Device and system for generating continuous positive airway pressure, in particular for preterm and neonatal respiratory support

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) and a system for generating a continuous positive airway pressure, in particular for respiratory support of premature infants and neonates (2), comprising an air inlet duct (3) on the air inlet side for connection to a compressed air supply, an air collecting duct (4) on the air outlet side for connection to a breathing mask (5) or a single nasopharyngeal tube (6) or a double nasal plug, the connecting piece (7) is positioned between the air inlet channel (3) on the air inlet side and the air collecting channel (4) on the air outlet side, is provided with at least three openings (8) communicated with outside air, and is designed into a hollow cylinder with an opening end part; the air inlet channel (3) on the air inlet side and the air collecting channel (4) on the air outlet side are arranged opposite to each other and axially arranged on the hollow cylindrical wall of the connecting piece (7). The invention is suitable for premature infants and newborns, and particularly reduces the load acting on the skull of the premature infants and the newborns to the maximum extent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a system for generating continuous positive airway pressure, also called CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). For example, the CPAP device is designed as a nasal CPAP device (nCPAP). In particular, the CPAP device is also used for respiratory support of premature infants and neonates in cases of surfactant deficiency associated with premature birth or transient tachypnea of ​​the neonate. Background Art

[0002] The function principle of the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device is based on the patient's breathing pressure being higher than the atmospheric pressure. The CPAP device generates a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in the alveoli, attempting to prevent alveolar collapse, thereby preventing atelectasis and thus preventing a reduction in functional residual capacity.

[0003] In contrast, for example, a normal respiratory device only provides air supply during inhalation and generates negative pressure during exhalation. For example, DE3119814A1 discloses a respiratory device with a controllable respiratory gas source and a device for generating negative pressure, the latter providing a high-frequency high-pressure gas pulse to the patient during the inspiratory phase. The respiratory device provides a high-pressure gas pulse to at least one nozzle on a tracheal tube through a controllable respiratory gas source. In order to improve the efficiency of the expiratory phase, and in particular to eliminate carbon dioxide, while avoiding obstruction of the spontaneous breathing process, such as sudden coughing, it is shown that the tracheal tube is connected to a device for generating negative pressure at least during the expiratory phase, so that communication between the proximal end of the tracheal tube and the outside air is achieved throughout the respiratory cycle (both breathing phases). The respiratory device can be used for patients with respiratory disorders, but the negative pressure generated during the expiratory phase cannot prevent alveolar collapse in premature infants and newborns. Other similar ventilators are known, for example, from US 3,977,432A or US 3,794,072A.

[0004] EP0447443A1 discloses a device for producing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) by an ejection process, comprising a breathing channel (breathing channel) which is connected to the outside air at its free end and equipped with a coupling at its other end, the coupling being connected to the patient's nose and / or mouth, and a fresh gas inlet channel (inlet channel), which is connected to the breathing channel somewhere between its ends, and its flow rate is adjustable, so as to obtain an adjustable positive pressure in the breathing channel. The breathing channel has a first branch channel that can be connected to the coupling and a second branch channel that is connected to the outside air, and the two branch channels form an angle with each other. The inlet channel is basically located at the extension of the first branch channel and is connected to the second branch channel, and the connection mode is that the fresh air flow is mainly coaxially introduced into the first branch channel, thereby generating an ejection process. The cross-sectional area of ​​each branch channel is many times larger than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet channel. The length of each branch channel is relatively short, preferably 5 times its inner diameter. The breathing passage and airway are assembled together to form a small device that can be attached to the patient's nose and / or mouth by tape or similar means.

[0005] WO 99 / 24101 A1 criticizes the complex design of the two CPAP and nCPAP devices mentioned above, in particular the separate air inlet and outlet ducts, which means that these devices are not easy to sterilize and are expensive disposable devices. In addition, the handling of these devices and the connection with the compressed air generation device and the pressure measurement device are not flexible. According to WO 99 / 24101 A1, these disadvantages can be avoided by a device for generating continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP device), in particular a nasal CPAP device (nCPAP device), which has a hollow body that can establish an overpressure; a first opening is provided on the side wall of the hollow body for providing an air flow introduced into the hollow body and for discharging an exhaled air flow; a connection piece that can be connected to the hollow body for connecting the hollow body to a connection piece for the nose and / or mouth; and a gasket that can be connected to the hollow body, and a nozzle that guides the air flow to the opening can be connected to the gasket.

