Adapter for connecting breathing tubes

Abstract

A respiratory support assembly for connecting an airflow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the assembly comprising: an assembly body having: a hollow structure defining a flow chamber; a coupling interface for fluidly connecting the flow chamber and the invasive airway device; an access interface for receiving a supply member of the airflow delivery system wherein the assembly body has an arrangement that directs a first airflow into the flow chamber via the coupling interface and a second airflow into the flow chamber via the access interface such that an axis of the first airflow does not coincide with an axis of the second airflow, wherein the access interface is configured to receive the supply member and form a leak region around the supply member in the access interface. A system includes the respiratory support assembly, the airflow delivery system, and the invasive airway device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to assemblies and systems for respiratory support. In particular, but not exclusively, various embodiments relate generally to assemblies that function as adapters or connectors for connecting a flow delivery system to an invasive airway device to provide respiratory support, and systems and methods related thereto. BACKGROUND

[0002] Some patients receive invasive respiratory therapy. Invasive respiratory therapy involves delivering a flow of gas to a patient's airway via an invasive airway device. The invasive airway device can be, for example, an endotracheal tube (ETT), a tracheostomy tube, or a laryngeal mask airway (LMA).

[0003] For patients in serious condition, invasive respiratory therapy is often a temporary therapy. When a clinician believes that a patient no longer requires invasive respiratory therapy, they can wish to transition the patient to a less traumatic form of respiratory therapy. One example of a less traumatic form of respiratory therapy is nasal high flow therapy.

[0004] For a clinician, the decision to transition (i.e., wean) a patient from invasive respiratory therapy to nasal high flow therapy can not be an easy one. If the invasive airway device is removed from the patient too early, and the patient does not adapt well without the invasive airway device, it can be necessary to reinsert the invasive airway device so that the patient can be re- placed on invasive respiratory therapy. Such a transition and re-transition can be very painful for the patient. On the other hand, if the patient is placed on invasive respiratory therapy for too long, there can be a risk of developing a degree of dependence on invasive respiratory therapy, which makes the eventual transition to nasal high flow therapy more painful.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need to provide an assembly or system for respiratory support that will enable a clinician to assess whether a patient can adapt well before transitioning the patient from invasive respiratory therapy. SUMMARY

[0006] According to various embodiments, an adapter (or connector or breathing support assembly) for connecting a gas flow delivery system to an invasive airway device is provided. The adapter includes an adapter body. The adapter body includes a hollow structure defining a flow chamber, a coupling interface coupleable to the invasive airway device to fluidically connect the flow chamber and the invasive airway device, and an access interface configured to receive a supply member of the gas flow delivery system for supplying a flow of gas into the flow chamber. The adapter body has an arrangement that directs a first gas flow into the flow chamber via the coupling interface and directs a second gas flow into the flow chamber via the access interface such that an axis of the first gas flow and an axis of the second gas flow do not coincide or become coincident within the flow chamber to cause the first gas flow and the second gas flow to gradually merge and avoid the first gas flow and the second gas flow colliding in a substantially directly opposite manner to avoid a sudden pressure surge. The access interface is configured to receive the supply member of the gas flow delivery system and form a leakage region around the supply member in the access interface to serve as a flow outlet for the gas to exit the flow chamber.

[0007] For a given size of the supply member, the leakage region can have a predetermined size to provide a first predetermined amount of flow resistance for a first reference flow rate to achieve a first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and the first predetermined maximum pressure is at least at or near an end of an expiratory phase. Preferably, the first predetermined maximum pressure can occur at the end of the expiratory phase when the flow rate of the first gas flow is substantially zero.

[0008] The access interface can be further configured to provide a second predetermined amount of flow resistance for a second reference flow rate when the supply member of the gas delivery system is not received in the access interface. The second predetermined amount of flow resistance can generate a second predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and the second predetermined maximum pressure is at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase.

[0009] The access interface can include an access aperture leading to the flow chamber. When the supply member of the gas delivery system is received in the access interface, the supply member can be inserted into the access aperture and the leakage region can be formed between a periphery of the access aperture and an exterior of the supply member of the gas delivery system. For a given size of the supply member, the leakage region can have a predetermined size to provide a first predetermined amount of flow resistance for a first reference flow rate through the leakage region to achieve a first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and the first predetermined maximum pressure is at least at or near an end of an expiratory phase. Preferably, the first predetermined maximum pressure can occur at the end of the expiratory phase when the flow rate of the first gas flow is substantially zero.

[0010] The access hole can have a predetermined size so as to provide a second predetermined amount of flow resistance for a second reference flow when the access hole does not receive the supply member of the gas delivery system, wherein the second predetermined amount of flow resistance generates the second predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and the second predetermined maximum pressure is at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase.

[0011] The access hole can be configured such that the predetermined size of the leakage area can be smaller than a cross-sectional area of a corresponding portion of the supply member of the gas delivery system inserted into the access hole.

[0012] The coupling interface can have an arrangement of one or more flow holes leading to the flow chamber. The access interface can have an arrangement of one or more access holes leading to the flow chamber.

[0013] The supply member of the gas delivery system can comprise one or more corresponding insertion portions (or transnasal delivery elements, e.g. insertion posts). When the supply member of the gas delivery system is received in the access interface, the one or more corresponding insertion portions of the supply member can be respectively inserted into the one or more access holes of the access interface, with one or more gaps formed between the one or more corresponding insertion portions and the one or more access holes. The leakage area can then be a total area of the one or more gaps.

[0014] For a given size of the supply member, the leakage area based on the total area of the one or more gaps can have a predetermined size to provide a first predetermined amount of flow resistance for a first reference flow through the leakage area, so as to achieve a first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and the first predetermined maximum pressure is at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase. Preferably, the first predetermined maximum pressure can occur at the end of the expiratory phase, when the flow of the first gas flow is substantially zero.

[0015] The one or more access holes can be sized to provide a second predetermined amount of flow resistance for a second reference flow when the access interface does not receive the supply member of the gas delivery system. The second predetermined amount of flow resistance generates the second predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and the second predetermined maximum pressure is at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase.

[0016] At least one of the one or more access holes can be configured such that, when the one or more insertion portions of the supply member are inserted into the one or more access holes, the size of the gap is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the corresponding insertion portion of the supply member of the gas delivery system.

[0017] The total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface can be greater than the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface.

[0018] The total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface can be less than the cross-sectional area of the flow chamber immediately adjacent to the access interface.

[0019] The total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface can be less than the cross-sectional area of the flow chamber immediately adjacent to the coupling interface.

[0020] The total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface can be greater than the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface by a predetermined amount so as to provide the second predetermined amount of flow resistance.

[0021] The adapter body can comprise an access hole adjuster for varying the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface. Preferably, the access hole adjuster can comprise a valve.

[0022] The arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface can lie in the same plane.

[0023] The first predetermined maximum pressure can be positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Preferably, the PEEP can be at least 1 cm H20 when the flow rate is 50 L / min.

[0024] At least one of the one or more access holes can have an elongated shape. The elongated shape can have a narrower portion at a first end and a wider portion at a second end.

[0025] The coupling interface can comprise a single flow hole. The access interface can have an arrangement of two access holes. The supply member of the gas flow delivery system can comprise two prongs, wherein the arrangement of the two access holes of the access interface can be configured to receive the two prongs of the supply member of the gas flow delivery system, respectively.

[0026] The supply member of the gas flow delivery system can be a nasal prong having the two prongs. The size of each access hole can be designed to receive a corresponding prong of the supply member of the gas flow delivery system to define a predetermined gap around the corresponding prong for a given size of the corresponding prong. The combined area of the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access holes of the gas flow delivery interface can form the leakage area that functions as the flow outlet.

[0027] The arrangement of the two access holes of the access interface can lie in the same plane.

[0028] At least one of the access holes can be configured such that, when the two prongs of the supply member are inserted into the arrangement of the two access holes, the predetermined gap can be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the corresponding prong of the supply member of the gas delivery system.

[0029] The adapter body can have no additional inlet or outlet interfaces for the flow chamber other than the coupling interface and the access interface.

[0030] The coupling interface and the hollow structure can be configured to drop fluid velocity along a flow direction into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure from the coupling interface.

[0031] The access interface and the hollow structure can be configured to drop fluid velocity along a flow direction into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure from the access interface.

[0032] The access interface can have an arrangement of a first access hole and a second access hole. The first access hole and the second access hole can have different sizes.

[0033] A side of the adapter body having the access interface can comprise an elongated face. A common circumscribed line of the first access hole and the second access hole can be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated face of said side of the adapter body.

[0034] The supply member of the gas flow delivery system can comprise at least two prongs having different sizes.

[0035] The leakage region can further serve as an outflow for a portion of the second gas flow that has entered the flow chamber and is forced out of the flow chamber by the first gas flow.

[0036] The adapter body can have an arrangement by which the coupling interface and the access interface can be arranged such that a central axis of the coupling interface and a central axis of the access interface can not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow not to coincide.

[0037] When the access interface comprises an access hole, the coupling interface can comprise a flow hole. The central axis of the coupling interface can pass through a center of the flow hole of the coupling interface. The central axis of the access interface can pass through a center of the access hole of the gas flow delivery interface.

[0038] When the access interface has an arrangement of one or more access holes and the coupling interface has an arrangement of one or more flow holes, the central axis of the coupling interface can pass through a center or a centroid of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface, and the central axis of the access interface can pass through a center or a centroid of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface.

[0039] When the access interface has an arrangement of two or more access apertures, and the coupling interface includes a flow aperture, the central axis of the coupling interface can pass through the center of the flow aperture of the coupling interface, and the central axis of the access interface can pass through the center or centroid of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface.

[0040] The adapter body can have an arrangement by which the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface can not be laterally offset, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow to not coincide.

[0041] The adapter body can have an arrangement by which the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface can be angled relative to one another, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow to not coincide.

[0042] The adapter body can have an arrangement by which the flow chamber can be shaped, and the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed relative to the flow chamber such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface do not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow to not coincide.

[0043] The flow chamber can have a substantially circular shape, a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially quarter-circular shape, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially triangular shape, a substantially polygonal shape, a substantially annular shape, a substantially torus shape, a substantially arcuate shape, a substantially U-shape, or a substantially horseshoe shape.

[0044] The flow chamber can have a substantially spherical shape, a substantially semi-spherical shape, a substantially dome shape, a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially cuboid shape, a substantially funnel shape, a substantially truncated cone shape, a substantially trapezoidal shape, a substantially pyramidal shape, a substantially conical shape, a substantially prismatic shape, or a substantially toric shape.

[0045] The flow chamber can have a substantially semi-circular shape. The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite end portions along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, respectively. The coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are not parallel relative to one another.

[0046] The flow chamber can have a substantially semicircular shape. The coupling interface can be disposed at a first end portion along a diameter of the semicircular shape, and the access interface can be disposed at a second end portion along the diameter of the semicircular shape. The coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0047] The flow chamber can have a substantially semicircular shape. The coupling interface can be disposed at a first end portion along a diameter of the semicircular shape, and the access interface can be disposed at a second end portion along the diameter of the semicircular shape. The coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0048] The flow chamber can have a substantially triangular shape. The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite end portions along a same side of the triangular shape, respectively. The coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0049] The flow chamber can have a substantially triangular shape. The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two different sides of the triangular shape, respectively. The coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0050] The flow chamber can have a substantially circular shape. The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two substantially opposite segments of the circular shape, respectively. Preferably, the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are substantially parallel with respect to each other. Preferably, the flow chamber can have a substantially circular inner wall disposed in the flow chamber in a substantially concentric manner with respect to the substantially circular shape of the flow chamber.

[0051] The flow chamber can have a substantially arcuate shape. The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite ends of the arcuate shape, respectively. The coupling interface can be offset toward an outer arc of the arcuate shape, and the access interface can be offset toward an inner arc of the arcuate shape. Preferably, the flow chamber can comprise an inner curved wall disposed in the flow chamber substantially along a centerline of the arcuate shape of the flow chamber.

[0052] The flow chamber can have an elongated shape. The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at opposite ends of the elongated shape, respectively. The coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

[0053] The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at the hollow structure in opposing manners. The coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface can be angled with respect to each other, thereby not coinciding.

[0054] The flow chamber can have a funnel shape. The coupling interface can be disposed at a spout portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber, and the access interface can be disposed at an inlet portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber. The coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are laterally offset with respect to each other.

[0055] The adapter body can comprise a flow guiding arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

[0056] The adapter body can comprise a flow guiding arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure. Preferably, the flow guiding arrangement can at least partially define a first flow path within the flow chamber and a second flow path within the flow chamber to direct the first gas flow and the second gas flow, respectively, such that the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow do not coincide at least when the first gas flow and the second gas flow meet or intersect. Preferably, the first flow path and the second flow path can be defined by the relative disposition of the flow guiding arrangement, the coupling interface and the access interface. Preferably, the first flow path can extend from the coupling interface to the flow guiding arrangement, and the second flow path can extend from the access interface to the flow guiding arrangement. Optionally, the first flow path can extend between the coupling interface and the access interface, and the second flow path can extend between the access interface and the coupling interface.

[0057] The adapter body can comprise a flow guiding arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure. The adapter body can have an arrangement by which the flow guiding arrangement, the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed with respect to each other to define a first flow path within the flow chamber and a second flow path within the flow chamber. The first flow path and the second flow path can not coincide so as to cause the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow not to coincide at least when the respective flow paths intersect or meet.

[0058] The first flow path and the second flow path can be defined to cross each other within the flow chamber such that the first gas stream flowing along the first flow path via the coupling interface and the second gas stream flowing along the second flow path via the access interface can interact with each other in a vortex or swirl formation.

[0059] The flow directing arrangement can comprise at least an inner wall, baffle or flow guide arranged within the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

[0060] The flow directing arrangement can comprise one or more protrusions located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

[0061] The flow directing arrangement can comprise one or more recesses located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

[0062] The coupling interface can comprise a surrounding wall extending from the hollow structure. The surrounding wall can define a hollow channel within it.

[0063] The access interface can comprise a surrounding wall extending from the hollow structure. The surrounding wall can define a hollow channel within it.

[0064] The access interface can comprise a flow regulating member arranged across an inflow path through the access interface. The flow regulating member can comprise a mesh structure, a cellular structure, a porous structure, a web structure, a grid structure or a lattice structure.

[0065] A retention arrangement can be arranged at the adapter body. The retention arrangement can be engageable with the supply member of the gas flow delivery system introduced to the access interface in order to retain the supply member in place relative to the access interface. The retention arrangement can comprise an alignment element for providing feedback as to whether the supply member is correctly fitted.

[0066] The retention arrangement can comprise a strap, a rigid arm, a clip, a latch, a tie, a snap, a pin, a hook, a spike, an anchor, a loop, an adhesive or a suction element.

[0067] The axis of the first gas stream and the axis of the second gas stream can not coincide at least at or immediately before the point at which the first gas stream and the second gas stream merge or meet or interact or intersect within the flow chamber.

[0068] The axis of the first gas stream as it enters the flow chamber and the axis of the second gas stream as it enters the flow chamber can not coincide relative to each other.

[0069] The axis of the first gas stream extending from the coupling interface into the flow chamber and the axis of the second gas stream extending from the access interface into the flow chamber can not coincide relative to each other.

[0070] Each of the first gas flow and the second gas flow can be linear or curved. Each of the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow can be a projection axis, a centerline, or a tangent of the respective flow.

[0071] The access interface can include an access aperture leading to the flow chamber, and the coupling interface can include a flow aperture leading to the flow chamber. An aperture axis of the access aperture and an aperture axis of the flow aperture can be non-coincident with respect to each other so as to direct the first gas flow into the flow chamber via the coupling interface and to direct the second gas flow into the flow chamber via the access interface such that the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow can be non-coincident or become non-coincident within the flow chamber.

[0072] The adapter body can have first and second modular components that are removably coupled together to form the adapter body, wherein the first modular component can include the access interface and the second modular component can include the coupling interface.

[0073] According to various embodiments, a system for providing respiratory support is provided. The system includes an invasive airway device capable of maintaining an airway open for a user, a gas flow delivery system capable of supplying a gas flow, and an adapter (or connector or respiratory support assembly) for connecting the gas flow delivery system to the invasive airway device. The adapter includes an adapter body. The adapter body includes a hollow structure defining a flow chamber, a coupling interface configured to couple to the invasive airway device to fluidly connect the flow chamber and the invasive airway device, and an access interface configured to receive a supply member of the gas flow delivery system therein, the supply member for supplying the gas flow into the flow chamber. The adapter body has an arrangement configured to direct an expiratory flow from the invasive airway device into the flow chamber via the coupling interface and to direct a gas flow from the gas flow delivery system into the flow chamber via the access interface such that an axis of the expiratory flow and an axis of the gas flow are non-coincident or become non-coincident within the flow chamber to cause the expiratory flow and the gas flow to gradually merge and to avoid the expiratory flow and the gas flow colliding in a substantially directly opposite manner to avoid a sudden pressure surge. The access interface is configured to receive the supply member of the gas flow delivery system and to form a leak region around the supply member in the access interface to serve as a flow exit for gas out of the flow chamber.

[0074] For a given size of the supply member, the leakage region can have a predetermined size to provide a first predetermined amount of flow resistance for a first reference flow rate through the leakage region to achieve a first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase. Preferably, the first predetermined maximum pressure can occur at the end of the expiratory phase when the flow rate of the first gas flow is substantially zero.

[0075] The access interface can be configured to provide a second predetermined amount of flow resistance for a second reference flow rate when the supply member of the gas flow delivery system is not received in the access interface. The second predetermined amount of flow resistance can generate a second predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase.

[0076] The access interface can comprise an access aperture leading to the flow chamber. The supply member can be inserted into the access aperture and the leakage region can be formed between a periphery of the access aperture and an exterior of the supply member of the gas flow delivery system. For a given size of the supply member, the leakage region can have a predetermined size to provide a first predetermined amount of flow resistance for a first reference flow rate through the leakage region to achieve a first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase. Preferably, the first predetermined maximum pressure can occur at the end of the expiratory phase when the flow rate of the first gas flow is substantially zero.

[0077] The access aperture can be configured to have a predetermined size to provide a second predetermined amount of flow resistance for a second reference flow rate when the supply member of the gas flow delivery system is not inserted in the access aperture. The second predetermined amount of flow resistance can generate a second predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase.

[0078] The access aperture can be configured such that the size of the leakage region is smaller than a cross-sectional area of a corresponding portion of the supply member of the gas flow delivery system inserted into the access aperture.

[0079] The coupling interface can have an arrangement of one or more flow apertures leading to the flow chamber. The access interface can have an arrangement of one or more access apertures leading to the flow chamber.

[0080] The supply member can have one or more corresponding insertion portions (or transnasal delivery elements, e.g., insertion posts). The one or more corresponding insertion portions can be respectively inserted into the one or more access holes, with one or more gaps formed between the one or more corresponding insertion portions and the one or more access holes. The leakage area can be the total area of the one or more gaps. For a given total size of the one or more insertion portions of the supply member, the leakage area can have a predetermined size to provide a first predetermined amount of flow resistance for a first reference flow rate through the leakage area to achieve a first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near the end of the exhalation phase. Preferably, the first predetermined maximum pressure can occur at the end of the exhalation phase when the flow rate of the first gas flow is substantially zero.

[0081] The one or more access holes can be sized to provide a second predetermined amount of flow resistance for a second reference flow rate when the supply member of the gas delivery system is not received in the access interface. The second predetermined amount of flow resistance can generate a second predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near the end of the exhalation phase.

[0082] At least one of the one or more access holes can be configured such that the size of the gap is less than the cross-sectional area of the corresponding insertion portion of the supply member of the gas delivery system.

[0083] The total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface can be greater than the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface.

[0084] The total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface can be less than the cross-sectional area of the flow chamber proximate the access interface.

[0085] The total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface can be less than the cross-sectional area of the flow chamber proximate the access interface.

[0086] The total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface can be greater than the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface by a predetermined amount to provide the second predetermined amount of flow resistance.

[0087] The adapter body can include an access hole adjuster for varying the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface. Preferably, the access hole adjuster can include a valve.

[0088] The supply member can be replaceable such that its insertion portion (or nasal delivery element, e.g., a prong) having different sizes of supply members can be swapped out and exchanged for insertion into the one or more access holes to change the total area of the one or more gaps.

[0089] The first predetermined maximum pressure can be positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Preferably, the PEEP can be at least 1 cm H2O when the flow rate is 50 liters / minute.

[0090] At least one of the one or more access holes of the access interface can have an elongated shape. The elongated shape can have a narrower portion at a first end and a wider portion at a second end.

[0091] The coupling interface can include a single flow hole. The access interface can have an arrangement of two access holes. The supply member of the airflow delivery system can include two prongs. The two prongs of the supply member of the airflow delivery system can be inserted into the arrangement of the two access holes of the access interface, respectively.

[0092] The supply member of the airflow delivery system can be a nasal cannula having the two prongs.

[0093] The dimensions of each access hole and the corresponding prong of the supply member of the airflow delivery system can be designed relative to each other such that each access hole receives the corresponding prong of the supply member of the airflow delivery system to define a predetermined leakage area around the corresponding prong.

[0094] The combined area of the predetermined leakage areas of the arrangement of the two access holes of the airflow delivery interface can form the leakage area that functions as the flow outlet.

[0095] The two prongs of the supply member of the airflow delivery system can have different sizes.

[0096] The arrangement of the two access holes of the airflow delivery interface can be located within the same plane.

[0097] At least one of the two access holes can be configured such that the predetermined leakage area is less than the cross-sectional area of the corresponding prong of the supply member of the gas delivery system when the two prongs of the supply member are inserted into the arrangement of the two access holes.

[0098] The adapter body can not have additional access or outlet interfaces for the flow chamber other than the coupling interface and the access interface.

[0099] The coupling interface and the hollow structure can be configured to drop fluid velocity along a flow direction from the coupling interface into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure.

[0100] The access interface and the hollow structure can be configured to cause a fluid velocity to drop along a flow direction of a flow from the access interface into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure.

[0101] The access interface can have an arrangement of a first access aperture and a second access aperture. The first access aperture and the second access aperture can have different sizes.

[0102] A side of the adapter body having the access interface can comprise an elongated face. A common circumscribed line of the first access aperture and the second access aperture can be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated face of said side of the adapter body.

[0103] The supply member of the gas flow delivery system can comprise at least two insertion posts having different sizes.

[0104] The leakage region can further function as an outflow for a portion of the gas flow that has entered the flow chamber and is forced out of the flow chamber by the exhalation flow.

[0105] The adapter body can have an arrangement by which the coupling interface and the access interface can be arranged such that a central axis of the coupling interface and a central axis of the access interface do not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the exhalation flow and the axis of the gas flow not to coincide.

[0106] When the access interface comprises an access aperture, the coupling interface comprises a flow aperture. The central axis of the coupling interface can pass through a center of the flow aperture of the coupling interface. The central axis of the access interface can pass through a center of the access aperture of the gas flow delivery interface.

[0107] When the access interface has an arrangement of one or more access apertures, and the coupling interface has an arrangement of one or more flow apertures, the central axis of the coupling interface can pass through a center of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface. The central axis of the access interface can pass through a center of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface.

[0108] The adapter body can have an arrangement by which the coupling interface and the access interface can be arranged such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface can not be laterally offset, thereby causing the axis of the exhalation flow and the axis of the gas flow not to coincide.

[0109] The adapter body can have an arrangement by which the coupling interface and the access interface can be arranged such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface can be angled relative to each other, thereby causing the axis of the exhalation flow and the axis of the gas flow not to coincide.

[0110] The adapter body can have an arrangement by which the flow chamber can be shaped and the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed relative to the flow chamber such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface do not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the expiratory flow and the axis of the gas flow to not coincide.

[0111] The flow chamber can have a substantially circular shape, a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially quarter-circular shape, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially triangular shape, a substantially polygonal shape, a substantially annular shape, a substantially torus shape, a substantially arcuate shape, a substantially U-shape, or a substantially horseshoe shape.

[0112] The flow chamber can have a substantially spherical shape, a substantially semi-spherical shape, a substantially dome shape, a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially cuboid shape, a substantially funnel shape, a substantially truncated cone shape, a substantially trapezoidal shape, a substantially pyramidal shape, a substantially conical shape, a substantially prismatic shape, or a substantially torus shape.

[0113] The flow chamber can have a substantially semi-circular shape. The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite end portions along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, respectively. The coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0114] The flow chamber can have a substantially semi-circular shape. The coupling interface can be disposed at a first end portion along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access interface can be disposed at a position along the diameter of the semi-circular shape that is offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion. The coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0115] The flow chamber can have a substantially semi-circular shape. The coupling interface can be disposed at a first end portion along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access interface can be disposed at a position along the diameter of the semi-circular shape that is offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion. The coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0116] The flow chamber can have a substantially triangular shape. The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite end portions along a same side of the triangular shape, respectively. The coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0117] The flow chamber can have a substantially triangular shape. The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite end portions along a same side of the triangular shape, respectively. The coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0118] The flow chamber can have a substantially circular shape. The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite segments of the circular shape, respectively. The coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

[0119] The flow chamber can have a substantially circular inner wall disposed in the flow chamber in a concentric manner with respect to the circular shape of the flow chamber.

[0120] The flow chamber can have a substantially arcuate shape. The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite ends of the arcuate shape, respectively. The coupling interface can be offset toward an outer arc of the arcuate shape, and the access interface can be offset toward an inner arc of the arcuate shape.

[0121] The flow chamber can include an inner curved wall disposed in the flow chamber substantially along a centerline of the arcuate shape of the flow chamber.

[0122] The flow chamber can have an elongated shape. The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite ends of the elongated shape, respectively. The coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

[0123] The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed in a directly opposite manner at the hollow structure. The coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface can be angled with respect to each other, thereby not coinciding.

[0124] The flow chamber can have a funnel shape. The coupling interface can be disposed at a spout portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber, and the access interface can be disposed at an inlet portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber. The coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are laterally offset relative to each other.

[0125] The adapter body can include a flow directing arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

[0126] The adapter body can include a flow directing arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure. The flow directing arrangement can at least partially define a first flow path within the flow chamber and a second flow path within the flow chamber to respectively direct the exhalation flow and the gas flow such that the axis of the exhalation flow and the axis of the gas flow do not coincide at least when the exhalation flow and the gas flow meet or intersect. Preferably, the first flow path and the second flow path can be defined by the relative disposition of the flow directing arrangement, the coupling interface, and the access interface. Preferably, the first flow path can extend from the coupling interface to the flow directing arrangement, and the second flow path can extend from the access interface to the flow directing arrangement.

[0127] The first flow path can extend between the coupling interface and the access interface, and the second flow path can extend between the access interface and the coupling interface.

[0128] The adapter body can include a flow directing arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure. The adapter body can have an arrangement by which the flow directing arrangement, the coupling interface, and the access interface can be disposed relative to each other to define a first flow path within the flow chamber and a second flow path within the flow chamber. The first flow path and the second flow path can not coincide so that the axis of the exhalation flow and the axis of the gas flow do not coincide at least when the respective flow paths intersect or meet.

[0129] The first flow path and the second flow path can be defined to cross each other within the flow chamber such that the exhalation flow flowing along the first flow path via the coupling interface and the gas flow simultaneously flowing along the second flow path via the access interface can interact with each other in a vortex or swirl formed manner.

[0130] The flow directing arrangement can at least include an inner wall, baffle, or flow directing plate disposed within the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

[0131] The flow directing arrangement can include one or more protrusions located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

[0132] The flow directing arrangement can include one or more recesses located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

[0133] The coupling interface can comprise a surrounding wall extending from the hollow structure. The surrounding wall can define a hollow channel within it.

[0134] The access interface can comprise a surrounding wall extending from the hollow structure. The surrounding wall can define a hollow channel within it.

[0135] The access interface can comprise a flow regulating member disposed across an inflow path through the access interface. Preferably, the flow regulating member can comprise a mesh structure, a cellular structure, a porous structure, a web structure, a lattice structure or a grid structure.

[0136] A retaining arrangement can be disposed at the adapter body. The retaining arrangement can engage with the supply member of the gas flow delivery system introduced to the access interface in order to retain the supply member in place relative to the access interface. The retaining arrangement can comprise an alignment element for providing feedback as to whether the supply member is correctly fitted.

[0137] The adapter body can have an arrangement by which the coupling interface, the access interface and the retaining arrangement can be disposed such that the supply member of the gas flow delivery system, retained in place relative to the access interface by the retaining arrangement, is disposed to direct the gas flow through the access interface to the flow chamber, whereby the axis of the gas flow and the axis of the exhalation flow do not coincide.

[0138] The supply member of the gas flow delivery system can be introduced into the access interface and secured in place by the retaining arrangement, wherein the flow axis of the supply member and the central axis of the coupling interface do not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the exhalation flow and the axis of the gas flow not to coincide.

[0139] The flow axis of the supply member and the central axis of the coupling interface can be laterally offset from each other, thereby not to coincide.

[0140] The flow axis of the supply member and the central axis of the coupling interface can be angled relative to each other, thereby not to coincide.

[0141] The central axis of the coupling interface can pass through the centre of the flow aperture of the coupling interface when the coupling interface comprises a flow aperture.

[0142] The central axis of the coupling interface can pass through the centre of the arrangement of one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface when the coupling interface has an arrangement of one or more flow apertures.

[0143] The retaining arrangement can comprise a strap, a rigid arm, a clip, a latch, a tie, a snap, a pin, a hook, a spike, an anchor, a loop, an adhesive or a suction element.

[0144] The supply member of the airflow delivery system can comprise a nasal cannula.

[0145] The invasive airway device can comprise an endotracheal tube, a tracheostomy tube, or a laryngeal mask airway.

[0146] The airflow delivery system can comprise a nasal high flow therapy system.

[0147] The axis of the first airflow and the axis of the second airflow can not coincide at or immediately prior to a point at which the first airflow and the second airflow merge or meet or interact or intersect within the flow chamber.

[0148] The axis of the first airflow at entry into the flow chamber and the axis of the second airflow at entry into the flow chamber can not coincide relative to one another.

[0149] The axis of the first airflow extending from the coupling interface into the flow chamber and the axis of the second airflow extending from the access interface into the flow chamber can not coincide relative to one another.

[0150] Each of the first airflow and the second airflow can be linear or curved. Each of the axis of the first airflow and the axis of the second airflow can be a projection axis, a centerline, or a tangent line of the respective flow.

[0151] The access interface can comprise an access orifice leading to the flow chamber. The coupling interface can comprise a flow orifice leading to the flow chamber. An orifice axis of the access orifice and an orifice axis of the flow orifice can not coincide relative to one another so as to direct the first airflow into the flow chamber via the coupling interface and to direct the second airflow into the flow chamber via the access interface such that the axis of the first airflow and the axis of the second airflow do not coincide or become coincident within the flow chamber.

[0152] The adapter body can have a first modular component and a second modular component that are removably coupled together to form the adapter body, wherein the first modular component can comprise the access interface and the second modular component can comprise the coupling interface.

[0153] The first modular component can be interchangeable with another modular component to be removably coupled with the second modular component, wherein the other modular component can have an access interface that is different from the access interface of the first modular component.

[0154] The second modular component can be interchangeable with another modular component to be removably coupled with the first modular component, wherein the other modular component can have a coupling interface that is different from the coupling interface of the second modular component.

[0155] According to various embodiments, a method of managing a flow of gas from a flow delivery system to an invasive patient airway device and an exhalation flow from the invasive patient airway device is provided. The method includes: directing the flow of gas from the flow delivery system and the exhalation flow from the invasive patient airway device into a flow chamber of an adapter (or connector or breathing support assembly) via an arrangement of the adapter, such that an axis of the flow of gas and an axis of the exhalation flow do not coincide within the flow chamber; and releasing gas from the flow chamber via a leakage area, wherein the leakage area is located within an access interface of the adapter and surrounds a supply member of the flow delivery system that is received in the access interface. The supply member of the flow delivery system can supply the flow of gas into the flow chamber via the access interface. The exhalation flow from the invasive patient airway device can enter the flow chamber via a coupling interface of the adapter.

[0156] The method can further include providing a predetermined level of flow resistance for a predefined exhalation flow entering the flow chamber via the coupling interface based on a predetermined size of the leakage area.

[0157] The adapter can have an arrangement by which the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed such that a central axis of the coupling interface and a central axis of the access interface do not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the flow of gas and the axis of the exhalation flow not to coincide.

[0158] The adapter can have an arrangement by which the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface can not be laterally offset, thereby causing the axis of the flow of gas and the axis of the exhalation flow not to coincide.

[0159] The adapter can have an arrangement by which the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface can be angled relative to each other, thereby causing the axis of the flow of gas and the axis of the exhalation flow not to coincide.

[0160] The adapter can have an arrangement by which the flow chamber can be shaped and the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed relative to the flow chamber such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface do not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the flow of gas and the axis of the exhalation flow not to coincide.

[0161] The adapter can include a flow directing arrangement associated with the flow chamber. The adapter can have an arrangement by which the flow directing arrangement, the coupling interface, and the access interface can be disposed relative to one another to direct the exhalation flow along a first flow path within the flow chamber and to direct the gas flow along a second flow path within the flow chamber. The first flow path and the second flow path can not coincide so that the axis of the gas flow and the axis of the exhalation flow do not coincide at least when the respective gas flow paths intersect or meet.

[0162] The first flow path and the second flow path can cross one another within the flow chamber so that the exhalation flow flowing along the first flow path and the gas flow flowing along the second flow path interact with one another in a vortex or swirl formed manner.

[0163] The adapter can include a retention arrangement. The retention arrangement can engage with the supply member of the gas flow delivery system introduced to the access interface so as to retain the supply member in place relative to the access interface. The adapter can have an arrangement by which the coupling interface, the access interface, and the retention arrangement can be disposed so that the supply member of the gas flow delivery system, retained in place relative to the access interface by the retention arrangement, is disposed to direct the gas flow through the access interface to the flow chamber, whereby the axis of the gas flow and the axis of the exhalation flow can not coincide.

[0164] According to various embodiments, a respiratory support assembly (or adapter or connector) is provided. The respiratory support assembly can include an assembly body. The assembly body can include: a hollow structure defining a flow chamber; a coupling interface at the hollow structure, the coupling interface having an arrangement of one or more flow apertures to the flow chamber; and an access interface at the hollow structure, the access interface to provide access to the flow chamber, the access interface having an arrangement of one or more access apertures to the flow chamber. A central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface can not coincide with a central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface. A total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface can be greater than a predetermined portion of a total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface. The predetermined portion of the total aperture area is a portion that is not occupied during use of the respiratory support assembly.

[0165] The total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface can be less than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber immediately adjacent to the access interface.

[0166] The total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface can be less than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber immediately adjacent to the coupling interface.

[0167] The total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface can be greater than the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface by a predetermined amount to provide a predetermined amount of flow resistance for fluid flow into the flow chamber via the coupling interface and out of the flow chamber through the access interface.

[0168] The coupling interface can include a single flow hole. The access interface can have an arrangement of two access holes. The arrangement of the two access holes of the access interface can be configured to respectively receive two prongs of a nasal cannula.

[0169] Each access hole can be sized to receive a corresponding prong of the nasal cannula to define a predetermined gap around the corresponding prong for a given size of the corresponding prong.

[0170] A combined area of the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access holes of the access interface can be used to provide a predetermined amount of elevated flow resistance for gas exiting the flow chamber through the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access holes of the access interface when the nasal cannula is inserted in the arrangement of the two access holes of the access interface. The gas can include a first gas flow into the flow chamber via the coupling interface and a second gas flow into the flow chamber through the access interface via the nasal cannula. The predetermined portion of the total hole area of the arrangement of the two access holes can be the combined area of the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access holes.

[0171] The arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface can be located in the same plane.

[0172] The assembly body can not have additional access or exit interfaces of the flow chamber other than the coupling interface and the access interface.

[0173] The coupling interface and the hollow structure can be configured to cause a drop in fluid velocity along a flow direction from the coupling interface into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure.

[0174] The access interface and the hollow structure can be configured to cause a drop in fluid velocity along a flow direction from the access interface into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure.

[0175] The access interface can have an arrangement of a first access hole and a second access hole. The first access hole and the second access hole can have different sizes.

[0176] A side of the hollow structure of the assembly body having the access interface can include an elongated face. A common circumscribed line of the first access hole and the second access hole can be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated face of the side of the hollow structure of the assembly body.

