GB2570484A

GB2570484A - Medical gas supply system

Info

Publication number: GB2570484A
Application number: GB1801329.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Baus Matthis; Drott Kenth; Geoffrey Peter
Original assignee: Linde GmbH
Current assignee: Linde GmbH
Priority date: 2018-01-26
Filing date: 2018-01-26
Publication date: 2019-07-31
Also published as: GB201801329D0; WO2019145120A1

Abstract

A medical gas supply system 1 for supplying a medical gas to a patient comprises a plurality of gas conduits 20 fluidly connected to a first medical gas source 2 and each having a gas outlet 22. It further comprises a plurality of sensors 3, each in fluid communication with a respective gas outlet and configured to detect a gas characteristic within the gas conduit at the outlet. A control unit 4 receives and processes information related to the gas characteristic. The system further comprises a second medical gas source 5 connected to at least one of the gas conduits via a first control valve 50 in communication with the control unit. The control unit actuates the first control valve based on the received information. Communication devices (6, fig. 2) can be used to communicate with the control unit, transmitting the information on the gas characteristic via wireless communication. This system is used to supply gas to a patient by providing a gas flow from a gas source to the outlets, detecting the characteristic of the gas within the conduits at the outlet, communicating this information to the control unit, then actuating the first valve based on the received information.

Description

Medical gas supply system

Technical Field

The invention relates to a medical gas supply system and a method for supplying a medical gas to a patient, preferably providing a backup and/or monitoring system to ensure a continuous and safe medical gas supply to a patient.

Technological Background

In hospitals, it is known to supply medical gases by means of a centralized gas supply system to patients, wherein a centralized gas tank and/or a centralized cylinder set is connected to a pipeline system which is integrated in the one or more buildings of the hospital. The pipeline system is connected to a plurality of wall outlets which are located on different wards of the hospital. The wall outlets are typically situated in all treatment rooms, surgical theaters and also in many patient rooms. Thus, gas can be supplied by the centralized gas supply system from the central gas tank to the wall outlets via the pipelines. This enables provision of a medical gas directly to each ward, room and/or patient from the central gas tank.

However, in case of a malfunction, e.g. a leak in at least one of the gas conduits, the source of said malfunction is often not readily detectible as the conduit system generally encompasses a large area and is mostly not within direct sight. Accordingly, in case of a malfunction, e.g. a pressure drop somewhere in the system, it is normally required that the entire gas supply is stopped, thereby resulting in a pause of a medical gas application or treatment of a plurality of patients.

Furthermore, although a coupling of a replacement gas cylinder may remedy a medical gas supply deficit, this requires a manual operation, which may range from several minutes to several hours while a lack of a replacement gas cylinder may result in a total outage until a replacement order is delivered. In addition, the replacement of a gas cylinder only provides a solution for a medical gas supply deficit. Other occurring problems such as a leak or valve malfunction in the system are not solved by replacing the gas cylinder. In the absence of any immediate repair, such problems hence cause a downtime of the medical gas supply, resulting in a safety hazard for the patient to be treatment.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device and a method for supplying a medical gas to a patient that reduces the above problems.

In a first aspect, a medical gas supply system is suggested for supplying a medical gas to a patient, which comprises a plurality of gas conduits fluidly connected to at least a first medical gas source and each having a gas outlet, wherein the system comprises a plurality of sensors, each in fluid communication with a respective gas outlet and configured to detect at least one gas characteristic within the gas conduit at the respective outlet, and a control unit, which is in communication with the plurality of sensors to receive and process an information related to the at least one gas characteristic. Furthermore, the system comprises at least a second medical gas source connected to at least one of the gas conduits via a first control valve in communication with the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to actuate the first control valve based on the received information.

The at least one first medical gas source and/or second medical gas source may be provided as a pressurized gas cylinder or a pressurized gas cylinder arrangement, wherein the respective gas cylinders may be provided as a stationary object, e.g., in the form of a large, non-portable, securely fixed, and/or integrated gas cylinder or tank. However, the at least one medical gas source preferably comprises at least one mobile gas cylinder, which may be transported and removably attached and fluidly coupled to do plurality of gas conduits. In either case, the at least one medical gas source is preferably coupled via a main valve or valve arrangement.

Alternatively, the at least one medical gas source may be provided by an on-site plant facility, e.g. a system producing, storing, and providing the medical gas, or a corresponding nearby facility, which is connected to the plurality of conduits by means of a conduit system.

The at least one medical gas source may furthermore provide a single source comprising various medical gas components, but may also be configured as a plurality of medical gas sources, wherein each medical gas source is provided separately and comprises a respective medical gas component.

The gas conduits preferably each comprise a tubular shape and may be configured as a plurality of fluids lines or tubes, which are preferably arranged in parallel. For example, a number of gas conduits may be arranged in parallel by providing a main supply line, wherein the gas conduits branch of the main supply line. Said number of gas conduits may form a block of parallel gas conduits, wherein the main supply line comprises a plurality of parallel gas conduit blocks and wherein the parallel gas conduit blocks are also arranged in parallel to each other by means of respective main branches connected to main supply line. Accordingly, the plurality of gas conduits may be provided at different locations, e.g. different rooms, stations and/or wards of a medical facility. The length of each gas conduit may vary depending on the respective distance between the main supply line or branch and the respective gas outlet. Alternatively, the plurality of gas conduits may be directly coupled to the first medical gas source, e.g., by means of a gas distributor provided at the main valve of the first medical gas source.