[0006] EP1897577A1 discloses a further development of the device described in WO99 / 24101A1, in which a drug flow inlet is added.

[0007] EP 0 658 356 A1 further discloses a CPAP device comprising two nasal connectors, each with a cannula tip for insertion into a patient's nostril.

[0008] GB2570052B discloses a CPAP device with a plurality of sealable ports, which can provide a variety of different ventilation therapies.

[0009] EP2269676A2 discloses a CPAP device having a controllable valve on a compressed air supply source to adjust the flow rate of the supplied air.

[0010] When using a CPAP device to provide respiratory support to premature infants and neonates, it is particularly important to ensure that the load on the head is reduced as much as possible because the skull is still soft and flexible during the first few weeks of life. The continuous pressure on the skull caused by the CPAP device may cause pressure points and deformation, which should be avoidable.

[0011] Technical Solution The present invention is therefore based on the provision of a device for generating continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) which is optimized and improved over the prior art for use in premature infants and neonates and which in particular minimizes the load on the skull of premature infants and neonates.

[0012] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a device for generating continuous positive airway pressure, in particular for respiratory support of premature infants and neonates, comprising: The air inlet duct on the air inlet side is used to connect to the compressed air supply source. The collecting channel on the air outlet side is used to connect to a breathing mask or a single nasopharyngeal tube or a double nasal plug. It is a connector between the air inlet channel on the air inlet side and the collecting channel on the air outlet side. The connector has at least three openings communicating with the outside air. Features The connecting piece is designed as a hollow cylinder with an opening, and the air inlet passage on the air inlet side and the air collecting passage on the air outlet side are arranged opposite to each other and axially to each other on the hollow cylindrical wall of the connecting piece.

[0013] According to the invention, compressed air / oxygen flows into the device according to the invention via the air inlet channel on the air inlet side, whereby the pressure of the compressed air / oxygen flowing in is increased compared to the ambient atmosphere. The compressed air / oxygen flow is condensed due to the inner diameter of the inlet channel. When the air flows out of the air inlet channel and then enters the connection piece and during the transition to the axially arranged air collecting channel, the resulting increase in flow velocity (Venturi effect) causes a pressure drop (Bernoulli effect), and at the same time, the surrounding air is also sucked in with a high-speed air flow. The device according to the invention thus supports the oxygen supply during inspiration, as in the prior art, and, even when the pressure generated is too high, an improved gas exchange is still ensured.

[0014] The connector has at least three, preferably four, openings to the outside air. These openings are used to allow the breathing air to escape during exhalation. Two of the three openings are formed by the open ends of the hollow cylindrical connector, the third opening is conveniently arranged in the hollow cylinder wall of the connector. This ensures that the breathing air always escapes and makes it virtually impossible for the user to accidentally close all three openings of the connector with just one hand. This safety feature prevents the lungs of premature babies and newborns from being overloaded by excessive pressure and prevents alveoli from rupturing (pneumothorax).

[0015] The device of the invention is of extremely simple design, with only one air inlet channel on the air inlet side, one air collecting channel on the air outlet side and a connector between the two channels. The hollow cylindrical connector automatically forms two of the three openings through the two open ends. This makes the device particularly compact and light, thus significantly reducing the pressure on the skull of premature infants and newborns. In addition, the axial alignment of the air inlet channel on the air inlet side and the air collecting channel on the air outlet side optimizes the gas flow in the connector, thereby reducing the overall size and thus the total weight of the device.

[0016] The hollow cylindrical connector optimizes the compressed air / oxygen flow in the connector during inhalation and exhalation. The curved inner wall of the hollow cylindrical connector smoothly introduces the compressed air / oxygen from the flow channel into the air collection channel. The curved inner surface of the hollow cylindrical connector ensures that the airflow entering the connector through the air inlet channel on the air inlet side is introduced into the air collection channel on the air outlet side.

[0017] Generally, the device of the present invention can be used with or combined with a variety of devices for respiratory support, and therefore, the above-mentioned breathing mask, the above-mentioned single nasal tube or the above-mentioned double nasal prongs are the most commonly used respiratory support devices.

