Integrated breathing circuit

Abstract

The invention relates to an integrated breathing circuit. A breathing system includes a breathing circuit including a plurality of breathing tubes; a flow sensor coupled to the breathing circuit, the flow sensor including a housing defining a flow channel and having a plurality of coupling members, where each coupling member of the plurality of coupling members defines an opening therethrough; and a suction tube assembly. A first set of coupling members of the plurality of coupling members is coupled to one end of the suction tube assembly via one or more connectors, and one or more valves are disposed between the first set of coupling members and the suction tube assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to breathing circuits. More specifically, the present application relates generally to breathing circuits having a flow sensor integrated therein. Background Art

[0002] A breathing circuit may be configured to direct a flow of breathing gas to a patient. For example, a breathing circuit may be used in an intubation procedure to provide breathing assistance to a patient.

[0003] The inventors have identified a number of deficiencies and problems with breathing circuits. Through their efforts, ingenuity, and innovation, solutions have been developed and constructed according to the embodiments of the present disclosure that address many of these identified deficiencies and problems, and many examples of these solutions are described in detail herein. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a respiratory system is provided. The exemplary respiratory system includes: a breathing circuit including a plurality of breathing tubes; a flow sensor coupled to the breathing circuit, the flow sensor including a housing defining a flow passage and having a plurality of coupling members, wherein each of the plurality of coupling members defines an opening therethrough; and a suction tube assembly, wherein: a first set of the plurality of coupling members is coupled to one end of the suction tube assembly via one or more connectors, and one or more valves are disposed between the first set of coupling members and the suction tube assembly.

[0005] In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end coupled to a first breathing tube of the plurality of breathing tubes and an opposite second end coupled to a second breathing tube of the plurality of breathing tubes.

[0006] In some embodiments, the one or more connectors include one or more leak-safe connectors.

[0007] In some embodiments, the one or more valves are configured to regulate removal of contaminants within the flow sensor via the suction tube assembly.

[0008] In some embodiments, the housing includes a first housing and a second housing, wherein a first coupling member of the first set of coupling members extends from the first housing and a second coupling member of the first set of coupling members extends from the second housing.

[0009] In some embodiments, each of the first coupling member and the second coupling member includes a luer lock fitting.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first coupling member is coupled to a first suction tube of the suction tube assembly such that a first suction path is defined, and the second coupling member is coupled to a second suction tube of the suction tube assembly such that a second suction path is defined.

[0011] In some embodiments, a first valve of the one or more valves is disposed between the first coupling member and the first suction tube, and a second valve of the one or more valves is disposed between the second coupling member and the second suction tube.

[0012] In some embodiments, one end of a third suction tube of the suction tube assembly is coupled to the first suction tube and the second suction tube via a connector.

[0013] In some embodiments, an opposite end of the suction tube assembly is configured to be coupled to a suction device.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a respiratory system is provided. The respiratory system includes: a breathing circuit including a plurality of breathing tubes; a flow sensor coupled to the breathing circuit, the flow sensor including a housing defining a flow passage and having at least one reservoir and a plurality of coupling members, wherein each of the plurality of coupling members defines an opening therethrough; and a suction tube assembly, wherein: a first set of the plurality of coupling members is coupled to one end of the suction tube assembly via one or more connectors, and one or more valves are disposed between the first set of coupling members and the suction tube assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end coupled to a first breathing tube of the plurality of breathing tubes and an opposite second end coupled to a second breathing tube of the plurality of breathing tubes.

[0016] In some embodiments, the one or more connectors include one or more leak - proof and safety connectors.

[0017] In some embodiments, the one or more valves are configured to regulate removal of contaminants within the flow sensor via the suction tube assembly.

[0018] In some embodiments, the housing includes a first housing having a first reservoir and a second housing having a second reservoir.

[0019] In some embodiments, a first coupling member of the first set of coupling members extends from the first reservoir, and a second coupling member of the first set of coupling members extends from the second reservoir.

[0020] In some embodiments, each of the first coupling member and the second coupling member includes a Luer - lock fitting.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first coupling member is coupled to a first suction tube of the suction tube assembly such that a first suction path is defined, and the second coupling member is coupled to a second suction tube of the suction tube assembly such that a second suction path is defined.