[0177] The assembly body can comprise an access aperture adjuster for changing the total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the chamber access interface. Preferably, the access aperture adjuster can comprise a valve.

[0178] The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at the hollow structure such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are laterally offset from each other, thereby not coinciding.

[0179] The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at the hollow structure such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are angled with respect to each other, thereby not coinciding.

[0180] The flow chamber can be shaped, and the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed with respect to the flow chamber such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface do not coincide.

[0181] The flow chamber can have a substantially circular shape, a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially quarter-circular shape, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially triangular shape, a substantially polygonal shape, a substantially annular shape, a substantially torus shape, a substantially arcuate shape, a substantially U-shape, or a substantially horseshoe shape.

[0182] The flow chamber can have a substantially spherical shape, a substantially semi-spherical shape, a substantially dome shape, a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially cuboid shape, a substantially funnel shape, a substantially truncated cone shape, a substantially trapezoidal shape, a substantially pyramidal shape, a substantially conical shape, a substantially prismatic shape, or a substantially toric shape.

[0183] The flow chamber can have a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite end portions along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0184] The flow chamber can have a substantially semicircular shape, wherein the coupling interface can be disposed at a first end portion along a diameter of the semicircular shape, and the access interface can be disposed at a second end portion along the diameter of the semicircular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

[0185] The flow chamber can have a substantially semicircular shape, wherein the coupling interface can be disposed at a first end portion along a diameter of the semicircular shape, and the access interface can be disposed at a second end portion along the diameter of the semicircular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

[0186] The flow chamber can have a substantially triangular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite end portions of a same side of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are non-parallel with respect to each other.

[0187] The flow chamber can have a substantially triangular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite end portions of a same side of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are non-parallel with respect to each other.

[0188] The flow chamber can have a substantially circular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite segments of the circular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other. Preferably, the flow chamber can have a substantially circular inner wall disposed in the flow chamber in a substantially concentric manner with respect to the circular shape of the flow chamber.

[0189] The flow chamber can have a substantially arcuate shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite ends of the arcuate shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface can be offset towards an outer arc of the arcuate shape and the access interface is offset towards an inner arc of the arcuate shape. Preferably, the flow chamber can comprise an inner curved wall disposed in the flow chamber along a centerline of the arcuate shape of the flow chamber.

[0190] The flow chamber can have an elongated shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite ends of the elongated shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented in opposite directions such that the center axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the center axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

[0191] The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed in direct opposition at the hollow structure, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the center axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the center axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are angled with respect to each other, thereby not coinciding.

[0192] The flow chamber can have a funnel shape, wherein the coupling interface can be disposed at a spout portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber and the access interface can be disposed at an inlet portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the center axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the center axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are laterally offset with respect to each other.

[0193] The assembly body can comprise a flow guiding arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

[0194] The assembly body can comprise a flow guiding arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure, wherein the flow guiding arrangement, the coupling interface and the access interface of the assembly body can be disposed with respect to each other to define a first flow path within the flow chamber and a second flow path within the flow chamber, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path can not coincide so that the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow do not coincide at least when the respective flow paths intersect or meet.

[0195] The first flow path and the second flow path can be defined to cross each other within the flow chamber such that a first gas flow flowing along the first flow path via the coupling interface and a second gas flow simultaneously flowing along the second flow path via the access interface interact with each other in a vortex or swirl formed manner.

[0196] The flow directing arrangement can comprise one or more protrusions located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

[0197] The flow directing arrangement can comprise one or more protrusions located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

[0198] The flow directing arrangement can comprise one or more recesses located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

[0199] The access interface can comprise a flow regulating member disposed across the arrangement of one or more access apertures. Preferably, the flow regulating member can comprise a mesh structure, a cellular structure, a porous structure, a web structure, a lattice structure or a grid structure.

[0200] The assembly body can comprise a retention arrangement engageable with a supply member of an air flow delivery system introduced to the access interface in order to retain the supply member in place relative to the access interface. The retention arrangement can comprise an alignment element for providing feedback as to whether the supply member is correctly fitted. Preferably, the retention arrangement comprises a strap, a rigid arm, a clip, a latch, a tie, a snap, a pin, a hook, a peg, an anchor, a loop, an adhesive or a suction element.

[0201] The assembly body can have a first modular component and a second modular component removably coupled together to form the assembly body, wherein the first modular component can comprise the access interface and the second modular component can comprise the coupling interface.

[0202] At least one access aperture of the access interface can have an elongate shape. The elongate shape can have a narrower portion at a first end and a wider portion at a second end.

[0203] According to various embodiments, an adapter (or connector or breathing support assembly) is provided. The adapter can include a hollow structure defining a flow chamber, a flow aperture to the flow chamber, and an access aperture to the flow chamber for receiving a supply member of a gas delivery system. The flow aperture and the access aperture can be disposed relative to each other, and / or the adapter can further include one or more internal flow guiding elements for guiding a first gas flow into the flow chamber via the flow aperture and guiding a second gas flow into the flow chamber via the access aperture such that an axis of the first gas flow and an axis of the second gas flow can not coincide or can become non-coincident within the flow chamber to cause the first gas flow and the second gas flow to gradually merge and avoid the first gas flow and the second gas flow colliding in a substantially directly opposite manner, thereby avoiding a sudden pressure surge. The access aperture can be configured to form a predetermined leakage area between a perimeter of the access aperture and an exterior of the supply member of the gas delivery system when the supply member of the gas delivery system is inserted into the access aperture. The supply member can have a given size. The predetermined leakage area can serve as a flow outlet for gas exiting the flow chamber. The predetermined leakage area can have a predetermined size to provide a first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near an end of an expiratory phase when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and the second gas flow is a flow supplied by the supply member of the gas delivery system. The access aperture can have a predetermined size to provide a predetermined level of flow resistance for the first gas flow into the flow chamber via the flow aperture when the supply member of the gas delivery system is not received in the access aperture. The predetermined level of flow resistance can generate a second predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near an end of an expiratory phase when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and there is no supply of the second gas flow into the flow chamber.

[0204] The access aperture can be configured such that the predetermined size of the predetermined leakage area can be smaller than a cross-sectional area of a corresponding portion of the supply member of the gas delivery system inserted into the access aperture.

[0205] The aperture area of the flow aperture can be greater than the aperture area of the access aperture.

[0206] The aperture area of the flow aperture can be smaller than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber immediately adjacent to the flow aperture.

[0207] The aperture area of the access aperture can be smaller than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber immediately adjacent to the flow aperture.

[0208] The aperture area of the flow aperture can be greater than the aperture area of the access aperture by a predetermined amount to provide the second predetermined maximum pressure.

[0209] The adapter can include an access aperture adjuster for varying the aperture area of the access aperture. The access aperture adjuster can include a valve.

[0210] The first predetermined maximum pressure can be a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). The PEEP can be at least 1 cm H20 when the flow rate is 50 liters / minute.

[0211] The adapter can have no additional inlet or outlet holes for the flow chamber other than the flow hole and the access hole.

[0212] The flow hole and the access hole can be arranged such that a central axis of the flow hole and a central axis of the access hole can not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow not to coincide.

[0213] The central axis of the flow hole and the central axis of the access hole can be laterally offset from each other, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow not to coincide.

[0214] The central axis of the flow hole and the central axis of the access hole can be angled relative to each other, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow not to coincide.

[0215] The flow chamber can be shaped, and the flow hole and the access hole can be arranged such that a central axis of the flow hole and a central axis of the access hole can not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow not to coincide.

[0216] The flow chamber can have a substantially circular shape, a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially quarter-circular shape, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially triangular shape, a substantially polygonal shape, a substantially annular shape, a substantially torus shape, a substantially arcuate shape, a substantially U-shape, or a substantially horseshoe shape.

[0217] The flow chamber can have a substantially spherical shape, a substantially semi-spherical shape, a substantially dome shape, a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially cuboid shape, a substantially funnel shape, a substantially truncated cone shape, a substantially trapezoidal shape, a substantially pyramidal shape, a substantially conical shape, a substantially prismatic shape, or a substantially torus shape.

[0218] The flow chamber can have a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the flow hole and the access hole can be arranged at two opposite end portions along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, respectively, wherein the flow hole and the access hole can be oriented such that the central axis of the flow hole and the central axis of the access hole are not parallel relative to each other.

[0219] The flow chamber can have a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the flow aperture can be disposed at a first end portion of a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access aperture can be disposed at a location along the diameter of the semi-circular shape offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture can be oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the access aperture are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0220] The flow chamber can have a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the flow aperture can be disposed at a first end portion of a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access aperture can be disposed at a location along the diameter of the semi-circular shape offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture can be oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the access aperture are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0221] The flow chamber can have a substantially triangular shape, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture can be disposed at two opposite end portions of a same side of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture can be oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the access aperture are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0222] The flow chamber can have a substantially triangular shape, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture can be disposed at two different sides of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture can be oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the access aperture are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0223] The flow chamber can have a substantially circular shape, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture can be disposed at two substantially opposite segments of the circular shape, respectively. The flow aperture and the access aperture can be oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the access aperture are parallel with respect to each other. Preferably, the flow chamber can have a substantially circular inner wall disposed in the flow chamber in a substantially concentric manner with respect to the circular shape of the flow chamber.

[0224] The flow chamber can have a substantially arcuate shape, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture can be disposed at two opposite ends of the arcuate shape, respectively, wherein the flow aperture can be offset toward an outer arc of the arcuate shape, and the access aperture can be offset toward an inner arc of the arcuate shape. Preferably, the flow chamber can comprise an inner curved wall disposed in the flow chamber substantially along a centerline of the arcuate shape of the flow chamber.

[0225] The flow chamber can have an elongated shape, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture can be disposed at two opposite ends of the elongated shape, respectively, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture can be oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the access aperture are parallel with respect to each other.

[0226] The flow aperture and the access aperture can be disposed in direct opposition at the hollow structure, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture can be oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the access aperture can be angled with respect to each other, thereby not coinciding.

[0227] The flow chamber can have a funnel shape, wherein the flow aperture can be disposed at a spout portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber and the access aperture can be disposed at an inlet portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture can be oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the access aperture are laterally offset with respect to each other.

[0228] The one or more flow guiding elements, the flow aperture and the access aperture can be disposed with respect to each other to define a first flow path within the flow chamber and a second flow path within the flow chamber, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path can not coincide, such that the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow do not coincide at least when the respective flow paths intersect or meet.

[0229] The first flow path and the second flow path can be defined to cross each other within the flow chamber, such that the first gas flow flowing along the first flow path via the flow aperture and the second gas flow flowing along the second flow path simultaneously via the access aperture can interact with each other in a vortex or swirl formation.

[0230] The flow guiding element can comprise at least an inner wall, a baffle or a deflector disposed within the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

[0231] The flow guiding element can comprise one or more protrusions located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

[0232] The flow guiding element can comprise one or more recesses located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

[0233] The adapter can comprise a flow regulating member disposed across an inflow path through the access aperture. Preferably, the flow regulating member can comprise a grid structure, a honeycomb structure, a porous structure, a mesh structure, a lattice structure or a grating structure.

[0234] The adapter can comprise a retention arrangement disposed at the hollow structure, wherein the retention arrangement can be engageable with the supply member of the airflow delivery system introduced to the access aperture in order to retain the supply member in place relative to the access aperture. The retention arrangement can comprise an alignment element for providing feedback as to whether the supply member is properly fitted.

[0235] The retention arrangement can comprise a strap, a rigid arm, a clip, a latch, a tie, a snap, a pin, a hook, a spike, an anchor, a loop, an adhesive, or a suction element.

[0236] The hollow structure can have a first modular section and a second modular section removably coupled together to form the hollow structure, wherein the access aperture is located at the first modular section of the hollow structure and the flow aperture is located at the second modular section of the hollow structure.

[0237] At least one access aperture of the access interface can have an elongated shape. The elongated shape can have a narrower portion at a first end and a wider portion at a second end.

[0238] According to various embodiments, an adapter (or connector or breathing support assembly) is provided. The adapter comprises: a hollow structure defining a flow chamber; a flow aperture leading to the flow chamber; and an arrangement of two access apertures leading to the flow chamber for receiving two insertion portions of a supply member of a gas delivery system, respectively. The flow aperture and the arrangement of two access apertures are disposable relative to each other, and / or the adapter can further comprise one or more internal flow guiding elements for guiding a first gas flow via the flow aperture into the flow chamber and guiding a second gas flow via the arrangement of two access apertures into the flow chamber, such that an axis of the first gas flow and an axis of the second gas flow can not coincide or can become non-coincident within the flow chamber to facilitate gradual merging of the first gas flow and the second gas flow and to avoid the first gas flow and the second gas flow colliding in a substantially directly opposite manner, thereby avoiding a sudden pressure surge. Each of the two access apertures can be configured to form a predetermined gap between a periphery of said access aperture and an exterior of the corresponding insertion portion of the supply member of the gas delivery system when the respective insertion portion of the supply member of the gas delivery system is inserted into the respective access aperture. Each of the insertion portions of the supply member can have a given size. A combined area of the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of two access apertures can form a predetermined leakage area which serves as a flow outlet for gas leaving the flow chamber. The predetermined leakage area can have a predetermined size so as to provide a first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near an end of an expiratory phase when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and the second gas flow is a flow supplied by the supply member of the gas delivery system. The two access apertures can have a predetermined size so as to provide a predetermined level of flow resistance for the first gas flow entering the flow chamber via the flow aperture when the corresponding insertion portion of the supply member of the gas delivery system is not received in the respective access aperture. The predetermined level of flow resistance can generate a second predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near an end of an expiratory phase when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and there is no supply of the second gas flow into the flow chamber.

[0239] At least one of the two access apertures can be configured such that the predetermined gap can be smaller than a cross-sectional area of the corresponding insertion portion of the supply member of the gas delivery system inserted into said access aperture.

[0240] A bore area of the flow aperture can be greater than a total bore area of the two access apertures.

[0241] The bore area of the flow aperture can be smaller than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber immediately adjacent to the flow aperture.

[0242] The total bore area of the two access apertures can be smaller than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber immediately adjacent to the flow aperture.

[0243] The orifice area of the flow orifice can be greater than the total orifice area of the two access orifices by a predetermined amount to provide the second predetermined maximum pressure.

[0244] The adapter can further comprise an access orifice adjuster for varying the total orifice area of the two access orifices. Preferably, the access orifice adjuster can comprise a valve.

[0245] The first predetermined maximum pressure can be positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP). The PEEP can be at least 1 cm H20 when the flow rate is 50 L / min.

[0246] The adapter can have no additional inlet or outlet orifices for the flow chamber other than the arrangement of the flow orifice and the two access orifices.

[0247] The arrangement of the flow orifice and the two access orifices can be arranged such that the central axis of the flow orifice and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access orifices can not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow not to coincide.

[0248] The central axis of the arrangement of the two access orifices can pass through the center or centroid of the arrangement of the two access orifices.

[0249] The central axis of the flow orifice and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access orifices can be laterally offset from each other, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow not to coincide.

[0250] The central axis of the flow orifice and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access orifices can be angled relative to each other, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow not to coincide.

[0251] The flow chamber can be shaped, and the arrangement of the flow orifice and the two access orifices can be arranged such that the central axis of the flow orifice and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access orifices can not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow not to coincide.

[0252] The central axis of the arrangement of the two access orifices can pass through the center or centroid of the arrangement of the two access orifices.

[0253] The flow chamber can have a substantially circular shape, a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially quarter-circular shape, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially triangular shape, a substantially polygonal shape, a substantially annular shape, a substantially torus shape, a substantially arcuate shape, a substantially U-shape, or a substantially horseshoe shape.

[0254] The flow chamber can have a substantially spherical shape, a substantially semi-spherical shape, a substantially dome shape, a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially cuboid shape, a substantially funnel shape, a substantially truncated cone shape, a substantially trapezoidal shape, a substantially pyramidal shape, a substantially conical shape, a substantially prismatic shape, or a substantially toroidal shape.

[0255] The flow chamber can have a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of the two access apertures can be disposed at two opposite end portions along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, respectively, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of the two access apertures can be oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access apertures are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0256] The flow chamber can have a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the flow aperture can be disposed at a first end portion along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the arrangement of the two access apertures is disposed at a position along the diameter of the semi-circular shape that is offset from a second end portion towards the first end portion, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of the two access apertures are oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access apertures are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0257] The flow chamber can have a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the flow aperture can be disposed at a first end portion along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the arrangement of the two access apertures can be disposed at a position along the diameter of the semi-circular shape that is offset from a second end portion towards the first end portion, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of the two access apertures can be oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access apertures are parallel with respect to each other.

[0258] The flow chamber can have a substantially triangular shape, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of the two access apertures can be disposed at two opposite end portions of a same side of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of the two access apertures can be oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access apertures are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0259] The flow chamber can have a substantially triangular shape, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of the two access apertures can be disposed at two different sides of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of the two access apertures can be oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access apertures are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0260] The flow chamber can have a substantially circular shape, wherein the arrangement of the flow aperture and the two access apertures can be disposed at two substantially opposite segments of the circular shape, respectively. Preferably, the arrangement of the flow aperture and the two access apertures can be oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access apertures are parallel with respect to each other. Preferably, the flow chamber can have a substantially circular inner wall disposed in the flow chamber in a substantially concentric manner with respect to the circular shape of the flow chamber.

[0261] The flow chamber can have a substantially arcuate shape, wherein the arrangement of the flow aperture and the two access apertures can be disposed at two opposite ends of the arcuate shape, respectively, wherein the flow aperture can be offset towards an outer arc of the arcuate shape and the arrangement of the two access apertures is offset towards an inner arc of the arcuate shape. Preferably, the flow chamber can comprise an inner curved wall disposed in the flow chamber substantially along a centerline of the arcuate shape of the flow chamber.

[0262] The flow chamber can have an elongated shape, wherein the arrangement of the flow aperture and the two access apertures can be disposed at two opposite ends of the elongated shape, respectively, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of the two access apertures can be oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access apertures are parallel with respect to each other.

[0263] The arrangement of the flow aperture and the two access apertures can be disposed at the hollow structure in a directly opposite manner, wherein the arrangement of the flow aperture and the two access apertures can be oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access apertures are angled with respect to each other, thereby not coinciding.

[0264] The flow chamber can have a funnel shape, wherein the flow aperture can be disposed at a spout portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber and the arrangement of the two access apertures can be disposed at an inlet portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of the two access apertures can be oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access apertures are laterally offset with respect to each other.

[0265] The one or more flow guiding elements, the flow aperture and the arrangement of the two access apertures can be disposed with respect to each other to define a first flow path within the flow chamber and a second flow path within the flow chamber, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path can not coincide, such that the axis of the first gas stream and the axis of the second gas stream do not coincide at least when the respective gas paths intersect or meet.

[0266] The first flow path and the second flow path can be defined to cross each other within the flow chamber such that the first gas flow along the first flow path via the flow aperture and the second gas flow along the second flow path via the arrangement of the two access apertures interact with each other in a vortex or swirl formed manner.

[0267] The flow directing element can comprise at least an inner wall, a baffle or a deflector arranged within the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

[0268] The flow directing element can comprise one or more protrusions in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

[0269] The flow directing element can comprise one or more recesses in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

[0270] The adapter can comprise a flow regulating member arranged across an inflow path through the arrangement of the two access apertures. Preferably, the flow regulating member can comprise a mesh structure, a honeycomb structure, a porous structure, a net structure, a grid structure or a lattice structure.

[0271] The adapter can further comprise a retention arrangement arranged at the hollow structure, wherein the retention arrangement can be engageable with the supply member of the gas flow delivery system introduced to the arrangement of the two apertures in order to retain the supply member in place relative to the arrangement of the two apertures. The retention arrangement can comprise an alignment element for providing feedback as to whether the supply member is correctly fitted.

[0272] The retention arrangement can comprise a strap, a rigid arm, a clip, a latch, a tie, a snap, a pin, a hook, a spike, an anchor, a loop, an adhesive or a suction element.

[0273] The hollow structure can have a first modular section and a second modular section which are removably coupled together to form the hollow structure, wherein the arrangement of two access apertures is located at the first modular section of the hollow structure and the flow aperture is located at the second modular section of the hollow structure.

[0274] At least one of the two access apertures can have an elongated shape. The elongated shape can have a narrower portion at a first end and a wider portion at a second end.

[0275] A side of the hollow structure having the two access apertures can comprise an elongated face. A common circumscribed line of the two access apertures can be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated face of said side of the hollow structure.

[0276] According to various embodiments, a respiratory support assembly (or adapter or connector) is provided. The respiratory support assembly includes an assembly body. The assembly body includes a hollow structure defining a flow chamber, a coupling interface at the hollow structure, the coupling interface having an arrangement of one or more flow apertures to the flow chamber, and an access interface at the hollow structure, the access interface for providing access to the flow chamber, the access interface having an arrangement of one or more access apertures to the flow chamber. A bore axis of each flow aperture of the one or more flow apertures and a bore axis of each access aperture of the one or more access apertures do not coincide. A total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface is greater than a predetermined portion of a total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface. The predetermined portion of the total aperture area is a portion that is unoccupied during use of the respiratory support assembly.

[0277] The total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface can be less than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber immediately adjacent to the access interface.

[0278] The total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface can be less than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber immediately adjacent to the coupling interface.

[0279] The total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface can be greater than the total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface by a predetermined amount so as to provide a predetermined amount of flow resistance to a fluid flow into the flow chamber via the coupling interface and out of the flow chamber through the access interface.

[0280] The coupling interface can include a single flow aperture.

[0281] The access interface can have an arrangement of two access apertures. The arrangement of the two access apertures of the access interface can be configured to respectively receive two prongs of a nasal cannula.

[0282] A size of each access aperture can be designed to receive a corresponding prong of the nasal cannula to define a predetermined gap around the corresponding prong for a given size of the corresponding prong.

[0283] A combined area of the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access apertures of the access interface can be used to provide a predetermined amount of elevated flow resistance to a gas exiting the flow chamber through the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access apertures of the access interface when the nasal cannula is inserted in the arrangement of the two access apertures of the access interface. The gas can include a first gas flow into the flow chamber via the coupling interface and a second gas flow into the flow chamber through the access interface via the nasal cannula. The predetermined portion of the total aperture area of the arrangement of the two access apertures can be the combined area of the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access apertures.

[0284] The arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface can lie in the same plane.

[0285] The assembly body can have no additional inlet or outlet interfaces of the flow chamber other than the coupling interface and the access interface.

[0286] The coupling interface and the hollow structure can be configured to cause a drop in fluid velocity along a flow direction from the coupling interface into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure.

[0287] The access interface and the hollow structure can be configured to cause a drop in fluid velocity along a flow direction from the access interface into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure.

[0288] The access interface can have an arrangement of a first access aperture and a second access aperture, wherein the first access aperture and the second access aperture can have different sizes.

[0289] A side of the assembly body having the access interface can comprise an elongated face. A common circumscribed line of the first access aperture and the second access aperture can be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated face of the side of the assembly body.

[0290] The assembly body can comprise an access aperture regulator for varying the total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the chamber access interface.

[0291] The access aperture regulator can comprise a valve. The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at the hollow structure such that the aperture axis of each of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the aperture axis of each of the one or more access apertures of the access interface can be laterally offset from each other, thereby not coinciding.

[0292] The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at the hollow structure such that the aperture axis of each of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the aperture axis of each of the one or more access apertures of the access interface can be angled with respect to each other, thereby not coinciding.

[0293] The flow chamber can be shaped, and the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed with respect to the flow chamber such that the aperture axis of each of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the aperture axis of each of the one or more access apertures of the access interface can not coincide.

[0294] The flow chamber can have a substantially circular shape, a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially quarter-circular shape, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially triangular shape, a substantially polygonal shape, a substantially annular shape, a substantially torus shape, a substantially arcuate shape, a substantially U-shaped shape, or a substantially horseshoe shape.

[0295] The flow chamber can have a substantially spherical shape, a substantially semi-spherical shape, a substantially dome shape, a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially cuboid shape, a substantially funnel shape, a substantially truncated cone shape, a substantially trapezoidal shape, a substantially pyramidal shape, a substantially conical shape, a substantially prismatic shape, or a substantially toric shape.

[0296] The flow chamber can have a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite end portions along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0297] The flow chamber can have a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface can be disposed at a first end portion along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access interface can be disposed at a position along the diameter of the semi-circular shape that is offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0298] The flow chamber can have a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface can be disposed at a first end portion along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access interface can be disposed at a position along the diameter of the semi-circular shape that is offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

[0299] The flow chamber can have a substantially triangular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite end portions along a same side of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0300] The flow chamber can have a substantially triangular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite end portions along a same side of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0301] The flow chamber can have a substantially circular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite segments of the circular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented in opposite directions such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other. Preferably, the flow chamber can have a substantially circular inner wall disposed in the flow chamber in a substantially concentric manner with respect to the circular shape of the flow chamber.

[0302] The flow chamber can have a substantially arcuate shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite ends of the arcuate shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface can be offset towards an outer arc of the arcuate shape and the access interface is offset towards an inner arc of the arcuate shape. Preferably, the flow chamber can comprise an inner curved wall disposed in the flow chamber along a centerline of the arcuate shape of the flow chamber.

[0303] The flow chamber can have an elongated shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite ends of the elongated shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented in opposite directions such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

[0304] The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed in a directly opposite manner at the hollow structure, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are angled with respect to each other, thereby not coinciding.

[0305] The flow chamber can have a funnel shape, wherein the coupling interface can be disposed at a spout portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber, and the access interface can be disposed at an inlet portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are laterally offset relative to each other.

[0306] The assembly body can comprise a flow guiding arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

[0307] The assembly body can comprise a flow guiding arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure, wherein the flow guiding arrangement, the coupling interface and the access interface of the assembly body can be disposed relative to each other to define a first flow path within the flow chamber and a second flow path within the flow chamber, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path can not coincide so that the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow do not coincide at least when the respective flow paths intersect or meet.

[0308] The first flow path and the second flow path can be defined to cross each other within the flow chamber such that the first gas flow flowing along the first flow path via the coupling interface and the second gas flow simultaneously flowing along the second flow path via the access interface can interact with each other in a vortex or swirl formation.

[0309] The flow guiding arrangement can comprise at least an inner wall, baffle or flow guide plate disposed within the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

[0310] The flow guiding arrangement can comprise one or more protrusions located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

[0311] The flow guiding arrangement can comprise one or more recesses located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

[0312] The access interface can comprise a flow regulating member disposed across the arrangement of the one or more access bores. Preferably, the flow regulating member can comprise a mesh structure, a honeycomb structure, a porous structure, a web structure, a lattice structure or a grid structure.

[0313] The assembly body can include a retention arrangement engageable with a supply member of an air flow delivery system introduced to the access interface to retain the supply member in place relative to the access interface. The retention arrangement can include an alignment element to provide feedback as to whether the supply member is properly fitted. The retention arrangement can include a strap, a rigid arm, a clip, a latch, a tie, a snap, a pin, a hook, a peg, an anchor, a loop, an adhesive, or a suction element.

[0314] The assembly body can have a first modular component and a second modular component removably coupled together to form the assembly body, wherein the first modular component includes the access interface and the second modular component includes the coupling interface.

[0315] At least one access aperture of the access interface can have an elongated shape. The elongated shape can have a narrower portion at a first end and a wider portion at a second end.

[0316] According to various embodiments, a respiratory support assembly (or adapter or connector) is provided. The respiratory support assembly can include an assembly body. The assembly body can include: a hollow structure defining a flow chamber; a coupling interface at the hollow structure, the coupling interface having an arrangement of one or more flow apertures to the flow chamber; and an access interface at the hollow structure, the access interface for providing access to the flow chamber, the access interface having an arrangement of one or more access apertures to the flow chamber. The flow chamber can include a flow directing arrangement including at least one of an inner wall, a baffle, a flow directing plate, a cutout, and / or a protrusion. A total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface can be greater than an effective portion of a total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface. The predetermined portion of the total aperture area is a portion that is not occupied during use of the respiratory support assembly.

[0317] The flow directing arrangement can be located substantially between at least one flow aperture and at least one access aperture.

[0318] The flow directing arrangement can be disposed to block a straight line path extending between the at least one flow aperture and the at least one access aperture.

[0319] The total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface can be less than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber proximate the access interface.

[0320] The total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface can be less than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber proximate the coupling interface.

[0321] The total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface can be greater than the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface by a predetermined amount so as to provide a predetermined amount of flow resistance for fluid flow into the flow chamber via the coupling interface and out of the flow chamber through the access interface.

[0322] The coupling interface can include a single flow hole.

[0323] The access interface can have an arrangement of two access holes. The arrangement of the two access holes of the access interface can be configured to receive two prongs of a nasal cannula, respectively.

[0324] Each access hole can be sized to receive a corresponding prong of the nasal cannula to define a predetermined gap around the corresponding prong for a given size of the corresponding prong.

[0325] A combined area of the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access holes of the access interface can be used to provide a predetermined amount of elevated flow resistance for gas exiting the flow chamber through the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access holes of the access interface when the nasal cannula is inserted in the arrangement of the two access holes of the access interface. The gas can include a first gas flow into the flow chamber via the coupling interface and a second gas flow into the flow chamber through the access interface via the nasal cannula. The predetermined portion of the total hole area of the arrangement of the two access holes can be the combined area of the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access holes.

[0326] The arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface can be located in the same plane.

[0327] The assembly body can have no additional access or exit interfaces of the flow chamber other than the coupling interface and the access interface.

[0328] The coupling interface and the hollow structure can be configured to cause a drop in fluid velocity along a flow direction from the coupling interface into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure.

[0329] The access interface and the hollow structure can be configured to cause a drop in fluid velocity along a flow direction from the access interface into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure.

[0330] The access interface can have an arrangement of a first access hole and a second access hole, wherein the first access hole and the second access hole can have different sizes.

[0331] A side of the assembly body having the access interface can include an elongated face. A common circumscribed line of the first access hole and the second access hole can be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated face of the side of the assembly body.

[0332] The assembly body can comprise an access aperture adjuster for changing the total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the chamber access interface. Preferably, the access aperture adjuster can comprise a valve.

[0333] The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at the hollow structure such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface can be laterally offset from each other, thereby not coinciding.

[0334] The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at the hollow structure such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface can be angled with respect to each other, thereby not coinciding.

[0335] The flow chamber can be shaped, and the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed with respect to the flow chamber such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface do not coincide.

[0336] The flow chamber can have a substantially circular shape, a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially quarter-circular shape, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially triangular shape, a substantially polygonal shape, a substantially annular shape, a substantially torus shape, a substantially arcuate shape, a substantially U-shape, or a substantially horseshoe shape.

[0337] The flow chamber can have a substantially spherical shape, a substantially semi-spherical shape, a substantially dome shape, a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially cuboid shape, a substantially funnel shape, a substantially truncated cone shape, a substantially trapezoidal shape, a substantially pyramidal shape, a substantially conical shape, a substantially prismatic shape, or a substantially toric shape.

[0338] The flow chamber can have a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite end portions along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0339] The flow chamber can have a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface can be disposed at a first end portion of a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access interface can be disposed at a location along the diameter of the semi-circular shape offset from a second end portion towards the first end portion, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0340] The flow chamber can have a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface can be disposed at a first end portion of a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access interface can be disposed at a location along the diameter of the semi-circular shape offset from a second end portion towards the first end portion, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0341] The flow chamber can have a substantially triangular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite end portions of a same side of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0342] The flow chamber can have a substantially triangular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two different sides of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

[0343] The flow chamber can have a substantially circular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite segments of the circular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other. Preferably, the flow chamber can have a substantially circular inner wall serving as the flow guiding arrangement, the circular inner wall being disposed in the flow chamber in a substantially concentric manner with respect to the circular shape of the flow chamber.

[0344] The flow chamber can have a substantially arcuate shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite ends of the arcuate shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface can be offset towards an outer arc of the arcuate shape and the access interface is offset towards an inner arc of the arcuate shape.

[0345] The flow chamber can comprise an inner curved wall serving as the flow guiding arrangement, the inner curved wall being disposed in the flow chamber along a centerline of the arcuate shape of the flow chamber.

[0346] The flow chamber can have an elongated shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed at two opposite ends of the elongated shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented in opposite directions such that the center axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the center axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

[0347] The coupling interface and the access interface can be disposed in directly opposite manner at the hollow structure, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the center axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the center axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are angled with respect to each other, thereby not coinciding.

[0348] The flow chamber can have a funnel shape, wherein the coupling interface can be disposed at a spout portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber and the access interface can be disposed at an inlet portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface can be oriented such that the center axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the center axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are laterally offset with respect to each other.

[0349] The flow guiding arrangement, the coupling interface and the access interface of the assembly body can be disposed with respect to each other to define a first flow path within the flow chamber and a second flow path within the flow chamber, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path can not coincide such that the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow do not coincide at least when the respective flow paths intersect or meet.

[0350] The first flow path and the second flow path can be defined to cross each other within the flow chamber such that the first gas flow flowing along the first flow path via the coupling interface and the second gas flow simultaneously flowing along the second flow path via the access interface can interact with each other in a vortex or swirl formation.

[0351] The access interface can comprise a flow regulating member disposed across the arrangement of one or more access apertures. Preferably, the flow regulating member can comprise a mesh structure, a cellular structure, a porous structure, a web structure, a lattice structure, or a grid structure.

[0352] The assembly body can further comprise a retention arrangement engageable with a supply member of an air flow delivery system introduced to the access interface so as to retain the supply member in place relative to the access interface. The retention arrangement can comprise an alignment element for providing feedback as to whether the supply member is correctly fitted. Preferably, the retention arrangement comprises a strap, a rigid arm, a clip, a latch, a tie, a snap, a pin, a hook, a peg, an anchor, a loop, an adhesive, or a suction element.

[0353] The assembly body can have a first modular component and a second modular component removably coupled together to form the assembly body, wherein the first modular component comprises the access interface and the second modular component comprises the coupling interface.

[0354] At least one access aperture of the access interface can have an elongate shape. The elongate shape can have a narrower portion at a first end and a wider portion at a second end.

[0355] According to various embodiments, there is provided a kit for connecting an air flow delivery system to an invasive airway device. The kit can comprise a respiratory support assembly (or an adaptor or a connector) of various embodiments as described herein.

[0356] The kit can comprise a further modular component or modular section having an access interface, wherein the access interface of the further modular component or modular section can be different from the access interface of the respiratory support assembly (or the adaptor or the connector).

[0357] The kit can comprise a further modular component or modular section having a coupling interface, wherein the interface of the further modular component or modular section can be different from the interface of the respiratory support assembly (or the adaptor or the connector).

[0358] According to various embodiments, there is provided a method of assessing whether a patient is ready to transition from invasive respiratory therapy to high flow therapy, the method comprising:

[0359] The high flow therapy is provided through a supply member of an air flow delivery system via an adapter or a respiratory support assembly to the invasive airway device, the adapter or the respiratory support assembly is connected to the invasive airway device via a coupling interface of the adapter or the respiratory support assembly, and the supply member is connected to the adapter or the respiratory support assembly via an access interface of the adapter or the respiratory support assembly;

[0360] monitoring at least one parameter of the patient; and

[0361] determining whether the at least one parameter of the patient is within an acceptable or expected range in order to assess whether the patient is ready to transition from invasive respiratory therapy to high flow therapy.

[0362] The at least one parameter of the patient can include one or a combination of any two or more of: airway pressure, respiratory rate, tidal volume, minute ventilation, respiratory gas parameter (e.g., fraction of inspired oxygen (Fi02)), blood gas parameter (e.g., oxygen saturation (Sp02)), or heart rate.

[0363] The method can further include determining whether the patient is ready to transition from invasive respiratory therapy to high flow therapy based on determining that the at least one parameter of the patient is within the acceptable or expected range.

[0364] The method can further include transitioning the patient to the high flow therapy by continuing the high flow therapy through the adapter or the respiratory support assembly into the invasive airway device via the supply member or placing the supply member of the air flow delivery system on the patient’s face in order to provide the high flow therapy to the patient via the patient’s nose and / or mouth.

[0365] The adapter or the respiratory support assembly can be as described in accordance with the various embodiments described herein.

[0366] The method can further include obtaining a baseline measurement of the at least one parameter of the patient prior to connecting the adapter or the respiratory support assembly to the invasive airway device.