[0018] Compared with the prior art of WO99 / 24101A1 and EP1897577A1, the device of the present invention does not need a hollow body that generates positive pressure according to the prior art. Compared with the prior art, the weight of the device of the present invention is greatly reduced.

[0019] The device described in EP0658356A1 is directly fixed on the patient's head and is therefore only applicable to premature infants and newborns to a limited extent.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the air inlet on the air inlet side and the air collecting channel on the air outlet side are arranged in a straight line. Therefore, the device of the present invention forms an axial flow channel from the air inlet of the inlet channel to the air outlet of the air collecting channel through the connecting piece. This is not only conducive to the flow behavior in the device of the present invention, but also enables the connection hose to be flexibly positioned at the inlet channel on the air inlet side. In the prior art, according to WO99 / 24101A1, EP1897577A1, EP0658356A1 and WO90 / 24101A1, the connecting piece of compressed air on the air inlet side is inclined at a certain angle to the breathing connecting piece on the air outlet side, thereby significantly limiting the positioning of the device and the hose connected to the compressed air supply source on the air inlet side. However, especially in the case of premature infants and newborns, it is necessary to fix the device in such a way that unnecessary pressure on the patient's head is effectively avoided. The axial design of the device of the present invention facilitates positioning, in particular, because the compressed air hose connected to the air inlet side can be fixed more flexibly.

[0021] According to a convenient embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a connector on the air collecting channel on the outlet side, in particular an M15 female threaded connector (female M15 adapter). For example, the design of the connector complies with DIN EN ISO 80369-2. The connector enables the device of the invention to be quickly, easily and securely connected to a breathing mask or a single nasopharyngeal tube or a double nasal plug, for example, which are provided with corresponding matching connectors, such as an M15 male threaded connector (male M15 adapter).

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connector comprises ribs on its outer surface acting as reinforcement and / or grooves acting as gripping members. The reinforcement ribs ensure easy connection, since the connector does not deform during operation, which would, for example, prevent an M15 male connector from being inserted into an M15 female connector. The grooves, which generally act as gripping members, improve the maneuverability of the device.

[0023] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing ribs extend from the connecting piece along the outer surface of the outlet side air collecting channel and the outer surface of the connector. Therefore, in addition to the connector, the outer surface of the air collecting channel is also stabilized and protected from deformation. Thus, the adverse effect of deformation on the patient side (outlet side) air flow in the air collecting channel is prevented.

[0024] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the device is of one-piece design. This one-piece design of the device of the invention allows the flow characteristics to be optimized. In particular, dead spaces in the connection area are avoided, such as the detachable connection between the air collector on the air outlet side and the optional connector. For example, such dead spaces make it difficult to breathe breathing air containing carbon dioxide, difficult to sterilize by conventional methods, and promote bacterial colonization during use. Because of this one-piece design, such dead spaces caused by dangerous or poor connection points are avoided or do not occur.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the device is made of plastic. This makes the device simple and inexpensive to manufacture. In addition, the weight of the device can be minimized, making the device particularly suitable for respiratory support of premature infants and newborns. For example, the weight of the device of the invention including the optional connector of the overall plastic design is less than 5 g, in particular less than 4 g.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inner diameter of the inlet duct on the air inlet side is smaller than the inner diameter of the air collecting duct on the air outlet side. Due to the smaller inner diameter of the inlet duct, the compressed air / oxygen flow is more condensed. When the air leaves the inlet duct into the connection piece and during the transition to the axially arranged larger air collecting duct, the increased flow velocity (Venturi effect) thus causes an optimal pressure drop (Bernoulli effect), while also sucking in the surrounding air with a high air flow.

[0027] According to a practical embodiment, the diameter of the intake channel on the intake side is 2 mm to 4 mm, in particular 3 mm.

[0028] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the air collecting channel on the air outlet side is 3 mm to 5 mm, in particular 4 mm.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the air inlet duct on the air inlet side extends into the connecting piece, while the end of the air collecting duct on the air outlet side is located at the wall of the connecting piece. In particular, this optimizes the transition from the air inlet duct on the air inlet side to the air collecting duct on the air outlet side in the connecting piece. The end of the air inlet duct extending into the connecting piece is fixed in such a way that sufficient compressed air / oxygen flows into the air collecting duct on the air outlet side at a pressure higher than that of the surrounding atmosphere. The end of the air collecting duct on the air outlet side arranged on the connecting piece is located at the curved wall of the hollow cylindrical connecting piece, whereby the curved wall of the hollow cylindrical connecting piece guides the compressed air / oxygen from the flow channel into the air collecting duct.

