Patient interface

Abstract

A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a main body, a nasal plug including a base, an inlet at the base, a tip, and a wall extending between the base and the tip, the wall defining a nasal plug lumen in fluid communication with the inlet between the two, wherein an outer surface of the wall defines an exterior of the nasal plug, the nasal plug extending from the main body, and a vent extending through the wall of the nasal plug and at least partially longitudinally between the inlet base and the tip of the nasal plug.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates in general to a patient interface for providing breathable gases to a patient. Background Technology

[0002] Assisted breathing systems are used to assist a patient's breathing for a variety of reasons. For example, the patient may have a medical condition or be recovering from one. Breathing assistance can be provided during or after a medical procedure, or otherwise delivered to individuals who may require respiratory support. In assisted breathing, breathing gas is supplied to the patient through a breathing tube. Exhaled gas from the patient can be delivered and / or expelled into the patient's surrounding environment through a similar breathing tube. Gas is typically administered to the patient through a patient interface, which may also include a shorter, dedicated breathing tube to couple the patient interface to the breathing tube.

[0003] For example, patient interfaces such as nasal connectors can be used to deliver a flow of gas to a patient. Nasal delivery elements or nasal plugs can be inserted into a patient's nose to deliver the desired therapy in a non-sealed manner (i.e., a gap is formed between at least a portion of the nasal plug and the inside of the nostril).

[0004] In non-sealed therapy systems, improving the consistency and / or predictability of the pressure delivered to the patient may be beneficial. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a nasal cannula for delivering breathable gas to a patient, the nasal cannula comprising: a body; a nasal plug including a base, an inlet at the base, an end, and a wall extending between the base and the end, the wall defining a nasal plug lumen in fluid communication with the inlet, the nasal plug extending from the body; and an airway extending through the wall of the nasal plug and at least partially longitudinally located between the base and the end of the nasal plug.

[0006] In some examples, the vent extends as an orifice through the wall of the nasal plug, allowing fluid communication between the nasal plug lumen and the outside of the nasal plug.

[0007] In some examples, the airway includes: a distal end, which is closest to the base of the nasal plug; a proximal end, which is closest to the end of the nasal plug; an airway length, which is defined as the distance between the proximal end and the distal end of the airway; and an airway width between a first side and a second side of the airway.

[0008] In some examples, the nasal plug includes a length that lies between the base and the end of the nasal plug.

[0009] In some examples, the length of the vent is configured to be between approximately 5% and approximately 80% of the length of the nasal plug.

[0010] In some examples, the width of the vent includes a length ranging from about 1% to about 80% of the circumference of the nasal plug.

[0011] In some examples, the sweep angle of the vent is between about 5 degrees and about 180 degrees.

[0012] In some examples, the sweep angle of the vent extends across approximately 1% to approximately 80% of the circumference of the nasal plug.

[0013] In some examples, the ratio of the area of ​​the airway to the surface area of ​​the nasal plug wall includes between about 1:20 and about 3:5, or between about 1:15 and about 3:5, or between about 1:10 and about 3:5, or between about 1:8 and about 3:5, or between about 1:6 and about 3:5, or between about 1:4 and about 3:5, or between about 1:3 and about 3:5.

[0014] In some examples, at least a portion of the vent is positioned at a distance from the base, which is approximately 5% to approximately 95% of the length of the nasal plug.

[0015] In some examples, at least a portion of the airway is positioned at a distance from the end of the nasal plug, the distance being approximately 5% to approximately 95% of the length of the nasal plug.

[0016] In some examples, the nasal plug is configured such that, when in use, the proportion of the length of the airway located inside the patient's nostril is greater than about 5% of the length of the airway, or the proportion of the length of the airway located outside the patient's nostril is less than about 95% of the length of the airway.

[0017] In some examples, the nasal plug is configured such that at least a portion of the airway is disposed at a distance from the end of the nasal plug, the distance being about 5% to about 95% of the length of the nasal plug, or between about 10% and about 90%, or between about 10% and about 80%, or between about 10% and about 70%, or between about 10% and about 60%, or between about 10% and about 50%, or between about 10% and about 40%, or between about 10% and about 30%, or between about 10% and about 20%.

[0018] In some examples, the nasal plug is configured such that at least a portion of the airway is disposed at a distance from the entrance of the nasal plug, the distance being about 5% to about 95% of the length of the nasal plug, or between about 10% and about 90%, or between about 10% and about 80%, or between about 10% and about 70%, or between about 10% and about 60%, or between about 10% and about 50%, or between about 10% and about 40%, or between about 10% and about 30%, or between about 10% and about 20%.

[0019] In some examples, the nasal plug is configured such that, when in use, the proportion of the length of the airway located inside the patient's nostril is between about 5% and about 95% of the length of the airway, or between about 10% and about 90%, or between about 10% and about 80%, or between about 10% and about 70%, or between about 10% and about 60%, or between about 10% and about 50%, or between about 10% and about 40%, or between about 10% and about 30%, or between about 10% and about 20%.

[0020] In some examples, the nasal plug is configured such that, when in use, the proportion of the length of the airway located outside the patient's nostril is between about 5% and about 95% of the length of the airway, or between about 10% and about 90%, or between about 10% and about 80%, or between about 10% and about 70%, or between about 10% and about 60%, or between about 10% and about 50%, or between about 10% and about 40%, or between about 10% and about 30%, or between about 10% and about 20%.

[0021] In some examples, the length of the vent is configured to be between approximately 0.2 mm and approximately 50 mm.

[0022] In some examples, the length of the vent is configured to be between about 0.2 mm and about 50 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 45 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 40 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 35 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 30 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 25 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 20 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 15 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 5 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 2 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 1 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 0.5 mm.

[0023] In some examples, the length of the airway is configured to be between about 5% to about 95% of the length of the nasal plug, or between about 10% to about 90%, or between about 10% to about 80%, or between about 10% to about 70%, or between about 10% to about 60%, or between about 10% to about 50%, or between about 10% to about 40%, or between about 10% to about 30%, or between about 10% to about 20%.

[0024] In some examples, the width of the vent ranges from about 0.2 mm to about 50 mm.

[0025] In some examples, the width of the vent is configured to be between about 0.2 mm and about 50 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 45 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 40 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 35 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 30 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 25 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 20 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 15 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 5 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 2 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 1 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 0.5 mm.

[0026] In some examples, the width of the vent includes approximately 5% to 80% of the length of the circumference of the nasal plug, or approximately 5% to 75%, or approximately 5% to 70%, or approximately 5% to 65%, or approximately 5% to 60%, or approximately 5% to 55%, or approximately 5% to 50%, or approximately 5% to 45%, or approximately 5% to 40%, or approximately 5% to 35%, or approximately 5% to 30%, or approximately 5% to 25%, or approximately 5% to 20%, or approximately 5% to 15%, or approximately 5% to 10%.

[0027] In some examples, the proximal end of the vent includes a proximal chamfer, and the distal end of the at least one vent includes a distal chamfer.

[0028] In some examples, the proximal chamfer includes an angle relative to the inner surface of the nasal plug, which is between about 20 degrees and less than about 90 degrees.

[0029] In some examples, the distal chamfer includes an angle relative to the inner surface of the nasal plug, which is between greater than about 90 degrees and about 160 degrees.

[0030] In some examples, at least a portion of the vent gradually narrows longitudinally in a direction from its proximal end to its distal end or in a direction from its distal end to its proximal end.

[0031] In some examples, the vent is configured such that the vent width at one end of the vent, either distal or proximal, is greater than the vent width at the other end of the vent, either distal or proximal.

[0032] In some examples, the vent gradually narrows in the direction from one of its first or second sides to the other of its first or second sides.

[0033] In some examples, the length of the vent on one of the first side or the second side is greater than the length of the vent on the other of the first side or the second side.

[0034] In some examples, the vent is at least partially straight, at least partially curved, or at least partially arc-shaped between its proximal and distal ends.

[0035] In some examples, the airway is located at least partially between its proximal and distal ends, parallel to the nasal plug lumen.

[0036] In some examples, the nasal plug includes multiple air vents.

[0037] In some examples, the multiple vents include two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more vents.

[0038] In some examples, each of the plurality of airways extends longitudinally, at least partially, between the end and the base of the nasal plug.

[0039] In some examples, at least one of the plurality of vents is at least partially straight, curved, or arcuate between its proximal and distal ends, and at least one other of the plurality of vents is at least partially straight, curved, or arcuate between its proximal and distal ends.

[0040] In some examples, at least one of the plurality of vents includes a sweep angle that is either larger or smaller than that of at least one of the other vents.

[0041] In some examples, at least one of the plurality of airways includes a length that is greater or less than the length of the nasal plug, or a width that is greater or less than the circumference of the nasal plug, compared to at least one of the other airways.

[0042] In some examples, at least one of the plurality of airways includes an area that is larger or smaller than that of at least one of the other airways relative to the surface area of ​​the nasal plug wall.

[0043] In some examples, at least one of the plurality of vents gradually narrows longitudinally in a direction from its proximal end toward its distal end or in a direction from its distal end toward its proximal end, and at least one other of the plurality of vents gradually narrows in a direction from one of its first or second sides to the other of its first or second sides.

[0044] In some examples, at least one of the plurality of airways is located at least partially between its proximal and distal ends, parallel to the nasal cannula, and at least one other of the plurality of airways is located at least partially between its proximal and distal ends, at an angle relative to the nasal cannula.

[0045] In some examples, the multiple airways are spaced apart substantially in the direction of the nasal cannula and / or spaced apart substantially perpendicular to the nasal cannula.

[0046] In some examples, the plurality of airways are spaced equidistantly in the direction of the nasal cannula and / or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the nasal cannula.

[0047] In some examples, at least one of the plurality of airways is positioned offset from at least one other airway in the direction substantially in the nasal plug lumen and / or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the nasal plug lumen.

[0048] In some examples, the plurality of air vents are configured such that, in use, at least one of the plurality of air vents is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril, and at least one of the plurality of air vents is at least partially located outside the patient's nostril.

[0049] In some examples, the multiple airways are substantially aligned in the direction of the nasal cannula and / or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the nasal cannula.

[0050] In some examples, the plurality of air vents are configured such that, in use, at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of air vents is disposed at a distance from the base of the nasal plug, the distance being about 5% to about 95% of the length of the nasal plug, and at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of air vents is disposed at a distance from the end of the nasal plug, the distance being about 5% to about 95% of the length of the nasal plug.

[0051] In some examples, the plurality of air vents are configured such that the sum of the non-overlapping portions of the respective lengths of the plurality of air vents includes between about 5% and about 80% of the length of the nasal plug.

[0052] In some examples, the plurality of air vents are configured such that the sum of the non-overlapping portions of the respective lengths of the plurality of air vents comprises between about 5% and about 80% of the circumference of the nasal plug.

[0053] In some examples, the plurality of air vents are configured such that the ratio of the sum of the respective areas of the plurality of air vents to the surface area of ​​the nasal plug wall is between about 1:20 and about 3:5.

[0054] In some examples, the multiple vents are arranged in a staggered pattern around the wall.

[0055] In some examples, the multiple vents are arranged in a non-uniform pattern around the wall.

[0056] In some examples, the plurality of vents are arranged longitudinally along the wall and / or laterally across the wall at spaced intervals.

[0057] In some examples, the multiple vents are arranged at spaced intervals such that they are misaligned in the longitudinal direction along the wall and / or in the transverse direction across the wall.

[0058] In some examples, the multiple vents are positioned around the wall in a non-uniform or staggered arrangement relative to each other.

[0059] In some examples, the multiple vents are spaced apart longitudinally along the wall in an alternating arrangement.

[0060] In some examples, the multiple vents are arranged laterally across the wall in a staggered pattern.

[0061] In some examples, at least one of the plurality of airways has a different width, area, sweep angle, length, and / or is spaced apart at different distances from the inlet or end of the nasal plug compared to at least one other airway.

[0062] In some examples, at least one of the plurality of air vents is disposed at a distance from the end of the nasal plug, the distance being approximately 5% to approximately 95% of the length of the nasal plug, or between approximately 10% and approximately 90%, or between approximately 10% and approximately 80%, or between approximately 10% and approximately 70%, or between approximately 10% and approximately 60%, or between approximately 10% and approximately 50%, or between approximately 10% and approximately 40%, or between approximately 10% and approximately 30%, or between approximately 10% and approximately 20%.

[0063] In some examples, at least one of the plurality of air vents is disposed at a distance from the base of the nasal plug, the distance being approximately 5% to approximately 95% of the length of the nasal plug, or between approximately 10% and approximately 90%, or between approximately 10% and approximately 80%, or between approximately 10% and approximately 70%, or between approximately 10% and approximately 60%, or between approximately 10% and approximately 50%, or between approximately 10% and approximately 40%, or between approximately 10% and approximately 30%, or between approximately 10% and approximately 20%.

[0064] In some examples, the sum of the non-overlapping lengths of the multiple vents is configured to be between approximately 0.2 mm and approximately 50 mm.

[0065] In some examples, the sum of the non-overlapping lengths of the plurality of vents is configured to be between about 0.2 mm and about 50 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 45 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 40 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 35 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 30 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 25 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 20 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 15 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 5 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 2 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 1 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 0.5 mm.

[0066] In some examples, the sum of the non-overlapping portions of the lengths of the plurality of airways is configured to be between about 5% to about 95% of the length of the nasal plug, or between about 10% to about 90%, or between about 10% to about 80%, or between about 10% to about 70%, or between about 10% to about 60%, or between about 10% to about 50%, or between about 10% to about 40%, or between about 10% to about 30%, or between about 10% to about 20%.

[0067] In some examples, the sum of the non-overlapping widths of the multiple vents ranges from about 0.2 mm to about 50 mm.

[0068] In some examples, the sum of the non-overlapping portions of the width of the plurality of vents is configured to be between about 0.2 mm and about 50 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 45 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 40 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 35 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 30 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 25 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 20 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 15 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 5 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 2 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 1 mm, or between about 0.2 mm and about 0.5 mm.

[0069] In some examples, the sum of the non-overlapping widths of the plurality of air vents is between about 5% and about 80% of the length of the circumference of the nasal plug, or between about 5% and about 75%, or between about 5% and about 70%, or between about 5% and about 65%, or between about 5% and about 60%, or between about 5% and about 55%, or between about 5% and about 50%, or between about 5% and about 45%, or between about 5% and about 40%, or between about 5% and about 35%, or between about 5% and about 30%, or between about 5% and about 25%, or between about 5% and about 20%, or between about 5% and about 15%, or between about 5% and about 10%.

[0070] In some examples, the multiple vents are arranged or set in an array.

[0071] In some examples, the array of multiple airways is configured as a series of airway rows arranged in a longitudinal direction parallel to the nasal plug lumen, and / or a series of airway rows arranged in a direction at an angle to the nasal plug lumen, either laterally or vertically.

[0072] In some examples, the width, length, area, and / or sweep angle of each row of vents are successively smaller than those of the next row of vents.

[0073] In some examples, the width, length, area, and / or sweep angle of each row of vents are successively smaller than those of the next row of vents.

[0074] In some examples, the end of the at least one nasal plug includes an opening.

[0075] In some examples, breathable gas moves from the nasal cannula into the nasal plug lumen through the inlet.

[0076] In some examples, the nasal plug gradually narrows from its base toward its tip.

[0077] In some examples, the cross-section of the nasal plug at its base is larger than the cross-section of the nasal plug at its tip.

[0078] In some examples, the nasal tube lumen is at least partially linear, tortuous, and / or arc-shaped.

[0079] In some examples, the nasal plug is configured such that its end bends laterally inward into the patient's nostril when in use.

[0080] In some examples, the shape or angle of the nasal plug is designed so that it extends inward toward the patient's nasal septum when in use.

[0081] In some examples, the nasal plug has a substantially oval or substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape.

[0082] In some examples, the nasal plug has a substantially oval or substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape, and the degree to which the cross-sectional shape at its base is oval or elliptical is less than that at its ends.

[0083] In some examples, the nasal plug has a generally circular shape.

[0084] In some examples, the thickness of the nasal plug includes the thickness of the wall between its outer and inner surfaces.

[0085] In some examples, the nasal plug is at least partially made of soft, flexible, and / or elastic materials.

[0086] In some examples, the nasal plug is made at least partially of any one or more of silicone, thermoplastic elastomer, elastic material, and silicone.

[0087] In some examples, the wall extends as a single continuous layer of material between the base and end of the nasal plug in a direction at least partially parallel to and / or toward the lumen of the nasal plug.

[0088] In some examples, the wall comprises a single-layer configuration between the inlet and the end of the nasal plug.

[0089] In some examples, the outer surface of the wall extends from the base of the nasal plug to the end in a direction at least partially parallel to and / or toward the lumen of the nasal plug.

[0090] In some examples, the thickness of the nasal plug can be between about 5% and about 10% of its length.

[0091] In some examples, the thickness of the nasal plug can be between approximately 2 mm and approximately 0.2 mm.

[0092] In some examples, the thickness of the nasal plug can be between approximately 0.5 mm and approximately 0.1 mm.

[0093] In some examples, the nasal plug is configured to maintain a gap between at least a portion of the outer surface of the wall of the nasal plug and the inner wall of the patient's nostril when in use.

[0094] In some examples, the size of the nasal plug is designed to allow exhaled air to flow around the outer surface of the wall of the nasal plug to escape from the patient's nostrils when in use.

[0095] In some examples, the nasal plug is configured to maintain a sufficient gap between the outer surface of the wall of the nasal plug and the inner wall of the patient's nostril during use, so as to define the area outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostril.

[0096] In some examples, the body defines the central region of the sleeve.

[0097] In some examples, the body is configured to be connected to or integrally formed with a supply tube configured to deliver breathable gas to the body.

[0098] In some examples, the nasal plug includes a first nasal plug and a second nasal plug.

[0099] In some examples, the body is configured to be connected to or integrally formed with the supply pipe.

[0100] In some examples, the supply tube is in fluid communication with the inlet of the nasal plug.

[0101] In some examples, the supply tube is in fluid communication with the lumen of the first nasal plug and / or the lumen of the second nasal plug.

[0102] In some examples, the body includes a manifold configured to receive breathable gas.

[0103] In some examples, the manifold is in fluid communication with the lumen of the nasal plug.

[0104] In some examples, the manifold is in fluid communication with the lumen of the first nasal plug and / or the lumen of the second nasal plug.

[0105] In some examples, the manifold is configured to connect to or be integral with a supply line configured to deliver breathable gas to the manifold.

[0106] In some examples, the supply tube is in fluid communication with the lumen of the first nasal plug and / or the lumen of the second nasal plug via the manifold.

[0107] In some examples, the supply tube is configured to be connected to or integrally formed with a gas delivery conduit configured to deliver breathable gas to the supply tube.

[0108] In some examples, the gas delivery conduit includes a breathing tube.

[0109] In some examples, the gas delivery conduit is at least partially ventilated.

[0110] In some examples, the nasal cannula includes at least one side arm that extends laterally from the body.

[0111] In some examples, the nasal cannula includes a first side arm and a second side arm, the first side arm extending laterally from one side of the body and the second side arm extending laterally from the opposite side of the body.

[0112] In some examples, the nasal cannula includes a patient fixation system configured to secure the cannula to the patient's head or face.

[0113] In some examples, the patient fixation system includes a face pad located on at least one side arm of the nasal cannula.

[0114] In some examples, the face pad is configured to be removably attached to the patient's face in order to secure the nasal cannula to the patient's face.

[0115] In some examples, the face pad is configured to be removably attached to one or more interface attachment elements located on a patient's face.

[0116] In some examples, the one or more interface attachment elements include a patient-facing side and an interface-facing side.

[0117] In some examples, the interface-facing side is configured to dock with the face pad located on the side arm of the nasal cannula and can be removably attached to the face pad.

[0118] In some examples, the interface-facing side is configured to dock with the face pad and can be removably attached to the face pad via a detachable coupling member, which includes mechanical fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, magnets or magnet arrays, and / or adhesive arrangements respectively disposed on the interface-facing side and the face pad.

[0119] In some examples, the patient-facing side is configured to mate with the patient's face and can be removably attached to the patient's face.

[0120] In some examples, the patient-facing side is configured to mate with and be removably adhered to or attached to the patient's face via a skin-sensitive adhesive, which includes any of the following: hydrocolloid-based adhesive materials; zinc oxide-based adhesive materials; silicone-based adhesive materials; polyurethane; and / or hydrogel-based adhesive materials.

[0121] In some examples, the nasal plug includes a sensing port.

[0122] In some examples, the sensing port is spaced apart from the vent.

[0123] In some examples, the nasal plug includes a sensing port that is spaced apart from the airway and arranged closer to the end than the at least one airway.

[0124] In some examples, the nasal plug includes a sensing port located at or near the end.

[0125] In some examples, the nasal plug includes a sensing port spaced apart from the end of the nasal plug.

[0126] In some examples, the nasal plug includes a sensing port that extends outward from the end of the nasal plug.

[0127] In some examples, the sensing port is located on the nasal plug at a distance from the vent, the distance being between about 10% and about 80% of the length of the nasal plug between the base and the end.

[0128] In some examples, the sensing port is arranged on the surface surrounding the port of the nasal plug, which is at an angle relative to the surface surrounding the vent of the nasal plug, which is arranged on the surface surrounding the vent.

[0129] In some examples, the angle between the surface surrounding the vent and the surface surrounding the port can be between about 30 degrees and about 150 degrees.

[0130] In some examples, the surface surrounding the port includes a plane, or a concave surface, or a convex surface, or a conical surface, or a truncated conical surface and / or a segmented plane, or a segmented concave surface or a segmented convex surface.

[0131] In some examples, the sensing port includes an aperture.

[0132] In some examples, the sensing port includes a cavity located at the end of the nasal plug.

[0133] In some examples, the cavity includes an end wall and at least one side wall, the end wall being offset from the end of the nasal plug, and the at least one side wall extending from the end of the nasal plug to the end wall.

[0134] In some examples, the end wall and at least one side wall can be sealed.

[0135] In some examples, the end wall and at least one side wall may include at least one opening for fluid communication with the nasal plug lumen.

[0136] In some examples, the cavity includes an opening for external fluid communication with the nasal plug.

[0137] In some examples, the sensing port is located at the center of the end.

[0138] In some examples, the sensing port is concentric with the end.

[0139] In some examples, the nasal plug includes a sensing lumen that is in fluid communication with the sensing port.

[0140] In some examples, the sensing lumen extends toward the sensing port through at least a portion of the nasal plug lumen.

[0141] In some examples, the sensing lumen extends to the sensing port.

[0142] In some examples, the sensing lumen extends substantially centrally or concentrically through the nasal plug lumen.

[0143] In some examples, the sensing lumen extends along the inner surface of the wall.

[0144] In some examples, the sensing lumen is fluid-sealed with the nasal plug lumen.

[0145] In some examples, the sensing port is configured to communicate with a sensor.

[0146] In some examples, the sensor is located at the sensing port.

[0147] In some examples, the sensor is located inside the sensing cavity.

[0148] In some examples, the sensing lumen is in fluid communication with the sensor.

[0149] In some examples, the sensor is located at or upstream of the sensing port.

[0150] In some examples, the sensor is located at the body of the nasal cannula.

[0151] In some examples, the sensor is located inside the manifold of the body.

[0152] In some examples, the sensor is connected to a sampling line that is configured to connect to the sensing module.

[0153] In some examples, the sensor includes any of the following: a piezoelectric microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor, an optical sensor, a piezoresistive pressure sensor, an electronic sensor, or a transducer.

[0154] In some examples, the sensor is configured to measure the properties of the gas at or around the sensing port.

[0155] In some examples, the sensor is configured to measure pressure.

[0156] In some examples, the sensor is connected to or communicates with controllers, processors, monitors, and / or displays.

[0157] In some examples, the sensing module includes a controller, processor, monitor, and / or display.

[0158] In some examples, the distance the sensing port extends outward from its end may at least partially define a scaling factor configured to at least partially determine, when in use, any one or more of the following for a patient: positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), respiratory rate, and / or respiratory phase.

[0159] In some examples, the patient fixation system includes a headgear that includes one or more straps.

[0160] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a nasal cannula for delivering breathable gas to a patient, the nasal cannula comprising: a body; a nasal plug including a base, an inlet at the base, an end, and a wall extending between the base and the end, the wall defining a nasal plug lumen in fluid communication with the inlet, wherein an outer surface of the wall defines an exterior of the nasal plug, the nasal plug extending from the body; and a vent extending through the wall of the nasal plug; wherein when gas is received into the nasal plug lumen, at least a portion of the gas is discharged from the nasal plug lumen through the vent.

[0161] In some examples, a patient’s respiratory cycle includes any one or more of the following: an inspiratory phase, an expiratory phase, and / or a pausing phase between the inspiratory and expiratory phases.

[0162] In some examples, when in use, the nasal plug is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril, such that the area outside the nasal plug from which at least a portion of the gas is expelled is located inside the patient's nostril, wherein the area outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostril from which at least a portion of the gas is expelled increases the resistance to the flow of gas from the patient's nostril during at least a portion of the expiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle.

