Patent Grant
11324908
This disclosure relates to various patient interfaces and particularly to patient interfaces for use with a high flow system. The patient interfaces include deliberately collapsible features to facilitate the stopping of gas flow through the patient interface and/or allow a face mask to be used over the patient interface while positioned on a user's face. The disclosure also relates to headgear connectors, and to breathing conduits with a collapsible portion.
Patients may lose respiratory function during anaesthesia, or sedation, or more generally during certain medical procedures. Prior to a medical procedure a patient may be pre-oxygenated by a medical professional to provide a reservoir of oxygen saturation, and this pre-oxygenation and CO2 flushing/washout may be carried out with a high flow therapy via a nasal cannula or other patient interface.
Once under general anaesthesia, patients must be intubated to ventilate the patient. In some cases, intubation is completed in 30 to 60 seconds, but in other cases, particularly if the patient's airway is difficult to traverse (for example, due to cancer, severe injury, obesity or spasm of the neck muscles), intubation will take significantly longer. While pre-oxygenation provides a buffer against declines in oxygen saturation, for long intubation procedures, it is necessary to interrupt the intubation process and increase the patient's oxygen saturation to adequate levels. The interruption of the intubation process may happen several times for difficult intubation processes, which is time consuming and puts the patient at severe health risk. After approximately three attempts at intubation the medical procedure, such as an intubation method will be abandoned.
In the event that manual ventilation of the apnoeic, non-intubated, patient is urgently required (such as due to unsuccessful intubation of the patient) it is necessary to quickly remove the high flow patient interface and then apply a non-invasive ventilation mask, e.g. a face mask and bag, to the patient. A cannula may be difficult to remove quickly from the patient, for example connectors between headgear and a cannula may be difficult to release quickly or manipulate with one hand. Failure to remove the patient interface may result in the cushion of the face mask overlying the patient interface or patient interface gases supply tube, disrupting the seal between the face mask and the patient's face. Gases may consequently leak from the face mask during ventilation, rendering ventilation ineffective or inefficient.
In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.
It is an object of this disclosure to provide a breathing conduit or a patient interface or a headgear connector which goes at least some way towards overcoming one or more of the above mentioned problems or difficulties, or to provide the industry/public with a useful choice.
In accordance with at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a breathing conduit for providing a flow of respiratory gases, whether formed with a patient interface or as a separate conduit, comprises a collapsible portion, a lateral cross section of the collapsible portion comprising:
In some embodiments, the first side comprises an outwardly curved portion between the flat portion and each of the first and second fold points when in the open configuration.
In some embodiments, the thickness of the outwardly curved portion tapers from the flat portion towards the respective fold point, from a greater thickness to a reduced thickness.
In some embodiments, the first side is curved outwardly when in the open configuration.
In some embodiments, the second side is curved outwardly when in the open configuration.
In some embodiments, in the closed configuration the fold points are moved to be against or adjacent the face of a user.
In some embodiments, the thickness of the first side and/or the second side tapers towards each fold point, from a greater thickness to a reduced thickness.
In some embodiments, a maximum thickness of the first side is at an apex of the first side and/or a maximum thickness of the second side is at an apex of the second side.
In some embodiments, the thickness of the fold points is less than the thickness of the remainder of the cross section of the collapsible portion.
In some embodiments, the second side is thinner than the first side.
In some embodiments, in the open configuration the first side adjacent each fold point is at an angle to the flat portion such that an external angle between the first side adjacent the fold point and the flat portion is less than 80 degrees, or less than 75 degrees, or less than 70 degrees, or less than 65 degrees, or less than 60 degrees, or less than 55 degrees, or less than 50 degrees, or less than 45 degrees, or less than 40 degrees, or less than 35 degrees, or less than 30 degrees, or is between 50 and 70 degrees, or is between 60 and 70 degrees, or about 62 to 68 degrees, or is about 64 to 66 degrees, or is about 65 degrees.
In some embodiments, in the open configuration a line tangential to the portion of the first side adjacent to each folding point is an angle to a line extending between the first and second fold points such that an angle (beta) between the line and the portion adjacent the fold point is less than 70 degrees, or less than 65 degrees, or less than 60 degrees, or less than 55 degrees, or less than 50 degrees, or less than 45 degrees, or less than 40 degrees, or less than 35 degrees, or less than 30 degrees, or is between 30 and 60 degrees, or is between 40 and 50 degrees, or may be about 45 degrees.
In some embodiments, the flat portion has a thickness of about 0.5 mm, and the fold points have a thickness of about 0.2 mm.
In some embodiments, the flat portion has a length of about 5 mm to 10 mm or about 7 mm, and/or
In some embodiments, the first side tapers from a thickness of 0.5 mm to a thinner thickness at the fold point.
In some embodiments, the ratio of:
In some embodiments, the ratio of the relative thicknesses between the (thicker) flat portion of the first side and the (thinner) fold points is in the range of about 1 to 8, or about 1.5 to 3.5.
In some embodiments, the first and second fold points delimit or define the extent of the first and second sides, or the first and second sides each extend fully between the fold points, e.g. from the first fold point to the second fold point.
In some embodiments, the collapsible section has reflective symmetry about a centre line of the cross section, the centre line extending through a centre of the first and second sides of the cross section.
In some embodiments, a distance between the fold points is greater than a width of the flat portion.
In some embodiments, a maximum width of the cross section is defined by a distance between the fold points.
In some embodiments, the first and second sides are curved outwardly, the lateral cross section being substantially oval or elliptical but with the first and second sides converging to a point at each fold point.
In some embodiments, the first side diverges outwardly either side of the flat portion towards the respective fold point.
In some embodiments, the conduit is a conduit portion of a patient interface.
In some embodiments, the patient interface is a nasal interface.
In some embodiments, the nasal interface is a nasal cannula.
In some embodiments, the collapsible portion is formed from an elastomeric/resilient material, for example silicone.
In accordance with at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a breathing conduit for providing a flow of respiratory gases, whether formed with a patient interface or as a separate conduit, comprises a collapsible portion, a lateral cross section of the collapsible portion comprising:
In some embodiments, an inner length of the first side between the fold points and an inner length of the second side between the fold points are substantially equal.
In some embodiments, the lateral cross section has reflective symmetry about a line extending through the first and second fold points.
In some embodiments, the lateral cross section has reflective symmetry about a centre line of the cross section, the centre line extending through a centre of the first and second sides of the cross section.
In some embodiments, the second side is curved outwardly when in the open configuration.
In some embodiments, the first side is curved outwardly when in the open configuration.
In some embodiments, in the closed configuration the fold points are moved to be against or adjacent the face of a user.
In some embodiments, the thickness of the first side and/or the second side tapers towards each fold point, from a greater thickness to a reduced thickness, the maximum thickness being at an apex of each of the first side and second side respectively.
In some embodiments, the thickness of the fold points is less than the thickness of the remainder of the cross section of the collapsible portion.
In some embodiments, the second side is thinner than the first side.
In some embodiments, the ratio of:
In some embodiments, in the open configuration a line tangential to the portion of the first side adjacent to each folding point is an angle to a line extending between the first and second fold points such that an angle (beta) between the line and the portion adjacent the fold point is less than 70 degrees, or less than 65 degrees, or less than 60 degrees, or less than 55 degrees, or less than 50 degrees, or less than 45 degrees, or less than 40 degrees, or less than 35 degrees, or less than 30 degrees, or is about 30 to 60 degrees, or about 40 to 50 degrees, or may be about 45 degrees.
In some embodiments, the first and second fold points delimit or define the extent of the first and second sides, or the first and second sides each extend fully between the fold points, e.g. from the first fold point to the second fold point.
In some embodiments, a maximum width of the cross section is defined by a distance between the fold points.
In some embodiments, the first and second sides are curved outwardly, the lateral cross section being substantially oval or elliptical but with the first and second sides converging to a point at each fold point.