[0030] According to a suitable embodiment of the present invention, in the region of the connection piece, the distance between the air inlet duct on the air inlet side and the air collecting duct on the air outlet side is between 3.5 mm and 5.5 mm, in particular 4.5 mm. In particular, the connection piece, the air inlet duct on the air inlet side and the air collecting duct on the air outlet side are dimensioned to achieve a positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) of at least 3 cmH2O to 12 cmH2O, preferably between 5 cmH2O and 8 cmH2O.

[0031] According to a convenient embodiment of the invention, the open end of the hollow cylindrical connecting piece forms two of the at least three openings. At least the remaining third opening is provided on the hollow cylindrical wall of the connecting piece.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment, the third opening is arranged on the hollow cylindrical wall at an intermediate position between the air inlet duct on the inlet side and the air collecting duct on the outlet side. In this position, the third opening has the least influence on the air flow in the connecting piece, because its distance from the air inlet duct on the inlet side and the air collecting duct on the outlet side is the maximum.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the height of the hollow cylindrical connecting member is smaller than the diameter of the hollow cylindrical connecting member.

[0034] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the height of the hollow cylindrical connector is greater than the outer diameter of the air inlet on the air inlet side. Therefore, the circular connector can also be used as a stopper for the air supply hose placed on the air inlet and prevent the closing of the opening on the connector.

[0035] This problem can be further addressed by a system that produces continuous positive airway pressure, particularly for respiratory support of premature infants and neonates, that includes: A compressed air source that provides air flow at a constant pressure; ventilator mask, single nasal cannula, or double nasal prongs for premature infants or newborns; and According to the device of the present invention, the inlet channel on the air inlet side is connected to the compressed air supply source via a first air pipe, and the air collecting channel on the air outlet side is connected to a breathing mask, a single nasopharyngeal tube or a double nasal plug via a second air pipe.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the invention, the compressed air supply source provides a constant output pressure between 2.2 and 6.6 bar, in particular a constant output pressure between 3.3 and 5.5 bar. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are as follows:

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the device of the present invention, the device shown is used to generate continuous positive airway pressure, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the device of the present invention, the device shown is used to generate continuous positive respiratory pressure, Figure 3 for Figure 1 The first view of the first embodiment shows a typical incorrect handling of the device according to the invention in the area of ​​the connection element. Figure 4 for Figure 1 The second view of the first exemplary embodiment shows a typical error situation when operating the device according to the invention in the area of ​​the connecting piece. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the device of the present invention, showing the connection with the air supply tube and the single nasopharyngeal tube, Figure 6 for Figure 5 A perspective view of the device shown, showing the situation during respiratory support of premature infants and neonates, Figure 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the device of the present invention, showing the connection with the air supply tube and the single nasopharyngeal tube, Figure 8 for Figure 7 A perspective view of the apparatus shown, showing the situation during respiratory support of premature infants and neonates, and Fig. 9 It is a side view of a fifth embodiment of the device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figure 1 A perspective view of a first embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention is shown, which is used to generate continuous positive airway pressure, in particular for respiratory support of premature infants and neonates 2. Such devices are also known as CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure).

[0039] Figure 1 The device 1 of the first embodiment shown comprises an air inlet duct 3 on the air inlet side, an air collecting duct 4 on the air outlet side, and a connector 7 between the air inlet duct 3 on the air inlet side and the air collecting duct 4 on the air outlet side. In addition, the device 1 comprises a connector 9 on the air collecting duct 4 on the air outlet side.

[0040] According to the present invention, the connecting member 7 is designed as a hollow cylinder with an open end (hollow cylindrical shape). The air inlet duct 3 on the air inlet side and the air collecting duct 4 on the air outlet side are arranged opposite to each other and axially to each other on the hollow cylindrical wall of the connecting member 7. In addition, the air inlet duct 3 on the air inlet side and the air collecting duct 4 on the air outlet side are arranged in a straight line, so that they are axially arranged to each other.

