SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING NITRIC OXIDE
Various systems generating nitric oxide are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the system includes a first gas source providing nitrogen dioxide mixed in air or oxygen, and a second gas source supplying compressed air and/or compressed oxygen. The system also includes a ventilator coupled to the first and second gas sources, wherein the ventilator is resistant to nitrogen dioxide. The ventilator regulates gas flow and allows for the adjustment of nitrogen dioxide concentration in the gas flow. The system further includes one or more conversion devices operably coupled to the ventilator where the conversion devices convert nitrogen dioxide into nitric oxide. A patient interface delivers nitric oxide to the patient and is operably coupled to the conversion devices. The system allows oxygen and nitric oxide levels to be varied independently.
1 . A system for delivering nitric oxide to a patient, comprising:
a first gas source including nitrogen dioxide mixed in air or oxygen;
a second gas source supplying compressed air;
a ventilator coupled to the first and second gas sources, wherein the ventilator is resistant to nitrogen dioxide, and wherein the ventilator provides a gas flow having a proper amount of nitrogen dioxide;
one or more conversion devices operably coupled to the ventilator, wherein the conversion devices covert nitrogen dioxide into nitric oxide; and
a patient interface operably coupled to the conversion devices, wherein the patient interface delivers nitric oxide to the patient.
2 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a third gas source supplying compressed oxygen, wherein the third gas source is communication with the ventilator.
3 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a humidifier positioned between the ventilator and the one or more conversion devices.
4 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a humidifier is integral with a first conversion device.
5 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a humidifier is integral with a second conversion device.
6 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a humidifier positioned between a second conversion device and the patient interface and before a second cartridge.