In some embodiments, the conduit is a conduit portion of a patient interface.
In some embodiments, the patient interface is a nasal interface.
In some embodiments, the nasal interface is a nasal cannula.
In some embodiments, the collapsible portion is formed from an elastomeric/resilient material, for example silicone.
In accordance with at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a breathing conduit for providing a flow of respiratory gases, whether formed with a patient interface or as a separate conduit, comprises a collapsible portion, a lateral cross section of the collapsible portion being substantially rhombus or parallelogram shaped, the four corners of the rhombus or parallelogram shaped cross section providing fold points, in an open configuration the four sides of the rhombus or parallelogram spaced apart, and in a closed configuration the cross section folding at the corners so that adjacent sides of the rhombus or parallelogram come together into contact and with the corners comprising acute internal angles located at edges of the cross section.
In some embodiments, the lateral cross section of the collapsible portion being substantially parallelogram shaped and adapted such that a long side of the parallelogram is located against a user's face in use.
In some embodiments, an acute angle of the rhombus or parallelogram is less than 70 degrees, or less than 65 degrees, or less than 60 degrees, or less than 55 degrees, or less than 50 degrees, or less than 45 degrees, or less than 40 degrees, or less than 35 degrees, or less than 30 degrees, or is between 45 and 65 degrees, or is between 55 and 65 degrees, or may be about 60 degrees.
In some embodiments, the thickness of the sides of the rhombus or parallelogram taper towards each corner (fold point) with an acute angle, from a greater thickness to a reduced thickness.
In some embodiments, the thickness of the corners (fold points) comprising an acute angle is less than the thickness of the sides or a remainder of the cross section of the collapsible portion.
In some embodiments, a side of the rhombus or parallelogram shaped cross section for locating against a user's face is thicker than other sides of the rhombus or parallelogram shaped cross section.
In some embodiments, the ratio of:
In some embodiments, the cross section comprises an internal notch at the corners comprising an acute angle so that the thickness at the corners comprising an acute angle is less than the thickness of the sides of the cross section.
In some embodiments, the sides of the rhombus or parallelogram have a thickness of about 0.5 mm, and wherein the corners comprising an acute angle have a thickness of about 0.2 mm.
In some embodiments, the cross section of the collapsible portion comprises a tail portion extending from one or both corners of the section comprising acute internal angles, each tail portion providing a ramp from the edge of the section onto a top of the section in the closed configuration.
In some embodiments, a side of the rhombus or parallelogram shaped cross section for locating against a user's face is thicker than other sides of the rhombus or parallelogram shaped cross section, and
In some embodiments, the thickness of the sides of the cross section taper to be thicker at at least one corner of the cross section comprising an obtuse angle.
In some embodiments, the thickness of the cross section provides for a tapering collapsed cross section that tapers in thickness from the edges of the cross section to a thicker section between the edges of the collapsed cross section.
In some embodiments, the cross section has reflective symmetry on a line extending through the corners comprising an obtuse angle.
In some embodiments, the conduit is a conduit portion of a patient interface.
In some embodiments, the patient interface is a nasal interface.
In some embodiments, the nasal interface is a nasal cannula.
In some embodiments, the collapsible portion is formed from an elastomeric/resilient material, for example silicone.
In accordance with at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a patient interface comprises a breathing conduit as described in any one or more of the above statements.
In some embodiments, the interface is a nasal interface comprising a single inlet, at least one nasal outlet, and the breathing conduit extending between the single inlet and the at least one nasal outlet.
In accordance with at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a connector adapted to connect a headgear to a patient interface comprises:
In some embodiments, the tines each extend from a base of the second part, an end of each tine distal from the base free to deflect laterally relative to the base.
In some embodiments, one or both of the tines comprises an aperture or a lateral projection, and the first part comprises a corresponding lateral projection or aperture, such that with the first part received between the tines the lateral projection is received in the aperture to retain the first and second parts together.
In some embodiments, the aperture is a slot oriented with a major axis lateral to a longitudinal axis of a headgear strap to be attached to the patient interface.
In some embodiments, each tine comprises a said aperture and the first connector comprises a said lateral projection on each lateral side of the first part.
In some embodiments, the first and second parts are complementarily adapted to rotate relative to one another from a engaged position to disengage, the first and second parts comprising complementary features such that relative rotation between the first and second parts causes the tines to deflect and spread apart to release the second part from the first part.
In some embodiments, the aperture and projection are complementarily adapted so that relative rotation between the first and second parts causes the projection to release from the aperture and deflect a said tine over the projection.
In some embodiments, the lateral projection comprising a bevelled edge to deflect the tines apart when inserting the first part in between the tines of the second part in an axial direction of the connector parts.
In some embodiments, the second connector part is releasably coupled to a headgear.
In accordance with at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a connector adapted to connect a headgear to a patient interface comprises:
In some embodiments, the first and second connector parts are adapted to be connected together by moving the second connector part axially towards the first connector part, and
In accordance with at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a patient interface comprises:
In some embodiments, the patient interface comprises a plug and a conduit connector, the plug adapted to fit to an end of one or both side members, and the conduit connector adapted to fit to an end of the other one or both side members.
In some embodiments, each side member is formed as a conduit, and the patient interface comprises a plug and a conduit connector, the plug and conduit connector both adapted to fit to an inlet end of both side members, so that the patient interface is configurable to a dual inlet patient interface or a left or right sided single patient interface.
In some embodiments, the patient interface comprises a wall near to and on an inlet side of a said nasal prong or outlet, to separate the lumen of one side member from the manifold and the other side member, such that only one of the side members acts as a conduit to provide a flow of gases from an inlet of the patient interface to the manifold.
In some embodiments, the lumen of the side member that is separate from the manifold comprises a relief hole so that the lumen of the side arm separate from the manifold is in communication with the atmosphere.
In some embodiments, the wall is curved or shaped to direct a flow from the manifold to the at least one nasal prong or outlet and/or to reduce resistance to flow.
In some embodiments, the side members, manifold and the at least one nasal prong or outlet are integrally formed as a unitary member.
In some embodiments, the side members are formed from a relatively soft or compliant material and the plug and/or conduit connector is formed from a relatively rigid or hard material.
In some embodiments, the patient interface comprises a removable shield to configure the patient interface for use without collapsing.
In some embodiments, the shield is adapted to fit over and cover a side member, or both side members and the manifold.
In some embodiments, the shield comprises one or more pair of jaws, each pair of jaws configured to grab around a portion of the patient interface to hold the shield to the patient interface.
In some embodiments, the patient interface is a nasal cannula comprising the manifold and at least one said nasal prong or a nasal outlet extending from the manifold to be received by a user's nare.
In some embodiments, a part of a headgear connector is integrally formed with each side member.
In some embodiments, when dependent on claim 13, wherein a part of a headgear connector is integrally formed with the conduit connector and/or a part of a headgear connector is integrally formed with the plug.
In some embodiments, the cannula comprises a pair of headgear connector parts (e.g. a pair of male parts or a pair of female parts), each part adapted to connect to a corresponding headgear connector part to attach a headgear to the cannula, and wherein each headgear connector part is arranged at an angle to the side members in a side view of the cannula, so that in use the cannula is positioned horizontally on the user's face and with a headgear extending above the user's ears.
In some embodiments, the angle is 10 to 30 degrees, or 15 to 25 degrees, or about 20 degrees.
In some embodiments, in plan view the cannula comprises an obtuse angle between the side members when in a neutral or unbent configuration.
In some embodiments, the obtuse angle in the range of 100 to 130 degrees, or about 100 to 120 degrees, or about 100 to 110 degrees, or about 105 degrees (e.g. 106 degrees).
In some embodiments, the side members are substantially straight in a neutral or unbent configuration, and the manifold is curved to provide the obtuse angle between the side members.
