller is further configured to vary at least one of a pulse frequency of the electrical discharge or a pulse duration of the electrical discharge independent of the pulse frequency. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising a gas pump arranged upstream of the electrodes. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the airway flowmeter provides an indication of inspiration. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the controller is further configured to supply the electrical signal to the electrodes in response to detecting inspiration. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the breathing apparatus comprises one of a ventilator system, a face mask, a nasal cannula. 
     
     
         25 . A method of generating nitric oxide in a respiratory system having a breathing apparatus in communication with an airway of a patient, the method comprising:
 coupling a nitric oxide generator including a pair of electrodes to the airway of the patient;   triggering the nitric oxide generator to produce a desired concentration of nitric oxide gas;   determining desired sparking characteristics of the electrodes to produce the desired concentration of nitric oxide gas; and   once the sparking characteristics have been determined, supplying an electrical signal to the electrodes that initiates the desired sparking characteristics between the electrodes to generate the desired concentration of nitric oxide gas in a flow of gas provided to the airway of the patient.   
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the breathing apparatus one of a ventilator system, a face mask, a nasal cannula. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein triggering the nitric oxide generator to produce a desired concentration of nitric oxide gas comprises:
 monitoring at least one of a gas flowrate provided to the patient and a pressure of gas provided to the patient;   detecting a change in at least one of the gas flowrate provided to the patient and the pressure of gas provided to the patient; and   determining that the change detected is indicative of an inspiratory event.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 25 , further comprising a filter. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 25 , further comprising:
 monitoring nitric oxide concentration downstream of the electrodes;   determining that the nitric oxide concentration is not equal to a desired concentration.   
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein upon determining that the nitric oxide concentration downstream of the electrodes is not equal to the pre-defined concentration, ceasing the supplying of the electrical signal to the electrodes.