Connectors for respiratory assistance systems

Abstract

Connectors for respiratory assistance systems are disclosed that are configured to at least decrease the proportion of condensate that drains into an inspiratory conduit. The connectors include a setup that causes the portion of a wye-piece connected to an expiratory conduit to be positioned below the portion of the wye-piece connected to the inspiratory conduit. The connector can alternatively, or additionally, include a wye-piece that includes a ball attached to the wye-piece adjacent the inspiratory conduit port such that when the ball is connected to a medical stand, the expiratory conduit port is positioned below the inspiratory conduit port. The connector can alternatively or additionally include a circuit hanger that includes a cradles for both conduits and a ball attached to the circuit hanger adjacent the inspiratory conduit cradle such that when the ball is connected to a medical stand, the expiratory conduit cradle is positioned below the inspiratory conduit cradle. The connector can alternatively or additionally include a coaxial wye-piece that includes an inspiratory branch, an expiratory branch, and a patient end. The tip of the inspiratory branch that is internal to the coaxial wye-piece may have a lip and a narrowed diameter, features which obstruct or reduce condensate from entering the inspiratory branch and the inspiratory conduit regardless of the coaxial wye-piece orientation or position.

Description

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 051,860, filed Sep. 17, 2014, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.BACKGROUND[0002]Technical Field[0003]The present disclosure generally relates to respiratory assistance systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to conduit connectors for respiratory assistance systems.[0004]Description of the Related Art[0005]A respiratory assistance system may be used to provide respiratory gases to a patient from a gases source via an inspiratory conduit in fluid communication between the gases source and a patient interface. Examples of a patient interface may include an oral mask, a nasal mask, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text discusses the issue of condensation in a respiratory assistance system and how it can affect patient treatment and comfort. The text describes a connector that reduces the amount of condensate that drains towards the patient by increasing the amount of condensate that drains into the expiratory conduit. This is achieved by positioning the portion of the wye-piece connected to the expiratory conduit below the portion connected to the patient interface, allowing the condensate to drain naturally. In this way, the connector improves the efficiency of respiratory treatment and patient comfort. Other embodiments of the invention include a coaxial wye-piece with a lip to obstruct the flow of condensate and a dual taper design that acts as a male or female connector. The text also mentions a gap in a wall to preserve the dual taper design while reducing the amount of material used.

Problems solved by technology

Condensate that drains toward the patient may reduce effectiveness of respiratory treatment and / or decrease patient comfort.

Condensate that drains toward the humidification device may cause at least partial occlusion of the inspiratory conduit which could reduce effective of respiratory treatment.

Condensate that drains toward the ventilator may damage the ventilator.

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