In some embodiments, the cannula comprises a pair of headgear connector parts (e.g. a pair of male parts or a pair of female parts), each part adapted to connect to a corresponding headgear connector part to attach a headgear to the cannula, and wherein each headgear connector part is arranged at an angle to the side members in a plan view of the cannula, wherein the angle is in the range of 130 degrees to 170 degrees, or 140 degrees to 160 degrees, or 145 degrees to 155 degrees.
In some embodiments, the cannula comprises a pair of headgear connector parts (e.g. a pair of male parts or a pair of female parts), each part adapted to connect to a corresponding headgear connector part to attach a headgear to the cannula, and wherein a distance between distal ends of the side arms, or between the pair of headgear connector parts is about 100 mm to 150 mm, or about 110 mm to 140 mm, or about 110 mm to 130 mm or about 120 mm.
In accordance with at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a nasal cannula comprises:
In some embodiments, the obtuse angle in the range of 100 to 130 degrees, or about 100 to 120 degrees, or about 100 to 110 degrees, or about 105 degrees (e.g. 106 degrees).
In some embodiments, the side members are substantially straight in a neutral or unbent configuration, and the manifold is curved to provide the obtuse angle between the side members.
In some embodiments, the cannula comprises a pair of headgear connector parts (e.g. a pair of male parts or a pair of female parts), each part adapted to connect to a corresponding headgear connector part to attach a headgear to the cannula, and wherein each headgear connector part is arranged at an angle to the side members in a plan view of the cannula, wherein the angle is in the range of 130 degrees to 170 degrees, or 140 degrees to 160 degrees, or 145 degrees to 155 degrees.
In some embodiments, the cannula comprises a pair of headgear connector parts (e.g. a pair of male parts or a pair of female parts), each part adapted to connect to a corresponding headgear connector part to attach a headgear to the cannula, and wherein each headgear connector part is arranged at an angle to the side members in a side view of the cannula, so that in use the cannula is positioned horizontally on the user's face and with a headgear extending above the user's ears.
In some embodiments, the angle is 10 to 30 degrees, or 15 to 25 degrees, or about 20 degrees.
In some embodiments, the nasal cannula comprises a wall near to and on an inlet side of a said nasal prong or outlet, to separate the lumen of one side member from the manifold and the other side member, such that only one of the side members acts as a conduit to provide a flow of gases from an inlet of the cannula to the manifold.
In some embodiments, the lumen of the side member that is separate from the manifold comprises a relief hole so that the lumen of the side arm separate from the manifold is in communication with the atmosphere.
In accordance with at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a conduit for a respiratory support system comprises:
In some embodiments, the component comprises a shield attached to the outside of the collapsible portion, the shield adapted to distribute an external force applied to the shield to a predetermined collapsible area of the collapsible portion.
In some embodiments, the component comprises a lever adapted to pivot from the first configuration to the second configuration.
In some embodiments, the conduit comprises the collapsible portion and a non-collapsible portion and the lever is pivotally attached to the non-collapsible portion of the conduit.
In some embodiments, the conduit comprises a vent aperture upstream of the collapsible portion and wherein the lever comprises a first arm extending from a first side of a pivot and a second arm extending from an opposite second side of the pivot, and
In some embodiments, the vent aperture is in the non-collapsible portion of the conduit.
In some embodiments, the lever comprises a projection or rim to press against the collapsible portion in the second configuration.
In accordance with at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein a patient interface comprises:
In some embodiments, the component comprises a lever pivotally attached to the conduit or interface portion to pivot from the first configuration to the second configuration.
In some embodiments, the conduit comprises the collapsible portion and a non-collapsible portion and the lever is pivotally attached to the non-collapsible portion of the conduit, and wherein the collapsible portion is located between the interface portion and the non-collapsible portion of the conduit.
In some embodiments, the patient interface is a nasal cannula and the interface portion comprises a manifold and at least one nasal prong or outlet extending from the manifold.
In some embodiments, the patient interface is an oral interface to be received in a user's mouth.
In accordance with at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein a patient interface comprises:
In some embodiments, the conduit of each side member comprises a collapsible portion, in an open configuration the collapsible portion remaining open and in a closed configuration the collapsible portion being pinched or flattened to occlude or substantially occlude the conduit.
In some embodiments, the frame is adapted to deform so that a force applied to the front of the frame elastically bends the frame to collapse the conduit of a said member to the closed configuration.
In some embodiments, the frame is rotationally attached to the body rotate the frame relative to the body to selectively configure the cannula between the left hand inlet configuration and the right hand inlet configuration.
In some embodiments, the frame comprises a concave interior to receive a correspondingly shaped convex shape of the body.
In some embodiments, the patient interface is a nasal cannula, said body being a cannula body comprising the manifold and said at least one nasal prong or a nasal outlet extending from the manifold to be received by a user's nare.
In accordance with at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein a patient interface comprises a headgear, the headgear comprising a pair of arms, each arm comprising an ear plug, each ear plug adapted to fit within a user's ear to retain the patient interface in position on the user's face.
In some embodiments, one or both arms is length adjustable
In some embodiments, one or both arms is telescopic, one or both arms comprising a first portion slidingly received in a second portion, relative movement between the first and second arms adjusting the length of the arm.
In some embodiments, one of the first and second portions of each arm is integrally formed with a frame attached to a body of the patient interface.
In some embodiments, one of the first and second portions of the arm is more rigid than the other one of the first and second portions of the arm.
In some embodiments, the patient interface is a nasal cannula.
The term ‘conduit’ as used in this specification and claims is intended to broadly mean, unless the context suggests otherwise, any member that forms or provides a lumen for directing a flow of gases. For example a conduit or conduit portion may be part of a patient interface or may be a separate conduit attachable to a patient interface to provide a flow of gases to the patient interface
The phrase ‘lateral cross section’ of a conduit means a cross section transverse to the flow path of the conduit, e.g. perpendicular to a flow path or longitudinal axis of the conduit. As a further example, the lateral cross section may be viewed from an end of the conduit.
Unless the context suggests otherwise, the thickness of a side or a portion of a lateral cross section of a conduit is the lateral wall thickness of the side or portion of the cross section. For example, the thickness at a point (i.e. a fold point) on the cross section is the smallest distance across the wall of the cross section from an outer surface to an inner surface of the wall at that point. For example, in
The term “comprising” as used in this specification and claims means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting each statement in this specification and claims that includes the term “comprising”, features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprises” are to be interpreted in the same manner.
It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.
As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.
As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.
To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.
The disclosure consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.
Preferred embodiments of the disclosure will be described by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings.
Various embodiments are described with reference to the Figures. Throughout the Figures and specification, the same reference numerals may be used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.
According to various configurations and embodiments described herein, a flowrate of gases supplied or provided to an interface or via a system, such as through a flowpath, may comprise, but is not limited to, flows of at least about 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 L/min, or more, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values (for example, about 40 to about 80, about 50 to about 80, about 60 to about 80, about 70 to about 100 L/min, about 70 to 80 L/min). Flowrates above about 15 L/min in some embodiments may be used in such configurations or embodiments, in particular but not limited to flowrates of about 60-70 L/min. ‘High flow’ or ‘high flow therapy’ may refer to the delivery of gases to a patient at a flow rate of between about 5 or 10 L/min and about 100 L/min, or between about 15 L/min and about 95 L/min, or between about 20 L/min and about 90 L/min, or between about 25 L/min and about 85 L/min, or between about 30 L/min and about 80 L/min, or between about 35 L/min and about 75 L/min, or between about 40 L/min and about 70 L/min, or between about 45 L/min and about 65 L/min, or between about 50 L/min and about 60 L/min.
Gases delivered may comprise a percentage of oxygen. In some configurations, the percentage of oxygen in the gases delivered may be between about 20% and about 100%, or between about 30% and about 100%, or between about 40% and about 100%, or between about 50% and about 100%, or between about 60% and about 100%, or between about 70% and about 100%, or between about 80% and about 100%, or between about 90% and about 100%, or about 100%, or 100%.