[0163] In some examples, when in use, the nasal plug is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril, such that the area outside the nasal plug from which at least a portion of the gas is expelled is located inside the patient's nostril, wherein the area outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostril from which at least a portion of the gas is expelled causes the patient's pressure to increase during at least a portion of the inspiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle.

[0164] In some examples, when in use, the nasal plug is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril, such that the area outside the nasal plug from which at least a portion of the gas is expelled is located inside the patient's nostril, wherein the expulsion of at least a portion of the gas into the area outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostril causes an increase in pressure at or around the area during at least a portion of a apnea phase between the inspiratory and expiratory phases of the patient's respiratory cycle.

[0165] In some examples, when in use, the nasal plug is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril, such that the area outside the nasal plug from which at least a portion of the gas is discharged is located inside the patient's nostril, wherein the area outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostril creates a pressure difference between the outside and inside of the nostril, the pressure difference forming at least a partial fluid seal in the area outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostril.

[0166] Any of the examples above in the first aspect can also be applied to the second aspect and / or its examples.

[0167] A third aspect of this disclosure provides a nasal cannula for delivering breathable gas to a patient, the nasal cannula comprising: a body; a nasal plug including a base, an inlet at the base, an end, and a wall extending between the base and the end, the wall defining a nasal plug lumen in fluid communication with the inlet, wherein an outer surface of the wall defines the exterior of the nasal plug, the nasal plug extending from the body; an airway extending through the wall of the nasal plug and defining an airway gas path; and an opening located at the end of the nasal plug, defining an opening gas path, wherein when gas is received by the nasal plug lumen: the gas At least a portion of the gas is discharged from the nasal plug lumen through the airway in the direction of the airway gas path; at least a portion of the gas is discharged from the nasal plug lumen through the opening in the direction of the opening gas path; and in use, when the nasal plug is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril: during the inspiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle, a portion of the gas moving in both the airway gas path and the opening gas path is inhaled by the patient, and during the expiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle, a portion of the gas moving in the airway gas path is discharged from the patient's nostril.

[0168] In some examples, approximately 1% to approximately 99% of the gas received by the nasal cannula is discharged through the vent in the direction of the gas path of the vent.

[0169] In some examples, approximately 1% to approximately 99% of the gas received by the nasal cannula is discharged through the opening in the direction of the gas path of the opening.

[0170] In some examples, the flow rate of gas discharged through the vent in the direction of the gas path of the vent is between about 1% and about 99% of the flow rate of gas received by the nasal plug lumen.

[0171] In some examples, the flow rate of gas discharged through the opening in the direction of the gas path of the opening is between about 1% and about 99% of the flow rate of gas received by the nasal plug lumen.

[0172] In some examples, the nasal plug is configured such that at least a portion of the airway is located outside the patient's nostril during use, and said at least a portion of the airway defines an auxiliary gas path.

[0173] In some examples, at least a portion of the gas is discharged from the nasal plug lumen through the at least a portion of the vent in the direction of the auxiliary gas path.

[0174] In some examples, the gas expelled in the direction of the auxiliary gas path is directed toward the outside of the patient's nostrils during use.

[0175] In some examples, about 1% to about 99% of the gas received by the nasal cannula is discharged through at least a portion of the vent in the direction of the auxiliary gas path.

[0176] In some examples, the flow rate of gas discharged through at least a portion of the vent in the direction of the auxiliary gas path is between about 1% and about 99% of the flow rate of gas received by the nasal cannula.

[0177] In some examples, the airway includes: a proximal end, which is closest to the distal end of the nasal plug; a distal end, which is closest to the base of the nasal plug; an airway length, which is defined as the distance between the proximal end and the distal end of the airway; and an airway width between a first side and a second side of the airway.

[0178] In some examples, the length of the vent is configured to be between approximately 5% and approximately 80% of the length of the nasal plug.

[0179] In some examples, the width of the vent includes approximately 5% to approximately 80% of the circumference of the nasal plug.

[0180] In some examples, the sweep angle of the vent is between about 5 degrees and about 180 degrees.

[0181] In some examples, the sweep angle of the vent extends across approximately 5% to approximately 80% of the circumference of the nasal plug.

[0182] In some examples, the ratio of the area of ​​the airway to the surface area of ​​the nasal plug wall includes between about 1:20 and about 3:5.

[0183] In some examples, at least a portion of the vent is positioned at a distance from the base, which is approximately 5% to approximately 95% of the length of the nasal plug.

[0184] In some examples, at least a portion of the airway is positioned at a distance from the end of the nasal plug, the distance being approximately 5% to approximately 95% of the length of the nasal plug.

[0185] In some examples, the nasal plug is configured such that, when in use, the proportion of the length of the airway located inside the patient's nostril is greater than about 5% of the length of the airway, or the proportion of the length of the airway located outside the patient's nostril is less than about 95% of the length of the airway.

[0186] Any of the examples above from the first to the second aspects can also be applied to the third aspect and / or its examples.

[0187] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a nasal cannula for delivering breathable gas to a patient, the nasal cannula comprising: a nasal plug including a base, an inlet at the base, an end, and a wall extending therebetween, the wall defining a nasal plug lumen in fluid communication with the inlet, wherein an outer surface of the wall defines an exterior of the nasal plug; and an air vent extending through the wall of the nasal plug; wherein the nasal plug is configured such that, in use, a first portion of the air vent is located inside the patient's nostril, and a second portion of the air vent is located outside the patient's nostril, the first portion of the air vent defining an air vent gas path and the second portion of the air vent defining an auxiliary gas path; wherein when When gas is received by the nasal cannula: at least a portion of the gas is discharged from the nasal cannula through the first portion in the direction of the airway gas path, and at least a portion of the gas is discharged from the nasal cannula through the second portion in the direction of the auxiliary gas path, wherein the gas discharged in the direction of the auxiliary gas path is discharged to the outside of the patient's nostrils during use, and during the inspiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle, a portion of the gas moving in the direction of the airway gas path is inhaled by the patient, and during the expiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle, a portion of the gas moving in the direction of the airway gas path is discharged in the direction of exiting the patient's nostrils.

[0188] Any of the examples mentioned above for the first to third aspects can also be applied to the fourth aspect.

[0189] A fifth aspect of this disclosure provides a nasal cannula comprising: at least one nasal plug including a base, an inlet at the base, an end, and a wall extending anterior to both, the wall defining a nasal plug lumen in fluid communication with the inlet, wherein an outer surface of the wall defines an exterior of the nasal plug; and an air vent extending through the wall of the nasal plug; wherein the nasal plug is configured such that, in use, when the nasal plug is at least partially located inside a patient's nostril, at least a portion of the air vent is located outside the patient's nostril and at least a portion of the air vent is located inside the patient's nostril.

[0190] In some examples, the portion of the airway located outside the patient's nostrils is configured to at least partially reduce the inhibition of gas flow in the direction of exiting the patient's nostrils during at least a portion of the expiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle.

[0191] In some examples, when gas is received by the nasal cannula, at least a portion of the gas is discharged from the nasal cannula through the airway into the area outside the nasal cannula and inside the patient's nostrils.

[0192] In some examples, at least a portion of the gas is expelled to the area outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostril, creating a pressure difference between the outside and inside of the nostril.

[0193] In some examples, the pressure difference can create at least a partial fluid seal between the outside of the nasal plug and the inside of the patient's nostril.

[0194] In some examples, the nasal plug is configured such that at least a portion of the airway is disposed at a distance from the end of the nasal plug, the distance being about 5% to about 95% of the length of the nasal plug, and wherein the nasal plug is configured such that at least a portion of the airway is disposed at a distance from the base of the nasal plug, the distance being about 5% to about 95% of the length of the nasal plug.

[0195] In some examples, the nasal plug is configured such that, when in use, the proportion of the length of the airway located inside the patient's nostril is between about 5% and about 95% of the length of the airway.

[0196] In some examples, the at least portion of the airway located outside the nostril includes a length that is between about 5% and about 80% of the length of the nasal plug, or between about 5% and about 95%, or between about 10% and about 90%, or between about 10% and about 80%, or between about 10% and about 70%, or between about 10% and about 60%, or between about 10% and about 50%, or between about 10% and about 40%, or between about 10% and about 30%, or between about 10% and about 20%.

[0197] In some examples, the at least portion of the vent located outside the nostril includes a width between about 5% and about 80% of the length of the circumference of the nasal plug.

[0198] In some examples, the ratio of the area of ​​at least a portion of the airway located outside the nostril to the surface area of ​​the nasal plug wall includes between about 1:20 and about 3:5.

[0199] In some examples, at least a portion of the vent located outside the nostril is at least partially straight, curved, and / or arc-shaped.

[0200] In some examples, at least a portion of the airway located outside the nostril is at least partially parallel to or at an angle relative to the nasal plug lumen.

[0201] In some examples, the at least portion of the vent located outside the nostril includes a width that is either larger or smaller than that of at least one portion of the vent located inside the nostril.

[0202] In some examples, the at least portion of the vent located outside the nostril has a width substantially equal to that of the at least portion of the at least one vent located inside the nostril.

[0203] In some examples, the at least portion of the vent located outside the nostril includes a larger or smaller sweep angle compared to the at least portion of the at least one vent located inside the nostril.

[0204] In some examples, the at least portion of the vent located outside the nostril includes a sweep angle substantially equal to that of the at least portion of the at least one vent located inside the nostril.

[0205] In some examples, the ratio of the area of ​​the at least portion of the airway located outside the nostril to the surface area of ​​the nasal plug wall is greater than or less than the ratio of the area of ​​the at least portion of the airway located inside the nostril to the surface area of ​​the nasal plug wall.

[0206] In some examples, the ratio of the area of ​​the at least portion of the airway located outside the nostril to the surface area of ​​the nasal plug wall is substantially equal to the ratio of the area of ​​the at least portion of the airway located inside the nostril to the surface area of ​​the nasal plug wall.

[0207] In some examples, the nasal plug includes multiple air vents that extend through the wall of the nasal plug.

[0208] In some examples, the plurality of air vents are configured such that, when in use, when the nasal plug is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril, at least one of the plurality of air vents is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril, and at least one of the plurality of air vents is at least partially located outside the patient's nostril.

[0209] In some examples, when gas is received by the nasal cannula, at least a portion of the gas is discharged from the nasal cannula to the outside of the nostril via at least one of the plurality of air vents located at least partially outside the patient's nostril.

[0210] In some examples, when gas is received by the nasal prong lumen, at least a portion of the gas, in use, is discharged from the nasal prong lumen to a region outside the nasal prong and inside the patient's nostril through at least one of the plurality of air vents located at least partially within the patient's nostril, wherein the region where the at least portion of the gas is discharged to the outside of the nasal prong and inside the patient's nostril creates a pressure difference between the outside and inside of the nostril, and the pressure difference forms at least a partial fluid seal in the region outside the nasal prong and inside the patient's nostril.

[0211] In some examples, the expulsion of at least a portion of the gas into the area outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostrils causes the patient's pressure to rise during at least a portion of the inspiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle, and at least during the apnea phase between the inspiratory and expiratory phases of the respiratory cycle, the pressure at or around the area to rise.

[0212] In some examples, the plurality of air vents are configured such that at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of air vents is disposed at a distance from the base of the nasal plug, the distance being from about 5% to about 95% of the length of the nasal plug, and wherein the plurality of air vents are configured such that at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of air vents is disposed at a distance from the end of the nasal plug, the distance being from about 5% to about 95% of the length of the nasal plug.

[0213] In some examples, the at least one of the plurality of airways located at least partially inside the patient's nostril includes a length along the wall of the nasal plug that is greater or less than that of the at least one of the plurality of airways located at least partially outside the patient's nostril.

[0214] In some examples, the multiple airways are spaced apart substantially in the direction of the nasal cannula and / or spaced apart substantially perpendicular to the nasal cannula.

[0215] In some examples, the plurality of airways are spaced equidistantly in the direction of the nasal cannula and / or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the nasal cannula.

[0216] In some examples, the plurality of airways are substantially equidistant from each other along the wall in the direction of the nasal cannula, and / or equidistant from each other across the wall in a direction substantially perpendicular to the nasal cannula.

[0217] In some examples, at least one of the plurality of airways is positioned offset from at least one other airway in the direction substantially in the nasal plug lumen and / or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the nasal plug lumen.

[0218] In some examples, the at least one of the plurality of airways located at least partially inside the patient's nostril includes a length substantially equal to that of the at least one of the plurality of airways located at least partially outside the patient's nostril.

[0219] In some examples, at least one of the plurality of airways located at least partially inside the patient's nostril includes a width that is either larger or smaller than that of at least one of the plurality of airways located at least partially outside the patient's nostril.

[0220] In some examples, the at least one of the plurality of airways located at least partially inside the patient's nostril includes a width substantially equal to that of the at least one of the plurality of airways located at least partially outside the patient's nostril.

[0221] In some examples, the at least one of the plurality of airways located at least partially inside the patient's nostril includes a larger or smaller sweep angle compared to the at least one of the plurality of airways located at least partially outside the patient's nostril.

[0222] In some examples, the at least one of the plurality of airways located at least partially inside the patient's nostril includes a sweep angle substantially equal to that of the at least one of the plurality of airways located at least partially outside the patient's nostril.

[0223] In some examples, the ratio of the area of ​​the at least one air vent located at least partially outside the nostril to the surface area of ​​the nasal plug wall is greater than or less than the ratio of the area of ​​the at least one air vent located inside the nostril to the surface area of ​​the nasal plug wall.

[0224] In some examples, the ratio of the area of ​​the at least one airway located at least partially outside the nostril to the surface area of ​​the nasal plug wall is substantially equal to the ratio of the area of ​​the at least one airway located at least partially inside the nostril to the surface area of ​​the nasal plug wall.

[0225] In some examples, the at least one airway located at least partially outside the nostril is positioned offset from at least one other airway among the plurality of airways in a direction substantially in the direction of the nasal plug lumen and / or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the nasal plug lumen.

[0226] In some examples, at least one of the plurality of air vents located at least partially outside the nostril is substantially aligned in the direction of the nasal plug lumen and / or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the nasal plug lumen.

[0227] In some examples, at least one of the plurality of air vents located at least partially outside the nostril is positioned substantially offset from the direction of the nasal plug lumen and / or positioned substantially perpendicular to the direction of the nasal plug lumen.

[0228] In some examples, at least one of the plurality of air vents located at least partially inside the nostril is substantially aligned in the direction of the nasal plug lumen and / or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the nasal plug lumen.

[0229] In some examples, at least one of the plurality of airways located at least partially inside the nostril is positioned substantially offset from the direction of the nasal plug lumen and / or positioned substantially perpendicular to the direction of the nasal plug lumen.

[0230] Any of the examples above for the first through fourth aspects can also be applied to the fifth aspect and / or its examples.

[0231] A sixth aspect of this disclosure provides a nasal cannula for delivering breathable gas to a patient, the nasal cannula comprising: a body; at least one nasal plug including a base, an inlet at the base, an end, and a wall extending between the base and the end, the wall defining a nasal plug lumen in fluid communication with the inlet, the nasal plug extending from the body; an airway extending through the wall of the nasal plug; and a sensing port disposed at the wall or the end of the nasal plug.

[0232] In some examples, the sensing port includes an aperture.

[0233] In some examples, the sensing port is located on the nasal plug at a distance from the vent, the distance being between about 10% and about 80% of the length of the nasal plug between the base and the end.

[0234] In some examples, the sensing port is arranged on the surface surrounding the port of the nasal plug, which is at an angle relative to the surface surrounding the vent of the nasal plug, which is arranged on the surface surrounding the vent.

[0235] In some examples, the angle between the surface surrounding the vent and the surface surrounding the port can be between about 30 degrees and about 150 degrees.

[0236] In some examples, the surface surrounding the port includes a plane, a concave surface, a convex surface, a conical surface, a truncated conical surface, and / or a segmented plane, a segmented concave surface, or a segmented convex surface of the at least one nose plug.

[0237] In some examples, the nasal plug includes a sensing lumen that is in fluid communication with the sensing port.

[0238] In some examples, the sensor is connected to a sampling line that is configured to connect to the sensing module.

[0239] In some examples, the sensing lumen extends toward the sensing port through at least a portion of the nasal plug lumen.

[0240] In some examples, the sensing lumen extends to the sensing port.

[0241] In some examples, the sensing lumen is fluid-sealed with the nasal plug lumen.

[0242] In some examples, the sensing lumen extends substantially centrally or concentrically through the nasal plug lumen.

[0243] In some examples, the sensing lumen extends along the inner surface of the wall of the nasal plug.

[0244] In some examples, the sensing port is located at the center of the end.

[0245] In some examples, the sensing port is concentric with the end.

[0246] In some examples, the sensing port is configured to communicate with a sensor.

[0247] In some examples, the sensor is located at or upstream of the sensing port.

[0248] In some examples, the sensor is located at the body of the nasal cannula.

[0249] In some examples, the sensor is located inside the manifold of the body.

[0250] In some examples, the sensor is located at the sensing port.

[0251] In some examples, the sensor includes any of the following: a piezoelectric microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor, an optical sensor, a piezoresistive pressure sensor, an electronic sensor, or a transducer.

[0252] In some examples, the sensor is configured to measure the properties of the gas at or around the sensing port.

[0253] In some examples, the sensor is configured to measure pressure.

[0254] In some examples, the sensor is connected to or communicates with controllers, processors, monitors, and / or displays.

[0255] In some examples, the sensing module includes a controller, processor, monitor, and / or display.

[0256] Any of the examples above for the first through fifth aspects can also be applied to the sixth aspect and / or its examples.

[0257] A seventh aspect of this disclosure provides a nasal cannula for delivering breathable gas to a patient, the nasal cannula comprising: a nasal plug including a base, an inlet at the base, an end, and a wall extending between the base and the end, the wall defining a nasal plug lumen in fluid communication with the inlet; an airway extending through the wall of the nasal plug; and a sensing port spaced apart from the end of the nasal plug.

[0258] In some examples, the sensing port extends outward from that end.

[0259] In some examples, the sensing port includes an aperture.

[0260] In some examples, the sensing port is located at the end of the probe, which extends outward from the end of the nasal plug.

[0261] In some examples, the sensing lumen extends toward the sensing port through at least a portion of the nasal plug lumen.

[0262] In some examples, the sensing lumen extends to the sensing port.

[0263] In some examples, the sensing lumen extends to the probe.

[0264] In some examples, the sensing lumen is fluid-sealed with the nasal plug lumen.

[0265] In some examples, the sensing lumen extends substantially centrally or concentrically through the nasal plug lumen.

[0266] In some examples, the sensing lumen extends along the inner surface of the wall of the nasal plug.

[0267] In some examples, the sensing port is configured to communicate with a sensor.

[0268] In some examples, the sensor is located at the sensing port.

[0269] In some examples, the sensor is located at or upstream of the sensing port.

[0270] In some examples, the sensor is located at the body of the nasal cannula.

[0271] In some examples, the sensor is located inside the manifold of the body.

[0272] In some examples, the sensor is connected to a sampling line that is configured to connect to the sensing module.

[0273] In some examples, the sensor includes any of the following: a piezoelectric microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor, an optical sensor, a piezoresistive pressure sensor, an electronic sensor, or a transducer.

[0274] In some examples, the sensor is configured to measure the properties of the gas at or around the sensing port.

[0275] In some examples, the sensor is configured to measure pressure.

[0276] In some examples, the sensor is connected to or communicates with controllers, processors, monitors, and / or displays.

[0277] In some examples, the distance between the sensing port and the end can at least partially define a scaling factor, which is configured to at least partially determine any one or more of the following in the patient's respiratory rate when in use: positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), respiratory rate, and / or respiratory phase.

[0278] Any of the examples above in the first through sixth aspects can also be applied to the seventh aspect and / or its examples.

[0279] The eighth aspect of this disclosure provides a nasal cannula for delivering breathable gas to a patient, the nasal cannula comprising: a nasal plug including a base, an inlet at the base, an end, and a wall extending between the base and the end, the wall defining a nasal plug lumen in fluid communication with the inlet; an airway extending through the wall of the nasal plug; and a sensing port arranged closer to the end than the airway and spaced apart from the airway.

[0280] Any of the examples above from the first to the seventh aspects can also be applied to the eighth aspect and / or its examples.

[0281] A ninth aspect of this disclosure provides a respiratory therapy system comprising: an airflow source for providing a gas flow; a gas delivery conduit for receiving the gas flow from the airflow source; and a patient interface for receiving the gas flow from the delivery conduit and delivering the gas flow to a patient; wherein the patient interface includes a nasal cannula according to any one of the first to fifth aspects and / or any one of the foregoing examples according to the first to eighth aspects.

[0282] The tenth aspect of this disclosure provides a respiratory therapy system comprising: an airflow source for providing a gas flow; a gas delivery conduit for receiving the gas flow from the airflow source; and a patient interface for receiving the gas flow from the delivery conduit and delivering the gas flow to a patient; wherein the patient interface includes a nasal cannula with an air vent extending through the wall of the nasal plug.

[0283] In some examples, when in use, the airway is configured to increase patient pressure when the airflow source provides a flow of gas and the nasal plug is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril.

[0284] In some examples, when in use, when the airflow source provides a flow of gas and the nasal plug is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril, the airway is configured to increase the pressure within at least a portion of the patient's nostril during the apnea phase, at least during the inspiratory and expiratory phases of the patient's respiratory cycle.

[0285] In some examples, when in use, a pressure difference is created between the outside and inside of the nostril when the airflow source provides a flow of gas and the nasal plug is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril.

[0286] In some examples, the pressure difference creates at least a partial fluid seal in the area outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostril.

[0287] In some examples, when in use, the nasal plug is configured such that at least a portion of the airway is located outside the patient's nostril when it is at least partially inside the patient's nostril.

[0288] Any of the examples above from the first to the ninth aspects can also be applied to the tenth aspect and / or its examples.

[0289] The eleventh aspect of this disclosure provides a kit comprising: a nasal cannula according to any one of the first to fifth aspects; and a gas delivery conduit connected to or integrally formed with the nasal cannula; and / or an adapter for connecting the gas delivery conduit to an inhalation tube, a drying tube, and / or a heated breathing tube.

[0290] In some examples, the gas delivery conduit includes a breathing tube.

[0291] In some examples, the gas delivery conduit is removably connected to the nasal cannula.

[0292] In some examples, the kit also includes any one or more of the following: a filter, a pressure relief valve, and / or a humidification chamber.

[0293] In some examples, the filter is configured to filter impurities in the breathable gas delivered to and / or delivered to the patient via the nasal cannula.

[0294] In some examples, the pressure relief valve is configured to regulate the pressure of the breathable gas supplied to and / or delivered to the patient via the nasal cannula.

[0295] In some examples, the humidification chamber is configured to humidify the breathable gas delivered to and / or via the nasal cannula to the patient.

[0296] In some examples, the gas delivery conduit is at least partially integral with the nasal cannula.

[0297] Any of the examples above from the first to the eighth aspects can also be applied to the eleventh aspect and / or its examples.

[0298] The twelfth aspect of this disclosure provides a method of providing respiratory support to a patient, the method comprising: providing a nasal cannula including a nasal plug, the nasal plug including an airway and a sensing port, the airway extending through a wall of the nasal plug, the sensing port being disposed at or near an end of the nasal plug; positioning the nasal plug at least partially inside the patient's nostril such that the airway is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril and the sensing port is located inside the patient's nostril; providing a breathable gas flow to one or more nostrils of the patient through the nasal plug of the nasal cannula; and at least measuring the gas pressure at or around the sensing port.

[0299] In some examples, the method further includes step e): determining any one or more of the following for the patient: positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), respiratory rate, and / or respiratory phase.

[0300] In some examples, step e) includes applying a scaling factor to the pressure measured in step d).

[0301] In some examples, the scaling factor is applied at at least one point in time.

[0302] In some examples, the sensing port extends outward from that end.

[0303] In some examples, the scaling factor is at least partially defined by the distance the sensing port extends outward from the end.

[0304] The thirteenth aspect of this disclosure provides a method for delivering respiratory support to a patient, the method comprising: providing a nasal cannula including a nasal plug, the nasal plug including an airway extending through a wall of the nasal plug; positioning the nasal plug at least partially inside the patient's nostril such that the airway is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril; and providing a breathable gas flow to one or more nostrils of the patient through the nasal plug of the nasal cannula.

[0305] In some examples, the airway is positioned at least partially inside the patient's nostril, and the gas flow is provided such that resistance to the gas flowing out of the patient's nostril increases during at least a portion of the expiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle.

[0306] In some examples, the airway is positioned at least partially inside the patient's nostrils and the gas flow is provided such that the patient's pressure increases during at least a portion of the inspiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle.