[0022] In some embodiments, a first valve of the one or more valves is disposed between the first coupling member and the first suction tube, and a second valve of the one or more valves is disposed between the second coupling member and the second suction tube.

[0023] In some embodiments, opposite ends of the suction tube assembly are configured to be coupled to a suction device.

[0024] The above Summary of the Invention is provided merely for the purpose of summarizing some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that the above embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as in any way narrowing the scope or essence of the present disclosure. It should be understood that, in addition to those summarized herein, the scope of the present disclosure also encompasses many possible embodiments, some of which will be further described below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Accordingly, certain example embodiments of the present disclosure have been generally described above, and non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following drawings, which are not necessarily to scale and in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. In certain embodiments described herein, the components illustrated in the drawings may or may not be present. Some embodiments may include fewer (or more) components than those shown in the figures.

[0026] Figure 1 Schematically shows a portion of an example respiratory system in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2A Is a schematic diagram of an example flow sensor of an example respiratory system in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2B Is a schematic diagram of an example flow sensor of an example respiratory system in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3 Schematically shows a portion of an example respiratory system in accordance with at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure, the portion showing the suction tube assembly.

[0030] Figure 4 Schematically shows a part of a respiratory system according to at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure, which shows a suction tube assembly.

[0031] Figure 5 Schematically shows a part of a respiratory system according to at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure, which has a reservoir.

[0032] Figure 6 Shows a flowchart according to at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure, which depicts the operations of an example process for removing contaminants from a flow sensor of an example respiratory system.

[0033] Figures 7A to 7B Provides an example simulation result graph. Detailed Description

[0034] One or more embodiments are now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals always refer to like elements, and in which some but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. However, it is apparent that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. It should be understood that some but not all embodiments are shown and described herein. In fact, the embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and thus the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

[0035] As used herein, the term "comprising" means including but not limited to, and should be interpreted in the manner typically used in the patent context. The use of broader terms such as "including", "containing" and "having" should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as "consisting of", "consisting essentially of" and "substantially consisting of".

[0036] As used herein, phrases such as "in one embodiment", "according to one embodiment", "in some embodiments", etc. generally mean that the particular feature, structure or characteristic after the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).

[0037] If the specification states that a component or feature "can", "is able to", "may", "should", "will", "preferably", "possibly", "typically", "optionally", "for example", "generally", or "might" (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, then the particular component or feature need not be included or have that characteristic. Such a component or feature may optionally be included in some embodiments, or it may be excluded.

[0038] As used herein, the terms "example" or "exemplary" are meant to be used as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Instead, the use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. Further, while a particular feature may be disclosed with respect to only one of several specific embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other specific embodiments as may be desired or advantageous for any given or particular application. Additionally, to the extent that the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof are used in the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "including".

[0039] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "or" is used herein in both an alternative and a conjunctive sense. The terms "exemplary" and "example" are used for examples without indication of a level of quality. Terms such as "calculate", "determine", "generate", and / or similar words may be used interchangeably herein to refer to the creation, modification, or identification of data. Further, "based on", "partially based on", "at least based on", "in light of", and / or similar words are used interchangeably herein in an open-ended manner such that they do not indicate only based on or solely based on the one or more elements being referenced, unless so indicated. The same reference numeral always refers to the same element.

[0040] As used herein, the terms "coupled", "fixed", "attached", etc. refer to direct coupling, fixing, or attachment, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attachment through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein.

[0041] As used herein, approximate terms such as "approximate", "substantially", or "about" mean within manufacturing tolerances or engineering tolerances. For example, an approximate term may mean within a five percent margin of error.

[0042] The breathing circuit can be configured to direct a flow of breathing gas to a patient. For example, the breathing circuit can be used in an intubation procedure to provide breathing assistance to a patient. Breathing gas can be supplied to the patient via the breathing circuit, and a flow sensor can be attached to the breathing circuit to measure the flow rate. As described above, the applicant has identified various deficiencies associated with breathing circuits. For example, when performing an invasive intubation on a patient, the tubing passes down through the patient's throat. Mucus and / or other substances may flow out of the tubing and into the flow sensor attached to the breathing circuit.