[0367] A three-way connector can be connected between the invasive airway device and the coupling interface of the respiratory support assembly (or adapter or connector), whereby a first port of the three-way connector can be connected to the invasive airway device and a second port of the three-way connector can be connected to the coupling interface. A pressure line can be connected to a third port of the three-way connector to measure pressure. The three-way connector can be a T-piece.

[0368] The high flow therapy can be provided at a flow rate in a range from about 5 LPM to about 150 LPM, or from about 10 LPM to about 120 LPM, or from about 15 LPM to about 95 LPM, or from about 20 LPM to about 90 LPM, or from about 20 LPM to about 70 LPM, or from about 25 LPM to about 85 LPM, or from about 30 LPM to about 80 LPM, or from about 35 LPM to about 75 LPM, or from about 40 LPM to about 70 LPM, or from about 45 LPM to about 65 LPM, or from about 50 LPM to about 60 LPM.

[0369] The method can include providing the high flow therapy can include progressively increasing the flow rate through a series of predetermined flow rate levels, wherein a predetermined acceptable or expected range of the at least one parameter of the patient is associated with each predetermined flow rate level. The supplemental therapy can be progressively increased accordingly to supplement the progressively increasing the flow rate through the series of predetermined flow rate levels. The supplemental therapy can include supplemental oxygen therapy (which can be provided in whole or in part with the high flow therapy).

[0370] The high flow therapy can include providing humidified gas. The humidified gas can be provided via a humidifier of the flow delivery system, which can be located downstream of a flow generator of the flow delivery system.

[0371] The method can include transitioning the patient to the high flow therapy by continuing the high flow therapy via the supply member through the adapter or the respiratory support component into the invasive airway device can include inputting final therapy settings into the flow delivery system to continue providing the high flow therapy to the patient via the adapter or the respiratory support component.

[0372] The method can include transitioning the patient to the high flow therapy by placing the supply member of the flow delivery system on the patient's face can include inputting final therapy settings into the flow delivery system to provide the high flow therapy to the patient via the supply member.

[0373] The invasive airway device can include an endotracheal tube, a tracheostomy tube, or a laryngeal mask airway. The supply member of the flow delivery system can include a nasal cannula. The nasal cannula can be an asymmetric cannula. The nasal cannula can include an asymmetric nasal delivery element.

[0374] According to various embodiments, a method of switching between respiratory therapy via an invasive airway device and non-invasive respiratory therapy for a patient using a supply member of a flow delivery system is provided, the method comprising:

[0375] providing a flow of gas via the invasive airway device with the supply member of the airflow delivery system by connecting the adapter or the respiratory support component to the invasive airway device, and connecting the supply member to the adapter or the respiratory support component via an access interface of the adapter or the respiratory support component; and

[0376] transitioning to the non-invasive respiratory therapy by disconnecting the supply member of the airflow delivery system from the adapter or the respiratory support component and placing the supply member of the airflow delivery system on the patient's face so as to provide the non-invasive respiratory therapy to the patient via the patient's nose and / or mouth when the patient is assessed as ready to transition to the non-invasive respiratory therapy.

[0377] The respiratory therapy via the invasive airway device can comprise high flow therapy via the invasive airway device, and the non-invasive respiratory therapy can comprise nasal high flow therapy.

[0378] The respiratory therapy via the invasive airway device can comprise invasive respiratory therapy, and the non-invasive respiratory therapy can comprise nasal high flow therapy. Accordingly, the method can comprise transitioning to the non-invasive respiratory therapy can comprise transitioning from the invasive respiratory therapy to high flow therapy via the invasive airway device, and subsequently transitioning from the high flow therapy via the invasive airway device to the nasal high flow therapy based on a determination that the patient is ready to transition to the nasal high flow therapy, the determination that the patient is ready to transition to the nasal high flow therapy being achieved in dependence on a determination that at least one parameter of the patient is within an acceptable or expected range when the patient is receiving high flow therapy via the invasive airway device.

[0379] The at least one parameter of the patient can comprise one or a combination of any two or more of: airway pressure, respiratory rate, tidal volume, minute ventilation, a respiratory gas parameter (e.g. fraction of inspired oxygen (Fi02)), a blood gas parameter (e.g. oxygen saturation (Sp02)) or heart rate.

[0380] The method can further comprise inputting final therapy settings into the airflow delivery system to provide the non-invasive respiratory therapy to the patient upon transitioning to the non-invasive respiratory therapy.

[0381] The method can further comprise transitioning from the non-invasive respiratory therapy to the respiratory therapy via the invasive airway device by removing the supply member of the airflow delivery system from the patient's face when the patient is assessed as being unable to tolerate the non-invasive respiratory therapy, and connecting the supply member of the airflow delivery system to the access interface of the adapter or the respiratory support component.

[0382] The gas flow can be in a flow rate range of about 5 LPM to about 150 LPM, or about 10 LPM to about 120 LPM, or about 15 LPM to about 95 LPM, or about 20 LPM to about 90 LPM, or about 20 LPM to about 70 LPM, or about 25 LPM to about 85 LPM, or about 30 LPM to about 80 LPM, or about 35 LPM to about 75 LPM, or about 40 LPM to about 70 LPM, or about 45 LPM to about 65 LPM, or about 50 LPM to about 60 LPM.

[0383] Humidified gas can be provided by the gas flow delivery system through the supply member. The humidified gas can be provided via a humidifier of the gas flow delivery system, the humidifier being downstream of a flow generator of the gas flow delivery system.

[0384] The adapter or the respiratory support assembly can be as described in accordance with various embodiments described herein.

[0385] The invasive airway device can comprise an endotracheal tube, a tracheostomy tube, or a laryngeal mask airway. The supply member of the gas flow delivery system can comprise a nasal cannula. The nasal cannula can be an asymmetric cannula. The nasal cannula can comprise an asymmetric nasal delivery element.

[0386] According to various embodiments, there is provided a respiratory assistance apparatus for delivering a respiratory therapy, the respiratory assistance apparatus comprising: a flow generator; a humidifier in fluid communication with the flow generator; a heater arrangement associated with the humidifier; and a controller configured to control the respiratory assistance apparatus,

[0387] wherein the respiratory assistance apparatus is capable of being selectively operated between a plurality of therapy modes, the plurality of therapy modes comprising at least a first therapy mode and a second therapy mode,

[0388] wherein, in the first therapy mode, the controller is configured to receive an input variable corresponding to a desired value of a variable humidity parameter, and the controller is configured to control the flow generator, the humidifier, and / or the heater arrangement to generate a gas flow based on the input variable corresponding to the desired value of the variable humidity parameter,

[0389] wherein, in the second therapy mode, the controller is configured to control the flow generator, the humidifier, and / or the heater arrangement to generate a gas flow based on a non-adjustable preset value of a humidity parameter.

[0390] In the first therapy mode, the controller can be configured to receive a selection of a flow from a first flow range and control the flow generator based on the selection. In the second therapy mode, the controller can be configured to receive a selection of a flow from a second flow range and control the flow generator based on the selection. The second flow range can be a subset of the first flow range.

[0391] The respiratory assistance device can further include a user interface associated with the controller.

[0392] The user interface can be configured to provide a therapy mode selector for selecting a therapy mode from the plurality of therapy modes for operating the respiratory assistance device in the therapy mode.

[0393] The user interface can include a display, wherein the plurality of therapy modes can be presented in the display as options for selection by a user as the therapy mode selector.

[0394] The first therapy mode and the second therapy mode can be presented in the display as alternative options under the same menu.

[0395] The second therapy mode can be presented in the display as an option in a sub-menu under the first therapy mode.

[0396] In the first therapy mode, the user interface can be configured to provide an input interface for inputting the input variable to the controller.

[0397] In the first therapy mode, the user interface can be configured to provide a flow input interface for inputting the flow from the first flow range to the controller. In the second therapy mode, the user interface can be configured to provide a flow input interface for inputting the flow from the second flow range to the controller.

[0398] The respiratory assistance device can further include a gas flow outlet, wherein the gas flow outlet can be configured to be coupled to an inhalation conduit that is directly connectable to an invasive airway device.

[0399] According to various embodiments, a gas flow delivery system for connection to an invasive airway device can be provided, the gas flow delivery system comprising: a respiratory assistance device as described herein, wherein the respiratory assistance device includes a gas flow outlet; and an inhalation conduit, wherein a first end of the inhalation conduit is coupled to the gas flow outlet of the respiratory assistance device and a second end of the inhalation conduit is configured to be directly connected to the invasive airway device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0400] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like features are indicated by like reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather the focus is generally on illustrating the principles of the invention. It should be understood that the embodiments shown are merely examples and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. In the following description, various embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, wherein:

[0401] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B Systems for respiratory support according to various implementation schemes are shown;

[0402] FIGS. 2A-2C A schematic diagram of a respiratory support component according to various implementation schemes is shown;

[0403] FIG. 3A A first example of a respiratory support component according to various implementation schemes is shown;

[0404] FIG. 3B A second example of a respiratory support component according to various implementation schemes is shown;

[0405] FIG. 3C Representations according to various implementation schemes are shown. FIG. 3A First example of a respiratory support component and FIG. 3B A schematic front view of each of the breathing support components in the second example;

[0406] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B A third example of a respiratory support component according to various implementation schemes is shown;

[0407] FIG. 5A A fourth example of a respiratory support component according to various implementation schemes is shown;

[0408] FIG. 5B A fifth example of a respiratory support component according to various implementation schemes is shown;

[0409] FIG. 6 A sixth example of a respiratory support component according to various implementation schemes is shown;

[0410] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B A seventh example of a respiratory support component according to various implementation schemes is shown;

[0411] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B An eighth example of a respiratory support component according to various implementation schemes is shown;

[0412] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9BA ninth example of a respiratory support assembly 130 is shown in accordance with various embodiments;

[0413] FIGS. 10-13 A tenth example, an eleventh example, a twelfth example, and a thirteenth example of a respiratory support assembly are shown in accordance with various embodiments;

[0414] FIG. 14 An enlarged view of an access aperture of an access interface of a respiratory support assembly is shown in accordance with various embodiments;

[0415] FIG. 15 An eighteenth example of a respiratory support assembly is shown in accordance with various embodiments;

[0416] FIG. 16 A nineteenth example of a respiratory support assembly is shown in accordance with various embodiments;

[0417] FIG. 17 A twentieth example of a respiratory support assembly is shown in accordance with various embodiments;

[0418] FIGS. 18A-18D Cross-sectional views at an access interface are shown in accordance with various embodiments to illustrate different sizes of supply members inserted into an access aperture of the access interface;

[0419] FIGS. 18E-18J Different configurations of an access aperture of an access interface are shown in accordance with various embodiments;

[0420] FIGS. 19A-19D A fourteenth example, a fifteenth example, a sixteenth example, and a seventeenth example are shown in accordance with various embodiments, respectively;

[0421] FIGS. 20A-20C Schematic diagrams are shown in accordance with various embodiments to illustrate various relationships between different types of flows and different axes;

[0422] FIG. 21A , FIG. 21AA , FIG. 21B and FIG. 21BB Various schematic examples of respiratory support assemblies provided with internal guides or support features are shown in accordance with various embodiments;

[0423] FIG. 22A and FIG. 22B A twenty-first example of a respiratory support assembly is shown in accordance with various embodiments;

[0424] FIG. 23 Examples of a pool of independent and interchangeable modules for FIG. 22A and FIG. 22B the first modular component of the twenty-first example of a respiratory support assembly.

[0425] FIGS. 24A-24D Another example of a first modular component of a twenty-first example of a respiratory support assembly of FIG. 22A and FIG. 22B is shown;

[0426] FIG. 25 A flowchart of a method of assessing whether a patient is ready to transition from invasive respiratory therapy to high flow therapy, in accordance with various embodiments, is shown;

[0427] FIGS. 26A-26C A sequence in which supply members are fitted to a respiratory support assembly, in accordance with various embodiments, is shown;

[0428] FIGS. 27A-29C A plurality of different alignment elements of a respiratory support assembly, in accordance with various embodiments, that engage with various parts of the supply members are shown schematically;

[0429] FIG. 30A and FIG. 30B A twenty-second example of a respiratory support assembly, in accordance with various embodiments, is shown;

[0430] FIG. 31 Another example of a first modular component of a twenty-second example of a respiratory support assembly of FIG. 30A and FIG. 30B is shown;

[0431] FIG. 32 An example of a gas flow delivery system, in accordance with various embodiments, is shown; and

[0432] FIGS. 33A-33C An example of a breathing assistance device of a gas flow delivery system, in accordance with various embodiments, is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0433] Embodiments are discussed herein by reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and which are merely intended to aid in the explanation of the application. Embodiments described below in the context of devices, assemblies, apparatuses, and systems are equally applicable to corresponding methods, and vice versa. Furthermore, it will be understood that embodiments described below can be combined, for example, a part of one embodiment can be combined with a part of another embodiment.

[0434] It should be understood that the terms “on,” “over,” “top,” “bottom,” “down,” “side,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “lateral,” “side,” “up,” “down,” and the like, when used in the following description, are used for convenience and are inclusive of relative positions or directions to facilitate understanding of the relative positions or directions of any device or structure, or any portion thereof, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Moreover, the singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include both “and” and “and / or,” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0435] In this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the reference to “include,” “comprise,” and variations thereof, is to be construed as inclusive or open-ended, and not exclusive or exhaustive. Thus, “including” is to be understood as meaning “comprising” and not “consisting only of.”

[0436] Various embodiments generally relate to assemblies and systems for providing respiratory support to a patient via an invasive airway device such as an endotracheal tube (ETT), tracheostomy tube, or laryngeal mask airway (LMA). The respiratory support assemblies of various embodiments can be used with or without a gas flow delivery system. When used in cooperation with a gas flow delivery system, the respiratory support assemblies of various embodiments, together with the gas flow delivery system and the invasive airway device, can form a system for providing respiratory support to a patient.

[0437] According to various embodiments, the system for providing respiratory support can be used to assess a patient’s response, for example, to high flow therapy, prior to removal of the invasive airway device from the patient to transition (i.e., wean) the patient from invasive respiratory therapy.

[0438] Further, the respiratory support assemblies of various embodiments can be coupled to the invasive airway device to provide respiratory support by providing a more comfortable, more natural breathing experience, and with improved exhalation resistance (or exhalation resistance) compared to simply exhaling from the open end of the invasive airway device (such as resistance similar to breathing through the nostrils of the nose). For example, in some examples, the respiratory support assemblies can act as an intermediary between the gas flow delivery system and the invasive airway device. Thus, the respiratory support provided by various embodiments can include providing a flow of gas from the gas flow delivery system via the invasive airway device to support the patient’s breathing, and / or augmenting the patient’s breathing via the invasive airway device to make the breathing more natural. In other examples, the respiratory support assemblies can be coupled to the invasive airway device only such that air is drawn (inhaled) directly from the environment via the respiratory support assemblies.

[0439] According to various embodiments, the assemblies and systems for providing respiratory support can allow a clinician to perform a trial transition and evaluate a patient's response to high flow therapy without having to actually remove an invasive airway device. If desired, various embodiments can also allow a clinician to quickly and easily transition a patient back to invasive respiratory therapy.

[0440] In various embodiments, when used for high flow respiratory support, the flow dynamics within the respiratory support assemblies of various embodiments can tend to resemble the flow dynamics in a patient's upper airway (or a portion thereof, especially the nasal cavity) during nasal high flow therapy. Generally, for a healthy adult with normal respiratory function, the upper airway plays an important role throughout the respiratory cycle. About half of the (ideal) expiratory resistance of normal breathing comes from the upper airway. In addition, the formation of the nasal cavity causes a vortex (or rotation or circulation of air) to form between the incoming and outgoing air. This can cause the air flow to pass relatively gently past one another, rather than a sudden head-on collision or in a directly opposite manner, which would result in an undesirable and sudden pressure surge during the respiratory cycle, and which would cause great discomfort to the patient.

[0441] For patients requiring nasal high flow (NHF) therapy, conventional NHF equipment delivers a high flow of air (and optionally supplemental oxygen) to the patient's nares via nasal cannula. The nasal cannula can advantageously provide additional expiratory resistance (especially some particular types of cannula). The prongs of the nasal cannula typically loosely fit within the nares. This leaves a relatively small (smaller than the usual nare size) leakage area around the prongs through which exhaled air can escape. Thus, the expiratory resistance is desirably increased (as the air now tries to escape through a smaller area). If the leakage area is known, then the expiratory resistance (for a given flow) can also be known or can be calculated, so that a desired PEEP (positive end expiratory pressure) can be achieved for the patient by varying the flow, the leakage size, or both. An appropriate level of PEEP helps to flush out dead space and reduce respiratory effort.

[0442] The respiratory support assembly of the various embodiments can be used as an adapter or connector to connect high flow equipment (i.e., a flow delivery system) to an invasive airway device to recreate the effect that the insertion stem of a nasal cannula creates when fit into the nose. (The terms "adapter" and "connector" are used interchangeably herein to refer to the respiratory support assembly. Moreover, it should be appreciated that while the adapter / connector of the present application can generally be capable of being detachably connected to other related components (the invasive airway device as well as components of the flow delivery system such as an insertion stem), the adapter / connector can also be permanently attached to one of these other related components). For example, the respiratory support assembly of the various embodiments can be configured such that the insertion stem of a nasal cannula of high flow equipment can be received therein without forming a seal (e.g., via a friction fit or a gasket seal) between the insertion stem and the inlet of the respiratory support assembly in a manner similar to the case where the insertion stem of a nasal cannula does not form a seal between the insertion stem and the nostril of the nose during nasal high flow therapy. Moreover, the respiratory support assembly of the various embodiments can be configured to receive the insertion stem of a nasal cannula and form a desired leak area to provide a desired level of expiratory resistance. Thus, in the various embodiments, the back pressure generated when a patient exhales through the respiratory support assembly via the invasive airway device can be similar to the back pressure typically generated during nasal high flow therapy with a nasal cannula fit into a nostril. In other words, one of the main advantages of nasal high flow therapy via a nasal cannula fit over the nose is to provide a desired level of expiratory resistance, which can be preserved, recreated or approximately achieved in the various embodiments.

[0443] Moreover, the internal geometry of the respiratory support assembly of the various embodiments can be configured to prevent the inflow from the nasal cannula and the expiratory flow from the patient via the invasive airway device from meeting / impinging on each other as directly opposing flows within the respiratory support assembly. Thus, this can prevent or avoid the generation of a sudden back pressure spike during exhalation when the respiratory support assembly is used in conjunction with the invasive airway device and the high flow equipment. Thus, the respiratory support assembly of the various embodiments can enable the patient to breathe more comfortably when the high flow equipment is connected to the invasive airway device via the respiratory support assembly.

[0444] In various embodiments, the flow dynamics within the respiratory support assembly used with the invasive airway device and high flow equipment can approximate the flow dynamics of the upper airway (or a portion thereof) during nasal high flow therapy. Thus, because of the similar flow dynamics, an operator (e.g., a nurse) can not have to alter settings (e.g., alarm limits) on the high flow flow generator when the patient transitions (i.e., weans) from high flow non-invasive respiratory therapy to nasal high flow therapy via the nares. In other words, when switching between using the high flow flow generator in conjunction with the respiratory support assembly and using the high flow flow generator for nasal high flow therapy via the nares, the settings of the high flow flow generator can not have to be altered because the respiratory support assembly facilitates air flow in a manner similar to a human nose. Thus, the time-consuming process of altering these settings can be avoided.

[0445] Furthermore, because the flow dynamics within the respiratory support assembly of various embodiments can tend to approximate the flow dynamics in the upper airway (or a portion thereof) during nasal high flow therapy, the patient’s reaction to receiving high flow through the respiratory support assembly of various embodiments with the invasive airway device can be indicative of their likely reaction to receiving nasal high flow therapy via the nares. Thus, a clinician can use the respiratory support assembly of various embodiments to determine a patient’s likely reaction to transitioning to nasal high flow therapy via the nares and whether they are ready to make that transition.

[0446] Furthermore, the respiratory support assembly of various embodiments is not only advantageous for “pre-transition” testing, but also for long-term use. For example, for a patient receiving a tracheostomy, the upper airway (and its respiratory dominance) is bypassed. Fitting a conventional adapter to the tracheostomy port can be relatively ineffective because a) it can cause a sudden back pressure surge during exhalation, which can be very uncomfortable; and b) the conventional adapter can not be able to modulate exhalation resistance when used in conjunction with a nasal cannula, thereby failing to provide the required PEEP.

[0447] Various embodiments are directed to providing a respiratory support assembly for use as an adapter or connector to link a nasal cannula to an invasive airway device in a removable manner. Various embodiments are also directed to providing a system for respiratory support comprising a gas flow delivery system, an invasive airway device, and a respiratory support assembly, whereby the respiratory support assembly links the nasal cannula of the gas flow delivery system to the invasive airway device.

[0448] In various embodiments, the respiratory support assembly (i.e. the adapter or connector) can be configured such that, when used in cooperation with a nasal cannula to provide a flow of gas, a controlled leak region can be provided via which exhaled / inhaled air (and, more generally, air attempting to exit the interior of the respiratory support assembly) can escape. The controlled leak region can be provided around the stem of the nasal cannula, or via a separate, appropriately sized (and, optionally, variably sized) hole. By providing a controlled leak region, the exhalation resistance (and, ultimately, the PEEP) can be controlled. This can enable the respiratory support assembly to provide high flow therapy to the patient, with benefits similar to those provided by some nasally administered high flow therapy systems.

[0449] The respiratory support assembly of various embodiments can be advantageous even without an actual cannula inserted. If there is no nasal cannula, the patient can breathe through the (empty) hole of the respiratory support assembly. This can approximate the patient's nostril, thereby providing a level of back pressure / exhalation resistance that is similar to that normally produced by the upper airway (especially the nostril). This can at least to some extent restore the respiratory benefits of the upper airway for a patient who, for example, has actually "lost" the upper airway due to a tracheostomy.

[0450] When the respiratory support assembly of various embodiments is used as an adapter or connector, the geometry of the respiratory support assembly can also help to prevent the inflow from the nasal cannula and the exhalation flow from the patient from meeting as directly opposing flows. In turn, this can help to avoid the creation of a sharp and unpleasant pressure spike during exhalation, and instead encourage the flows to merge relatively smoothly, ultimately to interleave smoothly. This can tend to mimic the working of the nasal passage / cavity.

[0451] According to various embodiments, the respiratory support assembly can be advantageous when used in cooperation with an invasive airway device alone (but not with a nasal cannula of high flow equipment), and when used in cooperation with an invasive airway device and a nasal cannula of high flow equipment.

[0452] When used alone (i.e. attached to an invasive airway device, such as a tracheostomy tube, endotracheal tube, etc.), the user (i.e. patient or subject) can breathe directly through the (empty) "stem hole". Due to the shape and configuration of the respiratory support assembly, this can approximate the user breathing through the nose (nasal passage and nostril). Thus, the respiratory support assembly can effectively restore some of the benefits of the upper airway (especially the nasal passage), especially a certain degree of "upper airway-like" exhalation resistance (due to the restriction provided by the limited cross-sectional area of the "stem" (also referred to herein as "access hole")), as well as avoiding a direct collision between the inflow and outflow flows and the undesirable pressure spike that results therefrom.

[0453] When used in conjunction with a nasal cannula, the respiratory support assembly can achieve the benefits of high flow therapy in addition to the advantages described above, particularly further control of leak rate, and thus exhalation resistance and PEEP. As noted herein, the combination of the respiratory support assembly with a nasal cannula can be advantageous not only for trial use prior to extubation, but also for long-term use by, for example, a patient receiving a tracheostomy.

[0454] In this specification, an invasive airway device includes any device or instrument capable of coupling with the airway of a user (i.e., a patient or subject), typically bypassing the upper respiratory tract and / or upper respiratory airway of the user. Invasive airway devices can include, but are not limited to, devices and instruments that penetrate via the mouth, nose, throat, or skin of a patient for use as an artificial airway, such as endotracheal tubes, tracheostomy tubes, or laryngeal masks, among others. It will be appreciated that these are merely examples, and embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use with an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube or a particular invasive airway device as described herein, and can employ other invasive airway devices as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0455] In this specification, the terms “user,” “subject,” and “patient” are used interchangeably. A user or subject or patient can refer to a human or animal subject or patient.

[0456] In this specification, a gas flow can include, but is not limited to, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, and / or anesthetic agents, among others, or mixtures of these or other breathable gases for respiration and / or ventilation. When a particular gas is referred to herein, it will be appreciated that this is merely an example, and the description can apply to any gas, not just the one referred to. It will be appreciated that the gas flow provided to a patient can be a humidified gas flow or a non-humidified gas flow.

[0457] Without limitation, some indicative values of flow in various embodiments can be as follows. In some configurations, respiratory support includes delivering a flow of gas at a flow rate greater than 0 liters per minute (greater than 0 LPM or L / min). In some configurations, respiratory support includes delivering a flow of gas at a flow rate of about 5 LPM or 10 LPM to about 150 LPM, or about 10 LPM to about 120 LPM, or about 15 LPM to about 95 LPM, or about 20 LPM to about 90 LPM, or about 20 LPM to about 70 LPM, or about 25 LPM to about 85 LPM, or about 30 LPM to about 80 LPM, or about 35 LPM to about 75 LPM, or about 40 LPM to about 70 LPM, or about 45 LPM to about 65 LPM, or about 50 LPM to about 60 LPM. For example, flow rates of embodiments of the present disclosure can include, but are not limited to, flow rates of at least about 5 LPM, 10 LPM, 15 LPM, 20 LPM, 30 LPM, 40 LPM, 50 LPM, 60 LPM, 70 LPM, 80 LPM, 90 LPM, 100 LPM, 110 LPM, 120 LPM, 130 LPM, 140 LPM, 150 LPM or more, and ranges can be selected to be any of these values (e.g., about 20 LPM to about 90 LPM, about 15 LPM to about 70 LPM, about 20 LPM to about 70 LPM, about 40 LPM to about 70 LPM, about 40 LPM to about 80 LPM, about 50 LPM to about 80 LPM, about 60 LPM to about 80 LPM, about 70 LPM to about 100 LPM, about 70 LPM to about 80 LPM), in accordance with various embodiments and configurations described herein.

[0458] In this specification, a flow of gas can include a percentage of oxygen. In some configurations, the percentage of oxygen in the flow of gas can be about 15% to about 100%, 20% to about 100%, or about 30% to about 100%, or about 40% to about 100%, or about 50% to about 100%, or about 60% to about 100%, or about 70% to about 100%, or about 80% to about 100%, or about 90% to about 100%, or about 100%, or 100%.

[0459] In some embodiments, the flow of gas supplied or provided or delivered can produce a predetermined patient pressure of greater than 0 cmH2O. The patient pressure produced can be between about 2 cmH2O and about 20 cmH2O, or between about 2 cmH2O and about 10 cmH2O, or between about 2 cmH2O and about 5 cmH2O, or between about 5 cmH2O and about 10 cmH2O.

[0460] High flow therapy as discussed herein is intended to impart its typical ordinary meaning as understood by one of skill in the art, which generally refers to a respiratory assistance system that delivers a target humidified breathing gas flow via an intentionally unsealed (non-sealed) patient interface, with a flow generally intended to meet or exceed the patient’s inspiratory flow. Typical patient interfaces include, but are not limited to, nasal patient interfaces or total face patient interfaces. Typical flows for adult patients are generally, but not exclusively, about 15 liters per minute (LPM) to about 70 liters per minute or more. Typical flows for pediatric patients, such as neonates, infants, and children, generally range from, but are not limited to, about 1 liter per minute per kilogram of patient weight to about 3 liters per minute per kilogram of patient weight or more. High flow therapy can also optionally include a gas mixture composition that includes supplemental oxygen and / or therapeutic drug administration. High flow therapy is often referred to as nasal high flow (NHF), humidified high flow nasal cannula (HHFNC), high flow nasal oxygen (HFNO), high flow therapy (HFT), or total headgear flow (THF), among other common names. The flow used to achieve “high flow” can be any of the flows listed below. For example, in some configurations, for adult patients, “high flow therapy” can refer to the delivery of gases to a patient at a flow rate greater than or equal to about 10 liters per minute (10 LPM), such as between about 10 LPM to about 100 LPM, or between about 15 LPM to about 95 LPM, or between about 20 LPM to about 90 LPM, or between about 25 LPM to about 75 LPM, or between about 25 LPM to about 85 LPM, or between about 30 LPM to about 80 LPM, or between about 35 LPM to about 75 LPM, or between about 40 LPM to about 70 LPM, or between about 45 LPM to about 65 LPM, or between about 50 LPM to about 60 LPM. In some configurations, for neonatal, infant, or child patients, “high flow therapy” can refer to the delivery of gases to a patient at a flow rate greater than 1 LPM, such as between about 1 LPM to about 25 LPM, or between about 2 LPM to about 25 LPM, or between about 2 LPM to about 5 LPM, or between about 5 LPM to about 25 LPM, or between about 5 LPM to about 10 LPM, or between about 10 LPM to about 25 LPM, or between about 10 LPM to about 20 LPM, or between about 10 LPM to 15 LPM, or between about 20 LPM to 25 LPM. High flow therapy devices for adult patients, neonatal patients, infant patients, or child patients can deliver gases to a patient at a flow rate between about 1 LPM to about 100 LPM, or at a flow rate within any of the sub-ranges outlined above. Flow therapy devices can deliver oxygen (e.g., Fd02) at any concentration (up to 100%) at any flow rate between about 1 LPM to about 100 LPM.In some configurations, any of these flows can be combined with an oxygen concentration (Fd02s) of about 20-30%, 21-30%, 21-40%, 30-40%, 40-50%, 50-60%, 60-70%, 70-80%, 80-90%, and 90-100%. In some combinations, the flow can be between about 25 LPM to 75 LPM while the oxygen concentration (Fd02) is about 20-30%, 21-30%, 21-40%, 30-40%, 40-50%, 50-60%, 60-70%, 70-80%, 80-90%, and 90-100%. In some configurations, the respiratory therapy device, when operating in manual mode, can include safety thresholds that prevent the user from delivering too much oxygen to the patient.

[0461] In some configurations, the gas flow for high flow therapy can be humidified using a humidifier downstream of the flow generator. In some configurations, the gas flow can be humidified to contain greater than 10 mg / L, greater than 20 mg / L, or greater than 30 mg / L, or up to 44 mg / L of water. In some configurations, the gas flow can be heated to 21 °C to 42 °C, or 25 °C to 40 °C, or 31 °C to 37 °C, or about 31 °C, or about 37 °C. To achieve a comfortable flow, high humidity levels can be required to prevent dryness. Comfortable levels of temperature and dew point can be determined on a proportional basis, and can lie in, but are not limited to, the range of 27 °C to 37 °C, optionally 31 °C to 37 °C, optionally 33 °C to 37 °C, and can depend on the flow rate. In some configurations, the system can be configured to deliver gas with a relative humidity of up to 100%. In some configurations, the system can be configured to deliver gas with an absolute humidity of greater than about 33 mg / l. In some configurations, the system can be configured to deliver gas with an absolute humidity of up to about 44 mg / l.

[0462] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B A system 100 for respiratory support is shown in accordance with various embodiments. The system 100 can include an invasive airway device 110. The invasive airway device 110 can be capable of maintaining an airway open for a user (i.e., a patient or subject). In accordance with various embodiments, the invasive airway device 110 can include an endotracheal tube 110a, a tracheostomy tube 110b, or a laryngeal mask airway. FIG. 1A The system 100 is shown including an endotracheal tube 110a as the invasive airway device 110. FIG. 1B The system 100 is shown including a tracheostomy tube 110b as the invasive airway device 110.

[0463] The system 100 can comprise a gas flow delivery system 120. The gas flow delivery system 120 can be configured to deliver or supply or provide a gas flow. The gas flow delivery system 120 can comprise a supply member 122. The supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120 can act as a flow outlet for the gas flow. Thus, the gas flow can be delivered or supplied or provided via the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120. According to various embodiments, the gas flow delivery system 120 can comprise a flow source and a flow generator. For example, the gas flow delivery system 120 can comprise a high flow generator. The flow source can be connected to the flow generator via a conduit. Thus, the flow generator can draw gas from the flow source through the conduit. According to various embodiments, the flow generator can be configured to generate the gas flow to be delivered or supplied or provided via the supply member 122. For example, the flow generator can be configured to control the flow rate, pressure, etc. of the gas flow. According to various embodiments, the gas flow delivery system 120 can comprise a humidifier. The humidifier can be configured to condition the gas flow to a desired temperature and / or humidity. The humidifier can be located downstream of the flow generator of the gas flow delivery system 120. According to various embodiments, the gas flow delivery system 120 can be operable to control the flow rate, pressure, temperature, humidity, etc. Examples of the gas flow delivery system 120 are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 32-33C Examples of the gas flow delivery system 120 are discussed below with reference to

[0464] FIG. 32 Examples of the gas flow delivery system 120 are discussed below with reference to FIG. 32 The system 120 in FIG. 32 A schematic diagram of a high flow system is provided in FIG. 9. The gas flow delivery system 120 can comprise a device 9 (or a breathing assistance device for providing a respiratory therapy). The device 9 can comprise a device housing 300. The device housing 300 can contain a flow generator 11, which can take the form of a motor / impeller arrangement such as a blower, a humidifier 12, a controller 13, and a user interface 14. Thus, the device 9 can comprise the flow generator 11, the humidifier 12, the controller 13, and the user interface 14. The user interface 14 can comprise a display and input devices such as buttons, a touchscreen, or a combination of a touchscreen and buttons, etc. The controller 13 can comprise one or more hardware and / or software processors and can be configured or programmed to control components of the device 9 including, but not limited to, operating the flow generator 11 to generate a flow of gas for delivery to a patient, operating the humidifier 12 to humidify and / or heat the gas flow, receiving user input from the user interface 14 to reconfigure and / or define operations of the gas flow delivery system 120 by the user, and outputting information to the user (e.g., on the display). The user can be a patient, a medical professional, or another person.

[0465] Continuing with reference to FIG. 32The inspiratory conduit 31 can be connected to the airflow outlet 21 in the device housing 300 of device 9 and to the patient interface 17. The patient interface 17 can be a non-sealed interface, such as a nasal cannula having a manifold 19 for providing high-flow therapy and a nasal column 18. This nasal cannula does not completely seal the user's nostrils, allowing exhaled air to leak around the nasal column when the user exhales. As an example, this nasal cannula can be used as a supply component 122 of the airflow delivery system 120 of system 100. The inspiratory conduit 31 can also be connected to a sealed interface, such as a face mask, oronasal mask, nasal mask, nasal pillow mask, or nasal cannula, for providing bubble continuous positive airway pressure (bubble CPAP). The inspiratory conduit 31 can also optionally be directly connected to an invasive airway device 110, including but not limited to an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy port.

[0466] The gas flow can be generated by the flow generator 11 and can be humidified before being delivered to the patient via the inhalation conduit 31 through the patient interface 17, a sealed interface, or an invasive airway device 110. The controller 13 can control the flow generator 11 to generate the desired flow rate of airflow and / or control one or more valves to control the mixing of air and oxygen or other breathable gases. If present, the controller 13 can control the heating element in the humidifier 12 to heat the gas to the desired temperature, achieving the desired temperature and / or humidity level for delivery to the patient. The inhalation conduit 31 may have a heating element 33 (such as heater wires) to heat the airflow flowing towards the patient. The heating element 33 may also be under the control of the controller 13. The heating element 33 can heat the gas to reduce and / or prevent condensation within the inhalation conduit 31.

[0467] As described above, the pneumatic delivery system 120 may include a heater in the inspiratory conduit 31. According to various embodiments, the inspiratory conduit 31 and / or the expiratory conduit may include a heater.

[0468] The heater can be, for example FIG. 32 The heater wire shown. The heater wire may be located in the passage of the inspiratory conduit 31 and / or the expiratory conduit, attached to the wall of the inspiratory conduit 31 and / or the expiratory conduit, or embedded in the wall of the inspiratory conduit 31 and / or the expiratory conduit.

[0469] The airflow delivery system 120 can use ultrasonic transducers, flow sensors such as thermistor flow sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, or other sensors in communication with the controller 13 to monitor characteristics of the airflow and / or operate the airflow delivery system 120 in a manner that provides suitable therapy. Airflow characteristics can include gas concentration, flow rate, pressure, temperature, or humidity, among others. Sensors 3a, 3b, 3c, 20, 25 such as pressure sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and / or flow sensors can be placed in various locations in the device housing 300, the patient conduit 31, and / or the patient interface 17. The controller 13 can receive output from these sensors to assist the controller in operating the respiratory system 10 in a manner that provides suitable therapy, such as determining suitable target temperatures, flow rates, and / or pressures for the airflow. Providing suitable therapy can include meeting the patient's inspiratory demand.

