Pressure Sensors in Medical Applications
Pressure sensors are pressure sensing devices, that can be applied in a wide variety of applications. Their measurement principle is based on the piezoelectric effect that transforms a pressure signal into an electric signal. Since pressure is also correlated with the flow rate in the mechanics of liquid and gaseous media, pressure sensors are indispensable components in flow measurement systems that enable reliable and accurate flow-rate control. The measured pressure range of our pressure sensors is a few millibars to a few bars. Pressure sensors can therefore be used as flow switches, that monitor the flow rate and notify a measuring device or a system that a predefined flow threshold has been reached. That is especially important in life-saving medical applications where accuracy is essential. Pressure sensors can form, for example, a part of medical ventilators, dialysis systems, infusion pumps, to name just a few. In this document, we focus on the function that pressure sensors have in non-invasive positive pressure ventilators NPPV.
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. If left untreated, it can increase the risk of health problems. It occurs in about 25% of men and nearly 10% of women and is common after the age of 65.
HYB Pressure Sensors
Non-invasive Mechanical Ventilation
Non-invasive mechanical ventilation is a medical procedure that uses ventilatory support without using the artificial airway (such as endotraheal tube). During the procedure a health-care professional (e.g. a respiratory therapist) administers oxygen-enriched air by the means of a nasal or a face mask. The air has a positive pressure with regards to the pressure inside the lungs therefore it is pushed into the lungs.
Goals of NPPV:
- Sufficient ventilation and oxygenation
- Correction of respiratory failure
- Suitable patient tolerance and comfort
Benefits of NPPV:
- Decreases the breathing work-load of the patients and helps them to use a higher capacity of their lungs
- Consequently eases daily activities of the patients
- Soothes a wide range of symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, breathing difficulties and some other symptoms of low oxygen levels
- Shortens the patients’ stay in hospitals by providing sufficient ventilation and preventing a respiratory failure
- More convenient and patient-friendly compared to invasive ventilation
- Can be given also as a home treatment device (e.g. for sleep apnea)
- Improves the patient’s quality of life by relieving the symptoms.
Types of NPPV
There are basically two types of NPPV; BiPAP and CPAP. BiPAP is a spontaneous breathing mode which allows a separate regulation of the inspiratory and expiratory air pressure. Whereas CPAP is NPPV method where a constant pressure above the atmospheric pressure is maintained and the patient must breathe on its own. The main difference among both is that CPAP only improves the patient’s oxygenation, whereas BiPAP also improves the ventilatory status of the patient and can also decrease the patient’s CO2 levels in case they are increased.
Accessories of NPPV
- Mouthpiece (placed between the lips and sealed)
- Nasal mask (covers the nose but not the mouth)
- Nasal pillows (consists of two silicone pillows, placed into the patient’s nostrils)
- Oronasal mask (covers the mouth and nose of the patient)
- Full-face mask (covers the mouth, eyes and nose of the patient)
Tradition, knowledge and flexibility enable customized solutions
HYB Pressure Sensors in Devices
According to the description, given so far, it is crucial that the pressure and the airflow are regulated very reliably and accurately. Based on the vast experience that HYB has gained during the past 50 years of being present as a quality company on the market of pressure sensors, we can provide custom made reliable solutions that can be integrated into your system. The relatively small size of the company enables us the flexibility that is essential in the custom-made solutions. On the scheme above you can see an example of HYB pressure sensors application in a NPPV system.
Pressure Sensor Series Recommendation
At HYB company we have experienced the biggest market success with our HYB 3000 series, HYB 4000 series, and HYB 8000 series of pressure sensors. These, state-of-the-art piezoresistive temperature-compensated MEMS pressure sensors can deliver analog, digital or combined output signal. Our pressure sensors are also capable of air temperature adaptation, which enables higher patient comfort.
Features of Pressure Sensors Series
Features of each pressure sensors series can be found in the Data Sheets of each sensor type.
If you have any questions or special requests, don’t hesitate to contact our customer support at: inquiry@hyb.si and we will be glad to customize our equipment to your system or device.