[0043] In addition, in various applications, a humidifier can be utilized to maintain the air flowing through the breathing circuit at a specific temperature and humidity level. Due to the temperature difference between the ambient air flowing through the circuit, the humidified air may condense within the flow sensor or the breathing circuit. Contaminants (such as mucus, condensate, etc.) within the flow sensor can cause the flow sensor to malfunction or otherwise have an adverse effect on the performance of the flow sensor. For example, the operation of the internal components of the flow sensor may be impaired, resulting in inaccurate flow rate measurements and / or other parameters.

[0044] To remove mucus (and / or other substances) and condensate, existing solutions require a healthcare provider to disassemble the breathing circuit and clean the flow sensor, thereby exposing the patient to environmental conditions and also exposing the healthcare provider to medical conditions the patient may have. Typically, the healthcare provider must use separate components (e.g., separate from the breathing circuit) to clean the flow sensor, reattach the sensor to the breathing circuit, and reattach the breathing circuit to the patient. Additionally, overflow of the flow sensor can cause treatment to stop, increase the workload of the clinician, and increase waste due to discarding the overflowed flow sensor.

[0045] Embodiments of the present disclosure address the above challenges and difficulties as well as other challenges and difficulties associated with breathing circuits. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a respiratory system that includes a breathing circuit with an integrated flow sensor, and the respiratory system allows contaminants (such as mucus, condensate, etc.) to be removed from the flow sensor without disassembling the breathing circuit. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure allow contaminants to be removed from the sensor while the patient is using the respiratory system.

[0046] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a suction tube assembly attached to a flow sensor. The suction tube assembly can be configured to be coupled to a suction device (e.g., a suction machine) that is configured to draw contaminants from the flow sensor via the suction tube assembly. Some embodiments of the present disclosure include one or more reservoirs that are configured to allow for collection of additional contaminants before sensor cleaning is required, thereby improving the sensor's time to failure. By providing for cleaning of the flow sensor without disassembling the breathing circuit, embodiments of the present disclosure prevent patient exposure to adverse environmental conditions, prevent healthcare providers from being exposed to medical conditions associated with the patient, improve the performance of the flow sensor (e.g., time to failure), and reduce the amount of resources that would otherwise be used to disassemble the breathing circuit and clean (or replace) the flow sensor.

[0047] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a portion of an example respiratory system 100 according to at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 1 shown, the respiratory system 100 can include a breathing circuit 110 and at least one flow sensor 150 integrated within the breathing circuit 110. For example, the flow sensor 150 can be directly or indirectly coupled between at least two components of the breathing circuit 110. In various embodiments, the respiratory system 100 includes a suction tube assembly 190. The suction tube assembly 190 can be directly or indirectly coupled to the flow sensor 150. In various embodiments, the suction tube assembly 190 can be configured to facilitate removal of contaminants from the flow sensor 150.

[0048] The breathing circuit 110 can include a plurality of breathing tubes 112 through which gas flows into and out of the flow sensor 150. The plurality of breathing tubes 112 can be made of a variety of materials. For example, the plurality of breathing tubes 112 can be made of plastic, composite materials, etc. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of breathing tubes 112 can be flexible. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of breathing tubes 112 can be rigid. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of breathing tubes 112 can be transparent. In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of breathing tubes 112 can be translucent.

