Portable volume ventilators are designed to assist breathing in intubated patients (patients whose breathing tube is internal, usually inserted down the throat.) Unlike many of the other kinds of medical equipment, ventilators are life-sustaining devices and are classed by the FDA as Level 3 devices. They can run on AC power, on the internal rechargeable battery, or on an external battery. Ventilators should receive full preventive maintenance at least once a year or after 6000 hours of use, whichever comes first. An internal counter tracks the hours of usage, and usage can be read from the patient pressure meter on the front panel. Vents can only be serviced by manufacturer-trained technicians.


Aequitron LP6 Ventilator

The Aequitron LP6 Plus is a portable volume ventilators manufactured by Nellcor Puritan Bennett. It is similar in appearance and function to the Aequitron LP10, both having event indicators which monitor patient pressure, breathing effort, power source, and alarms. The LP10 has an additional pressure limit control feature which permits it to be used for pediatric applications.

Optional equipment:

External 12 volt battery kit (#AQCGVPA ), includes charger and battery cable. Remote alarm (#L-6217) and choice of 25’, 50’, 100’, or 200’ cable (respectively #L6213-25T, -50T, -100T, -200T).

Disposable Accessories:

There is a broad range of accessories that can be used with ventilators, including circuits, adaptors, humidifiers, masks, cannulas, etc. For non-intubated BiPAP and CPAP patients, a complete circuit kit is offered (#RP312412), which includes the following items: #312107 Circuit, #312102 small mask, #312103 med mask, #312104 large mask, #312105 sm/med mask, and 2 #312106 headstraps. Intubated patients require additional accessories and adapters.

Suggested Substitutions: Aequitron LP10, Bear 33, Respironics PLV-100, Respironics PLV-102, Bird T-Bird Legacy

Humidifiers

Humidifers can be added to the circuit lines of all ventilators by inserting a small piece of circuit tubing (usually comes in 18" lengths) between the ventilator and the humidifier chamber, and then attaching the patient circuit to the other outlet of the chamber (see illustration).   

Available Fisher & Paykel Humidifiers:

FSHC500:

designed specifically for homecare hookups with ventilators dual mode-both heated and non-heated wire system capability

FSMR730:

neonatal and intensive care applications, special-order only; more sophisticated than HC500, has gas temperature digital display, dual servo control.  Requires an airway temperature probe (i.e. #TR900MR571) to maintain proper air temperature.

FSMR410:

constant flow applications such as oxygen therapy and CPAP, special-order only

All Fisher Paykel humidifiers can use the single-use HC335 Adult Humidification Chamber (FSHC335);  there are also reusable humidification chambers available which can be autoclaved and reused.