[0307] In some examples, the airway is positioned at least partially inside the patient's nostril, and the gas flow is provided such that a pressure difference is created between the outside and inside of the nostril, which forms at least a partial fluid seal in the region outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostril.

[0308] In some examples, step b) includes positioning the nasal plug such that the airway is at least partially located outside the patient's nostril.

[0309] The fourteenth aspect of this disclosure provides a method of delivering respiratory support to a patient, the method comprising: providing a nasal cannula including a nasal plug, the nasal plug including an air vent extending through a wall of the nasal plug, the nasal plug being configured to maintain a gap between the exterior of the nasal plug and an inner wall of a patient's nostril during use; positioning the nasal plug at least partially inside the patient's nostril such that the air vent is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril and allowing exhaled gas to flow around the exterior of the nasal plug to escape from the patient's nostril during use; and providing a flow of breathable gas to one or more nostrils of the patient through the nasal plug of the nasal cannula to create a pressure differential between the exterior and interior of the nostril, the pressure differential creating at least a partial fluid seal between the exterior of the nasal plug and the inner wall of the nostril.

[0310] In some examples, step b) includes positioning the nasal plug at least partially inside the patient's nostril, such that the airway is at least partially outside the patient's nostril when in use.

[0311] The fifteenth aspect of this disclosure provides a method for delivering respiratory support to a patient, the method comprising: providing a nasal cannula according to any one of the first to fifth aspects; positioning the nasal plug at least partially inside the patient's nostril such that the airway is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril; and providing a flow of breathable gas to one or more nostrils of the patient through the nasal plug of the nasal cannula.

[0312] Any of the examples mentioned above in aspects one through eight can also be applied to aspect fifteen.

[0313] The sixteenth aspect of this disclosure provides a patient interface for delivering a breathable gas to a patient, the patient interface comprising: a body including a nasal plug configured to deliver gas into the patient's nostril; the nasal plug including a wall and at least one vent, the wall defining a nasal plug lumen in fluid communication with an inlet of the nasal plug, the at least one vent extending through the wall of the nasal plug, an outer surface of the wall defining an exterior of the nasal plug; wherein, in use, when gas is received into the nasal plug lumen via the inlet and the nasal plug is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril, at least a portion of the gas is discharged through the vent from the nasal plug lumen into a region outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostril, thereby creating a pressure difference between the exterior and interior of the nostril, the pressure difference forming at least a partial fluid seal in the region outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostril.

[0314] In some examples, the nasal plug is configured to maintain a gap between at least a portion of the outer surface of the wall of the nasal plug and the inner wall of the patient's nostril when in use.

[0315] In some examples, the size of the nasal plug is designed to allow exhaled air to flow around the outer surface of the wall of the nasal plug to escape from the patient's nostrils when in use.

[0316] In some examples, the volumetric flow rate of the gas discharged through the vent is between about 1% and about 99% of the flow rate of the gas flowing into the nasal plug lumen from the inlet.

[0317] In some examples, the patient interface includes a gas delivery conduit that is in fluid communication with the inlet of the nasal plug to deliver breathable gas to the nasal plug.

[0318] In some examples, at least a portion of the gas delivery conduit is ventilated.

[0319] This document describes a patient interface that includes a nasal cannula as described in any one or more of the aspects, configurations and / or examples provided herein.

[0320] This document also describes a patient interface that includes nasal congestion as described in any one or more of the aspects, configurations and / or examples provided herein.

[0321] This article also describes patient interfaces, nasal cannulas, and / or respiratory therapy systems, including any one or more of the aspects, configurations, and / or examples described herein that include nasal plugs with airways.

[0322] This article also describes methods for providing respiratory support using patient interfaces, nasal cannulas, and / or respiratory therapy systems, including any one or more of the aspects, configurations, and / or examples described herein with a nasal plug with an airway.

[0323] This method may include a patient interface as disclosed herein. The patient interface may be a nasal interface, such as a nasal cannula.

[0324] This method may include respiratory therapy systems as disclosed herein.

[0325] The seventeenth aspect of this disclosure provides a patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient, the patient interface comprising: a body; a nasal plug including a base, an inlet at the base, an end, and a wall extending between the base and the end, the wall defining a nasal plug lumen in fluid communication with the inlet, the nasal plug extending from the body; and a vent extending through the wall of the nasal plug; wherein, in use, when gas is received into the nasal plug lumen via the inlet and the nasal plug is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril, at least a portion of the gas is discharged from the nasal plug lumen through the vent, thereby forming at least a partial gas seal between the nasal plug and the patient's nostril.

[0326] The eighteenth aspect of this disclosure provides a nasal cannula for delivering a breathable gas flow to a patient in a respiratory support system, the nasal cannula comprising: a cannula body including an inlet configured to receive the breathable gas flow; a nasal plug extending from the cannula body and configured to extend into a patient's nostril when the nasal cannula is fitted to the patient, the nasal plug including: a nasal plug wall at least partially defining a nasal plug lumen configured to receive and deliver the breathable gas flow from the cannula body; and at least one airway extending through the nasal plug wall and configured to deliver the breathable gas flow to the patient; and wherein, in use, when the breathable gas flow is delivered into the nasal cannula, at least a portion of the breathable gas flow delivered through the at least one airway forms at least a partial gas seal between the nasal plug and the patient's nostril.

[0327] In some examples, the volumetric flow rate of gas discharged from the nasal cannula through the vent is between about 1% and about 100% of the flow rate of gas flowing into the nasal cannula from the inlet.

[0328] In some examples, the airway is configured to increase the pressure within at least a portion of the patient's nostrils during the apnea phase, at least between the inspiratory and expiratory phases of the patient's respiratory cycle.

[0329] In some examples, the nasal plug is configured such that a portion of the airway is located outside the patient's nostril.

[0330] In some examples, the nasal plug includes a sensing port.

[0331] In some examples, the sensing port is located at or near the end.

[0332] In some examples, the sensing port is located on the nasal plug at a distance from the vent, which is between about 10% and about 80% of the length of the nasal plug.

[0333] In some examples, the surface surrounding the port includes a plane, or a concave surface, or a convex surface, or a conical surface, or a truncated conical surface and / or a segmented plane, or a segmented concave surface or a segmented convex surface.

[0334] In some examples, the sensing port includes an aperture.

[0335] In some examples, the sensing port is centered at the end.

[0336] In some examples, the nasal plug includes a sensing lumen that is in fluid communication with the sensing port.

[0337] In some examples, the sensing port is configured to communicate with a sensor.

[0338] In some examples, the sensor is located at or upstream of the sensing port.

[0339] In some examples, the sensor is configured to measure the properties of the gas at or around the sensing port.

[0340] In some examples, the sensor is configured to measure pressure.

[0341] Any example from the above examples of the eighteenth aspect can also be applied to the seventeenth aspect. Any example from the above examples of the first aspect can also be applied to the eighteenth and / or seventeenth aspects.

[0342] Any feature of the aspects, configurations, or examples described above may be combined with one or more features of any other aspects, configurations, or examples as described herein. The foregoing statements provide limiting features that may be combined together and / or combined with any one or more features of the configurations, examples, and / or aspects provided herein. Attached Figure Description

[0343] Examples of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these examples are given by way of illustration only, and this disclosure is not limited to these illustrations. In the drawings: Figure 1 A schematic representation of an example of a respiratory support system is shown; Figure 2 A front perspective view of the body of an example nasal cannula is shown; Figure 3A front perspective view of an example nasal cannula fixed to a neonatal patient is shown; Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 An exploded view of an example nasal cannula; Figure 5 A front perspective view of an example nasal cannula is shown; Figures 6 to 8 A perspective view of an example nasal plug is shown, including an air vent extending through the wall of the plug. Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example nasal plug that is at least partially located inside a patient's nostril is shown; Figures 10 to 12 It shows Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of nasal obstruction during different phases of a patient's respiratory cycle; Figure 13 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example nasal plug, at least partially located inside a patient's nostril, is shown, with its air vent completely inside the patient's nostril. Figures 14 to 16 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example nasal plug that is at least partially located inside a patient's nostril and includes various airway arrangements is shown. Figures 17 to 20 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example nasal plug that is at least partially located inside a patient's nostril and includes various airway arrangements is shown. Figure 21 A side view of an example nasal plug including a tapered airway that extends through the wall of the nasal plug is shown. Figure 22 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example nasal plug is shown, including a chamfer located at the distal and proximal ends of the nasal plug's airway. Figure 23 A perspective view of an example nasal plug including an air vent and a sensor port is shown; Figure 24 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example nasal plug including an air vent, a sensing port, and a sensing lumen is shown. Figure 25 A perspective view of an example nasal plug is shown, including an air vent and a sensing port extending outward from the end of the plug. Figures 26 to 28 A perspective view of an example nose plug is shown, including sensing ports arranged on different surfaces of the nose plug; and Figure 29 A schematic cross-sectional view of an example nasal plug, including the blind end, is shown; and Figure 30 A perspective view of an example nasal plug is shown, including an air vent and a sensing port arranged in the cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0344] Respiratory therapy system

[0345] A patient interface can be used to deliver breathing gases into a patient's airway. The patient interface may include a nasal interface for delivering a flow of gas to the patient. Nasal delivery elements, such as nasal plugs, can be inserted into one or both nostrils of a patient to deliver respiratory therapy. It may be desirable for the nasal delivery element to be non-sealed or semi-sealed at one or both nostrils to deliver therapy.

[0346] As described in further detail below, in the context of the 'unsealed' or 'non-sealed' patient interfaces described herein, they can be understood as being configured to not completely close or physically or mechanically seal or block the patient's nostrils when engaged with a patient in use (i.e., when its nasal plug is at least partially positioned in the patient's nostril).

[0347] A system for delivering breathing gases to a patient via a nasal interface is disclosed.

[0348] Breathing gases may include gas mixture compositions comprising oxygen supplementation and / or therapeutic drug administration.

[0349] This system can deliver a flow of air to a patient using a non-sealed nasal interface. It can provide non-invasive therapy.

[0350] The therapy can be flow-based and / or delivered by setting a flow rate. At a given flow rate, predictable pressure or pressure ranges can be achieved.

[0351] For example, the system can be configured to deliver high-flow therapy. As discussed herein, high-flow therapy is intended to be given its typical, general meaning, which generally refers to a respiratory system that delivers a target respiratory gas flow via an intentionally unsealed patient interface, the flow rate of which is typically designed to meet or exceed the patient's inspiratory flow rate.

[0352] High-flow-rate therapy is a flow-based form of therapy or respiratory support that may include an airflow source for providing a gas flow comprising air and / or oxygen, and a patient interface for delivering breathable gas to the patient. A humidifier may be used to heat and / or humidify the gas flow.

[0353] Typical flow rates for adults can range from, but are not limited to, from about 15 liters per minute to about 60 liters per minute or higher. Typical flow rates for pediatric users (such as newborns, infants, and children) typically range from, but are not limited to, from about 0.8 liters per minute to 1 liter per minute to about 3 liters per minute or higher per kilogram of patient body weight. For patients weighing less than 1 kilogram, the flow rate can be set to 1 liter per minute or lower.

[0354] This disclosure is not limited to high-flow applications and can be used with any type of non-invasive, non-sealed patient interface of a respiratory support system having one or more nasal plugs. In other words, the discussion and disclosure related to high flow are merely illustrative.

[0355] Using therapies such as these high-flow-rate treatments, the flow of gas delivered to the patient can be prescribed and set. For example, clinicians can prescribe a specific gas flow rate for a patient's treatment. The gas flow rate can be set using a flow meter on the wall or selected and set on a flow generator. As the airflow is delivered to the patient's airway, a certain level of positive airway pressure can be generated.

[0356] In non-sealed therapy systems, the pressure delivered to the patient can be inherently variable due to the pressure drop during inspiration caused by the respiratory cycle. In high-flow and similar non-sealed therapy systems, providing better patient pressure stability throughout the respiratory cycle may be beneficial.

[0357] In other words, more predictable control over the pressure delivered to patients in high-flow and similar non-sealed therapy systems may be expected.

[0358] When the term patient pressure is used in this document, it should be understood as referring to the pressure within the patient's body. Alternatively, patient pressure may also reflect the pressure that the patient must exert in order to exhale the gas supplied via the respiratory therapy system and device described herein, as well as any nasal obstruction in the patient's nostrils (which is defined in more detail below).

[0359] Having the ability to know the pressure delivered to a patient could be beneficial. Currently, continuously delivering a desired pressure or pressure range via an unsealed interface can be challenging because the unsealed interface and the gas supplied through it are inherently open to the atmosphere. Current methods for measuring patient pressure may involve complex system arrangements and / or potentially invasive and / or uncomfortable equipment.

[0360] Understanding the pressure delivered through an unsealed interface can inform clinicians, enabling them to modify therapy as needed. This gives clinicians greater confidence that changing settings will benefit patients without adverse effects. For example, clinicians can increase the flow rate setting without delivering excessive pressure to the patient.

[0361] This disclosure relates to nasal delivery elements, such as one or more nasal plugs for a patient interface, interfaces including at least one such nasal plug, and / or systems, methods, and / or devices including at least one such nasal plug. In use, each nasal plug according to this disclosure can be inserted into a patient's nostril. When inserted into the nostril, the distal end of the nasal plug is located inside the patient's nostril. The base of the nasal plug may be adjacent to the opening of the nostril. A flow of breathable gas is delivered to the patient through the lumen of the nasal plug.

[0362] When a patient exhales, the exhaled air flows between the outer surface of the nasal plug wall and the inner surface of the nostril to exit through the nostril. The exhaled air flow can travel generally longitudinally and between the outer surface of the nasal plug wall and the inner wall or inner surface of the nostril. The average flow direction of the exhaled air can be towards the nostril entrance. When the nasal plug is inserted into the nostril, the average flow direction can be generally longitudinal from the tip of the nasal plug to its base.

[0363] The exhaled airflow flowing between the outer surface of the nasal plug and the inner surface of the nostril will have an average flow direction, average velocity, and / or average flow rate. Typically, the average flow direction within the nostril is substantially longitudinal towards the nostril opening. However, due to the variability in the cross-sectional shape of the nostrils and the simultaneous changes during the respiratory cycle (i.e., nostril contraction / expansion), portions of the exhaled airflow can have velocities higher or lower than the average velocity. One or more portions of the exhaled airflow may flow in directions different from the average flow direction, and there can be variability in flow rate that differs from the average flow rate.

[0364] The following description may include references to the characteristics of the nasal plug relative to the gas flow. In these references, it should be understood that they relate to the nasal plug, which, when in use, is at least partially located in the nostril. It should be understood that any interaction or effect of the nasal plug with the gas flow is at least in part due to the nasal plug being constructed to provide that interaction or effect.

[0365] This disclosure includes a method of providing respiratory support or providing a patient with breathable gas. The method may include providing a respiratory therapy system. The respiratory system may be substantially as described herein or otherwise. The respiratory therapy system may include at least one of an airflow source (which includes a source of breathing gas), a gas delivery conduit (e.g., a breathing tube for receiving breathing gas), and a patient interface.

[0366] The patient interface may be a nasal interface, such as a nasal cannula. The patient interface may be in fluid communication with a gas delivery conduit to deliver breathing gas to the patient. The patient interface may include a nasal plug and an airway, the nasal plug including a base, an end, and a wall extending between the two, the airway extending through the wall of the nasal plug.

[0367] In this text, when the term 'ventilation port' is used in connection with the example nasal plug, it will be understood as an opening or orifice in the wall of the nasal plug intended to deliver gas to the patient during use, which is the opposite of the typical purpose of a ventilator in the respiratory system, which is used to expel gas from the patient.

[0368] Methods of providing respiratory support may include positioning a nasal plug at least partially in a patient's nostril in a non-sealed manner. The method may include operating a respiratory therapy system to provide a flow of gas to a patient interface. The flow of gas from the respiratory therapy system can be delivered through the nasal plug at the patient's nostril.

[0369] The term 'user' may be used in connection with a nasal cannula user, where such a user can typically be a patient receiving high-flow therapy and / or another form of respiratory therapy. It should be understood that the terms 'user' and 'patient' are used interchangeably herein. In some instances, a patient of the respiratory therapy method and / or system described herein may also be a user of the patient interface and / or nasal cannula described herein, and similarly, the terms 'user' and 'patient' may be used interchangeably with respect to the described method, system, and / or patient interface.

[0370] The following describes additional example patient interfaces, nasal cannulas, respiratory systems, and methods.

[0371] Figure 1 A schematic representation of an example respiratory therapy system according to this disclosure, which can be used with a patient interface having a nasal plug, is shown. The respiratory therapy system 1000 can provide respiratory therapy or support to a patient and / or provide the patient with breathable gas.

[0372] The respiratory therapy system 1000 may include a respiratory therapy device 6000 and a patient interface 2000. The respiratory therapy device 6000 may include a combination of components selected from, but not limited to, one or more of the following: an airflow source 150 (e.g., which may include a flow generating device 15, an electronic controller 18, and / or a gas source 15B), a humidifier 8 for humidifying and / or heating the gas flow, and / or a gas delivery conduit (e.g., a drying line and / or a heated breathing tube 3).

[0373] The gas flow source 150 can provide gases such as air, oxygen, air mixed with oxygen, or a mixture of air and / or oxygen with one or more other gases. In some examples, the gas flow source 150 may draw in a primary gas source from the surrounding environment, an in-wall supply source, and / or a storage tank. The gas flow source 150 may also draw in a supplementary gas source from a gas source (e.g., an in-wall supply source, a gas generator, and / or a storage tank), which is separate from the primary gas source.

[0374] The airflow source 150 provides a gas flow that can be delivered to the patient, for example, via the inhalation tube 3 and the patient interface 2000. The airflow source 150 can provide a gas flow rate between about 0.5 LPM and about 375 LPM, or any suitable subrange within that range.

[0375] exist Figure 1 In the example, the airflow source 150 may include a flow generator 15. The flow generator 15 may draw in a primary gas source from the surrounding environment and / or may be connected to a supplementary gas source. The flow generator 15 may include a blower 15. The blower 15 may draw in air from the surrounding environment via a blower inlet 17. For example, the blower 15 may have a second inlet 17B for receiving air from, for example... Figure 1 The supplementary gas source 15B shown is a gas that can deliver oxygen.

[0376] The airflow source 150 may include an electronic controller 18 that controls the airflow delivered to the patient and / or adjusts the properties of the gas delivered to the patient. The properties of the delivered gas may include flow rate, pressure, and / or gas concentration. For example, if the airflow source 150 includes a flow generator 15, the electronic controller 18 may be electronically connected to the flow generator 15 to control the airflow delivered to the patient.

[0377] For example, the flow generator 15 may include a valve, such as a proportional valve. The electronic controller 18 may control the valve to regulate the gas flow from the main gas source and / or the supplementary gas source. The electronic controller 18 may use a valve to regulate the gas flow received from the ambient environment via the blower inlet 17, and / or use a valve to regulate the gas flow received from the supplementary gas source 15B via the second inlet 17B.

[0378] The blower 15 may be equipped with a variable-speed compressor, fan, or impeller 2 driven by an electric motor. The impeller 2 can draw in ambient gas or air through the blower inlet 17. The impeller 2 can also control the total flow rate of the gas output by the blower 15. The electronic controller 18 can control the impeller 2 to regulate the properties of the gas delivered to the patient.

[0379] The rotational speed of the variable-speed compressor, fan, or impeller 2 can be controlled by the electronic controller 18. The properties of the gas delivered to the patient can be set by the user using a user interface 19 (including a graphical user interface, dial, or buttons, etc.) that communicates with the electronic controller 18. For example, the current supplied to the motor driving the impeller 2 can be increased or decreased to change the impeller's rpm, thereby increasing or decreasing the flow rate or pressure of the delivered gas.

[0380] The electronic controller 18 can regulate the properties of the gas delivered to the patient in response to user-defined preset values ​​(preset values) of pressure and / or flow rate and / or fan speed and / or gas concentration input via the user interface 19 (e.g., via a motor controlling the fan or impeller 2 or a valve controlling the blower 15). The electronic controller 18 can also control the properties of the gas delivered to the patient via active input from the user, also input via the user interface 19 (i.e., non-preset values).

[0381] The electronic controller 18 can be configured or programmed to control the operation of the device 6000 and / or system 1000. For example, the electronic controller 18 can control components of the device 6000 and / or system 1000, including but not limited to: operating the flow generator 15 to generate a gas flow for delivery to a patient; operating the humidifier 8 (if present) to humidify and / or heat the generated gas flow; controlling the gas flow, ambient air, and / or oxygen entering the flow generator 15; receiving user input from the user interface 19 for reconfiguration of the device 6000 and / or user-defined operations; and outputting information to the user (e.g., on a display).

[0382] The humidifier 8 can be positioned between the airflow source 150 and the patient 1 to humidify and / or heat the gas from the airflow source 150. Various humidifier configurations can be used.

[0383] For example, humidifier 8 can be a pass-through humidifier.

[0384] The humidifier 8 may include a humidification chamber 5. The humidification chamber 5 may include a gas inlet 16 and a gas outlet 4, enabling connection to the gas flow path 3 of the device 6000 / system 1000. For example, a gas flow from the flow generator 15 is received into the humidification chamber 5 via the gas inlet 16 and discharged from the chamber 5 via the gas outlet 4 after being heated and / or humidified. The humidification chamber 5 may contain a volume of liquid, typically water or the like.

[0385] The humidifier 8 may include a heating plate. The humidification chamber 5 may have one or more heat transfer surfaces (such as metal inserts, plates or the like) disposed in the base or other surface of the chamber 5, which are mated or engaged with the heating plate of the humidifier 8.

[0386] During operation, the liquid in the humidification chamber 5 is controlled to be heated by the heat transfer surface associated with the chamber 5 to produce water vapor or steam, thereby increasing the humidity of the gas flowing through the chamber 5.

[0387] The humidification chamber 5 may be removable, for example, it may be partially or completely removed from or disconnected from the flow path, the humidifier 8, and / or the device 6000. For example, the humidifier 8 may include a heater base 8A that includes the heating plate of the humidifier 8 and also houses the humidification chamber 5. Therefore, the humidification chamber 5 may be removable from or disconnected from the heater base 8A.

[0388] The humidifier 8 can be controlled by the humidifier controller 9. The humidifier 8 may also include a humidifier user interface 10. The electronic controller 18 and the user interface 19 can communicate with the humidifier controller 9 and the humidifier user interface 10 to control the humidifier 8.

[0389] For example, the electronic controller 18 can adjust the properties of the gas delivered to the patient (by controlling the current delivered to the heating element or heating plate) through the humidifier controller 9, by active user input via the humidifier user interface 10 or user interface 19, or by a predetermined value set by the user and input via the humidifier user interface 10 or user interface 19.

[0390] In some configurations, instead of separate airflow sources and humidifiers, the respiratory support device 6000 may also include an airflow source that combines a flow generator and a humidifier. A non-limiting example of such an airflow source is the AIRVO™ flow generator from Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited.

[0391] Gas delivery conduits, such as inspiratory tubing 3, may be coupled at a first end to the gas outlet 4 of the respiratory support device 6000 and at a second end to the patient interface 2000. In the case of the gas delivery conduits described herein, it may be any one or more of a breathing tube or inspiratory tubing, an inspiratory tube or inspiratory duct, a drying tubing, and / or a heated breathing tube. A heating element 11 may be disposed within the inspiratory tubing 3 to help prevent condensation of humidified gas within the tubing 3. The heating element 11 in the inspiratory tubing 3 may be controlled by a humidifier controller 9 and / or an electronic controller 18.

[0392] The gas delivery conduit 3 may include at least a portion of a breathable material. For example, at least a portion of the conduit wall may include a breathable material. The breathable material allows water vapor to pass through but does not allow large amounts of liquid water or large amounts of breathing gas to pass through. The breathable material can help reduce condensation within the conduit.

[0393] Patient Interface

[0394] exist Figure 1In the example shown, the patient interface 2000 is a nasal cannula to which gas from an airflow source 150 (in this example, a blower 15) is supplied via a gas delivery conduit 3. The patient interface 2000 may be an unsealed (non-sealed) interface, such as an unsealed nasal cannula. The patient interface 2000 includes a nasal plug 3000 configured to be inserted into the nostril of a patient 1 or user to deliver a gas flow to the patient / user 1.

[0395] The following text will refer to Figures 2 to 5 As described, the patient interface 2000 may include nasal cannulas 30, 700, and 800, each including bodies 32, 703, and 815. The bodies 32, 703, and 815 can provide an overall structure from which feature portions of the nasal cannulas 30, 700, and 800 can extend or connect to the overall structure. The bodies 32, 703, and 815 may include manifolds 32A and 820 (e.g.,...). Figure 2 and Figure 5 (As shown). For example, the bodies 32, 703, 815 may include wings or arms 707. The patient interface 2000 may include additional features (such as supply tubes 705, 801, 2001) and fixation features (such as fixation components 751 or headgear 20 connected to the bodies 32, 703, 815).