[0049] The breathing circuit 110 can include one or more connectors and / or one or more adapters. The one or more connectors and / or one or more adapters can be configured to couple at least a portion of the plurality of breathing tubes 112 to one or more other components and / or one or more other devices of the respiratory system 100. In various embodiments, and as Figure 1As shown, one end of the first breathing tube 112a among the plurality of breathing tubes 112 can be connected to the flow sensor 150 via the first adapter 116a, and one end of the second breathing tube 112b among the plurality of breathing tubes 112 can be connected to the flow sensor 150 via the second adapter 116b. In various embodiments, one of the first breathing tube 112a or the second breathing tube 112b can be configured to be directly or indirectly connected to a ventilator device (e.g., via one or more connectors), while the other of the first breathing tube 112a or the second breathing tube 112b can be configured to be directly or indirectly connected to a user (e.g., a medical patient). For example, the opposite end of the first breathing tube 112a can be configured to be directly or indirectly connected to the ventilator device, while the opposite end of the second breathing tube 112b can be configured to be directly or indirectly connected to the user. For example, the opposite end of the second breathing tube 112b can be configured to be directly or indirectly connected to the ventilator device, while the opposite end of the second breathing tube 112b can be configured to be directly or indirectly connected to the user. It should be understood that in some examples, the breathing circuit can include different configurations. For example, in some examples, the first breathing tube and the second breathing tube can be coaxial (e.g., one breathing tube is inside the other). Also, for example, in some examples, the breathing circuit can include only a single pipe fitting.

[0050] FIG. 2a is a schematic diagram of the flow sensor 150 according to at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2b is a schematic diagram of the flow sensor 150 according to at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure. The flow sensor 150 can be a proximal flow sensor based on the differential pressure principle. For example, the flow sensor 150 can be described as a passive flow differential pressure converter configured to measure gas flow (e.g., respiratory gas flow). The flow sensor 150 can include a housing 152 that defines a flow channel 154. In various embodiments, the flow channel 154 can define a flow path in a plane parallel to (e.g., substantially parallel to) a horizontal axis 101 defined by the housing 152. For example, gas can flow along the flow path from the first breathing tube 112a through the flow channel 154 to the second breathing tube 112b (or vice versa).

[0051] In various embodiments, the housing 152 includes a first housing 152a and a second housing 152b. The first housing 152a and the second housing 152b can be joined together at their respective ends. Each of the first housing and the second housing 152b can define a cavity therein. In various embodiments, the flow sensor 150 can be configured to determine the gas flow (e.g., flow rate) based on the pressure difference between the cavity of the first housing 152a and the cavity of the second housing 152b. For example, the pressure difference between the first housing 152a and the second housing 152b can be converted into a flow rate.

[0052] The first housing 152a may include a body 158a and the second housing 152b may include a body 158b. The body 158a of the first housing 152a may include a first body portion 160a and a second body portion 160b. The diameter of the second body portion 160b may be smaller than the diameter of the first body portion 160a. The body 158b of the second housing 152b may include a first body portion 162a and a second body portion 162b. The diameter of the second body portion 162b may be smaller than the diameter of the first body portion 162a.

[0053] In various embodiments, the diameter of the first body portion 160a of the first housing 152a and the diameter of the first body portion 162a of the second housing 152b may be substantially the same. In various embodiments, the diameter of the first body portion 160a of the first housing 152a and the diameter of the first body portion 162a of the second housing 152b may be different. In various embodiments, the diameter of the second body portion 160b of the first housing 152a and the diameter of the second body portion 162b of the second housing 152b may be substantially the same. In various embodiments, the diameter of the second body portion 160b of the first housing 152a and the diameter of the second body portion 162b of the second housing 152b may be different.

[0054] In various embodiments, the housing 152 includes a plurality of coupling members. Each of the plurality of coupling members may define an opening therethrough. In various embodiments, a set of one or more of the plurality of coupling members is configured to facilitate flow measurement. For example, the set of one or more coupling members may be configured to couple the flow sensor 150 to one or more sensor tubes, where the one or more sensor tubes may be coupled to one or more differential pressure measuring devices.

[0055] In various embodiments, each of the first housing 152a and the second housing 152b may include at least one coupling member. As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the first housing 152a includes a first coupling member 156a, and the second housing 152b includes a second coupling member 156b. In various embodiments, each of the first coupling member 156a and the second coupling member 156b may be configured to couple the housing 152 to a sensor tube. In various embodiments, the first coupling member 156a may be coupled to the first sensor tube 114a such that the first coupling member 156a leads to the first sensor tube 114a. In various embodiments, the second coupling member 156b may be coupled to the second sensor tube 114b such that the second coupling member 156b leads to the second sensor tube 114b.

