System and method for mobile generation of nitric oxide

文档序号：56971 发布日期：2021-10-01 浏览：52次中文

阅读说明：本技术 用于移动生成一氧化氮的系统和方法 (System and method for mobile generation of nitric oxide ) 是由 D·G·扎波尔 G·W·霍尔 W·肖尔茨 B·阿波洛尼奥 F·海茨勒 A·费伦茨于 2018-02-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开内容涉及便携且紧凑的一氧化氮(NO)生成的系统和方法,其可以嵌入其他治疗设备中或单独使用。在一些实施方案中,一种移动NO生成系统可以包含控制器和一次性盒。所述盒可以含有过滤器和净化器以制备用于NO生成的气体和用于在患者吸入之前洗涤输出气体。所述系统可以利用氧气浓缩机以作为独立的设备增加一氧化氮产量和补充氧气生成器活动。所述系统还可以包括容易组装和安装的高压电极组件。提供了各种一氧化氮输送方法,包括使用鼻插管。(The present disclosure relates to a portable and compact Nitric Oxide (NO) generation system and method, which may be embedded in other therapeutic devices or used alone. In some embodiments, a mobile NO generation system may include a controller and a disposable cartridge. The cartridge may contain filters and purifiers to prepare the gas for NO generation and to scrub the output gas prior to patient inhalation. The system may utilize an oxygen concentrator as a stand-alone device to increase nitric oxide production and supplement oxygen generator activity. The system may also include a high voltage electrode assembly that is easy to assemble and install. Various nitric oxide delivery methods are provided, including the use of nasal cannulae.)

1. A system for providing Nitric Oxide (NO), comprising:

an NO generation system, comprising:

a housing configured to be portable;

a reactant gas flow path configured to provide a reactant gas to one or more plasma chambers;

one or more plasma chambers configured to generate a nitric oxide containing product gas using a reactant gas flow through the one or more plasma chambers;

a controller configured to regulate an amount of nitric oxide generated in the reactant gas;

one or more purifier pathways configured to remove NO from product gas generated by the one or more plasma chambers₂；

Wherein the NO generation system is integrated with a device selected from the group consisting of: a ventilator, a defibrillator, a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD), a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) system, a bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) system, a non-invasive positive pressure ventilator (NIPPV), a nasal cannula application, a nebulizer, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a cardiopulmonary bypass system, an automated CPR system, an oxygen delivery system, an oxygen concentration system, an oxygen generation system, and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), whereby the NO generation system is electrically connected to the device,

wherein the controller operates at a resonant frequency of the high voltage circuit.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more purifier paths comprise one or more inlet filters and/or one or more exhaust filters.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more filters arranged to receive NO-enriched air from the one or more purifier paths and configured to filter the NO-enriched air.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a connector to deliver the product gas to at least one of a patient delivery device and a device integrated with the portable NO generation system.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the patient delivery device is selected from the group consisting of a nasal cannula, a tube located near an ear, a tube in communication with a trachea, a face mask, and a CPAP mask.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is used with an oxygen generator or oxygen concentrator to increase nitric oxide production.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller determines a resonant frequency of the high voltage circuit.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the resonant frequency of the high voltage circuit is determined throughout the life of the system.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the resonant frequency of the high voltage circuit is automatically determined upon power up of the system.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the resonant frequency of the high voltage circuit is automatically determined at the beginning of each patient treatment.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the resonance frequency is stored in memory such that a resonance search is not required.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to regulate an amount of nitric oxide generated in the reactant gas by regulating a reactant gas flow in a reactant gas flow path.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to allow a user to interact with the system, observe information about the system and nitric oxide production, and control parameters related to nitric oxide production.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface including information for alarm status, battery charge status, external power connection, purifier and/or filter cartridge remaining life, O₂Flow detection, GSM connection, and/or NO generation.

15. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more antennas for GSM, bluetooth, WiFi and/or other connections.

16. The system of claim 1, further comprising a reactant gas source in the form of a reservoir in fluid communication with the one or more plasma chambers.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the NO generation system is configured to work with manual CPR, whereby the NO generation system is configured to detect passive breathing as a result of chest compressions and to replenish inhaled air with NO.

18. A system for providing Nitric Oxide (NO), comprising:

an NO generation system, comprising:

a reactant gas flow path configured to provide a reactant gas to one or more plasma chambers;

one or more plasma chambers configured to generate a nitric oxide containing product gas using a reactant gas flow through the one or more plasma chambers;

a controller configured to regulate an amount of nitric oxide generated in the reactant gas;

one or more purifier pathways configured to remove NO from product gas generated by the one or more plasma chambers₂；

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the controller determines a resonant frequency of the high voltage circuit.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the resonant frequency of the high voltage circuit is stored in memory.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the resonant frequency is automatically determined upon power-up of the system.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the resonant frequency of the high voltage circuit is automatically determined at the beginning of each patient treatment.

23. The system of claim 19, wherein the resonance frequency is stored in memory such that a resonance search is not required.

24. The system of claim 18, further comprising a connector to deliver the product gas to a patient delivery apparatus.

25. The system of claim 18, wherein the NO generation system is configured to share at least one of a battery, a user display, an alarm system, a microphone, and a microprocessor with a device into which it is integrated.

26. The system of claim 18, wherein the purifier path is integrated into a purifier cassette.

27. The system of claim 1, wherein the NO generation system is configured to obtain power from a power supply of the device.

28. A system for providing Nitric Oxide (NO), comprising:

an NO generation system, comprising:

a housing configured to be portable;

a reactant gas flow path configured to provide a reactant gas to one or more plasma chambers;

one or more plasma chambers configured to generate a nitric oxide containing product gas using a reactant gas flow through the one or more plasma chambers;

a controller configured to regulate an amount of nitric oxide generated in the reactant gas;

one or more purifier pathways configured to remove NO from product gas generated by the one or more plasma chambers₂；

29. A system for providing Nitric Oxide (NO), comprising:

an NO generation system, comprising:

a reactant gas flow path configured to provide a reactant gas to one or more plasma chambers;

one or more plasma chambers configured to generate a nitric oxide containing product gas using a reactant gas flow through the one or more plasma chambers;

a controller configured to regulate an amount of nitric oxide generated in the reactant gas;

one or more purifier pathways configured to remove NO from product gas generated by the one or more plasma chambers₂；

wherein the controller determines a resonant frequency of the high voltage circuit, and wherein the resonant frequency is determined throughout the life of the system.

30. A system for providing Nitric Oxide (NO), comprising:

an NO generation system, comprising:

a housing configured to be portable;

a reactant gas flow path configured to provide a reactant gas to one or more plasma chambers;

one or more plasma chambers configured to generate a nitric oxide containing product gas using a reactant gas flow through the one or more plasma chambers;

a controller configured to regulate an amount of nitric oxide generated in the reactant gas;

one or more purifier pathways configured to remove NO from product gas generated by the one or more plasma chambers₂；

wherein the controller determines a resonant frequency of the high voltage circuit, and wherein the resonant frequency is stored in memory such that a resonance search is not required.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for generating nitric oxide for use with a respiratory apparatus.

Background

It has been found that nitric oxide can be used in many ways for the treatment of diseases, in particular heart and respiratory diseases. Previous systems for producing NO and delivering NO gas to a patient have a number of drawbacks. For example, tank-based systems require large tanks of NO gas at high concentrations and require purging with NO when treatment is resumed. From NO₂Or N₂O₄The synthesis of NO requires the disposal of toxic chemicals. Prior art electrical generation systems include generating a plasma in a primary air flow to be delivered to a patient, and generating an unsafe amount of NO₂Or O₃。

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices for portable nitric oxide generation and delivery for both in-hospital and out-of-hospital use.

Provided is a wearable nitric oxide generation system, and in some embodiments comprises: a housing configured to be wearable, and a reactant gas flow path located in the housing. The reactant gas flow path is configured to provide release of pressurized reactant gas to one or more plasma chambers at a particular flow rate. One or more electrodes are located in the one or more plasma chambers and configured to generate a nitric oxide containing product gas using a flow of reactant gas through the one or more plasma chambers. The controller is configured to regulate an amount of nitric oxide generated in the reactant gasAnd a disposable cartridge comprising one or more purifier pathways configured to remove NO from product gas generated by the one or more plasma chambers₂. A connector is also provided for delivering the product gas to a patient delivery device.

In some embodiments, the disposable cartridge includes an inlet filter, an exhaust purifier, and/or one or more exhaust filters. In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more filters arranged to receive NO-enriched air from the one or more purifier paths and configured to filter the NO-enriched air. In some embodiments, the patient delivery device is selected from the group consisting of a nasal cannula, a tube located near an ear, and a tube in communication with the trachea.

In some embodiments, the system is used with an apparatus selected from the group consisting of: resuscitators, respirators, defibrillators, Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) systems, bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) systems, non-invasive positive pressure ventilators (NIPPVs), heated high flow nasal cannula applications, nebulizers, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), cardiopulmonary bypass systems, automated CPR systems, oxygen delivery systems, oxygen concentration systems, oxygen generation systems, and/or Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). In some embodiments, the system is used with an oxygen generator or oxygen concentrator to increase nitric oxide production.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control the shape of the AC waveform by controlling the frequency and duty cycle. In some embodiments, the controller measures a resonant frequency of the high voltage circuit and controls the frequency and duty cycle of the AC waveform to maximize excitation of the high voltage circuit. In some embodiments, the resonant frequency is measured over the life of the system to accommodate changes in environmental conditions, system wear, and/or manufacturing variations. In some embodiments, the resonant frequency is automatically determined when the system is powered on. In some embodiments, the resonance frequency is automatically determined at the beginning of each patient treatment. In some embodiments, the resonance frequency is stored in memory between uses, such that a resonance search is not required when the system is powered on.

In some embodiments, the user interface allows a user to interact with the system, observe information about the system and nitric oxide production, and control parameters related to nitric oxide production. In some embodiments, the user interface includes information for alarm status, battery charge status, external power connection, cartridge remaining life, O₂Flow detection, GSM connection, and/or NO generation.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a microphone to receive user voice input. In some embodiments, the system further includes one or more antennas for GSM, bluetooth, WiFi, and/or other connections. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a reactant gas source in the form of a reservoir in fluid communication with the one or more plasma chambers. In some embodiments, the reactant gas source is a pump. In some embodiments, the system is portable for use outside a hospital.

In some embodiments, a wearable nitric oxide generation system is provided and includes a reactant flow path configured to provide release of a pressurized reactant gas to one or more plasma chambers at a particular flow rate, and one or more electrodes located in the one or more plasma chambers configured to generate a nitric oxide-containing product gas using a flow of the reactant gas through the one or more plasma chambers. A controller is configured to regulate an amount of nitric oxide generated in the reactant gas. The controller measures the resonant frequency of the high voltage circuit and controls the frequency and duty cycle of the AC waveform to maximize the high voltage circuit excitation. The disposable cartridge includes one or more purifier paths configured to remove NO from product gas generated by the one or more plasma chambers₂. A connector is also provided for delivering the product gas to a patient delivery apparatus.

In some embodiments, the system is integrated with a device selected from the group consisting of: resuscitators, respirators, defibrillators, Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) systems, bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) systems, non-invasive positive pressure ventilators (NIPPVs), heated high flow nasal cannula applications, nebulizers, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO); a cardiopulmonary bypass system, an automated CPR system, an oxygen delivery system, an oxygen concentration system, an oxygen generation system, and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). In some embodiments, the system is portable for use outside a hospital.

In some embodiments, a wearable nitric oxide generation system is provided that includes a reactant gas flow path configured to provide release of a pressurized reactant gas to one or more plasma chambers at a particular flow rate, one or more electrodes located in the one or more plasma chambers configured to generate a nitric oxide-containing product gas using the reactant gas flow through the one or more plasma chambers, and a controller configured to regulate an amount of nitric oxide generated in the reactant gas. The disposable cartridge includes one or more purifier paths configured to remove NO from product gas generated by the one or more plasma chambers₂And using an oxygen generator or oxygen concentrator to increase nitric oxide production. A connector is also provided to deliver the product gas to the patient delivery apparatus.

In some embodiments, the system is integrated with a device selected from the group consisting of: resuscitators, respirators, defibrillators, Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) systems, bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) systems, non-invasive positive pressure ventilators (NIPPVs), heated high flow nasal cannula applications, nebulizers, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO); cardiopulmonary bypass systems, automated CPR systems, and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). In some embodiments, the system is portable for use outside a hospital.

A method of generating NO with a portable wearable system is also provided and includes providing a reactant gas flow path in a wearable housing. The reactant gas flow path releases pressurized reactant gas to one or more of the plurality of stages at a particular flow rateA plasma chamber. The method also includes generating a nitric oxide containing product gas using a reactant gas flow through one or more plasma chambers, using one or more electrodes located in the one or more plasma chambers. A controller regulates an amount of nitric oxide generated in the reactant gas, and a disposable cartridge including one or more purifier pathways removes NO from a product gas generated from the one or more plasma chambers₂. The product gas is delivered to a patient delivery device using a connector.

In some embodiments, the NO generation system may be integrated with other systems. In one embodiment, a patient with left or right heart failure may receive a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) to provide pump assist, and a NO generation system may be used in conjunction with or integrated with the VAD system to reduce the effect of pumping blood through the lungs. This reduced pumping effect can reduce the size of the VAD, VAD battery requirements, and improve patient oxygenation. In one embodiment, a NO generation device may be used with an AED. A person suffering from cardiac arrest may suffer from hypoxia in its tissues, including the heart (myocardial infarction or heart attack) and the brain (stroke). NO dosing during CPR can increase blood oxygenation, thereby improving the likelihood of the heart re-beating when defibrillation or the heart re-beating itself. The NO generating device may be built as a subsystem or an extension thereof within a resuscitation instrument (e.g. defibrillator, AED, ventilator, manual resuscitation bag, manual chest compression device, automated chest compression device). In one embodiment, the NO generation system may be used as a diagnostic tool in a catheter laboratory to test vascular reactivity. In one embodiment, the NO generation system may be used in conjunction with CPR to improve blood oxygenation. For example, the NO generation system may be integrated into an automated CPR system, sharing the same battery, user display, alarm system, speaker, and micro-therapeutic. In one embodiment, the NO generation system may be designed to work with manual CPR, whereby the device can detect passive breathing as a result of chest compressions and replenish inhaled air with NO. In one embodiment, the device may resemble a safety barrier for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, acting as a physical barrier between the mouths while flowing to the patient with a supplemental gas of NO to prevent disease transmission. The device may generate NO by detecting the presence of a flow of air at the rescuer or lead to the patient as the rescuer exhales into the patient. In one embodiment, the NO generation system may be used for patient activity, rather than being continuous. For example, the NO generation system may be used by patients or athletes with medical conditions, such as mountain climbers, aeroplane drivers and cyclists, who use the device to improve performance by improving oxygen intake, especially at high altitudes. In one embodiment, the NO generator may also be combined with or integrated into a ventilator or system delivering Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) and bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) to improve oxygen inhalation. In one embodiment, the NO generation system may be used with or integrated into a non-invasive positive pressure ventilator (NIPPV) and/or heated high flow nasal cannula application. In one embodiment, the NO generation system may be used in conjunction with or integrated into a nebulizer to increase improved oxygen inhalation and drug absorption. In one embodiment, the NO generation system may be used in conjunction with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or cardiopulmonary bypass to reduce the need for anticoagulants such as heparin.