[0470] The airflow delivery system 120 can include a wireless data transmitter and / or receiver or transceiver 15 to enable the controller 13 to receive data signals 8 from the operating sensors wirelessly and / or to control various components of the airflow delivery system 120. Additionally or alternatively, the data transmitter and / or receiver 15 can transmit data to a remote server or enable remote control of the system 10. In one example, the remote server can log patient usage data, such as usage of a bubble CPAP system or usage of a high flow system. Usage can be time of use, and / or also include flow and humidity levels (e.g., dew point). The airflow delivery system 120 can also include a wired connection, such as using a cable or wire, to enable the controller 13 to receive data signals 8 from the operating sensors and / or to control various components of the airflow delivery system 120.

[0471] The airflow delivery system 120 can be powered by a mains voltage.

[0472] In some embodiments, the airflow delivery system 120 can include an auxiliary power source (e.g., a battery).

[0473] In some embodiments, the airflow delivery system 120 can include a battery. The battery can provide a primary power source for the system 120, or can serve as an auxiliary power source when the primary power source is unavailable. This is advantageous because therapy can continue to be delivered to the patient, i.e., gas can continue to be delivered to the patient, even if the primary power source is out of power or power is lost. This is advantageous because therapy can be maintained for a period of time for a neonate or infant, reducing the chance of physiological deterioration or harm to these patients due to loss of therapy.

[0474] The battery can increase the portability of the airflow delivery system 120 to allow use of the system in situations where a mains voltage power source is unavailable.

[0475] The presence of a battery makes the device 9 portable. This can be useful in hospital environments where it may be necessary to move infants / newborns.

[0476] This battery also allows for the continuous delivery of the therapies described herein while the patient is being moved. For example, when the patient is being moved, it may be possible to change the type of therapy as described below while continuously providing the patient with respiratory therapy.

[0477] Device 9 may include: flow generator 11 (e.g., blower), humidifier 12, controller 13, device housing 300, oxygen sensor, gas mixer, battery, one or more gas inlets, air outlets 21, or any combination thereof.

[0478] FIG. 33A and FIG. 33B An example of device 9 of pneumatic delivery system 120 is shown. Device 9 may include device housing 300 encapsulating flow generator 11. Flow generator 11 may include a motor and / or sensor module. The motor and / or sensor module may not be removable from device housing 300. The motor and / or sensor module may also be optionally removable from device housing 300. Device housing 300 may include a humidifier or humidifier chamber bracket 318 for receiving a removable humidifier chamber 310 (as an example of humidifier 12). The removable humidifier chamber 310 may contain a suitable liquid, such as water for heating and humidifying the gas delivered to the patient. Humidifier chamber 310 may be fluidly coupled to main housing 300 as it moves into humidifier chamber bracket 318 in a linear sliding manner. Gas outlet port 322 may establish fluid communication between the motor and / or sensor module and inlet 306 of humidifier chamber 310.

[0479] Heated humidifying gas can exit from outlet 308 of humidification chamber 310 and enter humidifying gas return pipe 340, which may include a removable L-shaped elbow. This removable L-shaped elbow may further include a patient outlet port 344 (serving as airflow outlet 21) for connection to an inspiratory catheter, such as... FIG. 32 The inhalation conduit 31 delivers gas to the patient interface 17. The gas outlet port 322, humidified gas return conduit 340, and patient outlet port 344 may each have a seal, such as an O-ring or T-ring, to provide a sealed gas passage between the device housing 300, the humidification chamber 310, and the inhalation conduit 31. The base plate portion of the humidification chamber bracket 318 in the device housing 300 may include a heater arrangement, such as a heater plate or other suitable heating element, for heating water in the humidification chamber 310 for use during humidification. This heater arrangement may be associated with the humidifier 12. An elbow may include one or more integrated sensors. For example, an elbow may include a pair of embedded temperature sensors.

[0480] like FIG. 33B As shown, the device 9 may have an arrangement that enables the flow generator 11 to deliver air, oxygen (or alternative auxiliary gas), or a suitable mixture thereof to the humidification chamber 310, thereby delivering it to the patient. This arrangement may include an air inlet 356' in the rear wall of the device housing 300. The device 9 may include a separate oxygen inlet port 358'. In the illustrated configuration, the oxygen inlet port 358' may be located near one side of the rear end of the device housing 300. The oxygen port 358' may be connected to an oxygen source, such as an oxygen cylinder or an oxygen mixer. The oxygen inlet port 358' may be in fluid communication with a valve. This valve may suitably be a solenoid valve that enables control of the amount of oxygen added to the airflow delivered to the humidification chamber 310.

[0481] Device 9 may include suitable electronic boards, such as sensing circuit boards. Therefore, device housing 300 may house or enclose the electronic boards. The electronic boards may contain or be electrically connected to suitable electrical or electronic components, such as, but not limited to, microprocessors, capacitors, resistors, diodes, operational amplifiers, comparators, and switches. One or more sensors may be used in conjunction with the electronic boards. Components of the electronic boards (such as, but not limited to, one or more microprocessors) may serve as controller 13 for device 9. One or both electronic boards may be electrically connected to electrical components of the pneumatic delivery system 120, including but not limited to a display unit, user interface 14, motor, valves, and / or heater boards, for operating the motor to provide the desired gas flow rate, and / or humidifying and heating the gas flow to an appropriate level, and / or supplying the gas flow with an appropriate amount of oxygen (or an appropriate amount of alternative auxiliary gas).

[0482] For example, as elsewhere in this specification relative to FIG. 32 The aforementioned operating sensors (such as flow sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and / or pressure sensors) can be placed at various locations within the device 9, patient catheter 31, and / or cannula 17. An electronic board can be electrically communicated with these sensors. The controller 13 can receive outputs from these sensors to assist the controller 13 in operating the pneumatic delivery system 120 in a manner that provides optimal therapy, including meeting inspiratory needs. One or more sensors (e.g., Hall effect sensors) can be used to measure the motor speed of the motor of the flow generator 11. The motor may include a brushless DC motor from which the motor speed can be measured without the use of a separate sensor. For example, during operation of the brushless DC motor, the back EMF can be measured from the unenergized windings of the motor, from which the motor position can be determined, and the motor position can then be used to calculate the motor speed. Additionally, a motor driver can be used to measure the motor current, which can be used together with the measured motor speed to calculate the motor torque. The motor may also include a low-inertia motor.

[0483] Indoor air can be introduced through inlet ports (such as...) FIG. 33B Air enters the flow generator 11 of device 9 through the air inlet port 356'. The flow generator 11 can operate at motor speeds greater than 1,000 RPM and less than 30,000 RPM, greater than 2,000 RPM and less than 21,000 RPM, greater than 4,000 RPM and less than 15,000 RPM, or any of the above values. Operation of the flow generator 11 mixes the gas entering the flow generator 11 (such as the motor and / or sensor chamber) through the inlet port. Since mixing requires energy, using the flow generator 11 as a mixer reduces the pressure drop that might otherwise occur in systems with a separate mixer (such as a static mixer including baffles).

[0484] like FIG. 33C As shown, the mixed air can exit the flow generator 11 and enter the flow path 402 in the sensor chamber 400, which may be located within the motor and / or sensor module. A sensing circuit board 404 having sensors (such as an ultrasonic sensor 406 and / or a heating thermistor flow sensor) may be located in the sensing chamber 400 such that the sensing circuit board is at least partially immersed in the airflow. At least some of the sensors on the sensing circuit board may be located within the airflow to measure the gas properties within the flow. After passing through the flow path 402 in the sensor chamber 400, the gas can exit and reach the humidification chamber 310.

[0485] Positioning the sensor downstream of the flow generator 11 improves the accuracy of measurements, such as measuring gas fractional concentrations, including oxygen concentration, by positioning the sensor upstream of the flow generator 11 and / or the mixer. This positioning imparts a repeatable flow distribution. Furthermore, positioning the sensor downstream of the combined flow generator 11 and mixer avoids the effects of pressure drops that might otherwise occur when sensing occurs before the flow generator 11 and the separate mixer. Additionally, immersing at least a portion of the sensing circuit board and sensor in the flow path improves measurement accuracy because a sensor immersed in the flow is more likely to experience the same conditions (such as temperature and pressure) as the airflow, thus better representing the airflow characteristics.

[0486] like FIG. 33C As shown, the flow path 402 may have a curved shape. The flow path 402 may be configured to have a curved shape without sharp turns. The flow path 402 may have curved ends with straighter sections between the curved ends. The curved flow path shape can reduce the pressure drop in the airflow without reducing the sensitivity of the flow measurement by aligning the measurement area with a portion of the flow path to form the measurement portion of the flow path.

[0487] The sensing circuit board 404 can include sensors such as acoustic transmitters and / or receivers, humidity sensors, temperature sensors, and thermistors, among others. At least two different types of sensors can be used to measure gas flow. A first type of sensor can include a thermistor that can determine flow by monitoring heat transfer between the gas stream and the thermistor. When gas flows around and past the thermistor, the thermistor flow sensor can run the thermistor at a constant target temperature within the stream. The sensor can measure the amount of power required to keep the thermistor at the target temperature. The target temperature can be configured to be higher than the temperature of the gas stream such that more power can be required to keep the thermistor at the target temperature at higher flow rates.

[0488] The thermistor flow sensor can also maintain multiple (e.g., two, three, or more) constant temperatures on the thermistor to avoid the difference between the target temperature and the gas stream temperature being too small or too large. Multiple different target temperatures can allow the thermistor flow sensor to remain accurate over a larger temperature range of the gas. For example, the thermistor circuit can be configured to be able to switch between two different target temperatures such that the temperature of the gas stream is always within a certain range (e.g., not too close and not too far) from one of the two target temperatures. The thermistor circuit can be configured to run at a first target temperature of about 50 °C to about 70 °C or about 66 °C. The first target temperature can be associated with a required flow temperature range of about 0 °C to about 60 °C or about 0 °C to about 40 °C. The thermistor circuit can be configured to run at a second target temperature of about 90 °C to about 110 °C or about 100 °C. The second target temperature can be associated with a required flow temperature range of between about 20 °C to about 100 °C or about 30 °C to about 70 °C.

[0489] The controller 13 can be configured to adjust the thermistor circuit by connecting or bypassing resistors within the thermistor circuit, varying the thermistor circuit between at least a first target temperature mode and a second target temperature mode. The thermistor circuit can be arranged in a Wheatstone bridge configuration including a first voltage dividing arm and a second voltage dividing arm. The thermistor can be located on one of the voltage dividing arms. More details of the thermistor flow sensor are described in International Patent No. WO2018052320A2, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0490] The second type of sensor can include an acoustic (such as ultrasonic) sensor assembly. An acoustic sensor including an acoustic transmitter and / or receiver can be used to measure the time of flight of an acoustic signal to determine a gas velocity and / or composition that can be used in a flow therapy device. In one ultrasonic sensing (including an ultrasonic transmitter and / or receiver) topology, a driver causes a first sensor (such as an ultrasonic transducer) to generate an ultrasonic pulse in a first direction. A second sensor (such as a second ultrasonic transducer) receives the pulse and provides a measurement of the time of flight of the pulse between the first ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic transducer. Using this time of flight measurement, the controller 13 of the device 9 can calculate the speed of sound of the gas flow between the ultrasonic transducers. The second sensor can also transmit a pulse and the first sensor can receive the pulse in a second direction opposite the first direction to provide a second measurement of the time of flight, enabling determination of a characteristic of the gas flow, such as flow rate or velocity. In another acoustic sensing topology, an acoustic receiver (such as a microphone) can receive an acoustic pulse transmitted by an acoustic transmitter (such as an ultrasonic transducer). Further details of acoustic flow sensors are described in International Patent No. WO2017095241A3, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The acoustic pulse can be transmitted along the flow path of the gas, enabling the use of the acoustic sensor to measure the flow rate or velocity of the gas.

[0491] Readings from both the first type of sensor and the second type of sensor can be combined to determine a more accurate flow measurement. For example, a predicted current flow rate can be determined using a previously determined flow rate and one or more outputs from one of the types of sensors. This predicted current flow rate can then be updated using one or more outputs from the other of the first type of sensor and the second type of sensor in order to calculate a final flow rate.

[0492] As described above, the flow generator 11 can function as an oxygen and / or other breathable gas mixer. The flow generator 11, which draws in ambient air (e.g., from an ambient air inlet), can mix the air with oxygen from an oxygen source. The oxygen source can be from a high pressure source or a low pressure source.

[0493] When receiving oxygen from a low pressure source (which can include an oxygen cylinder or tank, an oxygen wall source, or an oxygen concentrator), the device 9 can receive a constant flow of oxygen. This oxygen can then be mixed with ambient air. The fraction of oxygen in the gas delivered to the patient (Fd02) can depend on the set flow of oxygen from the low pressure source and the total flow generated by the device 9. The device 9 can measure the Fd02 and display it on a display.

[0494] When receiving oxygen from a high pressure source (which can include an oxygen cylinder or tank, an oxygen wall source, or an oxygen concentrator), the device can control the flow of oxygen by controlling a valve at the oxygen inlet port 358' described herein. The Fd02may depend on the flow of oxygen through the valve (which can further depend on the state of the valve opening), and on the total flow generated by the device 9. A user, such as a clinician, can set a target Fd02on a user interface of a display, and the device 9 then controls the valve opening based on the target Fd02and the measured Fd02to achieve the desired fraction of oxygen.

[0495] The oxygen concentration can be measured by various sensors, such as using the ultrasonic sensor described above. Further details of an example method of measuring oxygen concentration are described in International Patent No. WO2013151447A1, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0496] In some examples, the gas flow delivery system 120 can include a pulse oximeter. The device 9 can be configured to connect to the pulse oximeter. The controller 13 can be configured to calculate the oxygen saturation of the patient based on at least an output of the pulse oximeter.

[0497] The device 9 can control the oxygen concentration of the gas (e.g., by controlling a valve) to control the oxygen saturation of the patient to a target oxygen saturation of the patient. The controller 13 can use the pulse oximeter in feedback to control the oxygen saturation of the patient.

[0498] Returning to FIG. 1A And FIG. 1B The system 100 can include a respiratory support assembly 130. The respiratory support assembly 130 can serve as an adapter or connector for connecting or linking the gas flow delivery system 120 to the invasive airway device 110. For example, as referenced above, the invasive airway device 110 can include a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) or a tracheal tube. The respiratory support assembly 130 can be configured to connect to the LMA or the tracheal tube. FIGS. 32-33CThe described airflow delivery system 120 can be connected to the invasive airway device 110 via the respiratory support assembly 130. According to various embodiments, the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., an adapter or a connector) can be coupled to the invasive airway device 110 and can receive the supply member 122 of the airflow delivery system 120. Thus, during exhalation by a user (i.e., a patient or a subject), airflow from the airflow delivery system 120 can be delivered or supplied or provided to the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., an adapter or a connector), and the exhalation flow of the user (i.e., a patient or a subject) can also enter the respiratory support assembly 130. In the event that both flows enter the respiratory support assembly 130, the respiratory support assembly 130 can be configured to force some or all of the airflow from the airflow delivery system to exit the respiratory support assembly 130 with the exhalation flow (e.g., via a leak region discussed later). On the other hand, during inhalation by the user (i.e., a patient or a subject), the airflow from the airflow delivery system 120 that is delivered or supplied or provided to the respiratory support assembly 130 can pass through the respiratory support assembly 130 and be inhaled by the user.

[0499] FIGS. 2A-2C A schematic view of the respiratory support assembly 130 is shown in accordance with various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., an adapter or a connector) can be configured to link or connect the airflow delivery system 120 to the invasive airway device 110. Thus, the respiratory support assembly 130 can interlink or interconnect the airflow delivery system 120 with the invasive airway device 110.

[0500] According to various embodiments, the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., an adapter or a connector) can include an assembly body 132 (i.e., an adapter body or a connector body). The assembly body 132 can impart a specific physical form to the respiratory support assembly 130.

[0501] According to various embodiments, the assembly body 132 (i.e., an adapter body or a connector body) of the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., an adapter or a connector) can include a hollow structure 140. The hollow structure 140 can define a flow chamber 142. Thus, the flow chamber 142 can be a space or a volume enclosed or enveloped by the hollow structure 140. Thus, the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., an adapter or a connector) can include the hollow structure 140 that defines the flow chamber 142.

[0502] According to various embodiments, the assembly body 132 (i.e., the adapter body or the connector body) of the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., the adapter or the connector) can include a coupling interface 150. The coupling interface 150 of the assembly body 132 can be couplable to the invasive airway device 110 to fluidly connect the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132 and the invasive airway device 110. Thus, the coupling interface 150 can be configured to couple with the invasive airway device 110 to establish a fluid connection between the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132 and the invasive airway device 110. Thus, the coupling interface 150 of the assembly body 132 can enable fluid communication between the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132 and the invasive airway device 110 when the respiratory support assembly 130 is coupled to the invasive airway device 110 via the coupling interface 150 of the assembly body 132. For example, in the system 100, the coupling interface 150 is coupled to the invasive airway device 110 for coupling the respiratory support assembly 130 to the invasive airway device 110 such that the flow chamber 142 of the respiratory support assembly 130 is fluidly connected to the invasive airway device 110.

[0503] According to various embodiments, the assembly body 132 (i.e., the adapter body or the connector body) of the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., the adapter or the connector) can include an access interface 160. The access interface 160 can be configured to receive the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120 for supplying a gas flow (i.e., a flow of gas) into the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132. Thus, the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120 can be inserted into the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 such that the gas flow supplied by the gas flow delivery system 120 via the supply member 122 can enter the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132 through the access interface 160. Thus, the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120 can be in fluid communication with the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132 for supplying a gas flow into the flow chamber 142 when the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120 is received in the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132. For example, in the system 100, the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120 is received in the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 for supplying a gas flow into the flow chamber 142 of the respiratory support assembly 130.

[0504] According to various embodiments, the assembly body 132 (i.e., the adapter body or connector body) can have an arrangement or configuration that directs the first gas flow 152 (e.g., an exhalation flow or an exhalation flow) into the flow chamber 142 via the coupling interface 150 and directs the second gas flow 162 (e.g., a gas flow supplied by a gas flow delivery system) into the flow chamber 142 via the access interface 160 such that an axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 and an axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 can not coincide. Thus, in this manner, the assembly body 132 can cause the first gas flow 152 and the second gas flow 162 to gradually merge and avoid colliding in a substantially directly opposite manner, thereby preventing a sudden pressure surge. According to various embodiments, the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 and the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 can not coincide at a point (or region) of interaction or meeting of the first gas flow 152 and the second gas flow 162. It should be appreciated that reference to an “axis” of a respective gas flow does not mandatorily require the flow to be linear. The gas flows may, for example, have a curved or non-linear profile, in which case their respective “axes” do not coincide, i.e., at the point (or region) of interaction or meeting of the gas flows, their centerlines or tangents of the flow at that point do not coincide in order to facilitate a smooth / gradual merging and prevent colliding in a substantially directly opposite manner.

[0505] According to various embodiments, the axes 151, 161 of the first and second gas flows 152, 162 not coinciding generally means that the first and second gas flows 152, 162 are off-axis or do not have a common axis or do not have coinciding axes, such that the first and second gas flows 152, 162 do not collide in a substantially direct opposition manner and thus can collide turbulently or violently. Further, the axes 151, 161 of the first and second gas flows 152, 162 can be considered not to coincide when the first and second gas flows 152, 162 merge or mix gradually or gently without a sudden sharp increase in resistance to each other resulting in a sudden sharp increase in pressure. Thus, the axes 151, 161 of the first and second gas flows 152, 162 not coinciding can include the axes 151, 161 of the first and second gas flows 152, 162 being laterally offset from each other, being angled, intersecting at an angle, or converging to merge with each other such that the first and second gas flows 152, 162 can merge or mix gradually or gently without a sudden sharp increase in resistance resulting in a sudden sharp increase in pressure. However, the axes 151, 161 of the first and second gas flows 152, 162 not coinciding can exclude the axes 151, 161 of the first and second gas flows 152, 162 being coaxial or having a common axis or having coinciding axes at the point (or region) of interaction or meeting of the first and second gas flows 152, 162, whereby the first and second gas flows 152, 162 can collide in a substantially direct opposition manner. The first and second gas flows 152, 162 can collide in a substantially direct opposition manner when the first and second gas flows 152, 162 are directed substantially head-on toward each other, or when the first and second gas flows 152, 162 flow directly toward each other from opposite directions, whereby the first and second gas flows 152, 162 are substantially aligned to meet or interact head-on.

[0506] However, it should be appreciated that so long as the respective gas flow axes 151, 161 become non-coincident or substantially non-coincident (in the sense described above) at the point of meeting or interaction or intersection of the flows in the flow chamber 142, it is within the scope of the present application for these axes to be coincident or substantially coincident at some point prior to their meeting. For example, FIG. 2C This is schematically indicated in FIG. 1 1, where the first and second gas flows 152, 162 can be introduced into the flow chamber 142 via the coupling interface 150 and access interface 160, respectively, whereby the first and second gas flows 152, 162 can initially be coaxial / aligned at the point of entry into the flow chamber 142; but with the flow-directing arrangement 170 (e.g., internal baffles / structure) within the flow chamber 142, the gas flows 152, 162 are subsequently caused to become non-coincident within the flow chamber prior to the meeting of the respective gas flows 152, 162; such that when the gas flows 152, 162 do meet, these gas flows are non-coincident and thus can tend to merge in a relatively gradual manner.

[0507] More generally, the gas flows 152, 162 can be caused to not coincide at the point of entry into the flow chamber 142, such as by the coupling interface 150 and the access interface 160 acting to laterally and / or angularly offset the respective gas flows 152, 162 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrated); and / or can be caused to not coincide within the flow chamber 142, such as via the flow chamber 152 having a flow directing arrangement 170 (such as an internal baffle, guide, or turning assembly that causes the gas flows 152, 162 to become mutually non-coincident after entering the flow chamber 142) (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2C The point is that when the gas flows 152, 162 meet, interact, or cross in the flow chamber 142, the gas flows become substantially non-coincident to achieve the effect of gradual merging and prevention of sudden pressure surges. FIG. 2C is an example in which the gas flows 152, 162 coincide (in the sense of being aligned along a common axis) upon entering the flow chamber 142, but then become non-coincident by being turned by a flow directing arrangement 170 (such as an internal structure) within the flow chamber 142. In other examples, the gas flows 152, 162 can not coincide upon entering the flow chamber 142, and still can be turned by the flow directing arrangement 170 so as to remain non-coincident when the gas flows meet or interact.

[0508] According to various embodiments, the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 can be a centerline of the first gas flow 152 or a flow line of the first gas flow 152, and the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 can be a centerline of the second gas flow 162 or a flow line of the second gas flow 162. In the system 100, the first gas flow 152 can be an exhalation flow (i.e., an exhalation flow), and the second gas flow 162 can be a gas flow supplied or delivered or provided by the gas flow delivery system 120 through the supply member 122.

[0509] According to various embodiments, the respiratory support assembly 130 can be configured such that the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 and the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 can not coincide at the point (or region) where the first gas flow 152 and the second gas flow 162 interact or meet, to avoid these gas flows colliding in a substantially direct opposition manner; and this can be achieved, in whole or in part, via flow dynamics within the respiratory support assembly 130. For example, when the second gas flow 162 (i.e. the flow supplied or delivered or provided by the gas flow delivery system 120 through the supply member 122) is a non-uniform flow, such that the flow rate along one side of the access interface 160 is higher or greater than the flow rate of the opposite side of the access interface 160, the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 in the flow chamber 142 can be diverted (or biased) towards the side of the flow chamber 142 corresponding to the side of the access interface 160 having the higher flow rate. At the same time, the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 in the flow chamber 142 can be diverted (or biased) towards the opposite side of the flow chamber 142, corresponding to the opposite side of the access interface 160 having the lower flow rate, as it is the "path of least resistance". The end result is that the second gas flow 162 can be predominantly located on the side of the flow chamber 142 corresponding to the side of the access interface 160 having the higher flow rate, while the first gas flow 152 can be predominantly biased to the opposite side of the chamber, corresponding to the side of the access interface 160 having the lower flow rate. Thus, when the two gas flows 152, 162 meet, the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 and the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 can not substantially coincide, and can tend to move past each other and / or gradually merge, and in particular not tend to collide in a substantially direct opposition manner.

[0510] According to various embodiments, the arrangement or configuration of the assembly body 132 (i.e., the adapter body or the connector body) can refer to the relative disposition or arrangement or orientation or state or physical form of the individual components or elements of the assembly body 132 relative to one another. For example, the arrangement or configuration of the assembly body 132 (i.e., the adapter body or the connector body) can be the relative disposition or arrangement or orientation or state or physical form of the coupling interface 150 and the access interface 160 relative to one another; the relative disposition or arrangement or orientation or state or physical form of the hollow structure 140, the coupling interface 150, and the access interface 160 relative to one another; the relative disposition or arrangement or orientation or state or physical form of the coupling interface 150, the access interface 160, and the flow directing arrangement 170 relative to one another; the relative disposition or arrangement or orientation or state or physical form of the hollow structure 140, the coupling interface 150, the access interface 160, and the flow directing arrangement 170 relative to one another; or the relative disposition or arrangement or orientation or state or physical form of the coupling interface 150, the access interface 160, and other elements of the assembly body 132 relative to one another. The following examples will describe various examples of the arrangement or configuration of the assembly body 132 (i.e., the adapter body or the connector body) that is capable of directing the first airflow 152 into the flow chamber 142 via the coupling interface 150 and directing the second airflow 162 into the flow chamber 142 via the access interface 160 such that the axis 151 of the first airflow 152 and the axis 161 of the second airflow 162 can not coincide at the point (or region) of interaction or meeting of the first airflow 152 and the second airflow 162. However, it should be understood that the embodiments shown and described later are merely examples and should not be considered limiting to the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0511] According to various embodiments, where the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 and the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 do not coincide, the first gas flow 152 and the second gas flow 162 can be prevented from meeting as substantially directly opposed flows. Generally, flows that meet in a substantially directly opposed manner can result in a sudden resistance rise upon initial meeting of the flows (such as due to turbulence generated and the generally violent nature of such flow collisions). Greater force can then be required to overcome the sudden resistance rise in order to subsequently mix or combine the substantially directly opposed flows. The sudden resistance rise can also result in a corresponding sudden pressure rise in the flows. Thus, when the first gas flow 152 and the second gas flow 162 are prevented from meeting as substantially directly opposed flows due to the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 and the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 not coinciding at or near the point of meeting of the respective flows, the first gas flow 152 and the second gas flow 162 can relatively gradually and / or gently combine or mix without significant resistance or with reduced or minimal resistance. For example, where the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 and the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 do not coincide, the first gas flow 152 and the second gas flow 162 can flow past or through one another such that the first gas flow 152 and the second gas flow 162 brush or graze past one another, or the first gas flow 152 and the second gas flow 162 can brush or graze or slide past one another and combine, or the first gas flow 152 and the second gas flow 162 can intersect to induce circulation or eddies and combine, or the first gas flow 152 and the second gas flow 162 can converge and combine. Thus, where the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 and the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 do not coincide, sudden pressure rises associated with direct (and potentially turbulent or violent) collisions of substantially directly opposed flows can be eliminated or prevented in the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., the adapter or connector) of various embodiments.

[0512] In FIGS. 2A-2C , it should be noted that the hollow structure 140 of the assembly body 132, the coupling interface 150, and the access interface 160 of the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., the adapter or connector) are respectively illustrated in any representative manner, with the focus generally being on illustrating the principle that the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 and the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 do not coincide by way of example. For example, FIG. 2A the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 and the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 are shown as being laterally offset from one another, FIG. 2B the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 and the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 are shown as being angled with respect to one another, FIG. 2C the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 and the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 are shown as initially being coaxial upon entry and becoming non-coincident upon meeting, interacting, or intersecting due to being diverted by the flow-directing arrangement 170 within the flow chamber 142. Further, reference is made toFIG. 2C It will be appreciated that, without the flow-directing arrangement 170, the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 and the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 can still initially be coaxial on entry, and become misaligned as these gas flows meet, interact or cross, due to flow dynamics within the respiratory support assembly 130 (e.g. uneven flow of the second gas flow 162). Furthermore, subsequent figures show various examples of respiratory support assemblies 130 (i.e. adapters or connectors) having different arrangements or configurations of the flow-directing arrangement 170 with the hollow structure 140 and / or the coupling interface 150 and / or the access interface 160 and / or the assembly body 132.

[0513] Referring to system 100, first gas flow 152 can be the expiratory flow (i.e., exhaled gas) of a user (i.e., patient or subject) into flow chamber 142 of respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., adapter or connector) via coupling interface 150, and second gas flow 162 can be the gas flow supplied or delivered or provided by supply member 122 of gas flow delivery system 120 into flow chamber 142 of respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., adapter or connector) via access interface 160. At the onset of exhalation, within flow chamber 142 of respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., adapter or connector), the expiratory flow (i.e., exhaled gas of the user) and the gas flow supplied or delivered or provided by supply member 122 of gas flow delivery system 120 (i.e., inflow gas from the cannula) can not meet as directly opposing flows at the point (or region) of interaction or meeting of first gas flow 152 and second gas flow 162 due to the non-coincidence of axis 151 of first gas flow 152 and axis 161 of second gas flow 162. For the user (i.e., patient or subject), this can reduce or ease breathing through invasive airway device 110 when gas flow is supplied into respiratory support assembly 130 coupled to invasive airway device 110, whereby excess expiratory resistance (i.e., sudden and unwanted resistance spike) that can otherwise be associated with meeting flows in a substantially directly opposing manner can be eliminated or minimized. Thus, the uncomfortable amount of effort required to overcome the resistance associated with meeting flows in a substantially directly opposing manner (or more effort than is required during normal nasal high flow therapy through the nose) can be eliminated or minimized. Thus, the user (i.e., patient or subject) can be spared having to make the extra effort (and suffer the associated discomfort and possibly disrupting their breathing pattern) in order to mix the two flows (or at least to dissipate the substantially direct opposing state of the gas flows). Thus, respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., adapter or connector) can enable the user (i.e., patient or subject) to experience a more comfortable flow resistance at the onset of exhalation or exhalation; can spare the user from having to make the extra effort to mix the flows; and ultimately can enable the user to expel or push exhaled gas out of respiratory support assembly 130 in a less strenuous, more comfortable manner, and possibly enable the user to maintain a more moderate, regular breathing pattern, and avoid or reduce respiratory discomfort or distress.

[0514] In view of the above, the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., the adapter or connector) can achieve the technical effect of enabling flow dynamics similar to the upper airway of a human (especially the nasal airway), in which air flow passes relatively gently past one another without sudden flow head-on collisions that can otherwise cause undesirable and sudden pressure surges. Thus, the reaction of a user (i.e., a patient or subject) to receiving a high flow via the respiratory support assembly 130 can be indicative of their likely reaction to receiving nasal high flow therapy via the nose. Moreover, consistent with the technical effect of the respiratory support assembly 130, a user (i.e., a patient or subject) who must breathe long term and receive high flow therapy via the invasive airway device 110 can also likely feel more comfortable when using the respiratory support assembly 130.

[0515] According to various embodiments, the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 can be configured to receive the supply member 122 of the flow delivery system 120 and form a leak region (e.g., see leak region 169 in FIG. 3A and FIGS. 18A-18D in the access interface 160 around the supply member 122 to serve as a flow outlet for gas to exit the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132. This leak region is a portion of the access interface 160 that remains unoccupied when the supply member 122 is fitted into the access interface 160. Thus, the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 can be configured such that the supply member 122 of the flow delivery system 120 can be loosely fitted into the access interface 160, thereby allowing a space or gap between the supply member 122 and the access interface 160 (more specifically, between the supply member 122 and the edge or wall or perimeter of the hole in the access interface 160) to form the leak region. Because the leak region can be formed from the space or gap caused by the loose fitting (i.e., non-sealing fitting or non-friction fitting) of the supply member 122 into the access interface 160, the leak region can be located immediately between the supply member 122 and the access interface 160. Thus, the leak region can surround or enclose or bound the supply member 122, or the leak region can extend or encircle or abut or be located externally to the supply member 122. According to various embodiments, the leak region can be an opening through which gas can escape, and thus the leak region can be a flow outlet for gas to exit the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132.

[0516] According to various embodiments, the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 can be configured to receive the supply member 122 of the flow delivery system 120 such that, for a given size of the supply member 122 of the flow delivery system 120, the leakage region has a predetermined size. Thus, when the size of the supply member 122 of the flow delivery system 120 is known, the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 can be configured based on the size of the supply member 122 such that the leakage region has the required predetermined size. Thus, the leakage region can be a controlled leakage region (or a predetermined portion of the access interface 160 that is not occupied). Accordingly, the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 can be configured with respect to the supply member 122 of the flow delivery system 120 in order to achieve a predetermined size of the leakage region based on a given size of the supply member 122.

[0517] Since the leakage region has a predetermined size, the leakage region can provide a first predetermined amount of flow resistance for the first reference flow, thereby achieving a first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132 when the first gas flow 152 is an exhalation flow and the first predetermined maximum pressure is at least at or near the end of the exhalation phase (in other words, when the exhalation flow, i.e. the flow of the first gas flow 152, is substantially zero). Thus, by configuring the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 to achieve the predetermined size of the leakage region for a supply member 122 of a given size, the pressure within the flow chamber 143 can be controlled to achieve the required first predetermined maximum pressure when the exhalation flow is at least at or near the end of the exhalation phase. Accordingly, in the system 100, the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 can receive the supply member 122 of the flow delivery system 120 to form a leakage region having a predetermined size for providing a first predetermined amount of flow resistance in order to achieve a first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132 at least at or near the end of the exhalation phase of a user (i.e. a patient or a subject).

[0518] Exemplarily, the first reference flow can be provided by, approximated by, or related to the flow of gas supplied or provided or delivered by the supply member (i.e. the flow of the second gas flow 162). Thus, for a high flow therapy system having a known (constant) flow and a known leakage region, the first maximum predetermined pressure can be determined or approximated based on these known values.

[0519] Alternatively or additionally, the first reference flow can also take into account the exhalation flow, i.e. the flow of the first gas flow 152. Again, if the leakage region is known, the first maximum predetermined pressure can be determined or approximated based on these known values.

[0520] Exemplarily, the first maximum predetermined pressure can be present at the end of the exhalation phase (that is, when the exhalation flow, i.e. the flow of the first gas flow 152, is substantially zero).

[0521] According to various embodiments, since the first gas flow 152 is an exhalation flow, the first predetermined maximum pressure can be a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Thus, in the system 100, the first predetermined maximum pressure (i.e., the positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)) can keep the pressure (alveolar pressure) in the lungs of the user (i.e., the patient or the subject) above the atmospheric pressure, such that the alveoli can not easily collapse when the exhalation flow occurs at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase. According to various embodiments, the PEEP can be at least 1 cmH20 when the flow rate (i.e., the supply flow rate, i.e., the flow rate of the second gas flow) is 50 liters per minute.

[0522] According to various embodiments, the gas that exits the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132 via the leakage region can include the exhalation flow (the first gas flow) as well as a portion of the gas flow (the second gas flow) that is supplied or delivered or provided by the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120. Thus, the leakage region can act as a flow outlet for the exhalation flow as well as a portion of the gas flow that is supplied or delivered or provided by the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120, which is forced out of the flow chamber 142 by the exhalation flow.

[0523] According to various embodiments, in the system 100, the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., the adapter or connector) can be configured to receive the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120. The access interface 160 of the respiratory support assembly 130 can be configured such that the supply member 122 can be loosely fitted inside. In other words, the supply member 122 can be loosely fitted inside the access interface 160. This loose fit, in turn, can allow gas to leak from the access interface 160 of the respiratory support assembly 130. According to various embodiments, the leakage area (around the supply member 122) can be known. With the leakage area known, then the expiratory resistance or expiratory resistance for a given flow can be known. Thus, it is important that a desired level of PEEP can be achieved. As such, the flow dynamics associated with the respiratory support assembly 130 can be similar to the flow dynamics that occur in the upper airways during nasal high flow therapy via the nose, which also leaves a known leakage area between the stem of the nasal cannula and the nare, allowing a desired PEEP to be achieved - which helps to flush dead space, reduce work of breathing, and other benefits. In some embodiments, the leakage area can be selectively varied, for example, by altering the size of the supply member 122 or even the size of the access interface 160. For example, the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120 can be capable of being exchanged between different sizes of supply member 122. Thus, a user (i.e., a patient or subject) can use one set of supply members 122 for “normal” breathing, and then use another set of different sized supply members 122 to increase the expiratory resistance or expiratory resistance, for example, when the user has a build-up of mucus that needs to be expelled. The two sets of supply members 122 can be interchangeably fitted into the access interface 160 of the respiratory support assembly 130, but they can provide different leakage areas, and thus different expiratory resistances (or expiratory resistances), and thus different PEEPs.