[0041] The hollow cylindrical connecting piece 7 has at least three openings 8, Figure 1The connector 7 of the first embodiment shown has four openings 8. The exhausted air can escape into the natural environment through these openings. The open ends of the hollow cylindrical connector 7 constitute two of the four openings 8. The remaining two openings 8 are arranged on the circular connector 7 opposite to each other, in a central position between the air inlet duct 3 on the air inlet side and the air collecting duct 4 on the air outlet side. Therefore, there are four openings 8 on the connector 7, including the two open ends on the circular connector 7, thereby forming a connection with the outside air. This makes it almost impossible to cover all the openings 8 at the same time with one hand.

[0042] The air inlet duct 3 on the air inlet side is used to connect a compressed air source (not shown), in particular a compressed air / oxygen source. Compressed air / oxygen flows from the compressed air source into the device 1 of the present invention via the air inlet duct 3 on the air inlet side, whereby the pressure of the inflowing compressed air / oxygen increases compared to the ambient atmosphere. For example, the compressed air source is connected to the air inlet duct 3 on the air inlet side via an air supply hose 12, for which purpose the air supply hose 12 is conveniently connected to the free end of the air inlet duct 3 on the air inlet side.

[0043] The compressed air / oxygen flow is condensed due to the inner diameter of the air inlet 3. When the air leaves the air inlet 3 and enters the connection 7, and during the transition to the axially arranged collecting duct 4, the increased flow rate (Venturi effect) causes a pressure drop (Bernoulli effect), and at the same time, outside air is sucked in with a high air flow rate. The device 1 of the present invention thus supports the oxygen supply during inspiration and, as in the prior art, ensures an improved gas exchange due to the excessive pressure generated. In addition, the intake pressure at the air inlet 3 can be reduced, thereby significantly reducing the noise generated. The noise reduction is particularly beneficial in neonatology, because the noise generated increases the burden on premature babies or newborns 2.

[0044] The air collecting duct 4 is connected to the breathing mask 5 or the single nasopharyngeal tube 6 or the double nasal plug. For this purpose, a connector 9, such as an M15 internal thread connector according to DIN EN ISO 80369-2, is preferably arranged on the air collecting duct 4. The single nasal tube 6 can be conveniently connected to the air collecting duct 4 of the device 1 of the present invention directly or through a connecting tube 13, for example, just like the breathing mask 5, it can be directly connected to the connector 9 or connected to the connector 9 through a connecting tube 13. For this purpose, for example, the connecting tube 13, the breathing mask 5, the single nasal tube 6 or the double nasal plug are provided with corresponding connectors 14, in particular M15 external thread connectors, which can be inserted into the M15 internal thread connector (connector 9).

[0045] The connector 9 has four reinforcing ribs 10 on its outer surface. The four reinforcing ribs 10 are evenly distributed around the connector 9, that is, the angles between the reinforcing ribs 10 are 90 degrees. Figure 1In the first embodiment shown, the reinforcing ribs 10 extend from the connecting member 7 along the outer surface of the outlet side air collecting channel 4 and the outer surface of the connector 9. Thus, the entire outlet side area of ​​the device 1 of the present invention is reinforced.

[0046] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the hollow cylindrical connector 7 is greater than the outer diameter of the air inlet 3. Therefore, the circular connector 7 also serves as a stopper for the air supply hose 12 and prevents the opening 8 on the connector 7 from being closed.

[0047] The device 1 according to the invention is preferably designed as a single piece and, in particular, is produced from plastic.

[0048] according to Figure 1 In the first embodiment shown, the diameter of the air inlet duct 3 on the air inlet side is smaller than the diameter of the air collecting duct 4 on the air outlet side. For example, the diameter of the air inlet duct 3 on the air inlet side is 2mm~4mm, especially 3mm, and the diameter of the air collecting duct 4 on the air outlet side is 3mm~5mm, especially 4mm.

[0049] from Figure 1 It can also be seen that the air inlet duct 3 on the air inlet side extends into the connecting piece 7, and the end of the air collecting duct 4 on the air outlet side is located at the wall of the connecting piece 7. In the area of ​​the connecting piece 7, the distance between the air inlet duct 3 on the air inlet side and the air collecting duct 4 on the air outlet side is preferably between 3.5 mm and 5.5 mm, in particular 4.5 mm.