[0056] The respective opposite ends of the first sensor tube 114a and the second sensor tube 114b may be configured to be coupled via one or more connectors to a measurement unit including one or more differential pressure measuring devices (e.g., differential pressure gauges). In some embodiments, the first coupling member 156a and / or the second coupling member 156b are positioned perpendicular (e.g., substantially perpendicular) to the horizontal axis 101. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the first coupling member 156a and / or the second coupling member 156b may be positioned at an angle with respect to the horizontal axis 101 defined by the housing 152, where the angle is not perpendicular.

[0057] In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the first coupling member 156a may extend perpendicularly from the first body portion 160a of the first housing 152a, and the second coupling member 156b may extend perpendicularly from the first body portion 162a of the second housing 152b. In various embodiments, the first coupling member 156a and the second coupling member 156b have substantially the same diameter. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the diameter of the first coupling member 156a and the diameter of the second coupling member 156b may be different.

[0058] The flow sensor 150 may include at least one flow resistance element (not shown) positioned within the housing 152. The at least one flow resistance element may be positioned in the region where the first housing 152a and the second housing 152b of the flow sensor 150 intersect. For example, the flow resistance element may be positioned substantially parallel to the vertical axis defined by the housing 152 (and thus, positioned substantially perpendicular to the horizontal axis defined by the housing 152, which corresponds to the flow path within the flow channel 154 of the housing 152). The flow resistance element may be utilized to determine the pressure difference upstream and downstream of the flow resistance element. For example, the flow resistance element may be utilized to determine the pressure difference within the first housing 152a and the second housing 152b. The flow resistance element may include a sheet, a membrane, etc., and may be made of a variety of materials (e.g., plastics, composite materials, etc.). In some embodiments, the flow resistance element may be embodied as a flexible valve flap having a circular shape. In some embodiments, the flow resistance element may include a slit. It should be understood that in other embodiments, one or more flow resistance elements may include other configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the flow resistance element may have a non-circular shape profile.

[0059] One or more of a set of coupling members of housing 152 may be configured to facilitate removal of contaminants (e.g., contaminants, mucus, etc.) from flow sensor 150. For example, housing 152 may include a third coupling member 182a and a fourth coupling member 182b. The third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b may each be configured to facilitate removal of contaminants. As shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b may extend from body 158a and body 158b, respectively, in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first coupling member 156a and the second coupling member 156b extend from body 158a and body 158b, respectively. For example, housing 152 may include a set of one or more coupling members configured to facilitate flow measurement and a set of one or more coupling members configured to facilitate removal of contaminants from the flow sensor, wherein the two sets of one or more coupling members are positioned on opposite sides of housing 152.

[0060] The third coupling member 182a may extend from a first body portion 160a of body 158a, and the fourth coupling member 182b may extend from a first body portion 162a of body 158b. As shown in FIG. 2a, in some embodiments, the third coupling member 182a may extend perpendicularly from body 158a (e.g., its first body portion 160a), and the fourth coupling member 182b may extend perpendicularly from body 158b (e.g., its first body portion 162a). As shown in FIG. 2b, in some embodiments, the third coupling member 182a may extend at an angle that is not perpendicular to body 158a (e.g., its first body portion 160a), and the fourth coupling member 182b may extend at an angle that is not perpendicular to body 158b (e.g., its first body portion 162a). As shown in FIG. 2b, each of the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b may extend from body 158a and body 158b, respectively, such that the third coupling member 182a extends outwardly relative to a vertical axis 102 defined by housing 152, and the fourth coupling member 182b extends outwardly relative to the vertical axis 102. It should be understood that in some embodiments, each of the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b may extend from body 158a and body 158b, respectively, such that the third coupling member 182a extends inwardly relative to a vertical axis 102 defined by housing 152, and the fourth coupling member 182b extends inwardly relative to the vertical axis 102.

[0061] Each of the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b may define an opening (e.g., a passageway) therethrough such that contaminants within the flow sensor 150 may be conveyed away from the flow sensor 150 via the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b. In various embodiments, the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b have substantially the same diameter. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the diameter of the third coupling member 182a and the diameter of the fourth coupling member 182b may be different.