[0396] For example, the patient interface 2000 may include supply tubing. In this example, two supply tubing 2001 extending from a common connector 2002 are shown, to which a gas delivery conduit 3 may be connected. The supply tubing 2001 may be in fluid communication with one or both nasal plugs of the patient interface 2000.

[0397] The patient interface 2000 can have a pair of nasal prongs. Air can be supplied to each nasal prong via a separate supply tube. For example, this is done via... Figures 1 to 4 The illustration shows nasal plugs having separate supply tubes 705, 801, and 2001 (in fluid communication with a common gas delivery conduit 3). For example, Figure 1 Patient Interface 2000 and Figure 3 The nasal cannula 700 includes two supply tubes 2001 and 705. Although not explicitly shown or indicated, Figure 2 and Figure 4 The patient interface shows nasal plugs that can also be in fluid communication with individual corresponding supply tubes. The supply tubes can be connected to gas paths 37, 38, 702A, and 702B, which provide access through the body to each nasal plug. Gas paths 37, 38, 702A, and 702B run along the body from... Figure 2 and Figure 4 Each nasal plug extends laterally outward to connect for fluid communication with the corresponding supply tube.

[0398] In other examples, a single supply tube 2001 may be connected to the gas delivery conduit 3. The single supply tube 2001 may be connected to the patient interface 2000, such that the patient interface 2000 is in fluid communication with the gas delivery conduit 3.

[0399] The supply tube 2001 may include a breathable material or be made at least in part of such a breathable material.

[0400] In this document, where the terms 'distal' and 'proximal' are used generally and with reference to the ends of supply tubing, gas delivery conduit, and / or ventilator, such terms are used only to indicate the proximity of the feature to the patient or patient interface in use; for example, the proximal end of a tubing or ventilator is closer to the patient or patient interface, or closer to the gas supply device / blower / humidifier, than its distal end. Terms such as 'upstream' and 'downstream' are interpreted similarly with reference to proximity to the patient or patient interface in use, wherein downstream components or features of the respiratory system or respiratory equipment are closer to the patient (and / or patient interface) in use, and upstream components or features of the respiratory system or respiratory equipment are closer to the airflow source (e.g., such as a flow generator, blower, and / or humidifier).

[0401] This article also describes a patient interface with a pair of nasal plugs in fluid communication with a shared gas manifold. The manifold may be in fluid communication with a gas delivery conduit 3.

[0402] exist Figure 5 In the nasal cannula 800, the nasal cannula 800 includes a body 815, which includes a common gas manifold 820 from which a nasal plug 810 extends. The gas manifold 820 is connected to a supply line 801 via a coupling 830. The supply line 801 is in fluid communication with a gas delivery conduit 3.

[0403] One or more supply tubes may be provided, which are connected to or integrally formed with the gas delivery conduit 3. Alternatively, no supply tubes may be provided, and the patient interface may be directly connected to the gas delivery conduit 3.

[0404] Back Figure 1 The patient interface 2000 may include a nasal plug, which may include an air vent extending through the wall of the nasal plug, as will be described in further detail below.

[0405] Patient Interface 2000 may include this article relative to Figure 2 And any of the example nasal cannulas or nasal plugs described in the following figures. Furthermore, the following description of the features, function, and potential benefits of nasal plugs including airways can be applied to any patient interface configuration, regardless of other structures outside the nasal plug.

[0406] The patient interface 2000 or nasal cannula with a pair of nasal prongs described herein may have a single nasal prong with an air vent extending through the wall of that nasal prong. The single nasal prong with the air vent may be a left or right nasal prong. Such a patient interface 2000 or nasal cannula may still offer the following features, functionality, and potential benefits. The patient interface 2000 may be configured to deliver a flow of gas to a patient's nasal cavity / nostril at a given or pre-defined flow rate at a predictable pressure. For example, the patient interface may be configured to enable gas delivery to a patient over a wide range (e.g., about 0.5 LPM or higher), depending on therapeutic / respiratory support needs and / or patient type.

[0407] Non-limitingly, the gas delivered to the patient may be from about 5 LPM or 10 LPM to about 150 LPM, or from about 15 LPM to about 95 LPM, or from about 20 LPM to about 90 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. For example, the flow rate of gas supplied or provided to the interface via the system or from a gas source or flow regulator may include, but is not limited to, at least about 0.5 LPM, 1 LPM, 5 LPM, 10 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 the available range may be selected as any of these values ​​(e.g., about 20 LPM to about 90 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).

[0408] Flow rates may vary for preterm infants / pediatric patients (weighing between approximately 1 kg and 30 kg). Non-limitingly, flow rates can be set from 0.4 LPM / kg to 8 LPM / kg, with a minimum of approximately 0.5 LPM and a maximum of approximately 70 LPM. For patients weighing less than 2 kg, the maximum flow rate may be set to 8 LPM, or 10 LPM, or 15 LPM, or 20 LPM or higher.

[0409] In some examples, the gas delivery or flow rate to the patient can be approximately 30 LPM.

[0410] The delivered gas can be selected based on the intended use, for example, therapy and / or respiratory support. The delivered gas may include a certain percentage of oxygen (also referred to herein as oxygen fraction). In some configurations, the percentage of oxygen in the delivered gas may 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%.

[0411] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the nasal cannula 30 includes a body 32 and a pair of side arms 31, the body having a central region 35, the side arms being located on either side of the body 32. Nasal plugs 33 and 34 each include bases 33A and 34A extending from the body 32, specifically from the central region 35 of the body 32. The nasal plugs may also have inlets at the bases 33A and 34A. Figure 2 Not shown in the text, but for example by Figure 22 The inlet 3005 is exemplified in the nasal plug 33, 34, and the ends 33B, 34B are also shown. The walls 33C, 34C extend between the bases 33A, 34A and the ends 33B, 34B of each nasal plug 33, 34. Each nasal plug 33, 34 includes an air vent 4000 extending through the respective wall of the nasal plug, which is described in further detail below.

[0412] The inner surfaces of walls 33C and 34C can define the nasal obstruction lumen. Figure 2 Not shown in the text, but for example shown as Figures 9 to 16 The nasal obstruction lumen 3004). The outer surfaces of the walls 33C, 34C may define the exterior of the nasal obstruction (e.g., in the nasal obstruction lumen 3004). Figure 9 The middle part is shown as the outer surface 3320).

[0413] The nasal protrusion lumen of nasal protrusion 33 and / or nasal protrusion 34 may extend between the respective bases 33A, 34A to the respective ends 33B, 34B. During use, the direction of gas flow within each nasal protrusion 33, 34 follows the general direction of the nasal protrusion lumen.

[0414] Nasal plugs can have a substantially circular cross-section. For example, Figure 6 The nasal plug 3000a shown has a substantially cylindrical configuration with a substantially constant circular cross-section.

[0415] Figure 7 The nose plug 3000b shown has a generally tapered conical configuration, including a circumference that gradually narrows or decreases from the base 3100 to the end 3200 of the nose plug around its circular cross-section.

[0416] The nasal plug may have a non-circular cross-section. The nasal plug may have a substantially elliptical or oval cross-section. The cross-sectional shape mentioned herein may be applied to the cross-sectional shape of the nasal plug at the end, at the base (where air enters the nasal plug), and / or at any location along the length of the nasal plug.

[0417] Nasal plugs 33 and 34 may include a cross-section having at least one flat edge if the cross-section is cut perpendicular to the nasal plug lumen (generally along its length) as defined above. For example, the cross-section may be a polygonal shape with completely flat edges, such as a rectangle or triangle. The cross-section may be a hybrid shape with one or more curved edges and at least one flat edge, such as a semicircle. The flat edge forms a flat surface along one face of each nasal plug 33 or 34. The cross-section may be uniform throughout the entire length of each nasal plug 33 or 34. The size and / or dimensions of the cross-section may vary throughout the entire length of each nasal plug 33 or 34. For example, each nasal plug 33 or 34 may be chamfered inwards along its length.

[0418] Nasal congestion plugs 33 and 34 can be tilted toward each other when not in use. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the nasal plugs 33 and 34 can be bent to conform to the curvature of the patient's nasal passage. Once the nasal cannula 30 is fitted to the patient, the nasal plugs 33 and 34 can elastically deform to adapt to the patient's nasal passage. The body 32 or one or more portions of the nasal cannula 30 can be flexed, which can help relieve pressure applied to the nasal region (e.g., the nasal septum).

[0419] Although Figure 2 Not shown, but the supply tube can receive breathable gas from the gas delivery conduit 3 and deliver the gas to the corresponding inlets of the nasal plugs 33 and 34 via the corresponding gas paths 37 and 38. Figure 2 Gas paths 37 and 38 are shown as integrally formed or molded internal channels within the cannula body 32. These channels extend along the side arms 31 of the nasal cannula 30 toward the central region 35 and to the corresponding nasal plug inlets of the nasal plugs 33 and 34. Figure 2 In the example shown, the channel extends along the front surface of each side arm 31.

[0420] Fixed components

[0421] The nasal cannula may include a patient fixation component, which may include one or more facial pads 44 located on the side arm 31, such as Figure 2 As shown. During use, the face pad 44 can be removably attached to or adjacent to the patient's cheek. In some configurations, the face pad 44 may have an adhesive surface that allows the face pad 44 to be removably attached to the patient's cheek. The face pad 44 can be attached to one or more skin patches. Reference will be made below. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Describe a patient fixation component.

[0422] In other configurations, the nasal cannula 30 can be attached to the patient's head via one or more straps or via a head covering 20, such as Figure 1 or Figure 5 shown.

[0423] Turn now Figure 3 The nasal cannula 700 includes a body 703, which includes side arms or wings 707. A supply tube 705 extends to the wings 707 of the body 703. The supply tube 705 is connected to corresponding gas paths 702A, 702B, which extend across the side arms or wings 707 to corresponding nasal plugs 710A, 710B. Gas paths 702A, 702B thereby provide fluid communication between the outlet of the supply tube 705 and the inlet of the nasal plug.

[0424] Figure 3 The nasal cannula 700 is still there Figure 4 The example shown illustrates this. A first nasal plug 710A includes at least one air vent 4000 extending through a wall of the first nasal plug, the air vent being described in further detail below. A second nasal plug 710B may have a solid wall without an air vent. In the example shown, the second nasal plug 710B does not include the air vent 4000.

[0425] The nasal cannula 700 includes a fixation assembly 751 for holding the nasal cannula 700 in the operational position. In the example shown, the fixation assembly 751 is a two-part detachable fixation assembly 751.

[0426] The fixation assembly 751 includes a fixation structure or skin patch. In the example shown, the fixation assembly includes a pair of fixation structures. Each fixation structure includes a fixation body 750 having a patient-facing side and an interface-facing side. A fixation element 753 is disposed on or otherwise adhered to the interface side of the fixation body 750. The fixation element 753 is the first part of the two-part removable fixation assembly 751.

[0427] The posterior surface or patient-facing surface of the nasal cannula 700 (e.g., the posterior portion of the face pad or wing) may be provided with an attachment element 752. The attachment element is a second part of the fixation assembly 751.

[0428] The attachment element 752 has a patient-facing side and an interface-facing side. For example, the interface-facing side of the attachment element 752 can be attached or secured to the patient interface 700 by means of an adhesive. The interface attachment element 752 can be integrated with or suitably adhered to the patient interface 700.

[0429] The patient-facing side of the interface attachment element 752 can be detachably attached to the interface-facing side of the fixing element 753.

[0430] The two-part removable fixation system 751 may include complementary fastening elements. For example, the two-part removable fixation system may include mechanical fasteners such as hook and loop materials (such as Velcro™), magnets or arrays of magnets (with appropriately arranged magnetic poles) disposed on each of the fixation structure and the patient interface 700, adhesive arrangements that can be activated when the two parts are assembled together, or any other suitable removable coupling.

[0431] The interface side of the fixation body 750 may have one of a hook material or a ring material, and the patient side of the interface attachment element 752 may have the other of a hook material or a ring material, so that the fixation body 750 and the interface attachment element 752 can be detachably attached to each other.

[0432] The fixation body 750 of the fixation structure can be detachably adhered to or otherwise detachably attached to the patient's skin. The patient side of the fixation body 750 can be attached to the patient's skin using a skin-sensitive adhesive. The adhesive may include any of the following: hydrocolloid-based adhesive materials; zinc oxide-based adhesive materials; silicone-based adhesive materials; polyurethane; and / or hydrogel-based adhesive materials.

[0433] The above references Figure 3 and Figure 4 The description is for illustrative purposes only and is not limited to the scope of this disclosure. For example, this disclosure is equally applicable to other configurations of nasal cannulas or other patient interfaces, such as those attached to a patient via a headgear and / or at least one strap. For example, a patient interface may include at least one arm capable of attaching to a headgear and / or at least one strap. Other methods of attaching the patient interface to a patient are also possible.

[0434] For example, Figure 5 A sleeve 800 is shown, which employs a belt 850 with an adjusting buckle 860, which can be manipulated by pulling an appropriate portion of the belt 850 to adjust its effective length.

[0435] Figure 5 The body 815 of the nasal cannula 800 includes a common gas manifold 820 in fluid communication with the nasal plug 810. A proximal end of a supply tube 801 is fluidly connected to the manifold 820 via a coupling 830. The coupling 830 may be detachable or integrally formed with the proximal ends of the manifold 820 and the supply tube 801.

[0436] Nasal plug structure

[0437] Turn now Figures 6 to 8 Example nasal plugs 3000a, 3000b, and 3000c will now be described. These example nasal plugs can form a patient interface (such as...) Figures 1 to 5 A portion of a nasal cannula (e.g., the example patient interface 30, 700, 800, 2000, or a patient interface as described elsewhere in this document, or any patient interface having a nasal element designed to be positioned within the patient's nostril).

[0438] Figure 8 A nasal plug 3000c is shown, which is curved between its base 3100 and its tip 3200. When in use, the nasal plug can bend generally toward the back of the patient's head. The nasal plug can bend generally toward the back of the patient's nasal passage.

[0439] For specific reference Figures 17 to 20 As can be seen, the nasal plug described in this article can be configured such that, during use, the gap between the outer surface 3320 of the nasal plug wall and the inner wall or inner surface W1 of the patient's nostril is sufficient to define the area C2 outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostril.

[0440] It should be noted that an example nasal plug is shown, which is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril. Figures 9 to 20 This is merely illustrative, as the gap or region C2 does not need to be continuous around the entire exterior of the example nasal plug. In other words, in some configurations, only a portion of the outer surface of the wall may remain at a distance from the inner wall W1 of the patient's nostril.

[0441] In addition, such as these Figures 9 to 20 The approximate shape of the nostril defined by the inner wall W1 shown is merely illustrative and not intended as an anatomical representation of a patient's nostril or nasal passage or its surface. It should be understood that different nasal plug sizes, shapes, and configurations can be selected depending on the size and shape of the nostril. When the size of the nasal plug is designed or constructed to maintain a gap between the wall of the nasal plug and the inner wall of the user's nostril, such a gap may exist at a portion between the interface and the inner wall W1 of the nostril, allowing the nasal plug to either not completely close or substantially mechanically seal against the inner wall W1 or inner surface of the nostril. In the case of the inner wall W1 of the nostril referred to herein, it can generally cover the inner surface of the patient's nostril.

[0442] In another example, gas flowing from example nasal plug 3000 via vent 4000 can form at least a partial fluid or gas seal. A jet seal, or a fluid or gas seal, can at least partially mimic some of the effects of a physical seal on a patient interface.

[0443] The flow of gas expelled through the ventilator 4000 may actually increase nasal obstruction without increasing the physical size of the obstruction. Therefore, a jet seal can provide the patient with a greater PEEP while maintaining a safe gas path open to the atmosphere for exhalation. In other words, higher patient pressure can be achieved using a non-sealed patient interface.

[0444] The nasal plug 3000 includes an end portion 3200, a base 3100 extending from the body of the nasal cannula, an inlet 3005 at the base 3100, and a wall 3300 extending between the base 3100 and the end portion 3200, the wall defining a nasal plug lumen 3004 in fluid communication with the inlet 3005. Although the nasal plug lumen and the inlet are not in... Figures 6 to 8 Examples of such nasal plug lumen 3004 and inlet 3005 are shown in [the text], but [the text] is in [the text]. Figure 22 It is shown in the figure and described in more detail below.

[0445] In some examples, the end 3200 may include an opening 3250 that defines an opening gas path, the opening 3250 being configured to deliver gas received by the nasal plug 3000 into the nostril through the opening gas path.

[0446] In some examples, such as the nasal plug 3000 described herein, such an opening 3250 may not necessarily be included at its end 3200, for example, as in Figure 7 and Figure 8 Examples of nasal congestion: 3000b, 3000c, or Figure 29 This can be seen in the example nasal plug 3000, which includes a blind end 3251. In such instances, the only orifice or opening for gas to flow outward from the nasal plug lumen 3004 is provided by the vent 4000.

[0447] The nasal plug 3000 includes an air vent 4000 that extends through a wall 3300 between the base 3100 and the end 3200 of the nasal plug.

[0448] Vent structure

[0449] It shows Figure 6 The nasal plug 3000a includes a single airway 4000a. The airway 4000a extends through the wall of the nasal plug and extends longitudinally at least partially between the base 3100 and the end 3200 of the nasal plug.

[0450] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, the vent 4000a has a generally elongated rectangular configuration.

[0451] It shows Figure 7The nasal plug 3000 includes two air vents 4000b. In this example, each air vent 4000b has a substantially elliptical configuration. Each air vent 4000b is arranged in a laterally offset configuration. In other words, the air vents 4000b are spaced apart from each other and misaligned in the approximate length direction of the nasal plug and nasal plug lumen.

[0452] It shows Figure 8 The nasal plug 3000 includes five air vents 4000c. The air vents 4000c are arranged in an array with a substantially staggered configuration. In other words, the air vents 4000c are spaced apart and offset in the direction of the nasal plug lumen. The staggered configuration can be uniform or non-uniform.

[0453] Other vent configurations including one or more vents are conceivable. Multiple vents may include two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten or more vents.

[0454] Multiple air vents can be positioned on opposite sides of the nasal plug wall, at equal longitudinal distances from the base of the nasal plug, equidistant from the wall and / or across the wall, equidistant from the end and / or base of the nasal plug, arranged in an alternating and / or non-uniform manner around the wall, and arranged such that they are aligned or misaligned in the longitudinal direction along the wall and / or aligned or misaligned in the transverse direction across the wall.

[0455] At least one airway 4000 may include multiple airways 4000. The airways 4000 may be arranged around the wall 3300 of the nasal plug 3000. The airways may be arranged around the nasal plug 3000 at substantially the same longitudinal position. Advantageously, multiple airways can provide multiple gas paths for delivering gas to the patient, enabling gas delivery even if one or more airways may become blocked.

[0456] In other examples, a given vent may include any given polygonal shape or configuration, such as substantially square, rectangular, parallelogram, trapezoidal, hexagonal, pentagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, or decagonal shapes or configurations. For example, Figure 8 The five vents of the 4000c are essentially square. A given vent may also include substantially circular, elliptical, oval, or other non-polygonal shapes or configurations. For example, Figure 7 The two vents 4000b are basically elliptical in shape.

[0457] Referring to the example airway 4000a, the airway may include a distal end 4100 and a proximal end 4200, the distal end being closest to the base 3100 of the nasal plug and the proximal end being closest to the distal end 3200 of the nasal plug. The airway 4000a may extend longitudinally along the nasal plug wall 3300, substantially conforming to the lumen of the nasal plug.

[0458] A given vent 4000 may include a vent length 4022, which is defined as the distance between a proximal end 4200 and a distal end 4100 of the vent, and as described below. Figure 21 The example vent 4020 is described in further detail.

[0459] In some examples, the length of the airway may be between about 5% to about 80% of the length of the nasal plug, or between about 10% to about 80%, or between about 10% to about 70%, or between about 10% to about 60%, or between about 10% to about 50%, or between about 10% to about 40%, or between about 10% to about 30%, or between about 10% to about 20%.

[0460] The vent may also include the vent width between the first side 4400 and the second side 4500. The direction of the vent width may be substantially perpendicular to the direction of the vent length, as shown below. Figure 21 The example vent 4020 is described in further detail.

[0461] In the context of the description of a first side 4400 and a second side 4500 of a vent, the terms 'first' and 'second' are used only to distinguish these two sides and are not intended to define any order, hierarchy, or relationship between them. Furthermore, for example, in the case of describing a side of a vent, this side can be a discrete or separate segment of the vent (such as separately...). Figure 6 4000a polygonal vent and Figure 8 The polygonal vent 4000c), or a side portion that can be a continuous shape (such as... Figure 7 (4000b oval vent)

[0462] In some examples, the width of the airway includes approximately 5% to 90% of the length of the circumference of the nasal plug, or approximately 10% to 80%, or approximately 10% to 70%, or approximately 10% to 60%, or approximately 10% to 50%, or approximately 10% to 40%, or approximately 10% to 30%, or approximately 10% to 20%.

[0463] When defining the perimeter of a nasal plug, this term is used to refer to the outermost perimeter or line, i.e., visible when a cross-section is taken across the nasal plug substantially perpendicular to the nasal plug lumen. When referring to the term in relation to the size or structural features of the vent or nasal plug, it should be understood that the cross-section is taken at or along the location of at least a portion of the aforementioned size or structural feature. The perimeter can include elliptical, polygonal, and arcuate or curved shapes, depending on the geometry of the nasal plug wall / outer surface. Therefore, the perimeter can also include length, i.e., the end-to-end length of a line extending along the perimeter. In other words, the perimeter is the length of a line extending along the boundary of the nasal plug.

[0464] Within a defined sweep angle (such as...) Figure 17 In the case of a sweep angle of 430°, the term sweep angle can be used to refer to the angle between the first side 440° and the second side 450° of the at least one vent, wherein the vertex of the angle is located at (e.g., Figures 17 to 20 The imaginary center of the nasal plug X1 (shown) is the imaginary center located in the nasal plug lumen. When the circumference of the reference nasal plug is referred to by this term (i.e., when not expressed in its absolute value (degrees)), it refers to a certain percentage of the circumference that is occupied or extended when the sweep angle is projected or superimposed on the circumference.

[0465] In this respect, the sweep angle of at least one airway can be configured to include between about 5 degrees and about 180 degrees, and / or can extend across about 1% to about 90% of the circumference of the nasal plug, or about 10% to about 80%, or about 10% to about 70%, or about 10% to about 60%, or about 10% to about 50%, or about 10% to about 40%, or about 10% to about 30%, or about 10% to about 20%. See below for reference. Figure 17 Further examples of sweep angle variations are described in detail in the accompanying figures.

[0466] This article may also describe the area of ​​at least one airway and the surface area of ​​the nasal plug wall 3300. For example, as Figure 21 As hypothetically shown, the nasal plug wall 3300 has a surface area 3001 extending around the nasal plug 3000, and the air vent 4020 has an area 4201. The ratio of the area 4201 of at least one air vent 4020 to the surface area 3001 of the nasal plug wall 3300 includes being between about 1:20 and about 3:5, or about 1:15 and about 3:5, or about 1:10 and about 3:5, or about 1:8 and about 3:5, or about 1:6 and about 3:5, or about 1:4 and about 3:5, or about 1:3 and about 3:5.

[0467] In some examples, the nasal plug 3000 may be configured such that at least a portion of at least one airway 4020 is disposed at a distance 3102 from the base 3100 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 21 (As shown). Distance 3102 can be about 5% to about 95% of the length of the nasal plug, or between about 10% and about 80%, or between about 10% and about 70%, or between about 10% and about 60%, or between about 10% and about 50%, or between about 10% and about 40%, or between about 10% and about 30%, or between about 10% and about 20%.

[0468] The length 3077 of the nasal plug can be understood as the distance between the end 3200 and the base 3100 of the nasal plug 3000. Figure 21 As shown. The nasal plug can be configured such that at least a portion of at least one airway 4020 is disposed at a distance 3202 from the end 3200 of the nasal plug, the distance being approximately 5% to approximately 95% of the length of the nasal plug (also as...). Figure 21 (as shown), or between about 10% to about 80% of the length of the nasal congestion, or between about 10% to about 70%, or between about 10% to about 60%, or between about 10% to about 50%, or between about 10% to about 40%, or between about 10% to about 30%, or between about 10% to about 20%.

[0469] A portion of the vent 4020 may be the distal end 4120 of the vent, the proximal end 4220 of the vent, any point in between, or the center of the vent. For example, Figure 21 Example airway 4020 illustrates the distance 3102 between the distal end 4120 of the airway and the base 3100 of the nasal plug, and the distance 3202 between the proximal end 4420 of the airway and the distal end 3200 of the nasal plug. In some examples, the distance 3102 between the distal end 4120 of the airway and the base 3100 of the nasal plug 3000 may be between about 5% to about 95% of the length of the nasal plug, or between about 10% to about 80%, or between about 10% to about 70%, or between about 10% to about 60%, or between about 10% to about 50%, or between about 10% to about 40%, or between about 10% to about 30%, or between about 10% to about 20%.