[0050] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the device 1 of the present invention, the device being used to generate continuous positive airway pressure. Figure 2 The second embodiment shown corresponds essentially to Figure 1 The first embodiment is shown. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the device 1 of the present invention is connected to an air supply hose 12 at the air inlet side, and the other end of the hose 12 is connected to a compressed air / oxygen source (compressed air source). The connector 9 on the air collecting channel 4 on the air outlet side is connected to a connecting tube 13 through a corresponding mating connector 14, which is in turn integrated into the single nasal tube 6 or connected to such a tube. In particular, Figure 2 It is shown that the air flow path through the device 1 of the present invention is axial and has no bends.

[0051] The connector 9 and the corresponding connector 14 not only match each other precisely in order to achieve a secure connection between the device 1 of the invention and the single nasopharyngeal tube 6, the breathing mask 5 or the double nasal prongs, but also minimize the dead space in the connection area. Excess dead space makes the exhalation of carbon dioxide more difficult, especially for premature infants and newborns 2, and should therefore be avoided or at least minimized.

[0052] Figure 3 and Figure 4 They are shown respectively Figure 1The first and second views of the first embodiment show typical errors that can occur when medical personnel operate the device 1 according to the invention in the area of ​​the connection piece 7. As shown, the medical personnel's hand 15 grasps the device 1 according to the invention in the area of ​​the connection piece 7 and partially covers the openings 8 that are connected to the outside air. However, due to the number and arrangement of the openings 8, the present invention prevents the medical personnel from accidentally covering and thus closing all the openings 8 that are connected to the outside air at the same time. If there is no longer any connection to the outside air, the premature infant and the newborn 2 would have to breathe from the compressed air / oxygen supply on the air intake side, which is impossible because their lung function has not yet fully developed. This would therefore put too much strain on the lungs of premature infants and newborns, which the present invention does not allow.

[0053] If the medical staff grasps the device 1 in the area of ​​the upper and lower openings 8 of the hollow cylindrical connecting piece 7, Figure 3 As shown, the exhaled air can escape through the openings 8 on the annular wall of the hollow cylinder. If the medical staff grasps the device 1 in the area of ​​the two openings 8 on the annular wall of the hollow cylindrical connecting piece 7, the exhaled air can escape from the upper and lower openings 8 of the hollow cylindrical connecting piece 7 ( Figure 4 ).

[0054] Figure 5 The third embodiment of the device 1 of the present invention is a perspective view showing the connection between the device and the air supply tube 12 and the single nasal tube 6. Figure 1 The device shown is connected to the air supply pipe 12 on the air inlet side. The corresponding connector 14 is inserted into the connector 9 on the air collecting channel 4 on the air outlet side, and the connector 9 is connected to the single nasopharyngeal tube 6 through the connecting tube 13 or integrated into it.

[0055] The connecting piece 7 together with the breathing mask 5, the single nasopharyngeal tube 6 or the double nasal prongs and the connected compressed air source (not shown) form the system of the invention for generating continuous positive airway pressure, in particular for respiratory support of premature infants and newborns 2.

[0056] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 The system or apparatus 1 is shown in use for premature infants and newborns receiving respiratory support via a single nasopharyngeal tube. Figure 6 It can be seen that the device 1 of the present invention adopts a straight-line, axial design, which hardly affects the guidance of the air supply pipe 12, especially compared with the oblique devices known in the prior art.

[0057] Figure 7 A perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention is shown, showing the connection of the device to the air supply pipe 12 and the breathing mask 5. The device 1 corresponds essentially to Figure 1The device shown is connected to the air supply pipe 12 on the air inlet side. The matching connector 14 directly provided on the breathing mask 5 is inserted into the connector 9 on the air collecting channel 4 on the air outlet side.

[0058] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 The system or device 1 is used to provide respiratory support to premature infants and newborns through a breathing mask 5. Here, it can also be seen that the device 1 of the present invention adopts a straight, axial design, which hardly affects the guidance of the air supply tube 12.