[0062] As described above, in various embodiments, the respiratory system 100 includes a suction tube assembly 190. Each of the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b may be configured to directly or indirectly couple the flow sensor 150 to the suction tube assembly 190. In various embodiments, the third coupling member 182a is coupled to a first suction tube of the suction tube assembly such that a first suction path is defined, and the fourth coupling member 182b is coupled to a second suction tube of the suction tube assembly such that a second suction path is defined.

[0063] In various embodiments, the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b are coupled to the suction tube assembly 190 using a secure leak - free connection configuration. In some embodiments, and as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b may include Luer - lock fittings that are configured to facilitate a secure leak - proof connection between each of the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b and the suction tube assembly.

[0064] For example, and as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, a portion of the outer surface of each of the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b may include one or more ridges 202 along the outer surface that are configured to facilitate a secure leak - proof connection. Each of the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b may include a male Luer - lock fitting configured to mate with a corresponding female Luer - lock fitting 308. It should be understood that in some embodiments, each of the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b may include a female Luer - lock fitting configured to mate with a corresponding male Luer - lock fitting. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b may include a secure leak - proof connection configuration different from the Luer - lock configuration.

[0065] Figure 3Schematically shows a portion of a respiratory system 100 according to at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure, which portion shows a suction tube assembly 190. The suction tube assembly 190 may include one or more suction tubes. As Figure 3 shown, one end of a first suction tube 302a of the suction tube assembly 190 may be coupled to a third coupling member 182a, and one end of a second suction tube 302b of the suction tube assembly 190 may be coupled to a fourth coupling member 182b. One or more connectors and / or one or more valves may be utilized to couple the first suction tube 302a to the third coupling member 182a and the second suction tube 302b to the fourth coupling member 182b. In some embodiments, one or more of the connectors include a Luer lock fitting, such as a female Luer lock fitting 308. In various embodiments, opposite ends of the first suction tube 302a and the second suction tube 302b may be configured for coupling to a suction device. In some embodiments, a first valve 306a of the one or more valves is disposed between the first coupling member and the first suction tube, and a second valve 306b of the one or more valves is disposed between the second coupling member and the second suction tube.

[0066] Figure 4 Schematically shows a portion of a respiratory system 100 according to at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure, which portion shows a suction tube assembly 190. In some embodiments, and as Figure 4 shown, opposite ends of the first suction tube 302a and the second suction tube 302b may be coupled to a splitter, such as a "Y" fitting 310. For example, as Figure 4 shown, one end of a third suction tube 302c of the suction tube assembly 190 may be coupled to the tail portion of the "Y" fitting 310. The opposite end of the third suction tube 302c may be configured for coupling to a suction device.

[0067] Figure 5 Schematically shows a portion of a respiratory system 100 according to at least one example embodiment of the present disclosure, which portion includes a flow sensor 500 having one or more reservoirs. The flow sensor 500 may include several of the same components described above in connection with the flow sensor 150. Accordingly, the repeated description of similar components is omitted.

[0068] In various embodiments, the flow sensor 150 includes at least one reservoir configured to receive mucus, condensate, and / or other contaminants. As Figure 5 shown, the housing 152 may include a first reservoir 520a and a second reservoir 520b. The first reservoir 520a may be disposed opposite the first coupling member 156a, and the second reservoir 520b may be disposed opposite the second coupling member 156b. As Figure 5As shown, the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b may extend from the first reservoir 520a and the second reservoir 520b, respectively, in directions opposite to the directions in which the first coupling member 156a and the second coupling member 156b extend from the main body 158a and the main body 158b, respectively.

[0069] As Figure 5 shown, in some embodiments, the third coupling member 182a may extend vertically from the first reservoir 520a, and the fourth coupling member 182b may extend vertically from the second reservoir 520b. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the third coupling member 182a may extend at an angle that is not perpendicular to the main body 158a (e.g., its first main body portion 160a), and the fourth coupling member 182b may extend at an angle that is not perpendicular to the main body 158b (e.g., its first main body portion 162a). For example, each of the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b may extend from the first reservoir 520a and the second reservoir 520b, respectively, such that the third coupling member 182a extends outwardly relative to the vertical axis 102 defined by the housing 152, and the fourth coupling member 182b extends outwardly relative to the vertical axis 102. As another example, each of the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b may extend from the first reservoir 520a and the second reservoir 520b, respectively, such that the third coupling member 182a extends inwardly relative to the vertical axis 102 defined by the housing 152, and the fourth coupling member 182b extends inwardly relative to the vertical axis 102.