Embodiments of the invention include:

1) a wearable nitric oxide generation system, comprising:

a housing configured to be wearable;

a reactant gas flow path in the housing configured to provide release of pressurized reactant gas to one or more plasma chambers at a particular flow rate;

one or more electrodes located in the one or more plasma chambers configured to generate a nitric oxide containing product gas using a flow of reactant gas through the one or more plasma chambers;

a controller configured to regulate an amount of nitric oxide generated in the reactant gas;

a disposable cartridge comprising one or moreA purifier path configured to remove NO from a product gas generated by the one or more plasma chambers₂And are and

a connector for delivering the product gas to a patient delivery apparatus.

2) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 1, wherein the disposable cartridge comprises an inlet filter, an exhaust purifier and/or one or more exhaust filters.

3) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 1, further comprising one or more filters arranged to receive NO-enriched air from the one or more purifier paths and configured to filter the NO-enriched air.

4) The wearable nitric oxide generating system of embodiment 1, wherein the patient delivery device is selected from the group consisting of a nasal cannula, a tube located near an ear, and a tube in communication with the trachea.

5) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 1, wherein the system is used with a device selected from the group consisting of: resuscitators, respirators, defibrillators, Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) systems, bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) systems, non-invasive positive pressure ventilators (NIPPVs), heated high flow nasal cannula applications, nebulizers, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), cardiopulmonary bypass systems, automated CPR systems, oxygen delivery systems, oxygen concentration systems, oxygen generation systems, and/or Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

6) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 1, wherein the system is used with an oxygen generator or oxygen concentrator to increase nitric oxide production.

7) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the shape of the AC waveform by controlling the frequency and duty cycle.

8) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 1 wherein the controller measures a resonant frequency of a high voltage circuit and controls a frequency and duty cycle of an AC waveform to maximize excitation of the high voltage circuit.

9) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 8, wherein the resonant frequency is measured over the life of the system to accommodate changes in environmental conditions, system wear, and/or manufacturing variations.

10) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 8, wherein the resonant frequency is automatically determined when the system is powered on.

11) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 8, wherein the resonance frequency is automatically determined at the start of each patient treatment.

12) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 8 wherein the resonant frequency is stored in memory between uses such that no resonance search is required when the system is powered on.

13) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 1, wherein a user interface allows a user to interact with the system, observe information about the system and nitric oxide production, and control parameters related to nitric oxide production.

14) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 1, wherein the user interface comprises information for alarm status, battery charge status, external power connection, cartridge remaining life, O₂Flow detection, GSM connection, and/or NO generation.

15) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 1, further comprising a microphone to receive user voice input.

16) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 1, further comprising one or more antennas for GSM, bluetooth, WiFi and/or other connections.

17) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 1, further comprising a reactant gas source in the form of a reservoir in fluid communication with the one or more plasma chambers.

18) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 1, wherein the reactant gas source is a pump.

19) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 1, wherein the system is portable for use outside a hospital.

20) A wearable nitric oxide generation system, comprising:

a reactant flow path configured to provide release of a pressurized reactant gas to the one or more plasma chambers at a particular flow rate;

one or more electrodes located in the one or more plasma chambers configured to generate a nitric oxide containing product gas using a flow of reactant gas through the one or more plasma chambers;

a controller configured to regulate an amount of nitric oxide generated in the reactant gas, wherein the controller measures a resonant frequency of a high voltage circuit and controls a frequency and duty cycle of an AC waveform to maximize excitation of the high voltage circuit;

a disposable cartridge comprising one or more purifier pathways configured to remove NO from product gas generated by the one or more plasma chambers₂And are and

a connector for delivering the product gas to a patient delivery apparatus.

21) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 20, wherein the system is integrated with a device selected from the group consisting of: resuscitators, respirators, defibrillators, Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) systems, bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) systems, non-invasive positive pressure ventilators (NIPPVs), heated high flow nasal cannula applications, nebulizers, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), cardiopulmonary bypass systems, automated CPR systems, oxygen delivery systems, oxygen concentration systems, oxygen generation systems, and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

22) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 20, wherein the system is portable for use outside a hospital.

23) A wearable nitric oxide generation system, comprising:

a reactant gas flow path configured to provide release of pressurized reactant gas to the one or more plasma chambers at a particular flow rate;

one or more electrodes located in the one or more plasma chambers configured to generate a nitric oxide containing product gas using a flow of reactant gas through the one or more plasma chambers;

a controller configured to regulate an amount of nitric oxide generated in the reactant gas;

a disposable cartridge comprising one or more purifier pathways configured to remove NO from product gas generated by the one or more plasma chambers₂，

An oxygen generator or oxygen concentrator for increasing nitric oxide production, an

A connector for delivering the product gas to a patient delivery apparatus.

24) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 23, wherein the system is integrated with a device selected from the group consisting of: resuscitators, respirators, defibrillators, Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) systems, bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) systems, non-invasive positive pressure ventilators (NIPPVs), heated high flow nasal cannula applications, nebulizers, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), cardiopulmonary bypass systems, automated CPR systems, and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

25) The wearable nitric oxide generation system of embodiment 23, wherein the system is portable for use outside a hospital.

Drawings

The present disclosure is further described in the detailed description which follows in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an embodiment of a mobile NO generation system;

FIG. 2 is an embodiment of a mobile NO generation system;

FIG. 3 is an embodiment of a mobile portable NO generation system;

FIG. 4 is a plurality of views of an embodiment of a mobile NO generation device;

FIG. 5A is an embodiment of a mobile NO generation device having a purifier cassette located in the side of the device;

FIG. 5B is an embodiment of a mobile NO generation device having a purifier cassette located in the bottom of the device;

FIG. 5C is an embodiment of a mobile NO generation device with a cannula and O on top of the device₂A user interface connected and to the side;

FIG. 5D is an embodiment of a mobile NO generation device having a purifier on a side of the device;

FIG. 5E is an embodiment of a mobile NO generation device having a purifier insert, gas connections, and user interface located on the same surface of the device;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary embodiment of a NO generation system, the device having a user interface on one surface and a purifier cassette removably connected to another surface;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary embodiment of a mobile NO generation system;

FIG. 8A is an embodiment of a nasal cannula for use with a mobile NO generation system;

FIG. 8B is an embodiment of a nasal cannula having a tip for use with a mobile NO generation system;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary embodiment of a nasal cannula having a tricuspid valve at the end of the nasal tip;

FIG. 10 is an exemplary nasal cannula having two lumens in each prong;

FIG. 11 is an exemplary nasal cannula having prongs for the mouth;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of various embodiments of a nasal cannula in an expanded and unexpanded state;

FIG. 13 is an embodiment of a nasal cannula tip designed for use with a NO generation system;

FIG. 14 is an embodiment of a cannula and tube having a perforated air lumen;

FIG. 15 is an embodiment of a cannula and tube having a perforated air lumen;

FIG. 16 is an embodiment of a mobile NO generation device;

FIG. 17 is an embodiment of a cannula and tube with a perforated air chamber and purifier;

FIG. 18 is an embodiment of a dual lumen cannula having two lumens with NO in one of the cannula lumens₂An absorbent material;

FIG. 19 is an embodiment of a NO generation system located at a docking station;

fig. 20A and 20B are embodiments of a pneumatic pathway through a wearable NO generator that can operate at higher pressures;

FIG. 21 is an embodiment of a valve assembly wherein flow control is accomplished by first and second valves;

fig. 22 is an embodiment of a wearable NO generating system;

FIG. 23 is an embodiment of a cartridge for a NO generation system;

FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of a pneumatic pathway within a portable NO generation device;

FIG. 25 shows an embodiment of a pneumatic pathway within a portable NO generation device;

FIG. 26 shows an embodiment of a pneumatic pathway within a portable NO generation device;

FIG. 27 is an embodiment of a disposable scrubber cartridge and mating pneumatic components for a portable NO generation system;

FIG. 28 shows the disposable scrubber cartridge of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 shows an embodiment of a purifier cassette;

FIG. 30 is an embodiment of an electrode assembly for generating NO in a NO generation system;

FIG. 31 is an embodiment of an electrode assembly for generating NO in a NO generation system;

FIG. 32 is an embodiment of an electrode assembly for generating NO in a NO generation system;

FIG. 33 shows various embodiments of electrodes having a bottoming out feature;

FIG. 34 is an embodiment of an electrode assembly that allows air to flow through the electrode gap;

FIG. 35 is an embodiment of an electrode assembly;

fig. 36 depicts an embodiment in which the electrodes, high voltage transformer and plasma chamber are integrated;

FIG. 37 is an embodiment of a portable NO device having a manifold attached to one of the device housing side walls;

FIG. 38 is an embodiment of a portable NO device having a manifold attached to one of the device housing side walls;

FIG. 39 is an embodiment of a portable NO device having a manifold attached to one of the rear walls of the device housing;

FIG. 40 is an embodiment of a portable NO device with a manifold attached to one of the rear walls of the device housing;

FIG. 41 is an embodiment of a portable NO device with flow control without a manifold or non-pump;

FIG. 42 is an electrical and pneumatic layout of the NO generation system;

FIG. 43 is an exemplary user interface for a NO generation system;

FIG. 44 is an exemplary user interface screen for displaying status indicators related to battery life, cartridge life, and power;

FIG. 45 is an exemplary user interface;

FIG. 46 is an embodiment of a NO generation system in communication with an external device.

FIG. 47 shows a graph relating to inspiratory event detection with increasing measured cannula delta pressure in the NO delivery lumen;

FIG. 48 is an embodiment of a mobile NO generation device;

FIG. 49 is an embodiment of a mobile NO generation device;

FIG. 50 is an embodiment of a mobile NO generation device;

FIG. 51 is an embodiment of a cross-sectional view of a controller housing;

FIG. 52 is an embodiment of a portable NO generator that segments a volume of NO within a nasal cannula prior to inhalation;

FIG. 53 is an embodiment of a NO generation system and an embodiment of an electrode assembly;

FIG. 54 is an embodiment of a NO generation device housing having an open motor mounted directly thereon;

FIG. 55 is an embodiment of electronics of a portable NO generation apparatus;

FIG. 56 is an embodiment of a User Control and Monitoring (UCM) circuit of FIG. 55;

FIG. 57 is an electrical and pneumatic illustration of a NO generation and delivery system;

FIG. 58 is an embodiment of a NO and delivery apparatus with a cassette valve manifold;

FIG. 59 shows an embodiment of NO recycling;

FIG. 60 is a graph of the continuous removal of NO from stored NO containing gases₂Embodiments of the recirculation loop of (a);

FIG. 61 is an embodiment of a system wherein recirculated gas flows back through the NO generator;

fig. 62 shows various wearable portable NO generating devices;

FIG. 63 is an embodiment of a portable NO device mounted in a backpack with an oxygen concentrator;

FIG. 64 is an exemplary embodiment of a portable NO generation device in combination with a LVAD;

FIG. 65 is an exemplary flow chart of a method of ensuring that a portable NO device is properly used in conjunction with another therapy; and

while the figures shown above illustrate the presently disclosed embodiments, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. The present disclosure presents illustrative embodiments by way of representation and not limitation. Numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the presently disclosed embodiments.

Detailed Description

The following description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the following description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed embodiments.

In the following description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, the systems, methods, and other elements of the presently disclosed embodiments may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

Also, it is noted that a single embodiment may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process may terminate when its operations are completed, but may have additional steps not discussed or included in the figures. Moreover, not all operations may occur in any particular described process concurrently in all embodiments. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, etc. When a procedure corresponds to a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

The subject matter now will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific example aspects and embodiments of the disclosure. However, the subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and, thus, the covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any example embodiment described herein; the example embodiments are provided by way of illustration only. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

In general, terms may be understood as usage that comes at least in part from the context. For example, as used herein, terms such as "and," "or," or "and/or" may include a variety of meanings that may depend at least in part on the context in which such terms are used. Typically, "or" if used in conjunction with a listing such as A, B or C is intended to mean A, B and C (the inclusive meaning used herein), and A, B or C (the exclusive meaning used herein). Also as used herein, the term "one or more" may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in the singular or may be used to describe a combination of features, structures, or characteristics in the plural, depending, at least in part, on the context. Similarly, terms such as "a," "an," or "the" may also be understood to convey a singular use or a plural use, depending, at least in part, on the context. Additionally, the term "based on" can be understood as not necessarily intending to express a group of exclusive factors, and can instead allow for the presence of additional factors that are not necessarily explicitly described, again depending at least in part on the context.

Throughout this document, the term "pump" is used to denote a component that can generate a flow and/or pressure head in a gas. Examples include, but are not limited to, blowers, centripetal pumps, piston pumps, diaphragm pumps, ultrasonic pumps, piezoelectric pumps, fans, and the like. Designs requiring reactant gas flow may also receive a flow of reactant gas from an externally pressurized source, which eliminates the need for internal pump components.

Throughout this document, the term "purifier" is used to denote a component that removes one or more CO's from a gas mixture₂、NO₂Or O₃. This is also referred to interchangeably in the literature as "scrubber". Examples include, but are not limited to, soda lime, noXon, and zeolites.

Throughout this document, the term "cannula" is used to describe a tube for transporting NO-containing product gas from the NO generator to the patient. For the purposes of this document, other types of delivery conduits such as face masks, CPAP masks, Bi-PAP masks, Scoop catheters, single lumen transtracheal catheters, multi-lumen transtracheal catheters, and the like are considered synonymous.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for portable and compact Nitric Oxide (NO) generation, which may be embedded in other therapeutic devices or used alone. The portable NO generating device allows NO to be generated and delivered to a patient at any location or environment, as the device is small enough to be mobile and used anywhere, including at the patient's home or during travel. The size and portability of the mobile NO generation system allows a patient to use the system in a hospital or en route outside of a hospital and has the benefit of delivering NO through a breathing gas delivery device without the need in a hospital, clinic, or other medical environment. In some embodiments, a mobile NO generation system may comprise a controller and a disposable cartridge. The cartridge may contain a filter and/or purifier for preparing the gas for NO generation and/or for washing and/or filtering the output gas prior to patient inhalation. In some embodiments, the system may utilize an oxygen concentrator as a stand-alone device to increase nitric oxide production and decrease NO₂Rate of formation and supplemental oxygen generator activity.

Fig. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a mobile NO generation system. Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a portable mobile NO generation system 10 that includes a delivery device, such as a cannula 12, for delivering NO-containing product gas to a patient that includes a filter/purifier 28. The controller 14 is configured to control the NO produced by the plasma chamber 16 using a plurality of sensors. The controller 14 includes a CPU 18 (with LEDs and buttons for communicating it to a user), a high voltage circuit 20, a power supply 22, an inductive charger 24 and a pump controller 26. Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a portable mobile NO generating system 30 comprising a delivery device, such as a cannula 32, and a disposable replaceable cartridge 34 comprising a purifier therein.

In some embodiments, an exemplary portable NO generation system includes components for reactant gas uptake and delivery to a plasma chamber. The plasma chamber includes one or more electrodes therein configured to generate a product gas containing a desired amount of NO from a reactant gas using a high voltage circuit. The system includes a controller electrically connected to the high voltage circuit and the electrode and configured to control the concentration of NO in the product gas using one or more control parameters relating to conditions within the system and/or conditions associated with a separate device for delivering the product gas to the patient and/or conditions associated with the patient receiving the product gas. The controller is also in communication with a user interface that allows a user to interact with the system, observe information about the system and NO production, and control parameters related to NO production.