Furthermore, the second medical gas source may be coupled to the plurality of gas conduits by arranging the first control valve at a main supply line either upstream of the plurality of gas conduits or between one or more gas conduits arranged in parallel. Accordingly, by actuating or opening the first control valve the second medical gas source may be brought in fluid communication with at least one of the gas conduits, such that the second medical gas source provides a backup system, which may either support or replace the first medical gas source in case of a malfunction, e.g. a gas deficit or leak. While an arrangement upstream of the main supply line provides a backup or support system for all of the gas conduits, an arrangement between one or more gas conduits may only provide a backup or support system for the gas conduits arranged downstream of the first control valve. Accordingly, the first control valve may be coupled to the plurality of gas conduits depending on the urgency and required safety of the gas supply towards the respective gas outlet.

For example, the first control valve may be arranged upstream of a plurality of gas conduits having gas outlets in an intensive care unit while at the same time being arranged downstream of a plurality of gas conduits having gas outlets in a general ward. Accordingly, the supply of a medical gas, e.g., oxygen or an anesthetic, such as nitrous oxide, is ensured in situations of a medical gas deficit for patients at increased health risk or in life-threatening situations, while patients in a general ward may not be provided with such a backup or support system.

Preferably, however, the second medical gas source is coupled to the plurality of gas conduits in such a way that a support or backup system is provided for all of the gas outlets. As outlined in the above, this may be achieved by arranging the first control valve upstream of all of the gas conduits, either via a main supply line or a plurality of supply lines coupled upstream of one or more of the gas conduits. However to provide a more individual control and support or backup for each of the gas outlets the first control valve also may be configured as a valve arrangement, wherein each valve is fluidly coupled to one or more respective gas conduits. Preferably, the valve arrangement comprises a number of valves corresponding to the number of gas conduits, such that each gas conduit and hence, each gas outlet may be individually controlled with regard to the second medical gas source.

The plurality of gas conduits may furthermore be provided by a gas-tight material, which is flexible and/or resilient in order to provide greater flexibility in the implementation in existing medical facility systems. For example, gas conduits made of a plastic and/or polymer material, when compared to a metal conduit, may be more easily adapted to the on-site requirements and dimensions as a length of the respective gas conduit may be easily adjusted. In addition, a flexible and/or resilient material provides that the gas conduit may simply be bent around an obstacle or a corner without requiring further material, tools, and considerations.

In order to communicate the information related to the at least one gas characteristic to the control unit, the system may further comprise a plurality of communication devices in communication with a respective sensor, wherein each communication device is in communication with the control unit and is configured to transmit the information related to the at least one gas characteristic to the control unit. Preferably, the respective communication device is configured as a wireless communication device.

For example, each sensor may comprise a respective communication device; however, it may also be provided that adjacent sensors are in communication with a single communication device, wherein the communication device is configured to transmit the information of each of the adjacent sensors to the controller. This at least has the advantage that the implementation of the sensors and communication devices is cost-effective and may be dimensioned smaller. For example, it may be provided that each ward having a plurality of gas outlets comprises only one communication device connected to the plurality of sensors. However, each sensor preferably comprises a respective communication device, such that the sensor can function at least partially autonomously and independent of other sensors and may communicate the respective information to the controller in case of a malfunction of another communication device, thereby further increasing the patient safety.

Each communication device can separately be connected to the controller, e.g. via a communication network and respective LAN circuitry. However, the information transmitted by the communication devices can also be forwarded to the controller by means of a HUB, modem, and/or router, wherein the communication devices and the controller are preferably part of a computer system. More preferably, the communication devices are configured as wireless communication devices, such that the information of each of the communication devices may be transmitted to the controller e.g. via a Wi-Fi or WLAN network, GSM (mobile network) or Bluetooth communication. This at least has the advantage that the complexity of the local circuitry at each gas outlet may be reduced and the system may be readily implemented in already existing wireless networks of the medical facility. To further ensure the transmission of the information, one or more repeaters, WAN interfaces, and/or access points may be provided.

To further control the gas supply towards each of the gas outlets, the medical gas supply system may further comprise a second control valve in fluid communication with at least one of the gas conduits and arranged between the first medical gas source and the first control valve. The second control valve is in communication with the control unit and the control unit is configured to actuate the second control valve based on the received information. Preferably, the control unit is configured to open the first control valve and close the second control valve based on the received information.

For example, the second control valve may be closed by the controller when a received information indicates a defect or malfunction of the system, e.g. a supply deficit or an excess pressure. Accordingly, the control unit may then open the first control valve to supply a medical gas from the second medical gas source to each of the gas outlets. By the same token, the second control valve may be adjusted in a first step, wherein the system may compare a subsequently received information with the initially provided information to determine whether a normalization of the system has occurred. Absent of a normalization of the system. The controller may then close the second control valve, and open the first control valve to provide a backup gas supply system to each gas outlet. Preferably, the first control valve is configured as a valve arrangement, such that the gas supply to each gas outlet may be individually controlled by the respective control valve. This at least has the advantage that even if a malfunction of the system pertains, only one or more control valves may be closed while at the same time a gas supply to the remaining gas outlets may be provided.

As outlined in the above for the first control valve, the second control valve may also be configured as a control valve arrangement, wherein each control valve is arranged upstream of the first control valve, preferably upstream of the respective gas conduit. Accordingly, the control unit may actuate both a first control valve and a second control valve for each of the plurality of gas conduits, such that the medical gas supply may be individually controlled for each gas conduit. This at least has the advantage that the second medical gas source may selectively support or replace the supply flow provided by the first medical gas source for each gas conduit.