High flow therapy has been found effective in meeting or exceeding the patient's normal peak inspiratory demand, to increase oxygenation of the patient and/or reduce the work of breathing. Additionally, high flow therapy may generate a flushing effect in the nasopharynx such that the anatomical dead space of the upper airways is flushed by the high incoming gas flows. This creates a reservoir of fresh gas available of each and every breath, while minimising re-breathing of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc.
As relatively high gas delivery flow rates may be used with the embodiments or configurations described herein, the gases being supplied or delivered to the user or patient may be delivered to different parts of the user's or a patient's airway.
Such relatively high flow rates of gases may assist in providing the supplied gases into a user's airway, or to different parts of a user's airway, for example such flow rates may allow for a delivery of such gases to the upper or lower airway regions. Upper airway region typically includes the nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx, while the lower airway region typically includes the trachea, primary bronchi and lungs.
The respiratory therapy system 100 comprises a housing 106 that at least partially houses both the flow generator 102 and the humidifier 104 (e.g. the respiratory therapy system 100 may comprise an integrated flow generator/humidifier apparatus). In other configurations the flow generator 102 and humidifier 104 may have separate housings. A hardware controller 108 is shown to be in electronic communication with the flow generator 102 and the humidifier 104, although in some configurations the hardware controller 108 might only communicate with the flow generator 102 or the humidifier 104. The hardware controller 108 may comprise a microcontroller or some other architecture configured to direct the operation of controllable components of the respiratory therapy system 100, including but not limited to the flow generator 102 and/or the humidifier 104. An input/output module 110 is shown to be in electronic communication with the controller 108. The input/output module 110 may be configured to allow a user to interface with the controller 108 to facilitate the control of controllable components of the respiratory therapy system 100, including but not limited to the flow generator 102 and/or the humidifier 104, and/or view data regarding the operation of the respiratory therapy system 100 and/or its components. The input/output module 110 might comprise, for example, one or more buttons, knobs, dials, switches, levers, touch screens, speakers, displays and/or other input or output peripherals that a user might use to view data and/or input commands to control components of the respiratory therapy system 100.
As further shown in
As shown in
As shown, in some configurations the patient interface 200 may also comprise a gas sensing module 120 adapted to measure a characteristic of gases passing through the patient interface 200. In other configurations the gas sensing module 120 could be positioned and adapted to measure the characteristics of gases at or near other parts of the respiratory therapy system 100. The gas sensing module 120 may comprise one or more sensors adapted to measure various characteristics of gases, including but not limited to pressure, flow rate, temperature, absolute humidity, relative humidity, enthalpy, gas composition, oxygen concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, and/or nitrogen concentration. Gas properties determined by the gas sensing module 120 may be utilized in a number of ways, including but not limited to closed loop control of parameters of the gases. For example, in some configurations flow rate data taken by a gas sensing module 120 may be used to determine the instantaneous flow, which in turn may be used to determine the respiratory cycle of the patient to facilitate the delivery of flow in synchronicity with portions of the respiratory cycle. The gas sensing module 120 may communicate with the controller 108 over a first transmission line 122. In some configurations, the first transmission line 122 may comprise a data communication connection adapted to transmit a data signal. The data communication connection could comprise a wired data communication connection such as but not limited to a data cable, or a wireless data communication connection such as but not limited to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. In some configurations, both power and data may be communicated over the same first transmission line 122. For example, the gas sensing module 120 may comprise a modulator that may allow a data signal to be ‘overlaid’ on top of a power signal. The data signal may be superimposed over the power signal and the combined signal may be demodulated before use by the controller 108. In other configurations the first transmission line 122 may comprise a pneumatic communication connection adapted to transmit a gas flow for analysis at a portion of the respiratory therapy system 100.
Additionally as shown a physiological sensor module 121 may be present. The physiological sensor module 121 may be configured to detect various characteristics of the patient or of the health of the patient, including but not limited to heart rate, EEG signal, EKG/ECG signal, inertial sensors attached to the patient (e.g.: chest) to detect movement, blood oxygen concentration (via, for example, a pulse oximeter), blood CO2 concentration, transcutaneous CO2 (TcCO2) and/or blood glucose. Similarly, the physiological sensor module 121 may communicate with the controller 108 over a second transmission line 123. The second transmission line 123 may comprise wired or wireless data communication connections similarly to the first transmission line 122, and power and data may be communicated similarly. The physiological sensor module 121 may be used, for example, to determine the blood oxygen saturation of the patient.
The first gas conduit 202 is in pneumatic communication with a flow manifold 206. The flow manifold 206 receives gases from the first gas conduit 202 and passes them to one or more nasal delivery elements 208 (e.g. nasal prongs). The one or more nasal delivery elements 208 extend outwardly from the flow manifold 206. The one or more nasal delivery elements 208 are adapted to be non-sealingly positioned in one or more nares of the patient P. As shown, the patient interface 200 comprises two nasal delivery elements 208 that are nasal prongs adapted to be positioned one in each of the patient's nares. Each nasal prong of the two nasal delivery elements 208 may be shaped or angled such that it extends inwardly towards a septum of the patient's nose. Alternatively the first patient interface 200 may be a sealing nasal interface.
In the embodiment shown in
In some configurations, the flow manifold 206 may be configured to receive flow from two lateral sides of the flow manifold 206 (e.g. from a ‘left’ and ‘right’ of the flow manifold 206 instead of just the patient's right hand side of the flow manifold 206 as seen in
The patient interface may further comprise mounts and/or supports, e.g., cheek supports 210, for attaching and/or supporting the gas conduit 202 or conduits on the patient's face. Alternatively or additionally, the patient interface may be held in place via one or more headstraps or headgear.
The first gas conduit 202 of the patient interface 200 comprises a first portion 204 configured to transition from a first configuration in which a first level of gases is able to pass through the first portion 204 to a second configuration in which a second level of gases is able to pass through the first portion 204.
A system may find benefit in the selective delivery of separate therapies to a patient using different patient interfaces, and/or in stopping or ceasing the delivery of a therapy from an interface and/or allowing gases provided by an interface to be sampled. The system and devices as described find particular application in emergency resuscitation, around intubation of a patient receiving high flow therapy, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery, in assisting with conditioning of a patient in a pre-operative state prior to administration of anaesthetics, and during post-extubation and recovery.
Face mask assembly 300 may be used as or with a second respiratory support subsystem and/or to deliver one or more substances other than a substance delivered by the cannula 200, for example anesthetic agents or oxygen, to the patient, or the same substance but at different flow and/or pressure levels. Alternatively, the face mask assembly 300 may be used to stop the delivery of therapy from a first respiratory support subsystem. The face mask assembly 300 may also be adapted to measure respiratory gases, for example exhaled carbon dioxide from the patient, the measurements of which may otherwise be affected by flow from the patient interface 200 of the first respiratory support subsystem.
Accordingly, the embodiment shown in
In the embodiment shown, face mask assembly 300 comprises a full face mask 302 configured to cover both the patient's nose and mouth. In other configurations, the face mask 300 may be a nasal mask which is placed over the patient interface 200 to cover only the patient's nasal region.
As shown, the face mask 302 comprises a seal region 304 adapted to seal against the patient's face. The face mask assembly 300 is connected to a second gas source, for example via a filter element 350, which supplies the one or more other gases to the patient via the face mask. That is, the second gas source is preferably different from the source supplying gas (for example, supplementary gas source 124/flow generator 102) to the patient interface 200.
In a preferred embodiment, the face mask assembly 300 is connected to a separate gas source or a separate respiratory support device. For example, the respiratory support can be a ventilator or a CPAP or a high flow therapy device or a manual resuscitator (for example a hand held face mask with bag). Alternatively or additionally the face mask assembly 300 may be connected to a device for measuring a characteristic of respiratory gases.
Alternatively the mask assembly 300 could be connected to an anesthetic device and anesthetic gas, or air, or oxygen, or a combination of gases, can be delivered via the mask 302.
