Non-invasive breathing assistance device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an nCPAP device for assisting breathing of a patient, comprising a generator body formed with an inlet, a chamber, and first and second flow paths. The chamber directs pressurized gas from the inlet to the flow path. Each flow path includes a nozzle, a channel, and at least one port. The nozzles direct a jet of air into the channel in a patient-side direction of the channel. The port fluidly connects the channel to the atmosphere and facilitates incorporation of ambient air into the jet stream. In some embodiments, the channel is formed with ramped features that direct the exhaled gases towards the jet stream in an angled manner. The present generator body requires reduced actuation pressure to achieve the target CPAP level and reduces overall WOB compared to conventional designs.

Description

Background technique [0001] The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for generating and delivering continuous positive airway pressure therapy or other non-invasive breathing assistance to a patient, such as an infant or the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to variable flow, nasal continuous positive airway pressure systems, devices, and methods with reduced driving pressure requirements and improved work of breathing. [0002] For many years, patients with dyspnea and / or insufficiency have been treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure) therapy. Furthermore, CPAP therapy can advantageously help patients with underdeveloped lungs (especially infants, especially premature or newborn infants) by preventing the lungs from collapsing during exhalation and assisting the expansion of the lungs during inhalation. [0003] In general, CPAP therapy requires the continuous delivery of positive...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Although promising, the jet stream generated in this device has a relatively high momentum that is not easily overcome by the exhaled breath of a patient, especially an infant

Furthermore, these and other commercially available variable flow CPAP generators must be subjected to levels of drive gas pressure to produce therapeutic CPAP levels that are not low enough to allow the use of common ventilators

Therefore, instead, a dedicated high-pressure fluid driver is required

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