[0470] In some examples, the distance 3202 between the proximal end 4420 of the airway and the distal end 3200 of the nasal plug 3000 can be between about 5% to about 95% of the length of the nasal plug, or about 10% to about 80%, or about 10% to about 70%, or about 10% to about 60%, or about 10% to about 50%, or about 10% to about 40%, or about 10% to about 30%, or about 10% to about 20%. The airway 4000a can be located anywhere along the nasal plug. Figure 6 The airway 4000a, the proximal end 4200 of which is shown to be closer to or closer to the distal end 3200 of the associated nasal plug than the distal end 4100 of the airway is to the base 3100 of the nasal plug.

[0471] Variations in the distances of the proximal end 4200 and distal end 4100 of a given airway from the corresponding distal end 3200 and base 3100 of a given nasal plug can be envisioned, for example, to alter the positioning of the airway relative to the patient's nostril. This can be useful when the nasal plug is at least partially located within the nostril, to position the nasal plug such that a portion of the airway remains outside the nostril.

[0472] The advantage of this type of airway positioning is maintaining a safe gas path, i.e., allowing the patient's airway to be fluidly connected to the environment in order to keep the patient interface 'open' or unsealed. For example, a nasal plug with an outer circumference that is comparable to or slightly smaller than the inner surface circumference of the nostril may be considered unsuitable or unsafe for flow-based therapies. A nasal plug that provides approximately 50% or more nasal occlusion may be considered inappropriate or unsafe. However, a nasal plug of this size, with at least a portion of the airway located outside the nostril, will keep the patient interface 'open'. This allows for greater flexibility in selecting an appropriate and safe nasal plug size for the patient.

[0473] In some examples, the airway 4000a may be positioned closer to the base 3100 of the nasal plug 3000a and extend toward the end 3200 of the nasal plug 3000a. In some examples, the proximal end 4200 of the airway 4000a may terminate at a given distance from the end 3200 of the nasal plug 3000a. This distance may be from about 1% to about 50% of the length of the airway 4000a. This distance may be from about 1% to about 100% of the width of the airway 4000a. This distance may be from about 1 mm to about 30 mm.

[0474] In this regard, in some examples, the nasal plug may be configured such that, when in use, the proportion of the airway length located inside the patient's nostril is greater than about 5% of the airway length, and / or such that, when in use, the proportion of the airway length located outside the patient's nostril is less than about 95% of the airway length. To ensure that a certain proportion of the airway length is located inside the nostril, the nasal plug may include a visual indicator (e.g., a marking on the nasal plug wall 3300) for indicating an appropriate insertion depth.

[0475] Figure 6 The airway 4000a extends substantially longitudinally in a direction parallel to and along the length of the nasal plug lumen (in this example, the nasal plug lumen is generally elongated, tubular, and has a constant circular cross-section). In some examples, a given airway may extend laterally at least partially across the wall or may surround the nasal plug 3000b, such as... Figure 8 The ventilation port 4000b extends diagonally or at an angle relative to the approximate length of the nasal tube.

[0476] The vent 4000 extends through the wall 3300 between the base 3100 and the end 3200 of the nasal plug and can be positioned anywhere between the base 3100 and the end 3200. The vent 4000 extends through the wall 3000 of the nasal plug as an orifice, which allows fluid communication between the lumen 3004 of the nasal plug and the outside of the nasal plug.

[0477] Vent Function

[0478] Typically, for any given venting port variant described herein, when gas is received into the nasal plug, at least a portion of the gas is expelled from the nasal plug through the venting port.

[0479] In this respect, the vent 4000 can define a vent gas path, wherein a portion of the gas received by the nasal plug passes through or is discharged from the nasal plug lumen 3004 via the vent gas path. When gas is delivered to the nasal plug during use, a portion of the gas can be discharged from the nasal plug lumen 3004 via the vent gas path.

[0480] In flow therapy applications (such as high-flow therapy), the respiratory system delivers a continuous flow of breathing gas at a given or variable flow rate. Therefore, when using a non-sealed patient interface (such as a nasal cannula including a nasal plug 3000), a substantially constant flow of gas is supplied to the lumen of the nasal plug. This causes the constant gas flow to move in a direction generally from the base 3100 to the tip 3200 of the nasal plug. Thus, in such applications, the gas flow moves through at least a portion of the nasal plug lumen and exits via the ventilation port gas path.

[0481] Figure 9 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an example nasal plug 3000 is shown, which is inserted into a user's nostril and positioned adjacent to and / or close to the inner wall W1 of the nasal passage of the nostril. The example nasal plug shows two air vents that extend through the wall 3300 of the nasal plug 3000 and are located on opposite sides of the wall.

[0482] The example nasal plug also shows its end 3200, which includes an opening 3250 that defines an opening gas path, the opening 3250 being configured to deliver gas received by the nasal plug into the nostril through the opening gas path.

[0483] The gas path for each vent is roughly indicated by arrow A1. The gas path for each vent 4000 is roughly indicated by arrow A2. Figure 9Two airway gas paths A2 are shown. It should be understood that a nasal plug with a single airway can include a single airway gas path. A nasal plug with a given number of airways / multiple airways can have an equal corresponding number of airway gas paths.

[0484] It should be understood that when gas paths A1, A2, A3, and A22 are mentioned in this article, they are intended only to indicate the general direction of gas flow or movement.

[0485] During a constant gas supply or flow, a portion of the gas delivered to the nasal plug lumen 3004 will be discharged through opening 3250 via opening gas path A1, and a portion will be discharged through venting port 4000 via venting port gas path A2. Venting port 4000 is disposed on wall 3300, which is positioned adjacent to and close to the inner wall W1 of the user's nostril. A portion of the gas will be discharged from the nasal plug lumen through at least one venting port 4000 and may be discharged to an area outside the nasal plug 3000 following the general direction indicated by venting port gas path A2. The gas discharged through venting port 4000 may travel substantially in a direction toward or at the wall W1 of the nostril.

[0486] When in use, with at least one nasal plug at least partially located inside the patient's nostril, the area outside the nasal plug from which at least a portion of the gas is expelled is also the area inside the patient's nostril. This area is generally indicated by the dashed boundary C2.

[0487] A patient’s respiratory cycle typically includes an inspiratory phase, an expiratory phase, and / or a apnea phase between the inspiratory and expiratory phases.

[0488] Air discharged from the vent 4000 enters region C2 between the exterior of the nasal plug 3320 and the inner wall W1 of the nostril. Some air discharged from the vent 4000 may flow into the atmosphere outside region C2 and / or into the patient's nostril. The flow of air from the vent 4000 of the nasal plug 3000 into region C2, between the exterior of the nasal plug and the interior of the patient's nostril, causes the air to flow substantially against the inner wall W1 of the nostril, rather than flowing longitudinally, for example, in the direction of further entry into the nostril or in the direction of exit from the nostril. The flow of air discharged from the vent 4000 may or may not collide with the inner wall W1 of the nostril.

[0489] Region C2 is the area where the flow rate and pressure are increased compared to the atmosphere. With a continuous gas flow, region C2, where at least a portion of the gas flow is expelled outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostrils during at least one phase of the patient's respiratory cycle, can have higher resistance to gas flow from the patient's nostrils compared to a nasal plug without an airway.

[0490] This increased flow resistance can be understood as a partial fluid or gas seal or blockage effect at least during at least a portion of the exhalation phase at the region C2, at or around the airway, and between the wall 3300 of the nasal plug and the inner wall W1 of the nostril.

[0491] Partial jet seal

[0492] When in use, the gas discharged from the nasal tube 3004 through the air vents 4000, 4000a, 4000b, 4000c can form at least a partial jet or gas seal between the nasal tubes 3000, 3000a, 3000b, 3000c and the inner wall of the nostril.

[0493] A jet seal is a high-pressure and / or high-flow area. Gas expelled from the nasal prosthesis lumen 3004 via airways 4000, 4000a, 4000b, 4000c can interact with the walls 3300 and / or inner wall W1 of the nasal prosthesis, thus creating a jet seal. The jet seal acts as a barrier between the atmosphere and the patient, providing some resistance to the patient's exhalation. A jet seal can help increase peak end-expiratory pressure. A jet seal can help reduce dilution of the gas delivered to the patient, which can be advantageous, for example, if the gas flow includes a supplemental gas flow (such as oxygen).

[0494] The jet seal can be dynamic and deformable, and it may be affected by the patient's breathing phase, as will be described in further detail below. For example, during inspiration, the jet seal may be absent or may be minimized due to the negative pressure generated by the patient diverting the jet seal. During expiration, the jet seal may deform, but the patient is still able to maintain a safe gas path to the atmosphere between the nasal plugs 3000, 3000a, 3000b, 3000c and the inner wall W1.

[0495] Therefore, for the example nasal plug described herein (which has at least one vent extending through its wall), the at least one vent can be understood as being configured to allow gas flow from the lumen of the nasal plug to the area outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostril, thereby creating a pressure difference between the outside and inside of the nostril. This pressure difference can create at least a partial fluid seal between the outside of the nasal plug and the inner wall (or inner surface) of the nostril (or nasal passage).

[0496] At least a partial fluid seal effect can effectively increase the size of the nasal plug without physically increasing its size. Therefore, the nasal plug can at least simulate or approximate the effect of at least a partial mechanical / physical seal without designing the size of the nasal plug to physically block the nostrils.

[0497] This at least partially fluid or gaseous sealing or occlusion effect can be understood as similar to or approximating the sealing or occlusion effect produced when a nasal plug is sealed to the user's nostrils, resulting in a corresponding increase in patient pressure. This at least partially fluid sealing or occlusion effect can provide an effect similar to or analogous to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy without requiring a fully sealed patient interface, i.e., a fully sealed or occluded nasal plug and / or a mask sealed to the patient's airway.

[0498] In this way, the nasal plug described herein (along with any patient interface, its kit, respiratory system and / or associated methods of using the nasal plug) can provide one or more advantages or effects of PAP therapy, such as increased patient pressure, increased PEEP, improved or more stable or continuous pressure control and predictability, while maintaining the advantages of an unsealed interface.

[0499] Back Figure 9 Gas flowing through the open gas path A1 will not flow into surfaces (such as the nostril wall W1).

[0500] At least a portion of the gas expelled to the area C2 outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostrils may cause an increase in patient pressure during at least one phase of the patient's respiratory cycle. The at least one phase of the patient's respiratory cycle (during which patient pressure increases) may include at least a portion of the inspiratory phase.

[0501] Therefore, at a given gas supply flow rate, the patient pressure during at least a portion of the inspiratory phase can be greater than the patient pressure using an equivalent nasal prong without an airway at the same gas supply flow rate. This provides an advantage for patient therapy systems using such a prong with a nasal prong having said airway compared to an equivalent system employing a cannula with a nasal prong without an airway extending through the wall of the nasal prong.

[0502] For example, a given supply flow rate or supply pressure can produce higher patient pressure than when using a non-orifice nasal cannula. Therefore, a lower supply pressure or flow rate can achieve the same target patient pressure compared to the supply pressure or flow rate required when using a non-orifice nasal cannula. This can help reduce system load and demand, and increase patient pressure capacity, compared to using a non-orifice nasal cannula.

[0503] Alternatively or additionally, at least a portion of the gas expelled into the area C2 outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostrils may cause an increase in pressure at or around the area C2 during at least a portion of the apnea phase.

[0504] In this example, since the patient neither inhales nor exhales during the apnea phase, there is no external airflow affecting the flow of gas in the directions of the opening gas path A1 and the ventilation port gas path A2. Therefore, the expulsion of gas into region C2 in the direction of the ventilation port gas path can create a pressure difference between the inside of the nostrils and the outside of the nostrils (i.e., the atmosphere).

[0505] At a given gas supply flow rate, for the disclosed nasal plug with an opening, patient pressure throughout the respiratory cycle can be more stable, more predictable, or even more controllable than with an equivalent nasal plug without an opening at the same gas supply flow rate.

[0506] It should be understood that when the area C2 mentioned herein is the area generally located outside the nasal plug wall and inside the patient's nostril, its dashed boundary C2 indicates, for illustrative purposes only, the exact periphery or boundary to which gas moving in the direction of the airway gas path may flow, or the exact periphery or boundary to which a pressure difference or at least a partial fluid seal is formed.

[0507] For example, Figures 10 to 12 Further examples illustrate how the phases of a user’s typical respiratory cycle may affect the gas expelled into region C2 and / or how it is affected when a constant gas flow (such as during high-flow therapy) is delivered through the nasal cannula.

[0508] Figure 10 An illustration depicts the inspiratory phase of a patient's respiratory cycle, during which the patient generates negative pressure to inhale one or more gases. In this example, the gas flow delivered to the nasal cannula 3004 moves through opening 3250 in the direction of the open gas path A1, as indicated generally by the gas flow arrow F1. Furthermore, the negative pressure generated by the user may cause at least a portion of the gas expelled into region C2 to deform, be disturbed, or move further inward into the nostrils, as indicated generally by the gas flow arrow F2.

[0509] During the inspiratory phase, a portion of the gas moving in the direction of both the open gas path A1 and the ventilator gas path A2 is inhaled by the patient. During the expiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle, a portion of the gas moving in the direction of the ventilator gas path A2 is expelled from the patient's nostrils.

[0510] Regardless of the patient's position in a given respiratory cycle, when gas is received by the nasal cannula 3004 of the example nasal cannula 3000 (which includes an airway as described herein), approximately 1% to approximately 99% of the gas received by the nasal cannula 3004 may be discharged through the airway in the direction of the airway gas path, and / or approximately 1% to approximately 99% of the gas received by the nasal cannula 3004 may be discharged through the opening in the direction of the opening gas path.

[0511] Furthermore, the flow rate of gas discharged through the vent in the direction of the vent gas path can be between about 1% and about 99% of the flow rate of gas flowing into the nasal plug lumen 3004, and / or the flow rate of gas discharged through the opening in the direction of the opening gas path can be between about 1% and about 99% of the flow rate of gas flowing into the nasal plug lumen 3004.

[0512] In this respect, when the example nasal plug includes an opening 3250, its relative size and / or shape or arrangement, compared to the vent 4000, can at least partially determine a portion of the gas moving in the direction of either the opening gas path or the vent gas path.

[0513] During inhalation, a portion of the gas may be expelled from the nasal cannula 3004 through the airway 4000 in the direction of the airway gas path A2. In some examples, even at lower therapeutic flow rates, although the patient's negative pressure may further draw at least a portion of the gas at or around the high-pressure area or gas pad C2 into the nostrils, the flow rate in the direction of the airway / airway gas path A2 is sufficient to maintain the high-pressure area or gas pad C2 (and / or the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the nostrils).

[0514] Compared to an equivalent nasal plug without an airway, this may be beneficial in providing better therapeutic outcomes for patients at lower flow rates. A 3000 nasal plug with an airway typically allows for less external gas (i.e., ambient / atmospheric air) to be inhaled during inhalation. The higher-pressure zone C2 can act as a dynamic seal, creating a pressure barrier or airflow curtain between the nostrils and the atmosphere. Therefore, in therapies where the inhaled oxygen fraction (FiO2, the concentration of oxygen in a gas mixture) is greater than 21% (FiO2 of ambient / atmospheric air), FiO2 levels can be maintained or controlled more precisely because the inhaled gas is not diluted by the inhaled ambient / atmospheric air.

[0515] Figure 11 This illustrates a user's apnea phase, which can be understood as the instant between the inspiratory and expiratory phases, during which the patient experiences no pressure and therefore does not inhale or exhale air. During apnea, the therapy system can still continuously supply a flow of gas at a given flow rate, and therefore... Figure 11 The gas flow in the nasal cannula 3004 is shown moving in the direction of the open gas path A1, as indicated by the gas flow arrow F1. (See reference...) Figure 9As described, the supplied gas can be discharged from the nasal plug lumen 3004 through the vent 4000 in the direction of the vent gas path A2, and thus a positive pressure (i.e. a pressure difference between the outside and inside of the nostril) is generated in or around the vent 4000 and in the area C2 between the nasal plug wall 3300 and the inner wall W1 of the user's nostril.

[0516] Some of the gas moving in the directions of arrows F1 and A1 can be diverted and expelled from the patient's nostrils during the apnea phase.

[0517] Figure 12 This illustration depicts the exhalation phase of a user or patient, where the user generates positive pressure to force the expulsion of one or more gases. Because the therapeutic system can still continuously supply a gas flow at a given rate, Figure 12 The gas flow in the nasal cannula 3004 is shown moving in the direction of the open gas path A1, as indicated approximately by the gas flow arrow F1. However, the gas flow arrow F3 is now shown as an example of the movement of the exhaled and redirected supply gas flow out of the nostril, this movement occurring between the wall 3300 of the nasal cannula and the inner wall W1 of the nostril.

[0518] It should be understood that such gas flow does not impede the discharge of a portion of the gas from the nasal cannula 3004 to region C2 through the airway 4000 in the direction of the airway gas path A2, so as to create a pressure differential and thus form at least a partial fluid seal as described above. In some examples, the flow rate through the airway / airway gas path A2 is sufficient to maintain positive pressure at region C2 even though positive pressure from the patient causes at least a portion of the gas at or around region C2 to leave the nostrils.

[0519] In some cases, the pressure difference between the area outside the nasal plug and the inside of the nostril can reach its maximum value during the expiration and inspiration phases. This is because a pressure change is required to drive gas in and out of the patient's body.

[0520] In some examples, at least a partial fluid seal formed between the exterior of the nasal plug and the inner wall or inner surface of the patient's nostril can reach its maximum amplitude during the apnea phase. As previously described, the fluid or gas seal can be formed by the outflow of gas from the ventilation port 4000. The amplitude is related to the size of the physical area occupied by the fluid seal, or to the flow rate and / or pressure of the airflow forming the fluid seal. Due to the disturbance of the fluid seal by the inflow and outflow from the patient's nostril, at least a partial fluid seal formed between the exterior of the nasal plug and the inner wall or inner surface of the patient's nostril can reach its minimum amplitude during the expiratory and inspiratory phases.

[0521] Assist gas path

[0522] Figure 12A portion of the vent 4000 is also illustrated, the distal end 4100 of which can be adapted to be positioned at least partially outside the user's nostrils.

[0523] Example nasal plug 3000 can be configured such that at least a portion of the air vent 4000 is located outside the patient's nostril during use, and said at least a portion of the air vent 4000 defines an auxiliary gas path. Therefore, when gas is received by the nasal plug lumen 3004, at least a portion of the gas can be discharged from the nasal plug lumen 3004 through said at least a portion of the air vent 4000 in the direction of the auxiliary gas path. Thus, this auxiliary gas path allows gas to be discharged toward the outside of the patient's nostril during use.

[0524] like Figure 12 As shown, gas can be expelled from the nasal cannula 3004 into the atmosphere in the direction of the auxiliary gas path A3. In one example, when the user exhales, a portion of the gas can be expelled from the nasal cannula 3004 into the user's nostrils in the direction of the auxiliary gas path A3.

[0525] In one example, a portion of the airway 4000 located partially outside the user's nostrils may include a distal end 4100, and thus the auxiliary gas path A3 may be accessible to the distal end 4100. During exhalation, a portion of the gas moving in the direction of the airway gas path A2 may be redirected and expelled away from the user, and a portion of the gas moving in the direction of the auxiliary gas path A3 may be redirected and expelled away from the user.

[0526] In some examples, about 1% to about 99% of the gas received in the nasal cannula 3004 may be discharged through at least a portion of the vent 4000 in the direction of the auxiliary gas path A3. Similarly, the flow rate of the gas discharged through at least a portion of the vent 4000 in the direction of the auxiliary gas path A3 may be between about 1% and about 99% of the flow rate of the gas flowing into the nasal cannula 3004.

[0527] It should be understood that this can depend on the relative size and / or shape or overall configuration of the portion of the airway located outside the nostril during use compared to the remaining portion of the airway located inside the nostril during use.

[0528] Further references are provided below. Figure 14 It should also be understood that some example nasal plugs may include multiple air vents, wherein one of the multiple air vents is located at least partially (if not completely) outside the patient's nostril when in use, and another of the multiple air vents is located at least partially (if not completely) inside the patient's nostril when in use.

[0529] For example, the vent 4000 or a portion thereof can be configured to provide an auxiliary gas path A3 that is in fluid communication with the atmosphere, i.e., in fluid communication with a region outside the nostrils. Regarding a portion of the vent, this portion can be the part of the vent 4000 near the base 3100, for example... Figures 10 to 12 shown.

[0530] In some examples, where the entire vent is configured to provide an auxiliary gas path A3 in fluid communication with the atmosphere, the vent may be positioned closer to the base 3100 of the nasal plug 3000. The vent may be spaced apart from another vent positioned closer to the end 3200 of the nasal plug. For example, as... Figure 14 As shown, the vent 4004, positioned closer to the base 3100, is completely positioned outside the nostril. The vent 4002, positioned closer to the tip 3200, is completely positioned inside the nostril. See below for reference. Figures 14 to 16 Other combinations are possible, which can be outlined in more detail.

[0531] As mentioned, since a continuous gas supply is directed into the nasal cannula, neither inhalation nor exhalation may prevent a portion of the gas from exiting the nasal cannula in the direction of the ventilator gas path A2. Furthermore, although either or both positive or negative patient pressure are generated during inhalation or exhalation, the flow rate through the ventilator / ventilator gas path A2 is sufficient to maintain positive pressure at region C2.

[0532] When gas is received by the nasal cannula 3004: at least a portion of the gas exits from the nasal cannula 3004 through a first portion of at least one airway 4000 in the direction of the airway gas path A2. At least a portion of the gas exits from the nasal cannula 3004 through a second portion of at least one airway 4000 in the direction of the auxiliary gas path A3. The gas moving in the direction of the auxiliary gas path A3 can be discharged to the outside of the patient's nostrils during use. During the inspiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle, a portion of the gas moving in the direction of the airway gas path A2 can be inhaled by the patient. During the expiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle, a portion of the gas moving in the direction of the airway gas path A2 can be discharged from the patient's nostrils.

[0533] In this regard, at least a portion of at least one airway 4000 located outside the patient’s nostril can help provide a safe gas path (auxiliary gas path A3) for the gas to be expelled when the patient exhales.

[0534] In the second or later part of the expiratory phase, the patient exhales against the flow of air delivered by the nasal plug, such that the air is redirected to the outside of the nostrils via the space between the nasal plug 3000 and the nostrils, and additionally via at least one airway located outside the nostrils. This can create a safe gas path (auxiliary gas path A3) for the supply of gas (exhaled gas and / or supplied gas) to the atmosphere.

[0535] In some examples of nasal congestion (such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the case of nasal plugs 3000 where there is no opening at the end 3200, such nasal plug 3000 may include at least one air vent 4000 extending through the wall 3300 of the nasal plug 3000. The nasal plug 3000 may be configured such that, in use, a first portion of the air vent 4000 is located inside the patient's nostril, and a second portion of the air vent 4000 is located outside the patient's nostril. The first portion of the air vent 4000 may define an airway path, and the second portion of the air vent 4000 may define an auxiliary airway path.

[0536] Therefore, this type of nasal plug 3000 may not be able to restrict the airflow path through the opening. Figure 29 An example of this situation is shown, in which the nasal plug 3000 is constructed to be similar to... Figure 9 Similar to the nasal plug 3000, except that there is no opening, and the end 3200 of the nasal plug instead includes a blind end 3251. Only the ventilation gas path A2 corresponding to the first part of the ventilation port 4000 located inside the patient's nostril and the auxiliary gas path A3 corresponding to the second part of the ventilation port 4000 located outside the patient's nostril are shown.

[0537] In such examples where there is no opening, all (100%) of the gas received by the nasal cannula 3004 is discharged through the vent 4000.

[0538] Back Figure 12 The gas can be discharged from the nasal plug lumen 3004 and into the atmosphere via the auxiliary gas path A3. In some examples, a portion of the gas in the user's nostril escapes from the nostril via the auxiliary gas path A3. In some examples, a portion of the air vent 4000 located partially outside the user's nostril may be close to the distal end 4100 of the air vent, and / or when the nasal plug 3000 is disposed in the user's nostril, the portion suitable for positioning outside the nostril may include the distal end 4100 of the air vent.

[0539] Nasal blockage

[0540] Nasal plugs for cannulas can generally be constructed or configured in different sizes to accommodate different nostril sizes. For example, the size and / or diameter of a nasal plug suitable for a newborn or infant will be substantially smaller than the size and / or diameter of a nasal plug suitable for an adult. Variations in nostril size can also be observed in patient groups of similar age. In this regard, it is important to appropriately match the nasal plug size to the patient or user, as a nasal plug that is too large relative to the nostril may cause nasal obstruction, which in some extreme cases can lead to a sharp increase in pressure, potentially posing a danger to the patient via, for example, barotrauma.

