Gas delivery, evacuation and respiratory monitoring system and method

Abstract

A gas delivery, evacuation and respiratory monitoring system comprising a face mask having a fresh gas inflow passage member, an exhaust-gas outflow passage member and a gas sampling outflow passage member is adapted to be coupled to a fresh gas source, an exhaust-gas scavenging system, and a carbon-dioxide monitoring device, also known as a capnograph, respectively. The face mask is characterized in part by a dome portion affixed to a continuous side wall portion which dome portion may be adapted for azimuth rotation thereon.

1 . A face mask for use in a gas delivery, evacuation and respiratory monitoring system wherein said system allows a user to deliver at least one gas and scavenge the exhausted gasses as well as monitor the exhausted gases in a safe and efficient manner, said face mask comprising: 
 a face recipient portion adapted to fit over at least the nose and mouth area of a person's face, said face recipient portion being characterized by a continuous side wall portion and a dome portion supported by said continuous side wall portion, said dome portion forming a closed portion of said face mask defining a recess therein adapted to receive at least the nose portion of a person's face, and    wherein said dome portion includes a first passage member for coupling to a carbon-dioxide monitoring device, and a second passage member for coupling to a source of fresh gas.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said dome portion is affixed to said continuous side wall portion for azimuth rotation thereon, the rotation of said dome portion allowing the first and second passage members to be directed in any azimuthal direction.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said face mask further includes a third passage member for coupling to an exhaust-gas scavenger.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein said third passage member also is located on said dome portion.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said continuous side wall portion includes a portion adapted to engage the chin of a person.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of said continuous side wall portion includes a resilient sealing member.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said face recipient portion further includes a strap for holding the mask in place on a person.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said face mask further includes a one-way valve to permit the passage of a gas into the mask from the surrounding atmosphere while preventing the gas from within the mask moving into the surrounding atmosphere.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said one-way valve is located on said dome portion.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said first passage member is located on said dome portion such that said first passage member lies proximal to the nose area of a person when said mask is fitted onto a person's face.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said carbon-dioxide monitor is a capnograph.  
   
   
       12 . The method of using a gas delivery, evacuation and respiratory monitoring system on a patient for allowing the system to deliver at least one gas and scavenge the exhausted gasses as well as monitor the exhausted gases in a safe and efficient manner, comprising the following steps: 
 (a) providing a face mask comprising a face recipient portion adapted to fit over at least the nose and mouth area of a patient's face, said face recipient portion being characterized by a continuous side wall portion and a dome portion supported by said continuous side wall portion, said dome portion forming a closed portion of said face mask defining a recess therein adapted to receive at least the nose portion of a patient's face, said dome portion including a first passage member for coupling to an exhaust-gas sampling tube attachable to a carbon-dioxide monitoring device, a second passage member for coupling to a source of fresh gas, and a third passage member for coupling to an exhaust-gas scavenger;    (b) snugly fitting said face mask on said patient's face;    (c) providing a fresh gas source, a carbon-dioxide monitor and an exhaust-gas scavenger; and    (d) coupling said first passage member, said second passage member and said third passage member to said carbon-dioxide monitor, said fresh gas supply, and said exhaust-gas scavenger, respectively, whereby said system delivers at least one gas to said patient and scavenges the exhausted gasses as well as monitors the exhausted gases in a safe and efficient manner.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said first passage member is located on the face recipient portion of said face mask adapted to fit over said at least nose area of said patient's face and said step (b) of snugly fitting said face mask on said patient's face includes the step of positioning said face mask on said patient's face such that said first passage member is proximal to said patient's nose.