The control unit may furthermore be configured to compare the received information with a predefined threshold and, when said threshold is exceeded, is configured to determine a location and/or type of at least one error in the medical gas supply system based on the received information. The control unit is furthermore configured to actuate the first control valve based on the determined location and/or type of the at least one error. Preferably, the control unit is furthermore configured to output an alarm indicating the presence of the at least one error.

The threshold may be provided within the respective sensor transmitting the information or may be provided in the control unit. For example, the sensor may detect a gas characteristic and is configured to only transmit an information, when a predefined threshold is exceeded, or may transmit an information wherein the measured characteristic is provided with the threshold value, which at least has the advantage that the respective sensor may provide a continuous or periodic measurement irrespective of the measured value of the gas characteristic and furthermore provide the information when implementing varying thresholds for the information.

Alternatively, or in addition, the threshold is provided in the control unit. For example, the control unit may comprise a database with respective thresholds or said thresholds may be provided on a data storage medium, which may be coupled to the control unit by means of a corresponding data storage reader. Preferably, the control unit may be part of or comprises a computer system.

Each sensor may hence transmit an information, wherein upon the detection of exceeding a threshold, the control unit may detect or locate the occurrence of a corresponding error in the medical gas supply system based on the received information. As such the control unit may e.g. detect a leak or malfunction at a specific gas outlet, when the received information exceeds a threshold for a gas characteristic, e.g. a detected pressure or flow rate. The location of the error may furthermore be determined based on a plurality of received informations, e.g. when normal behavior occurs, i.e. no threshold is exceeded in one part of the system while information sent by a plurality of sensors indicate that a threshold is exceeded in another part of the system.

Accordingly, the control unit may open the first control valve and close the second control valve, such that the supply flow from the first medical gas source to the respective gas outlet is stopped and a supply flow from the second medical gas source to the respective gas outlet is initiated. Preferably, the first control valve is configured as a control valve arrangement, wherein each control valve is preferably arranged at a downstream end of the respective gas conduit. Accordingly, even in the occurrence of a leak in one of the gas conduits rather than a main gas supply line, the switching from the first medical gas source to the second medical gas source not only provides a backup system but also provides a bypass system, thereby bypassing the detected leak or error.

By the same token, the exceeded threshold may indicate a type of error, e.g. a contamination in the supply system, such that all gas outlets may be affected. In such case, the control unit may be configured to switch between the first and second medical gas source irrespective of the determined location of the error.

Preferably, the control unit furthermore outputs an alarm, e.g. a visual and/or acoustic warning, such that a medical professional is notified of the occurring error and, if required, may take further measures to remedy said error.

Accordingly, by comparing the received information for each individual gas conduit and gas outlet, the control unit may monitor the behavior of the system and may accordingly respond by actuating the first and second control valve, when a predefined threshold is exceeded and an error is hence detected. Thus, by providing both a monitoring of each of the gas outlets and simultaneously providing a backup and/or bypass system, the patient safety is increased and a safe supply of medical gas is ensured.

In order to detect at least one gas characteristic at an outlet of the respective medical gas source, the first medical gas source and/or the second medical gas source may comprise a sensor, wherein the control unit is in communication with the sensor to receive and process an information related to the at least one gas characteristic at the outlet of the respective medical gas source. Said information from the respective medical gas source may e.g. provide a reference for the control unit, such that the general availability and preferably a quantity of a specific medical gas component is known. Accordingly, the determining of the location and/or type of the at least one error in the medical gas supply system may be based on the received information of the respective medical gas source.

For example, the received information from the plurality of sensors may be compared by the control unit with the available medical gas component in the respective medical gas source, such that a difference between the sum of the medical gas supplied at the gas outlets and the medical gas provided by the respective medical gas source may indicate, e.g. a leak in a main supply line upstream of the plurality of gas conduits. By the same token, the medical gas supplied to one or more gas outlets may be larger than a predefined threshold while the provided medical gas by the respective medical gas source is within a normal range or tolerance level, thereby indicating e.g. a leak in a respective gas conduit or a disconnected medical device downstream of the respective gas outlet.

The first medical gas source may comprise medical air, oxygen, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and/or carbon monoxide, or a vacuum pressure. Accordingly, the first medical gas source may be provided by a single gas cylinder or as an arrangement providing a plurality of medical gas components in separate gas cylinders. Furthermore, the medical gas components may be provided as a mixture in respective gas cylinders, thereby providing a required therapeutic dose for a variety of medical applications and treatment. By the same token, the first medical gas source may provide a vacuum pressure. Accordingly, instead of providing a medical gas supply, the first medical gas source ensures that the gas outlet provides a suction or evacuating means.

By the same token, the second medical gas source may comprise medical air, oxygen, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and/or carbon monoxide, ora vacuum pressure. Preferably, the second medical gas source is redundant to at least one medical gas component of the first medical gas source. Accordingly, the second medical gas source provides a backup system, which is at least partially capable of supporting and/or replacing the medical gas supply provided by the first medical gas source. Furthermore, by providing a partially redundant second medical gas source, there are no noticeable limitations regarding the supply of the respective medical gas component, such that a continuous medical gas supply is provided and hence the safety and efficacy of the medical application or treatment of the patient is ensured.

The at least one gas characteristic may comprise a type of gas, gas concentration, temperature, gas flow, and/or pressure.

Accordingly, the information transmitted to the controller may indicate that a wrong type of gas is provided at the respective gas outlet for a treatment of the respective patient and/or a contamination is detected, either at the respective gas outlet or at all gas outlets, such that the controller may accordingly switch the medical gas supply from the first medical gas source to the second medical gas source, either for the respective gas conduit or all gas conduits, respectively.