The embodiment shown in
In one particular application, a patient preparing for anaesthesia can be pre-oxygenated by delivering a high flow of oxygen or humidified gases or mixture of both via a nasal cannula. In some circumstances, anesthesiologists managing the sedation of a patient may want to switch between delivery of gas flow from one patient interface (for example a nasal cannula 200) and delivery of gas flow from another patient interface, such as via a face mask 300.
Anaesthesiologists also use a mask with a bag to oxygenate a patient, and in some instances find it more beneficial to use a bag mask if a patient's vital signs begin to drop for example to deliver more pressure or have greater control over the variation in delivered pressure. In some situations a medical professional may wish to switch between different respiratory systems or support modes. In first mode respiratory support may be provided by first respiratory support system (for example via the patient interface 200) and in a second mode respiratory support may be provided by a second respiratory support system (for example via the patient interface 300), with the support from the first system switched off. For example, the additional flow from a high flow provided by nasal interface 200 may also modify the expected behaviour of the anaesthetic circuit provided by the face mask 300, and therefore it may be advantageous to be able to turn the additional flow from the first respiratory system off.
In some configurations, the switching between two respiratory support modes or subsystems may be facilitated by a structure of the first gas conduit 202, which has first portion 204 configured to transition from a first configuration in which a first level of gases is able to pass through the first portion 204 to a second configuration in which a second level of gases is able to pass through the first portion 204.
In some configurations, the first portion 204 is configured to be more collapsible or otherwise better adapted at changing the flow of gas through the first portion 204 (therefore reducing the flow of gas through the conduit and to the patient) than other portions of the conduit 202, and/or allowing a seal of a mask to seal over the top of the conduit. In other configurations the entire conduit may be configured to be collapsible.
In some configurations a vent arrangement may be provided upstream of a collapsible portion, to vent gases from the conduit upstream of the collapsible portion to atmosphere.
In some embodiments, the first configuration or first condition is a substantially open configuration and the second configuration or second condition is a substantially closed configuration. That is, the conduit 202 is configured to be more collapsible, deformable or otherwise adapted to fully close off the flow at the first portion 204 than at other portions of the conduit 202.
The first portion 204 may progress between the first and second configurations based on a relative level of force applied to the wall of the first portion 204. For example, as shown in
Alternatively, the force may be applied to first portion 204 by other means, e.g., clamps (not shown), or alternatively a medical practitioner may compress the conduit by pressing on the conduit wall with a finger or thumb.
In some embodiments, the seal of the face mask acting on the first portion of the gas conduit causes the first portion to form a seal or at least a partial seal between the nasal outlets of the first patient interface 200 and the flow generator 102. Additionally, the seal of the face mask forms a seal or at least a partial seal over the first portion of the gas conduit.
Switching between respiratory support therapies is therefore achieved simply by applying a mask to the patient's face so that the seal of the mask collapses (partially or completely) the first portion of the gas conduit of the first interface 200 to ‘turn off’ or reduce the therapy supplied by the first interface 200 and also provides a seal between the face mask 300 and the external surface of the first portion 204 of the conduit 202 such that therapy can be provided by the mask 300 with the therapy provided by the first interface shut off. The cannula with a collapsible conduit portion allows a user, e.g. an anesthetist or a nurse or a clinician to use a mask and prevent delivery of gases from multiple sources (e.g. the mask and cannula). The first interface 200 is structured and functions in a manner to prevent the delivery of high flow and other respiratory therapy or anesthesia gases through a mask. In some embodiments the removal of the mask from the patient's face allows the therapy supplied by the first interface to recommence, as the conduit returns from the collapsed configuration to the open configuration.
In the embodiment of
In a partially closed or closed configuration the second side is moved towards or against the first side with the collapsible portion folding at the first and second fold points. In the closed configuration the fold points 521, 522 may be moved to be against or adjacent the face of a user. In order to assist with the conduit sealing closed in the closed configuration to substantially prevent a flow of gases along the conduit and/or to assist with providing a substantially flat conduit over which the mask seal may seal against, an inner length of the first side between the fold points and an inner length of the second side between the fold points are substantially equal. This configuration may assist the collapsible portion to achieve a substantially flat configuration, or a configuration in which the inner surfaces of the first and second sides of the conduit come together in contact substantially fully along their lengths (e.g. without bubbles, ripples or wrinkles), when in the closed or collapsed configuration, as shown in
In some embodiments, the first side may comprise an outwardly curved or arcuate portion 531, 532 between the flat portion 510 and each of the first and second fold points 521, 522 when in the open configuration. The two curved portions 531, 532 preferably have the same radius of curvature, such that the collapsible section has reflective symmetry about a centre line of the cross section. Preferably the cross section has reflective symmetry about a centreline of the cross section, the centreline extending through a centre of the first and second sides of the cross section. Having a symmetrical cross section may help to ensure that the collapsible portion collapsed to a flat shape with a minimum height profile to promote sealing of the mask seal over the collapsed conduit. In some embodiments, the outward curvature or curvature of the arcuate portions 531, 532 has a radius that is sufficiently large to prevent or reduce the occurrence of creases in the conduit or gaps between the first and second sides when in the collapsed configuration. In some embodiments the outward curvature or curvature of the arcuate portions 531, 532 may help to maintain the cross-section in the open configuration when no external force is applied. In some embodiments the outward curvature or curvature of the arcuate portions 531, 532 may help to reduce the resistance to flow of the cross-section by increasing the cross-sectional area and reducing the sharpness of internal corners.
In an alternative configuration, the curved or arcuate portions 531, 532 may be inwardly curved, or the portion of the cross section between the flat portion and between each fold point may be straight or without curvature.
In some embodiments the thickness of the curved portions 531, 532 tapers from the flat portion 510 towards the respective fold point 521, 522, from a greater thickness to a reduced thickness. The change in thickness is preferably gradual along the length of the side of the cross section to reduce or prevent the occurrence of folds or creases in the side away from the fold points 521, 522. Preferably the flat section is of a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the remainder of the first side of the cross section. The thicker flat portion provides additional structure to the conduit in an area in contact with the user's face so that the conduit does not crease or buckle or fold on the user's face which may reduce the effectiveness of the conduit sealing closed when in the closed configuration.
In some configurations, the second side 512 of the conduit is curved outwardly when in the open configuration, as shown in
Preferably the thickness of the fold points 521, 522 is less than the thickness of the remainder of the cross section of the collapsible portion. The relatively thin section of the fold points allows the section to be particularly adapted to fold or bend at the fold points to transition between the open and closed configurations. The conduit preferentially bends or folds at the fold points to move between the open and closed configurations. The thickness of the fold points relative to the thickness of other sections of the collapsible portion allows the collapsible portion to collapse flat so that preferably the collapsed portion substantially seals to substantially stop flow through the conduit, and additionally, to also facilitate the mask seal sealing over the top of the conduit and with the user's face at the edges of the collapsed portion. The thin fold points combined with the outwards curve of the second side may encourage a gradual tapering of the collapsed portion from the centre of the cross section towards the user's face in the collapsed configuration, reducing the chance of leaks between the conduit and the seal of the mask and the user's face.
In some embodiments, in the open configuration the first side adjacent each fold point is at an angle to the flat portion 510 such that an external angle (alpha) between the first side adjacent the fold point and the flat portion 510 is less than 80 degrees, or less than 75 degrees, or less than 70 degrees, or less than 65 degrees, or less than 60 degrees, or less than 55 degrees, or less than 50 degrees, or less than 45 degrees, or less than 40 degrees, or less than 35 degrees, or less than 30 degrees, or is between 50 and 70 degrees, or is between 60 and 70 degrees, or may be about 65 degrees. For example the angle is illustrated as being 62.6 degrees in
In some configurations, the first side diverges outwardly either side of the flat portion 510 towards the respective fold point 521, 522. Preferably the first side curves into (or from) the flat portion 510 so that the cross section is without a defined ‘corner’ at each extent of the flat portion. A sharp corner in the first side at the edge of the flat portion may cause upwards buckling on a lower surface of the cross section, creating a gap between the conduit and the face when in the collapsed configuration.