Fig. 3 is an embodiment of a mobile portable NO generation system 40. The system 40 includes a controller 42 and a disposable cartridge. The base 44 or docking station may be used to hold the controller and may be configured to charge the batteries of the controller.

Fig. 4 shows various views of an exemplary embodiment of a mobile NO generation system 50. As noted above, the system is configured to be portable and compact to allow for easy use and transport. In some embodiments, the size and mobility of the system allows the system to be used with other breathing apparatus, or integrated into them. Fig. 4 shows various options for the location of the boxes 52a, 52b, 52 c.

In some embodiments, the top of the device is reserved for a user interface that includes buttons and display information. The cannula and oxygen connections are made on the upper edge of the bumps on the sides of the housing. The purifier cassette 62 can be located in a variety of positions, including the side of the device 60 (fig. 5A). The purifier box 66 may be located at the bottom 66 of the apparatus 64 (fig. 5B). In some embodiments, the cannula and O₂Attached on top of the device 68, the user interface 70 is on the side (fig. 5C), and the purifier 72 may be on the side (fig. 5D) or the bottom. In some embodiments, the purifier inserts, gas connections, and user interface are all located on the same surface 76 of the device 74 (fig. 5E).

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a NO generating device 80 having a user interface 82 on one surface and a purifier cassette removably attached to another surface. In some embodiments, oxygen from an external source 84 flows through the removable cartridge. The dual lumen cannula connection 86 on the cassette provides separate outputs for oxygen and NO containing gas. In some embodiments, the oxygen is directly connected to the device 80. Anchor points 88a, 88b on the housing enable connection of shoulder straps, backpacks, straps, or other means for carrying the device. The accessory unit 90 shown on the right side of the figure includes adapters for car cigarette lighters, wall power supplies and external batteries.

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of the internal components of the portable NO generating device 100.

Patient delivery apparatus

The NO produced as NO-enriched product gas can be delivered to the patient in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, NO is delivered via nasal cannula. In some embodiments, the gases exit the array of holes near the patient's nose and mix in the space between the cannula and the nose. The cannula may include a plurality of configurations. In some embodiments, the aperture of cannula 110 is located below the nose, without the use of a prong, as shown in fig. 8A. In some embodiments, cannula 120 may include prongs 122a, 122B, which may be located in a portion of the patient's nose, as shown in fig. 8B. Prongs 122a, 122b may act as a mixing chamber and lead into the nose. It will be appreciated that the tip of the cannula may also be directed into the mouth. The tip may comprise a single lumen or multiple lumens.

In some embodiments, the device may comprise a dual lumen cannula with one lumen for NO and one lumen for O₂. In some embodiments, the two gases mix at the base of the nose before exiting the cannula. In some embodiments, NO and O₂Transported in separate lumens and delivered through a dual lumen nasal prong such that O is delivered to the nasal cavity₂And NO to each nostril and mixing occurs in said nostril. This allows the delivery of two medical gases to a patient in the event of a trauma (partial or complete occlusion) of one naris. This configuration also ensures that NO is exposed to high O as late as possible₂Thereby making NO₂Formation is minimized.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary nasal cannula 130 at the ends of the nasal prongs 136, 138With tricuspid valves 132, 134. The valve opens when NO is pushed to the patient. The valve closes during exhalation, which prevents exhaled gas and moisture from entering the cannula. Fig. 10 shows an exemplary nasal cannula 140 having two lumens 146a, 146b, 148a, 148b in each prong 142, 144. In each tip, NO is delivered through one lumen and O2 is delivered through a second lumen. Inhalation detection may be performed through either chamber. Fig. 11 shows an exemplary nasal cannula 150 having prongs 152 for the mouth. Each of the three prongs 152, 154, 156 may be dual lumen to independently deliver O₂And NO.

In some embodiments, the controller of the NO generation device is configured to deliver NO in a pulsatile manner in synchrony with patient breathing. A nasal cannula tip inserted into a patient's nares may expand in diameter during inspiratory flow. The inflated tip may occlude a larger portion of the nostril than the uninflated tip, which allows the inflated tip to partially block airflow into the nostril and prioritize NO-containing gas from the nasal cannula. The unexpanded tip does not present a significant blockage to the exhaled gas as the tip decreases in cross-sectional area during exhalation. The increase in the cross-sectional area of the tip may be accomplished by non-destructive deformation of the tip material in the radial direction. With sufficient flow, the elastomeric material will distort to increase the cross-sectional area. The cross-sectional area is also increased by circumferential elastic deformation (hoop strain) of the nasal prongs during pumping of gas to the nose.

FIG. 12 shows embodiments of nasal cannula cross-sections in various unexpanded and expanded states. Three exemplary cross-sections of the nasal prongs 160, 162, 164 are shown in a relaxed state during patient exhalation. The tip 166 shows a cross-section of the tip in an expanded state. The cross-section of rounded to expanded prongs 166 may be the expanded cross-section of all three expanded state prongs 160, 162, 164 when NO is pumped to the patient. It will be appreciated that the nasal prongs may have any cross-section and the cross-section of the inflation prong may have any shape, provided that the inflated state of the prong during NO delivery to the patient always increases the blockage of the nose thereby reducing the entrainment of ambient air.

In some embodiments, a valve at the tip of the cannula nose prevents exhaled gas and associated moisture from entering the tip. This may help prevent moisture from condensing within the nasal cannula. In some embodiments, a passive valve in the form of a dog or duck bill valve can reduce the blockage of exhaled gas through the nose as it becomes smaller in cross section when gas does not flow therethrough. In some embodiments, the active valve is located at the distal end of the nasal prong. In some embodiments, the NO-containing gas is pressurized in the cannula after a valve between breaths and is released when inhalation is detected by actively opening the valve. In some embodiments, the pressure-activated "pop-up" valve passively opens when the cannula pressure exceeds the burst pressure of the valve. The pressure within the cannula is controlled so that the passive valve opens in synchronism with inspiration.

When the patient inhales gas from the nasal cannula, air from the environment is entrained and added to the flow, thereby diluting the delivered gas. Fig. 13 shows an exemplary nasal cannula 170 having features to prevent dilution of the delivered gas. In some embodiments, the nasal cannula 170 includes a unique nasal prong 172 having a skirt 174 therearound, which may be used to reduce dilution of the delivered gas. The skirt 174 functions like a lip seal or check valve that allows exhaled air to flow around the prongs, but seals against the walls of the nares to prevent entrainment of ambient air.

The nasal cannula may also include features that allow identification of the device. In some embodiments, the nasal cannula includes a unique identifier to identify it. The unique identifier may be located in various locations, including in the connector of the nasal cannula. The identifier may be in various forms, including an RFID for wireless communication, a smart chip for direct electrical connection, or a smart bar code for optical reading, or any other means that allows identification. In some embodiments, the controller monitors how long the cannula has been used and writes to the memory device to indicate the time it has been used for the entire time of its useful life. This may also prevent the use of incompatible cannulas, which may lead to higher NO₂And (4) horizontal. Other types of information that may be written to an intubation memory device are: part number, lot number, date of manufactureDate, due date, first use date, new/used status, patient treatment information, device environment identification, device alarm identification, patient identification record, patient parameter data (respiratory rate, heart rate, body temperature, SpO)₂Horizontal, EtCO₂Activity level).

Depending on the setup of the portable NO generating device, the amount of reactant gas (e.g. ambient air) supplied by the device may vary. For example, the mobile device may be placed in a bag or worn under the patient's coat. In this type of situation, the apparatus may not be able to use a sufficient source of air as a reactant gas to generate therapeutic amounts of NO. In some embodiments, the gas delivery method (cannula, mask, CPAP mask, etc.) may include an additional lumen to provide air, as shown in fig. 14. Air chamber 182 may have one or more openings 184 (e.g., perforations) to allow air to enter the chamber from anywhere along the length of the cannula. The perforations help to ensure that the device can draw in air from some place along the length of the NO delivery conduit (fig. 17). Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of a cannula 180 having first and second lumens 182, 186. It will be appreciated that any type of opening along any portion of the delivery device may be used, as long as air can be passed therethrough in a sufficient amount to allow the desired amount of NO to be generated.

It is known to keep NO away from O as long as possible₂Make NO₂Formation is minimized. Thus, a delivery device (e.g., cannula 190 shown in FIG. 15) may include NO and O as long as possible prior to patient delivery₂A separate feature. In some embodiments, the nasal cannula 190 has a separate lumen 192 for delivering NO to the patient that terminates in a small NO tube passing through each prong such that O₂NO flow is not inhibited by its greater flow rate and pressure, and O₂Lumen 194, as shown in the exemplary cannula 190 shown in fig. 15. In some embodiments, the nasal cannula uses a venturi or jet configuration to draw NO into O₂Flow or inspiratory flow.

There are different such points along the cannula where O₂And NO may be mixed before the gases reach the patient. In some embodimentsIn (1), NO and O can be reacted₂Kept separate as long as possible until it enters the patient's nose to reduce NO₂Is performed. NO attributed to high NO concentration₂Formation is the primary effect. In some embodiments, NO may be reacted with O₂The flows mix as quickly as possible in the common chamber 202 to reduce transit time to the patient. Thus, mobile device 200 (which introduces a high concentration of NO to O in the mobile device)₂In flow) can provide reduced NO at the patient₂Horizontal as shown in the embodiment of the NO generating device 200 shown in fig. 16.

Typically for NO₂While purifying the NO-containing gas, but if the NO in the product gas (plasma-treated gas) is present₂This is not necessary if the level is low enough. In some embodiments involving a purifier, the purifier may be located at/within the controller and/or within the delivery tube and/or in close proximity to the patient. In some embodiments, the cannula is partially or completely filled with purifier material along its length. In some embodiments, the cannulated tube is thin due to the kink resistance of the purifier material from within the tube rather than the tube itself. In some embodiments, the cannula tube is completely or partially filled with NO along its length₂-an absorbent purifier material as a liner. In some embodiments, a nasal cannula having a pre-purifier in addition to an NO purifier may be used.

In some embodiments, the nasal cannula includes a purifier, and the purifier is absent at the controller in the portable NO generating device. The device 210 has no cartridge at all, so the system has one disposable component 212 (cannula) instead of a cannula and a purifier cartridge, as shown in fig. 17. In some embodiments, the nasal cannula 212 may include a purifier near the inspiratory point (e.g., near the nose).

FIG. 18 shows a dual lumen cannula 220 having first and second lumens 222, 224 and NO₂The absorbent material is in one of the cannula lumens 224. Oxygen flows in the first chamber 222. In some embodiments, NO₂The absorbent material is a coating or lining on the inner diameter of the cannula tube. In some embodimentsThe purifier material consists of particles or pellets within the cannula lumen and has a filter at each end. In some embodiments, the oxygen and NO product gases exit through separate lumens, each having a nasal prong.

In some embodiments, the nasal cannula includes a purifier in the vicinity of inhalation (e.g., near the nose of a patient, such as a patient). In some embodiments, the purifier is positioned behind the ear of the patient, wherein the cannula tube surrounds the ear. In some embodiments, the purifier housing is located at the bottom of the patient's neck, similar to a pendant.

The cannula design may also vary. Due to the continuous conversion of NO to NO₂It may be advantageous to purge the NO-containing gas immediately prior to its entry into the patient. In some embodiments, the nasal cannula may include a purifier below the nose such that gas is sent through the purifier just prior to the gas entering the patient. In some embodiments, the purifier along the length of the intubation tube hangs like a pendant from the bottom of the user's neck. In some embodiments, the tubes of the nasal cannula may be lined or coated with a purifier material. In some embodiments, a nasal cannula lined with a purifier material comprises a color changing material as an indicator of purifier depletion. In some embodiments, the color changing material is similar to litmus paper, changing color in the presence of a pH change. In some embodiments, the cannula tube material itself absorbs sufficient NO₂It does not require additional purifier material.

Many patients are conscious of themselves using a nasal cannula because they cover a portion of their face. In some embodiments, NO may also be delivered to the respiratory tract from a location near the ear. In some embodiments, the NO delivery tube passes from the ear to the trachea. In some embodiments, NO transport travels through the eardrum and through the eustachian tube to the respiratory tract. In some embodiments, NO is delivered directly to the trachea through an opening at the bottom of the anterior neck.

In some embodiments, NO is added to O from an oxygen concentrator in or immediately after the NO controller₂In the stream. When using large volumes of O₂When the temperature of the water is higher than the set temperature,this scheme is useful for reducing NO₂It is particularly helpful to form, thereby reducing, the transit time of NO from the controller to the patient. Thus, a mobile device (which introduces a high concentration of NO to O in the device)₂In flow) has reduced NO at the patient₂The potential of the level.

Docking station and power supply

In some embodiments, a base station or docking station is provided. The base station may be used to charge the NO generating device battery. Charging may be performed using an electrical connection or an inductive connection. The base station may connect to the external devices using a variety of technologies including, but not limited to, telephone lines, cable TV connections, Wi-Fi connections, and cellular network connections. In one embodiment, the NO generating device and/or charging station may project information on a surface. For example, the charging station may project the battery charge state onto the ceiling of the bedroom.

The base station may include various sensors. In some embodiments, the base station may include one or more gas analysis sensors to check for calibration of the NO generating device. When the NO generating device is parked, the base station may pull in NO-containing air for analysis of NO levels and/or NO₂Horizontal base stations to ensure safe operation. In some embodiments, the base station may calibrate the controller by connecting to the cannula connection. Battery charging may provide a correction time, although the correction is made independently of battery charging. Gas for analysis may be supplied from the cartridge connector to the controller, a tee fitting that splits the controller output gas flow to enable simultaneous cannula gas delivery and gas analysis, or a dedicated gas port for calibration purposes. The measurement can be performed with electrochemical cells, but optical and chemiluminescent means can also be used. The base station may receive power from an AC power outlet or a DC connection. For example, 12VDC may be used as the voltage that can be seen in the car. The base station may be used to download data from the NO generating device. The downloaded data may be stored within the base station or output to a separate external storage location using the internet, Wi-Fi, wired connection, or cellular network or optical means.

Various sources may be used to provide power to the NO generating device. Some users may need to use the NO generator whenever they are day or night. These users may also need to wear the device in an environment where fluid is present (e.g., while showering). To address the risk of fluid ingress, in some embodiments, the NO generation device is designed with a housing with minimal openings. For example the device may be waterproof. The battery charging may be accomplished in a number of ways, but in one embodiment the battery may be charged through the housing wall via inductive means. Various other contacts (including but not limited to sealed, gold plated contacts) may be used to charge the device. In some embodiments, a base station or docking station may be provided as a nest for placing the NO generator during charging.

Fig. 19 shows an embodiment of a mobile NO generating device 230, which is located on a docking station or base station 232. The docking station 232 may include features that allow for communication of the status of the devices, or lighting features for locating the docking station in the dark. The docking station 232 may also include a door covering the disposable bay.

In some embodiments, battery charging may be accomplished by electrical connections within the housing (which is fluid impermeable). Air for plasma generation is provided through a micro-filter, such as Gore-Tex, to prevent fluid ingress. In some embodiments, the microfilter is hydrophobic to further prevent the ingress of liquid water. The air inlet may have an additional filter for trapping large particles. It may also be protected with louvers and/or water traps.