[0070] Each of the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b may define an opening (e.g., a passageway) therethrough such that contaminants within the flow sensor 150 (including contaminants collected in the first reservoir 520a and the second reservoir 520b) may be conveyed away from the first reservoir 520a and the second reservoir 520b via the third coupling member 182a and the fourth coupling member 182b, respectively.

[0071] Figure 6 A flowchart showing at least one example embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure is presented, which depicts the operations of an example process for removing contaminants from a flow sensor integrated within a breathing circuit. Specifically, Figure 6 An example process 600 is depicted. Although the example process depicts a specific order of operations, the order may be changed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the depicted operations may be performed in parallel or in a different sequence that does not materially affect the functionality of the process.

[0072] Each block indicates an operation of each process. Such operations can be performed in any of a variety of ways, including but not limited to being performed in the order and manner depicted and described herein. In some embodiments, one or more blocks of any of the processes described herein occur between one or more blocks of another process, before one or more blocks of another process, occur in parallel with one or more blocks of another process, and / or as a subprocess of a second process. Additionally or alternatively, in various embodiments, any process includes some or all of the described and / or depicted operational steps, including one or more optional blocks in some embodiments. With respect to the flowcharts shown herein, in some embodiments, one or more of the depicted blocks are optional in some or all embodiments of the present disclosure. Optional blocks are depicted with a dashed line (or “dotted line”). Similarly, it should be understood that one or more of the operations in the operations of each flowchart can be combined, replaced, and / or otherwise altered, as described herein.

[0073] According to some examples, the method includes coupling one or more breathing tubes of a breathing circuit to one or more external devices at block 602. At least one breathing tube can be coupled to one or more external devices via one or more connectors and / or adapters. In some embodiments, one or more breathing tubes are connected to a ventilator device. For example, one end of at least one breathing tube can be coupled to a ventilator device, where the opposite end of the breathing tube is coupled to a flow sensor integrated within the breathing circuit. The flow sensor can be disposed between a pair of breathing tubes. For example, a first end of the flow sensor can be coupled to a first end of a first breathing tube and a second end of the flow sensor can be coupled to a first end of a second breathing tube, where a second end of the first breathing tube can be coupled to the ventilator device, and a second end of the second breathing tube can be configured for interaction with a user or coupled to other components configured for interaction with the user. For example, a portion of the second breathing tube can be configured to be inserted into the user's mouth.

[0074] According to some examples, the method includes coupling one or more sensor tubes to a measurement unit at block 604. In some embodiments, the measurement unit includes one or more differential pressure measuring devices. For example, the measurement unit can include a differential pressure gauge. One or more sensors can be coupled to the measurement unit via one or more connectors. In some embodiments, the measurement unit is contained within the ventilator device. In some such examples, one or more sensor tubes can be coupled to the ventilator device via one or more connectors.

[0075] According to some examples, the method includes coupling a flow sensor to a suction device at block 606. For example, the flow sensor can be coupled to a suction tube assembly (e.g., including one or more suction tubes) at one end of the suction tube assembly, where the suction tube assembly is coupled to the suction device via an opposite end of the suction device. In some embodiments, the suction tube assembly is coupled to the flow sensor via one or more coupling members of the flow sensor. Each of the one or more coupling members can define an opening therethrough such that a flow path is formed between the flow sensor and the suction tube assembly.

[0076] The one or more coupling members can be coupled to the suction tube assembly via one or more connectors. In some embodiments, a Luer lock fitting connection can be utilized to couple the flow sensor to the suction tube assembly. In some embodiments, one or more valves are disposed between the flow sensor and one or more suction valves. The one or more suction valves can be configured to regulate the opening, closing, and / or partial blocking of one or more flow paths defined by the flow sensor and the suction tube assembly.