Furthermore, a measured gas concentration, temperature and/or pressure and/or flow rate for at least one medical gas component may indicate a compliance with a medical treatment of a patient at the respective gas outlet or may also indicate a deficit or excess in the gas concentration. For example, should the deviating medical gas concentration be measured at a plurality of the sensors, the control unit may actuate the first control valve and second control valve, such that the supply from the first medical gas source is stopped and the supply from the second medical gas source is initiated.

On the other hand, should a measured gas concentration deviate from a predefined threshold only at a respective gas conduit or outlet, the control unit may actuate the first control valve, such that, e.g. in case of a concentration deficit, the second medical gas source supports the supply from the first medical gas source, thereby providing the required gas concentration at the respective gas outlet. For example, the first control valve may be configured as a control valve arrangement, wherein the control valve for the respective gas conduit is actuated.

Preferably, each gas conduit comprises a fluidly connected third control valve at the respective gas outlet and in communication with the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to adjust each third control valve based on the received information from the respective sensor. For example, should the received information indicate an excess pressure or gas flow, the third control valve may adjust the pressure or gas flow to a predefined range. By the same token, should a received information indicate a contamination in the system, which may potentially threaten the safety of a patient being treated at a respective gas outlet, the control unit may close the third control valve until a backup system provided by the second medical gas source is initiated and a supply flow from the first medical gas source is stopped. Depending on the requirements, the third control valve may also be implemented by a corresponding configuration of an arrangement of first control valves.

The communication between the third control valve and the control unit is preferably provided by a respective communication device, such that the communication with the control unit occurs via a said communication device. As outlined in the above, a communication device may be provided for each of the sensors, such that instead of providing an additional communication device for each third control valve, said communication device may also be configured to implement a communication with the third control valve. Accordingly, said communication device may also be provided as a wireless communication device.

To further increase a compliance of the supplied medical gas flow and the safety of the patient, the control unit is preferably configured to adjust the third control valve based on the respective information related to the at least one gas characteristic and a patient information of a patient to be supplied with a medical gas at the respective gas outlet. Said patient information preferably comprises a prescribed therapy information and/or dosage regimen.

For example, the third control valve may be adjusted, such that a gas flow of a medical gas having a specific concentration of a medical gas component being supplied to the respective gas outlet may be matched to a prescribed dosage regimen, e.g., by providing a periodic or continuous medical gas supply having a constant gas flow. Accordingly, the third control valve may be adjusted to ensure that a prescribed therapy is provided to the patient at the respective gas outlet and is hence compatible with a patient compliance.

The patient information may be provided as patient information comprised in a database and/or storage medium comprised in the control unit and/or be provided by each gas outlet, wherein each gas outlet comprises a communication device in communication with the control unit and wherein the communication device is configured to receive said patient information from a device connected to the respective gas outlet and to transmit said patient information to the control unit. Accordingly, the patient information may comprise e.g. a patient history, a prescribed therapy, and/or an actual patient status provided in a database in a computer system, wherein the control unit actuates or adjusts the third control valve based on said information. Said database may be coupled to the control unit or the control unit may be configured as a computer system comprising said database.

In order to receive the patient information directly from a device connected to the respective gas outlet, the communication device is preferably configured to receive the patient information from a patient identifier. Preferably, said patient identifier is a wireless patient identifier configured as a mobile entity and/or wearable, preferably via Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, or RFID.

For example, the patient identifier may be configured as a wearable, e.g. a keychain or chip card, comprising an RFID, wherein the patient identifier is automatically communicated to the communication device upon activation of the device at the respective gas outlet, e.g. by establishing a wireless communication. Accordingly, manual settings or input are not required. Rather, the patient information together with the information relating to a gas characteristic in the respective gas conduit are automatically provided to the control unit, such that the third control valve at the respective gas conduit may be automatically set to a corresponding prescribed treatment. As such, human interac tion and considerations are not required, thereby reducing the risk of inadvertent cognitive and manual errors. However, it may also be provided that the provided settings of the third control valve may be adjusted via the device at the respective gas outlet and/or the control unit, such that qualified medical personnel may manually override the automatically provided settings. Accordingly, the third control valve may be directly controlled at e.g. a medical device or computer system by means of e.g. a graphical user interface.

Furthermore, the received information related to the supplied medical gas flow, e.g. a volume flow, and the patient information allow to allocate a medical gas consumption to a respective patient. Accordingly, the control unit is capable of monitoring medical gas consumption of a patient in a medical facility, thereby enabling a direct cost allocation and/or invoicing with regard to the actual gas consumption.

Furthermore, the gas consumption within a ward or department of the medical facility can be determined. This allows more detailed evaluation of gas consumption of the medical facility and may be a basis of an improved estimation of future gas consumption by the medical facility. Thus, supply shortages of the medical gas due to unforeseen increase in gas consumption within the medical facility may be avoided. As a consequence, patient safety is improved.

To further increase the safety of the patient and the compliance of the patient with the medical gas supply at the gas outlet, the communication device is preferably configured to receive at least one actual physiological parameter provided by the connected device at the respective gas outlet and to transmit said at least one actual physiological parameter to the control unit. The control unit is furthermore preferably configured to adjust the respective third control valve based on the received actual physiological parameter and the received information related to the at least one gas characteristic and/or the patient information.

