Nasal cavity / oral cavity sampling cannula

Abstract

The invention relates to a nasal cannula (1) comprising a tube (2) configured with a first portion (3) defining an inspiration path and a second portion (4) defining an expiration path, the first portion (3) comprising an inlet (6) and a first nasal prong (7) for blowing gas into the nostrils of a patient, and the second portion (4) being separated by a seal (5). The second part (4) comprises an outlet (8), a second nose fork (9) for collecting the gas exhaled from the patient's nostrils, and a first means for releasing the pressure (10) accumulated along the exhaling path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to medical devices and, more particularly, to a nasal cannula that alleviates nasal prong obstruction during oxygen insufflation and carbon dioxide gas sampling. Background Art

[0002] When a human patient is ill or undergoes surgery, it is often necessary to supplement the body's inhalation with therapeutic gases such as oxygen or gaseous anesthetics. In these cases, it is very necessary to accurately quantify the amount of at least one gas component (such as carbon dioxide) in the blood flowing through the alveoli of the human patient. Under intensive care conditions or under general anesthesia, accurate measurement of the composition of the respiratory gases in the alveoli makes it easier to monitor the patient's body functions and make the patient's treatment plan more suitable for the state of these body functions. Accurately measuring at least one gas component in the exhaled breath of a human patient can help improve related diagnostic methods for determining physical conditions.

[0003] One area of ​​particular interest is the monitoring of end-tidal CO2, which is the partial pressure of the carbon dioxide component of the expired gas at the end of exhalation in a spontaneously breathing patient. Quantitative monitoring of end-tidal CO2 in non-intubated spontaneously breathing patients (those who do not require an endotracheal tube) is particularly useful for non-intubated patients who are receiving supplemental oxygen therapy while awake and receiving regional or local anesthesia or anesthesia or those who are in a recovery room during emergence from residual general anesthesia.

[0004] Typically, nasal cannulas are used to provide airflow to a patient through the patient's nostrils or other nasal passages, if desired. Such devices are configured to deliver oxygen into the patient's nostrils or to extract carbon dioxide from the patient's nostrils for end-tidal carbon dioxide measurements. A nasal cannula assembly typically consists of an inlet tube, which may be symmetrical or unilateral, placed across the upper lip. Extending from the tube are a pair of open prongs that extend into the patient's nostrils to deliver oxygen. An advantage of nasal cannulas is that they are more comfortable and more easily accepted by most patients than face masks. Technology related to nasal cannula assemblies is generally well established and disclosed in the prior art.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. US5335656A discloses an example of a nasal cannula equipped to deliver a fluid flow to a patient. A nasal cannula having a wall member that cooperates with a hollow body of the cannula to define inhalation and exhalation manifolds and sealingly engages the hollow body to provide an airtight seal for actively preventing fluid communication between these manifolds, and a hollow nasal prong that protrudes from each manifold to be received in the patient's corresponding nostril. Another example discloses fixing a patient interface on the surface of the patient's nose. U.S. Patent No. US11420002B2 discloses another example, describing a nasal cannula, which includes a manifold portion having an inlet for receiving a fluid flow and at least one outlet for delivering the fluid flow to the patient's nostrils, and a port located in the manifold portion for delivering a drug to the fluid flow delivered to the patient by the nasal cannula. U.S. Patent No. US7353826B2 also describes a ventilation interface, which includes a nasal cannula body and a bellows-like structure, wherein the nasal cannula body has a pair of nasal prongs located on the top portion of the nasal cannula body, and the bellows-like structure is configured to contact the bottom surface of the nose to form a sealing interface between the nasal cannula body and the nose.

[0006] Standard nasal cannulas are designed with nasal prongs that have a slightly smaller outer diameter because it is anatomically desirable to ensure comfort when inserted into the patient's nostrils. This is also important for delivering gas into the patient's nasal cavity in the correct direction and flow rate. However, problems may be encountered if the patient is in a horizontal or prone position, which often leads to a buildup of secretions in the nasal cavity. This can be a particularly serious problem if the secretions dry up and block the opening of the nasal prongs. This ultimately prevents oxygen insufflation or carbon dioxide sampling. For example, nasal cannulas are used to monitor end-tidal carbon dioxide during anesthesia. Therefore, there is a need to provide a nasal cannula that reduces the incidence of nasal cannula blockage. Such a nasal cannula can be used for carbon dioxide sampling and oxygen insufflation. The present invention eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages and provides a solution to these disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a nasal cannula for sampling carbon dioxide gas exhaled by a patient. Advantageously, the nasal cannula of the present invention reduces the incidence of blockage of the tip of the nasal prong during the extraction of carbon dioxide gas through the nasal prong to a carbon dioxide monitoring device. This can minimize the risk of distortion of end-tidal carbon dioxide measurements.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a nasal cannula for insufflating oxygen to a patient while accurately monitoring end-tidal carbon dioxide. Ideally, when one or both nasal prongs become blocked due to accumulation of nasal secretions, the nasal cannula will resume normal operation to achieve its intended purpose.