[0077] According to some examples, the method includes removing contaminants from the flow sensor via suction at block 608. In some embodiments, removing contaminants from the flow sensor includes opening a valve positioned between the flow sensor and a suction tube assembly coupled to the suction device. In some embodiments, removing contaminants from the flow sensor includes switching the suction device from a closed state to an open state (e.g., an operating state of the suction device).

[0078] Figures 7a and 7b depict the results of an example experimental simulation conducted to verify the effectiveness of the embodiments described herein. Specifically, Figure 7a depicts the results of an example simulation using a respiratory system according to at least one embodiment described herein. Figure 7b depicts the results of an example simulation using a respiratory circuit configuration without contaminant removal as described herein. As shown in Figures 7a and 7b, the simulation results include graphs where the y-axis represents pressure measurement results 702 and the x-axis represents time 704.

[0079] As shown in Figure 7a, compared to Figure 7b (the case without suction), after the flow sensor is contaminated (e.g., contaminated with moisture), the contaminant removal configuration of the example embodiment being simulated returns the flow sensor within the example specifications. As shown in Figure 7b, the flow sensor fails at a rapid rate. As described above, the suction capabilities according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure improve the time to failure and reduce the intervention of healthcare providers.

[0080] Conclusion

[0081] After benefiting from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the related drawings, many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will come to mind to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and the related drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it is to be understood that different combinations of elements and / or functions can be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, combinations of elements and / or functions different from those explicitly described above can also be contemplated, as can be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only.

[0082] Although this specification contains many specific implementation details, these details should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosure or of what is claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of a particular disclosure. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination within a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented separately in multiple embodiments or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although the features may have been described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, in some cases, one or more features from a claimed combination can be excluded from the combination, and the claimed combination can be directed to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0083] Similarly, although operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all of the illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be jointly integrated in a single software product or grouped into multiple software products.

[0084] Accordingly, particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the acts recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. Moreover, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the particular order or sequential order shown to achieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

Claims

1. A respiratory system, the respiratory system comprising: A breathing circuit, the breathing circuit including a plurality of breathing tubes; A flow sensor coupled to the breathing circuit, the flow sensor including a housing defining a flow passage and having a plurality of coupling members, wherein each of the plurality of coupling members defines an opening therethrough; And A suction tube assembly, wherein: A first set of the plurality of coupling members is coupled to one end of the suction tube assembly via one or more connectors, and One or more valves are disposed between the first set of coupling members and the suction tube assembly.

2. The respiratory system according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a first end coupled to a first breathing tube of the plurality of breathing tubes and an opposite second end coupled to a second breathing tube of the plurality of breathing tubes.

3. The respiratory system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more connectors include one or more leak-proof and secure connectors.

4. The respiratory system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more valves are configured to regulate removal of contaminants within the flow sensor via the suction tube assembly.

5. The respiratory system according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a first housing and a second housing, wherein a first coupling member of the first set of coupling members extends from the first housing, and a second coupling member of the first set of coupling members extends from the second housing.

6. The respiratory system according to claim 5, wherein each of the first coupling member and the second coupling member includes a Luer lock fitting.

7. The respiratory system according to claim 6, wherein the first coupling member is coupled to a first suction tube of the suction tube assembly such that a first suction path is defined, and the second coupling member is coupled to a second suction tube of the suction tube assembly such that a second suction path is defined.

8. The respiratory system according to claim 7, wherein a first valve of the one or more valves is disposed between the first coupling member and the first suction tube, and a second valve of the one or more valves is disposed between the second coupling member and the second suction tube.

9. The respiratory system according to claim 8, wherein one end of a third suction tube of the suction tube assembly is coupled to the first suction tube and the second suction tube via a connector.

10. A respiratory system, the respiratory system comprising: A breathing circuit, the breathing circuit including a plurality of breathing tubes; A flow sensor coupled to the breathing circuit, the flow sensor including a housing defining a flow passage and having at least one reservoir and a plurality of coupling members, wherein each of the plurality of coupling members defines an opening therethrough; And A suction tube assembly, wherein: A first set of the plurality of coupling members is coupled to one end of the suction tube assembly via one or more connectors, and One or more valves are disposed between the first set of coupling members and the suction tube assembly.

Images