[0541] Nasal obstruction can be understood as the total cross-sectional surface area, volume, cross-section, or imaginary diameter, radius, or other suitable dimension of the nostril relative to the equivalent size of an inserted nasal plug. For example, a nostril with an imaginary diameter of approximately 5 mm paired with a nasal plug with a diameter of approximately 3 mm would result in approximately 60% nasal obstruction, meaning that 60% of the nostril is blocked by the nasal plug. Nasal obstruction can also be understood as the distance between at least a portion of the outer surface of the wall of the nasal plug and the inner wall of the patient's nostril, wherein this distance may lie only between a portion of the wall and a portion of the inner wall of the nostril, or between the entire outer cross-sectional shape of the nasal plug and the entire inner wall of the nostril. For example, the distance between at least a portion of the outer surface 3320 of the wall 3300 of the nasal plug 3000 and the inner wall W1 of the nostril can be understood as at least a partial indicator of nasal obstruction.

[0542] The nasal prongs described in this article offer enhanced size insensitivity compared to standard nasal prongs with solid walls. Size insensitivity can be understood as minimizing changes in patient pressure when nasal occlusion changes. This advantage is that a given size of nasal prong can serve patients with varying nostril sizes. The prong can meet therapeutic needs (e.g., flow and / or pressure) within reasonable limits, even though its size may often be considered inappropriate for the patient's nostril size (too small or too large). That is, clinicians can reduce the time and effort required to select an appropriate size nasal prong for a patient while remaining confident that the patient will receive appropriate therapy.

[0543] Size insensitivity is also related to safety, meaning that a safe gas path to the atmosphere can be maintained regardless of whether the given nasal plug in the patient's nostril is too small, the appropriate size, or too large.

[0544] For example, in treatments where nasal congestion is not intended to seal the nostrils, an oversized nasal congestion may completely block the nostrils, potentially posing a risk to the patient.

[0545] Given that a nasal plug 3000 might be too large for the nostrils, the portion of the airway 4000 located outside the nostrils provides a safe path for exhaled air for the patient. In this respect, for Figures 9 to 12 , Figures 14 to 16 and Figure 29In use, at least a portion of the air vents 4000, 4002, 4004, 4006, 4008, and 4010 of the example nasal plug 3000 are located outside the nostrils, and a safe gas path to the atmosphere can be maintained regardless of nostril occlusion.

[0546] To put it another way, at least a portion of the airway located outside the nostril is configured to at least partially reduce patient pressure without relying on or adjusting one or more of the following: nasal obstruction of the nostril, flow supply parameters (flow rate or pressure) (manually or via an electronic controller).

[0547] In one example, a nasal plug that includes an airway can therefore provide greater size insensitivity compared to an equivalent nasal plug that does not have an airway extending through the wall.

[0548] In one example, with a nasal plug without an extension through the wall and at a given flow rate, patient pressure increases with increasing nasal obstruction. When a nasal plug including an extension through the wall is provided, patient pressure may also increase with increasing nasal obstruction at a given flow rate. However, at the same flow rate and with the same increase in nasal obstruction, the increase in patient pressure with a nasal plug including an extension through the wall may be lower compared to a nasal plug without an extension through the wall.

[0549] This is because the air vent provides a safe gas path, allowing airflow to potentially escape from the nasal plug lumen 3004 before the physical nostril is blocked. In this way, even if the nostril is completely blocked by a nasal plug with an air vent, gas can still escape via the safe gas path instead of entering the patient's airway. In contrast, in a nasal plug without an air vent extending through the wall, since the only path for gas is away from the nasal plug opening (i.e., downstream of the blockage), gas has nowhere to escape except into the patient's airway, resulting in relatively higher pressure.

[0550] In some examples, a nasal plug constructed or arranged such that at least a portion of the airway can be positioned outside the nostril can exhibit greater size insensitivity than a nasal plug constructed or arranged such that the entire portion of the airway nasal plug is positioned inside the nostril.

[0551] In some examples, a nasal plug configured or arranged such that at least a portion of the airway is adapted to be positioned outside the nostril may exhibit greater size insensitivity for the degree of nostril occlusion than a nasal plug configured or arranged such that the entire portion of the airway is adapted to be positioned inside the nostril: between about 60% and about 100%, or between about 5% and about 95%, or between about 10% and about 90%, or between about 10% and about 80%, or between about 10% and about 70%, or between about 10% and about 60%, or between about 10% and about 50%, or between about 10% and about 40%, or between about 10% and about 30%, or between about 10% and about 20%.

[0552] In some examples, nasal plugs configured such that the airway is adapted to be partially positioned outside the nostrils to define the path of the auxiliary gas can exhibit greater size insensitivity for the following degrees of nostril occlusion than nasal plugs configured such that the airway is adapted to be fully positioned inside the nostrils: between about 60% and about 100%, or between about 5% and about 95%, or between about 10% and about 90%, or between about 10% and about 80%, or between about 10% and about 70%, or between about 10% and about 60%, or between about 10% and about 50%, or between about 10% and about 40%, or between about 10% and about 30%, or between about 10% and about 20%.

[0553] In this way, when at least a portion of the airway is configured or positioned to be at least partially outside the nostrils during use, a nasal plug having an airway as described herein allows gas (via an auxiliary gas path) to 'safely' escape or expel from the nostrils. This can reduce resistance to the flow of exhaled gas and / or provide greater size insensitivity.

[0554] Other nasal congestion and airway structures

[0555] Figure 14 and Figure 15 Example nasal plug 3000 is shown, in which... Figure 14 Four air vents can be seen in the image. Two of the air vents 4002 are located on opposite sides of the wall of the nasal plug. The other two air vents 4004 are located on opposite sides of the wall, but further back or farther than the first two air vents 4002 (towards the entrance or base of the nasal plug, towards the cannula). In this example, the first two air vents 4002 are positioned entirely inside the user's nostrils during use. The latter two air vents 4004 are positioned entirely outside the user's nostrils during use. Therefore, gas in the nasal plug lumen can be expelled outwards to region C2 in the direction of the air vent gas path A2 defined by the first two air vents 4002, all of which are, for example, as previously described... Figures 9 to 13 And as described elsewhere in this article.

[0556] The gas inside the nasal cannula 3004 can be exhausted into the atmosphere through the two rear air vents 4004 located outside the nostrils, and therefore, the two rear air vents 4004 can define the auxiliary gas path A3, and thus provide, for example, as previously mentioned... Figure 12 And the associated advantages described elsewhere in this article.

[0557] include Figure 14 The nasal cannula of an example nasal plug can be described as comprising a plurality of air vents extending through the wall of the nasal plug, including two air vents suitable for complete positioning within the user's nostrils and two air vents suitable for complete positioning outside the user's nostrils. It should be understood that numerical references herein to a given one or more air vents constituting the plurality of air vents (such as 'first air vent,' 'second air vent,' 'first two air vents,' 'last three air vents,' etc.) are for reference purposes and are intended solely for ease of description with reference to the accompanying drawings, and are not intended to define any relationship, hierarchy, or order between any given one or more air vents and any other one or more air vents in terms of configuration, arrangement, or function.

[0558] exist Figure 15 In the image, ten air vents are visible. Eight of these vents are arranged in two arrays of four air vents 4006, each located on opposite sides of the wall of the nasal plug. Two air vents 4008 are also located on opposite sides of the wall of the nasal plug. The two air vents 4008 are positioned further back or farther than the two arrays of air vents 4006. In this example, the two arrays of air vents 4006 are completely positioned inside the nostrils, while the other two air vents 4008 are at least partially or partially located outside the nostrils.

[0559] The two arrays of vents 4006 can be understood as each comprising four vents arranged or configured in an array. In some examples, multiple vents arranged or configured in an array may be referred to herein as an array of multiple vents, or as an array of two, three, four, five vents, etc. (depending on the number of vents), and / or simply as an array of vents. It should be understood that multiple vents or arrays of vents as described herein may be configured in some examples to function in the same or equivalent manner as a single vent in other examples, and / or may be configured to provide combined functionality similar to that of a single vent in other examples.

[0560] For example, two arrays of vents 4006 are shown defining multiple (eight) vent gas paths A2, wherein a portion of the gas received by the nasal plug can be discharged from the nasal plug lumen 3004 through eight vents in the two arrays of vents 4006 in the direction of the vent gas path A2. Since each of the eight vents extends through the wall of the nasal plug, discrete portions of the gas flow can be discharged from the nasal plug lumen 3004 through each of the eight vents. In some examples, gas can be discharged through each of the four vents in each of the two arrays to the same region C2 as shown. Each of the four vents in each array can individually contribute to the discharge of gas from the nasal plug lumen to said region C2.

[0561] As shown in the figure, two air vents 4008, partially located outside the nostrils, allow gas in the nasal cannula 3004 to escape into the atmosphere. The two air vents 4008 can define an auxiliary gas path A3, allowing gas in the nasal cannula 3004 to escape into the atmosphere through the two air vents 4008, and providing, for example, as previously described... Figure 12 And the advantages described elsewhere in this article.

[0562] With Figure 12 In a similar manner to the example, not every vent in the two vents 4008 needs to be positioned outside the nostril to define the auxiliary gas path A3 and provide associated advantages.

[0563] The two air vents 4008, partially located inside the nostrils, can also help form an air vent gas path A22 that allows a portion of the gas to exit from the nasal plug into the area C2 between the nasal plug wall and the inner wall of the nostril. Figure 15 Additional vent gas paths A22 are shown, positioned around the portions of the two vents 4008 located inside the nostrils. These additional vent gas paths can facilitate the expulsion of gas into region C2 in coordination with the two arrays of vents 4006.

[0564] Figure 16An example nasal plug 3000 comprising sixteen air vents is shown. Here, eight of the sixteen air vents are arranged in an array of air vents 4010 on a side of a wall opposite to another array of air vents, which also comprises eight air vents. The two arrays of air vents 4010 are configured such that for each of their plurality of air vents, at least one air vent is disposed inside the nostril and at least one air vent is disposed outside the nostril. Specifically, five of the eight air vents 4010 are completely disposed inside the nostril, two of the eight air vents 4010 are completely disposed outside the nostril, and one air vent is partially disposed inside and partially disposed outside the nostril.

[0565] therefore, Figure 16 The nasal prongs illustrate another example of an airway configuration, wherein an array of airways 4010 is at least partially disposed within the nostrils, partially disposed outside the nostrils, and / or partially disposed both outside and inside the nostrils. The two arrays of airways 4010 may each define an airway gas path A2, along which gas can be exhausted to region C2. The two arrays of airways 4010 may also each define an auxiliary gas path A3, along which gas can be exhausted from the nasal prong lumen to the atmosphere. Therefore, the two arrays of airways 4010 may provide benefits, at least when the example nasal prongs are positioned in this way, for both the inspiratory and expiratory phases and for the entire respiratory cycle, for example, as per [reference to...]. Figures 9 to 12 The overview and descriptions as elsewhere in this article.

[0566] Figure 15 The two arrays of the air vents 4006 each exemplify a plurality of air vents. The plurality of air vents are configured in a series along the longitudinal direction of the wall 3300, generally parallel to the nasal plug lumen 3004. The length of each row of air vents is at least shorter than that of the next row of air vents. Figure 16 The two arrays of vents 4010 are arranged in a series of vent columns along the longitudinal direction of the wall 3300. Each column of vents has the same length along the wall 3300 and is equidistant from each other along the longitudinal direction of the wall 3300. Figure 8 The example nasal plug 3000 shows five air vents 4000c arranged in an array, which has a substantially staggered or non-uniform configuration. In other words, the five air vents 4000c are arranged at spaced intervals, wherein consecutive rows are not aligned at least in the longitudinal direction along the axis of the example nasal plug 3000.

[0567] It should be noted that Figures 9 to 20 , Figure 22 , Figure 24 and Figure 29A cross-sectional view of the example nasal plug 3000 is shown, and the air vents 4000, 4002, 4004, 4006, 4008, 4010, and 4020 shown in those figures may not represent the total number of air vents included in the example nasal plug 3000.

[0568] In some examples, the array of vents 4000 may be arranged as a series of vent rows in the transverse direction across the wall 3300. In some examples, the array of vents 4000 may be configured as a series of vent columns in the longitudinal direction along the wall 3300 and / or a series of vent rows in the transverse direction across the wall 3300, wherein the width, length, sweep angle, area relative to the surface area of ​​the wall, and / or percentage of the perimeter of the wall occupied by each column or row of vents 4000 is successively smaller than that of the next column or row of vents 4000.

[0569] In some examples, the nasal plug may be configured such that, when inserted and / or positioned within a user's nostril, a portion of the airway extends at least partially outside the nostril. In some examples, the nasal plug may be configured such that, when inserted and / or positioned within a user's nostril, the entire portion of the airway extends into the nostril.

[0570] For example, a nasal plug as described herein may include, at or around its base or end or in between, a chamfer, abutment, ridge, protrusion, flange, deflection, blocking or other physical features, such that it ensures proper or correct insertion and / or positioning within the user's nostril, regardless of whether such proper insertion and / or positioning results in the airway being fully positioned within the nostril.

[0571] In some examples, the nasal cannula itself, including the nasal plug as described herein, may include chamfers, abutments, ridges, protrusions, flanges, deflections, blocking portions, or other physical features that ensure proper or correct insertion and / or positioning within the user's nostril, regardless of whether such proper insertion and / or positioning results in the airway being fully positioned within the nostril. In such examples, the physical features may be arranged on a feature or surface of the cannula (proximate to the nasal plug or other locations, such as the cannula body, manifold, tube, or other features) or integrally formed with that feature or surface.

[0572] In some examples, nasal plugs as described herein and / or nasal cannulas including nasal plugs as described herein may include visual indicators that can ensure and / or assist in the proper insertion and / or positioning of the nasal plugs within the user's nostrils, regardless of whether such proper insertion and / or positioning results in the airway being fully positioned within the nostrils.

[0573] For example, such visual indicators can be markings (such as lines, dots, numbers, letters, symbols or other markings, and / or multiple such markings) arranged to help a medical clinician or staff member or the user / patient ensure that a given sample nasal plug is correctly inserted into the user / patient's nostril, such that the nasal plug is fully positioned or not fully positioned in the nostril as desired or required.

[0574] As previously mentioned, some example nasal plugs 3000 can be configured such that the air vent 4000 is completely inside the patient's nostril during use. In such cases, the auxiliary gas path A3 may not be present. This is... Figure 13 The example illustrates that the nasal plug is positioned and / or the air vent 4000 is constructed or arranged such that the air vent is completely positioned within the user's nostril.

[0575] It should be noted that in examples where the airway 4000 is constructed or arranged entirely within the user's nostrils, a safe gas path to the atmosphere can still be maintained for the patient during the exhalation phase.

[0576] Figures 17 to 20 Examples of nasal plugs with various vent configurations are shown.

[0577] exist Figure 17 The image shows an example nasal plug with a substantially circular cross-section having a single air vent 4000. The area outside the nasal plug, between the nasal plug wall 3300 and the interior of the patient's nostril or the inner wall W1 of the nostril, is located at or around the air vent 4000, wherein, for ease of understanding, the cross-section of the nostril is shown as substantially circular.

[0578] The vent 4000 is shown as including a width 4301 of a wall 3300 spanning the nasal plug, the width 4301 spanning the wall between a first side 4400 and a second side 4500 of the nasal plug of the vent.

[0579] The airway 4000 may also have a width spanning the wall, such that the airway occupies a certain proportion or percentage of the circumference of the nasal plug as previously outlined. In this respect, Figure 17 An example nasal plug is shown with a perimeter of 3401, which, when cut in cross-section, is a continuous / endless perimeter extending along the outermost perimeter of the nasal plug's walls. In this example nasal plug with a substantially circular cross-section, the perimeter 3401 corresponds to the circumference of the nasal plug. For a substantially circular perimeter 3401 with a length / circumference of approximately 10 mm, an air vent with an arcuate width of approximately 2 mm along this perimeter would occupy approximately 20% of the nasal plug's perimeter. In some examples, the air vent may extend along the circumference of the nasal plug and / or occupy a certain proportion or percentage of the nasal plug's perimeter.

[0580] The vent 4000 is also shown extending along the circumference of the nasal plug at a sweep angle 4303, wherein the sweep angle 4303 can be quantified in degrees (such as for a circular or elliptical nasal plug) or as a proportion or percentage of the circumference of the nasal plug. For example, Figure 17 The sweep angle of the vent in the middle, 4303, can be approximately 50 degrees. Given... Figure 17 In the example nasal plug 3000, which is circular, the equivalent proportion or percentage of the sweep angle extending along its circumference is approximately 14%. If the sweep angle 4303 is approximately 90 degrees, the airway will be understood to extend along the circumference of the nasal plug at approximately 25% of the sweep angle.

[0581] Typically, any one or more of these parameters—the width 4301 of the airway 4000, the percentage of the perimeter 3401 of the nasal plug 3000 occupied and / or extending therefrom by the airway, and / or the sweep angle 4303—can be at least partially associated with the amount of gas that can be discharged from the nasal plug lumen through the airway into the region C2. Therefore, the amount of gas can be associated with an increase or decrease in patient pressure, an increase or decrease in pressure at the region C2, the magnitude of the pressure difference formed between the inside and outside of the nostril, and / or the magnitude of the corresponding at least partial fluid seal at the region C2 (all of which are as previously stated relative to...). Figures 10 to 16 (As described above), all of the above items are provided by the nasal and oral plugs with ventilation described herein.

[0582] In some instances, preferred ranges or values ​​of these parameters can be determined or pursued based on the desired patient or therapeutic parameters described further below.

[0583] These parameters also apply when multiple vents are arranged, where multiple vents can collectively define the combined sweep angle or combined width, etc. Figure 17 and Figure 19 What is shown.

[0584] Figure 18 An example nasal plug with a generally circular cross-section is illustrated, featuring two air vents 4000 located on opposite sides of the nasal plug wall 3300. Each of the two air vents may include widths 4301a, 4301b, a percentage of the perimeter 3401 of the nasal plug 3000 occupied and / or extending therefrom, sweep angles 4303a, 4303b, etc. The size of each of the two air vents 4000 is related to... Figure 17 The vents are roughly the same size.

[0585] Where they can collectively define a combined width, the combined width can, for example, be defined as the sum of the individual widths 4301a and 4301b. Where they can collectively define a combined sweep angle, the combined sweep angle can be defined as the sum of the individual sweep angles 4303a and 4303b. Where they define a combined percentage of the perimeter of the nasal plug that they occupy or extend along, the percentage can be defined by the sum of their respective corresponding percentages, and so on.

[0586] therefore, Figure 18 This example illustrates the relationship between the width and sweep angle of two vents when two vents are provided. Figure 17 The individual vents are roughly the same as the 4000, and they can be defined by combined widths, sweep angles, and other dimensions as described herein, which are approximately Figure 17 Twice the size of the corresponding single vent.

[0587] Relatedly, since their combined parameters can partially define the amount of gas discharged into region C2 or its flow rate, Figure 18 This illustrates how example nasal plugs can be constructed using different airway sizes, so that when combined with... Figure 17 Compared to the example nasal plug, it provides a larger volume or flow rate of gas expelled from the nasal plug lumen (assuming the length of the vent relative to the nasal plug and all other parameters are equal).

[0588] Figure 19 Another example nasal plug with a generally circular cross-section is shown, wherein three air vents are arranged in an array of air vents 4012 very close to each other, the array of air vents 4012 being laterally equidistant from two other air vents 4014. In this example, each air vent in the air vent array may define its own width, sweep angle, and percentage of the circumference of the nasal plug along / across its extension and / or occupied by that air vent. The array of air vents 4012 or the plurality of air vents 4012 are shown as a series of rows of air vents arranged in a lateral direction across the wall (generally perpendicular to the length direction of the nasal plug lumen).

[0589] For example, Figure 19 The sweep angles 4313, 4314, and 4315 corresponding to each of the three vents in the array of vents 4012 are shown. Figure 19 In the plurality of vents 4012, the sweep angle of each vent or each row of vents is at least smaller than that of the next column or the next row of vents, as illustrated by sweep angle 4315 being larger than sweep angle 4314 and sweep angle 4314 being larger than sweep angle 4313.

[0590] The combined sweep angle of the array of vents 4012 can be defined as the sum of these individual sweep angles 4313, 4314, and 4315. For example... Figure 18 As mentioned, similar combinations of other sizes of multiple vents or vent arrays can also be defined by the sum of the corresponding sizes of each vent constituting the multiple vents or vent arrays. In this example, for Figure 19 For example, the combination parameters of the array of vents 4012 can also help to define the combination parameters of multiple vents, including both the array 4012 shown and two other vents 4014.

[0591] Figure 19 An example is illustrated where multiple air vents are arranged in an array, the combined parameters of each air vent in the array, together with the combined parameters of any other air vents present but not part of the array, can partially define the amount of gas discharged to region C2. The amount of gas discharged to region C2 can at least partially define one or more of the following: an increase in patient pressure, an increase in pressure at said region, the magnitude of the pressure difference formed between the inside and outside of the nostril, and / or the magnitude of the corresponding at least partial fluid seal at region C2.

[0592] Figures 17 to 19 Examples are also given of how the parameters of the airway of a given nasal prosthesis can be configured to produce the therapeutic parameters desired for a given flow rate therapeutic application. For example, the increase in patient pressure, the increase in pressure at said region, the magnitude of the pressure difference formed between the inside and outside of the nostril, and / or the magnitude of the corresponding at least partial fluid seal at region C2 (all of which are as previously described relative to...). Figures 10 to 16 (as described).

[0593] Figure 20 An example nose plug with a substantially elliptical cross-section is shown, having a major axis 3006 and a minor axis 3008 as generally defined and understood for an elliptical shape. It should be understood that an ellipse will generally include the difference in length of a given region / arc of its cross-sectional perimeter at its major axis and its minor axis. Therefore, for the first vent 4016 shown disposed along the major axis 3006, a sweep angle 4316 of approximately 30 degrees will result in the width of the first vent 4016 across the wall being approximately 30% greater than the width of the second vent 4018 having the same sweep angle 4317 of 30 degrees. In this respect, for a nose plug with a substantially elliptical cross-section, a vent disposed at or near the minor axis of the elliptical cross-section of the nose plug benefits from a larger sweep angle than a vent disposed at or near the major axis of the elliptical cross-section of the nose plug, in order to form a region of positive pressure comparable in size or pressure amplitude to the positive pressure formed by the vent along the major axis.

[0594] Figures 17 to 20The diagram also illustrates how the number of air vents and their relative size to the nasal plug can affect the remaining material in the nasal plug wall, and thus the structural integrity of the example nasal plug. Therefore, the number and size of the air vents can be selected based on the desired structural performance or integrity requirements of a given nasal plug. In some examples, insufficient distance between the air vents and the proximal and / or distal ends of the nasal plug may result in an undesirable reduction in the structural integrity of the given nasal plug. In some examples, multiple sufficiently spaced air vents may provide better nasal plug structural integrity than a single air vent because more nasal plug wall material is retained.

[0595] Figure 21 An example airway 4020 extending between the base 3100 and the end 3100 of the nasal plug is shown.

[0596] The example vent 4020 is used to illustrate other vent parameters, whereby the vent 4020 is shown to include a length 4022, which is generally defined as the distance between the proximal and distal ends of the vent.

[0597] The vent also includes a width 4321 between its first side 4400 and second side 4500. The proximal end 4220 of the vent also includes a width 4222. The distal end 4120 of the vent also includes a width 4122, both of which are substantially or approximately lateral widths.

[0598] The example vent gradually narrows longitudinally from its distal end 4120 toward its proximal end 4220, such that the vent width 4222 at the proximal end of the vent is smaller than the vent width 4122 at its distal end.

[0599] The distance 3202 between the airway and the end 3200 of the nasal plug, and the distance 3102 between the airway and the base 3100 of the nasal plug are also shown. The distances 3102 and 3202 can be adjusted to affect the proportion of the airway located inside and / or outside the patient's nostril during use.

[0600] The area of ​​a vent can also be calculated as the product of its length and width, or by any other suitable method based on the shape of the vent. Multiple vents can collectively define a combination of areas that may have preferred ranges or values.

[0601] Figure 22An example airway 4000 is shown with a proximal end 4200 including a proximal chamfer 4201 and a distal end 4100 including a distal chamfer 4101. Here, the proximal chamfer may include an angle 4203 relative to the inner surface of the wall 3310, the angle being between greater than about 90 degrees and about 160 degrees. The distal chamfer 4101 may include an angle 4103 relative to the inner surface of the wall 3310, the angle being between about 20 degrees and less than about 90 degrees. In the example shown, the two chamfers 4101, 4201 may be constructed using parallel angles relative to the inner surface of the wall 3310. In some examples, the length of the airway may be related to the angle or angle range of the distal and / or proximal chamfers. In some examples, the thickness of the nasal plug wall may define the angle or angle range of the distal and / or proximal chamfers.