By providing a physiological parameter of the patient, the control unit may hence directly determine the patient compliance with a current medical gas treatment and may furthermore adjust the third control valve, such that the physiological parameter of the patient is within a predefined range, wherein the adjustment of the third control valve may furthermore be limited according to the patient compliance. For example, if a received physiological parameter is provided by an pulse-oximeter indicates an oxygen level below a predefined threshold but within a normal range, the control unit may adjust the third control valve by increasing the supply of oxygen, such that an improvement of the physiological parameter is obtained while at the same time the provided oxygen flow is within safe levels.

Although the sensor, the third control valve, and the communication device of the respective gas conduit or gas outlet may be individually arranged and separated from each other, the sensor is preferably configured as a sensor unit, which accommodates at least the sensor, third control valve, and communication device of the respective gas outlet.

Accordingly, the sensor unit may e.g. be retrofitted and implemented in existing medical gas supply systems of a facility. Accordingly, the respective components are dimensioned to be accommodated at a variety of existing gas conduits having respective gas outlets, such that the sensor unit provides a modular system that may be adapted to the respective medical facility requirements. For example, the sensor unit may be built into a wall or wall outlet in a respective ward of a medical facility, wherein it may furthermore be arranged such that is not visible and/or is not within manual range. Accordingly, any accidental manipulation of the sensor unit may be prevented.

In addition, the sensor unit may comprise a computing or processing unit, such that the information related to a gas characteristic, a patient information, and/or a physiological parameter may be directly processed at the sensor unit level, prior to or in addition to transmission of the respective information to the control unit, thereby providing at least one function of the control unit. As such, when the gas conduits are located at different locations of a medical facility, the sensor unit is capable to control the supply flow to each unit in an at least partial autonomous fashion, such that, depending on the received information, communication with a central computer system or control unit may not be required.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for supplying a medical gas to a patient in a medical gas supply system is suggested, comprising the steps of providing a medical gas flow from the first medical gas source to at least one outlet of the plurality of gas conduits, detecting at least one gas characteristic within each of the plurality of gas conduits at the respective outlet by the sensor, and communicating an information related to the at least one gas characteristic to the control unit from the sensor. Based on the received information, the first control valve is actuated by the control unit.

For example, the control may open the first control valve to support the supply flow from the first medical gas source to the plurality of gas conduits, e.g., when the received information indicates a reduced gas pressure or flow in at least one of the gas conduits, as further outlined in the above.

The method may further comprise the steps of comparing the received information with a predefined threshold in the control unit, determining a location and/or type of at least one error in the medical gas supply system based on the received information by the control unit, when said threshold is exceeded, and actuating the first control valve based on the determined location and/or type of the at least one error by the control unit.

For example, the received information may indicate that a gas flow is within a normal range, however, a gas concentration of a medical gas component may be below a lower threshold, such that an additional input of said medical gas component in the supply flow is required. Accordingly, the control unit may open and adjust the first control valve to provide the required medical gas concentration in the supply flow towards the plurality of gas conduits.

In addition, the method may comprise the step of actuating the second control valve based on the received information by the control unit, wherein the control unit opens the first control valve and closes the second control valve based on the received information. For example, the received information may indicate a leak upstream of the plurality of gas conduits or a contamination in at least one of the gas conduits, such that the second control valve is closed to stop a supply flow from the first medical gas source. Accordingly, a supply flow from the second medical gas source is initiated to ensure that the gas outlets are provided with the required medical gas flow, thereby providing a backup and bypass system.

Furthermore, when a location and/or type of at least one error in the medical gas supply system is determined, the method may furthermore provide that an alarm is outputted, indicating the presence of the at least one error by the control unit. Accordingly, medical personnel is notified or alerted and prompted to check the system error or provide maintenance or servicing to remedy the detected error.

Brief description of the drawings

The present disclosure will be more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description when being considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a medical gas supply system with gas conduits arranged in parallel;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of a medical gas supply system with gas conduits branching of a main supply line;

Figure 3 is a schematic view of a medical gas supply system, wherein an error is determined;

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a medical gas supply system having a parallel arrangement of first control valves; and

Figure 5 is a schematic view of a medical gas supply system comprising a plurality of sensor units and a parallel arrangement of second control valves.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the Figures, like elements are denoted by identical reference numerals and repeated description thereof may be omitted in order to avoid redundancies.

In Figure 1 a medical gas supply system 1 is shown schematically comprising a plurality of gas conduits 20 that are in fluid communication with a first medical gas source 2. The plurality of gas conduits 20 are arranged in parallel to each other and, as depicted in Figure 1, each branch of the first medical gas source 2, thereby being connected separately and independently of each other. Each of the gas conduits 20 comprises a gas outlet 22 at a downstream end of the respective gas conduit. Accordingly, a medical gas such as oxygen may be supplied to each of the gas outlets 22 from the first medical gas source 2 via the gas conduits 20.

Each of the gas conduits 20 furthermore comprises a respective sensor 3, which is in fluid communication with a respective gas outlet 22 and configured to detect at least one gas characteristic within the gas conduit 20 at the respective outlet 22. According to the embodiment the sensors 3 are at least capable of detecting a gas flow within the gas conduit 20 and are hence configured as flow sensors. However, alternatively or in addition, said sensors 3 may also be configured to detect other gas characteristics, such as a gas pressure and/or a type of gas or concentration of a medical gas component.