[0009] At least one of the aforementioned objects is met in whole or in part, wherein an embodiment of the present invention describes a nasal cannula comprising a tube, the tube being configured with a first portion defining an inhalation path and a second portion defining an exhalation path, the first portion and the second portion being separated by a seal, the first portion comprising an inlet and a first nasal prong for blowing gas into a patient's nostrils, the second portion comprising an outlet and a second nasal prong for collecting exhaled gas from the patient's nostrils, and a first device for releasing pressure accumulated along the exhalation path.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is disclosed that the sealing member is a partition wall between the first portion and the second portion for preventing gas mixing between the inhalation path and the exhalation path.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is disclosed that the tube further comprises a device for collecting a portion of oral exhaled air from the patient's mouth.

[0012] Preferably, the tube has a passage having an opening and in fluid communication with the exhalation pathway for conveying a portion of oral exhaled gas to the second portion of the tube.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the channel further comprises an extended cover portion configured to intercept oral exhaled gas from the patient's mouth and convey it to the opening of the channel.

[0014] Preferably, the dividing wall is located adjacent the channel and adjacent to the first nose prong.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first means for relieving pressure buildup is at least one hole arranged in the exhalation path adjacent to the dividing wall and aligned with the first nasal prong and the second nasal prong.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first nasal prong and the second nasal prong are each configured with a second device for releasing pressure accumulated along them.

[0017] Preferably, the second means for releasing accumulated pressure comprises one or more holes disposed at the center of the top and bottom surfaces of the first and second nasal prongs.

[0018] Preferably, the inlet of the first portion is configured to be connected to an external oxygen source.

[0019] Preferably, the outlet of the second portion is configured to be connected to a vacuum pump.

[0020] More preferably, the vacuum pump is also coupled to a device for measuring the concentration or partial pressure of the patient's exhaled gas.

[0021] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein.The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] To facilitate understanding of the invention, there are shown in the accompanying drawings preferred embodiments, upon examination of which, when considered in conjunction with the following description, the invention, its construction and operation, together with its numerous advantages, will be readily understood and appreciated.

[0023] Figure 1 A top perspective view of the nasal cannula of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 2 A bottom perspective view of the nasal cannula of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 3 The present invention shows Figure 1 A side perspective view of a nasal cannula is shown in FIG.

[0026] Figure 4 The present invention shows Figure 2 A side perspective view of a nasal cannula is shown in FIG.

[0027] Figure 5 A rear view of the nasal cannula of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 6 A front view of the nasal cannula of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 7 The nasal cannula of the present invention is shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along the AA cutting line in FIG.

[0030] Figure 8 The inspiratory and expiratory pathways in the nasal cannula of the present invention are depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Below, the present invention will be described according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the description is limited to the preferred embodiments of the present invention only for the convenience of discussing the present invention, and it is foreseeable that those skilled in the art can design various modifications without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0032] The present invention relates to a nasal cannula, one end of which is connected to an oxygen source and the other end is connected to a vacuum pump, which is connected to a device for monitoring carbon dioxide gas. The nasal cannula of the present invention is suitable for blowing oxygen into a patient while accurately monitoring end-tidal carbon dioxide.

[0033] like Figure 1A preferred embodiment of a nasal cannula is shown, generally indicated by the reference numeral (1), having a tube (2) configured with a first portion (3) defining an inspiratory path and a second portion (4) defining an expiratory path. In the context of the present invention, the term "inspiratory path" refers to a route in the nasal cannula (1) through which medical gas, such as oxygen, is delivered from an oxygen concentrator, an oxygen cylinder or any other oxygen supply device and directly acts on the patient's respiratory system. On the other hand, the term "expiratory path" refers to a route in the nasal cannula (1) through which carbon dioxide gas is discharged from the patient's respiratory system and is directed to a device for monitoring carbon dioxide levels. In a preferred embodiment, the first portion (3) of the tube (2) defining the inspiratory path includes a first nasal prong (7) for blowing oxygen into the patient's nostrils. In a preferred embodiment, the second portion (4) of the tube (2) defining the expiratory path includes a second nasal prong (9) for collecting exhaled gas (such as carbon dioxide gas) from the patient's nostrils. It should be understood that the first nasal prong and the second nasal prong (7, 9) are suitable for fitting in the respective nostrils of the patient.