As described above, in some embodiments the flat portion may be thicker than other portions of the cross section. For example, in some embodiments, the flat portion may have a thickness of about 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the fold points have a thickness of about 0.2 mm. In some embodiments, the flat portion may have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. In some embodiments the fold point may have a thickness of 0.2 to 0.4 mm.
In some configurations, the ratio of the relative thicknesses between the (thicker) centre of the first and/or second sides of the lateral cross section and the (thinner) fold points is in the range of about 1 to 8, or about 1.5 to 3.5. In some configurations, the ratio of the relative thicknesses between the (thicker) flat portion of the first side and/or the apex of the second side of the lateral cross section and the (thinner) fold points is in the range of about 1 to 8, or about 1.5 to 3.5. In some configurations, the ratio of the thickest part of the lateral cross section to the thinnest part of the lateral cross section being the fold points is in the range of about 1 to 8, or about 1.5 to 3.5. If the ratios stated are greater than the stated range the thickest parts of the cross section may reduce the flexibility of the collapsible portion. If the ratios are less than the stated range the conduit may be too think and may collapse under its own weight and/or may result in creases, folds or wrinkles in areas outer than the fold points, which is undesirable for sealing of the conduit and also sealing with the seal of the mask over the top of the conduit. However, the walls of the collapsible section are sufficiently thin to ensure suppleness when used with the user so that the conduit is comfortable against the user's face. The above stated ratios relate to tested materials being silicone with a Shore hardness of 60 to 70A and thermoplastic polyurethane.
As an exemplary embodiment, in some configurations, the flat portion has a length of about 5 mm to 10 mm or about 7 mm, and/or a lateral width of the cross section of the collapsible portion is between 10 mm and 15 mm or about 13 mm. A distance between the fold points is greater than a width of the flat portion. In an alternative embodiment, the first side is without a flat portion 510. For example the first side may be curved between the fold points, the curvature (may include one or more radius of curvatures) extending from one fold point to the other fold point.
In the illustrated embodiment the cross section is shaped so that the fold points 621, 622 are spaced away from the user's face in an open configuration. The first and second sides 611, 612 are curved outwardly when in the open configuration, so that the lateral cross section is substantially oval or elliptical; but in contrast to a true oval or elliptical shape which have rounded ends on a major axis of the oval or ellipse, in the lateral cross sections of
In some embodiments, for example as shown in
In some embodiments, the ratio of the relative thicknesses between the (thicker) centre of the first and/or second sides of the lateral cross section and the (thinner) fold points is in the range of about 1 to 8, or about 1.5 to 3.5. In some configurations, the ratio of the thickest part of the lateral cross section to the thinnest part of the lateral cross section being the fold points is in the range of about 1 to 8, or about 1.5 to 3.5. As described above in relation to earlier embodiments, if the ratios stated are greater than the stated range the thickest parts of the cross section may reduce the flexibility of the collapsible portion. If the ratios are less than the stated range the conduit may be too think and may collapse under its own weight and/or may result in creases, folds or wrinkles in areas outer than the fold points, which is undesirable for sealing of the conduit and also sealing with the seal of the mask over the top of the conduit.
As described above in relation to the earlier described embodiments, it is desirable that the cross section achieves a flat shape when in the closed configuration, to substantially occlude a lumen of the conduit and present a flat shape over which a seal of a mask can rest and seal against the conduit and the user's face. To assist with achieving a flat shape when in the closed configuration the cross section may comprise a number of other features. For example, in some embodiments, the lateral cross section has reflective symmetry on a line 650 extending through the first and second fold points. In some embodiments, an inner length 611a of the first side between the fold points and an inner length 612a of the second side between the fold points are substantially equal. In some embodiments, the collapsible section has reflective symmetry about a centre line (e.g. line 660 in
With reference to
In some embodiments, the cross section is arranged so that a long side of the parallelogram is located against a user's face in use. Having a long side positioned against a user's face may assist to ensure the conduit is correct situated to be collapsed by the seal of a mask pressing over the conduit. Having the long side resting against face also reduces the profile of the collapsible portion of the conduit on the user's face and provides a cleaner more aesthetically pleasing, less intrusive look. In some embodiments however, the cross section may be configured such that a short side of the parallelogram rests against the user's face. This may be particularly useful for use with infants, as an infant or juvenile provides limited facial area to support the conduit.
To assist with collapsing of the conduit, preferably the acute corner angle of the parallelogram is less than 70 degrees, or less than 65 degrees, or less than 60 degrees, or less than 55 degrees, or less than 50 degrees, or less than 45 degrees, or less than 40 degrees, or less than 35 degrees, or less than 30 degrees, or is between 45 and 65 degrees, or is between 55 and 65 degrees, or may be about 60 degrees.
As described previously, preferably the fold points have a thinner cross section that other portions of the lateral cross section. In some configurations the thickness of the sides of the parallelogram (or rhombus) taper towards each corner (fold point) 421, 422 with an acute angle, from a greater thickness to a reduced thickness. In some configurations, the thickness of the acute angled corners (fold points) is less than the thickness of the remainder of the cross section of the collapsible portion. As shown in
In some embodiments, a first side 411 of the lateral cross section extends between the two corners 421, 422 or fold points comprising an acute angle, the first side comprising two adjacent sides 411(i) and 411(ii) and an obtuse angled corner 423 of the parallelogram. An opposite second side 412 of the lateral cross section extends between the two corners 421, 422 or fold points comprising an acute angle, the second side comprising two adjacent sides 412(i) and 412(ii) and an obtuse angled corner 424 of the parallelogram. In some embodiments, an inner length 411a of the first side between the two corners 421, 422 or fold points and an inner length 412a of the second side between the fold points, corners 421, 422, are substantially equal. In some configurations the second side 412 is thinner than the first side 411.
In some configurations, a ratio of the relative thicknesses between the (thicker) sides of the lateral cross section and the (thinner) fold points is in the range of about 1 to 8, or about 1.5 to 3.5, or the ratio of the thickest part of the lateral cross section to the thinnest part of the lateral cross section being the fold points is in the range of about 1 to 8, or about 1.5 to 3.5.
In some embodiments, a side 411(i) of the parallelogram cross section that rests against a user's face is thicker than other sides. For example, side 411(i) may be thicker than the adjacent side 411(ii) joined to side 411(i) by an obtuse angle of the parallelogram, and/or side 411(i) may be thicker than the adjacent side 412(ii) joined to side 411(i) by an acute angle of the parallelogram, and/or side 411(i) may be thicker than the side 412(i) opposite to side 411(i). In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness of a thinner side of the cross section to the thickness of side 411(i) (i.e. the base of the cross section) is in the range of 0.3 to 0.7. In one preferred embodiment, the ratio is 0.5. For example, in one embodiment the base 411(i) of the parallelogram is about 1.4 mm and the thickness of the other sides is about 0.7 mm.
In some embodiments, the ratio of the length of the base (the side 411(i) in contact with the user's face) between an obtuse corner and an acute corner of the cross section and the thickness of the base is in the range of 4 to 6.
With reference to
In some embodiments, the tail portion tapers from a height of approximately the thickness of the side of the cross section that contacts the user's face to a reduced height, for example 0.5 mm or less, or may taper to a point. The height of the tail portion (where the tail portion connects to a side of the cross section, for example side 412(ii)) may be about 1 mm to 3 mm, or about 1 mm to 2 mm, or 1 mm to 1.5 mm, or about 1.2 mm. In some configurations the height of the tail portion may be similar to the thickness of the side of the cross section that contacts the user's face. In some configurations, the height of the tail portion may be similar to the thickness of the side of the cross section that contacts the user's face plus the thickness of the opposite side of the cross section (e.g. side 412(i)) that comes into contact with the side that contacts the user's face when the cross section is in a collapsed configuration. In some configurations the height of the tail portion is about the same as the height of the collapsed cross section. A ratio of the height of the tail portion and the thickness of the thinnest section of the cross section may be about 1.2 to 1.9.