Furthermore, each of the sensors 3 is in communication with a control unit 4. Accordingly, the detected gas characteristic in the respective gas conduit 20 may be communicated, i.e. transmitted or forwarded, to the control unit 4 as an information, wherein said information provides an input for the control unit 4. Depending on the provided information, the control unit 4 may then actuates a first control valve 50 which fluidly couples a second medical gas source 5 to at least one of the gas conduits 20. As depicted in Figure 1, the second medical gas source 5 is fluidly coupled to only one of the gas conduits 20, namely to lower one of the 3 gas conduits 20 depicted in Figure 1. Accordingly, the control unit 4 may at least partially open the first control valve 50, such that a medical gas is supplied from the second medical gas source 5 to the gas outlet 22 of the lower gas conduit 20 via the first control valve 50, when the sensor 3 of the respective gas conduit 20 provides an information to the control unit 4 indicating a reduced medical gas supply or flow.

Although in the embodiment according to Figure 1 only 3 gas conduits 20 are schematically depicted, the system 1 may also comprise only two gas conduits 20 or more than three gas conduits 20, as will be obvious to a person skilled in the art. Accordingly a plurality of gas conduits 20 may be provided, wherein the gas conduits 20 are not required is to be adjacent to each other, but also may be space apart in such a way that, for example, the plurality of gas conduits 20 are arranged in and provide a medical gas supply to a plurality of wards in a medical facility.

As depicted in Figure 2, the medical gas supply system 1 may also comprise a plurality of gas conduits 20 that branch of a main supply line. This at least has the advantage that the second medical gas source 5 may support the medical gas supply for all of the gas conduits 20 arranged downstream of the first control valve 50. In addition, the control unit 4 may stop the medical gas supply from the first medical gas source 2 via a second control valve 24. For example, should one of the sensors 3 provide an information to the control unit 4 indicating a contamination of the medical gas, the control unit 4 may open the first control valve 50 to ensure that a medical gas supply is provided to all of the downstream gas conduits 20 and respective gas outlets 22, while the medical gas supply from the first medical gas source 2 is stopped. Accordingly, a medical gas supply is maintained, thereby ensuring a continuous application downstream of the gas outlets 22, hence increasing the treatment efficacy and safety of a patient being treated.

The information relating to a gas characteristic may be provided by each of the sensors 3 to the control unit 4 by means of a communication device 6. Although the plurality of communication devices 6 may be provided by means of a hardware circuitry and direct connection, the communication devices 6 according to the embodiment of Figure 2 are configured as a wireless communication devices, which may transmits the information of the respective gas conduit 20 via e.g. Bluetooth, GSM (mobile network) or WLAN to a corresponding receiving means of the control unit 4.

The embodiment according to Figure 3 essentially resembles the embodiment according to Figure 2, such that like features are not described in further detail. According to Figure 3, the control unit 4 compares the received information with a predefined threshold. In addition, the control unit 4 is provided with information relating to the first medical gas source 2 provided by a sensor 26, as well as an information relating to the second medical gas source 5 provided by a sensor 52. Accordingly, the control unit 4 determines the total availability of a medical gas in each of the respective medical gas sources 2, 5. Should an information received from one of the gas conduits 20 e.g. exceed a lower threshold indicating a reduced medical gas flow and the respective conduits 20, the control unit may compare said information with information received from other gas conduits 20 and/or the total availability in the respective medical gas sources 2, 5. For example, when a medical gas flow in other gas conduits 20 not be reduced but instead is within a normal range and at the same time the total availability of medical gas in e.g. the first medical gas source 2 not exceed a lower threshold, this may indicate the occurrence of e.g. a leak or valve malfunction only affecting the gas conduits 20 which indicates a reduced medical gas flow. This is indicated in Figure 3 by the error 10 between the middle and upper gas conduit 20. Accordingly, the location of said error 10 may be determined by the control unit 4, wherein the control unit 4 furthermore provides an alarm 40 to notify medical personnel about the occurrence and location of said error 10.

By the same token, the error 10 may occur in a respective gas conduit 20, which is arranged upstream of the remaining gas conduits 20 or in a respective gas conduit 20, which is currently in use while the remaining gas conduits 20 are not connected to a downstream medical device (not shown), thereby providing no medical gas supply. Accordingly, should the error 10 indicate a contamination, the contamination is initially or only detected in the respective gas conduit 20. The control unit 4 then compares the corresponding information with information received from the other gas conduits 20, i.e. the inactive ordownstream gas conduits 20, not providing a medical gas flow or not yet indicating a contamination. However, even when the information regarding the total availability of medical gas and the first medical gas source 2 indicates a sufficient medical gas availability, the control unit 4 may close the second control valve 24 and open the first control valve 50, such that the medical gas supply from the first medical gas source 2 is bypassed by the second medical gas source 5. The control unit 4 may then verify that the error 10 in the system 1 has been cleared by means of the subsequently received information. At the same time, the control unit 4 may output an alarm 40 to notify medical personnel about the occurrence of a contamination in the system 1 related to the first medical gas source 2.

In the embodiment according to Figure 4, the medical gas supply system 1 comprises an arrangement of first control valves 50, which are arranged in parallel to the respective gas conduits 20 and are each in communication with the control unit 4. Accordingly, upon detection of an error 10, as described in further detail in view of the embodiment according to Figure 3, the control unit 4 may determine a location of the error 10, depending on the provided information from the plurality of sensors 3, and may actuate one or more first control valves 50, depending on the determined location of said error 10. For example, as depicted in Figure 4, the error 10 may occur between the middle and upper a gas conduit 20 and may indicate a medical gas flow reduction at said location. In order to provide the respective outlet 22 of the upper gas conduit 20, the control unit 4 may then actuate or open the first control valve 50 of the upper gas conduit 20 to ensure that a required medical gas supply is provided to the respective outlet 22. Accordingly, a patient being treated at the respective gas outlet 22 may not notice any treatment delay or malfunctioning, and a safety of said patient is hence increased. At the same time, however, the control unit 4 may output in alarm 40 to notify medical personnel about a potential valve malfunction or leak upstream of the respective gas conduit 20.