[0524] As discussed above, the respiratory support component 130 (i.e., the adapter or connector) can be enabled and / or configured to reproduce the effects of high-flow nasal therapy via the nose, including controlling expiratory resistance (or expiratory resistance) and PEEP by controlling the leakage area. Therefore, the respiratory support component 130 can utilize the advantages of high-flow nasal therapy and allows for its introduction into other respiratory therapy settings via invasive airway devices 110 (such as tracheostomy). Thus, the user's (i.e., the patient or subject's) response to high-flow therapy via the respiratory support component 130 can indicate their likely response to high-flow nasal therapy after the removal of their invasive airway device 110. Furthermore, users who must breathe for extended periods and receive high-flow therapy via the invasive airway device 110 may tolerate more effective high flow and may feel more comfortable using the respiratory support component 130. Additionally, leakage can allow flushing of dead space in the invasive airway device 110, the respiratory support component 130, and / or the supply member 122. According to various implementation schemes, some or all of these benefits can be enhanced by using the asymmetric supply component 122.

[0525] According to various embodiments, the assembly body 132 of the respiratory support assembly 130 can include only the coupling interface 150 and the access interface 160 to allow fluid flow into and / or out of the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132. Thus, the assembly body 132 can not have other or additional inlet or outlet interfaces of the flow chamber 142 other than the coupling interface 150 and the access interface 160. Thus, the assembly body 132 can not have any other interfaces that can allow fluid communication with the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132 other than the coupling interface 150 and the access interface 160. Thus, in the system 100, whereby the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., the adapter or connector) is coupled to the invasive airway device 110 via the coupling interface 150, and the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120 is received in the access interface 160, one or both of the coupling interface 150 and the access interface 160 of the respiratory support assembly 130 can be configured to allow gas to escape the flow chamber 142 of the respiratory support assembly 130 during exhalation by the user (i.e., the patient or subject). Preferably, the access interface 160 is configured to allow gas to escape the flow chamber 142, while the coupling interface 150 is not configured to allow gas to escape the flow chamber 142; however, this is not intended to be limiting. According to various embodiments, the coupling interface 150 of the assembly body 132 can be configured to couple with the invasive airway device 110 in a leak-proof manner, and the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 can be configured to allow gas to escape the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132 when an exhalation flow enters the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132 via the coupling interface 150 and a gas flow enters the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132 via the supply member 122 inserted in the access interface 160. For example, as previously described, the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 can be configured to receive the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120 such that a leak region is formed between the access interface 160 (and more particularly the wall of the aperture of the access interface) and the supply member 122 to create a flow outlet for gas to escape from the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132. Thus, in the system 100, the invasive airway device 110 can be coupled to the respiratory support assembly 130 via the coupling interface 150 in a leak-proof manner, and the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120 can be loosely fitted into the respiratory support assembly 130 via the access interface 160 with a leak region formed around the supply member 122 to serve as a flow outlet for gas to exit the flow chamber 142 of the respiratory support assembly 130.

[0526] According to various embodiments, the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 can be configured to provide a second predetermined amount of flow resistance for the second reference flow when the access interface 160 does not receive the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120. When the access interface 160 does not have the supply member 122, the supply member 122 is not fitted inside the access interface 160. Thus, the entire access interface 160 can act as a flow outlet for the gas exiting the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132. Thus, the flow of gas exiting the flow chamber 142 when the access interface 160 does not have the supply member 122 can be different from the flow of gas when the supply member 122 is loosely fitted in the access interface 160. Thus, the system can be considered to have a second reference flow when the access interface 160 does not have the supply member 122, which second reference flow can be different from the first reference flow. For example, the second reference flow can be higher than the first reference flow. Illustratively, the second reference flow can be provided by, approximated by, or related to one or more of: a rate at which gas is inhaled into the flow chamber (such as from the ambient environment) via the access interface during inhalation; and / or an exhalation flow, i.e. a flow of the first gas flow 152.

[0527] Further, the flow resistance of the gas escaping from the flow chamber 142 can also be different when the supply member 122 is not fitted in the access interface 160 from when the supply member 122 is fitted in the access interface 160. Thus, the second predetermined amount of flow resistance can be different from the first predetermined amount of flow resistance. For example, the second predetermined amount of flow resistance can be lower than the first predetermined amount of flow resistance. According to various embodiments, configuring the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 to provide the second predetermined amount of flow resistance when the access interface 160 does not have the supply member 122 can comprise designing the size or dimensions of the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 to achieve the second predetermined amount of flow resistance, or shaping the access interface of the assembly body to achieve the second predetermined amount of flow resistance.

[0528] According to various embodiments, when the respiratory support assembly 130 is coupled to the invasive airway device 110 without the supply member 122 being received in the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., the access interface 160 is unoccupied during use), and the first gas flow 152 is an expiratory flow from a user (i.e., a patient or subject), the second predetermined amount of flow resistance can generate a second predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber 142 at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase. Since the respiratory support assembly 130 does not have the supply member 122, the second predetermined maximum pressure can be different than the first predetermined maximum pressure achieved when the supply member 122 is received in the access interface 160 of the respiratory support assembly 130. For example, the second predetermined maximum pressure can be lower than the first predetermined maximum pressure. Thus, the second predetermined amount of flow resistance to be achieved in configuring the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 can be based on the second predetermined maximum pressure required during expiration or expiration, when the respiratory support assembly 130 is used in cooperation with the invasive airway device 110 without the supply member 122.

[0529] Illustratively, the second predetermined maximum pressure can be present at the end of the expiratory phase when the first gas flow 152 becomes zero.

[0530] Illustratively, if the size of the access interface 160 (or a portion of the access interface through which gas escapes the flow chamber during expiration) and the second reference flow rate are known, the second predetermined maximum pressure can be determined.

[0531] According to various embodiments, the second predetermined amount of flow resistance can mimic or be based on the natural resistance of the nostril of a nose. According to various embodiments, the second predetermined maximum pressure can mimic or be based on the natural back pressure of the upper airway.

[0532] Accordingly, when the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., the adapter or connector) is not used in cooperation with the supply member 122 (i.e., not administering or supplying or delivering or providing a flow of gas), a user (i.e., a patient or subject) can effectively breathe through the (empty) access interface 160 of the respiratory support assembly 130. The access interface 160 can be configured to substantially replicate or approximate a nare. Like a nare, the access interface 160 can provide an expiratory resistance or expiratory resistance (i.e., a restriction to leak flow). As the expiratory resistance or expiratory resistance can be comparable to the resistance of a nare, the back pressure generated during exhalation can feel more natural relative to what a user (i.e., a patient or subject) would experience simply exhaling from the open end of the invasive airway device 110. This feeling can be more natural because the back pressure provided by the respiratory support assembly 130 can partially mimic the back pressure that would normally be induced by the patient’s upper airway (especially the nare) during exhalation or expiration. Accordingly, the reaction of a user (i.e., a patient or subject) to breathing via the respiratory support assembly 130 can further indicate their likely reaction to breathing through their nose when the invasive airway device 110 is removed. Moreover, a user (i.e., a patient or subject) who needs to breathe through the invasive airway device 100 for an extended period of time can feel more comfortable when using the respiratory support assembly 130.

[0533] According to various embodiments, the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e., the adapter or connector) can be configured to be used with or without the supply member 122 of the flow delivery system 120 being received in the access interface 160 of the respiratory support assembly 130. Accordingly, in addition to configuring the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 relative to the supply member 122 of the flow delivery system 120 to obtain a leak region (i.e., the portion of the access interface 160 that is not occupied during use in cooperation with the supply member 122) having a predetermined size, the leak region is used to provide a first predetermined amount of flow resistance to achieve a first predetermined maximum pressure (e.g., PEEP), the access interface 160 can also be configured to provide a second predetermined amount of flow resistance to achieve a second predetermined maximum pressure when the access interface 160 does not have the supply member 122 (i.e., the access interface 160 is completely unoccupied during use). Accordingly, the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 can be configured to provide a first predetermined maximum pressure (e.g., PEEP) when the supply member 122 is received in the access interface 160 with the leak region formed between the supply member 122 and the access interface 160 (and more specifically the walls of the aperture of the access interface), and also configured to provide a second predetermined maximum pressure when the access interface 160 does not have the supply member 122.

[0534] According to various embodiments, the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e. the adapter or connector) can be configured to direct the expiratory flow from the user (i.e. the patient and subject) and the flow supplied or delivered or provided by the supply member 122 so as to avoid sudden and undesired pressure surges at the beginning of the expiratory phase while also generating a desired level of back pressure or expiratory resistance (or expiratory resistance) for the user (i.e. the patient and subject) during expiration (and thus a predetermined maximum pressure level). Furthermore, the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e. the adapter or connector) can be configured to achieve a balance between too much flow resistance and too little flow resistance. According to various embodiments, this balance can be similar to the balance that is typically present in the upper airways (especially the nose). For example, the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e. the adapter or connector) can mimic the human nasal passage (nasal cavity) whereby the nostrils themselves are relatively narrow / small, resulting in an amount of (desired) expiratory resistance or expiratory resistance. Furthermore, during nasal high flow therapy via the nose, a loosely fitting nasal cannula with a known leak area is inserted for nasal high flow therapy can further enhance the expiratory resistance or expiratory resistance. At the same time, the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e. the adapter or connector) can also mimic the flow dynamics of the human nostrils whereby the nasal cavity as a whole is shaped such that the incoming and outgoing air streams do not collide directly, but rather gradually come into contact and there is a certain degree of mixing between these streams, which can be roughly referred to as “swirling” or swirl formation. This can prevent sudden and undesired pressure surges, as would occur if the air streams collided head-on.

[0535] According to various embodiments, the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e. the adapter or connector) can be configured to provide the correct balance. That is, the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e. the adapter or connector) can generate a flow resistance that approximates the flow resistance that is typically generated by the upper airways of the user (i.e. the patient or subject) at any point during the respiratory cycle. This approximation can enable the controller of the flow generator of the high flow equipment to treat the invasive flow path as a standard nasal high flow flow path. Thus, when the user (e.g. a nurse) wants to change from using the high flow generator in combination with the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e. the adapter or connector) and the invasive airway device 110 to using the high flow generator for nasal high flow therapy via the nose, they can not need to change the settings of the high flow generator. This can save valuable time and can make the transition from invasive therapy to high flow therapy via the nose relatively seamless, or at least less complicated. It can also help to predict the patient’s response to nasal high flow therapy, thereby helping to reduce the instances where the patient needs to be re-transitioned back to invasive respiratory therapy when nasal high flow therapy proves to be ineffective or premature.

[0536] According to some embodiments, the assembly body 132 of the respiratory support assembly 130 can be integrally formed as a single unitary structure. For example, the assembly body 132 can be integrally molded or integrally cast as a single piece. As another example, the assembly body 132 can be machined, milled, or cut from a single piece of material. Thus, the assembly body 132 can be integrally formed with the hollow structure 140, the coupling interface 150, and the access interface 160 with one another. Thus, the assembly body 132 can be manufactured or produced in such a way that the hollow structure 140, the coupling interface 150, and the access interface 160 can be collectively created or constructed during the process.

[0537] According to some embodiments, the assembly body 132 of the respiratory support assembly 130 can have a modular configuration. Thus, the assembly body 132 of the respiratory support assembly 130 can include two or more modular components that are removably attached or coupled or joined together to form the assembly body 132. Thus, each modular component can be interchangeable or replaceable with similar other modular components to alter the configuration of the assembly body 132 when the two or more modular components are assembled together. Thus, each modular component can be selected from a corresponding pool of independent and interchangeable modules, such that different configurations of the assembly body 132 can be achieved by assembling different combinations or permutations of two or more modular components from the corresponding pool of independent and interchangeable modules, respectively. As an example, the assembly body 132 of the respiratory support assembly 130 can include two modular components, whereby a first modular component can include the access interface 160, and a second modular component can include the coupling interface 150 and the hollow structure 140. Thus, the first modular component can be interchangeable or replaceable to alter the access interface 160, and / or the second modular component can be interchangeable or replaceable to alter the coupling interface 150 and the hollow structure 140. As another example, the assembly body 132 of the respiratory support assembly 130 can include two modular components, whereby a first modular component can include the coupling interface 150, and a second modular component can include the access interface 160 and the hollow structure 140. Thus, the first modular component can be interchangeable or replaceable to alter the coupling interface 150, and / or the second modular component can be interchangeable or replaceable to alter the access interface 160 and the hollow structure 140. As yet another example, the assembly body 132 of the respiratory support assembly 130 can include two modular components, whereby a first modular component can include the coupling interface 150 and a first modular section of the hollow structure 140, and a second modular component can include the access interface 160 and a second modular section of the hollow structure 140. The first modular section of the hollow structure 140 can be joined to the second modular section of the hollow structure 140 when the first modular component and the second modular component are assembled together. Thus, the first modular component can be interchangeable or replaceable to alter the coupling interface 150, and / or the second modular component can be interchangeable or replaceable to alter the access interface 160. As another example, the assembly body 132 of the respiratory support assembly 130 can include three modular components, whereby a first modular component can include the coupling interface 150, a second modular component can include the hollow structure 140, and a third modular component can include the access interface 160. Thus, the first modular component can be interchangeable or replaceable to alter the coupling interface 150, and / or the second modular component can be interchangeable or replaceable to alter the hollow structure 140, and / or the third modular component can be interchangeable or replaceable to alter the access interface 160.It should be appreciated that the assembly body 132 of the respiratory support assembly 130 is contemplated to be capable of being subdivided into smaller modular components of different numbers or combinations or arrangements, whereby each modular component can be interchangeable or replaceable with other modular components from a corresponding pool of independent and interchangeable modules to create different configurations of the assembly body 132. The examples described above are non-exhaustive, and a detailed list of all possible examples is omitted for brevity.

[0538] FIG. 3A A first example 330A of the respiratory support assembly 130 is shown in accordance with various embodiments. FIG. 3B A second example 330B of the respiratory support assembly 130 is shown in accordance with various embodiments. As FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B shown, the first example 330A of the respiratory support assembly 130 and the second example 330B of the respiratory support assembly 130 depict various different possible arrangements or configurations of the assembly body 132 (i.e. the adapter body or the connector body) of the respiratory support assembly 130 (i.e. the adapter or the connector) that direct the first gas flow 152 into the flow chamber 142 via the coupling interface 150 and the second gas flow 162 into the flow chamber 142 via the access interface 160, such that the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 and the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 can not coincide in order to facilitate gradual merging of the first gas flow 152 and the second gas flow 162, and to avoid collision of the first gas flow 152 and the second gas flow 162 in a substantially directly opposite manner, thereby preventing a sudden pressure surge. In FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B , the first example 330A of the respiratory support assembly 130 and the second example 330B of the respiratory support assembly 130 are also depicted in more detail with respect to various elements of the assembly body 132 of the respiratory support assembly 130 (e.g. the hollow structure 140 defining the flow chamber 142, the coupling interface 150 and the access interface 160). It should be appreciated that the foregoing description of the respiratory support assembly 130 also applies to the first example 330A of the respiratory support assembly 130 and the second example 330B of the respiratory support assembly 130 as shown in FIGS. 1A-2C and FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B shown. Accordingly, the same elements as those described in the foregoing are assigned the same reference numerals, and a repeated explanation thereof is omitted for brevity. The following description focuses on various different possible arrangements or configurations of the assembly body 132 of the respiratory support assembly 130, and detailed information of various elements of the respiratory support assembly 130.

[0539] As FIG. 3C and FIG. 3AAs shown in the first example 330A of the respiratory support assembly 130 and the second example 330B of the respiratory support assembly 130, the assembly body 132 of the respiratory support assembly 130 of various embodiments can have an arrangement or configuration whereby the coupling interface 150 and the access interface 160 can be disposed such that the central axis 153 of the coupling interface 150 and the central axis 163 of the access interface 160 can not coincide, thereby causing the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 and the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 to not coincide. For example, as shown in the first example 330A of the respiratory support assembly 130, the central axis 153 of the coupling interface 150 and the central axis 163 of the access interface 160 can be laterally offset, thereby causing the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 and the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 to not coincide. As another example, as shown in the second example 330B of the respiratory support assembly 130, the central axis 153 of the coupling interface 150 and the central axis 163 of the access interface 160 can be angled relative to one another, thereby causing the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 and the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 to not coincide. The angle between the central axis 153 of the coupling interface 150 and the central axis 163 of the access interface 160 can be any suitable range greater than 0° and less than 180°. For example, the angle can be in a range between 5° to 175°, or 10° to 170°, or 20° to 160°, or 30° to 150°, or 40° to 140°, etc. FIG. 3B FIG. 3C

[0540] According to various embodiments, the coupling interface 150 of the assembly body 132 of the respiratory support assembly 130 can include a flow bore 154. Thus, the central axis 153 of the coupling interface 150 can pass through the center of the flow bore 154 of the coupling interface 150. Thus, the central axis 153 of the coupling interface 150 can be a bore axis of the flow bore 154 of the coupling interface 150. According to various embodiments, the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 of the respiratory support assembly 130 can include an access bore 164. Thus, the central axis 163 of the access interface 160 can pass through the center of the access bore 164 of the access interface 160. Thus, the central axis 163 of the access interface 160 can be a bore axis of the access bore 164 of the access interface 160.

[0541] In the first example 330A of the respiratory support assembly 130, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C where the central axis 153 of the coupling interface 150 and the central axis 163 of the access interface 160 are laterally offset from one another, the flow bore 154 of the coupling interface 150 and the access bore 164 of the access interface 160 can be laterally offset from one another, such that the bore axis of the flow bore 154 and the bore axis of the access bore 164 can be decentered, or can not coincide with one another. In the second example 330B of the respiratory support assembly 130, as shown in FIG. 3C ​​In a second example 330B of the respiratory support assembly 130 shown, in which the central axis 153 of the coupling interface 150 and the central axis 163 of the access interface 160 are angled relative to each other, the flow aperture 154 of the coupling interface 150 and the access aperture 164 of the access interface 160 can be oriented relative to each other such that the aperture axis of the flow aperture 154 and the aperture axis of the access aperture 164 can be angled relative to each other.

[0542] As shown in FIG. 3A, the access aperture 164 of the access interface 160 can be sized to receive the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120. The access aperture 164 can be sized to receive the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120 when the supply member 122 is not in use with the gas flow delivery system 120. The access aperture 164 can be sized to receive the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120 when the supply member 122 is in use with the gas flow delivery system 120. The access aperture 164 can be sized to receive the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120 when the supply member 122 is in use with the gas flow delivery system 120 and when the supply member 122 is not in use with the gas flow delivery system 120. FIG. 3C and FIG. 3C As shown, when the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120 is received in the access interface 160, the supply member 122 can be inserted into the access aperture 164, and a leak region 169 can be formed between the periphery or wall of the access aperture 164 (or defining the periphery or wall of the access aperture) and the exterior of the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120. Thus, the leak region 169 can be a portion of the access aperture 164 that is not occupied during use with the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120. According to various embodiments, the size or dimension of the periphery of the access aperture 164 can be designed based on a given dimension of the exterior of the supply member 122, such that the leak region 169 can have a predetermined size to provide a first predetermined amount of flow resistance to achieve a first predetermined maximum pressure at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase. Further, the size or dimension of the periphery of the access aperture 164 can also be designed such that when the supply member 122 is not inserted into the access aperture 164, the entire extent (i.e., cross-sectional area) of the access aperture 164 can provide a second predetermined amount of flow resistance to achieve a second predetermined maximum pressure at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase. Thus, the entire extent / region of the access aperture 164 can not be occupied during non-use with the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system. The first predetermined maximum pressure can be the desired PEEP, and the second predetermined maximum pressure can approximate or be based on the natural back pressure of the upper airway, particularly the nares.

[0543] According to various embodiments, the predetermined size of the leak region 169 can be less than the cross-sectional area of the corresponding portion 124 of the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120 that is inserted into the access aperture 164. Thus, the cross-sectional area of the corresponding portion 124 of the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120 that is inserted into the access aperture 164 can be greater than half the size of the access aperture 164. This can help to achieve the desired first maximum predetermined pressure, as the inflow (via the supply member 122) can tend to always be greater than the flow that can freely / easily escape via the leak region. For example, FIGS. 18A-18D Cross-sectional views at the access interface 160 are shown to illustrate different sizes of the supply member 122 inserted into the access aperture 164 of the access interface 160. FIG. 18E and FIG. 18GEmbodiments are shown in which the supply member 122 comprises two identical size prongs, while FIG. 18I and FIGS. 26A-26C Embodiments are shown in which the supply member 122 comprises two different size prongs. In all cases, at least one of the prongs of the pair is sized such that when its associated portion 124 is inserted into the corresponding access aperture 164, the leakage area 169 around the portion 124 is less than the cross-sectional area of the portion 124.

[0544] As FIG. 26A and FIG. 26A shown, according to various embodiments, the coupling interface 150 can comprise a surrounding wall 156 extending from the hollow structure 140 of the assembly body 132. The surrounding wall 156 of the coupling interface 150 can define a hollow passageway 157 therein leading to the flow chamber 142 defined by the hollow structure 140. According to various embodiments, the rim of the surrounding wall 156 of the coupling interface 150 directed away from or away from the hollow structure 140 can define the flow aperture 154 of the coupling interface 150. According to various embodiments, when the coupling interface 150 comprises a surrounding wall 156, the flow aperture 154 leads to the flow chamber 142 via the hollow passageway 157 through the surrounding wall 156 of the coupling interface 150. Further, when the coupling interface 150 comprises a surrounding wall 156, the central axis 153 of the coupling interface 150 can extend through the center of the flow aperture 154 of the coupling interface 150 and along the centerline of the hollow passageway 157 defined by the surrounding wall 156 of the coupling interface 150.

[0545] Also as FIG. 26A and FIG. 26B shown, according to various embodiments, the access interface 160 can comprise a surrounding wall 166 extending from the hollow structure 140 of the assembly body 132. The surrounding wall 166 of the access interface 160 can define a hollow passageway 167 therein leading to the flow chamber 142 defined by the hollow structure 140. According to various embodiments, the rim of the surrounding wall of the access interface 160 directed away from or away from the hollow structure 140 can define the access aperture 164 of the access interface 160. According to various embodiments, when the access interface 160 comprises a surrounding wall 166, the access aperture 165 leads to the flow chamber 142 via the hollow passageway 167 through the surrounding wall 166 of the access interface 160. Further, when the access interface 160 comprises a surrounding wall 166, the central axis 163 of the access interface 160 can extend through the center of the access aperture 164 of the access interface 160 and along the centerline of the hollow passageway 167 defined by the surrounding wall 166 of the access interface 160.

[0546] Referring to FIG. 26BWhen the coupling interface 150 includes the surrounding wall 156 and the access interface 160 includes the surrounding wall 166, the surrounding wall 156 of the coupling interface 150 and the surrounding wall 166 of the access interface 160 can be oriented relative to one another with the centerline of the hollow passage 157 of the surrounding wall 156 of the coupling interface 150 at an angle to the centerline of the hollow passage 167 of the surrounding wall 166 of the access interface 160 such that the hole axis of the flow hole 154 and the hole axis of the access hole 164 can be at a corresponding angle so that the axis 151 of the first gas flow 152 and the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162 do not coincide.

[0547] Referring to FIG. 26C and FIGS. 26A-26C , respectively, depict side views of a first example 330A of the respiratory support assembly 130 and a second example 330B of the respiratory support assembly 130. The side views are provided FIGS. 18E-18J to illustrate a schematic front view representative of each of the first example 330A of the respiratory support assembly 130 and the second example 330B of the respiratory support assembly 130 as shown in FIG. 18E and FIG. 18G . According to various embodiments, as can be seen from FIG. 18I , the coupling interface 150 can include a single flow hole 154 leading to the flow chamber 142 and the access interface 160 can include an arrangement of two access holes 164 (e.g., a first access hole 164A and a second access hole 164B) leading to the flow chamber 142. However, it should be understood that FIG. 18G are provided by way of example only. According to various embodiments, the coupling interface 150 of the assembly body 132 of the respiratory support assembly 130 can include an arrangement of one or more flow holes 154 leading to the flow chamber 142 and the access interface 160 of the assembly body 132 of the respiratory support assembly 130 can include an arrangement of one or more access holes leading to the flow chamber 142. Thus, in the respiratory support assembly 130, the coupling interface 150 and the access interface 160 can include different combinations or permutations of the number of flow holes 154 and the number of access holes 164, respectively. Moreover, according to various embodiments, the access interface 160 can include two or more access holes 164.

[0548] As shown in FIG. 18I , the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120 can include two insertion portions 124 (or nasal delivery elements, e.g., prongs). Thus, the access interface 160 can include two access holes 164 to receive the two insertion portions 124 of the supply member 122, respectively. According to various embodiments, the number of access holes 164 of the access interface 160 can correspond to the number of insertion portions 124 of the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120. As a result FIG. 18Fare provided by way of example only, it should be understood that the supply member 122 of the airflow delivery system 120 can comprise one or more insertion portions (i.e. prongs). Accordingly, the access interface 160 can comprise a corresponding number of arrangements of access apertures 164 to respectively receive the one or more insertion portions of the supply member 122. Reference is made to FIG. 18H According to various embodiments, the supply member 122 can be a nasal cannula. Accordingly, the two insertion portions 124 of the supply member 122 can be two prongs of the nasal cannula. Accordingly, when the supply member 122 is a nasal cannula, the access interface 160 can comprise an arrangement of two access apertures 164 to receive the two prongs of the nasal cannula.

[0549] Reference is made to FIG. 18J According to various embodiments, the two insertion portions 124 (or nasal delivery elements, e.g. prongs) of the supply member 122 of the airflow delivery system 120 can have different sizes. Accordingly, the two prongs of the nasal cannula can have different sizes. According to various embodiments, at least two insertion portions of the supply member 122 of the airflow delivery system 120 can have different sizes. Reference is made to FIG. 18H According to various embodiments, the two access apertures 164 of the access interface 160 can have different sizes. According to various embodiments, at least two access apertures 164 of the access interface 160 can have different sizes.

[0550] According to various embodiments, the access apertures 164 of the access interface 160 can have a circular shape (e.g. as shown in FIG. 18J or an elongated shape. The elongated shape can include, but is not limited to, an oval shape, a racetrack shape, a rounded rectangular shape, a rectangular shape, a pill shape (e.g. as shown in FIG. 3C or a teardrop shape (e.g. as shown in FIG. 3C or an egg shape, or an elliptical shape.

[0551] According to some embodiments, the insertion portions 124 (or nasal delivery elements, e.g. prongs) of the supply member 122 of the airflow delivery system 120 can be tubular structures having a substantially circular cross-sectional profile. Furthermore, the insertion portions 124 in the form of tubular structures can have a curvature, i.e. the tubular structures can be curved. Specifically, when the insertion portions 124 are curved, inserting the insertion portions 124 into the access apertures 164 of the access interface 160 can involve a bending or arcuate motion. Accordingly, the insertion portions 124 can be rotated or swung or moved into the access apertures 164 of the access interface 160 in a curved manner. FIG. 3C An example of this operation is schematically shown in Fig. 6. In FIG. 20AIn this configuration, the supply member 122 may be adjacent to a portion of the respiratory support assembly 130. This portion of the respiratory support assembly 130 may be a holding arrangement 190 for holding the supply member 122 in place, which will be described in more detail later. When the supply member 122 is a nasal cannula and the holding arrangement 190 is in the form of a bracket or hook, the cannula body may be fitted into or inserted into the bracket or hook, such as... FIG. 20B As shown by the downward arrow in the diagram. To achieve this, the nasal cannula post (i.e., insertion portion 124) must be angled away from the access port 164 of the access interface 160 of the breathing support assembly 130 (e.g., at an angle such that...). FIG. 20C (As shown in the upward orientation), so as to avoid the component body 132 of the breathing support assembly 130 when the nasal cannula body moves into the bracket or hook. FIG. 20B In this position, the cannula body is supported in a bracket or hook. Once in this position, it must be... FIG. 3A Rotate the cannula body as indicated by the arrow to move the nasal cannula post in an arc (or arc path) into the access port 164 of the access interface 160 of the respiratory support assembly 130, and insert it. FIG. 3C The location shown. It should be understood that, FIG. 3C The order shown is merely illustrative, and other orders or movements are possible.

[0552] When the access hole 164 has a circular shape, the movement of the bent insertion portion 124 may not be smooth due to friction caused by rubbing against the edge of the access hole 164 and / or insufficient space for the insertion portion 124 to move along an arcuate path. However, when the access hole 164 has an elongated shape, friction can be reduced, and / or there can be sufficient space for the insertion portion 124 to move along a curved or arcuate path. Therefore, when the insertion portion 124 is bent, an elongated shape of the access hole 164 may be advantageous.

[0553] According to some embodiments, the access aperture 164 having an elongated shape can have a narrower portion and a wider portion. The narrower portion can be located at one end of the elongated shape of the access aperture 164, and the wider portion can be located at an opposite end of the elongated shape of the access aperture 164. For example, when the elongated shape is a teardrop shape or an egg shape, the elongated shape can have a narrower portion at a first end and a wider portion at a second end. Once the insertion portion 124 of the supply member 122 is inserted into place, the narrower portion of the access aperture 164 having an elongated shape can be used to retain the insertion portion. For example, the insertion portion 124 can be inserted through the wider portion of the access aperture 164. When the insertion portion 124 is in place, the insertion portion 124 can be moved or slid into the narrower portion of the access aperture 164. In doing so, the narrower portion of the access aperture 164 can pinch or squeeze or compress the insertion portion 124 so as to secure and retain the insertion portion 124 in place. Thus, with the insertion portion 124 secured and retained in place by the narrower portion of the access aperture 164, the insertion portion 124 can not be free or unrestricted to move within the access aperture 164.

[0554] The retention can be such that the insertion portion 124 is retained in a desired orientation within or relative to the coupling interface 150 / assembly body 132 when in use, and thus the narrower portion of the access aperture 164 can be oriented such that it retains the insertion portion 124 in the desired orientation. For example, the narrower portion can be located on a portion of the access aperture 164 that is proximate to a bottom or underside of the coupling interface 150 / assembly body 132 when in use, so as to exert a retention force on an underside of the insertion portion 124 and retain the insertion portion 124 in contact with the underside of the access aperture 164.

[0555] The pinching, squeezing, or compressing (or other retention effect) can be relatively light, such as sufficient to encourage the insertion post to remain in place during normal use (e.g., to avoid it being too easily displaced by air flow) but insufficient to withstand a deliberate pulling force, and insufficient to substantially restrict air flow through the area of the narrower portion of the access aperture 164 of the insertion portion 124.

[0556] According to various embodiments, even if the access aperture 164 does not have an elongated shape, e.g., the access aperture 164 is substantially circular, the access aperture 164 can have a narrower portion and a wider portion. For example, the access aperture can be configured as a "pinched circle," that is, overall circular but with a region that is pinched or narrowed.

[0557] According to various embodiments, a side of the assembly body 132 having the access interface 160 can include an elongated face (e.g., as FIG. 3AThe elongated face can include, but is not limited to, an oval shape, a racetrack shape, a rounded rectangular shape, a rectangular shape, a pill shape, or a teardrop shape, or an egg shape, or an elliptical shape.

[0558] According to some embodiments, when the access interface 160 includes at least two access holes 164 having different sizes, the at least two access holes 164 can be aligned (including substantially aligned) with the longitudinal axis 131 of the elongated face of the side of the assembly body 132. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B each of the at least two access holes 164 can have a circular shape, and wherein each of the access holes can be located on the longitudinal axis 131 of the elongated face of the side of the assembly body 132. Thus, the center of each of the at least two access holes 164 can be located on the longitudinal axis 131 of the side of the assembly body 132. As another example, as shown in FIG. 3C and FIG. 3C each of the at least two access holes 164 can have an elongated shape oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 131 of the elongated face of the side of the assembly body (e.g., a pill shape in FIG. 3B and a teardrop shape in FIGS. 3A-3C ). Moreover, each of the at least two access holes 164 can be located on the longitudinal axis 131 of the elongated face of the side of the assembly body 132. Thus, the center of each of the at least two access holes 164 can be located on the longitudinal axis 131 of the side of the assembly body 132. According to some embodiments, as a variation, it should be understood that each of the access holes 164 can be offset from the longitudinal axis 131 of the assembly body 132 by the same amount. In other words, the center of the access holes 164 can be along an axis (or line) that is parallel to, but offset from, the longitudinal axis 131 of the assembly body 132. According to some embodiments, even when the assembly body 132 does not have a side with an elongated face, e.g., when it has a circular face, the center of the access holes 164 can still be located on an axis (or line) that extends through the side / face of the assembly body.

[0559] According to some embodiments, when the access interface 160 includes at least two access holes 164 having different sizes, a common tangential line 133 of the at least two access holes 164 can be parallel (including substantially parallel) to the longitudinal axis 131 of the elongated face of the side of the assembly body 132. The common tangential line 133 is a line that is tangent to the at least two access holes 164 that does not intersect a line connecting the centers of the at least two access holes 164. Moreover, when the elongated face of the side of the assembly body 132 includes a longitudinal edge that is parallel to the longitudinal axis 131 of the elongated face of the side of the assembly body 132, the common tangential line 133 of the at least two access holes 164 can be parallel to the longitudinal edge of the side of the assembly body 132.

[0560] For example, as shown in FIG. 3C , each of the at least two access holes 164 can have a circular shape. Further, the at least two access holes 164 can be arranged such that tangents to points along a perimeter of the circular shape of each access hole 164 coincide to form a common outer tangent 133 of the at least two access holes 164, where the points are farthest from the longitudinal axis 131 of the elongated face of the side of the assembly body 132. The at least two access holes 164 can be aligned relative to one another such that the common outer tangent 133 of the at least two access holes 164 can be parallel to the longitudinal axis 131 of the elongated face of the side of the assembly body 132. When the longitudinal edge of the elongated face of the side of the assembly body 132 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 131 of the elongated face of the side of the assembly body 132, the common outer tangent 133 of the at least two access holes 164, each of which has a circular shape, can be parallel to the longitudinal edge of the side of the assembly body 132.

[0561] As another example, as shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C , each of the at least two access holes 164 can have an elongated shape (e.g., a pill shape in FIG. 3A and a teardrop shape in FIG. 3C ) that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 131 of the elongated shape of the side of the assembly body. Further, the at least two access holes 164 can be arranged such that tangents to points along a perimeter of the elongated shape of each access hole 164 coincide to form a common outer tangent 133 of the at least two access holes 164, where the points are farthest from the longitudinal axis 131 of the elongated shape of the side of the assembly body 132. The at least two access holes 164 can be aligned relative to one another such that the common outer tangent 133 of the at least two access holes 164 can be parallel to the longitudinal axis 131 of the elongated shape of the side of the assembly body 132. When the longitudinal edge of the elongated face of the side of the assembly body 132 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 131 of the elongated face of the side of the assembly body 132, the common outer tangent 133 of the at least two access holes 164, each of which has an elongated shape, can be parallel to the longitudinal edge of the side of the assembly body 132.

[0562] Returning to FIGS. 18E-18J , as also shown in FIG. 18C , the invasive airway device 110 can include a single outlet port 112. Accordingly, the coupling interface 150 can include a single flow hole 154 for fluidly connecting with the single outlet port 112 of the invasive airway device 110. According to various embodiments, the number of flow holes 154 of the coupling interface 150 can correspond to the number of outlet ports 112 of the invasive airway device 110. As a result, the invasive airway device 110 can be coupled to the coupling interface 150 in a single orientation.FIG. 18D Provided by way of example only, it should be appreciated that the invasive airway device 110 can include one or more outlet ports 112. Accordingly, the coupling interface 150 can include a corresponding number of arrangements of flow apertures 154 to couple with the one or more outlet ports 112 of the invasive airway device 110, respectively.