In some embodiments, an attached docking station may be plugged into a car cigarette lighter or other electrical connection of the vehicle. The docking station may be mounted in a standard cup holder of a car or hung on a car door. To hang on a car door, the docking station may include features that are interposed between the inside surface of the window glass and the window seal. One or more magnets in the generator housing and the attached docking station assist the user in positioning the generator in the docking station.

It will be appreciated that the power delivery capability of the base station to the NO generator needs to exceed the sum of the battery charging power and the NO generator operating power to enable the battery to be charged. The battery life may vary, but in one embodiment the target battery life is 12 hours. The charging time needs to be less than the battery life, e.g. 12 hours, so that a user can use one device while charging a second device.

In some embodiments, the NO generating device does not include its own battery. Alternatively, the device may be electrically connected to a separate device such as an O₂A generator, and power from a battery or power supply of the other device. In some embodiments, the NO generator may be embedded in O₂In the generator housing, and the NO generator may share a battery, a memory, a microcontroller, an alarm buzzer, a user interface, a housing and an O₂Other components of the generator. It will be appreciated that the NO generator may also be embedded in or integrated with other devices including, but not limited to, VAD, nebulizers, humidifiers, CPR machines, Bi-PAP machines, CPAP machines, heated and humidified jet cannulas and/or AEDs.

Air source

In some embodiments, the system may use an oxygen concentrator. High levels of oxygen (O) for patients with pulmonary hypertension₂) And (6) treating. There are devices that treat atmospheric air to increase oxygen content by separating out nitrogen species. These devices are portable and battery powered. This sharing of NO and oxygen concentrators or oxygen cells will be reduced for O₂And/or improved patient mobility.

When the plasma is generated at a stoichiometric ratio of 50/50 oxygen to nitrogen, the NO production is optimized. Atmospheric oxygen levels are 21%, but oxygen concentrators can be used to increase the percentage of oxygen in the air. In some embodiments, the output from the oxygen concentrator may be used as a reactant gas and passed through a NO generation device in order to optimize NO production. This can reduce the size of the battery by a factor of two for a given amount of operating time.

The reactant gas source may vary beyond the delivery of the oxygen concentratorAnd (6) discharging. In some cases, the patient is connected to a tank with 100% oxygen or an oxygen concentrator that generates 100% oxygen. In some embodiments, the mobile NO generating device may be high O₂Blending content gas with atmospheric air to reduce O₂Concentration and sum of N₂The concentration is increased to an optimum level in the plasma chamber or pure air is used. Faster conversion of NO to O in the presence of high concentrations of oxygen₂. Thus, the apparatus may comprise holding NO and O₂As long as possible separate features. In some embodiments, the air is compressed into a nitrogen containing stream containing a para-N in the NO generating device₂A chamber of an affinity material (e.g., zeolite). When the chamber is depressurized with a reactant gas, the oxygen concentration of the exiting gas is higher than ambient air, thereby generating higher levels of NO when exposed to the plasma. Load pair N₂N in compatible materials₂Periodically vented to the atmosphere. In some embodiments, N is₂Is vented to atmosphere during patient exhalation. In some embodiments, N is₂Is vented to atmosphere during patient inspiration. In some embodiments, N is₂Pumping through a plasma chamber (which has a plasma turned off for the patient during patient exhalation) such that the presence of the NO-containing product gas is followed by a gas having little to NO and a higher N than the initial reactant gas₂Of the alternating pulse train of gas.

Respiratory events occur rapidly, which requires a rapid system response to deliver NO pulses. In some cases, such as when it is desired that the pulse be synchronized with the front of an inspiration, the pulse may occur within 50 milliseconds of the beginning of inspiration. This is faster than the period of time over which a single pump can accelerate from rest to deliver a bolus of NO-containing gas to the tube (which directs it to the nose). To achieve a fast response, in some embodiments, the mobile device prepares a bolus of NO-containing air in the reservoir during patient exhalation. When inhalation is detected, air from the compressed source is released, which pushes the NO bolus through the cannula to the patient. In one embodiment, the segmented reservoir is one or more cannulated lumens. In one embodiment, the lumen in the cannula is a dedicated NO delivery lumen. The NO-containing gas can be stored in a reservoirPassing through a washer before staging in the container, after the reservoir, at a location within the cannula near the patient, or if NO₂A sufficiently low level may not be sent through the scrubber at all. The reservoir decouples the action of the pump from the delivery of the NO-rich gas. The pump stores the mechanical potential energy contained in the pressurized gas in the reservoir. This stored potential energy can be released from the reservoir more quickly than a small pump can deliver directly. In one embodiment, a large pump delivers gas at a fast rate, but it has a large mechanical inertia, which hinders its ability to change its output rate quickly enough. Both solutions of pumps and/or pumps and reservoirs can provide a wide range of flow rates while maintaining fast response times. The reservoir need not be a well-defined pressure vessel. Any volume in the pneumatic circuit between the pump and the flow control valve may act as a reservoir. In one embodiment with a reservoir, the volume of the reservoir is 150 ml.

In some embodiments, the mobile device obtains air from the atmosphere. Air is drawn into the apparatus with a pump and treated with one or more mechanical filters, one or more purifiers, and/or one or more carbon filters. At the very least, the mobile NO generating device filters the incoming air before generating NO. The mechanical filter size may vary, but in one embodiment is on the order of about 0.22 micron pore size to prevent bacterial ingress. The purifier may be formed from a variety of materials, but in one embodiment is soda lime. Carbon filters are used to remove organic compounds from the air prior to entry into the plasma chamber.

Fig. 20A shows an embodiment of a pneumatic pathway through a wearable NO generator that can operate at higher pressures, which results in faster response times than systems relying solely on pumps. In the system shown in fig. 20A, ambient air or another other reactant gas is drawn into the system through filter 240 by pump 242. The pressurized gas travels through the plasma chamber 244 where the high voltage electrode creates a discharge that discharges N₂And O₂The molecules undergo separation to form NO and some NO₂. The product gas then flows through a flow controller 246, which may be configured to controlThe actual level of flow delivered to the patient is determined. In some treatment conditions, the flow level varies in a continuous manner as the bolus of NO-containing gas is delivered, typically in synchronism with patient inspiration. The gas from flow controller 246 flows through for removal of NO from the product gas prior to delivery to the patient₂A scrubber 248 and a filter 250.

In some embodiments, after the filter 252 and pump 254, the flow controller 256 may also be located before the plasma chamber 258, thereby controlling the flow of reactant gases rather than product gases, as shown in fig. 20B. This solution provides the benefit of not exposing the flow controller to NO-containing gas and shortening the pneumatic path from the plasma to the scrubber, since the path length is related to the transit time, and longer transit times result in more NO₂And (4) forming. In some embodiments, the flow controller may be in the form of one or more proportional valves. Between breaths, one or more proportional valves may be used to allow pressure to build up within the system, which enables the delivery of short high pressure pulses. In some embodiments, one or more of the proportional valves cannot be fully closed, such that the system can also deliver NO to the patient in the event of a proportional valve failure. Throttling the pump provides additional flow control in addition to flow controller activity.

Fig. 21 shows an embodiment in which flow control is accomplished by first and second valves 260, 262. This approach provides the benefits of weight and power input over the proportional valve approach. An optional bypass path is also shown. The effective orifice sizes of the first and second valves may be the same or may be different, depending on the desired flow level. This scheme provides a step-wise scheme for flow delivery to the patient rather than the continuously variable scheme provided by the proportional valve. Embodiments including more than two valves may provide additional discrete flow levels for the system. In some embodiments, one or more fixed orifices are used to control the flow of air through the system.

Fig. 22 shows an embodiment of a wearable NO generator 270 having an inlet scrubber/filter combination 272, an air pump 274, a control and high voltage circuit 276, one or more electrodes 278, an outlet scrubber/filter 280, a battery 282, and a housing 284. The inlet and outlet scrubbers/filters can be independently replaced. The scrubber/filter has a tapered or barbed end that is pressed into the elastomeric ring for retention and sealing. The opposite end of the scrubber filter is retained by one or more spring clips that grip the outer surface of the scrubber filter. The user inserts the washer/filter end into the elastomeric seal and rotates the washer/filter body towards the controller housing so that it "clicks" into the position and holds it in place with one or more spring clips, or simply presses the washer filter into the device so that it latches into place and then presses down to release it. The scrubber filters may optionally be covered with a cover to protect them from loosening during use.

The scrubber/filter combination has a limited service life due to the limited NO of the scrubber material₂Absorption capacity and coating of the filter with particulate matter. This presents the risk that patients cannot replace their scrubber/filter on time, thereby increasing NO₂Risk of exposure. In one embodiment, the NO generating device prompts the user to replace the scrubber/filter when the user removes the device from the charger in the morning. In another embodiment, the device generates an audible alarm at the point in time when full scrubber/filter depletion is about to occur, so that the user can replace the scrubber/filter in a timely manner.

The lid of the scrubber/filter has corresponding openings to allow gas to enter and exit as needed. In one embodiment, the apparatus may also have a fully integrated molecular sieve that removes some of the N from the incoming air₂To optimize N₂And O₂For increasing NO production, improving power efficiency and reducing required NO₂And (6) washing. In some embodiments, a molecular sieve may be located after the plasma chamber to remove certain gases such as N₂Thereby increasing NO and O in the effluent gas₂The fraction of (c). In some casesIn embodiments, the molecular sieve removes O after the plasma chamber₂To slow NO to NO₂The transformation of (3).

Box

A cartridge for a mobile NO generation system may include various features and designs. The system may use a variety of different types of cartridges, which may be used for different applications. For example, the cartridge may vary the size of the purifier depending on the expected usage time and the desired NO level. The cartridge may have one or more pneumatic connections, depending on the application. In one embodiment, the single pneumatic connection may be for a single lumen nasal cannula connected to the device. In one embodiment, the two pneumatic connections may be devices for adding NO to the existing gas stream. The first pneumatic connection may be for gas flow into the system and the second pneumatic connection may be for NO + gas output. In some embodiments, three pneumatic connections may be used in a device that measures the flow of incoming gas stream, but does not add NO to the gas stream. The first pneumatic connection may be for incoming gas. The second pneumatic connection may be for the outflow of gas to the patient. The third pneumatic connection is for NO-containing gas to the patient. The device may send ambient air through pneumatic connections on the top of the cartridge or through the controller or grid on the side of the cartridge.

The pneumatic connections may be oriented in a concentric manner, linearly, polygonal, or some other shape. In one embodiment, all pneumatic connections are established with one user action by using integrated pneumatic connectors.

In some embodiments, gas handling may occur within the cartridge. Thus, there are no cleaning issues within the controller, and the controller may not have any openings (which may allow fluid or particles to enter) in the housing.

Fig. 23 shows an embodiment of a cartridge 290 that includes an integrated air filter 292, pump 294, electrode assembly 296, and purifier 298 (right cartridge end view). Air flows into the cartridge 290 and through the air filter to the pump. The pump, which may include two one-way valves 300a, 300b (e.g., duckbill, duck foot, ball cage, tricuspid, or the like) and a diaphragm, is actuated in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, using a solenoid, diaphragm, lever, or other mechanism in a controller. Air leaves the pump to the plasma chamber with the electrode assembly and flows over the output purifier. The output purifier may include a filter to trap potential electrode particles and purifier particles.

The cartridge of the mobile NO generating device may have a plurality of configurations. In some embodiments, the mobile device has a disposable cartridge that may include one or more of the following features: an inlet filter, an inlet cleaner, an inlet carbon filter, an exhaust gas cleaner, and an exhaust gas filter. In some embodiments, a connector for a patient delivery device (e.g., a nasal cannula) may be connected to the cassette/disposable portion of the device rather than the reusable controller. This reduces the number of pneumatic connections to the controller and may reduce the need for the user to connect a cannula or other delivery device directly to the controller rather than for the removal of NO₂The possibility of a purifier according to (1). The connection from the cannula to the cassette may be different from the connection from the cassette to the controller. In some embodiments, the cartridge housing is reusable and only the filter element and/or scrubber material is replaced.

Fig. 24 shows an exemplary pneumatic path 310 in a portable NO generating device. The shadow portion is removable and disposable. In some embodiments, the removable/disposable elements are located in a single disposable cartridge. In the embodiment shown, ambient air or other reactant gas is drawn through a disposable filter 312 and then through a permanent filter 314 in the device. The air then flows to the pump 316. The distal to pump pressure is measured by an absolute pressure sensor 318. This pressure is used to determine pump activity and to measure reservoir pressure when the reservoir 320 is in use. The reservoir 320 acts as a collector that can provide a fast flow of high pressure air. In some embodiments, a separate pump may be sufficient to deliver the air flow to the treatment, which makes a reservoir unnecessary. In some embodiments, the air pump pumps against an orifice or one or more valves. Super-superA pressure sensor 324 of the proportional valve 322 is shown for measuring the pressure in the plasma chamber. Flow sensor 326 before plasma chamber 328 is used for closed loop control to ensure accurate air flow through the plasma chamber. Closed loop control may be used as input to one or more of the following: pumping action/speed, valve position, reservoir pressure. The plasma chamber 328 houses one or more electrodes for generating a plasma in air. Optional atmospheric pressure and temperature sensors 330, 332 connected to the plasma chamber provide additional inputs to the control algorithm. An optional third filter 324 in the air stream is located in the controller to provide further protection against contaminants entering the controller. Nitric oxide and air then flow through NO₂Scrubber 336 with one or more filters, NO₂An absorptive scrubber and another filter. The NO + air then flows through check valve 338, partial pressure sensor 340 for breath detection, another optional filter 342, and an interface to a delivery tube (e.g., nasal cannula, catheter, or other tube).

Fig. 25 and 26 show additional exemplary pneumatic approaches in a portable NO generating device. The pneumatic pathway 350 of fig. 25 shows ambient air or other reactant gas being drawn through a permanent filter 352 within the apparatus. The air then flows to the pump 354. The distal to pump pressure is measured by absolute pressure sensor 356. This pressure is used to determine pump activity and to measure reservoir 358 pressure. A pressure sensor 362 beyond the proportional valve 360 shown is used to measure the pressure in the plasma chamber. A flow sensor 364 before the plasma chamber 366 is used for closed loop control to ensure accurate air flow through the plasma chamber. Optional atmospheric pressure and temperature sensors connected to the plasma chamber provide additional inputs to the control algorithm. A filter 368 in the air stream is located in the controller to provide further protection against contaminants entering the controller. Nitric oxide and air then flow through NO₂Scrubber 370 with one or more filters, NO₂An absorptive scrubber and another filter. The NO + air then flows through check valve 372, partial pressure sensor 374 for breath detection, another filter 376 and to the delivery lineThe interface of (2).

The pneumatic pathway 380 of fig. 26 shows ambient air or other reactant gas being drawn through a permanent filter 382 in the apparatus. The air then flows to the pump 384. The distal to pump pressure is measured by absolute pressure sensor 386. Air flows through the cassette valve manifold 388. The pressure sensor 390 is used to measure the pressure in the plasma chamber. Flow sensor 392 before plasma chamber 394 is used for closed loop control to ensure accurate air flow through the plasma chamber. Optional atmospheric pressure and temperature sensors connected to the plasma chamber provide additional inputs to the control algorithm. A filter 396 in the air stream is located in the controller to provide further protection against contaminants entering the controller. Nitric oxide and air then flow through NO₂A scrubber 398 consisting of one or more filters, NO₂An absorptive scrubber and another filter. The NO + air then flows through check valve 400, partial pressure sensor 402 for breath detection, another filter 404, and the interface to the delivery tube.