In addition, a plurality of third control valves 42 are provided, which are in communication with a respective communication device 6 at each of the gas outlets 22. Accordingly, each third control valve 42 may be individually controlled by the control unit 4, such that the medical gas supply may be adjusted for each gas outlet 22. For example, the medical gas supply from the first medical gas source 2 may be provided with a volume flow or gas pressure, which is not suitable or compatible with a medical device connected downstream of a gas outlet 22. Accordingly, the medical gas flow may be varied for each of the gas outlets 22 by means of the respective third control valve 42.

A further embodiment is depicted in Figure 5, wherein the medical gas supply system 1 comprises a plurality of sensor units 30 and a plurality of second control valves 24 arranged in parallel. Each sensor unit 30 is arranged at a respective gas outlet 22 and comprises a sensor 3, a communication device 6, and a third control valve 42, as described in view of the respective embodiments outlined in the above. Furthermore, the plurality of first control valves 50 have been replaced by the plurality of third control valves 42, such that the control unit 4 may actuate the third control valve 42 in order to open, close, and/or adjust the respective third control valve 42 and provide a medical gas supply from the second medical gas source 5 to the respective gas outlet 22 via a fluid line connected to the second medical gas source 5 and the respective third control valve 42.

In addition, the control unit 4 may individually actuate each of the second control valves 24. Since both the third control valves 42 and the second control valves 24 are arranged in parallel with respect to the plurality of gas conduits 20, the control unit 4 may regulate and control the medical gas supply for each gas conduit 20 individually. For example, when the control unit 4 determines a location of an error 10 between the middle gas conduit 20 and the upper gas conduit 20 based on the received information from each of the sensor units 30, the control unit 4 may close the second control valve 24 of the upper gas conduit 20 and open the third control valve 42 of the upper gas conduit 20, such that a medical gas supply is provided from the second medical gas source 5 to the gas outlet 22 of the upper gas conduit 20 via a respective fluid line and the third control valve 42 of the upper gas conduit 20. At the same time, however, the provision of the medical gas supply to the middle and lower gas conduit 20 may be maintained by the first medical gas source 2.

Also provided is a medical device 220 connected to the gas outlets 22 of the middle gas conduit 20, as schematically depicted in Figure 5. A patient 7 to be treated by the medical gas supply is connected or coupled to the device 220 via an interface (not shown). The patient 7 carries a patient identifier 72 in form of a mobile wearable, which comprises an RFID, which is automatically received by the respective communication device 6 of the sensor unit 30 at the gas outlet 22. Accordingly, a communication is established between the sensor unit 30 and the patient identifier 72, such that a patient information 70 is automatically transmitted to and received by the sensor unit 30 via the communication device 6. Accordingly, the patient information 70 may provide an input for the respective third control valve 42, such that said , third control valve 42 is automatically adjusted according to the specific therapy requirements after respective patient 7.

In addition, the patient information 70 may be forwarded to the central control unit 4, such that the activation of the medical gas supply to the downstream medical device 220 is registered and a medical gas consumption may be allocated to the respective patient 7. Furthermore, the patient information 70 may be compared with a database to provide a verification or authorization of the initiated or attempt to initiate the respective medical device 220. Should the patient information 70 not match the information provided in the database, the control unit 4 may close or deactivate the third control valve 42 at the respective gas outlet 22. However, a system overrule may be provided, e.g. by a graphical user interface at the control unit and/or the medical device 220, such that medical personnel may activate the respective third control valve 42 irrespectively of the patient information 70 and/or the information provided by the database.

Furthermore, the medical device 220 may forward a physiological parameter 74 to the communication device 6 of the sensor unit 30 and/or the control unit 4, such that an actual health status of the patient 7 may be monitored and a therapy may be accordingly adjusted by actuation of the respective third control valve 42. Accordingly, a real-time monitoring and feedback mechanism is provided, wherein the medical gas supply may be automatically adjusted according to the specific needs of the respective patient 7. At the same time, the forwarded information relating to a physiological parameter 74 may be stored in e.g. a database of the control unit 4, such that the medical records and therapeutic history of the patient 7 may be monitored and are available for follow-up treatments.

Hence, both the safety of the patient 7 and the efficacy of the treatment are increased. At the same time the second medical gas source 5, together with the plurality of control valves 24, 42, provides a backup and bypass system to provide a continuous medical gas supply while the plurality of sensors 3 enables a continuous monitoring of and specific detection of any occurring malfunctions in the system 1, thereby providing an efficient and specific use of the medical gas supply system 1.

It will be obvious for a person skilled in the art that these embodiments and items only depict examples of a plurality of possibilities. Hence, the embodiments shown here should not be understood to form a limitation of these features and configurations. Any possible combination and configuration of the described features can be chosen according to the scope of the invention.