[0563] According to various embodiments, when the coupling interface 150 includes an arrangement of one or more flow apertures 154, the central axis 153 of the coupling interface 150 can pass through a center or centroid of the arrangement of one or more flow apertures 154 of the coupling interface 150. For example, when the coupling interface 150 includes a single flow aperture 154, the central axis 153 of the coupling interface 150 can pass through a center of the single flow aperture 154. On the other hand, when the coupling interface 150 includes two flow apertures 154 of the same size and / or dimension, the central axis 153 of the coupling interface 150 can pass through a center of the arrangement of two flow apertures 154, which can be located between the arrangement of two flow apertures 154 (e.g., see FIG. 19A ). Moreover, when the coupling interface 150 includes two flow apertures 154 of different sizes and dimensions, the central axis 153 of the coupling interface 150 can pass through a centroid of the arrangement of two flow apertures 154, which can be closer to a center of the larger flow aperture 154A and further away from a center of the smaller flow aperture 154B (e.g., see FIG. 19C ). By way of example, when the coupling interface 150 includes two flow apertures 154, if two streams entering the flow chamber 142 via the arrangement of two flow apertures 154 merge / combine upon entry, the two streams can be considered together as the first airflow 152. Accordingly, the center or centroid of the arrangement of two flow apertures 154 can be considered as the central axis 153 of the coupling interface 150, which can correspond to the axis 151 of the first airflow 152. Thus, when the coupling interface 150 includes an arrangement of one or more flow apertures 154, one or more streams entering the flow chamber 142 via the arrangement of one or more flow apertures 154 can provide the first airflow 152 upon entry, and a center of the arrangement of one or more flow apertures can correspond to the axis 151 of the first airflow 152.

[0564] However, alternatively, in some embodiments, where there are two (or more) flow apertures 154, a central axis 154a of each flow aperture 154 (i.e., bore axis) can be considered individually (as opposed to a common central axis 153 of the coupling interface 150), and each individual axis 154a of each flow aperture 154 (i.e., bore axis) can be compared to a central axis 164a of each access aperture 164 (i.e., bore axis) to ensure that any given pair of flow aperture 154 and access aperture 164 do not coincide with each other (e.g., see FIG. 6). For example, this approach can be appropriate when the gas flows from the first and second flow orifices 154 are not expected to merge into a single gas flow upon entering the flow chamber 142 but are expected to remain distinct. In such cases, if it is found that the pair of axes (of the opposing flows) coincide, measures can be taken to mitigate this, such as, for example, using an internal barrier to deflect one or both of the flows so that they do not coincide. The same reasoning applies to the case where there are two or more access apertures 164, as discussed next.

[0565] According to various embodiments, when the access interface 160 includes an arrangement of one or more access apertures 164, the central axis 163 of the access interface 160 can pass through the center or centroid of the arrangement of one or more access apertures 164 of the access interface 160. For example, when the access interface 160 includes a single access aperture 164, the central axis 163 of the access interface 160 can pass through the center of the single access aperture 164. On the other hand, when the access interface 160 includes two access apertures 164 of the same size and / or dimensions, the central axis 163 of the access interface 160 can pass through the center of the arrangement of two access apertures 164, which can be located between the arrangement of two access apertures 164. Further, when the access interface 160 includes two access apertures 164 of different sizes and dimensions, the central axis 163 of the access interface 160 can pass through the centroid of the arrangement of two access apertures 164, which can be closer to the center of the larger access aperture 164B and further from the center of the smaller flow aperture 164A (see, for example, FIGS. 3A-3C ) As an example, when the coupling interface 150 includes two access apertures 164, if the two flows entering the flow chamber 142 via the arrangement of two access apertures 164 merge / combine upon entry, the two flows can be considered together as the second gas flow 162. Thus, the center or centroid of the arrangement of two access apertures 164 can be considered the central axis 163 of the coupling interface 150, which can correspond to the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162. Thus, when the access interface 160 includes an arrangement of one or more access apertures 164, one or more flows entering the flow chamber 142 via the arrangement of one or more access apertures 164 can provide the second gas flow 162 upon entry, and the center of the arrangement of one or more access apertures 164 can correspond to the axis 161 of the second gas flow 162. Alternatively, in some embodiments, where there are two (or more) access apertures 164, the central axis 164a of each access aperture 164 can be considered separately (as opposed to the common central axis 163 of the access interface 160), and each separate axis 164a can be compared to the axis 154a of each corresponding flow aperture 154, as previously discussed.

[0566] Referring to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4BThe first example 330A of the respiratory support assembly 130 can include a coupling interface 150 having a single flow hole 154 and an access interface 160 having a two access hole 164 arrangement. Thus, the central axis 154 of the coupling interface 150 can pass through the center of the single flow hole 154, and the central axis 163 of the access interface 160 can pass through the center or centroid of the two access hole 164 arrangement, which can be located between the two access holes 164. As seen from the front view of FIG. 5A the central axis 154 of the coupling interface 150 can appear to be aligned with the central axis 163 of the access interface 160, as seen from the front view of FIG. 5B As clearly seen from the side view of

[0567] Referring to FIGS. 1A-2C and FIGS. 3A-3C The second example 330B of the respiratory support assembly 130 can include a coupling interface 150 having a single flow hole 154 and an access interface 160 having a two access hole 164 arrangement. Thus, the central axis 154 of the coupling interface 150 can pass through the center of the single flow hole 154, and the central axis 163 of the access interface 160 can pass through the center or centroid of the two access hole 164 arrangement, which can be located between the two access holes 164. As seen from the front view of FIG. 4A the central axis 154 of the coupling interface 150 can appear to be aligned with the central axis 163 of the access interface 160, as seen from the front view of FIG. 4B As clearly seen from the side view of

[0568] Referring to FIG. 5A, in addition to or instead of the central axis 154 of the coupling interface 150 and the central axis 163 of the access interface 160, the bore axis 154a of each flow bore 154 of the coupling interface 150 and the bore axis 164a of each access bore 164 of the access interface 160 can not coincide with respect to each other. Thus, the respective bore axis 154a, 164a of any of the one or more flow bores 154 of the coupling interface 150 and the one or more access bores 164 of the access interface 160 do not coincide or are not coaxial. With reference to the first example 330A of the respiratory support assembly 130, when viewed from the front view of FIG. 5B and the side view of FIG. 4A , the bore axis 164a of each of the two access bores 164 of the access interface 160 can be laterally offset from the bore axis 154a of the single flow bore 154 of the coupling interface 150. Thus, in three-dimensional space, the bore axis 164a of each of the two access bores 164 of the access interface 160 and the bore axis 154a of the single flow bore 154 of the coupling interface 150 can be laterally offset from each other, and thus can not coincide. With reference to the second example 330B of the respiratory support assembly, when viewed from the front view of FIG. 4B , the bore axis 164a of each of the two access bores 164 of the access interface 160 can be laterally offset from the bore axis 154a of the single flow bore 154 of the coupling interface 150, and when viewed from the side view of FIG. 5A , the bore axis 164a of each of the two access bores 164 of the access interface 160 can be angled from the bore axis 154a of the single flow bore 154 of the coupling interface 150. Thus, in three-dimensional space, the bore axis 164a of each of the two access bores 164 of the access interface 160 and the bore axis 154a of the single flow bore 154 of the coupling interface 150 can be diagonal, and thus can not coincide.

[0569] According to various embodiments, when the access interface 160 has one or more access bores 164 and the supply member 122 has one or more corresponding insertion portions 124, the one or more corresponding insertion portions 124 of the supply member 122 can be respectively inserted into the one or more access bores 164 of the access interface 160 in a loose manner. Thus, a gap can be formed between each pair of insertion portions 124 of the supply member 122 and the access bores 164 of the access interface 160. Thus, one or more gaps can be formed between the access interface 160 and the supply member 122. According to various embodiments, the leakage area 169 between the access interface 160 and the supply member 122 can be the total area of the one or more gaps between the one or more access bores 164 of the access interface 160 and the corresponding insertion portions 124 of the supply member 122. Thus, the leakage area 169 can be a predetermined portion of the total area of the one or more access bores 164 that is not occupied during use.

[0570] According to various embodiments, the total area of the one or more gaps forming the leak region 169 can be a predetermined total area, such that the leak region 169 can have a predetermined size. Thus, when the dimensions of the insertion portion 124 of the supply member 122 are known, the one or more access holes 164 of the access interface 160 can be sized or dimensioned based on the insertion portion 124 of the supply member 122, such that the predetermined total area of the one or more gaps can be achieved to function as the leak region 169 having the predetermined size. (Conversely, if the size of the one or more access holes 164 are known, the insertion portion 124 having the appropriate cross-sectional area can be selected, such that when the insertion portion 124 is inserted into the access hole 164, the desired total leak region is provided. In practice, this can be achieved by replacing the current set of insertion posts with a larger or smaller set of insertion posts; or alternatively, replacing the current respiratory support assembly 130 with a respiratory support assembly having larger or smaller access holes 164.) Thus, the leak region 169 can be a controlled leak region. Since the leak region 169 has a predetermined size, when the first gas flow 152 is an expiratory flow and the first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132 is at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase, the leak region 169 can provide a first predetermined amount of flow resistance to achieve the first predetermined maximum pressure. Thus, by sizing the one or more access holes 164 of the access interface 160 relative to the dimensions of the corresponding insertion portion 124 of the supply member to achieve the predetermined total area of the one or more gaps to function as the leak region 169 having the predetermined size, the pressure within the flow chamber 142 can be controlled to achieve the desired first predetermined maximum pressure when the expiratory flow is at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase.

[0571] According to various embodiments, the one or more access holes 164 of the access interface 160 can be sized or dimensioned to provide a second predetermined amount of flow resistance when the supply member 122 of the gas flow delivery system 120 is not received in the access interface 160. Without the supply member 122, the insertion portion 124 of the supply member 122 is not mated or received within the one or more access holes 164 of the access interface 160. Thus, the total hole area through the access holes 164 of the access interface 160 can function as a flow outlet for gas exiting the flow chamber 142 of the assembly body 132. Thus, when the respiratory support assembly 130 is coupled to the invasive airway device 110 without the supply member 122 being received in the respiratory support assembly 130, and the first gas flow 152 is an expiratory flow from the user (i.e., patient or subject), the second predetermined amount of flow resistance provided by the one or more access holes 164 of the access interface 160 can generate a second predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber 142 at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase.

[0572] According to various embodiments, the total hole area of the arrangement of one or more flow holes 154 of the coupling interface 150 can be greater than the total hole area of the arrangement of one or more access holes 164 of the access interface 160. As the total hole area of the arrangement of one or more access holes 164 of the access interface 160 is less than the total hole area of the arrangement of one or more flow holes 154 of the coupling interface 150, the smaller total hole area of the arrangement of one or more access holes 164 of the access interface 160 can provide a flow resistance for the flow entering the coupling interface 150 and exiting the access interface 160. Thus, when the supply member 122 of the airflow delivery system 120 is not received in the access interface 160, the smaller total hole area of the arrangement of one or more access holes 164 of the access interface 160 can provide a second predetermined amount of flow resistance for the expiratory flow from the user (i.e., patient or subject) relative to the total hole area of the arrangement of one or more flow holes 154 of the coupling interface 150. Thus, the access interface 160 can be configured to provide a second predetermined amount of flow resistance based on a predetermined relative size between the total hole area of the arrangement of one or more access holes 164 of the access interface 160 and the total hole area of the arrangement of one or more flow holes 154 of the coupling interface 150.

[0573] According to various embodiments, at least one of the one or more access holes 164 of the access interface 160 can be configured such that the size of the gap between the at least one of the one or more access holes and the corresponding insertion portion 124 of the supply member 122 can be less than the cross-sectional area of the corresponding insertion portion 124 of the supply member 122. Thus, the cross-sectional area of the corresponding insertion portion 124 of the supply member 122 inserted into the at least one of the one or more access holes 164 of the insertion access interface 160 can be greater than half the size of the at least one of the one or more access holes 164 of the access interface 160.

[0574] According to various embodiments, the coupling interface 150 and the hollow structure 140 can be configured to drop the fluid velocity along the flow direction from the coupling interface 150 into the flow chamber 142 defined by the hollow structure 140. Thus, the velocity of the expiratory flow from the invasived airway device 110 via the coupling interface 150 into the flow chamber 142 can decrease as the expiratory flow enters the flow chamber 142. The change in velocity can be due to the size difference between the coupling interface 150 and the flow chamber 142. According to various embodiments, the total hole area of the arrangement of one or more flow holes 154 of the coupling interface 150 can be less than the cross-sectional area of the flow chamber 142 immediately adjacent to the coupling interface 150. Thus, as there is an increase in size from the coupling interface 150 to the flow chamber 142, the velocity of the expiratory flow can decrease or reduce as the expiratory flow enters the flow chamber 142.

[0575] According to various embodiments, the access interface 160 and the hollow structure 140 can be configured to cause a decrease in fluid velocity along a flow direction from the access interface 160 into the flow chamber 142 defined by the hollow structure 140. Thus, the velocity of the gas flow from the gas flow delivery system 120 via the access interface 160 into the flow chamber 142 can decrease as the gas flow enters the flow chamber 142. The change in velocity can be due to the size difference between the access interface 160 and the flow chamber 142. According to various embodiments, the total hole area of the arrangement of one or more access holes 164 of the access interface 160 can be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the flow chamber 142 immediately adjacent to the access interface 160. Thus, due to the increase in size from the access interface 160 to the flow chamber 142, the velocity of the gas flow from the gas flow delivery system 120 can decrease or reduce as the gas flow enters the flow chamber 142. The same principle applies when the insertion portion 124 is inserted into the access hole 164 of the access interface 160: the total cross-sectional area of the insertion portion 134 will be smaller than the total cross-sectional area of the flow chamber 142, thus the velocity of the gas can decrease as it enters the flow chamber 142.

[0576] According to various embodiments, the arrangement of one or more access holes 164 of the access interface 160 can lie within the same plane. Thus, when the access interface 160 has multiple access holes 164, the multiple access holes 164 can lie adjacent to each other within the same plane. With reference to FIG. 5B When the access hole 164 has an arrangement of two access holes 164, the two access holes 164 can lie side-by-side within the same plane.

[0577] According to various embodiments, the access interface 160 can comprise at least two access holes 164, or ...

Claims

1. An adapter for connecting a gas flow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the adapter comprising: an adapter body comprising: a hollow structure defining a flow chamber; a coupling interface couplable to the invasive airway device to fluidically connect the flow chamber and the invasive airway device; an access interface configured to receive a supply member of the gas flow delivery system for supplying a flow of gas into the flow chamber, wherein the adapter body has an arrangement that directs a first gas flow into the flow chamber via the coupling interface and directs a second gas flow into the flow chamber via the access interface such that an axis of the first gas flow and an axis of the second gas flow do not coincide or become coincident within the flow chamber to cause the first and second gas flows to gradually merge and avoid the first and second gas flows colliding in a substantially directly opposite manner to avoid a sudden pressure spike, wherein the access interface is configured to receive the supply member of the gas flow delivery system and form a leakage region around the supply member in the access interface for use as a flow exit for gas out of the flow chamber.

2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein for a given size of the supply member, the leakage region has a predetermined size to provide a first predetermined amount of flow resistance for a first reference flow rate to achieve a first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and the first predetermined maximum pressure is at least at or near an end of an expiratory phase.

3. The adapter of claim 2, wherein the first predetermined maximum pressure occurs at the end of the expiratory phase when the flow rate of the first gas flow is substantially zero.

4. The adapter of claim 2 or 3, wherein the access interface is further configured to provide a second predetermined amount of flow resistance for a second reference flow rate when the supply member of the gas delivery system is not received in the access interface, wherein the second predetermined amount of flow resistance produces a second predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and the second predetermined maximum pressure is at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase.

5. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the access interface comprises an access aperture to the flow chamber, wherein when the supply member of the gas delivery system is received in the access interface, the supply member is inserted into the access aperture and the leakage region is formed between a perimeter of the access aperture and an exterior of the supply member of the gas delivery system.

6. The adapter of claim 5, wherein for a given size of the supply member, the leakage region has a predetermined size to provide a first predetermined amount of flow resistance for a first reference flow rate through the leakage region to achieve a first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and the first predetermined maximum pressure is at least at or near an end of an expiratory phase.

7. The adapter of claim 6, wherein the first predetermined maximum pressure occurs at the end of the expiratory phase, at which time the flow rate of the first gas flow is substantially zero.

8. The adapter of claim 6 or 7, wherein the access aperture has a predetermined size so as to provide a second predetermined amount of flow resistance for a second reference flow rate when the supply member of the gas delivery system is not received in the access aperture, wherein the second predetermined amount of flow resistance generates a second predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and the second predetermined maximum pressure is at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase.

9. The adapter of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the access aperture is configured such that the predetermined size of the leakage area is smaller than a cross-sectional area of a corresponding portion of the supply member of the gas delivery system inserted into the access aperture.

10. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the coupling interface has an arrangement of one or more flow apertures leading to the flow chamber, wherein the access interface has an arrangement of one or more access apertures leading to the flow chamber.

11. The adapter of claim 10, wherein the supply member of the gas delivery system comprises one or more corresponding insertion portions, wherein when the supply member of the gas delivery system is received in the access interface, the one or more corresponding insertion portions of the supply member are respectively inserted into the one or more access apertures of the access interface, one or more gaps are formed between the one or more corresponding insertion portions and the one or more access apertures, and the leakage area is a total area of the one or more gaps.

12. The adapter of claim 11, wherein the leakage area, based on the total area of the one or more gaps, has a predetermined size for a given size of the supply member to provide a first predetermined amount of flow resistance for a first reference flow rate through the leakage area, so as to achieve a first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and the first predetermined maximum pressure is at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase.

13. The adapter of claim 12, wherein the first predetermined maximum pressure occurs at the end of the expiratory phase, at which time the flow rate of the first gas flow is substantially zero.

14. The adapter of claim 12 or 13, wherein the one or more access apertures are sized so as to provide a second predetermined amount of flow resistance for a second reference flow rate when the supply member of the gas delivery system is not received in the access interface, wherein the second predetermined amount of flow resistance generates a second predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and the second predetermined maximum pressure is at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase.

15. The adapter of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein at least one of the one or more access apertures is configured such that, when the one or more insertion portions of the supply member are inserted into the one or more access apertures, the gap is smaller in size than a cross-sectional area of a corresponding insertion portion of the supply member of the gas delivery system.

16. The adapter of any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein a total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface is greater than a total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface.

17. The adapter of any one of claim 16, wherein the total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface is less than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber proximate the access interface.

18. The adapter of claim 16 or 17, wherein the total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface is less than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber proximate the coupling interface.

19. The adapter of claim 14, wherein a total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface is greater than the total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface by a predetermined amount so as to provide the second predetermined amount of flow resistance.

20. The adapter of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the adapter body comprises an access aperture adjuster for varying the total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface.

21. The adapter of claim 20, wherein the access aperture adjuster comprises a valve.

22. The adapter of any one of claims 10 to 21, wherein the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface lies in the same plane.

23. The adapter of any one of claims 2 to 4, 6 to 8, 12 to 14, wherein the first predetermined maximum pressure is positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).

24. The adapter of claim 23, wherein the PEEP is at least 1 cmH20 when flow is 50 L / min.

25. The adapter of any one of claims 10 to 24, wherein at least one of the one or more access apertures of the access interface has an elongated shape.

26. The adapter of claim 25, wherein the elongated shape has a narrower portion at a first end and a wider portion at a second end.

27. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the coupling interface comprises a single flow aperture.

28. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the access interface has an arrangement of two access apertures.

29. The adapter of claim 28, wherein the supply member of the airflow delivery system comprises two prongs, wherein the arrangement of the two access apertures of the access interface is configured to receive the two prongs of the supply member of the airflow delivery system, respectively.

30. The adapter of claim 29, wherein the supply member of the airflow delivery system is a nasal cannula having the two prongs.

31. The adapter of claim 27 or 28, wherein each access aperture is sized to receive a corresponding prong of the supply member of the airflow delivery system to define a predetermined gap around the corresponding prong for a given size of the corresponding prong.

32. The adapter of claim 31, wherein a combined area of the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access apertures of the airflow delivery interface forms the leak area that functions as the flow outlet.

33. The adapter of any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the arrangement of the two access apertures of the access interface lies in a same plane.

34. The adapter of claim 31 or 32, wherein at least one of the two access apertures is configured such that the predetermined gap is smaller than a cross-sectional area of a corresponding prong of the supply member of the gas delivery system when the two prongs of the supply member are inserted into the arrangement of the two access apertures.

35. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the adapter body has no additional access or outlet interfaces of the flow chamber other than the coupling interface and the access interface.

36. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the coupling interface and the hollow structure are configured to cause a drop in fluid velocity along a flow direction from the coupling interface into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure.

37. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein the access interface and the hollow structure are configured to cause a drop in fluid velocity along a flow direction from the access interface into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure.

38. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the access interface has an arrangement of a first access aperture and a second access aperture, wherein the first access aperture and the second access aperture have different sizes.

39. The adapter of claim 38, wherein a side of the adapter body having the access interface comprises an elongated face, wherein a common outer tangent line of the first access aperture and the second access aperture is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated face of the side of the adapter body.

40. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the supply member of the airflow delivery system comprises at least two prongs having different sizes.

41. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein the leakage region further functions as an exit port for a portion of the second gas stream that has entered the flow chamber and is forced out of the flow chamber by the first gas stream.

42. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein the adapter body has an arrangement by which the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed such that a central axis of the coupling interface and a central axis of the access interface do not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the first gas stream and the axis of the second gas stream not to coincide.

43. The adapter of claim 42 as dependent on claim 5, wherein the coupling interface comprises a flow aperture, wherein the central axis of the coupling interface passes through a center of the flow aperture of the coupling interface, wherein the central axis of the access interface passes through a center of the access aperture of the gas stream delivery interface.

44. The adapter of claim 42 as dependent on claim 10, wherein the central axis of the coupling interface passes through a center or a centroid of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface, wherein the central axis of the access interface passes through a center or a centroid of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface.

45. The adapter of any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein the adapter body has an arrangement by which the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are laterally offset, thereby causing the axis of the first gas stream and the axis of the second gas stream not to coincide.

46. The adapter of any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein the adapter body has an arrangement by which the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are angled relative to each other, thereby causing the axis of the first gas stream and the axis of the second gas stream not to coincide.

47. The adapter of any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein the adapter body has an arrangement by which the flow chamber is shaped, and the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed relative to the flow chamber such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface do not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the first gas stream and the axis of the second gas stream not to coincide.

48. The adapter of claim 47, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular shape, a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially quarter-circular shape, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially triangular shape, a substantially polygonal shape, a substantially annular shape, a substantially torus shape, a substantially arcuate shape, a substantially U-shape, or a substantially horseshoe shape.

49. The adapter of claim 47, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially spherical shape, a substantially semi-spherical shape, a substantially dome shape, a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially cuboid shape, a substantially funnel shape, a substantially truncated cone shape, a substantially trapezoidal shape, a substantially pyramidal shape, a substantially conical shape, a substantially prismatic shape, or a substantially toroidal shape.

50. The adapter of claim 47, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite end portions along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

51. The adapter of claim 47, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface is disposed at a first end portion along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access interface is disposed at a location along the diameter of the semi-circular shape that is offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

52. The adapter of claim 47, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface is disposed at a first end portion along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access interface is disposed at a location along the diameter of the semi-circular shape that is offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

53. The adapter of claim 47, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially triangular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite end portions along a same side of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

54. The adapter of claim 47, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially triangular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two different sides of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

55. The adapter of claim 47, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two substantially opposite segments of the circular shape, respectively.

56. The adapter of claim 55, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are substantially parallel with respect to each other.

57. The adapter of claim 55 or 56, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular inner wall disposed in the flow chamber in a substantially concentric manner with respect to the substantially circular shape of the flow chamber.

58. The adapter of claim 47, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially arcuate shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite ends of the arcuate shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface is offset toward an outer arc of the arcuate shape and the access interface is offset toward an inner arc of the arcuate shape.

59. The adapter of claim 58, wherein the flow chamber includes an inner curved wall disposed in the flow chamber substantially along a centerline of the arcuate shape of the flow chamber.

60. The adapter of claim 47, wherein the flow chamber has an elongated shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite ends of the elongated shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

61. The adapter of claim 47, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at the hollow structure in opposing manners, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are angled with respect to each other, thereby not coinciding.

62. The adapter of claim 47, wherein the flow chamber has a funnel shape, wherein the coupling interface is disposed at a spout portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber and the access interface is disposed at an inlet portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are laterally offset with respect to each other.

63. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 49, wherein the adapter body includes a flow directing arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

64. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein the adapter body includes a flow directing arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure, the flow directing arrangement at least partially defining a first flow path within the flow chamber and a second flow path within the flow chamber to direct the first gas stream and the second gas stream, respectively, such that the axis of the first gas stream and the axis of the second gas stream do not coincide at least when the first gas stream and the second gas stream meet or intersect.

65. The adapter of claim 64, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are defined by the relative arrangement of the flow directing arrangement, the coupling interface, and the access interface.

66. The adapter of claim 65, wherein the first flow path extends from the coupling interface to the flow directing arrangement, and the second flow path extends from the access interface to the flow directing arrangement.

67. The adapter of claim 65, wherein the first flow path extends between the coupling interface and the access interface, and the second flow path extends between the access interface and the coupling interface.

68. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein the adapter body comprises a flow directing arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure, wherein the adapter body has an arrangement whereby the flow directing arrangement, the coupling interface, and the access interface are arranged relative to one another to define a first flow path within the flow chamber and a second flow path within the flow chamber, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path do not coincide so that the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow do not coincide at least when the respective flow paths intersect or meet.

69. The adapter of any one of claims 64 to 68, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are defined to cross one another within the flow chamber such that the first gas flow along the first flow path via the coupling interface and the second gas flow along the second flow path via the access interface simultaneously interact with one another in a vortex or swirl formation.

70. The adapter of any one of claims 63 to 69, wherein the flow directing arrangement comprises at least an internal wall, baffle, or flow directing plate disposed within the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

71. The adapter of any one of claims 63 to 69, wherein the flow directing arrangement comprises one or more protrusions located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

72. The adapter of any one of claims 63 to 69, wherein the flow directing arrangement comprises one or more recesses located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

73. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 72, wherein the coupling interface comprises a surrounding wall extending from the hollow structure, the surrounding wall defining a hollow passage therein.

74. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 73, wherein the access interface comprises a surrounding wall extending from the hollow structure, the surrounding wall defining a hollow passage therein.

75. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 74, wherein the access interface comprises a flow regulating member disposed across an inflow path through the access interface.

76. The adapter of claim 75, wherein the flow regulating member comprises a mesh structure, a honeycomb structure, a porous structure, a web structure, a lattice structure, or a grid structure.

77. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 76, further comprising a retention arrangement disposed at the adapter body, wherein the retention arrangement is engageable with the supply member of the airflow delivery system introduced to the access interface so as to retain the supply member in place relative to the access interface.

78. The adapter of claim 77, wherein the retention arrangement comprises an alignment element for providing feedback as to whether the supply member is properly fitted.

79. The adapter of claim 77 or 78, wherein the retention arrangement comprises a strap, a rigid arm, a clip, a latch, a tie, a snap, a pin, a hook, a peg, an anchor, a loop, an adhesive, or a suction element.

80. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 79, wherein the axis of the first airflow and the axis of the second airflow do not coincide at least at or immediately prior to a point at which the first airflow and the second airflow merge or meet or interact or intersect within the flow chamber.

81. The adapter of claim 80, wherein the axis of the first airflow as it enters the flow chamber and the axis of the second airflow as it enters the flow chamber do not coincide relative to one another.

82. The adapter of claim 80 or 81, wherein the axis of the first airflow as it extends from the coupling interface into the flow chamber and the axis of the second airflow as it extends from the access interface into the flow chamber do not coincide relative to one another.

83. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 82, wherein each of the first airflow and the second airflow is linear or curved, wherein each of the axis of the first airflow and the axis of the second airflow is a projected axis, a centerline, or a tangent line of the respective flow.

84. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the access interface comprises an access aperture leading to the flow chamber, wherein the coupling interface comprises a flow aperture leading to the flow chamber, wherein an aperture axis of the access aperture and an aperture axis of the flow aperture do not coincide relative to one another so as to direct the first airflow into the flow chamber via the coupling interface and to direct the second airflow into the flow chamber via the access interface such that the axis of the first airflow and the axis of the second airflow do not coincide or become coincident within the flow chamber.

85. The adapter of any one of claims 1 to 84, wherein the adapter body has a first modular component and a second modular component removably coupled together to form the adapter body, wherein the first modular component comprises the access interface and the second modular component comprises the coupling interface.

86. A kit for connecting an airflow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the kit comprising an adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 85.

87. A kit for connecting a flow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the kit comprising: an adapter according to claim 85; and a further modular component having an access interface, wherein the access interface of the further modular component is different from the access interface of the first modular component, wherein the further modular component is interchangeable with the first modular component for removably coupling with the second modular component.

88. A kit for connecting a flow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the kit comprising: an adapter according to claim 85; and a further modular component having a coupling interface, wherein the coupling interface of the further modular component is different from the coupling interface of the second modular component, wherein the further modular component is interchangeable with the second modular component for removably coupling with the first modular component.

89. A system for providing respiratory support, the system comprising: an invasive airway device capable of maintaining an airway patency for a user; a flow delivery system capable of supplying a flow of gas; and an adapter connecting the flow delivery system to the invasive airway device, wherein the adapter comprises: an adapter body comprising: a hollow structure defining a flow chamber; a coupling interface configured to couple to the invasive airway device to fluidically connect the flow chamber and the invasive airway device; an access interface configured to receive a supply member of the flow delivery system therein, the supply member for supplying the flow of gas into the flow chamber, wherein the adapter body has an arrangement configured to direct an expiratory flow from the invasive airway device into the flow chamber via the coupling interface and to direct a flow of gas from the flow delivery system into the flow chamber via the access interface such that an axis of the expiratory flow and an axis of the flow of gas do not coincide or become coincident within the flow chamber to cause the expiratory flow and the flow of gas to gradually merge and avoid the expiratory flow and the flow of gas colliding in a substantially direct opposition, thereby avoiding a sudden pressure surge, wherein the access interface is configured to receive the supply member of the flow delivery system and to form a leakage region around the supply member in the access interface for use as a flow exit for gas out of the flow chamber.

90. The system according to claim 89, wherein for a given size of the supply member, the leakage region has a predetermined size to provide a first predetermined amount of flow resistance for a first reference flow rate through the leakage region to achieve a first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near an end of an expiratory phase.

91. The system according to claim 90, wherein the first predetermined maximum pressure occurs at the end of the expiratory phase when the flow rate of the first flow of gas is substantially zero.

92. The system of claim 90 or 91, wherein the access interface is configured to provide a second predetermined amount of flow resistance for a second reference flow rate when the access interface does not receive the supply member of the gas flow delivery system, wherein the second predetermined amount of flow resistance generates a second predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase.

93. The system of claim 89, wherein the access interface comprises an access aperture to the flow chamber, wherein the supply member is inserted into the access aperture and the leakage area is formed between a perimeter of the access aperture and an exterior of the supply member of the gas delivery system.

94. The system of claim 93, wherein the leakage area has a predetermined size for a given size of the supply member to provide a first predetermined amount of flow resistance for a first reference flow rate through the leakage area to achieve a first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase.

95. The system of claim 94, wherein the first predetermined maximum pressure occurs at the end of the expiratory phase when the flow rate of the first gas flow is substantially zero.

96. The system of claim 94 or 95, wherein the access aperture is configured to have a predetermined size to provide a second predetermined amount of flow resistance for a second reference flow rate when the access aperture does not receive the supply member of the gas delivery system, wherein the second predetermined amount of flow resistance generates a second predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase.

97. The system of any one of claims 93 to 96, wherein the access aperture is configured such that the size of the leakage area is less than a cross-sectional area of a corresponding portion of the supply member of the gas delivery system inserted into the access aperture.

98. The system of claim 89, wherein the coupling interface has an arrangement of one or more flow apertures to the flow chamber, wherein the access interface has an arrangement of one or more access apertures to the flow chamber.

99. The system of claim 98, wherein the supply member has one or more corresponding insertion portions, wherein the one or more corresponding insertion portions are respectively inserted into the one or more access apertures, one or more gaps are formed between the one or more corresponding insertion portions and the one or more access apertures, and the leakage area is a total area of the one or more gaps.

100. The system of claim 99, wherein the leakage area has a predetermined size for a given total size of the one or more insertion portions of the supply member to provide a first predetermined amount of flow resistance for a first reference flow rate through the leakage area to achieve a first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase.

101. The system of claim 100, wherein the first predetermined maximum pressure occurs at the end of the expiratory phase when the flow rate of the first gas stream is substantially zero.

102. The system of claim 100 or 101, wherein the one or more access holes are sized to provide a second predetermined amount of flow resistance for a second reference flow rate when the access interface does not receive the supply member of the gas delivery system, wherein the second predetermined amount of flow resistance achieves a second predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near the end of the expiratory phase.

103. The system of any one of claims 99 to 102, wherein at least one of the one or more access holes is configured such that the size of the gap is less than the cross-sectional area of the corresponding insertion portion of the supply member of the gas delivery system.

104. The system of any one of claims 98 to 103, wherein the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface is greater than the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface.

105. The system of claim 104, wherein the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface is less than the cross-sectional area of the flow chamber proximate the access interface.

106. The system of claim 104 or 105, wherein the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface is less than the cross-sectional area of the flow chamber proximate the access interface.

107. The system of claim 102, wherein the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface is greater than the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface by a predetermined amount so as to provide the second predetermined amount of flow resistance.

108. The system of any one of claims 104 to 107, wherein the adapter body comprises an access hole adjuster for varying the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface.

109. The system of claim 108, wherein the access hole adjuster comprises a valve.

110. The system of any one of claims 99 to 103 and 106, wherein the supply member is replaceable such that an insertion portion thereof having a different size of supply member can be swapped out and exchanged for insertion into the one or more access holes so as to vary the total area of the one or more gaps.

111. The system of any one of claims 90 to 92, 94 to 96, 100 to 102, wherein the first predetermined maximum pressure is positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).

112. The system of claim 111, wherein the PEEP is at least 1 cmH20 when the flow rate is 50 L / min.

113. The system of any one of claims 98-112, wherein at least one access aperture of the access interface has an elongated shape.

114. The system of claim 113, wherein the elongated shape has a narrower portion at a first end and a wider portion at a second end.

115. The system of any one of claims 89-112, wherein the coupling interface comprises a single flow aperture.

116. The system of any one of claims 89-113, wherein the access interface has an arrangement of two access apertures.

117. The system of claim 116, wherein the supply member of the airflow delivery system comprises two prongs, wherein the two prongs of the supply member of the airflow delivery system are inserted into the arrangement of the two access apertures of the access interface, respectively.

118. The system of claim 117, wherein the supply member of the airflow delivery system is a nasal prong having the two prongs.

119. The system of claim 117 or 118, wherein each access aperture and the corresponding prong of the supply member of the airflow delivery system are sized relative to each other such that each access aperture receives the corresponding prong of the supply member of the airflow delivery system to define a predetermined leakage area around the corresponding prong.

120. The system of claim 119, wherein a combined area of the predetermined leakage areas of the arrangement of the two access apertures of the airflow delivery interface forms the leakage area that functions as the flow outlet.

121. The system of any one of claims 117-120, wherein the two prongs of the supply member of the airflow delivery system have different sizes.

122. The system of any one of claims 116-120, wherein the arrangement of the two access apertures of the airflow delivery interface lies in the same plane.

123. The system of claim 119 or 120, wherein at least one of the two access apertures is configured such that the predetermined leakage area is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the corresponding prong of the supply member of the gas delivery system when the two prongs of the supply member are inserted into the arrangement of the two access apertures.

124. The system of any one of claims 89-123, wherein the adapter body does not have additional inlet or outlet interfaces of the flow chamber other than the coupling interface and the access interface.

125. The system of any one of claims 89-124, wherein the coupling interface and the hollow structure are configured to cause a drop in fluid velocity along a flow direction from the coupling interface into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure.

126. The system of any one of claims 89 to 125, wherein the access interface and the hollow structure are configured to cause a fluid velocity to drop along a direction of flow from the access interface into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure.

