System, Method and Device for Aiding in the Diagnosis of Respiratory Dysfunction

Abstract

A system and method for aiding in the diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction is described. More particularly, a system and method for aiding in the diagnosis of one or more pulmonary embolisms is described. The system and method described herein include a plurality of sensors, a thermal control system, and a controller coupled to the plurality of sensors and the thermal control system for aiding in the diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for aiding in the diagnosis of a respiratory dysfunction comprising:
 a plurality of sensors adapted for detecting a plurality of parameters related to the content and flow of a patient's exhaled air;   a control system adapted for measuring the temperature of inhaled air and exhaled air; and,   a controller means coupled to the plurality of sensors.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller means is coupled to the plurality of sensors and the control system is adapted for receiving data related to the content and flow of a patient's exhaled air and data related to the temperature of inhaled and exhaled air, the controller means further adapted for determining a concentration ratio of oxygen to carbon dioxide in the exhaled air based at least in part upon the temperature of the inhaled air and exhaled air. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sensors includes a flow sensor, an oxygen sensor and a carbon dioxide sensor. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the oxygen sensor and the carbon dioxide sensor are optical sensors. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a pulse meter coupled to the controller means for determining a user's heart rate. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the thermal control system includes at least one means for measuring a temperature and a heating element for varying a measured temperature. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for occluding the transmission of light through a passage having a first portion defining a first diameter and a second portion defining a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter, the apparatus comprising:
 a body portion defining a leading edge and a trailing edge, the body portion defining a diameter that is less than the second diameter and greater than the first diameter such that air may pass along the leading edge and into the second portion of the passage.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the first portion is an airway. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the second portion is one of an inlet adapter or an outlet adapter. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the passage defines a longitudinal axis and further wherein the body portion is disposable symmetrically about the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the leading edge and the trailing edge are shaped for laminarizing an air stream. 
     
     
         12 . A control system for use in a device usable in the diagnosis of respiratory dysfunction, the thermal control system comprising:
 a heating element at a predetermined minimum temperature sufficient to prevent condensation of water vapor in exhaled breath;   at least one thermometer disposed within the device for determining a temperature of the air passing through the device; and,   controller means coupled to the heating means and the thermometer.   
     
     
         13 . The control system of  claim 12 , wherein a first thermometer is provided for controlling temperature. 
     
     
         14 . The control system of  claim 13 , wherein a second thermometer is provided for correction of one or more sensors. 
     
     
         15 . The control system of  claim 12 , wherein the heating means comprises a resistive heating element coupled to a power source. 
     
     
         16 . The control system of  claim 12 , wherein the controller means is configured to maintain the heating element at a temperature in the range of thirty-three and forty-three degrees Celsius. 
     
     
         17 . The control system of  claim 12 , wherein the controller means is configured to maintain the heating element at a temperature of approximately thirty-eight degrees Celsius. 
     
     
         18 . The control system of  claim 12 , wherein the controller means is configured to maintain the heating element at a predetermined minimum temperature sufficient to prevent condensation of water vapor in exhaled breath.