[0602] It should be understood that the chamfer at either or both of the distal and / or proximal ends of a given airway can affect the flow behavior of gas through the nasal prosthesis lumen 3004 and / or through the airway in the direction defined by the airway gas path. Chamfer 4203 can help direct airflow through the airway 4000 out of the nasal prosthesis lumen 3004. That is, gas traveling approximately in the direction of the nasal prosthesis lumen 3004 can change its direction when exiting via the airway 4000. Chamfers 4203 and 4103 less than 90 degrees can help redirect airflow in directions other than the nasal prosthesis lumen 3004. This can help minimize pressure loss associated with abrupt changes in airflow direction. The distal chamfer 4103 and the proximal chamfer 4203 can be between 10 degrees and 90 degrees, or as described elsewhere herein.

[0603] In some examples, the airway 4000 may not include any chamfers at its distal end 4100 and / or proximal end 4200, such that the distal end 4100 and / or proximal end 4200 extend substantially perpendicular to the inner or outer surface of the wall 3300 of the nasal plug 3000. In some examples, the distal end 4100 and / or proximal end 4200 of the airway may include rounded corners. In some examples, for example, the side periphery of the airway or the edges of the first side 4400 and the second side 4500 of the airway 4000 may include chamfers or rounded corners.

[0604] As in Figures 6 to 22 As can be seen, some examples of the nasal plug 3000 may include a single-wall or single-layer configuration. In other words, the wall 3300 of the nasal plug 3000 described herein may extend as a single continuous layer of material between the base 3100 and the end 3200 of the nasal plug 3000 in a direction at least partially parallel to and / or toward the nasal plug lumen 3004.

[0605] In this way, the outer surface 3320 of the wall 3300 may be free of any radially outward protrusions or extrusions from its outer surface. Therefore, the outer surface 3320 of the wall 3300 of the nasal plug 3000 may also extend from the base 3100 to the end 3200 of the nasal plug 3000 in a direction at least partially parallel to and / or toward the nasal plug lumen 3004.

[0606] Other aspects of the airway configuration or arrangement may also affect the flow behavior or volume through the nasal plug lumen 3004, outflow from the nasal plug opening 3250 (if present), or outflow from / through the airway 4000. For example, including approximately 20 mm 2 An array of very close circular vents with a combined area, also including approximately 20mm 2 A triangular vent with a single longitudinal chamfer can provide fundamentally different flow characteristics compared to a combined area, despite having an opening area that is approximately equal in size to the wall of the nasal plug.

[0607] Vent structure effect

[0608] The area of ​​the airway, the configuration of its end or side, etc., can limit the flow rate through the nasal plug lumen 3004, from the nasal plug opening 3250 (if present), or from / through the airway 4000. When multiple airways are present, their proximity relative to each other, relative spacing, orientation along / across the nasal plug wall, and / or the relative positioning characteristics of the nasal plug can also affect their flow rate through the nasal plug lumen 3004, from the nasal plug opening 3250 (if present), or from / through the airway 4000.

[0609] In some examples, the size of both the orifice of the nasal plug lumen 3004 and the opening 3250 (if present) at its end 3200 may affect the flow distribution and resistance along / through the airway 4000, along / through the nasal plug lumen 3004, or from the nasal plug opening 3250 (if present). In some examples, changes in supply flow rate, supply pressure, patient pressure, inspiratory rate, expiratory rate, and / or during the respiratory cycle may also affect the flow behavior, resistance, and flow distribution along / through the airway 4000, along / through the nasal plug lumen 3004, or from the nasal plug opening 3250 (if present).

[0610] In one example, for a gas supply flow rate of about 30 LPM, the flow rate of gas entering the nostril in the direction of the open gas path A1 (i.e., the flow rate of gas exiting through the opening 3250) is between about 0 LPM and about 5 LPM, and the flow rate of gas escaping from the nasal plug in the direction of the vent gas path A2 (i.e., the flow rate of gas exiting through the vent) can be between about 25 LPM and about 30 LPM.

[0611] for Figure 9 The example nasal plug 3000 with two vents has a gas supply flow rate of about 30 LPM, and when the gas supply flow rate is set to about 30 LPM, the gas flow rate discharged through the opening 3250 in the direction of the opening gas path A1 can be about 5 LPM, and the gas flow rate discharged through the vent 4000 in the direction of the opening gas path A2 can be about 25 LPM.

[0612] In some examples, the desired flow rate through the opening 3250 relative to the vent can be tuned in various ways (e.g., by varying the size (i.e., area) of the opening 3250 relative to the size of the vent 4000) such that the flow rate of gas escaping from the nasal plug in the direction of the vent gas path A2 is higher than the flow rate of gas exiting in the direction of the opening gas path A1. In some examples, at least about 30%, about 90% to about 30%, about 90% to about 40%, about 90% to about 50%, about 90% to about 60%, about 90% to about 70%, about 90% to about 80%, about 95% to about 85%, or about 100% to about 95% of the total volumetric flow rate of gas flowing through the nasal plug lumen 3004 is discharged from the vent 4000.

[0613] Typically, any one or more of these parameters are: the sweep angle 4303 of the airway, the sweep angle 4317 of the airway located at or near the minor axis 3008 of the nasal plug with a substantially elliptical cross-section, the sweep angle 4316 of the airway located at or near the major axis 3006 of the nasal plug with a substantially elliptical cross-section, the length 4022 of the airway, the width 4222 of the distal end 4220 of the airway, and the width 412 of the proximal end 4120 of the airway. 2. The width 4301 of the air vent, the distance 3202 of the air vent from the end 3200 of the nasal plug, the distance 3102 of the air vent from the base 3100 of the nasal plug, the area of ​​the air vent, the ratio of the air vent area to the surface area of ​​the nasal plug wall, the ratio of the proximal chamfer 4203 to the inner surface of the wall 3310 and / or the ratio of the distal chamfer 4103 to the inner surface of the wall 3310 may at least partially limit the amount of gas discharged through the air vent 4000.

[0614] In some instances, preferred ranges or values ​​of these parameters can be determined or pursued based on desired patient or therapeutic parameters. For example, the preferred width 4321 of the airway 4000 across the wall 3300 can be approximately 2 mm. The preferred width 4321 of the airway 4000 across the wall 3300 can allow the airway to occupy approximately 30% of the perimeter of the nasal plug 3000. The preferred percentage of the perimeter of the nasal plug 3000 along its extension and / or occupied by the airway 4000 can be approximately 30%. The preferred sweep angle of the airway 4000 can be approximately 30 degrees. The preferred length 4022 of the airway 4000 can be approximately 10 mm, the preferred width of the proximal end 4200 of the airway can be approximately 2 mm, the preferred width of the distal end 4100 of the airway can be approximately 2 mm, the distance of the airway from the distal end 3200 of the nasal plug can be approximately 2 mm, and the preferred area of ​​the airway can be approximately 20 mm². 2 etc.

[0615] Many of the parameters mentioned above for a given airway or multiple airways can be adjusted based on desired patient or therapeutic outcomes or by employing expected parameters of a respiratory system including a nasal cannula with an airway nasal plug as described herein. Desired patient or therapeutic outcomes may include desired patient pressure and / or patient pressure ranges, desired positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and / or PEEP ranges, desired values ​​and / or ranges of pressure and flow during the respiratory cycle (such as patient pressure at the onset of inspiration, the end of inspiration, apnea, the onset of expiration, and the end of expiration), desired gradients and / or rates of change of flow and / or pressure during the respiratory cycle, amplitude of the pressure difference formed between the inside and outside of the nostril, amplitude of the corresponding at least partial fluid seal, desired magnitude insensitivity (i.e., the desired value or rate of change of patient pressure relative to nostril occlusion (or its range)) and / or desired supply flow, pressure, and / or its range. Expected parameters for the respiratory system may include setpoints or ranges for parameters such as supply flow rate, pressure, power output, and power consumption.

[0616] It may be desirable to increase the pressure delivered to or experienced by the patient throughout the respiratory cycle, reduce the peak-to-peak variation of patient pressure during the respiratory cycle, increase positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), provide more predictable control of the pressure delivered to the patient in high-flow and similar non-sealed therapy systems, improve insensitivity to a range of nasal plug sizes and nasal occlusion sizes, reduce system back pressure, reduce system parameters (pressure, flow, power output, and / or power consumption) required to generate the target patient pressure or its range, and / or improve the safety and ease of use of non-sealed therapy systems including nasal cannulas with nasal plugs with ventilation ports as described herein.

[0617] It should be understood that, in the case of the nasal plug with ventilation mouth described herein, its associated characteristics and benefits may apply to methods of employing respiratory therapy systems and / or delivering respiratory support to patients.

[0618] In use, when gas is received into the nasal cannula via the inlet and the nasal cannula is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril, at least a portion of the gas can be expelled from the nasal cannula through the vent to an area outside the nasal cannula and inside the patient's nostril, thereby creating a pressure difference between the outside and inside of the nostril. This pressure difference can form at least a partial fluid seal with the patient's nostril. The effects of this pressure difference and the at least partial fluid seal have been described elsewhere herein.

[0619] Compared to a nasal prong without an airway, the area through which gas is expelled from the nasal prong and into the patient's nostrils can cause greater resistance to gas flow from the patient's nostrils during at least a portion of the expiratory phase of the respiratory cycle. The area through which gas is expelled from the nasal prong and into the patient's nostrils can also cause an increase in patient pressure during at least a portion of the inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle. The area through which gas is expelled can also cause an increase in pressure at or around the area during at least the apnea phase between the inspiratory and expiratory phases of the patient's respiratory cycle. The volumetric flow rate of gas expelled through at least one airway can be between about 1% and about 99% of the flow rate of gas flowing in the nasal prong lumen 3004.

[0620] Therefore, in use, at least one airway is configured to increase the patient pressure and / or increase the pressure in the areas outside the nasal plug and inside the nostril, to create a pressure difference between the outside and inside of the nostril and / or to create at least a partial fluid seal, all of which are as previously described with respect to the corresponding inspiratory, expiratory and apnea phases of the respiratory cycle.

[0621] method

[0622] Furthermore, in the case of a method for delivering respiratory support, the method may include: providing a nasal cannula including at least one nasal plug and an airway, the at least one nasal plug including a base, an end and a wall extending therebetween, the airway extending through the wall of the nasal plug; positioning the nasal plug at least partially inside the patient's nostril such that the airway is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril; and providing a flow of breathable gas to the nasal cannula to flow from the base of the nasal plug toward the patient's nostril.

[0623] In such methods, the airway is positioned at least partially inside the patient's nostrils, and the gas flow is provided such that resistance to gas flow from the patient's nostrils increases during at least a portion of the expiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle, and / or patient pressure increases during at least a portion of the inspiratory phase. Such methods can also create a pressure difference between the outside and inside of the nostrils, and / or form an associated at least partial fluid seal, as previously described.

[0624] Furthermore, when employing such a method to position the nasal plug inside the patient's nostril, including positioning the nasal plug such that the airway is at least partially located outside the patient's nostril, this, together with providing gas flow, can at least partially reduce the resistance to gas flow from the patient's nostril during at least a portion of the exhalation phase, increase the gas flow rate along the area outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostril in the direction away from the patient's nostril during at least a portion of the exhalation phase, and / or improve size insensitivity, or in other words, reduce patient pressure relative to at least a portion of the distance between the outer surface of the nasal plug wall and the inner wall of the patient's nostril.

[0625] Another method of delivering respiratory support to a patient is conceivable, which may include: providing a nasal cannula including a nasal plug including an airway extending through the wall of the nasal plug, the nasal plug being configured to maintain a gap between the exterior of the nasal plug and the interior wall of the patient's nostril during use (i.e., providing a nasal plug as described herein); and then positioning the nasal plug at least partially inside the patient's nostril.

[0626] The nasal plug is preferably positioned such that the air vent is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril in order to provide the benefits described herein and to allow exhaled air to flow around the outside of the nasal plug during use to escape from the patient's nostril, so that no mechanical seal is formed between the outer surface of the nasal plug and the patient's nostril.

[0627] Once the nasal plug is positioned in this manner, the method may include providing a flow of breathable gas to one or more of the patient's nostrils through the nasal plug to create a pressure difference between the outside and inside of the nostril, said pressure difference creating at least a partial fluid seal between the outside of the nasal plug and the inner wall of the nostril as described herein.

[0628] The method may also include positioning the nasal plug at least partially inside the patient's nostril, such that the air vent is at least partially outside the patient's nostril during use, such that the air vent being at least partially outside the patient's nostril at least partially reduces the resistance to gas flow from the patient's nostril, provides safe gas escape or discharge and / or provides greater size insensitivity, all of which are as previously described.

[0629] As mentioned above, when delivering therapy using unsealed interfaces and / or via a flow control system, accurate measurement of patient airway pressure (e.g., upper airway pressure) can be beneficial. The ability to measure patient airway pressure in real time (including throughout the respiratory cycle) can be beneficial. Accurate patient airway pressure measurement can give clinicians greater confidence in achieving PEEP using flow control therapy. Accurate patient airway measurement can give clinicians greater confidence in achieving desired pressures, such as PEEP, by adjusting gas flow rates.

[0630] Accurate measurement of patient airway pressure can provide additional benefits when unsealed interfaces (such as the nasal plugs described herein) are designed to provide elevated pressure. Accurate measurement of patient airway pressure throughout the patient's respiratory cycle allows clinicians to: accurately set flow rates to meet or exceed peak inspiratory needs, which can aid in dead space clearance; monitor respiratory patterns and rates; and / or accurately set flow rates to minimize resource usage (e.g., supplemental oxygen use, power consumption, general equipment wear and tear) while still providing appropriate and adequate therapy.

[0631] As previously mentioned, accurately measuring patient airway pressure can be challenging when using unsealed interfaces for therapy delivery. Furthermore, the high flow rates available with unsealed interfaces can generate turbulence or airflow disturbances, potentially leading to inaccurate measurements. Therefore, having gas at least partially expelled through the vent 4000 of the example nasal plug 3000 described herein provides a region of minimal or reduced disturbance suitable for sensor positioning on the nasal plug and less affected by turbulence.

[0632] For clinicians, it can be beneficial to understand patient pressure during therapy in a non-invasive manner via a non-sealed interface, unaffected by high flow rates and associated airflow disturbances. If the non-sealed interface can achieve higher patient pressure than a standard nasal interface, the accuracy of the measurement may be even more beneficial for clinicians. This could also be useful if such measurements and / or monitoring can be performed in real time.

[0633] to this end, Figure 23 Another example of nasal congestion 3000d is illustrated, which is consistent with and / or related to the description above. Figures 1 to 22 Related or Figures 1 to 22 Features shown that are similar or substantially the same in form or function are given the same reference numerals with 'd' added. Furthermore, regarding those described above and / or related to... Figures 1 to 22 Related or Figures 1 to 22 Any description or instruction shown regarding the patient interface, nasal plug, or airway can also be applied to Figures 24 to 28 The nasal plug 3000d and other nasal plugs shown are illustrated.

[0634] Therefore, the nasal plug 3000d includes a base 3100d, an end 3200d, and a wall 3300d extending between the two, which defines a nasal plug lumen in fluid communication with an inlet. The outer surface of the wall 3300d may define the exterior of the nasal plug 3100d.

[0635] The nasal plug 3000d includes a vent 4000d that extends through the wall 3300d of the nasal plug. The vent 4000d is shown as being positioned in relation to… Figure 6 The vent 4000a is elongated or rectangular in form, and is for illustrative purposes only. The nasal plug 3000d may include those described herein and / or similar in shape. Figures 1 to 22 Related or Figures 1 to 22 Any vent configuration or embodiment shown.

[0636] Figure 23 Sensing port 5000 is shown. More specifically, sensing port 5000 is shown disposed at or near the end 3200d of the nose plug. In some examples, sensing port 5000 may not need to be disposed at or near the end 3200 of the nose plug. For example, sensing port 5000 may be disposed at the wall 3300 of the nose plug 3000. Sensing port 5000 including orifice 5002 (or in the form of an orifice) is shown.

[0637] The sensing port 5000 or its aperture 5002 is shown centered at the end 3200d.

[0638] In some examples, sensing port 5000 is configured for fluid communication with a sensor. In some examples, sensing port 5000 may include the location of the sensor or a location for the sensor (such as any suitable forming or structure for mounting or positioning the sensor at the nasal plug). Orifice 5002 may be configured for fluid communication with a sensor. The sensor may be placed adjacent to or at orifice 5002.

[0639] At the end 3200d of the nasal plug 3000d, a region of minimal or reduced airflow disturbance or turbulence may form. This is due to the cross-sectional shape of the gas flowing out of the nasal plug lumen 3004 from the vent 4000d. Since the example nasal plug 3000d does not have an opening 3250, all gas flow through the nasal plug lumen 3004 will be discharged through the vent 4000d. Turbulence or airflow disturbance may essentially concentrate around the vent 4000d and be minimized around the end 3200d. Therefore, the region of minimal disturbance is confined to the area around the end 3200d.

[0640] In some examples, the sensing port 5000 is located in the region of least disturbance. Therefore, when the sensor is placed at or connected to the sensing port 5000, pressure representing patient pressure can be measured at or around the sensing port 5000.

[0641] Sensing port 5000 may be spaced apart from vent 4000. Because the positioning of sensing port 5000 relative to vent 4000d is located in or around an area where airflow disturbances or turbulence are minimized, potential pressure or airflow fluctuations, disturbances, or turbulence caused by the gas flow can be minimized in the vicinity of sensing port 5000. In some examples, sensing port 5000 is arranged closer to end 3200d than at least one vent 4000d and spaced apart from at least one vent 4000d, such as... Figure 23 shown.

[0642] In some examples, the sensing port 5000 may be located on the nasal plug 300 at a distance from the proximal end 4200 of the airway 4000, a distance between approximately 10% and approximately 80% of the length of the nasal plug. In the presence of multiple airways 4000, the sensing port 5000 may be located on the nasal plug 300 at a distance from the proximal end 4200 of the airway 4000 closest to the sensing port 5000, a distance between approximately 10% and approximately 80% of the length of the nasal plug.

[0643] In some examples, at least one vent 4000 may be located on a surface surrounding the vent on the nasal plug 3000, the surface surrounding the vent being at an angle relative to a surface surrounding a port on the nasal plug 3000, and a sensing port 5000 located on that surface surrounding the port. For example, Figure 23 The vent 4000d shown is located on the surface 3301 surrounding the vent, and the sensing port 5000 is located on the surface 3304 surrounding the port.

[0644] In the description of the surface 3301 around the vent and the surface 3304 around the port, they can be understood to refer to any portion or surface of the nasal plug 3000 immediately adjacent to the corresponding vent 4000d or sensing port 5000. For example, the surface 3301 around the vent and the surface 3304 around the port may be located on the nasal plug wall 3300d, at the end 3200d and / or the base 3100d of the nasal plug 3000d.

[0645] exist Figure 23 In the middle, the angle 3306 between the surface 3301 around the vent and the surface 3304 around the port is approximately 90 degrees.

[0646] In some examples, the angle 3306 between the surface 3301 surrounding the vent and the surface 3304 surrounding the port can be between about 30 degrees and about 150 degrees, about 40 degrees and about 140 degrees, about 50 degrees and about 130 degrees, about 70 degrees and about 110 degrees, or about 80 degrees and about 95 degrees.

[0647] In some examples, the surface 3301 surrounding the vent and the surface 3304 surrounding the port may not be parallel. In some examples, the surface 3301 surrounding the vent and the surface 3304 surrounding the port may be spaced apart. In some examples, the surface 3301 surrounding the vent may be located on the nasal plug 3000 at a distance from the surface 3304 surrounding the port, a distance of approximately 10% to approximately 80% of the length of the nasal plug.

[0648] In some examples, the vent 4000 is located on an imaginary plane that is at an angle to another imaginary plane where the sensing port 5000 is located.

[0649] With the surface 3301 surrounding the vent and the surface 3304 surrounding the port at an angle or at a distance from each other, the sensing port 5000 can be spaced apart from the gas discharged from the nasal plug lumen 3004 via the vent 4000d. The geometry of the nasal plug 3000d (specifically, the nasal plug wall 3300d) can also be configured such that the sensing port 5000 is protected from the gas discharged immediately from the nasal plug lumen 3004 at or around the vent 4000d.

[0650] In some examples, the geometry of the end portion 3200d can help create or reduce an area at or around the vent 4000d that minimizes or reduces airflow disturbances or turbulence associated with the gas exiting from the nasal plug lumen 3004. In some examples, the cross-sectional shape of the gas flow exiting from the nasal plug lumen 3004d via the vent 4000d can help create or define an area that minimizes or reduces airflow disturbances. In this way, the vent 4000d of the nasal plug 3000d can be configured such that the cross-sectional shape of the gas flow exiting from the nasal plug lumen 3004d via the vent 4000d is spaced apart from the end portion 3200d.

[0651] Because airflow disturbances or turbulence in this area are minimized or reduced, this creates a suitable area for the sensing port 5000 to maximize sensitivity and / or accuracy.

[0652] For example, Figures 26 to 28 Further examples of sensor port 5000 arrangements with different nasal plug geometries are illustrated. 。 exist Figure 26In this embodiment, the sensing port 5000 is disposed on the concave surface 3308 of the nasal plug 3000d. In other words, the surface surrounding the port includes the concave surface 3308. The concave surface 3308 is protected from turbulence or airflow and pressure disturbances at or around the airway 4000d by retracting inward into the end 3200d of the nasal plug 3000d, allowing a sensor located at or connected to the sensing port 5000 to acquire measurements representing patient parameters.

[0653] exist Figure 27 In this configuration, the sensing port 5000 is arranged on the convex surface 3312 of the nose plug 3000d, or in other words, the surface surrounding the port includes the convex surface 3312. Figure 28 In this context, the sensing port 5000 is arranged on the conical surface 3314 of the nose plug 3000d, or in other words, the surface surrounding the port includes the conical surface 3314.

[0654] Here, both the convex surface 3312 and the conical surface 3314 space the sensing port 5000 from the ventilation port 4000d, allowing a sensor located at or connected to the sensing port 5000 to acquire measurements representing patient or gas parameters. The convex surface 3312 and the conical surface 3314 further contribute to creating an area where airflow disturbances or turbulence are minimized or reduced, formed by the cross-sectional shape of the gas flow exiting from the ventilation port 4000d. As indicated above, this provides a useful area for locating the sensing port 5000.

[0655] In other examples, the sensing port 5000 may be disposed on, or the surface surrounding the port may include, a plane, concave, convex, conical, truncated conical, and / or segmented plane, segmented concave, or segmented convex surface of the nose plug. Such a surface may be located at, or define, the end 3200 of the nose plug 3000. In some examples, the surface may be formed by, at least a portion of, the end 3200 of the nose plug and / or the wall 3300 of the nose plug 3000.

[0656] In some examples, the end 3200 of the nasal plug 3000 can be a blind end, that is, it may not include the opening 3250, for example, as Figure 29 The blind end of the example nasal plug 3251 is shown.

[0657] Figure 30Another example nasal plug 3000d is shown, having a sensing port 5000 and a blind end 3251d. The sensing port 5000 may include a cavity 5500 at or adjacent to the end 3200d. The cavity 5500 may include an end wall 5502 and a side wall 5504 offset from the blind end 3215d, the side wall extending from the blind end 3215d to the end wall 5502. An orifice 5002 of the sensing port 5000 may be located on the end wall 5502. The end wall 5502 and / or side wall 5504 of the cavity 5500 may not include an opening. The cavity 5500 may not be in fluid or gas communication with the nasal plug lumen 3004.

[0658] The sensing port 5000 is further protected from turbulence or airflow and pressure disturbances at or around the vent 4000d because it is located within the inward cavity 5500.

[0659] In another example, the sensing port 5000 located within cavity 5500 may be in jet communication or other types of communication with nasal plug lumen 3004. In other examples, the sensing port 5000 located within cavity 5500 may be in jet communication or electronic communication with sensing lumen 5010.

[0660] like Figure 24 As shown, the sensing lumen 5010 may extend toward the sensing port 5000 through at least a portion of the nasal plug lumen 3004d (and / or extend to the sensing port). The sensing lumen 5010 is illustratively shown as a channel extending through the nasal plug lumen 3004d. The sensing lumen 5010 is shown to be substantially centrally or concentrically located within the nasal plug lumen 3004d. In other examples, the sensing lumen 5010 may be at least partially along or adjacent to the inner surface 3310d of the nasal plug wall 3300d. The sensing lumen 5010 may be located within the nasal plug lumen 3004d, offset from the centerline of the nasal plug 3000d.

[0661] The sensing lumen 5010 can be fluid-sealed or isolated from the nasal plug lumen 3004d, so that the gas flowing through the nasal plug lumen 3004d will not enter the sensing lumen 5010.

[0662] The corresponding sensor can be positioned at the end of the sensing cavity 5010, that is, located at... Figure 24 The sensor is located near the orifice 5002 (when present). The sensor can be located anywhere along the length of the sensing lumen 5010, such as in the middle or near the base 3100d of the nasal plug.