Fig. 27 shows an embodiment of a disposable scrubber cartridge 410 and matching permanent pneumatic components for a portable NO generation and delivery system. At the top of the figure, there is a reusable header 412 and an electrode assembly interface 414 and proportional valve 416 connected thereto. The lower part of the figure shows a disposable scrubber cartridge 410 comprising an O₂A connection 418, a purifier chamber 420, a cartridge latch 422, one or more cannula connection lumens 424, and a vent 426 for controller cooling. Fig. 28 shows only the disposable scrubber box 410 of fig. 27, without showing the reusable manifold.

Fig. 29 shows an embodiment of a purifier cassette 430. The purifier box receives product gas and oxygen from the apparatus through separate pneumatic connections 434. The product gas is passed through soda lime or other selective NO in cartridge 436₂Flow over the absorbent material for washing. After washing, the product gas is filtered and contacted with O in a single cannula connection 432₂Merge and then leave the system. In some embodiments, O₂And NO product gas exit in separate connections. The purifier box is shown inInside a gas-tight translucent box 438, which protects the purifier material from impacts and CO during transport and storage₂The influence of (c).

In some embodiments, the controller may detect the presence of the cartridge by any mechanism including, but not limited to, electrical, optical, radio, or mechanical means. In one embodiment, the controller does not initiate NO generation until the cartridge is present. In one embodiment, the controller may read information from the cartridge by using, for example, a bar code on the cartridge and or interrogating a memory device (e.g., an RFID tag) located on the cartridge to determine whether the cartridge has exceeded its life span. In some embodiments, the controller marks the time of cartridge insertion and limits the useful life of the cartridge to a set amount of time from cartridge insertion and/or a set amount of NO molecules sent through the cartridge. The cartridge may also have provisions for other gas sources (e.g., O)₂) To measure flow rate, or to mix with air to synthesize NO or for patient delivery (e.g., helium).

Electrode for electrochemical cell

Various electrode designs can be used for NO generation. In some embodiments, automotive type plugs may be used for NO generation, but they may include resistors and greater mass and strength than desired. Automotive spark plugs are designed to be reinforced with a ceramic insulator and a heavy metal ground electrode. Among the costs and qualities of interest, it is desirable to customize a high voltage electrode. Fig. 30 shows a high voltage electrode 440 that can be easily manufactured and installed. Fig. 30 shows an embodiment of an electrode assembly having blind holes 442 (bottom dashed line). The composite electrodes 444, 446 may be inserted into the ends (right and left). In some embodiments, the electrode assembly of fig. 30 can be manufactured by fusing an iridium (or other noble metal or alloy) pad to a metal shaft (e.g., copper) to create a composite electrode. An O-ring 448 may be inserted into each end of the sleeve. The sleeve may be constructed of PEEK, glass, ceramic, or other inert non-conductive material. The electrode is inserted through the O-ring into the sleeve from either end. The gap tool is inserted into the hole for air connection. The end plates slide over each shaft. The electrode is lightly pressed against the interstitial tool from either side. The end plate is welded to the shaft, locking into the gap. The electrodes may be held in place using a variety of techniques, including but not limited to interference fits, adhesives, threaded fasteners, and other means. In one embodiment, the end plate may be mechanically snapped to the end of a glass sleeve, as shown in fig. 31, which shows an embodiment of an electrode assembly 450 having the end plate clamped to the sleeve and welded to the electrode.

Having a single hole for air connection enables the user to insert the electrode assembly from one side with a single motion. Various types of retention features, including but not limited to detents, snaps, clips, and other means, may be used to retain the electrode assembly in position in the controller. In another embodiment, there are two pneumatic connections to the electrode assembly from the same side to facilitate installation and removal.

The customized electrode assembly may interface with the controller by registering electrical contact of the electrodes in the controller. A dual lumen fitting from the controller may be inserted into a hole in the side of the electrode assembly to deliver air and remove NO-laden air.

Fig. 32 shows an embodiment of an electrode assembly 460 comprising a sleeve 462, a composite electrode 464 (copper shaft with iridium pad), an O-ring seal 466, and an end plate 468. The electrode assembly 460 may be inserted into the controller with high voltage electrical contacts to contact each end of the electrode assembly with a dual lumen fitting inserted into the air connection hole. The composite electrode may have a stepped diameter, flange, or other feature that allows the electrode to be lowered into the hole to a particular depth. Fig. 33 shows an embodiment of an electrode having a bottoming out feature.

In one embodiment, the air flow through the electrode assembly travels through the electrode gap. Fig. 34 shows an embodiment of an electrode assembly 470 showing air inlets (bottom left and top right). Air flows into the electrode assembly on one side and out the opposite side. Fig. 35 shows an embodiment of a cross-flow electrode assembly 480 showing end plate geometry. Holes in the corners of the end plates may be used to weld wires thereto or to fasten the end plates to the sleeves with threaded fasteners. The corners of the end plates may be rounded to reduce the likelihood of discharge from the end plates.

The air flow in the electrode assembly can be from side to side as shown in fig. 35. In one embodiment, the flow may be from one side to an adjacent side. In one embodiment, the air enters from one side, travels axially parallel to the electrodes and then exits from the same side. This design shares the benefits of insertion with a single action.

Fig. 36 shows an embodiment in which the electrodes, high voltage transformer and plasma chamber are integrated. This provides the benefit of reducing the volume and mass of these components and shortening the length of the high voltage conductor, thereby reducing electromagnetic emissions. In another embodiment, the electrode and transformer are packaged together to form a single unit that is removably connected with the plasma chamber.

Fig. 36 shows an integrated transformer/electrode assembly/plasma chamber 490. The main winding input 492 is located on top of the transformer. In one embodiment, the main winding is made of litz wire. The secondary winding output is electrically connected to electrode 494. The transformer 496 and electrodes are encapsulated together in an insulating material and the electrode gap is maintained by the insulating material. The encapsulated transformer and electrodes are connected to the plasma chamber 504 with hermetic seals. The plasma chamber has a reactant gas inlet 498 and a product gas outlet 500. A temperature sensor 502 is encapsulated within the insulation or thermally coupled to the transformer for use in the NO generation and delivery system to detect overheating of the transformer and thereby respond to one or more of generating an alarm, reducing power delivered to the transformer, transitioning to stop the transformer, increasing the speed of the cooling fan, or other means for limiting warm-up).

Manifold arrangement

Fig. 37 shows an embodiment in which a manifold 512 is attached to one of the side walls of the equipment enclosure 510. In this illustration of the device, air is drawn from outside the housing 510 through the filter 514 to the pump 516. The pump 516 delivers air to the reservoir 518 to pressurize the reservoir. The reservoir is connected in series with a proportional valve 520 to the gas header 512. The proportional valve regulates the air flow into the plasma chamber 522. Etc. ofThe electrodes in the plasma chamber are driven by a high voltage circuit 524 within the housing. After passing through the plasma chamber, the gas supply passes through a filter, scrubber and a second filter 526. After filter-scrubber-filter 526, the gas then returns to the manifold where it exits through a fitting to a cannula or other delivery device. The gas manifold also has input and output connections to enable parallel use of the oxygen source. In one embodiment, O₂The parameters in the line being as suction and/or O₂The indicator delivered. The parameter may be one or more of: o is₂Line pressure, O₂Flow rate of pipeline, O₂Temperature of pipeline, O₂Tube wall strain or other parameters. The device is powered by a battery. In some embodiments, the battery is built-in, although in other embodiments it is removable. The system is also capable of running off power from external sources such as external batteries, automotive power supplies (cigarette lighters), AC power converters, and the like.

Fig. 38 shows an embodiment in which a manifold 532 is attached to one of the side walls of the equipment enclosure 530. Air is drawn from outside the housing through filter 534 to pump 536. Pump 536 delivers air into flow controller 538, which determines the time and duration of delivery of pressurized air into gas header 532. In one embodiment, the gas flow controller consists of one or more valves controlled by controller 540. The controller is comprised of electronic hardware with software control, but embodiments without software are also contemplated. The gas manifold directs fluid into plasma chamber 542. The plasma chamber is driven by a high voltage circuit 544 in the housing. After passing through the plasma chamber, the gas travels to a replaceable scrubber 546 outside the enclosure 530. After the scrubber, the gas returns to the manifold where it is then sent through a connector into a cannula or other delivery device. The gas manifold also has a set of inputs and outputs to allow parallel use of oxygen delivery. The device is powered by a battery 548 in the housing 530.

Fig. 39 shows an embodiment in which a header 552 is attached to the back wall of the equipment enclosure 550. In this illustration of the apparatus, air is drawn from outside the housing through a filter 554 to a pump 556. The pump feeds air into the integrated pressurized reservoir 558. The reservoir consists of the volume within the manifold. The release of gas from the reservoir is controlled by a proportional valve 560. The proportional valve regulates the flow into the plasma chamber 562. Electrodes (not shown) within the plasma chamber are driven by a high voltage circuit 564 connected to a controller 566 within the housing. After passing through the plasma chamber, the gas travels to replaceable filter-scrubber-filter assembly 568. After the scrubber, the gas then returns to the manifold where it exits the system through a fitting and into a delivery conduit such as a nasal cannula. The gas manifold also has a set of inputs and outputs to allow parallel use of oxygen therapy. The battery 569 is removable in this embodiment.

Fig. 40 shows an embodiment having a manifold 572 attached to the back wall of the device housing 570. Air is drawn through the filter 574 in the removable cartridge assembly 576 to the pump 578. The pump directs air to a manifold-mounted valve array 580 that controls the flow rate of pressurized air delivered into the gas manifold. Gas manifold 572 directs fluid into a plasma chamber 582 that is separate from the manifold. The electrodes in the plasma chamber are driven by a high voltage circuit 584, which high voltage circuit 584 is controlled by a controller 586 in the housing. After passing through the plasma chamber, the gas supply passes through a pneumatic fitting to a removable cartridge where the gas passes through a scrubber material and a filter. After the scrubber, the gas then returns to the device through the pneumatic fitting to the manifold 572 where it exits the device through the fitting to the patient delivery tube. This figure shows that O is absent₂Implementation of the interface of the stream, thus eliminating the need for O₂And (4) a joint. The device is powered by a removable battery 588.

Fig. 41 and 42 show an embodiment without a manifold or gas flow controller other than pump 590. Air is drawn through a filter 592 in a removable cartridge assembly 594 to a pump 590. The pump directs air to the plasma chamber 596. The electrodes in the plasma chamber are driven by a high voltage circuit 598, which high voltage circuit 598 is controlled by a controller 600 in the housing. After passing through the plasma chamber, the gas supply passes through a pneumatic fitting to a removable cartridge 594 where the gas passes through the scrubber material and a filter. After the scrubber, the gas then returns to the equipment enclosure 602 and exits the equipment through a fitting to a patient delivery tube. The device is powered by a removable battery 604.

User interface and connection

The user interface may be used to display various information relating to the device functionality and patient information. In some embodiments, the mobile NO device 610 may have a user interface, which may include a number of features, as shown in fig. 43. In some embodiments, the user interface includes a NO increase button 612. In some embodiments, the user interface includes a NO down button 612. In some embodiments, the user interface includes a panic button that can be used to notify an external source (e.g., a rescuer) of a life-threatening situation and the system can communicate with the outside world through one or more of a wireless or wired connection to a base station, a cellular network, or a Wi-Fi connection to the internet. In some embodiments, the user interface includes a power button 614 that can turn the device on/off. In some embodiments, the user interface includes a zoom-in button that can be used to increase NO production from the current level by a set amount of time, such as 5 minutes, a battery charge level indicator 616, and a cartridge life indicator.

The user interface 620 may include one or more LED indicator lights, as shown in fig. 44, for indicating a variety of information, including but not limited to, power supply 626, battery status 622, and remaining cartridge life 624. In some embodiments, cartridge life may be determined by a plurality of indicators including, but not limited to, the number of NO molecules generated, the NO generated₂Number of molecules, CO-containing flowing through the cartridge₂Volume of air, pumping effect (reflecting filter clogging status), calendar time after insertion, running time after insertion, NO in effluent gas₂Level and cartridge life indicationColor of the device (e.g. color of glass))。

Fig. 45 shows another exemplary user interface 630. In some embodiments, the user interface 630 may include discrete buttons for alarm silence 632, audible prompts 634, and power source 636. Depressing the audible prompt button prompts the device to generate audible instructions through the speaker (also displayed on the user interface). In some embodiments, audible instructions are used to identify alarm conditions, instruct the user how to respond to the alarm, and instruct the user to set up programs on the device and other instructions to the user. The user interface may also include illuminated indicators for alarm state 638, battery charge state 640, external power connection 642, cartridge remaining life 644, O₂Flow detection 646, GSM connection 648 and NO generation 650. The user interface panel also includes a microphone 652 to record user voice input and a buzzer 654. In some embodiments, the user interface panel also includes one or more antennas for GSM, bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other connections. In some embodiments, the user interface can be raised to expose the purifier cartridge insertion slot. In some embodiments, a power button is pressed temporarily once the device is powered on and held for a few seconds to power down the device.

The system may also include an alert to notify the user of different types of information. For example, an alarm may be used for a malfunction of the device, such as a sedentary time limit where no plasma is detected or where the user is notified that they should be actively active. A light strip outside the NO generating device provides the status of the device. For example a green or blue light may indicate that no alarm is present. The lamp belt can be yellowed by the low storage battery. The low remaining cartridge life may cause the light strip to yellow. Very low batteries, very low cartridge life or lack of plasma activity can turn the light strip red. Alerts may include audible prompts, ringing, visual indicators (lights), and tactile events (vibrations).

The system may be remotely configured through an external device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or internet of things (IoT) connected device. The configurable settings include one or more of: an increase setting, a dosing increment, a dosing limit, an alarm limit, a motor algorithm (duration, NO step increase), and/or a patient sleep setting.

Fig. 46 shows an embodiment using a remote device 660 as a graphical user interface, physician interface, and main patient interface system. It will be appreciated that any external device having a screen or display may be used to communicate with the NO generating device and provide a user interface for displaying information from the NO generating device 662 to a user. Examples of remote devices include desktop computers, smart phones, car computers, or smart watches.

In some embodiments, the NO generation device may be designed without any software, such that the device may include a power source (e.g., a battery), one or more high voltage circuits, a timing circuit, one or more electrodes, a pump, and a purifier. The system may deliver a fixed air flow or a pulsed NO with a fixed NO concentration. For example, 1lpm of air with 20ppm NO can be used. The streamlining design may also include a buzzer and a red light for notifying a user if plasma is not detected. In one embodiment, the absence of plasma activity may be detected when the manifold temperature is below a temperature threshold. In some embodiments, the apparatus does not include a mechanical pump for air, but instead the air may be at O via bernoulli effect, venturi effect, other mixing methods, or a specialized mixing valve₂From delivered to the patient₂Drawn through the system. In some embodiments, the NO delivery controller may have a very mini user interface consisting of only the battery status, NO level, and alarm indicator. The controller may interface with a secondary device, such as a smart phone. The secondary device may be used to provide a graphical user interface, receive patient input, receive physician input, store data, communicate with the patient, monitor other physiological parameters (e.g., respiratory rate and/or heart rate), communicate with the physician, and/or communicate with emergency personnel, and/or communicate physiological parameters and user input with the NO generation device. In some embodiments, the optical fiber is present in the plugWithin or immediately adjacent to the cannula. Optical fiber extending into a patient's nares and optically measuring SpO₂Respiratory rate, heart rate, and other physiological factors. In some embodiments, respiration is detected at the distal end of the optical fiber by detecting a change in reflectivity of the end of the optical fiber as moisture of the exhaled gas condenses onto the end of the optical fiber during patient exhalation.