[0059] Fig. 9 A side view of a fifth embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention is shown for generating continuous positive airway pressure, in particular for respiratory support of premature infants and neonates 2. In particular, Fig. 9 The fifth embodiment shown is different from the previous embodiments in that the connector 9 further has a groove 11 to improve the grip. The groove 11 is arranged on the circular outer surface of the connector 9. According to the fifth embodiment, the reinforcing rib 10 extends from the connector 7 along the outlet side air collecting channel 4 and along the radial side surface of the connector 9.

[0060] In addition, in the fifth embodiment, the shape of the opening 8 on the circumferential annular wall of the connecting member 7 is adjusted, and is now an elliptical / rectangular shape instead of a circular shape as in the previously shown embodiment. Generally speaking, the opening 8 can be in any shape as long as it is suitable for discharging the exhaled air from the device 1.

[0061] Definition of Numbers (Reference Symbols) in the Drawings 1 device 2Premature infants / newborns 3 Intake duct 4 air collectors 5. Breathing Mask 6Single nasopharyngeal tube 7Connectors 8 openings (connectors) 9 Connectors 10Reinforcement ribs 11 grooves (grip part) 12 Air supply hose 13 Connecting tube (breathing mask / single nasal tube) 14 corresponding connector 15 hands (medical staff).

Claims

1. Devices for producing continuous positive airway pressure (1), in particular for respiratory support of premature infants and newborns (2), comprising: An air inlet duct (3) for connection to an air supply source on the air inlet side, An air collecting channel (4) for connecting to the air outlet side of a breathing mask (5) or a single nasopharyngeal tube (6) or a double nasal plug, A connecting piece (7) between the air inlet duct (3) on the air inlet side and the air collecting duct (4) on the air outlet side, wherein the connecting piece (7) has at least three openings (8) leading to the outside air, Features The connecting piece (7) is designed as a hollow cylinder with an open end, and the air inlet duct (3) on the air inlet side and the air collecting duct (4) on the air outlet side are arranged on the hollow cylindrical wall of the connecting piece (7) opposite to each other and axially relative to each other.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, in, The air inlet duct (3) on the air inlet side and the air collecting duct (4) on the air outlet side are arranged in a straight line.

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, It further comprises a connector (9) at the air collecting passage (4) on the air outlet side, in particular an M15 internal thread connector.

4. The device (1) according to claim 3, in, The connector (9) comprises ribs (10) on its outer surface for reinforcement and / or grooves (11) for gripping portions.

5. The device (1) according to claim 4, in, The rib (10) extends from the connector (7) along the outer surface of the outlet-side air collecting channel (4) and the outer surface of the connector (9).

6. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in, The device (1) is formed in one piece.

7. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in, The device (1) is made of plastic.

8. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in, The diameter of the air inlet passage (3) on the air inlet side is smaller than the air collecting passage (4) on the air outlet side.

9. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in, The air inlet channel (3) on the air inlet side extends into the connecting piece (7), while the end of the air collecting channel (4) on the air outlet side is located at the wall of the connecting piece (7).

10. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in, The open end of the hollow cylindrical connector (7) forms two of the three openings (8), and the third opening (8) is arranged on the hollow cylindrical wall of the connector (7).

11. The device (1) according to claim 10, in, The third opening (8) is arranged in the wall of the hollow cylinder at a central position between the air inlet passage (3) on the air inlet side and the air collecting passage (4) on the air outlet side.

12. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in, The height of the hollow cylindrical connector (7) is smaller than the diameter of the hollow cylindrical connector (7).

13. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in, The height of the hollow cylindrical connecting piece (7) is greater than the outer diameter of the air intake passage (3) on the air intake side.

14. A system for providing continuous positive airway pressure, particularly for respiratory support of premature infants and neonates (2), comprising: A compressed air supply source providing a constant pressure air flow; A breathing mask (5), a single nasopharyngeal tube (6) or a double nasal prong for a premature infant or a newborn (2); and The device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the air inlet duct (3) on the air inlet side is connected to the compressed air supply source via a first air hose, and the air collecting duct (4) on the air outlet side is connected to the breathing mask (5), single nasopharyngeal tube (6) or double nasal plug via a second air hose.

15. The system according to claim 14, in, The compressed air supply provides a constant output pressure between 2.2 and 6.6 bar, in particular between 3.3 and 5.5 bar.

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