[0034] The seal (5) is sealingly engaged with the inner surface of the interior of the substantially hollow tube (2), and the seal (5) serves as an intermediate transverse barrier that divides the tube (2) into a first portion (3) and a second portion (4). The seal (5) can be made of a material that is substantially impermeable to liquids and gases, thereby preventing fluid communication between the inhalation path and the exhalation path. The entire nasal cannula (1) of the present invention is preferably molded from a flexible plastic material, whereby the seal (5) is integrally molded with the wall of the tube (2), such as Figure 1 and 2 The seal (5) is most clearly visible in the figure. However, the seal (5) may be a separate barrier sealingly adhered to the wall of the pipe (2) by other means, for example by an adhesive composition or by fusion of the material of the seal (5). The seal (5) is connected to the material of the pipe (2) by solvent welding, sonic welding, etc. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the seal (5) is a dividing wall (11) between the first part (3) and the second part (4) of the pipe (2), such as Figure 1 and 2 In a preferred embodiment, a partition wall (11) is provided to prevent mixing of oxygen and carbon dioxide gases between the inhalation path and the exhalation path.

[0035] like Figure 2As shown, the first part (3) of the tubing (2) defining the inhalation path can be connected to an external oxygen source (not shown) such as an oxygen concentrator, an oxygen cylinder or any other oxygen supply device via an inlet (6) through a first supply tube (18). The inlet (6) extends and terminates at one end of the first part (3). On the other hand, the second part (4) of the tubing (2) defining the exhalation path can be connected to a vacuum pump of a device (not shown) for measuring carbon dioxide concentration or partial pressure through an outlet (8) through a second supply tube (19). The outlet (8) extends and terminates at one end of the second part (4). The first supply tube (18) and the second supply tube (19) are preferably flexible and can be obtained separately or can be provided as part of the nasal cannula (1), in which case the end (20) of the first supply tube (18) and the end (21) of the second supply tube (19) can be permanently fixed to the corresponding inlet (6) and outlet (8) of the tubing (2) by adhesion. For example, the supply tube ends (20, 21) may be sealingly secured in place by means similar to those used to sealingly secure the seal (5) within the tubing (2). On the other hand, if the nasal cannula (1) of the present invention is supplied without an attached supply tube, the tubing (2) is preferably made of a more resilient material than the supply tube ends (20, 21). Such that the force required to seat the supply tube ends (20, 21) will provide an airtight sealing engagement between the respective supply tube ends (20, 21) and the inlet (6) and outlet (8).

[0036] In order to ensure the maximum sampling of the patient's exhaled gas from the respiratory system, it is ideal to collect a portion of the patient's oral exhaled gas for carbon dioxide monitoring and measurement to a certain extent. Figure 1-4 The tube (2) of the nasal cannula (1) of the present invention comprises a device for collecting a portion of oral exhaled gas (12) from the patient's mouth. In the context of the present invention, oral exhaled gas comprises carbon dioxide. The device (12) for collecting a portion of oral exhaled gas comprises a channel (13) having an opening (15) and an extended cover portion (14) integrally arranged on the channel (13). Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the channel (13) extends in the transverse direction of the tube (2) and is in fluid communication with the exhalation path of the second portion (4) for conveying a portion of the oral exhaled gas from the patient's mouth to the second portion (4) of the tube (2). Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, adjacent to the channel (13) is a partition wall (11) that separates the tube (2) into a first portion and a second portion (3, 4). The partition wall (11) is also located near the first nasal prong (7). This positioning of the partition wall (11) allows for optimal space for arranging the channel (13) that is in fluid communication with the exhalation path of the second portion (4). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the channel (13) also includes an extension cover portion (14), which is configured as described above to be positioned adjacent to the patient's mouth to intercept oral exhaled gases and allow at least a portion of the oral exhaled gases to pass through the opening (15) of the channel (13). Since the extension cover portion (14) is in an inwardly curved shape, it is able to intercept gases exhaled from the patient's mouth, such as Figure 4 Channel (13) can also be Figure 1 Seen in Figure 1 The dashed line in FIG. 1 shows that the view of the channel (13) is blocked by the extended cover portion (14) disposed on the channel (13). Figure 7 As shown, the opening (15) of the passage (13) allows air exhaled from the patient's mouth to be received and delivered to the second portion (4) of the tube (2) via an air passage (16) located within the passage (13).