In some embodiments, the NO generating device is for use with a smart watch. The smart watch provides a wearable remote user interface that facilitates user interaction with the NO device and/or oxygen concentrator when the NO device and concentrator are not readily accessible (e.g., NO generating device in a backpack). Patient physiological and activity data measured by the smart watch or entered by the user into the smart watch may be used to control NO and O₂And (6) treating. For example, when the smart watch detects an increase in user activity (e.g., increased heart rate, acceleration indicative of walking, etc.), the smart watch may communicate with the NO and O₂Devices communicating to increase NO and O, respectively₂The transport concentration of (1).

A similar connection may be made through a smart phone/tablet application. The larger display of the smartphone/tablet may provide additional information such as trend data, dashboard, steps, etc. The larger processor and increased connectivity of the smart phone or tablet may enhance treatment with more complex algorithms, cloud connectivity, remote assistance, and other features. The therapy, physiological and activity data may be stored on a remote device such as a smart watch, smart phone or tablet or on the NO generating device itself. In some embodiments, the web browser application has a dashboard for the user, including current treatment settings, device history, activity identification, trends, alarm history, remaining scrubber life, and other patient and treatment related information. The browser application may run on a PC, smart phone, tablet, smart phone, or other capable device. Information for a web browser application may be communicated directly with the device to run the application, or may be delivered by indirect means such as a cellular network, the internet, or the cloud.

In some embodiments, the NO generation system provides one or more of the following features through the cloud: service information, device usage data, patient physiological data, device performance data, patient activity data, and/or data from other connected devices. In some embodiments, the cloud is used to provide services, such as: analysis, product upgrade, centralized algorithms, product improvement, and/or AI/data mining. The NO generation and delivery device may also be connected to social networking technology. In some embodiments, the devices and/or auxiliary devices may be used to add/delete members/roles, share information, share notifications, share alerts, share patient experience and treatment experiences, and/or make voice/video calls.

In some embodiments, the NO generation device supports both voice input and voice output. For example, the user may say "NO increase" to increase the NO dosing or "NO stop" to stop the treatment. The device may also alert the user with an audible prompt regarding an alarm condition, such as "change purifier cartridge" for "20 minutes remaining in battery".

In one embodiment, the NO generating device has a learning mode when a user starts using the device. During the learning mode, the NO generation device may automatically change therapy parameters such as NO concentration, NO pulse duration, and NO pulse time limit to be based on SpO₂Respiratory rate, heart rate, etc., characterize the physiological response of the patient to optimize the dosage delivered. In some embodiments, the NO generating device may sense the patient's work and increase NO output accordingly.

In some embodiments, the NO generation device and/or ancillary components thereof may detect strain in the patient and provide an alert. In some embodiments, the work is detected based on accelerometer data. In some embodiments, the work is measured by heart rate. In some embodiments, the work is determined by respiration rate. In some embodiments, the work is by SpO₂Measured horizontally. In some embodiments, the work is determined by a combination of one or more of the following: accelerometer measurements, heart rate, respiration rate, and/or SpO₂。

In some embodiments, the NO generating device has a training/evaluation/placebo mode. In this mode, the user interface, therapy mode and alarm are fully functional, except for turning off plasma activity. Patient parameters may be identified in a training pattern to assist in clinical assessment of patient behavior, patient physiological parameters, and device usage.

In some embodiments, the NO generating device supports a weaning mode. In some embodiments of the weaning mode, the NO level delivered to the patient automatically decreases over a set amount of time. In some embodiments, the delivered dosing is halved every 10 minutes until the dosing is before the device automatically stops treatment<1 ppm. The weaning mode can be interrupted at any time by the user or physician by direct or indirect (wireless, remote control) means without the patient responding well to the dosing decline rate. Weaning mode can also be done by user interaction whereby the device acts as a timer and reminds the user/physician to reduce dosing after a predetermined time setting. In some embodiments, weaning is fully automated whereby dosing is based on measured physiological parameters such as SpO₂Respiratory rate, heart rate, etc. In case the physiological parameter indicates that a new dosing setting cannot be tolerated, the system may automatically return to the previous dosing or to the dosing prior to the previous dosing. In another weaning form, the device doses a subset of breaths instead of reducing the NO concentration in each breath. In some embodiments, weaning comprises reducing the NO concentration and reducing the number of breaths dosed in a given amount of time.

NO generation control

NO generation and therapy control may be achieved in a variety of ways so that the plasma activity associated with the electrodes may be controlled to control the amount of NO generated in the product gas. In some embodiments, the plasma activity level may be determined by looking up a table based on a plurality of variables including, but not limited to, ambient pressure, plasma chamber pressureForce, O₂Concentration, O₂Flow rate, target NO level, SpO₂Level, air flow level, inspiratory pressure, nasal temperature. The pulsed plasma generation may be synchronized with patient breathing, but need not be synchronized with patient breathing for beneficial clinical effects. NO may be present in the lungs over multiple breaths due to its rather long half-life (in the order of minutes). The patient may not need to breath fresh NO into the lungs in each breath and the NO generating device may not need to generate NO for each breath. In some embodiments, the NO generation device may be run periodically at another or random frequency that is independent of the patient's breathing but still provides therapeutic benefit. For example, NO generation may be 5 seconds on and then 15 seconds off, and intentionally provide NO for every third or fourth or any number of breaths.

The NO device may operate in the following additional modes:

synchronous mode with O₂Delivering a synchronously delivered pulsed NO delivery.

Independent (O)₂Of) a mode with pulsed NO delivery synchronized with patient breathing

Constant mode with constant NO flow rate and concentration

Minute volume dosing pattern, where the dose delivered per breath is varied to achieve a target number of NO molecules per minute.

Minute volume dosing pattern, where if the dosing rate has exceeded the target rate for a trailing x value of seconds, then the breath is skipped.

Minute volume dosing, combination of dosing with per breath variation and skipped breaths.

Variable concentration mode, in which the pulse concentration is varied. In one embodiment, the concentration is varied based on the most recent dosing within a set period of time. In one embodiment, the concentration varies with patient activity. It should be noted that the concentration may vary in addition to other pulse parameters, such as pulse duration, flow rate, etc. In one embodiment, the pulse parameters and concentration are varied so that an average concentration can be delivered over time.

In some embodiments, the dosing regimen is based on one or more of the following parameters associated with the patient or environmental conditions: time of day, patient feedback, patient breathing rate range, and/or patient height/ideal weight. In some embodiments, dosing is prescribed as a certain number of moles of NO per healthy body weight per unit time (prescription (Rx) ═ μ g/kg/hr).

Given that the patient's breathing rate includes a fairly consistent frequency (e.g., 10 breaths/minute) and a consistent tidal volume (e.g., 500ml), an approximate target dosing/breath can be derived, expressed in μ g/breath or mol/breath (e.g., 8 μ g/breath). The number of moles of NO delivered in one pulse of product gas is the NO concentration (X), the volumetric flow rate of the product gasAnd pulse duration (at). It is in accordance withWhere N is the number of moles delivered in a pulse, X is the concentration of the NO-containing gas,the volumetric flow rate of the NO-containing gas, and Δ t the duration of the pulse. Note that ≈ I is used because pressure and temperature variation effects are assumed to be negligible.

Based on this understanding of dosing delivery, multiple dosing regimens are contemplated. In some embodiments, only the concentration (X) of the NO-containing gas is varied, while the concentration and volumetric flow rate are kept constant. This approach provides the benefits of simplicity and noise level (constant gas flow rate) since only the plasma activity needs to be changed. In some embodiments, only the volumetric flow rate is changed during the pulseWhile the concentration and duration remain fixed. In some embodiments, only the pulse duration (Δ t) is changed, while the volumetric flow rate and concentration remain fixed. If more than one variable changes at a time, additional combinations exist. For example, in some embodiments, both the concentration and the volumetric flow rate may be varied to deliver a desired dosing in a set amount of time. In some embodiments, the concentration is kept constant, and the volumetric flow rate and pulse duration are varied to dose the breath. In some embodiments, the volumetric flow rate is kept constant (constant pump speed), and the concentration and pulse length are varied. In another embodiment, all three variables are varied so that the dosing is administered to the patient for respiration. One advantage of varying all three variables is that optimal dosing control varies with patient activity level and respiratory rate. For example, when the patient is asleep, the breathing is long and little. The NO generation and delivery system may undergo long pulses to generate low concentrations of NO for dosing long breaths. Conversely, when the patient is active and their breath is short, the NO generation and delivery system may increase the concentration and shorten the pulse duration to ensure that dosing is delivered during inspiration. It should be noted that short pulses may require high flow rates and high NO concentrations, which may be uncomfortable for the patient and cause faster NO₂And (4) forming.

The pulsed dosing time period may be any time during or before the inspiratory event. Pulsing at or before the inspiratory time typically requires a predictive algorithm that calculates when the next breath will occur based on the time limit of a series of previous breaths. The pulsed dosing that occurs after the start of inspiration can be based on actual breath detection. The duration of the pulse may vary from tens of milliseconds to the entire duration of inspiration. In one embodiment, the duration of the inspiratory pulse is targeted to be half the inspiratory duration. In one embodiment, the duration of inspiration is based on the duration of the last several breaths. In one embodiment, the duration of the inspiratory pulse is a set unit of time, such as 1/2 seconds. In another embodiment, the NO generation and delivery system targets dosing for a portion of the breath (e.g., 1/2), but has an upper time limit.Dosing at or before the time of inhalation may introduce NO-containing gas into the patient before the start of gas flow. In this case, the NO-containing gas may leave the nose and enter the ambient air. Similarly, pulses with high flow rates (as is often the case with brief pulses) can exceed the inspiratory flow rate, whereby NO is lost to the ambient. In one embodiment, the NO generation system starts a long NO pulse and delivers the pulse after inhalation detection until the end of inhalation is approached at a flow rate well below the inhalation flow rate, thereby ensuring that the delivered NO enters the patient. One benefit of a long pulse regimen utilizing a NO generation and delivery system is that for a given dosing/respiratory prescription, the NO concentration level is lower within the pulse, thereby reducing NO₂And (4) forming.

In some embodiments, the NO delivery pulse begins 50 milliseconds after inhalation detection and lasts 200 milliseconds. In some embodiments, the NO delivery pulse lasts for the duration of inspiration.

The dosing prescription may be provided to the NO generation and delivery device by a number of means including, but not limited to: the user (care provider) enters prescription information, reads the prescription information from the indicia, and sends the prescription information to the device. The prescription may be generated based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to: patient gender, patient height, patient ideal weight, patient current weight, estimate of tidal volume, actual measured tidal volume, patient tolerance to nasal cannula flow rate and dosing/delivery parameters that affect pulse shape.

In some embodiments, the amount of NO generated may be determined based on a prescription of medical personnel (including a physician). This may allow for less human error in NO dosing and/or improved quality control. The prescription may provide for dosing/delivery methods. There are many prescription expressions, including but not limited to being based on time of day, patient feedback, breathing rate range, and patient height/weight. There are many ways in which prescriptions may be provided to the device, including but not limited to a user (e.g., a care provider) entering prescription information, reading the prescription information from the indicia and sending the prescription information to the device.

The device may alarm when the respiration rate and/or flow rate is outside of the supported range. In one embodiment, the device uses an automated/(breathing) asynchronous delivery mode. The asynchronous breathing mode may continue for a set amount of time, or until a breath is detected, or until a breath returns to a supported range. In the event that the respiration rate and/or flow rate remains out of range after the initial timeout period, one embodiment of the system escalates the alert level.

In some clinical conditions where a very short pulse of NO-containing gas is intended to be delivered to the patient and/or the patient is located very far from the NO generating device, the NO generating device may segment the pulsed dosing of the NO-containing gas in the delivery tube between the device and the patient prior to delivery. In one embodiment, the NO generator generates a volume of NO-containing gas and travels the volume of gas to a volume of space between the device and the patient, but not all the way to the patient. The volume of the space may be, for example, a reservoir or the cannula tube itself in the system. In one embodiment, a 7 foot long cannula with an internal volume of 24ml is used. Upon detecting an inhalation event, the NO generator pushes the volume of NO-containing gas through the remaining distance into the patient's nose. The actual time period for the delivery of the NO pulse may relate to other physiological and non-physiological events, such as the end of expiration, the amount of time after the last breath, or the average breath time of the last "n" breaths. The scrubbing of the NO-containing gas can be performed in the NO generation apparatus and/or anywhere along the length of the delivery tube, including the tube itself and in close proximity to the patient. To slow the respiration rate, the NO generation and delivery system may generate and segment the NO-pulse into the delivery tube as late as possible to cause NO in the product gas₂The level is minimized. This is done by starting the generation of the NO delivery pulse at a certain moment so that it will be segmented within the tube before inspiration based on the previous respiratory event time limit. In one embodiment, the NO generating device is operated to complete a NO pulse segment coincident with the end of patient exhalation. The delivery of the segmented volume to the patient may be increased byPump speed and/or release of pressure from a pressure source. In one embodiment, the pressurized gas reservoir is released by opening a proportional valve to push the volume of NO-containing gas to the patient at the appropriate time. In one embodiment, the release of the volume of NO-containing gas is based on a time period of prior breaths for intended delivery. In another embodiment, the release of the NO-containing gas is delivered in response to an event, such as the detection of inhalation or the end of exhalation.

In some embodiments, the NO generation apparatus generates an ongoing pulse train of pulses of NO-containing gas and non-NO-containing gas. The transit time between the device and the patient is generally known so that the NO-containing pulse arrives at the patient's nose in synchronism with the inspiratory event. non-NO containing pulses flush the tube between breaths for continuous movement of NO containing gas, reducing down time, which may increase NO₂Is performed. The pulse train may be adjusted in response to changes in the patient's respiration rate and activity level by changing the flow rate of the pulse train, the width of each pulse, and the concentration of NO in each pulse. In some embodiments, the pump flow rate is generally constant in the presence of a constant inspiratory activity, and only the plasma parameters are varied to control the NO concentration. In some embodiments, the pump flow rate is varied by breathing on a regular basis.

A plurality of therapy inputs may be used to control the functions of the device. In some embodiments, the level of NO production is set by the user within limits set by the physician. In some embodiments, the user does not control the dosage administration level. In some embodiments, the system may automatically increase NO generation based on an indication of increased patient activity from the sensor measurements. Examples may include an accelerometer in the NO generator that can sense increased user activity, measure SPO in a patient, and a respiration sensor₂Horizontal, receiving from O₂A respiration trigger signal of the device is delivered and a respiration sensor may detect an increase in respiration rate indicative of an increase in activity.