List of reference numerals

Medical gas supply system

Error

First medical gas source

Gas conduit

Gas outlet

220 Device or medical device

Second control valve

Sensor of first medical gas source

Sensor

Sensor unit

Control unit

Alarm

Third control valve

Second medical gas source

First control valve

Sensor of second medical gas source

Communication device

Patient

Patient information

Patient identifier

Physiological parameter

Claims

1. Medical gas supply system (1) for supplying a medical gas to a patient (7), comprising:

a plurality of gas conduits (20) fluidly connected to at least a first medical gas source (2) and each having a gas outlet (22);

a plurality of sensors (3), each in fluid communication with a respective gas outlet (22) and configured to detect at least one gas characteristic within the gas conduit (20) at the respective outlet (22); and a control unit (4), which is in communication with the plurality of sensors (3) to receive and process an information related to the at least one gas characteristic, characterized by comprising at least a second medical gas source (5) connected to at least one of the gas conduits (20) via a first control valve (50) in communication with the control unit (4), wherein the control unit (4) is configured to actuate the first control valve (50) based on the received information.

2. Medical gas supply system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising a plurality of communication devices (6) in communication with a respective sensor (3), each communication device being in communication with the control unit (4) and configured to transmit the information related to the at least one gas characteristic to the control unit (4), wherein the communication device (6) is preferably configured as a wireless communication device.

3. Medical gas supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by further comprising a second control valve (24) in fluid communication with at least one of the gas conduits (20) and arranged between the first medical gas source (2) and the first control valve (50), wherein the second control valve (24) is in communication with the control unit (4) and wherein the control unit (4) is configured to actuate the second control valve (24) based on the received information, wherein the control unit (4) is preferably configured to open the first control valve (50) and close the second control valve (24) based on the received information.

4. Medical gas supply system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit is (4) configured to compare the received information with a predefined threshold and, when said threshold is exceeded, is configured to determine a location and/or type of at least one error (10) in the medical gas supply system (1) based on the received information, wherein the control unit (4) actuates the first control valve (50) based on the determined location and/or type of the at least one error (10), wherein the control unit (4) furthermore preferably outputs an alarm (40) indicating the presence of the at least one error (10).

5. Medical gas supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that the first medical gas source (2) and/or the second medical gas source (5) comprise a sensor (26, 52) to detect at least one gas characteristic at an outlet of the respective medical gas source (2, 5), wherein the control unit (4) is in communication with the sensor (26, 52) to receive and process an information related to the at least one gas characteristic at the outlet of the respective medical gas source (2, 5) and wherein the determining of the location and/or type of the at least one error (10) in the medical gas supply system (1) is based on the received information of the respective medical gas source (2, 5).

6. Medical gas supply system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first medical gas source (2) comprises medical air, oxygen, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and/or carbon monoxide, or a vacuum pressure;

the second medical gas source (5) comprises medical air, oxygen, nitrous oxide, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and/or carbon monoxide, or a vacuum pressure, wherein the second medical gas source (5) preferably is redundant to at least one medical gas component of the first medical gas source (2); and/or the at least one gas characteristic comprises a type of gas, gas concentration, temperature, gas flow, and/or pressure.

7. Medical gas supply system (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that each gas conduit (20) comprises a fluidly connected third control valve (42) at the respective gas outlet (22) and in communication with the control unit (4), wherein the control unit (4) is configured to adjust each third control valve (42) based on the received information from the respective sensor (3), each third control valve (42) preferably being in communication with the control unit (4) via a respective communication device (6).

8. Medical gas supply system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the control unit (4) is configured to adjust the third control valve (42) based on the respective information related to the at least one gas characteristic and a patient information (70) of a patient (7) to be supplied with a medical gas at the respective gas outlet (22), said patient information (70) preferably comprising a prescribed therapy information and/or dosage regimen.

9. Medical gas supply system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the control unit (4) comprises a database and/or storage medium comprising said patient information (70) and/or each gas outlet (22) comprises a communication device (6) in communication with the control unit (4), said communication device (6) being configured to receive said patient information (70) from a device (220) connected to the respective gas outlet (22) and to transmit said patient information (70) to the control unit (4).

10. Medical gas supply system (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the communication device (6) is configured to receive the patient information (70) from a patient identifier (72), preferably a wireless patient identifier configured as a mobile entity and/or wearable, preferably via Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, or RFID.

11. Medical gas supply system (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the communication device (6) is configured to receive at least one actual physiological parameter (74) provided by the connected device (220) at the respective gas outlet (22) and to transmit said at least one actual physiological parameter (74) to the control unit (4), wherein the control unit (4) is configured to adjust the respective third control valve (42) based on the received actual physiological parameter (74) and the received information related to the at least one gas characteristic and/or the patient information (70).

12. Medical gas supply system (1) according to any of the claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the sensor (3) is configured as a sensor unit (30), which accommodates at least the sensor (3), third control valve (42), and communication device (6) of the respective gas outlet (22).

13. Method for supplying a medical gas to a patient (7) in a medical gas supply system (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 12, comprising the steps of:

providing a medical gas flow from the first medical gas source (2) to at least one outlet (22) of the plurality of gas conduits (20);

detecting at least one gas characteristic within each of the plurality of gas conduits (20) at the respective outlet (22) by the sensor (3); and communicating an information related to the at least one gas characteristic to the control unit (4) from the sensor (3), characterized by actuating the first control valve (50) based on the received information by the control unit (4).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized by further comprising the steps of:

comparing the received information with a predefined threshold in the control unit (4);

determining a location and/or type of at least one error (10) in the medical gas supply system (1) based on the received information by the control unit (4), when said threshold is exceeded; and actuating the first control valve (50) based on the determined location and/or type of the at least one error (10) by the control unit (4).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized by further comprising the steps of:

actuating the second control valve (24) based on the received information by the control unit (4), wherein the control unit (4) opens the first control valve (50) and closes the second control valve (24) based on the received information; and outputting an alarm (40) indicating the presence of the at least one error (10) by the control unit(4).