[0037] During use of a conventional nasal cannula, inserting the nasal prongs into the nostrils does not generally cause irritation and discomfort to the patient. However, some patients may be more sensitive than others, and inserting the nasal prongs into the patient's nostrils for a long time may cause nasal irritation, such as when the patient is in a horizontal or prone position. Nasal irritation can cause the secretion of nasal fluid in the nostrils, and the accumulation of nasal fluid will inevitably block the nasal prongs. Nasal prong blockage may increase the pressure within the nasal cannula and prevent the nasal cannula from functioning properly. In order to reduce or eliminate the incidence of nasal prong blockage, the second portion (4) of the tube (2) of the nasal cannula (1) includes a first device for releasing pressure (10) accumulated along the exhalation path. As Figure 1-4 As shown, the first means for releasing the accumulated pressure (10) comprises at least a hole arranged on the exhalation path of the second part (4) of the tube (2). The working mechanism of the first means for releasing the accumulated pressure (10) is Figure 8 This is best illustrated in . In the event that the second nasal prong (9) is blocked, the pressure accumulated by the carbon dioxide gas in the exhalation path of the second part (4) of the tubing (2) can be released through the hole of the first device for releasing the accumulated pressure (10). When used with a vacuum pump connected to the outlet (8) of the second part (4), the pressure accumulated along the exhalation path can be released through the hole (10) provided. If desired, one or more holes (10) can be set along the exhalation path. In addition, when the outlet (8) of the second part (4) is connected to the vacuum pump, the carbon dioxide gas exhaled from the patient's nostrils can be received by the hole (10), such as Figure 8As shown. Figure 5 As shown, the hole (10) is located along the second portion (4) of the tube (2). Preferably, the hole (10) is located opposite the channel (16) or near the partition wall (11). Preferably, the hole (10) is parallel to the first and second nose prongs (7, 9).

[0038] In the present invention, a second means for releasing the accumulated pressure (17) is provided to reduce the incidence of blockage of the first and second nasal prongs (7, 9). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second nasal prongs (7, 9) are each provided with another hole (17) for releasing the pressure accumulated along them, such as Figure 1 and 2 As shown. Each hole (17) is provided at the center of the top and bottom surfaces of the first nasal prong (7) and the second nasal prong (9). Similarly, carbon dioxide gas exhaled from the patient's nostrils can be received by the hole (17). On the other hand, in the event that the first nasal prong (7) is blocked, the hole of the second device for releasing the accumulated pressure (17) allows oxygen to be delivered therefrom to the patient's nostrils, Figure 8 It can be clearly seen in.

[0039] The present disclosure includes the appended claims and what is contained in the foregoing description. Although the present invention has been described in some detail in its preferred form, it should be understood that the disclosure of the preferred form of the present invention is by way of example only and that many changes may be made in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement. Some components may be adopted without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A nasal cannula (1), comprising: A tube (2) having a first portion (3) defining an inhalation path and a second portion (4) defining an exhalation path, wherein the first portion (3) and the second portion (4) are separated by a sealing member (5); The first part (3) comprises an inlet (6) and a first nasal prong (7) for blowing gas into the patient's nostrils; and The second part (4) comprises an outlet (8), a second nasal prong (9) for collecting exhaled air from the patient's nostrils, and a first device for relieving pressure (10) accumulated along the exhalation path.

2. The nasal cannula according to claim 1, characterized in that The seal (5) is a partition wall (11) located between the first part (3) and the second part (4) for preventing gas mixing between the inhalation path and the exhalation path.

3. The nasal cannula according to claim 1, wherein the tube (2) further comprises a device for collecting a portion of oral exhaled air (12) from the patient's mouth.

4. The nasal cannula according to claim 3, characterized in that: The tube (2) has a channel (13) having an opening (15) and being in fluid communication with the exhalation path for conveying a portion of oral exhaled gas to the second portion (4) of the tube (2).

5. The nasal cannula according to claim 4, characterized in that: The passage (13) also includes an extended cover portion (14) configured to intercept exhaled gas from the patient's mouth and transmit it to the opening (15) of the passage (13).

6. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The dividing wall (11) is positioned close to the passage (13) and adjacent to the first nose prong (7).

7. The nasal cannula according to claim 1, characterized in that The first means for relieving accumulated pressure (10) comprises at least a hole arranged on the exhalation passage adjacent to the partition wall (11) and aligned with the first and second nasal prongs (7, 9).

8. The nasal cannula according to claim 1, wherein: The first and second nose prongs (7, 9) are each provided with a second device for relieving pressure (17) accumulated along them.

9. A nasal cannula according to claim 8, wherein the second means for releasing the accumulated pressure (17) comprises one or more holes arranged at the center of the top and bottom surfaces of the first and second nasal prongs (7, 9).

10. The nasal cannula according to claim 1, characterized in that The inlet (6) of the first portion (3) is configured to be connected to an external oxygen source.

11. The nasal cannula according to claim 1, characterized in that The outlet (8) of the second part (4) is arranged to be connected to a vacuum pump.

12. The nasal cannula according to claim 11, wherein The vacuum pump is also coupled to a device for measuring the concentration or partial pressure of the patient's exhaled gas.

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