Various methods may be used alone or in combination to detect breathing, such as strain sensors on the patient's skin, microphones, pressure sensors in the NO delivery line, pressure sensors in a dedicated cavity from the device to the nose, temperature sensors under the nose, pressure sensors under the nose, flow sensors under the patient's nose, optical sensors in the air flow of the nose, accelerometers on the patient's chest, displacement sensors on the patient, strain sensors on the patient's chest, or other devices. In one embodiment, the microphone is placed on the neck of the patient. In some embodiments, the strain sensor is placed on the skin of the patient's torso. By detecting patient respiratory activity (e.g., respiration rate, depth of breath, shape of breathing pulse), the NO generation system can optimize NO delivery. The patient mounted sensor may be wired to the cannula or directly to the NO generator. In other embodiments, the sensors are wireless and communicate with the controller via Wi-Fi, bluetooth, infrared, RF, or some other means. In some embodiments, the pressure is measured in the lumen that delivers NO to the patient. In some embodiments, the algorithm ignores the pressure signal during the NO delivery pulse, thus monitoring the inspiratory event as the patient exhales. Fig. 47 depicts the detection of an inspiratory event as the measured cannula delta pressure increases in the NO delivery lumen. The pressure increase occurs when inspiration occurs (upper left). The bottom right graph shows the cannula delta pressure signal during NO delivery, with a large deviation in one direction and then in the opposite direction. In some embodiments, the inspiration detection is restarted after NO delivery. In some embodiments, inspiration detection is restarted after a variable delay added to NO delivery to prevent false positives. In some embodiments, the variable delay is a fraction of a breath period measured by a series or prior breaths. In some embodiments, the delay duration is 25% of the respiratory period. In some embodiments, inhalation detection does not begin again until the cannula delta pressure returns to a level equal to the level of the prior exhalation event for a set period of time, the pressure level being based on the level of the most recent breath. In some embodiments, the NO generating device operates in a continuous delivery mode such that the cannula delta pressure is primarily related to patient inspiratory activity. In some embodiments, NO delivery continues, and thus the system does not ignore artifacts caused by dosing delivery. Changes in pressure in the line are indicative of breathing. In one case, the pumping in the line may be at a constant rate, but the pressure changes caused by breathing may also be detected with a variable pump rate. In some embodiments, pump activity occurs at a different timing than inhalation detection to prevent pump activity from interfering with detection. In some embodiments, the concentrator may be used to dampen pressure waves from the pump and improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the NO line pressure measurement.

The breath detection signal may vary with patient anatomy, patient condition, patient activity (sleeping versus active), or other patient-related factors. Thus, the NO generation system may need to tune the breath detection algorithm for each individual patient. In some embodiments, the delta pressure threshold is adjusted for each patient as part of the device installation. The delta pressure threshold may be adjusted by the device based on patient activity, time of day (awake versus sleeping), installation in a charger (indicating more sedentary activity), or other factors that may affect inspiratory events.

The patient's breathing rate may vary with work. If the NO generation system delivers the same amount of NO per breath, a faster breath rate may result in excessive NO delivery. It should also be noted that the depth of breathing (i.e., tidal volume) may also vary and is generally independent of the breathing rate. For effective NO treatment, the NO concentration in the patient's lungs (bronchioles and/or alveoli and/or other parts of the lungs) should be at therapeutic levels on a regular basis (if not continuous) due to the fact that NO has a physiological effect that lasts for some time in the tissue and decreases according to the NO physiological half-life. In one embodiment, the NO generating system doses a subset of breaths, inspiratory dosing is determined using a combination of one or more of: respiration rate, tidal volume, physiological NO half-life, inhaled O₂Concentration, target dosing, recent historical dosing information, and/or NO oxidation rate. In another embodiment, NO is perSub-breath delivery, but pulse parameters are varied based on one or more of: respiration rate, estimated entrainment fraction, physiological NO half-life, NO oxidation state, and/or inhaled O₂To achieve a target NO concentration in the lung. In one embodiment, the amount of NO delivered/breath is adjusted based on the breath rate, such that the overall prescribed delivery rate is achieved by delivering discrete packets in each breath or a subset of breaths without calculating or compensating for the change in tidal volume. In one embodiment, the NO generation system delivers a consistent pulse for each pulse to be delivered and has a maximum number of breaths that dose/unit time. In another embodiment comprising a moving average based consistent dosing, if the number of breaths/unit time of dosing exceeds a threshold, the device stops NO delivery until the moving average falls below the threshold. In another embodiment, the pulse volume is consistent, but the NO concentration is varied to achieve the desired dosing. In another embodiment, the pulse duration is uniform, but one or more of the pulse flow rate and concentration are varied to achieve the desired dosing. In another embodiment, the pulse flow rate is uniform, but one or more of the pulse duration and concentration are varied to achieve the desired dosing. In another embodiment, the target delivery volume/breath is fixed based on assumed breathing parameters and a periodic "supplemental" pulse is used whose NO content changes to compensate for the actual measured breathing pattern.

Features may also be incorporated into the delivery device to detect respiration. In some embodiments, the wire travels up one tube of the nasal cannula and down the other tube. A small thermistor is present between the nostrils. One way to manufacture such a thermistor is to use a piece of polyester film on which aluminum is sputtered. Respiration is detected by observing the change in resistance of the thermistor, which indicates expiratory warming and inspiratory cooling. Two wires may run in one tube. In some embodiments, sensing may also be performed by attenuating a wire in the temperature sensing region. In some embodiments, the barb of the nasal cannula is metallic and electrically conductive such that it is part of a thermistor circuit. It works best when there are wires in both lumens and two barbs are connected to the controller. In some embodiments, a thermocouple may be provided under the nose. In some embodiments, the NO delivery device may include a cannula NO lumen that forks as it reaches the controller. One chamber is connected to the purifier and the other chamber is connected to the blind hole, with a pressure sensor for detecting breathing. In some embodiments, a NO delivery device is provided in which NO line pressure is sensed within the controller proximate the cannula connection point so that patient respiration can be sensed via pressure.

There are various techniques available for detecting respiration. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 48, the NO delivery device 670 may include a cannula having a NO lumen that bifurcates when it reaches the controller. One connected to the purifier 672 and the other to the blind hole, with a pressure sensor for detecting breathing. In some embodiments, the NO delivery device may sense NO line pressure within the controller near the point of cannula connection, such that patient breathing may be sensed via pressure. Breath detection may also be accomplished in conjunction with the use of an oxygen concentrator. With reception from O₂O of the source₂The NO delivery device of the T-joint of (1) is connected with the₂Sent to the patient (via the cannula) and has a pressure sensor in the controller at the bottom of the blind hole, as shown in fig. 48.

In some embodiments, the NO delivery device 680 can include O₂Input connection 682 and split O₂Output connection 684, as shown in FIG. 49. Between the two connections, the system senses pressure and/or flow to detect oxygen concentrator activity. In this embodiment, NO and O₂With separate output connections. May exist with combined NO and O₂A single outlet. In some embodiments, a NO delivery device 690 is provided that works with an oxygen concentrator that includes a mechanism, such as an RFID reader, to communicate with the NO delivery device, as shown in fig. 50.

NO levels can also be based onO₂The activity of the source. O is₂The source may be different, such as a cell based system or an oxygen concentrator. For example, the NO generation device may monitor O₂O in the delivery chamber₂Flow sum and O₂The flow rate increases the NO level in a linear proportion (or some other algorithm). In some embodiments, O from an oxygen concentrator₂May flow through the disposable part of the NO generating device where it is measured by a flow sensor. In some embodiments, O₂Flows through the reusable part of the NO generator, and O₂The flow sensor consists of a delta pressure sensor with a flow restriction, a hot wire anemometer, or other sensor intended to measure flow. In one embodiment, the system may have a channel to O₂Direct current or wireless connection of generator and receiving O₂A horizontal input is generated. In some embodiments, the NO generation system can measure cannulated O₂Strain in the pipeline to understand O₂The level and mode of delivery (pulsatility versus constant). In some embodiments, O₂Radial displacement of the pipeline may be sensed with an ultrasonic sensor to detect O₂Flow level and pattern. An oxygen tube, such as a nasal cannula, may be advanced into a slot in the side of the housing. In some embodiments, the line from the oxygen concentrator is inserted into a slit in the side of the housing. Pressure, strain, ultrasonic, force, displacement, microphone or optical sensors may be used to detect O₂Disturbances in the pipe wall. The magnitude of the disturbance can be enhanced by placing a small flow restriction (e.g., a bump) in the oxygen flow path to generate some back pressure behind the restriction. The wall strain/displacement/pressure sensor will detect O₂The flow activity of the source and enabling the NO generator to synchronize NO delivery with oxygen supply. One benefit of this scheme is O₂Pipeline from O₂The source extends continuously to the cannula or nasal tip without a connector. Another benefit is that the housing of the NO generating device does not require any openings that would allow fluid or other contaminants to enter the sealed housing. The slots may be horizontal or vertical and may be for oxygenMechanical support of the tube. The magnetically driven power connection may also be expanded to make the magnet larger and more efficient to increase substrate to generator retention.

Fig. 51 is an embodiment of a cross-section of a controller housing 700. The housing 700 may include O₂A delivery tube 702, such as a nasal cannula (shown in cross-sectional view). The housing 700 may also include various sensors 704 including, but not limited to, pressure sensors, acoustic sensors, displacement sensors, strain sensors, optical sensors, and/or ultrasonic sensors that may detect O₂The pressure/flow within the line varies. In one embodiment, with O₂An array of parallel coaxial lines surrounding the O₂The lines are spaced around and optical sensors sense the spacing of the lines to detect O₂And (4) pulse. And O₂The communication of the source device may be via a direct current connection, cellular, radio frequency, optical, acoustic, ultrasonic, or some other wireless means.

One challenge for NO generation and delivery systems may be to detect inspiration, NO generation, and NO delivery in real time. This is due to the time taken to detect inspiration, the time required to start NO flow and the transit time from the generator to the patient. Fig. 52 shows an embodiment of a portable NO generator that segments the NO volume in a nasal cannula 710 prior to inhalation. In this embodiment, the device produces NO during patient exhalation 712. When inhalation is detected, the device propels a pulse to the patient, cleaning the nasal cannula 714. The device then repeats the process by placing another volume of NO in the nasal cannula.

Environmental factors may also affect NO production. For example, the NO generating device may operate at high or low latitudes due to its ability to vary NO generation based on measurements of ambient pressure and or plasma chamber pressure.

In some embodiments, the NO generation apparatus includes an inlet filter purifier, an air pump, and an electrode assembly. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly may be sized to extend the life of the device, which may vary but may be up to 5 years in one embodiment. This can reduceThe complexity of the device is low and the user can be saved from changing the electrodes. In some embodiments, the electrodes may be part of a cartridge or separate component that requires periodic replacement. In some embodiments, an automotive type electrode assembly may be used. FIG. 53 shows an embodiment of a wearable NO generator 720 with an automotive type electrode assembly 722 that may also include an exhaust filter purifier, a pressure sensor, a battery, a housing, a docking station, and a device that may be used to measure O in plasma generated air₂A horizontal oxygen sensor.

The device may include features to prevent overheating. Because the mobile device can be placed in different locations, including at O₂On the generator cart or battery charger (e.g. placed at a 45 degree angle for stability and easy reading of the display), or worn by the patient, e.g. on a belt, in a bag or inside an outer cover, so the device may overheat. In some embodiments, air used to generate NO may be passed over the heat exchanger to cool the electronics. In one embodiment, the NO generator is located at the air inlet of the oxygen concentrator. In some embodiments, air used to generate NO may be passed over the heat exchanger to cool the electronics. In some embodiments, the housing of the NO generating device is made of a thermally conductive material, such as aluminum. The heat generating components may be dissipated from the housing and mounted to the housing such that heat is directed uniformly to the housing surface, thereby enabling heat to exit the system without raising the surface temperature of the controller housing beyond a safe level. In some embodiments, the charging current of the device is controlled such that additional heat caused by battery charging does not overheat the device. In some embodiments, the battery charging current is controlled by the internal housing temperature so that when heat is allowable, a faster charging current is used.

Many of the internal components of the NO generating device may be integrated into the device housing. For example, reacting reactant gas, product gas and O₂The headers sent through the apparatus may be integrated into the housing, thereby reducing apparatus volume, apparatus massAnd assembly time. In one embodiment, the open motor 730 is mounted directly to the NO generating device housing 734 to reduce the mass of having a separate motor housing (fig. 54). In one embodiment, housing 734 of the NO generation and delivery device also serves as a housing for pump component 732, which further reduces mass and volume.

Control circuit

In some embodiments, the electronics of the NO generation and delivery apparatus are divided into three groups, as shown in fig. 55: 1) no (gdn)740, 2) User Control and Monitoring (UCM)742, and 3) power control and monitor (PCW) 744. The NO generation and delivery circuit receives a therapy setting input from the UCM and a sensor input (e.g., O) associated with the therapy₂Flow rate). The GDN circuit controls the volumetric flow rate of the reactant gas via a pump rate and/or proportional valve and/or binary valve control. The GDN also controls plasma activity including one or more of plasma duration, energy, duty cycle, and frequency. For a given prescribed dosing, the GDN controls one or more of the volumetric flow rate, pulse duration, and NO concentration based on the prescribed dosing and patient respiratory parameters (inspiratory time limit, inspiratory duration, respiratory rate, detectability of respiration, etc.).

In some embodiments, a User Control and Monitoring (UCM) circuit 742, as shown in fig. 55, receives input from a user interface and controls various indicators on a display, as shown in fig. 56. The UCM742 also controls the alarm functions of the device and can generate alarm conditions and applicable audible prompts. Interaction with external devices such as accessory devices, the cloud, GSM networks, etc. is managed by UCM 742. A power control and monitor (PCW) circuit 744 controls battery charging and battery discharging to supply a constant voltage to other circuits. The PCW744 also contains monitor circuitry that monitors the UCM, PCW and GDN software to ensure proper function and the ability to cause a restart of any subsystem while the system is running. In one embodiment, the PCW includes a large capacitor that can drive a piezoelectric buzzer in the event of an overall system failure. In one embodiment, the UCM, GDN and PCW circuits are integrated into one printed circuit board, although other groupings are contemplated based on fitting them around other less flexible components in the housing. The connection to the circuit board is typically soldering rather than using a connector to minimize size and mass.

Fig. 57 depicts an electrical and pneumatic schematic 760 of a NO generation and delivery system. The electrical connections are indicated by dashed lines. The pneumatic connections are shown by solid lines. The components in the removable filter/purifier cartridge are located in a green rectangle. The plasma chamber is shown as an orange rectangle. Generation and delivery of no (gdn) circuitry 762 is used to manage therapy based on one or more sensed parameters, including: o is₂Flow rate, O₂Pressure, ambient absolute pressure, plasma chamber pressure, cannula type, breath detection from partial pressure sensor (top right), and/or reactant gas flow sensor. User Control and Monitoring (UCM) circuitry 764 receives user input from user interface 768, GDN762, and cannula interface 766. The UCM communicates with a communication module that manages GSM, RFID, Bluetooth, and/or WiFI connections. The incoming air is passed through a removable filter 770 before being passed through a filter 772 and a pump 774. The reservoir 776 pressure is controlled to a target pressure based on the reservoir pressure measurement. Air exits the reservoir through proportional valve 778. The proportional valve opening level is controlled to a target level based on feedback from the plasma chamber flow rate sensor. The product gas passes through a second filter and then travels through a disposable filter/purifier/filter 780 and a check valve 782. A partial pressure sensor 784 in the pneumatic pathway is used to detect patient inspiration. Oxygen flows through separate pneumatic pathways, protected at each end with filters 786, 788. Within the oxygen path, flow and pressure are sensed and, in some embodiments, used as inputs into the NO pulse time period. O is₂And NO exits the system and enters a cannula or other type of tube to deliver gas to the patient on the right side of the figure.