127. The system of any one of claims 89 to 126, wherein the access interface has an arrangement of a first access aperture and a second access aperture, wherein the first access aperture and the second access aperture have different sizes.

128. The system of claim 127, wherein a side of the adapter body having the access interface comprises an elongated face, wherein a common outer tangent line of the first access aperture and the second access aperture is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated face of the side of the adapter body.

129. The system of any one of claims 89 to 128, wherein the supply member of the gas flow delivery system comprises at least two posts having different sizes.

130. The system of any one of claims 89 to 129, wherein the leak region further functions as an exit for a portion of the gas flow that has entered the flow chamber and is forced out of the flow chamber by the exhalation flow.

131. The system of any one of claims 89 to 130, wherein the adapter body has an arrangement whereby the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed such that a central axis of the coupling interface and a central axis of the access interface do not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the exhalation flow and the axis of the gas flow to not coincide.

132. The system of claim 131 when dependent on claim 93, wherein the coupling interface comprises a flow aperture, wherein the central axis of the coupling interface passes through a center of the flow aperture of the coupling interface, wherein the central axis of the access interface passes through a center of the access aperture of the gas flow delivery interface.

133. The system of claim 131 when dependent on claim 98, wherein the central axis of the coupling interface passes through a center or a centroid of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface, wherein the central axis of the access interface passes through a center or a centroid of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface.

134. The system of any one of claims 131 to 133, wherein the adapter body has an arrangement whereby the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are laterally offset, thereby causing the axis of the exhalation flow and the axis of the gas flow to not coincide.

135. The system according to any one of claims 131 to 133, wherein the adapter body has an arrangement whereby the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are angled relative to each other, thereby causing the axis of the exhalation flow and the axis of the gas flow to not coincide.

136. The system according to any one of claims 131 to 133, wherein the adapter body has an arrangement whereby the flow chamber is shaped, and the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed relative to the flow chamber such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface do not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the exhalation flow and the axis of the gas flow to not coincide.

137. The system according to claim 136, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular shape, a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially quarter-circular shape, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially triangular shape, a substantially polygonal shape, a substantially annular shape, a substantially torus shape, a substantially arcuate shape, a substantially U-shape, or a substantially horseshoe shape.

138. The system according to claim 136, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially spherical shape, a substantially semi-spherical shape, a substantially dome shape, a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially cuboid shape, a substantially funnel shape, a substantially truncated cone shape, a substantially trapezoidal shape, a substantially pyramidal shape, a substantially conical shape, a substantially prismatic shape, or a substantially toric shape.

139. The system according to claim 136, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite end portions along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are not parallel relative to each other.

140. The system according to claim 136, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface is disposed at a first end portion along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access interface is disposed at a position along the diameter of the semi-circular shape that is offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are not parallel relative to each other.

141. The system of claim 136, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semicircular shape, wherein the coupling interface is disposed at a first end portion of a diameter of the semicircular shape, and the access interface is disposed at a location along the diameter of the semicircular shape offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

142. The system of claim 136, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially triangular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite end portions of a same side of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

143. The system of claim 136, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially triangular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two different sides of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

144. The system of claim 136, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite segments of the circular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

145. The system of claim 144, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular inner wall disposed in the flow chamber concentrically with respect to the circular shape of the flow chamber.

146. The system of claim 136, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially arcuate shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite ends of the arcuate shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface is offset toward an outer arc of the arcuate shape, and the access interface is offset toward an inner arc of the arcuate shape.

147. The system of claim 146, wherein the flow chamber includes an inner curved wall disposed substantially along a centerline of the arcuate shape of the flow chamber.

148. The system of claim 136, wherein the flow chamber has an elongated shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite ends of the elongated shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

149. The system of claim 136, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed in direct opposition at the hollow structure, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are angled relative to one another, thereby not coinciding.

150. The system of claim 136, wherein the flow chamber has a funnel shape, wherein the coupling interface is disposed at a spout portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber and the access interface is disposed at an inlet portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are laterally offset relative to one another.

151. The system of any one of claims 89 to 138, wherein the adapter body comprises a flow directing arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

152. The system of any one of claims 89 to 130, wherein the adapter body comprises a flow directing arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure, the flow directing arrangement at least partially defining a first flow path within the flow chamber and a second flow path within the flow chamber to direct the exhalation flow and the gas flow, respectively, such that the axis of the exhalation flow and the axis of the gas flow do not coincide at least when the exhalation flow and the gas flow meet or intersect.

153. The system of claim 152, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are defined by the relative disposition of the flow directing arrangement, the coupling interface, and the access interface.

154. The system of claim 153, wherein the first flow path extends from the coupling interface to the flow directing arrangement and the second flow path extends from the access interface to the flow directing arrangement.

155. The system of claim 153, wherein the first flow path extends between the coupling interface and the access interface and the second flow path extends between the access interface and the coupling interface.

156. The system of any one of claims 89 to 130, wherein the adapter body comprises a flow directing arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure, wherein the adapter body has an arrangement by which the flow directing arrangement, the coupling interface, and the access interface are disposed relative to one another to define a first flow path within the flow chamber and a second flow path within the flow chamber, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path do not coincide so as to cause the axis of the exhalation flow and the axis of the gas flow to not coincide at least when the respective flow paths intersect or meet.

157. The system of any one of claims 152 to 156, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are defined to cross one another within the flow chamber such that the expiratory flow along the first flow path via the coupling interface and the gas flow along the second flow path via the access interface simultaneously flow in a manner that interacts with one another in a vortex or swirl formation.

158. The system of any one of claims 151 to 157, wherein the flow directing arrangement comprises at least an internal wall, baffle, or flow guide disposed within the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

159. The system of any one of claims 151 to 157, wherein the flow directing arrangement comprises one or more protrusions located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

160. The system of any one of claims 151 to 157, wherein the flow directing arrangement comprises one or more recesses located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

161. The system of any one of claims 89 to 160, wherein the coupling interface comprises a surrounding wall extending from the hollow structure, the surrounding wall defining a hollow passageway therein.

162. The system of any one of claims 89 to 161, wherein the access interface comprises a surrounding wall extending from the hollow structure, the surrounding wall defining a hollow passageway therein.

163. The system of any one of claims 89 to 162, wherein the access interface comprises a flow regulating member disposed across an inflow path through the access interface.

164. The system of claim 163, wherein the flow regulating member comprises a mesh structure, a honeycomb structure, a porous structure, a web structure, a lattice structure, or a grid structure.

165. The system of any one of claims 89 to 164, the adapter further comprising a retention arrangement disposed at the adapter body, wherein the retention arrangement engages the supply member of the gas flow delivery system introduced to the access interface so as to retain the supply member in position relative to the access interface.

166. The system of any one of claims 89 to 164, the system further comprising a retention arrangement disposed at the adapter body, wherein the retention arrangement engages the supply member of the gas flow delivery system introduced to the access interface so as to retain the supply member in position relative to the access interface, wherein the adapter body has an arrangement by which the coupling interface, the access interface, and the retention arrangement are disposed such that the supply member of the gas flow delivery system retained in position relative to the access interface by the retention arrangement is disposed to direct the gas flow through the access interface to the flow chamber by which the axis of the gas flow and the axis of the expiratory flow do not coincide.

167. The system of claim 166, wherein the supply member of the airflow delivery system is introduced into the access interface and secured in place by the retention arrangement, wherein the flow axis of the supply member and the central axis of the coupling interface do not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the expiratory flow and the axis of the airflow to not coincide.

168. The system of claim 167, wherein the flow axis of the supply member and the central axis of the coupling interface are laterally offset from one another, thereby not coinciding.

169. The system of claim 168, wherein the flow axis of the supply member and the central axis of the coupling interface are angled relative to one another, thereby not coinciding.

170. The system of any one of claims 167 to 169 dependent on B5, wherein the central axis of the coupling interface passes through the center of the flow aperture of the coupling interface.

171. The system of any one of claims 167 to 169 dependent on B10, wherein the central axis of the coupling interface passes through the center or centroid of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface.

172. The system of any one of claims 165 to 171, wherein the retention arrangement comprises an alignment element for providing feedback as to whether the supply member is properly fitted.

173. The system of any one of claims 165 to 172, wherein the retention arrangement comprises a strap, a rigid arm, a clip, a latch, a tie, a snap, a pin, a hook, a peg, an anchor, a loop, an adhesive, or a suction element.

174. The system of any one of claims 89 to 173, wherein the supply member of the airflow delivery system comprises a nasal cannula.

175. The system of any one of claims 89 to 174, wherein the invasive airway device comprises an endotracheal tube, a tracheostomy tube, or a laryngeal mask airway.

176. The system of any one of claims 89 to 175, wherein the airflow delivery system comprises a nasal high flow therapy system.

177. The system of any one of claims 89 to 176, wherein the axis of the first airflow and the axis of the second airflow do not coincide at least at or immediately prior to the point at which the first airflow and the second airflow merge or meet or interact or intersect within the flow chamber.

178. The system of claim 177, wherein the axis of the first airflow as it enters the flow chamber and the axis of the second airflow as it enters the flow chamber do not coincide relative to one another.

179. The system of claim 177 or 178, wherein the axis of the first airflow as it extends from the coupling interface into the flow chamber and the axis of the second airflow as it extends from the access interface into the flow chamber do not coincide relative to one another.

180. The system of any one of claims 89-179, wherein each of the first gas flow and the second gas flow is linear or curved, wherein each of the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow is a projection axis, a centerline, or a tangent of the respective flow.

181. The system of any one of claims 89-92, wherein the access interface comprises an access aperture to the flow chamber, wherein the coupling interface comprises a flow aperture to the flow chamber, wherein an aperture axis of the access aperture and an aperture axis of the flow aperture do not coincide with respect to each other so as to direct the first gas flow into the flow chamber via the coupling interface and to direct the second gas flow into the flow chamber via the access interface such that the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow do not coincide or become non-coincident within the flow chamber.

182. The system of any one of claims 89-181, wherein the adapter body has a first modular component and a second modular component removably coupled together to form the adapter body, wherein the first modular component comprises the access interface and the second modular component comprises the coupling interface.

183. The system of claim 181, wherein the first modular component is interchangeable with another modular component to be removably coupled with the second modular component, wherein the other modular component has a different access interface than the access interface of the first modular component.

184. The system of claim 181, wherein the second modular component is interchangeable with another modular component to be removably coupled with the first modular component, wherein the other modular component has a different coupling interface than the coupling interface of the second modular component.

185. A method of managing a gas flow from a gas flow delivery system and an exhalation flow from an invasive patient airway device, the method comprising: directing, via an arrangement of an adapter, the gas flow from the gas flow delivery system and the exhalation flow from the invasive patient airway device into a flow chamber of the adapter such that an axis of the gas flow and an axis of the exhalation flow do not coincide within the flow chamber; releasing gas from the flow chamber via a leakage region, wherein the leakage region is located within an access interface of the adapter and surrounds a supply member of the gas flow delivery system received in the access interface, wherein the supply member of the gas flow delivery system supplies the gas flow into the flow chamber via the access interface, wherein the exhalation flow from the invasive patient airway device enters the flow chamber via a coupling interface of the adapter.

186. The method of claim 185, the method further comprising: providing, based on a predetermined size of the leakage region, a predetermined level of flow resistance for a predefined exhalation flow entering the flow chamber via the coupling interface.

187. The method of claim 185 or 186, wherein the adapter has an arrangement by which the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface do not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the gas flow and the axis of the exhalation flow to not coincide.

188. The method of claim 187, wherein the adapter has an arrangement by which the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are laterally offset, thereby causing the axis of the gas flow and the axis of the exhalation flow to not coincide.

189. The method of claim 187, wherein the adapter has an arrangement by which the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface are angled relative to one another, thereby causing the axis of the gas flow and the axis of the exhalation flow to not coincide.

190. The method of claim 187, wherein the adapter has an arrangement by which the flow chamber is shaped and the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed relative to the flow chamber such that the central axis of the coupling interface and the central axis of the access interface do not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the gas flow and the axis of the exhalation flow to not coincide.

191. The method of claim 185 or 186, wherein the adapter includes a flow directing arrangement associated with the flow chamber, wherein the adapter has an arrangement by which the flow directing arrangement, the coupling interface, and the access interface are disposed relative to one another to direct the exhalation flow along a first flow path within the flow chamber and to direct the gas flow along a second flow path within the flow chamber, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path do not coincide so as to cause the axis of the gas flow and the axis of the exhalation flow to not coincide at least when the respective gas flow paths intersect or meet.

192. The method of claim 191, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path cross one another within the flow chamber such that the exhalation flow flowing along the first flow path and the gas flow flowing along the second flow path interact with one another in a vortex or swirl forming manner.

193. The method of claim 185 or 186, wherein the adapter comprises a retention arrangement, wherein the retention arrangement engages with the supply member of the airflow delivery system introduced to the access interface so as to retain the supply member in place relative to the access interface, wherein the adapter has an arrangement by which the coupling interface, the access interface, and the retention arrangement are arranged such that the supply member of the airflow delivery system retained in place relative to the access interface by the retention arrangement is arranged to direct the airflow through the access interface to the flow chamber, whereby the axis of the airflow and the axis of the expiratory flow do not coincide.

194. A respiratory support assembly, the respiratory support assembly comprising: an assembly body, the assembly body comprising: a hollow structure defining a flow chamber; a coupling interface at the hollow structure, the coupling interface having an arrangement of one or more flow apertures to the flow chamber; an access interface at the hollow structure, the access interface for providing access to the flow chamber, the access interface having an arrangement of one or more access apertures to the flow chamber, wherein a central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface does not coincide with a central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface, wherein a total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface is greater than a predetermined portion of a total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface, wherein the predetermined portion of the total aperture area is unoccupied during use of the respiratory support assembly.

195. The respiratory support assembly of claim 194, wherein the total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface is less than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber immediately adjacent the access interface.

196. The respiratory support assembly of claim 194 or 195, wherein the total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface is less than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber immediately adjacent the coupling interface.

197. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 194 to 196, wherein the total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface is greater than the total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface by a predetermined amount so as to provide a predetermined amount of flow resistance for fluid flow entering the flow chamber via the coupling interface and exiting the flow chamber through the access interface.

198. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 194 to 197, wherein the coupling interface comprises a single flow aperture.

199. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 194 to 198, wherein the access interface has an arrangement of two access apertures.

200. The respiratory support assembly of claim 199, wherein the arrangement of the two access apertures of the access interface is configured to receive two prongs of a nasal cannula, respectively.

201. The respiratory support assembly of claim 200, wherein each access aperture is sized to receive a corresponding prong of the nasal cannula to define a predetermined gap around the corresponding prong for a given size of the corresponding prong.

202. The respiratory support assembly of claim 201, wherein a combined area of the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access apertures of the access interface is to provide a predetermined amount of elevated flow resistance for gas exiting the flow chamber through the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access apertures of the access interface when the nasal cannula is inserted in the arrangement of the two access apertures of the access interface, wherein the gas includes a first airflow into the flow chamber via the coupling interface and a second airflow into the flow chamber via the nasal cannula through the access interface, wherein the predetermined portion of the total aperture area of the arrangement of the two access apertures is the combined area of the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access apertures.

203. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 194 to 202, wherein the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface is located in a same plane.

204. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 194 to 203, wherein the assembly body has no additional inlet or outlet interfaces of the flow chamber other than the coupling interface and the access interface.

205. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 194 to 204, wherein the coupling interface and the hollow structure are configured to cause a drop in fluid velocity along a flow direction into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure from the coupling interface.

206. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 194 to 205, wherein the access interface and the hollow structure are configured to cause a drop in fluid velocity along a flow direction into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure from the access interface.

207. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 194 to 206, wherein the access interface has an arrangement of a first access aperture and a second access aperture, wherein the first access aperture and the second access aperture have different sizes.

208. The respiratory support assembly of claim 207, wherein a side of the hollow structure of the assembly body having the access interface includes an elongated face, wherein a common circumscribed line of the first access aperture and the second access aperture is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated face of the side of the hollow structure of the assembly body.

209. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 194 to 208, wherein the assembly body includes an access aperture adjuster to vary the total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface.

210. The respiratory support assembly of claim 209, wherein the access port regulator comprises a valve.

211. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 94 to 210, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at the hollow structure such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access ports of the access interface are laterally offset from one another, thereby not coinciding.

212. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 94 to 210, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at the hollow structure such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access ports of the access interface are angled relative to one another, thereby not coinciding.

213. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 94 to 210, wherein the flow chamber is shaped, and the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed relative to the flow chamber such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access ports of the access interface do not coincide.

214. The respiratory support assembly of claim 213, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular shape, a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially quarter-circular shape, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially triangular shape, a substantially polygonal shape, a substantially annular shape, a substantially torus shape, a substantially arcuate shape, a substantially U-shape, or a substantially horseshoe shape.

215. The respiratory support assembly of claim 213, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially spherical shape, a substantially semi-spherical shape, a substantially dome shape, a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially cuboid shape, a substantially funnel shape, a substantially truncated cone shape, a substantially trapezoidal shape, a substantially pyramidal shape, a substantially conical shape, a substantially prismatic shape, or a substantially toric shape.

216. The respiratory support assembly of claim 213, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite end portions along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access ports of the access interface are not parallel relative to one another.

217. The respiratory support assembly of claim 213, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface is disposed at a first end portion of a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access interface is disposed at a location along the diameter of the semi-circular shape offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

218. The respiratory support assembly of claim 213, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface is disposed at a first end portion of a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access interface is disposed at a location along the diameter of the semi-circular shape offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

219. The respiratory support assembly of claim 213, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially triangular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite end portions of a same side of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

220. The respiratory support assembly of claim 213, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially triangular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two different sides of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

221. The respiratory support assembly of claim 213, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite segments of the circular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

222. The respiratory support assembly of claim 221, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular inner wall disposed in the flow chamber in a substantially concentric manner relative to the circular shape of the flow chamber.

223. The respiratory support assembly of claim 213, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially arcuate shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite ends of the arcuate shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface is offset toward an outer arc of the arcuate shape and the access interface is offset toward an inner arc of the arcuate shape.

224. The respiratory support assembly of claim 223, wherein the flow chamber includes an inner curved wall disposed in the flow chamber along a centerline of the arcuate shape of the flow chamber.

225. The respiratory support assembly of claim 213, wherein the flow chamber has an elongated shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite ends of the elongated shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are parallel relative to each other.

226. The respiratory support assembly of claim 213, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed in a directly opposite manner at the hollow structure, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are angled relative to each other, thereby not coinciding.

227. The respiratory support assembly of claim 213, wherein the flow chamber has a funnel shape, wherein the coupling interface is disposed at a spout portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber and the access interface is disposed at an inlet portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are laterally offset relative to each other.

228. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 94 to 215, wherein the assembly body includes a flow directing arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

229. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 94 to 215, wherein the assembly body comprises a flow directing arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure, wherein the flow directing arrangement, the coupling interface, and the access interface of the assembly body are disposed relative to one another to define a first flow path within the flow chamber and a second flow path within the flow chamber, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path do not coincide so that the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow do not coincide at least when the respective flow paths intersect or meet.

230. The respiratory support assembly of claim 229, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are defined to cross one another within the flow chamber so that a first gas flow along the first flow path via the coupling interface and a second gas flow along the second flow path simultaneously via the access interface interact with one another in a vortex or swirl formation.

231. The respiratory support assembly of claim 229 or 230, wherein the flow directing arrangement comprises at least an internal wall, baffle, or flow directing plate disposed within the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

232. The respiratory support assembly of claim 229 or 230, wherein the flow directing arrangement comprises one or more protrusions located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

233. The respiratory support assembly of claim 229 or 230, wherein the flow directing arrangement comprises one or more recesses located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

234. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 94 to 233, wherein the access interface comprises a flow regulating member disposed across the arrangement of one or more access apertures.

235. The respiratory support assembly of claim 234, wherein the flow regulating member comprises a mesh structure, a honeycomb structure, a porous structure, a web structure, a lattice structure, or a grid structure.

236. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 94 to 235, further comprising a retention arrangement engageable with a supply member of a gas flow delivery system introduced to the access interface so as to retain the supply member in position relative to the access interface.

237. The respiratory support assembly of claim 236, wherein the retention arrangement comprises an alignment element to provide feedback as to whether the supply member is correctly fitted.

238. The respiratory support assembly of claim 236 or 237, wherein the retention arrangement comprises a strap, a rigid arm, a clip, a latch, a tie, a snap, a pin, a hook, a peg, an anchor, a loop, an adhesive, or a suction element.

239. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 194 to 238, wherein the assembly body has a first modular component and a second modular component that are removably coupled together to form the assembly body, wherein the first modular component comprises the access interface and the second modular component comprises the coupling interface.

240. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 194 to 239, wherein at least one access aperture of the access interface has an elongated shape.

241. The respiratory support assembly of claim 240, wherein the elongated shape has a narrower portion at a first end and a wider portion at a second end.

242. A kit for connecting a gas flow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the kit comprising a respiratory support assembly according to any one of claims 194 to 241 for connecting the invasive airway device to the gas flow delivery system.

243. A kit for connecting a gas flow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the kit comprising: a respiratory support assembly according to claim 239 for connecting the invasive airway device to the gas flow delivery system; and another modular component having an access interface, wherein the access interface of the other modular component is different from the access interface of the first modular component, wherein the other modular component is interchangeable with the first modular component for removably coupling with the second modular component.

244. A kit for connecting a gas flow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the kit comprising: a respiratory support assembly according to claim 239 for connecting the invasive airway device to the gas flow delivery system; and another modular component having a coupling interface, wherein the coupling interface of the other modular component is different from the coupling interface of the second modular component, wherein the other modular component is interchangeable with the second modular component for removably coupling with the first modular component.

245. An adapter, the adapter comprising: a hollow structure defining a flow chamber; a flow aperture to the flow chamber; and an access aperture to the flow chamber for receiving a supply member of a gas delivery system, wherein (A) the flow aperture and the access aperture are disposed relative to one another; and / or (B) the adapter further comprises one or more internal flow-directing elements for: guiding a first gas flow into the flow chamber via the flow aperture and guiding a second gas flow into the flow chamber via the access aperture such that an axis of the first gas flow and an axis of the second gas flow do not coincide or become non-coincident within the flow chamber to cause the first gas flow and the second gas flow to gradually merge and to avoid the first gas flow and the second gas flow colliding in a substantially directly opposite manner, thereby avoiding a sudden pressure spike, wherein the access aperture is configured to form a predetermined leakage area between a periphery of the access aperture and an exterior of the supply member of the gas delivery system when the supply member of the gas delivery system is inserted into the access aperture, the supply member having a given size, the predetermined leakage area serving as a flow outlet for gas out of the flow chamber, wherein the predetermined leakage area has a predetermined size so as to provide a first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near an end of an expiratory phase when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and the second gas flow is a flow supplied by the supply member of the gas delivery system, wherein the access aperture has a predetermined size so as to provide a predetermined level of flow resistance for the first gas flow into the flow chamber via the flow aperture when the access aperture does not receive the supply member of the gas delivery system, wherein the predetermined level of flow resistance generates a second predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near an end of an expiratory phase when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and the flow chamber is free of the second gas flow supplied into the flow chamber.

246. The adapter of claim 245, wherein the access aperture is configured such that the predetermined size of the predetermined leakage area is less than a cross-sectional area of a corresponding portion of the supply member of the gas delivery system inserted into the access aperture.

247. The adapter of claim 245 or 246, wherein an aperture area of the flow aperture is greater than an aperture area of the access aperture.

248. The adapter of claim 247, wherein the aperture area of the flow aperture is less than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber proximate the flow aperture.

249. The adapter of claim 247 or 248, wherein the aperture area of the access aperture is less than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber proximate the flow aperture.

250. The adapter of claim 247, wherein the aperture area of the flow aperture is greater than the aperture area of the access aperture by a predetermined amount so as to provide the second predetermined maximum pressure.

251. The adapter of any one of claims 247 to 250, further comprising an access aperture regulator for varying the aperture area of the access aperture.

252. The adapter of claim 251, wherein the access aperture regulator comprises a valve.

253. The adapter of any one of claims 245 to 252, wherein the first predetermined maximum pressure is a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).

254. The adapter of claim 253, wherein the PEEP is at least 1 cmH20 when the flow is 50 liters / minute.

255. The adapter of any one of claims 245 to 254, wherein the adapter has no additional inlet or outlet holes for the flow chamber other than the flow hole and the access hole.

256. The adapter of any one of claims 245 to 255, wherein the flow hole and the access hole are disposed such that a central axis of the flow hole and a central axis of the access hole do not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow not to coincide.

257. The adapter of claim 256, wherein the central axis of the flow hole and the central axis of the access hole are laterally offset from one another, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow not to coincide.

258. The adapter of claim 256, wherein the central axis of the flow hole and the central axis of the access hole are angled relative to one another, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow not to coincide.

259. The adapter of any one of claims 245 to 255, wherein the flow chamber is shaped and the flow hole and the access hole are disposed such that a central axis of the flow hole and a central axis of the access hole do not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow not to coincide.

260. The adapter of claim 259, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular shape, a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially quarter-circular shape, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially triangular shape, a substantially polygonal shape, a substantially annular shape, a substantially torus shape, a substantially arcuate shape, a substantially U-shape, or a substantially horseshoe shape.

261. The adapter of claim 259, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially spherical shape, a substantially semi-spherical shape, a substantially dome shape, a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially cuboid shape, a substantially funnel shape, a substantially truncated cone shape, a substantially trapezoidal shape, a substantially pyramidal shape, a substantially conical shape, a substantially prismatic shape, or a substantially toric shape.

262. The adapter of claim 259, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the flow hole and the access hole are disposed at two opposite end portions along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, respectively, wherein the flow hole and the access hole are oriented such that the central axis of the flow hole and the central axis of the access hole are not parallel relative to one another.

263. The adapter of claim 259, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the flow aperture is disposed at a first end portion of a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access aperture is disposed at a location along the diameter of the semi-circular shape offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture are oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the access aperture are not parallel with respect to each other.

264. The adapter of claim 259, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the flow aperture is disposed at a first end portion of a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access aperture is disposed at a location along the diameter of the semi-circular shape offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture are oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the access aperture are parallel with respect to each other.

265. The adapter of claim 259, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially triangular shape, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture are disposed at two opposite end portions of a same side of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture are oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the access aperture are not parallel with respect to each other.

266. The adapter of claim 259, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially triangular shape, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture are disposed at two different sides of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture are oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the access aperture are not parallel with respect to each other.

267. The adapter of claim 259, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular shape, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture are disposed at two substantially opposite segments of the circular shape, respectively.

268. The adapter of claim 267, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture are oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the access aperture are parallel with respect to each other.

269. The adapter of claim 267 or 268, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular inner wall disposed in the flow chamber in a substantially concentric manner with respect to the circular shape of the flow chamber.

270. The adapter of claim 259, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially arcuate shape, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture are disposed at two opposite ends of the arcuate shape, respectively, wherein the flow aperture is offset toward an outer arc of the arcuate shape, and the access aperture is offset toward an inner arc of the arcuate shape.

271. The adapter of claim 270, wherein the flow chamber comprises an inner curved wall disposed in the flow chamber substantially along a centerline of the arcuate shape of the flow chamber.

272. The adapter of claim 259, wherein the flow chamber has an elongated shape, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture are disposed at two opposite ends of the elongated shape, respectively, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture are oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the access aperture are parallel with respect to each other.

273. The adapter of claim 259, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture are disposed in directly opposing manners at the hollow structure, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture are oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the access aperture are angled with respect to each other, thereby not coinciding.

274. The adapter of claim 259, wherein the flow chamber has a funnel shape, wherein the flow aperture is disposed at a spout portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber and the access aperture is disposed at an inlet portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber, wherein the flow aperture and the access aperture are oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the access aperture are laterally offset with respect to each other.

275. The adapter of any one of claims 245 to 274, wherein the one or more flow directing elements, the flow aperture, and the access aperture are disposed with respect to each other to define a first flow path within the flow chamber and a second flow path within the flow chamber, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path do not coincide, such that the axis of the first gas stream and the axis of the second gas stream do not coincide at least when the respective flow paths intersect or meet.

276. The adapter of claim 275, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are defined to cross each other within the flow chamber, such that the first gas stream flowing along the first flow path via the flow aperture and the second gas stream simultaneously flowing along the second flow path via the access aperture interact with each other in a vortex or swirl formation manner.

277. The adapter of claim 275 or 276, wherein the flow directing elements comprise at least an inner wall, a baffle, or a deflector disposed within the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

278. The adapter of claim 275 or 276, wherein the flow directing elements comprise one or more protrusions in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

279. The adapter of claim 275 or 276, wherein the flow directing elements comprise one or more recesses in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

280. The adapter of any one of claims 245 to 279, further comprising a flow regulating member disposed across an inflow path through the access aperture.

281. The adapter of claim 280, wherein the flow regulating member comprises a grid structure, a honeycomb structure, a porous structure, a mesh structure, a lattice structure, or a grating structure.

282. The adapter of any one of claims 245 to 281, further comprising a retention arrangement disposed at the hollow structure, wherein the retention arrangement is engageable with the supply member of the air flow delivery system introduced to the access aperture so as to retain the supply member in place relative to the access aperture.

283. The adapter of claim 282, wherein the retention arrangement comprises an alignment element for providing feedback as to whether the supply member is properly fitted.

284. The adapter of claim 282 or 283, wherein the retention arrangement comprises a strap, a rigid arm, a clip, a latch, a tie, a snap, a pin, a hook, a peg, an anchor, a loop, an adhesive, or a suction element.

285. The adapter of any one of claims 245 to 284, wherein the hollow structure has a first modular section and a second modular section removably coupled together to form the hollow structure, wherein the access aperture is located at the first modular section of the hollow structure and the flow aperture is located at the second modular section of the hollow structure.

286. The adapter of any one of claims 245 to 285, wherein at least one access aperture of the access interface has an elongated shape.

287. The adapter of claim 286, wherein the elongated shape has a narrower portion at a first end and a wider portion at a second end.

288. A kit for connecting an air flow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the kit comprising an adapter according to any one of claims 245 to 287 for connecting the invasive airway device to the air flow delivery system.

289. A kit for connecting an air flow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the kit comprising: an adapter according to claim 285 for connecting the invasive airway device to the air flow delivery system; and another modular component having an access aperture, wherein the access aperture of the other modular component is different from the access aperture of the first modular section of the hollow structure, wherein the other modular component is interchangeable with the first modular section of the hollow structure so as to be removably coupled with the second modular section of the hollow structure.

290. A kit for connecting an air flow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the kit comprising: an adapter according to claim 285 for connecting the invasive airway device to the air flow delivery system; and another modular component having a flow aperture, wherein the flow aperture of the other modular component is different from the flow aperture of the second modular section of the hollow structure, wherein the other modular component is interchangeable with the second modular section of the hollow structure so as to be removably coupled with the first modular section of the hollow structure. wherein the flow hole of the other modular component is different from the flow hole of the second modular section of the hollow structure, wherein the other modular component is interchangeable with the second modular section of the hollow structure so as to be removably coupled with the first modular section of the hollow structure.

291. An adapter comprising: a hollow structure defining a flow chamber; a flow hole leading to the flow chamber; and an arrangement of two access holes leading to the flow chamber, the arrangement of two access holes being for two insertion portions of a supply member of a gas delivery system, respectively, wherein (A) the flow hole and the arrangement of two access holes are disposed relative to each other; and / or (B) the adapter further comprises one or more internal flow guiding elements for: guiding a first gas flow into the flow chamber via the flow hole and guiding a second gas flow into the flow chamber via the arrangement of two access holes such that an axis of the first gas flow and an axis of the second gas flow do not coincide or become non-coincident within the flow chamber to cause the first gas flow and the second gas flow to gradually merge and avoid the first gas flow and the second gas flow colliding in a substantially directly opposite manner, thereby avoiding a sudden pressure spike, wherein each of the two access holes is configured to form a predetermined gap between a periphery of the access hole and an exterior of the corresponding insertion portion of the supply member of the gas delivery system when the respective insertion portion of the supply member of the gas delivery system is inserted into the respective access hole, each of the insertion portions of the supply member having a given size, wherein a combined area of the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of two access holes forms a predetermined leakage area which serves as a flow outlet for gas out of the flow chamber, wherein the predetermined leakage area has a predetermined size so as to provide a first predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near an end of an expiratory phase when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and the second gas flow is a flow supplied by the supply member of the gas delivery system, wherein the two access holes have a predetermined size so as to provide a predetermined level of flow resistance for the first gas flow into the flow chamber via the flow hole when the corresponding insertion portions of the supply member of the gas delivery system are not received in the two access holes, wherein the predetermined level of flow resistance generates a second predetermined maximum pressure within the flow chamber at least at or near an end of an expiratory phase when the first gas flow is an expiratory flow and there is no supply of the second gas flow into the flow chamber in the flow chamber.

292. The adapter of claim 291, wherein at least one of the two access holes is configured such that the predetermined gap is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the corresponding insertion portion of the supply member of the gas delivery system inserted into the access hole.

293. The adapter of claim 291 or 292, wherein a hole area of the flow hole is larger than a total hole area of the two access holes.

294. The adapter of claim 293, wherein the orifice area of the flow orifice is less than the cross-sectional area of the flow chamber immediately adjacent to the flow orifice.

295. The adapter of claim 293 or 294, wherein the total orifice area of the two access orifices is less than the cross-sectional area of the flow chamber immediately adjacent to the flow orifice.

296. The adapter of claim 293, wherein the orifice area of the flow orifice is greater than the total orifice area of the two access orifices by a predetermined amount so as to provide the second predetermined maximum pressure.

297. The adapter of any one of claims 293 to 296, further comprising an access orifice regulator for varying the total orifice area of the two access orifices.

298. The adapter of claim 297, wherein the access orifice regulator comprises a valve.

299. The adapter of any one of claims 291 to 298, wherein the first predetermined maximum pressure is positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).

300. The adapter of claim 299, wherein the PEEP is at least 1 cm H20 when the flow rate is 50 L / min.

301. The adapter of any one of claims 291 to 300, wherein the adapter has no additional inlet or outlet orifices for the flow chamber other than the arrangement of the flow orifice and the two access orifices.

302. The adapter of any one of claims 291 to 301, wherein the arrangement of the flow orifice and the two access orifices is disposed such that a central axis of the flow orifice and a central axis of the arrangement of the two access orifices do not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow to not coincide.

303. The adapter of claim 302, wherein the central axis of the arrangement of the two access orifices passes through a center or centroid of the arrangement of the two access orifices.

304. The adapter of claim 302 or 303, wherein the central axis of the flow orifice and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access orifices are laterally offset from each other, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow to not coincide.

305. The adapter of claim 302, wherein the central axis of the flow orifice and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access orifices are angled relative to each other, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow to not coincide.

306. The adapter of any one of claims 291 to 301, wherein the flow chamber is shaped and the arrangement of the flow orifice and the two access orifices is disposed such that the central axis of the flow orifice and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access orifices do not coincide, thereby causing the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow to not coincide.

307. The adapter of claim 306, wherein the central axis of the arrangement of the two access apertures passes through a center or a centroid of the arrangement of the two access apertures.

308. The adapter of claim 306 or 307, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular shape, a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially quarter-circular shape, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially triangular shape, a substantially polygonal shape, a substantially annular shape, a substantially torus shape, a substantially arcuate shape, a substantially U-shape, or a substantially horseshoe shape.

309. The adapter of claim 306 or 307, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially spherical shape, a substantially semi-spherical shape, a substantially dome shape, a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially cuboid shape, a substantially funnel shape, a substantially truncated cone shape, a substantially trapezoidal shape, a substantially pyramidal shape, a substantially conical shape, a substantially prismatic shape, or a substantially toric shape.

310. The adapter of claim 306 or 307, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of the two access apertures are disposed at two opposite end portions along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, respectively, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of the two access apertures are oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access apertures are not parallel with respect to each other.

311. The adapter of claim 306 or 307, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the flow aperture is disposed at a first end portion along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the arrangement of the two access apertures is disposed at a position along the diameter of the semi-circular shape that is offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of the two access apertures are oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access apertures are not parallel with respect to each other.

312. The adapter of claim 306 or 307, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the flow aperture is disposed at a first end portion along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the arrangement of the two access apertures is disposed at a position along the diameter of the semi-circular shape that is offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of the two access apertures are oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access apertures are parallel with respect to each other.