The tail portion may have a length of about 2 mm to 6 mm, or about 10% to about 50% of the width of the collapsible cross section, or about 30% of the width of the collapsible cross section.
In some embodiments, the collapsible portion may have a lateral cross section configured so that in a collapsed or closed configuration the cross section forms a profile that tapers from a deeper or thicker cross section to thinner section at the edges of the collapsed section, for example as shown in
As described above, in some embodiments, a side 411(i) of the parallelogram cross section that rests against a user's face may be thicker than other sides of the parallelogram, for example as shown in
The collapsible conduit of any one of the above described embodiments may be formed from any suitable material but in one preferred embodiment may be formed from a elastomeric/resilient material such as for example silicone. The material is substantially soft and is biocompatible. In some embodiments, the collapsible portion is formed so that a natural or undeformed cross section of the collapsible portion is the open configuration. The collapsible portion is elastically deformed to move from the open configuration to the collapsed configuration, by an external force applied to a side of the conduit. When the force is removed, the conduit returns to its undeformed open configuration due to the resiliency of the conduit material. Furthermore, the collapsible portion is biased to move from the collapsed configuration to the open configuration by an internal pressure of a gases flow within the conduit expanding the conduit to the open configuration.
The above described collapsible cross-sections may form only a portion of a length of a conduit. Remaining portions of the conduit may have relatively thicker wall sections or have a different cross-section (for example round) to prevent unintended collapse of portions of the conduit other than the collapsible portion. The shape and/or wall thickness may gradually change from a cross section in a non-collapsible portion to the cross section in the collapsible portion. In some embodiments the internal cross-sectional area (e.g. the cross sectional area of the lumen of the conduit) along the collapsible portion is similar to the cross-sectional area of the conduit 112 of the inspiratory tube to avoid large changes in area that could lead to turbulence and an increased resistance to flow.
As described earlier, in some embodiments, a collapsible conduit or collapsing portion of a conduit may be integrally formed with and as part of a patient interface. An example of a nasal cannula 700 comprising a collapsible conduit portion is now described with reference to
The nasal cannula 700 comprises a manifold portion 701 from which nasal prongs 702 extend. A side arm or member 703, 704 extends from one or each side of the manifold portion 701. A collapsible conduit portion 704 may be integrally formed in or with a side member of the cannula. In some embodiments, a side member 703 is a conduit 705 for transporting a flow of gases from a patient conduit 112 to the manifold 701, e.g. the cannula comprises a conduit 705 extending from a side of the manifold 701. Substantially a full length of the conduit 705 may be configured to collapse, or a portion of the length of the conduit 705 may be configured to collapse.
In an embodiment where the cannula comprises a left side member 703 (left with respect to a patient) and a right side member 704, one or both side members may form a conduit for transporting gases to the conduit. Where both side members are conduits, two patient conduits 112 are provided, one conduit to a distal end of each side member. In some embodiments, as illustrated in
In some embodiments, the left and right side members 703, 704 may comprise the same cross section. For example, the side members 703, 704, whether used as a conduit or not, may have a collapsible cross section as described with reference to
As best illustrated in
However, the cross section of the two side members may be the same, but with only one side member used as a conduit to provide a flow of gases from the patient conduit 112 to the manifold 701. In some embodiments the wall is curved to assist with directing a flow of gases from the conduit 705 into the prongs 702. This may assist with reducing the resistance to flow compared to a sharp corner. Further, this wall may act as a rib to help keep the gas path open near the prongs and prevent kinking of the cannula (for example if the cannula is bent around a patient with a small or narrow face). The wall separates the lumen or interior volume of one side arm 704 from the other 703. One side arm that is not in fluid communication with the nasal prongs 702 may have a relief hole or holes, so that the interior volume or lumen of the side member is open to the atmosphere, to allow air to escape from the interior of the side member as it is collapsed. Alternatively a relief hole may be provided in the plug 708, or no plug may be provided, e.g. the distal end of the side member may be left open. In some embodiments the interior volume of the side member not in communication with the nasal prongs may be in fluid communication with a user's exhaled breath, e.g. via a CO2 sampling tube, and a hole in the side member may be used to sample exhaled breath.
In some embodiments, the side members 703, 704 and manifold may be a unitary integrally formed member, for example from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), silicone or the like. In some embodiments, the side members 703, 704, manifold 701 and nasal prongs 702 may be a unitary integrally formed member. In some embodiments, the plug and/or conduit connector may be formed from a rigid material, for example HTPE, polypropylene, ABS, polycarbonate, or the like. The term rigid is used relatively with respect to the material that is used to form the side arms, which is substantially less rigid (more resilient or compliant to elastic deformation). A relatively more rigid plug or conduit connector may assist in maintaining the tube cross section in a normally open configuration. In some embodiments the side members may be formed separately to the manifold and attached or connected to the manifold. The manifold may comprise a relatively rigid material, to be more rigid that the soft or compliant side members.
In some embodiments, a headgear connector 712 is provided to each side member 703, 704. The headgear connector comprises a first part, a male connector part 710, and a second part, a female connector part 711, that releasably mate together. For example there may be a female connector part 711 and a male connector part 710 that releasably fit together. The female connector part 711 of the connector 712 may be formed of a resilient or flexible/compliant material, and the male connector part 710 may be formed from a relatively rigid material. In some embodiments, one of the connector parts may be attached to a side member of the cannula, and the other one of the connector parts attached to a headgear strap. In some embodiments, one of the connector parts may be integrally formed with a side member of the cannula, for example as illustrated in
As shown in
In
In some embodiments, as shown in
As shown in
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
To create an effective seal between a mask 300 and the cannula 700, 800 and the user's face, it may be desirable to have a section of the cannula side member or conduit that extends across the mask seal positioned on softer parts of the user's face. Correspondingly, it may be desirable to avoid hard parts of the patient's face. This may allow the user's face to deform around the cannula, to increase the chance of achieving an effective sealing of the mask seal over the cannula and with the user's face. Positioning the cannula on soft parts of the user's face may also help to improve patient comfort by not applying pressure on bony/hard parts of the user's face such as cheekbones. In general, it may also be comfortable to have other cannula components, such as head straps, lying on soft parts of the face.
In order to position the cannula side members in a softer area of the user's face, in some embodiments the cannula is arranged so that the headgear strap extends from the side members at an angle to the side members when the cannula is viewed from a side of the cannula. For example, the angle may be 10 to 30 degrees, or 15 to 25 degrees, or about 20 degrees. In
The cannulas 700, 800 described above are again illustrated in
In some embodiments, in a plan view of the cannula, a distance between distal ends of the side arms, and/or between the pair of headgear connectors 712, 812 (distance X in
In some embodiments, in plan view there may be an obtuse angle between the headgear connector and the side arm. For example, as shown in
The above described geometries and arrangements may provide a number of benefits. Having the cannula horizontal across the face under the nose means the collapsible portion of the cannula intersects the facemask seal at a perpendicular angle and so the area over which the seal acts is as small as possible, reducing the required force to cause the collapsible portion to collapse. Further, a horizontal section encourages the cannula to lie in the soft sections of the face as the soft area just next to the nose is relatively small. The described arrangements may reduce the risk of the cannula and/or conduit 112 angling up towards the user's ears and lying across the user's hard cheekbone. The obtuse angle between the inspiratory tube and the cannula conduit described above removes sharp (sudden) corners in the gases flow path which can lead to turbulence and increase resistance to flow. The arrangement also aligns the conduit connector 807 close to the user's face to reduce leverage from the weight of conduit 112 which could cause kinking of the cannula. In some embodiments, the conduit connector 807 could be angled inwards towards the user's face for even closer positioning of the conduit to the face. For example, in
In some embodiments the cannula 700, 800 may be configured to be used without collapsing, by providing a shield or support member (e.g. a frame) to fit over and/or cover a side member, or both side members and the manifold. For example, as illustrated in
In the above described cannula, in preferred embodiments, the cannula is ‘slim’ to reduce the size of the interface on the patient's face. Also, the relatively rigid headgear connector 712, 812 is slim to reduce bulk between the patient and a pillow supporting the patient's head when the patient is lying on his or her side to improve patient comfort.