Fig. 58 shows an embodiment of the NO and delivery device with a cassette valve manifold. Ambient air is drawn through the filter 790 and the pump 792, as shown in the top left of the figure. The pump 792 boosts pressure in the pneumatic path and may be modulated based on pressure sensor measurements downstream of the pump. One or more binary valve 794 arrays release fluid from the pump in various amounts (depending on how many valves are opened). The valve position is controlled by the no (gdn) circuit 796 based on the generation and delivery of one or more of a plurality of potential therapy algorithms. Beyond the valve, the air travels through the plasma chamber 798, filter and filter/purifier cartridge 800, then exits the equipment enclosure through the filter and enters the cannula.

It is possible that while at home and using a pipeline such as a 50 foot (15m) pipeline to receive O₂At this time, the user is connected to a stationary oxygen concentrator. The transit time of NO in the 50' line may be long enough that unsafe levels of NO are formed₂. In some embodiments, a line, such as a 50' line, may have a proprietary connector with NO on the patient end₂Purifiers for removing NO close to the patient₂. The proprietary connection may include custom threads, RFID, bar code, or other structures.

The therapy settings, alarm limits, and therapy limits may all vary and may be set, for example, by a physician. The setup can be done in a number of ways including, but not limited to, by using a remote device (e.g., a cell phone), an embedded user interface, or by turning a screw/handle or other mechanism connected to a potentiometer.

NO recirculation

In some embodiments of the inhaled nitric oxide therapy system, the pneumatic pathway directs gas in a single direction from the NO source (i.e., the tank or generating unit) to the point where the NO-rich gas is injected into the fluid in the inspiratory circuit (fig. 59).

In some embodiments, recirculation of gas between the NO source 810 and the injection point 812 may be achieved (fig. 59). This can be used for all types of NO generation systems described herein, including mobile systems and acute applications, e.g. using remote NO injectors.

Nitric oxide reacts with oxygen at standard temperature and pressure to form nitrogen dioxide (NO)₂)。NO₂Is a toxic pollutant to which human exposure should be limited. Oxidation of NOAt a rate of NO₂The rate of formation of (a). The reaction rate increases when the concentration of NO is higher or the concentration of oxygen is higher. The reaction is not very temperature sensitive around standard temperature and pressure. During inhaled NO therapy, it is necessary to keep the inhaled NO concentration constant while minimally diluting the inhaled air stream. Therefore, the NO source is typically at a reasonably high concentration (-500 to 1000 ppm). If the NO source is a compressed gas tank and the balance gas is an inert material such as nitrogen, a substantial amount of NO is formed only in the inspiratory circuit after the NO-rich gas is mixed with the inspiratory flow in the correct proportion to achieve the desired dosing concentration₂。

In some embodiments, an electric arc is used to generate nitric oxide from ambient air. Nitric Oxide (NO) is present at concentrations on the order of 50-5000ppm, depending on the desired dosing and inspiratory flow. However, the remaining oxygen and nitrogen remained almost unchanged from atmospheric concentrations (about 21% and 78%, respectively). Therefore, NO₂Is formed by the momentary NO generated in the arc. Such NO₂Some of which may be chemically removed after the electrical NO generator, before the NO-rich gas is mixed into the inspiratory flow.

NO-rich, O-rich depending on the detailed design of the pneumatic circuit and the inspiratory flow rate and the details of NO therapy₂In the chemical removal of NO from the gas₂The residence time in the volume after but before injection may be excessive. Excessive residence time results in more NO₂And (4) forming.

In some embodiments, there is a recirculation loop for the NO-rich gas. The gas is constantly circulating and only a portion is diverted to the suction branch. The recirculation limits the residence time and thus the NO can be limited₂And (4) forming. In addition, the gas returning to the NO source may be "rewashed" to limit NO₂To (3) is performed.

FIG. 60 shows an embodiment of a recirculation loop 820 for continuous removal of NO from stored NO containing gas using a scrubber 822₂. The valve opens to inject the NO containing gas as directed by the NO generator. In some embodiments, the valve opens the patient for inspiration.

Fig. 61 shows an embodiment of a system in which recirculated gas flows back through the NO generator 830. This is acceptable because only a portion of N₂And O₂Converted to NO in the plasma chamber. Thus additional NO can be generated from the same air.

The flow of NO-rich gas can be directed to the suction branch by closing the injection valve on the return branch, otherwise the NO-rich gas is continuously recirculated in the circuit. In some embodiments, a portion of the gas in the recirculation loop exits the loop and flows through a gas analysis sensor in the system to monitor NO, NO in the product gas₂And O₂One or more of the levels. In some embodiments, the sample gas is drawn from the return branch of the recirculation circuit. In some embodiments, the product gas is sampled after the scrubber.

Wearable property

Fig. 62 shows different ways in which the system can be worn. The outer surface may have a plurality of shapes. In some embodiments, the outer shape may have a concave curve to be comfortable when worn on the band 840 or shoulder strap 850. The housing may include mounting points for attachment of shoulder straps. In one embodiment, the device 860 may be mounted to the O by means of a concave shape of the device₂Generators 862 or O₂On the grooves 864. In some embodiments, the apparatus is installed in a backpack 870 with an oxygen concentrator (fig. 63). Gas flows from the oxygen concentrator to the NO generation device and then to the patient. In one embodiment, the cannula connection comprises a single dual lumen connector. In another embodiment, the cannula connection includes two separate single lumen connectors.

Fig. 46 also shows a body worn sensor 661. The NO generation system may include one or more sensors to monitor patient conditions and vital signals. Examples of body-worn sensors include sensors that measure motion (e.g., linear or angular displacement, velocity, acceleration, reflection), EKG, body temperature, heart rate, heart sounds, respiration rate, SpO₂Blood pressure, CO₂And other physiologyAnd (4) parameters. The body worn sensor communicates with the NO generating device or remote device by wireless and/or wired means and may serve as an input for therapy control, alarm system or data logging.

Security feature

Various security features may be incorporated into the NO generation device. In one embodiment, the safety feature may be used when the device is idle for a period of time, as NO in the delivery line may become NO₂. The tube may be freed of NO prior to reuse₂Rather than pumping NO to the patient. For example, the NO transfer pump may be run in reverse to deliver NO₂Out of the patient and into the purifier. The pump may be run for a certain amount of time or a certain number of pump revolutions, which may be related to the volume of the NO delivery line. In one embodiment, the duration of the pump purging event is dependent on the length of the cannula it enters or is read by the controller. In NO₂After having been removed from the tube, the pump may return to the forward flow and plasma generation may begin. In one embodiment, the system can prevent the presence of NO in the NO delivery line when NO therapy is being administered. The pump may be run for a period of time after plasma generation is stopped, thereby purging the NO delivery line with air and pushing all of the NO away from the patient. In another scenario, the line may be blown out, or purged of all gases before starting the treatment.

In one embodiment, the product gas is analyzed with one or more gas sensors prior to exiting the NO generating device and entering the cannula. For example, these effluent gases may be analyzed for NO, NO₂And O₂And (4) content. In another embodiment, a dedicated lumen in the cannula is used to push the product gas sample from the delivery lumen to the gas analysis sensor for analysis.

It is important for the NO generating device to know that the reactant gas flow is generated by the plasma reservoir. In one embodiment, the NO generation apparatus uses one or more of the following means to ensure reactant gas flow: a sensor for sensing pump motor current, an encoder related to operation of the pump and/or motor, a flow sensor (which senses reactant gas flow in the reactant gas flow path), one or more pressure sensors (which are in the plasma chamber or in flow communication with the reactant gas flow), a thermistor in the reactant gas flow, and/or a hot wire anemometer in the reactant gas flow.

One problem that can occur with cannula-based NO delivery is kinking of the delivery line, which potentially slows or stops NO delivery to the patient. In some embodiments, the system may detect kinked tubing using indicators of one or more of the following: NO line pressure, O₂Line pressure, NO pump current, NO line flow, O₂Line flow, respiratory signal fidelity, and plasma activity (suppressed by high voltage).

Another problem that may occur with mobile NO-generating devices delivered through a cannula is mouth breathing. Conversation and snoring can also present respiratory conditions similar to mouth breathing. When a nasal cannula is worn, patients breathing through their mouths do not receive the same dosing as when they are breathing through their nose. In some embodiments, the NO generation and delivery system may detect incomplete nasal and/or mouth breathing and may respond by increasing NO delivery to administer and/or alert the user. If the system is capable of delivering NO to the patient (normal pump current, normal NO flow), but if the system is not capable of detecting breathing at the nose, the patient may be breathing through their mouth.

Other security features may also be included in the mobile NO generating device. The user may forget to replace the NO at the right time₂A purifier part. In some embodiments, the device may prompt the user to replace the purifier when the user unplugs the device from the charger in the morning. In some embodiments, the mobile device may include a built-in accelerometer to detect patient activity. In some embodiments, the mobile device may include structure for detecting patient work and providing alerts. The alert may be based on different measurements and data, including accelerometer data and/or respiration rate.

In one embodiment, the NO generation and delivery system may provide feedback to the userAnd/or involving O₂Delivery of therapeutic O₂A delivery system. For example, in one embodiment, the O passing through the NO delivery system is measured₂The flow rate of (c). At O₂In the event that the pulse does not coincide with the patient's breathing or does not occur at all, the NO generation system may generate an alert to the user. In one embodiment, the NO generation and delivery system is provided for O₂A breath detection signal of the delivery system.

In one embodiment, the NO generation system may alert a user if there is evidence that the current NO dosing level is incorrect. E.g. low SpO₂A level or high heart rate may indicate that the patient does not receive sufficient NO. In this case, the device may alert the user. In one embodiment, the NO dosing level is automatically changed within reasonable limits to see if the adjustment of the NO dosing can improve the physiological parameters.

In some embodiments, the NO generation and delivery device varies the dosing level over time based on the patient's physiological response to NO. In some embodiments, a high NO dosing is delivered to the patient during an initial time to expand the patient's lung volume, followed by a lower NO dosing to maintain lung volume expansion.

In some embodiments, portable NO generating device 880 may be controlled such that it may be used only with another therapy, including but not limited to left ventricular assist device 882(LVAD), as shown in fig. 64. This feature may be used to ensure proper use from a regulatory standpoint, and may also help ensure compliance in clinical trials to ensure multiple treatments are used together. The NO generating device may be configured to determine that compatible therapy is present in a variety of ways. In some embodiments, wireless communication between the NO generation device and the supplemental device may be accomplished using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared, or other communication techniques. This may also allow active communication between the devices to share treatment information and ensure that both devices are operational. In some embodiments, the NO generating device may include functionality to scan the indicia on the supplemental device prior to operation. In some embodiments, an RFID chip may be placed on the supplemental device such that the NO generating device may sense the RFID chip. In some embodiments, the RFID chip may be placed in a supplemental device such that the NO generating device may sense the RFID chip.

Fig. 65 shows an exemplary embodiment of a workflow for ensuring that a portable NO device is used correctly with another treatment. In some embodiments, a registry may be maintained that includes information including, but not limited to, the device, device-related data, number of patients treated, and current status. In use, to ensure proper use of the portable NO generating device (which can only be used with another treatment), a physician (who is primarily responsible for registering patients undergoing NO treatment) can communicate with the central repository of information to instruct the execution of the relevant devices for review and/or registration (step 890). This may ensure that one or more of the following conditions are met:

the patient is the authorized user of the treatment and the physician wishes to start NO treatment. For example in case a portable NO device is used with LVAD, this may be based on hemodynamic data, which demonstrates a continuous increase of Pulmonary Vascular Resistance (PVR), even with LVAD settings (LVAD-ePVR).

Multiple (e.g. two) portable NO devices (e.g. primary and backup) with Unique Device Identifiers (UDIs) are available for the medical facility.

UDI that can make use of the LVAD of the patient.

If necessary, the legal limits for patients treated with portable NO devices in a particular year (e.g. 8000 patients) have not been reached.

If all required conditions are met, the physician may register the UDI of the portable NO device and LVAD and one or more patient identifiers and have HIPAA compliant measures to protect privacy. The physician may generate an electronic prescription for the patient that is sent to the pharmacy. Prescription indicia for the portable NO device may be generated under certain conditions, including but not limited to a valid prescription being generated by a physician, and data relating to the device being available (step 892).

A physician or other medical personnel, such as a respiratory therapist, may train the patient on the portable NO device and may activate the device for the first time (step 894). In some embodiments, the portable NO device prompts for valid prescription indicia and reads the prescription indicia looking for a valid due date and clinical indication, which must be LVAD associated with elevated PVR. The portable NO device reads device related data (UDI for the device). If the required information is valid, the device is activated and treatment can begin. If any element of the required information is not met, the device issues an alarm and treatment cannot begin. If any element of the required prescription information becomes invalid during treatment (e.g., the prescription due date has expired), the device will sound an alarm and treatment will terminate. Once treatment has ceased for any reason, the physician may stop the treatment and release the portable NO device for a new patient (step 896).

In use, initiation of treatment with a stand-alone, flowing NO generator may comprise the steps of: ensure that the controller battery is fully charged, and remove a new cartridge from the vacuum sealed package. The cassette is installed into the controller by orienting it with the nasal cannula and the flat side toward the user display. The cartridge is depressed into the controller until the user feels a tactile and/or audible "click". The nasal cannula is connected to a connector at the top of the cassette and the controller is turned on. It will be appreciated that the cannula and the cassette may also be integral. The controller may go through a start-up procedure and a cartridge check. The controller user display may issue an alert if the cartridge is used or expired. Upon successful completion of the start-up and cartridge check, all indicators on the user interface may be green, and the device may automatically start delivering NO.

In use, initiation of treatment with the NO generation system and the oxygen concentrator may comprise the steps of: ensure that the controller battery is fully charged, and remove a new cartridge from the vacuum sealed package. The cassette is installed into the controller by orienting it with the nasal cannula and the flat side toward the user display. The cartridge is depressed into the controller until the user feels a tactile and/or audible "click". A method of selecting and installing said NO generating device. For example, the controller may be connected to an oxygen cylinder or oxygen generator, and the NO generating device may be worn on a belt or shoulder strap. The oxygen side of the double lumen cannula is connected to an oxygen source and the oxygen tube is pressed into the oxygen tube recess of the housing of the NO device until it is fully seated therein. The NO side of the dual lumen cannula is connected to the output of the NO generator. The cannula prongs are placed in the patient's nose and the left and right tubes are extended around the respective ears. Any excess cannula tubing is wound and secured with an attachment to the NO generator. The oxygen concentrator is started and its setting is adjusted to the desired output. Activating the NO generating device, and selecting a NO delivery setting (e.g., synchronous, asynchronous, or constant NO delivery). The desired NO output (ppm) and flow rate are also selected.

In some embodiments, a square lithium ion battery pack is used to enable compact packaging of the device.

In some embodiments, the mobile NO generating device is designed to automatically increase NO production by detecting activity within predetermined programmed limits. +/-buttons may be used to adjust NO dosing within predetermined programmed limits. The "increase" button may be used for a brief NO bolus. The disposable cartridge is identified with a proprietary memory device. In one embodiment, one or more of the following parameters are input to the disposable component memory device: cannula length, cannula inner diameter, cannula volume, patient height, desired weight, and/or current weight. The system will not work without a cassette from the OEM.

All patents, patent applications, and published references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art.

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