313. The adapter of claim 306 or 307, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially triangular shape, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of two access apertures are disposed at two opposite end portions along a same side of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of two access apertures are oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axes of the arrangement of two access apertures are not parallel with respect to each other.

314. The adapter of claim 306 or 307, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially triangular shape, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of two access apertures are disposed at two different sides of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of two access apertures are oriented such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axes of the arrangement of two access apertures are not parallel with respect to each other.

315. The adapter of claim 306 or 307, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular shape, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of two access apertures are disposed at two substantially opposite segments of the circular shape, respectively.

316. The adapter of claim 315, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of two access apertures are oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axes of the arrangement of two access apertures are parallel with respect to each other.

317. The adapter of claim 315 or 316, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular inner wall disposed in the flow chamber in a substantially concentric manner with respect to the circular shape of the flow chamber.

318. The adapter of claim 316 or 317, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially arcuate shape, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of two access apertures are disposed at two opposite ends of the arcuate shape, respectively, wherein the flow aperture is offset toward an outer arc of the arcuate shape and the arrangement of two access apertures is offset toward an inner arc of the arcuate shape.

319. The adapter of claim 318, wherein the flow chamber comprises an inner curved wall disposed in the flow chamber substantially along a centerline of the arcuate shape of the flow chamber.

320. The adapter of claim 306 or 307, wherein the flow chamber has an elongated shape, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of two access apertures are disposed at two opposite ends of the elongated shape, respectively, wherein the flow aperture and the arrangement of two access apertures are oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the flow aperture and the central axes of the arrangement of two access apertures are parallel with respect to each other.

321. The adapter of claim 306 or 307, wherein the arrangement of the flow bore and the two access bores are disposed at the hollow structure in a directly opposing manner, wherein the arrangement of the flow bore and the two access bores are oriented such that the central axis of the flow bore and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access bores are angled relative to each other, thereby not coinciding.

322. The adapter of claim 306 or 307, wherein the flow chamber has a funnel shape, wherein the flow bore is disposed at a spout portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber and the arrangement of the two access bores is disposed at an inlet portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber, wherein the flow bore and the arrangement of the two access bores are oriented such that the central axis of the flow bore and the central axis of the arrangement of the two access bores are laterally offset relative to each other.

323. The adapter of any one of claims 291 to 322, wherein the one or more flow directing elements, the flow bore, and the arrangement of the two access bores are disposed relative to each other to define a first flow path within the flow chamber and a second flow path within the flow chamber, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path do not coincide, such that the axis of the first gas stream and the axis of the second gas stream do not coincide at least when the respective gas paths intersect or meet.

324. The adapter of claim 323, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are defined to cross each other within the flow chamber, such that the first gas stream flowing along the first flow path via the flow bore and the second gas stream flowing along the second flow path via the arrangement of the two access bores simultaneously interact with each other in a vortex or swirl formation.

325. The adapter of claim 323 or 324, wherein the flow directing elements comprise at least an inner wall, a baffle, or a deflector disposed within the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

326. The adapter of claim 323 or 324, wherein the flow directing elements comprise one or more protrusions located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

327. The adapter of claim 323 or 324, wherein the flow directing elements comprise one or more recesses located in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

328. The adapter of any one of claims 291 to 325, further comprising a flow regulating member disposed across an inflow path through the arrangement of the two access bores.

329. The adapter of claim 328, wherein the flow regulating member comprises a mesh structure, a honeycomb structure, a porous structure, a web structure, a lattice structure, or a grid structure.

330. The adapter of any one of claims 291 to 329, further comprising a retention arrangement disposed at the hollow structure, wherein the retention arrangement is engageable with the supply member of the airflow delivery system introduced to the arrangement of two access holes so as to retain the supply member in place relative to the arrangement of two access holes.

331. The adapter of claim 330, wherein the retention arrangement comprises an alignment element for providing feedback as to whether the supply member is properly fitted.

332. The adapter of claim 330 or 331, wherein the retention arrangement comprises a strap, a rigid arm, a clip, a latch, a tie, a snap, a pin, a hook, a peg, an anchor, a loop, an adhesive, or a suction element.

333. The adapter of any one of claims 291 to 332, wherein the hollow structure has a first modular section and a second modular section removably coupled together to form the hollow structure, wherein the arrangement of two access holes is located at the first modular section of the hollow structure and the flow hole is located at the second modular section of the hollow structure.

334. The adapter of any one of claims 291 to 333, wherein at least one of the two access holes has an elongated shape.

335. The adapter of claim 334, wherein the elongated shape has a narrower portion at a first end and a wider portion at a second end.

336. The adapter of any one of claims 291 to 335, wherein a side of the hollow structure having the two access holes comprises an elongated face, wherein a common circumscribed line of the two access holes is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated face of the side of the hollow structure.

337. A kit for connecting an airflow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the kit comprising a respiratory support assembly according to any one of claims 291 to 336 for connecting the invasive airway device to the airflow delivery system.

338. A kit for connecting an airflow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the kit comprising: a respiratory support assembly according to claim 333 for connecting the invasive airway device to the airflow delivery system; and another modular component having an arrangement of two access holes, wherein the arrangement of two access holes of the other modular component is different from the arrangement of two access holes of the first modular section of the hollow structure, wherein the other modular component is interchangeable with the first modular section of the hollow structure so as to be removably coupled with the second modular section of the hollow structure.

339. A kit for connecting an airflow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the kit comprising: ​ The respiratory support assembly of claim 333 for connecting the invasive airway device to the airflow delivery system; and a further modular component having a flow aperture, wherein the flow aperture of the further modular component is different from the flow aperture of the second modular section of the hollow structure, wherein the further modular component is interchangeable with the second modular section of the hollow structure for removably coupling with the first modular section of the hollow structure.

340. A respiratory support assembly comprising: an assembly body comprising: a hollow structure defining a flow chamber; a coupling interface at the hollow structure having an arrangement of one or more flow apertures to the flow chamber; an access interface at the hollow structure for providing access to the flow chamber, the access interface having an arrangement of one or more access apertures to the flow chamber, wherein a bore axis of each of the one or more flow apertures and a bore axis of each of the one or more access apertures do not coincide. wherein a total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface is greater than a predetermined portion of a total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface, wherein the predetermined portion of the total aperture area is unoccupied during use of the respiratory support assembly.

341. The respiratory support assembly of claim 340, wherein the total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface is less than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber immediately adjacent the access interface.

342. The respiratory support assembly of claim 340 or 341, wherein the total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface is less than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber immediately adjacent the coupling interface.

343. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 340 to 342, wherein the total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface is greater than the total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface by a predetermined amount so as to provide a predetermined amount of flow resistance for fluid flow entering the flow chamber via the coupling interface and exiting the flow chamber through the access interface.

344. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 340 to 343, wherein the coupling interface comprises a single flow aperture.

345. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 340 to 344, wherein the access interface has an arrangement of two access apertures.

346. The respiratory support assembly of claim 345, wherein the arrangement of the two access apertures of the access interface is configured to respectively receive two prongs of a nasal cannula.

347. The respiratory support assembly of claim 346, wherein each access aperture is sized to receive a corresponding prong of the nasal cannula to define a predetermined gap around the corresponding prong for a given size of the corresponding prong.

348. The respiratory support assembly of claim 347, wherein a combined area of the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access apertures of the access interface is to provide a predetermined amount of elevated flow resistance for gas exiting the flow chamber through the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access apertures of the access interface when the nasal cannula is inserted in the arrangement of the two access apertures of the access interface, wherein the gas includes a first airflow into the flow chamber via the coupling interface and a second airflow into the flow chamber via the access interface of the nasal cannula, wherein the predetermined portion of the total aperture area of the arrangement of the two access apertures is the combined area of the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access apertures.

349. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 340 to 348, wherein the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface is located in a same plane.

350. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 340 to 349, wherein the assembly body has no additional inlet or outlet interfaces of the flow chamber other than the coupling interface and the access interface.

351. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 340 to 350, wherein the coupling interface and the hollow structure are structured to cause a drop in fluid velocity along a flow direction into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure from the coupling interface.

352. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 340 to 351, wherein the access interface and the hollow structure are structured to cause a drop in fluid velocity along a flow direction into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure from the access interface.

353. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 340 to 352, wherein the access interface has an arrangement of a first access aperture and a second access aperture, wherein the first access aperture and the second access aperture have different sizes.

354. The respiratory support assembly of claim 353, wherein a side of the assembly body having the access interface includes an elongated face, wherein a common outer tangent line of the first access aperture and the second access aperture is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated face of the side of the assembly body.

355. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 340 to 354, wherein the assembly body includes an access aperture adjuster to vary the total aperture area of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface.

356. The respiratory support assembly of claim 355, wherein the access aperture adjuster includes a valve.

357. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 340 to 356, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at the hollow structure such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are laterally offset from one another, thereby not coinciding.

358. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 340 to 356, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at the hollow structure such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are angled relative to one another, thereby not coinciding.

359. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 340 to 356, wherein the flow chamber is shaped and the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed relative to the flow chamber such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface do not coincide.

360. The respiratory support assembly of claim 359, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular shape, a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially quarter-circular shape, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially triangular shape, a substantially polygonal shape, a substantially annular shape, a substantially torus shape, a substantially arcuate shape, a substantially U-shape, or a substantially horseshoe shape.

361. The respiratory support assembly of claim 359, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially spherical shape, a substantially semi-spherical shape, a substantially dome shape, a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially cuboid shape, a substantially funnel shape, a substantially truncated cone shape, a substantially trapezoidal shape, a substantially pyramidal shape, a substantially conical shape, a substantially prismatic shape, or a substantially toric shape.

362. The respiratory support assembly of claim 359, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposing end portions along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are not parallel relative to one another.

363. The respiratory support assembly of claim 359, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface is disposed at a first end portion of a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access interface is disposed at a location along the diameter of the semi-circular shape offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

364. The respiratory support assembly of claim 359, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface is disposed at a first end portion of a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access interface is disposed at a location along the diameter of the semi-circular shape offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

365. The respiratory support assembly of claim 359, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially triangular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite end portions of a same side of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

366. The respiratory support assembly of claim 359, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially triangular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two different sides of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

367. The respiratory support assembly of claim 359, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite segments of the circular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented in opposite directions such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

368. The respiratory support assembly of claim 367, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular inner wall disposed in the flow chamber in a substantially concentric manner relative to the circular shape of the flow chamber.

369. The respiratory support assembly of claim 359, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially arcuate shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite ends of the arcuate shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface is offset toward an outer arc of the arcuate shape and the access interface is offset toward an inner arc of the arcuate shape.

370. The respiratory support assembly of claim 369, wherein the flow chamber includes an inner curved wall disposed in the flow chamber along a centerline of the arcuate shape of the flow chamber.

371. The respiratory support assembly of claim 359, wherein the flow chamber has an elongated shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite ends of the elongated shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented in opposite directions such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are parallel relative to each other.

372. The respiratory support assembly of claim 359, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed in a directly opposite manner at the hollow structure, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are angled relative to each other, thereby not coinciding.

373. The respiratory support assembly of claim 359, wherein the flow chamber has a funnel shape, wherein the coupling interface is disposed at a spout portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber and the access interface is disposed at an inlet portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the bore axis of each of the one or more flow bores of the coupling interface and the bore axis of each of the one or more access bores of the access interface are laterally offset relative to each other.

374. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 340 to 361, wherein the assembly body includes a flow directing arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

375. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 340 to 361, wherein the assembly body comprises a flow directing arrangement associated with the flow chamber of the hollow structure, wherein the flow directing arrangement, the coupling interface, and the access interface of the assembly body are disposed relative to one another to define a first flow path within the flow chamber and a second flow path within the flow chamber, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path do not coincide so that the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow do not coincide at least when the respective flow paths intersect or meet.

376. The respiratory support assembly of claim 375, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are defined to cross one another within the flow chamber so that a first gas flow along the first flow path via the coupling interface and a second gas flow along the second flow path simultaneously via the access interface interact with one another in a vortex or swirl formation.

377. The respiratory support assembly of claim 375 or 376, wherein the flow directing arrangement comprises at least an inner wall, baffle, or flow directing plate disposed within the flow chamber of the hollow structure.

378. The respiratory support assembly of claim 375 or 376, wherein the flow directing arrangement comprises one or more protrusions in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

379. The respiratory support assembly of claim 375 or 376, wherein the flow directing arrangement comprises one or more recesses in one or more walls of the hollow structure.

380. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 340 to 379, wherein the access interface comprises a flow regulating member disposed across the arrangement of one or more access apertures.

381. The respiratory support assembly of claim 380, wherein the flow regulating member comprises a mesh structure, a honeycomb structure, a porous structure, a web structure, a lattice structure, or a grid structure.

382. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 340 to 381, further comprising a retention arrangement engageable with a supply member of a gas flow delivery system introduced to the access interface so as to retain the supply member in position relative to the access interface.

383. The respiratory support assembly of claim 382, wherein the retention arrangement comprises an alignment element to provide feedback as to whether the supply member is correctly fitted.

384. The respiratory support assembly of claim 382 or 383, wherein the retention arrangement comprises a strap, a rigid arm, a clip, a latch, a tie, a snap, a pin, a hook, a peg, an anchor, a loop, an adhesive, or a suction element.

385. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 340 to 384, wherein the assembly body has a first modular component and a second modular component removably coupled together to form the assembly body, wherein the first modular component comprises the access interface and the second modular component comprises the coupling interface.

386. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 340 to 385, wherein at least one access aperture of the access interface has an elongated shape.

387. The respiratory support assembly of claim 386, wherein the elongated shape has a narrower portion at a first end and a wider portion at a second end.

388. A kit for connecting a gas flow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the kit comprising a respiratory support assembly according to any one of claims 340 to 387 for connecting the invasive airway device to the gas flow delivery system.

389. A kit for connecting a gas flow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the kit comprising: a respiratory support assembly according to claim 385 for connecting the invasive airway device to the gas flow delivery system; and another modular component having an access interface, wherein the access interface of the other modular component is different from the access interface of the first modular component, wherein the other modular component is interchangeable with the first modular component for removably coupling with the second modular component.

390. A kit for connecting a gas flow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the kit comprising: a respiratory support assembly according to claim 385 for connecting the invasive airway device to the gas flow delivery system; and another modular component having a coupling interface, wherein the coupling interface of the other modular component is different from the coupling interface of the second modular component, wherein the other modular component is interchangeable with the second modular component for removably coupling with the first modular component.

391. A respiratory support assembly comprising: an assembly body comprising: a hollow structure defining a flow chamber; a coupling interface at the hollow structure, the coupling interface having an arrangement of one or more flow apertures to the flow chamber; an access interface at the hollow structure for providing access to the flow chamber, the access interface having an arrangement of one or more access apertures to the flow chamber, wherein the flow chamber comprises a flow directing arrangement comprising at least one of an inner wall, a baffle, a flow directing plate, a cutout, and / or a protrusion, wherein the flow chamber comprises a flow directing arrangement comprising at least one of an inner wall, a baffle, a flow directing plate, a cutout, and / or a protrusion, ​ wherein a total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface is greater than an effective portion of a total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface, wherein the predetermined portion of the total hole area is unoccupied during use of the respiratory support assembly.

392. The respiratory support assembly of claim 391, wherein the flow directing arrangement is located substantially between at least one flow hole and at least one access hole.

393. The respiratory support assembly of claim 392, wherein the flow directing arrangement is configured to block a straight line path extending between the at least one flow hole and the at least one access hole.

394. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 391 to 393, wherein the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface is less than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber proximate the access interface.

395. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 391 to 394, wherein the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface is less than a cross-sectional area of the flow chamber proximate the coupling interface.

396. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 391 to 395, wherein the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more flow holes of the coupling interface is greater than the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface by a predetermined amount so as to provide a predetermined amount of flow resistance to fluid flow entering the flow chamber via the coupling interface and exiting the flow chamber through the access interface.

397. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 391 to 396, wherein the coupling interface comprises a single flow hole.

398. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 391 to 397, wherein the access interface has an arrangement of two access holes.

399. The respiratory support assembly of claim 398, wherein the arrangement of the two access holes of the access interface is configured to receive two prongs of a nasal cannula, respectively.

400. The respiratory support assembly of claim 399, wherein each access hole is sized to receive a corresponding prong of the nasal cannula to define a predetermined clearance around the corresponding prong for a given size of the corresponding prong.

401. The respiratory support assembly of claim 400, wherein a combined area of the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access holes of the access interface is to provide a predetermined amount of elevated flow resistance for gas exiting the flow chamber through the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access holes of the access interface when the nasal cannula is inserted in the arrangement of the two access holes of the access interface, wherein the gas includes a first airflow into the flow chamber via the coupling interface and a second airflow into the flow chamber via the access interface of the nasal cannula, wherein the predetermined portion of the total hole area of the arrangement of the two access holes is the combined area of the predetermined gaps of the arrangement of the two access holes.

402. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 391 to 401, wherein the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the access interface is located in a same plane.

403. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 391 to 402, wherein the assembly body has no additional inlet or outlet interfaces of the flow chamber other than the coupling interface and the access interface.

404. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 391 to 403, wherein the coupling interface and the hollow structure are configured to cause a drop in fluid velocity along a flow direction from the coupling interface into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure.

405. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 391 to 404, wherein the access interface and the hollow structure are configured to cause a drop in fluid velocity along a flow direction from the access interface into the flow chamber defined by the hollow structure.

406. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 391 to 405, wherein the access interface has an arrangement of a first access hole and a second access hole, wherein the first access hole and the second access hole have different sizes.

407. The respiratory support assembly of claim 406, wherein a side of the assembly body having the access interface includes an elongated face, wherein a common outer tangent line of the first access hole and the second access hole is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated face of the side of the assembly body.

408. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 391 to 407, wherein the assembly body includes an access hole adjuster to vary the total hole area of the arrangement of the one or more access holes of the chamber access interface.

409. The respiratory support assembly of claim 408, wherein the access hole adjuster includes a valve.

410. The respiratory support assembly of any one of Claims 391 to 409, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at the hollow structure such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are laterally offset from one another, thereby not coinciding.

411. The respiratory support assembly of any one of Claims 391 to 409, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at the hollow structure such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are angled relative to one another, thereby not coinciding.

412. The respiratory support assembly of any one of Claims 391 to 409, wherein the flow chamber is shaped and the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed relative to the flow chamber such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface do not coincide.

413. The respiratory support assembly of Claim 411, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular shape, a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially quarter-circular shape, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially triangular shape, a substantially polygonal shape, a substantially annular shape, a substantially torus shape, a substantially arcuate shape, a substantially U-shape, or a substantially horseshoe shape.

414. The respiratory support assembly of Claim 412, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially spherical shape, a substantially semi-spherical shape, a substantially dome shape, a substantially cylindrical shape, a substantially cuboid shape, a substantially funnel shape, a substantially truncated cone shape, a substantially trapezoidal shape, a substantially pyramidal shape, a substantially conical shape, a substantially prismatic shape, or a substantially toric shape.

415. The respiratory support assembly of Claim 412, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposing end portions along a diameter of the semi-circular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are not parallel relative to one another.

416. The respiratory support assembly of claim 412, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface is disposed at a first end portion of a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access interface is disposed at a location along the diameter of the semi-circular shape offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

417. The respiratory support assembly of claim 412, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially semi-circular shape, wherein the coupling interface is disposed at a first end portion of a diameter of the semi-circular shape, and the access interface is disposed at a location along the diameter of the semi-circular shape offset from a second end portion toward the first end portion, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

418. The respiratory support assembly of claim 412, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially triangular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite end portions of a same side of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

419. The respiratory support assembly of claim 412, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially triangular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two different sides of the triangular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are not parallel with respect to each other.

420. The respiratory support assembly of claim 412, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite segments of the circular shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are parallel with respect to each other.

421. The respiratory support assembly of claim 420, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially circular inner wall serving as the flow directing arrangement, the circular inner wall being disposed in the flow chamber in a substantially concentric manner relative to the circular shape of the flow chamber.

422. The respiratory support assembly of claim 412, wherein the flow chamber has a substantially arcuate shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite ends of the arcuate shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface is offset toward an outer arc of the arcuate shape and the access interface is offset toward an inner arc of the arcuate shape.

423. The respiratory support assembly of claim 422, wherein the flow chamber includes an inner curved wall serving as the flow directing arrangement, the inner curved wall being disposed in the flow chamber along a centerline of the arcuate shape of the flow chamber.

424. The respiratory support assembly of claim 412, wherein the flow chamber has an elongated shape, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed at two opposite ends of the elongated shape, respectively, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented in opposite directions such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are parallel relative to each other.

425. The respiratory support assembly of claim 412, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are disposed in a directly opposite manner at the hollow structure, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are angled relative to each other, thereby not coinciding.

426. The respiratory support assembly of claim 412, wherein the flow chamber has a funnel shape, wherein the coupling interface is disposed at a spout portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber and the access interface is disposed at an inlet portion of the funnel shape of the flow chamber, wherein the coupling interface and the access interface are oriented such that the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more flow apertures of the coupling interface and the central axis of the arrangement of the one or more access apertures of the access interface are laterally offset relative to each other.

427. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 391 to 214, wherein the flow directing arrangement, the coupling interface, and the access interface of the assembly body are disposed relative to each other to define a first flow path within the flow chamber and a second flow path within the flow chamber, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path do not coincide so as to not coincide the axis of the first gas flow and the axis of the second gas flow at least when the respective flow paths intersect or meet.

428. The respiratory support assembly of claim 427, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path are defined to cross one another within the flow chamber such that a first gas flow along the first flow path via the coupling interface and a second gas flow along the second flow path via the access interface simultaneously interact with one another in a vortex or swirl formed manner.

429. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 391 to 428, wherein the access interface comprises a flow regulation member disposed across the arrangement of one or more access apertures.

430. The respiratory support assembly of claim 429, wherein the flow regulation member comprises a mesh structure, a honeycomb structure, a porous structure, a web structure, a lattice structure, or a grating structure.

431. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 391 to 430, further comprising a retention arrangement engageable with a supply member of a gas flow delivery system introduced to the access interface so as to retain the supply member in position relative to the access interface.

432. The respiratory support assembly of claim 431, wherein the retention arrangement comprises an alignment element for providing feedback as to whether the supply member is correctly fitted.

433. The respiratory support assembly of claim 431 or 432, wherein the retention arrangement comprises a strap, a rigid arm, a clip, a latch, a tie, a snap, a pin, a hook, a peg, an anchor, a loop, an adhesive, or a suction element.

434. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 391 to 433, wherein the assembly body has a first modular component and a second modular component removably coupled together to form the assembly body, wherein the first modular component comprises the access interface and the second modular component comprises the coupling interface.

435. The respiratory support assembly of any one of claims 391 to 434, wherein at least one access aperture of the access interface has an elongate shape.

436. The respiratory support assembly of claim 435, wherein the elongate shape has a narrower portion at a first end and a wider portion at a second end.

437. A kit for connecting a gas flow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the kit comprising a respiratory support assembly according to any one of claims 391 to 436 for connecting the invasive airway device to the gas flow delivery system.

438. A kit for connecting a gas flow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the kit comprising: a respiratory support assembly according to claim 434 for connecting the invasive airway device to the gas flow delivery system; and another modular component having an access interface, ​ wherein the access interface of the other modular component is different from the access interface of the first modular component, wherein the other modular component is interchangeable with the first modular component for removably coupling with the second modular component.

439. A kit for connecting a flow delivery system to an invasive airway device, the kit comprising: a respiratory support assembly according to 434 for connecting the invasive airway device to the flow delivery system; and another modular component having a coupling interface, wherein the coupling interface of the other modular component is different from the coupling interface of the second modular component, wherein the other modular component is interchangeable with the second modular component for removably coupling with the first modular component.

440. A method of assessing whether a patient is ready to transition from an invasive respiratory therapy to a high flow therapy, the method comprising: providing the high flow therapy via a supply member of a flow delivery system through an adapter or a respiratory support assembly to an invasive airway device, the adapter or the respiratory support assembly being connected to the invasive airway device via a coupling interface of the adapter or the respiratory support assembly, and the supply member being connected to the adapter or the respiratory support assembly via an access interface of the adapter or the respiratory support assembly; monitoring at least one parameter of the patient; determining whether the at least one parameter of the patient is within an acceptable or expected range for assessing whether the patient is ready to transition from an invasive respiratory therapy to a high flow therapy.

441. The method of claim 440, wherein the at least one parameter of the patient comprises one or a combination of any two or more of: an airway pressure, a respiratory rate, a tidal volume, a minute ventilation, a respiratory gas parameter (e.g., fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)), a blood gas parameter (e.g., oxygen saturation (SpO2)), or a heart rate.

442. The method of claim 440 or 441, further comprising: determining whether the patient is ready to transition from an invasive respiratory therapy to a high flow therapy based on determining that the at least one parameter of the patient is within the acceptable or expected range.

443. The method of claim 442, further comprising transitioning the patient to the high flow therapy by continuing the high flow therapy via the supply member through the adapter or the respiratory support assembly into the invasive airway device, or placing the supply member of the flow delivery system on the patient’s face for providing the high flow therapy to the patient via the patient’s nose and / or mouth.

444. The method of any one of claims 440-443, wherein the adapter is according to any one of 1-81, or the respiratory support assembly is according to any one of 194-237 or 340-383 or 391-432.

445. The method of any one of claims 440-443, wherein the adapter is according to any one of 245-284 or 291-332, whereby the flow hole of the adapter functions as the coupling interface and the access hole of the adapter functions as the access interface.

446. The method of any one of claims 440-445, further comprising: obtaining a baseline measurement of the at least one parameter of the patient prior to connecting the adapter or the respiratory support component to the invasive airway device.

447. The method of any one of claims 440-446, wherein a tee connector is connected between the invasive airway device and the coupling interface of the adapter or the respiratory support component, whereby a first port of the tee connector is connected to the invasive airway device and a second port of the tee connector is connected to the coupling interface.

448. The method of claim 447, wherein a pressure line is connected to a third port of the tee connector to measure pressure.

449. The method of claim 447 or 448, wherein the tee connector is a T-piece.

450. The method of any one of claims 440-449, wherein the flow delivery system provides high flow therapy at a flow rate range of about 5 LPM to about 150 LPM, or about 10 LPM to about 120 LPM, or about 15 LPM to about 95 LPM, or about 20 LPM to about 90 LPM, or about 20 LPM to about 70 LPM, or about 25 LPM to about 85 LPM, or about 30 LPM to about 80 LPM, or about 35 LPM to about 75 LPM, or about 40 LPM to about 70 LPM, or about 45 LPM to about 65 LPM, or about 50 LPM to about 60 LPM.

451. The method of any one of claims 440-450, wherein providing the high flow therapy comprises: gradually increasing the flow rate in accordance with a series of predetermined flow rate levels, wherein a predetermined acceptable or expected range of the at least one parameter of the patient is associated with each predetermined flow rate level.

452. The method of claim 451, wherein a supplemental therapy is correspondingly gradually increased to supplement the gradually increasing the flow rate in accordance with the series of predetermined flow rate levels.

453. The method of claim 452, wherein the supplemental therapy comprises supplemental oxygen therapy.

454. The method of any one of claims 440-450, wherein the high flow therapy comprises providing humidified gas.

455. The method of claim 454, wherein the humidified gas is provided via a humidifier of the flow delivery system, the humidifier being located downstream of a flow generator of the flow delivery system.

456. The method of claim 443, wherein transitioning the patient to the high flow therapy by continuing the high flow therapy via the supply member through the adapter or the breathing support assembly into the invasive airway device comprises: inputting a final therapy setting into the flow delivery system to continue providing the high flow therapy to the patient via the adapter or the respiratory support component.

457. The method of claim 443, wherein transitioning the patient to the high flow therapy by placing the supply member of the flow delivery system on the patient's face comprises: inputting a final therapy setting into the flow delivery system to provide the high flow therapy to the patient via the supply member.

458. The method of any one of claims 440-457, wherein the invasive airway device comprises an endotracheal tube, a tracheostomy tube, or a laryngeal mask airway.

459. The method of any one of claims 440-458, wherein the supply member of the flow delivery system comprises a nasal cannula.

460. The method of claim 459, wherein the nasal cannula is an asymmetric cannula.

461. The method of claim 460, wherein the nasal cannula comprises an asymmetric nasal delivery element.

462. A method of switching between a respiratory therapy via an invasive airway device and a non-invasive respiratory therapy for a patient using a supply member of a flow delivery system, the method comprising: providing a flow of gas via the invasive airway device with the supply member of the flow delivery system through an adapter or a breathing support assembly connected to the invasive airway device, the adapter or the breathing support assembly being connected to the invasive airway device via a coupling interface of the adapter or the breathing support assembly, and the supply member being connected to the adapter or the breathing support assembly via an access interface of the adapter or the breathing support assembly; and transitioning to the non-invasive respiratory therapy by disconnecting the supply member of the flow delivery system from the adapter or the breathing support assembly and placing the supply member of the flow delivery system on the patient’s face so as to provide the non-invasive respiratory therapy to the patient via the patient’s nose and / or mouth when the patient is assessed to be ready to transition to the non-invasive respiratory therapy.

463. The method of claim 462, wherein the respiratory therapy via the invasive airway device comprises high flow therapy via the invasive airway device, and the non-invasive respiratory therapy comprises nasal high flow therapy.

464. The method of claim 462, wherein the respiratory therapy via the invasive airway device comprises invasive respiratory therapy, and the non-invasive respiratory therapy comprises nasal high flow therapy. transitioning from the invasive respiratory therapy to high flow therapy via the invasive airway device, and subsequently transitioning from the high flow therapy via the invasive airway device to nasal high flow therapy based on a determination that the patient is ready to transition to the nasal high flow therapy, the determination that the patient is ready to transition to the nasal high flow therapy being achieved based on a determination that at least one parameter of the patient is within an acceptable or expected range while the patient is receiving high flow therapy via the invasive airway device.

465. The method of claim 464, wherein transitioning to the noninvasive respiratory therapy comprises:

466. The method of claim 465, wherein the at least one parameter of the patient comprises one or a combination of any two or more of: an airway pressure, a respiratory rate, a tidal volume, a minute ventilation, a respiratory gas parameter (e.g., an inspired oxygen fraction (FiO2)), a blood gas parameter (e.g., an oxygen saturation (SpO2)), or a heart rate. ​ 467. The method of any one of claims 462-467, further comprising: inputting a final therapy setting into the airflow delivery system to provide the noninvasive respiratory therapy to the patient upon transitioning to the noninvasive respiratory therapy.

468. The method according to any one of claims 462 to 468, the method further comprising transitioning from the noninvasive respiratory therapy to the respiratory therapy via the invasive airway device by removing the supply member of the airflow delivery system from the patient’s face and connecting the supply member of the airflow delivery system to the access interface of the adapter or the respiratory support assembly when the patient is assessed as being difficult to accommodate the noninvasive respiratory therapy.

469. The method according to any one of claims 462 to 468, wherein the airflow is at a flow rate ranging from about 5 LPM to about 150 LPM, or from about 10 LPM to about 120 LPM, or from about 15 LPM to about 95 LPM, or from about 20 LPM to about 90 LPM, or from about 20 LPM to about 70 LPM, or from about 25 LPM to about 85 LPM, or from about 30 LPM to about 80 LPM, or from about 35 LPM to about 75 LPM, or from about 40 LPM to about 70 LPM, or from about 45 LPM to about 65 LPM, or from about 50 LPM to about 60 LPM.

470. The method according to any one of claims 462 to 469, wherein humidified gas is provided by the airflow delivery system through the supply member.

471. The method according to claim 470, wherein the humidified gas is provided via a humidifier of the airflow delivery system, the humidifier being downstream of a flow generator of the airflow delivery system.

472. The method according to any one of claims 462 to 471, wherein the adapter is according to any one of claims 1 to 81, or the respiratory support assembly is according to any one of claims 194 to 241 or 340 to 387 or 391 to 436.

473. The method according to any one of claims 462 to 471, wherein the adapter is according to any one of claims 245 to 287 or 291 to 336, whereby the flow hole of the adapter functions as the coupling interface and the access hole of the adapter functions as the access interface.

474. The method according to any one of claims 462 to 473, wherein the invasive airway device comprises an endotracheal tube, a tracheostomy tube, or a laryngeal mask airway.

475. The method according to any one of claims 462 to 474, wherein the supply member of the airflow delivery system comprises a nasal cannula.

476. The method according to claim 475, wherein the nasal cannula is an asymmetric cannula.

477. A respiratory assistance apparatus for delivering a respiratory therapy, the respiratory assistance apparatus comprising: a flow generator; a humidifier in fluid communication with the flow generator; a heater arrangement associated with the humidifier; and and a controller configured to control the breathing assistance apparatus, wherein the breathing assistance apparatus is selectively operable between a plurality of therapy modes, the plurality of therapy modes comprising at least a first therapy mode and a second therapy mode, wherein, in the first therapy mode, the controller is configured to receive an input variable corresponding to a desired value of a variable humidity parameter, and the controller is configured to control the flow generator, the humidifier, and / or the heater arrangement to generate a flow of gas based on the input variable corresponding to the desired value of the variable humidity parameter, wherein, in the second therapy mode, the controller is configured to control the flow generator, the humidifier, and / or the heater arrangement to generate a flow of gas based on a non-adjustable preset value of a humidity parameter.

478. The breathing assistance apparatus of claim 477, wherein in the first therapy mode, the controller is configured to receive a selection of a flow from a first range of flows, and to control the flow generator based on the selection, wherein, in the second therapy mode, the controller is configured to receive a selection of a flow from a second range of flows, and to control the flow generator based on the selection, wherein the second range of flows is a subset of the first range of flows.

479. The breathing assistance apparatus of claim 477 or 478, further comprising a user interface associated with the controller, wherein the user interface is configured to provide a therapy mode selector for selecting a therapy mode from the plurality of therapy modes for operating the breathing assistance apparatus in the therapy mode.

480. The breathing assistance apparatus of claim 479, wherein the user interface comprises a display, wherein the plurality of therapy modes are presented in the display as options for selection by a user as the therapy mode selector.

481. The breathing assistance apparatus of claim 480, wherein the first therapy mode and the second therapy mode are presented in the display as alternative options under the same menu.

482. The breathing assistance apparatus of claim 480, wherein the second therapy mode is presented in the display as an option in a sub-menu under the first therapy mode.

483. The breathing assistance apparatus of claim 479 wherein, in the first therapy mode, the user interface is configured to provide an input interface for inputting the input variable to the controller.

484. The breathing assistance apparatus of claim 479 when dependent on claim 478, wherein, in the first therapy mode, the user interface is configured to provide a flow input interface for inputting the flow from the first range of flows to the controller, wherein, in the second therapy mode, the user interface is configured to provide a flow input interface for inputting the flow from the second range of flows to the controller.

485. The respiratory assistance apparatus of any one of claims 477 to 484, further comprising a gas flow outlet, wherein the gas flow outlet outlet is configured to be coupled to an inhalation conduit that is directly connectable to an invasive airway device.

486. A gas flow delivery system for connection to an invasive airway device, the gas flow delivery system comprising: a respiratory assistance apparatus according to any one of claims 477 to 484, wherein the respiratory assistance apparatus further comprises a gas flow outlet; and an inhalation conduit, wherein a first end of the inhalation conduit is coupled to the gas flow outlet of the respiratory assistance apparatus, and a second end of the inhalation conduit is configured to be directly connected to the invasive airway device.

487. The respiratory assistance apparatus of any one of claims 477 to 486, wherein the respiratory assistance apparatus further comprises a gas flow outlet, and wherein the gas flow outlet outlet is configured to be coupled to an inhalation conduit that is directly connectable to an invasive airway device.

488. The respiratory assistance apparatus of any one of claims 477 to 486, wherein the respiratory assistance apparatus further comprises a gas flow outlet, and wherein the gas flow outlet outlet is configured to be coupled to an inhalation conduit that is directly connectable to an invasive airway device.

489. The respiratory assistance apparatus of any one of claims 477 to 486, wherein the respiratory assistance apparatus further comprises a gas flow outlet, and wherein the gas flow outlet outlet is configured to be coupled to an inhalation conduit that is directly connectable to an invasive airway device.

490. The respiratory assistance apparatus of any one of claims 477 to 486, wherein the respiratory assistance apparatus further comprises a gas flow outlet, and wherein the gas flow outlet outlet is configured to be coupled to an inhalation conduit that is directly connectable to an invasive airway device.

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