The cannula body 935 may comprise a gases inlet portion 924 to a lumen of the cannula body. The gases inlet portion 924 may be located at or towards an end of a side arm 903, 904. As illustrated, in some embodiments the cannula comprises a gases inlet portion 924 at each side arm 903, 904. The frame 950 may comprise an inspiratory tube connector 925 to attach a conduit 112 (an inspiratory tube) to the cannula. In some embodiments, the inspiratory tube connector 925 receives the gases inlet portion 924 of the cannula body. When gases are supplied to the cannula 900, a pressure of the gases forces the gases inlet portion 924 (e.g. inflates the inlet portion) against an inside of the inspiratory tube connector 925. An outer surface of the gases inlet portion 924 contacts an inner surface of the inspiratory tube connector 925 to create a seal to substantially prevent gases leaking.
The cannula body 935 and frame 950 are movably attached together. For example, in some embodiments, the frame 950 may be pivotally (rotationally) attached to the cannula body 935, so that the frame may be rotated relative to the cannula body. In the illustrated embodiment, the cannula body may comprise a post 952 and the frame may comprise an aperture 951 or recess for receiving the post, the frame 950 rotating on the aperture or recess 951 about the post 952. The post may be formed of a relatively rigid material compared to the material generally forming the cannula body. The post may be overmoulded into the softer or resilient material of the cannula body. In an alternative configuration the cannula body 935 may comprise an aperture or recess to receive a post of the frame 950. In some embodiments, the cannula body comprises a gases inlet portion 924 at each side arm 903, 904 (e.g. towards or at an end of each side arm). The frame comprises an inspiratory tube connector and a blanked hollow projection or 926 or recess (e.g. a blanked tubular projection). The inspiratory tube connector 925 is adapted to receive a said gases inlet portion 924 of the cannula body 935. When gases are supplied to the cannula 900, a pressure of the gases within the cannula forces the gases inlet portion 924 (e.g. inflates the inlet portion) against an inside of the tube connector 925. An outer surface of the gases inlet portion contacts an inner surface of the tube connector to create a seal to substantially prevent gases leaking from between the tube connector 925 and the cannula body 935. Similarly, the hollow projection 926 is adapted to receive a said gases inlet portion 924 of the cannula body 935. When gases are supplied to the cannula, a pressure of the gases within the cannula forces the gases inlet portion 924 (e.g. inflates the inlet portion) against an inside of the hollow projection 926. An outer surface of the gases inlet portion 924 contacts an inner surface of the hollow projection 926 to create a seal to substantially prevent gases leaking. Rotation of the cannula body 935 relative to the frame 950 selectively configures the cannula 900 between a left hand conduit inlet and a right hand conduit inlet.
In an alternative embodiment, the cannula body may include a pair of gases inlet portions 924, each located at or towards a distal end of each side arm, and the frame comprising a pair of inspiratory tube connectors 925 located at opposing ends or located at opposed sides of the frame to correspond with and receive one of the pair of gases entries 924 so that the cannula is configured for use as a dual entry cannula. A pair of inspiratory tubes may be attached to the pair of tube connectors 925 to supply gases to the cannula.
As illustrated in
As illustrated by example in
The cannula body 935 and frame 950 are generally curved to match the shape of a human face. A human face is substantially curved when moving from the nose to along the cheeks. The curved shape of the cannula body and the frame follow the general shape of the human face. The curved shape allows for a lower profile on the face and a better fit on the patients face. The cannula of
The cannula of
Each side member 1003, 1004 is configured to be collapsible, and is independently collapsible of the other. In normal use, if one member 1003, 1004 was to be collapsed or its lumen inadvertently obstructed, the other side member 1003, 1004 would continue to provide a flow of gases to the user via the associated nasal prong or outlet of the pair of nasal prongs 1002. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the cannula 1000 is preferably formed in a single integrally formed body of flexible material. In some embodiments, in addition to the single integrally formed cannula body, the cannula may comprise a rigid frame or shield, for example shield 801 as described above with reference to the embodiment of
In an alternative embodiment, the manifold includes a gases pathway that allows fluid communication between the lumens of the left and right side members 1003, 1004. The gases pathway in the manifold also allows fluid or gases communication between the lumen of the left side member 1003 and the right hand prong of the pair of nasal prongs 1002 and the lumen of the right side member 1004 and the left hand prong of the pair of nasal prongs 1002. In such an alternative embodiment, gases can be received by both prongs from either of the two inlets 1024 (left and right inlets) in case one prong is unexpectedly occluded. Such an arrangement may be advantageous because the inspiratory demand can be met and a sufficient flow rate be provided to an apnoeic patient to ensure there is enough O2 delivered and flushing of CO2 occurs.
In some embodiments the cannula 1000 is formed in a curved configuration to conform to the facial features of a user and may comprise geometry features as described above with reference to
In some embodiments the cannula 1100 further comprises a mechanism to collapse the collapsible portion of the conduit. In some embodiments the mechanism is a rigid component (rigid relative to the collapsible conduit portion) attached to an outside of the cannula to move from a first configuration in which the collapsible portion is in the open configuration to a second configuration in which the component presses against an outside of the collapsible portion to pinch or flatten the collapsible portion into the closed configuration. In the illustrated embodiment the component is a lever 1150 that is actuated by an externally applied force, for example a force provided by the seal region 304 of a face mask pressing against the lever 1150 as the face mask 302 is applied to a user's face over the top of the cannula 1100. In some embodiments the lever 1150 is pivotally supported by or attached to the non-collapsible portion 1103b of the conduit of the side arm or member 1103. In use a user may press the lever (e.g. by pressing a face mask seal against the lever) to pivot the lever 1150 to press the lever against the collapsible portion 1103a to collapse the collapsible portion 1103a and occlude or partially occlude the lumen of the collapsible portion 1103a. The lever 1150 is pivotable between a first configuration as shown in
In some embodiments, the lever 1150 comprises a first arm 1152 extending from a first side of a pivot 1153 and a second arm 1154 extending from an opposite second side of the pivot 1153. When in the first configuration (
In some embodiments the cannula 1100 is formed in a curved configuration to conform to the facial features of a user. The cannula 1100 is illustrated with a single side arm or member 1103 however in some embodiments may comprise a left hand side member and a right hand side member as described in earlier embodiments, and may comprise geometry features as described above with reference to
In some embodiments, a conduit 112, e.g. inspiratory conduit may comprise a collapsible portion and a lever 1150 as described above.
In some embodiments, the patient interface or a conduit may comprise a collapsible portion and a rigid shield or member attached to the outside of the collapsible portion. The member is rigid relative to the conduit portion and therefore is adapted to distribute an external force applied to the member over a predetermined collapsible area of the collapsible portion. The rigid member assists to ensure the collapsible portion is pinched off adequately to substantially occlude the conduit and avoid creasing or folding of the conduit that might otherwise provide a leak path through the collapsed portion of the conduit.
Aspects of the present invention are described above with reference to nasal cannulas. However, aspects of the present invention may be applied in other interfaces, such as for example an oral interface. An example oral interface 1200 is illustrated in
Where, in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.
Although the present disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art also are within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For instance, various components may be repositioned as desired. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined only by the claims that follow.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2017/054896 | 8/11/2017 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2018/029638 | 2/15/2018 | WO | A |
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