[0663] The sensing lumen 5010 can extend from the nasal plug 3000d to the sensor. The sensing lumen 5010 can extend at least partially into the nasal cannula, including one or more of the nasal plug 3000d, manifold, gas path, and / or supply line. At least a portion of the sensing lumen 5010 can extend outside the nasal cannula. For example, a portion of the sensing lumen 5010 can extend along the exterior of the inhalation duct. The sensor can be located at any point along the sensing lumen 5010 or outside the cannula, wherein the sensing lumen 5010 provides a substantially clear path from the nasal plug 3000d to the sensor.

[0664] In some forms, a given nasal plug may not include such a sensing lumen 5010. For example, the sensor may be positioned within the nasal plug. For example, the sensor may be located within the nasal plug lumen 3004, fixed at or adjacent to the orifice 5002, as mentioned above.

[0665] exist Figure 25 In another example of a nasal plug 3000d, the sensing port 5000 extends outward away from the end 3200d of the nasal plug 3000d.

[0666] A sensing port 5000 (or aperture 5002 in this example) is disposed at the end of a probe 5020 that extends outward from the end 3200d of a nasal plug 3000d. In other examples, the sensing port 5000 may include a sensor disposed at or adjacent to the end of the probe 5020, or on an extension of the nasal plug 3000d.

[0667] In some examples, the orifice 5002 may lead to an internal channel or lumen (i.e., the internal channel or lumen extends to or defines a sensing lumen 5010 as described above). A probe 5020 extending from the distal end 3200d may include a sensing lumen. A sensor may be positioned within this sensing lumen and spaced apart from the distal end 3200 of the nasal plug. The sensing lumen may be in fluid communication with a sensor or sensing module 7000 located outside the patient interface, as further described below.

[0668] When the sensing port 5000 includes an aperture 5002, the size of the aperture can be smaller than the size of the nasal plug lumen 3004. For example, the diameter of the aperture 5002 can be smaller than the diameter of the nasal plug lumen 3004. When any other opening or orifice is provided through the wall of the nasal plug 3000 and communicating with the nasal plug lumen 3004, the size of the aperture 5002 can be smaller than the size of the other opening or orifice.

[0669] When the sensing port 5000 includes an aperture 5002, the size of the aperture 5002 can be designed to be smaller than the conventional nose plug opening 3250 at the end 3200 of the nose plug 3000. For example, the diameter of the aperture 5002 is smaller than the diameter of the opening 3250.

[0670] In some examples, the nasal plug 3000 having a vent 4000 and a sensing port 5000 may include other orifices or openings besides the vent 4000 for gas to exit from the nasal plug lumen 3004. In those instances, it may be advantageous to position the sensing port 5000 and / or the sensor spaced apart from any such orifices or openings, so that the potential turbulence or interference generated by the gas exiting through such orifices or openings has minimal impact on the measurements performed by the sensor.

[0671] Furthermore, the vent 4000 of a given nasal plug 3000 can be configured to tune the flow rate or proportion of gas discharged from the nasal plug lumen 3004 via the vent 4000 to minimize potential airflow turbulence or disturbance at or around the sensing port 5000.

[0672] When the sensing port 5000 includes an aperture 5002, the size of the aperture can be smaller than the size of the nasal plug lumen 3004. For example, the diameter of the aperture 5002 can be smaller than the diameter of the nasal plug lumen 3004. When any other opening or orifice is provided through the wall of the nasal plug 3000 and communicating with the nasal plug lumen 3004, the size of the aperture 5002 can be smaller than the size of the other opening or orifice.

[0673] When the sensing port 5000 includes an aperture 5002, the size of the aperture 5002 can be designed to be smaller than the conventional nose plug opening 3250 at the end 3200 of the nose plug 3000. For example, the diameter of the aperture 5002 is smaller than the diameter of the opening 3250.

[0674] In some examples, the nasal plug 3000 having a vent 4000 and a sensing port 5000 may include other orifices or openings besides the vent 4000 for gas to exit from the nasal plug lumen 3004. In those instances, it may be advantageous to position the sensing port 5000 and / or the sensor spaced apart from any such orifices or openings, so that the potential turbulence or interference generated by the gas exiting through such orifices or openings has minimal impact on the measurements performed by the sensor.

[0675] Furthermore, the vent 4000 of a given nasal plug 3000 can be configured to tune the flow rate or proportion of gas discharged from the nasal plug lumen 3004 via the vent 4000 to minimize potential airflow turbulence or disturbance at or around the sensing port 5000.

[0676] In some examples, sensor port 5000 may not be included. Figures 23 to 28 and Figure 30 Any particular structure described or shown, but only the location of the sensor, such as by adhesive or other fixing method, is specified.

[0677] In some examples, the sensor can be located within the nasal plug 3000d, i.e., within its nasal plug lumen 3004. The sensor can be spaced apart from the end 3200 of the nasal plug, i.e., located outside the nasal plug 3000d.

[0678] In some examples, the sensor may be placed at the center of the end 3200d. In some examples, the sensor may be located concentrically with the end 3200d. In some examples, the sensing port 5000, orifice 5002, sensing lumen 5010 and / or probe 5020 may be located at the center of the end 3200d and / or positioned concentrically with the end 3200d.

[0679] The sensor can be located externally to the nasal cannula or patient interface. In some examples, the sensor can be located at the patient interface or nasal cannula. In some examples, the sensor can be located on the body 32, 703, 815 of the patient interface 2000. In some examples, the sensor can be located internally to the body 32, 703, 815 of the patient interface 2000, such as within manifolds 32A, 820. The sensor can be located upstream of the sensing port 5000; in other words, anywhere along the respiratory therapy system 1000 upstream of the sensing port 5000 (i.e., within the gas path or supply line or gas delivery conduit, or elsewhere). For example, the sensor can be located in supply lines 705, 801, 2001. In some examples, the sensor can be located in the gas delivery conduit 3 of the respiratory system 1000. In some examples, the sensor can be in communication with the sensing port 5000 via the sensing lumen 5010 and / or sampling line 7010, as described in further detail below. In some examples, the sensor may be located in the fixing component 751 or a part thereof, for example, on the headgear 20.

[0680] The sensor can be any suitable form, such as any piezoelectric microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor, optical sensor, piezoresistive pressure sensor, or any other suitable electronic sensor or transducer.

[0681] When providing a patient interface 2000 including two nasal plugs 3000, the sensing port 5000 can be set on one or both nasal plugs 3000.

[0682] The sensor located at sensing port 5000 (and / or orifice 5002, sensing lumen 5010 and / or probe 5020) can communicate with gas sensing module 7000. Sensing port 5000 (and / or orifice 5002, sensing lumen 5010 and / or probe 5020) can be in fluid communication with gas sensing module 7000.

[0683] As mentioned, a sensor located at or connected to sensing port 5000 can be used to determine gas parameters that potentially reflect or represent patient parameters. For example, sensing port 5000 can be used to determine the concentration of gases in the patient's exhaled airflow, such as the concentration of carbon dioxide or oxygen at the nostrils. Due to the placement of gas sensing port 5000 relative to ventilation port 4000d, the dilution of exhaled gas by gas delivered near gas sensing port 5000 can be minimized.

[0684] Figure 1 An example sensing module 7000 is schematically indicated. The sensor may include sensors for gas parameters such as pressure and / or gas composition and / or temperature and / or humidity and / or flow rate. The sensing module 7000 may be configured to receive the measured properties of the sensor via a sampling line 7010.

[0685] For example, sampling line 7010 may be a gas sampling line. Sampling line 7010 may be in the form of a tube extending between sensing port 5000 and sensing module 7000. Sampling line 7010 may be located at least partially within the patient interface, for example, within the gas delivery conduit 3 connected to nasal plug 3000 and / or supply tube 2001. Sampling line 7010 may be located partially within the patient interface (e.g., within a portion of nasal plug 3000 and / or supply tube 2001) and then extend laterally along gas delivery conduit 3 (and connected to the gas delivery conduit via any suitable connector) or extend in different directions.

[0686] The sampling circuit 7010 may include a wired connection to the sensing module 7000. The sampling circuit 7010 may also include a wireless connection to the sensing module 7000 (i.e., NFC, WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular network, or other suitable wireless protocol).

[0687] The sensor module 7000 can be integrated into the airflow source 150, i.e., as part of the flow generator 15. In another example, the sensor module 7000 can be a separate unit from the airflow source 150 or the flow generator 15. In some examples, the sensor module 7000 can be electronically communicated with the flow generator 15, allowing the electronic controller 18 of the respiratory system 1000 to receive input from the sensor module 7000. The electronic controller 18 can then regulate the delivered flow rate and / or pressure in response to the input from the sensor module 7000.

[0688] The sensing module 7000 may include a controller, processor, monitor, and / or display (such as the previously described electronic controller 18 and humidifier controller 9, and displays 10, 19) associated with the respiratory therapy system 1000. Where a sensor is provided, it may also be connected to or at least partially extended to one or more of the controller, processor, monitor, and / or display of the sensing module 7000.

[0689] Because such a nasal plug 3000 arrangement (including sensor port 5000) can potentially actively measure accurate gas parameters and / or patient parameters, clinicians or users can control and adjust certain therapeutic outcomes. For example, patient pressure can be reduced during at least a portion of the expiratory phase. For example, sensor module 7000 can provide input to electronic controller 18 as described above to control airflow source 150, thereby reducing flow rate during the expiratory phase.

[0690] In addition, feedback from the sensor module 7000 can be used to potentially modify the flow rate in a manner similar to bilevel pressure therapy to maintain a constant or desired pressure, or to change the pressure according to the respiratory phase.

[0691] Since the gas at or around the sensing port 5000 is largely unaffected by disturbed or turbulent airflow, the dynamic and / or static pressures they may exhibit are more representative of or approximate to the dynamic and static pressures within the nasal cavity and / or the patient's upper airway.

[0692] The measurements acquired by the sensor can be communicated with the sensor or connected to the sensor's controller (e.g., such as...). Figure 1 An electronic controller 18 or humidifier controller 9, or a microprocessor, is used to determine patient parameters. For example, pressure waveforms generated from such measurements can be used to determine at least one or more of the following for a patient during use: positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), respiratory rate, and / or respiratory phase. The measured pressure can also serve as an alternative indicator for determining other patient parameters.

[0693] This determination can be performed, at least in part, by applying a scaling factor to the resulting pressure waveform. Specifically, the scaling factor can be applied to at least one point in time and potentially, along with other calculations, to infer, extract, or determine any one or more of the following for the patient at the time of use: positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), respiratory rate, and / or respiratory phase.

[0694] Therefore, a method for providing respiratory support to a patient can be envisioned in this paper, which may include providing a nasal cannula comprising at least one nasal plug, such as Figures 23 to 28 and Figure 30 The nasal plug 3000d, which includes an air vent 4000d and a sensing port 5000, the air vent extending through the wall 3300d of the nasal plug 3000d, and the sensing port being arranged spaced apart from 4000d, specifically, being arranged at or near the end 3200d of the nasal plug 3000d.

[0695] Subsequently, and as described elsewhere in this document, the nasal plug 3000d can be positioned at least partially inside the patient's nostril, such that the air vent 4000d is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril. The sensing port 5000 can also be located inside the patient's nostril.

[0696] Once a breathable gas flow is provided to a patient's nostrils through at least one nasal plug 3000d, the method includes measuring the pressure of the gas at or around at least the sensing port 5000. This measurement can be performed by a sensor located at or near the sensing port 5000 and / or otherwise in fluid or electronic communication with that sensing port.

[0697] The method may further include: applying a scaling factor to a pressure waveform generated at least in part based on the measured pressure; applying the scaling factor at at least one time point; and / or determining any one or more of the following for the patient: positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), respiratory rate, and / or respiratory phase, as described above.

[0698] In some examples, when the sensing port 5000 is spaced apart from the end 3200d of the nasal plug 3000d (such as when moving outwards away from the end 3200d, as...), Figure 25 As with sensing port 5000, the applied scaling factor may be at least partially affected by the distance between sensing port 5000 (or sensor) and end 3200d, or the distance extending outward from that end. For example, regarding Figure 25 The distance between the sensing port 5000 and the end 3200d can be the length of the probe 5020.

[0699] It should be understood that the deeper the sensor port 5000 and / or the sensor extends into the nasal cavity, the more accurate the pressure measured relative to the patient's airway pressure will be. Alternatively, the deeper the sensor port 5000 is located in the nasal cavity, the closer the measured pressure will be to the patient's actual airway pressure in the nasopharynx.

[0700] In some examples, the measured pressure can provide clinicians with real-time monitoring of a patient's breathing and treatment.

[0701] Furthermore, providing clinicians with this information about a patient's breathing allows them to synchronize the flow of breathable gas with the patient's respiratory cycle and parameters. For example, clinicians can stabilize patient pressure by varying the flow rate.

[0702] Parts kit

[0703] It is also conceivable to include a kit comprising the nasal cannula described herein, wherein the kit advantageously also includes consumables such as at least one gas delivery catheter 3 connected to or integrally formed with the cannula, and / or an adapter for connecting the at least one gas delivery catheter 3 to an inspiratory tube, a drying tube, and / or a heated breathing tube. The adapter may be configured to connect to and be positioned adjacent to the gas delivery catheter 3 and other catheters or tubes (connected to a gas source 150) to facilitate fluid communication of breathable gas with the patient interface 2000.

[0704] In this regard, the adapter, nasal cannula, and / or first gas delivery conduit 3 (when present) of the example kit can facilitate the modularization of the nasal cannula (including the nasal plug 3000 as described herein) with third-party or non-proprietary gas delivery conduits, or facilitate the modification of gas delivery conduits in existing systems to adopt the nasal cannula.

[0705] In some examples, the nasal cannula supplied with such a kit can be configured for fluid communication with a gas delivery conduit 3, wherein the gas delivery conduit can be configured to be directly connected to the nasal cannula or integrally formed with it. In this regard, the kit may include, for example, reference... Figures 2 to 5 The nasal cannula described.

[0706] The kit may also include any one or more of the following: a filter, a pressure relief valve, and / or a humidification chamber, wherein the filter is configured to filter impurities in the breathable gas delivered to and / or delivered to the patient via the nasal cannula, wherein the pressure relief valve is configured to regulate the pressure of the supplied breathable gas delivered to and / or delivered to the patient via the nasal cannula, and wherein the humidification chamber is configured to humidify the breathable gas delivered to and / or delivered to the patient via the nasal cannula. In some examples, the humidification chamber itself may be a gas source, i.e., a combined gas source and humidifier.

[0707] While the foregoing description includes a limited number of examples or configurations, those skilled in the art will understand that many alternatives, modifications, and variations are possible based on the foregoing description. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to cover all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that may fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0708] Any references or discussions to any documents, actions, or knowledge items in this specification are merely for the purpose of providing context for the invention. It is not recommended or implied that any of these matters, or any combination thereof, constitutes common knowledge at the priority date, or is known to be related to any attempt to resolve any problem addressed in this specification.

[0709] In this specification, the term 'comprising' or similar terms are intended to mean non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system, or apparatus that includes a list of elements may include not only those elements but may also include other elements not listed.

Claims

1. A nasal cannula for delivering breathable gas to a patient, the nasal cannula comprising: main body; A nasal plug, the nasal plug including a base, an inlet at the base, an end, and a wall extending between the base and the end, the wall defining a nasal plug lumen in fluid communication with the inlet, the nasal plug extending from the body; and A vent extends through the wall of the nasal plug and is located at least partially longitudinally between the base and the end of the nasal plug.

2. The nasal cannula of claim 1, wherein the vent extends as an orifice through the wall of the nasal plug, the orifice allowing fluid communication between the lumen of the nasal plug and the outside of the nasal plug.

3. The nasal cannula according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the airway comprises: The distal end, which is closest to the base of the nasal plug; The proximal end, which is closest to the distal end of the nasal plug; The vent length is defined as the distance between the proximal end and the distal end of the vent; and the vent width between the first side and the second side of the vent.

4. The nasal cannula of claim 3, wherein the length of the airway is between about 5% and about 80% of the length of the nasal plug between the base and the end of the nasal plug.

5. The nasal cannula according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the width of the airway comprises between about 5% and about 80% of the length of the circumference of the nasal plug.

6. The nasal cannula according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the area of ​​the airway to the surface area of ​​the nasal plug wall is between about 1:20 and about 3:

5.

7. The nasal cannula according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the airway is disposed at a distance from the base, the distance being about 5% to about 95% of the length of the nasal cannula between the base and the end of the nasal cannula.

8. The nasal cannula according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the airway is disposed at a distance from the end of the nasal plug, the distance being about 5% to about 95% of the length of the nasal plug between the base and the end of the nasal plug.

9. A nasal cannula according to any of the preceding claims dependent on claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the airway gradually narrows longitudinally in a direction from its proximal end toward its distal end or in a direction from its distal end toward its proximal end.

10. A nasal cannula according to any of the preceding claims dependent on claim 3, wherein the airway gradually narrows in a direction from one of its first or second sides to the other of its first or second sides.

11. The nasal cannula according to any of the preceding claims dependent on claim 3, wherein the length of the airway at one of the first side or the second side is greater than the length of the airway at the other of the first side or the second side.

12. The nasal cannula according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the airway is at least partially straight, at least partially curved, or at least partially arcuate between its proximal and distal ends.

13. The nasal cannula according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nasal plug comprises a plurality of air vents.

14. The nasal cannula of claim 13, wherein the plurality of air vents are spaced apart substantially in the direction of the nasal cannula lumen and / or spaced apart substantially perpendicular to the nasal cannula lumen.

15. The nasal cannula of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the plurality of air ports are equidistantly spaced in a direction substantially in the direction of the nasal cannula lumen and / or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the nasal cannula lumen.

16. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein at least one of the plurality of air vents is offset from at least one other air vent among the plurality of air vents substantially in the direction of the nasal plug lumen and / or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the nasal plug lumen.

17. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the plurality of air vents are configured such that, in use, at least one of the plurality of air vents is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril, and at least one of the plurality of air vents is at least partially located outside the patient's nostril.

18. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the plurality of air ports are aligned substantially in the direction of the nasal plug lumen and / or aligned substantially perpendicular to the nasal plug lumen.

19. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the end of the nasal plug includes an opening.

20. The nasal cannula according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nasal plug is configured to maintain, in use, a gap between at least a portion of the outer surface of the wall of the nasal plug and the inner wall of the patient's nostril.

21. The nasal cannula according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the size of the nasal plug is designed to allow exhaled gas to flow around the outer surface of the wall of the nasal plug to escape from the patient's nostril during use.

22. The nasal cannula according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nasal cannula comprises a first nasal plug and a second nasal plug.

23. The nasal cannula according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body is configured to be connected to or integrally formed with the supply tube.

24. The nasal cannula of claim 22, wherein the supply tube is in fluid communication with the inlet of the nasal plug.

25. The nasal cannula according to claim 24, which is dependent on claim 22, wherein the supply tube is in fluid communication with the nasal cannula lumen of the first nasal plug and / or the nasal cannula lumen of the second nasal plug.

26. The nasal cannula according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the body includes a manifold configured to receive breathable gas.

27. The nasal cannula of claim 26, wherein the manifold is in fluid communication with the nasal plug lumen of the nasal plug.

28. The nasal cannula according to claim 26, which is dependent on claim 22, wherein the manifold is in fluid communication with the nasal cannula lumen of the first nasal plug and / or the nasal cannula lumen of the second nasal plug.

29. The nasal cannula of claim 26, which is dependent on claim 22, wherein the manifold is configured to be connected to or integrally formed with the supply tube, the supply tube being configured to deliver breathable gas to the manifold.

30. The nasal cannula of claim 29, wherein the supply tube is in fluid communication via the manifold with the nasal cannula of the first nasal plug and / or the nasal cannula of the second nasal plug.

31. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 24 to 30, which are dependent on claim 23 or claim 29, wherein the supply tube is configured to be connected to or integrally formed with the gas delivery conduit, the gas delivery conduit being configured to deliver breathable gas to the supply tube.

32. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the nasal plug includes a sensing port.

33. The nasal cannula of claim 32, wherein the sensing port is disposed at or near the end.

34. The nasal cannula of claim 32 or 33, wherein the sensing port is located on the nasal plug at a distance from the airway, the distance being between about 10% and about 80% of the length of the nasal plug between the base and the end.

35. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the sensing port is disposed on the surface surrounding the port of the nasal plug, the surface surrounding the port being at an angle relative to the surface surrounding the vent of the nasal plug, the vent being disposed on the surface surrounding the vent.

36. The nasal cannula of claim 35, wherein the angle between the surface surrounding the vent and the surface surrounding the port can be between about 30 degrees and about 150 degrees.

37. The nasal cannula of claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the surface surrounding the port comprises a plane, or a concave surface, or a convex surface, or a conical surface, or a truncated conical surface and / or a segmented plane, or a segmented concave surface, or a segmented convex surface.

38. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 32 to 37, wherein the sensing port includes an orifice.

39. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 32 to 38, wherein the sensing port is located at the center of the end.

40. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 32 to 39, wherein the nasal plug includes a sensing lumen and the sensing lumen is in fluid communication with the sensing port.

41. The nasal cannula of claim 40, wherein the sensing lumen includes a channel extending through at least a portion of the nasal plug lumen.

42. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 32 to 41, wherein the sensing port is configured to communicate with a sensor.

43. The nasal cannula of claim 42, wherein the sensor is located at or upstream of the sensing port.

44. The nasal cannula of claim 42 or claim 43, wherein the sensor is located at the body of the nasal cannula.

45. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein the sensor is in communication with a sampling line, the sampling line being configured to be in communication with a sensing module.

46. ​​The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 42 to 45, wherein the sensor is configured to measure the gas properties at or around the sensing port.

47. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 42 to 46, wherein the sensor is configured to measure pressure.

48. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 1 to 47, wherein when gas is received into the nasal plug via the inlet, at least a portion of the gas is discharged from the lumen of the nasal plug through the vent.

49. A nasal cannula for delivering breathable gas to a patient, the nasal cannula comprising: main body; A nasal plug, the nasal plug including a base, an inlet at the base, an end, and a wall extending between the base and the end, the wall defining a nasal plug lumen in fluid communication with the inlet, the nasal plug extending from the body; A vent that extends through the wall of the nasal plug; and A sensing port is disposed at the wall or the end of the nasal plug.

50. The nasal cannula of claim 49, wherein the sensing port includes an orifice.

51. The nasal cannula of claim 49 or 50, wherein the sensing port is located on the nasal plug at a distance from the airway, the distance being between about 10% and about 80% of the length of the nasal plug between the base and the end.

52. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 49 to 51, wherein the sensing port is disposed on the surface surrounding the port of the nasal plug, the surface surrounding the port being at an angle relative to the surface surrounding the vent of the nasal plug, and the vent being disposed on the surface surrounding the vent.

53. The nasal cannula of claim 52, wherein the angle between the surface surrounding the vent and the surface surrounding the port can be between about 30 degrees and about 150 degrees.

54. The nasal cannula according to claim 52 or claim 53, wherein the surface surrounding the port includes a plane, a concave surface, a convex surface, a conical surface, a truncated conical surface, and / or a segmented plane, a segmented concave surface, or a segmented convex surface.

55. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 49 to 54, wherein the nasal plug includes a sensing lumen in fluid communication with the sensing port.

56. The nasal cannula of claim 55, wherein the sensing lumen includes a channel extending through at least a portion of the nasal plug lumen.

57. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 49 to 56, wherein the sensing port is located at the center of the end.

58. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 49 to 57, wherein the sensing port is configured to communicate with a sensor.

59. The nasal cannula of claim 58, wherein the sensor is located at or upstream of the sensing port.

60. The nasal cannula of claim 58 or claim 59, wherein the sensor is in communication with a sampling line configured to communicate with a sensing module.

61. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 58 to 60, wherein the sensor is configured to measure the gas properties at or around the sensing port.

62. The nasal cannula of claim 61, wherein the sensor is configured to measure pressure.

63. A nasal cannula for delivering breathable gas to a patient, the nasal cannula comprising: A nasal plug, the nasal plug including a base extending from the nasal cannula, an inlet at the base, an end, and a wall extending between the base and the end, the wall defining a nasal plug lumen in fluid communication with the inlet, wherein an outer surface of the wall defines the exterior of the nasal plug; A vent, the vent extending through the wall of the nasal plug and defining a vent gas path; and An opening, located at the end of the nasal plug, defines an opening gas path. When the gas is received by the nasal cannula: At least a portion of the gas is discharged from the nasal plug lumen through the vent in the direction of the gas path of the vent. At least a portion of the gas is discharged from the nasal plug lumen through the opening in the direction of the gas path of the opening; and When in use, the nasal plug is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril: i. During the inspiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle, a portion of the gas moving in both the ventilator gas path and the open gas path is inhaled by the patient, and ii. During the expiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle, a portion of the gas moving in the direction of the airway gas path and / or the opening gas path is expelled from the patient's nostrils.

64. The nasal cannula of claim 63, wherein about 1% to about 99% of the gas received by the nasal cannula is discharged through the vent in the direction of the gas path of the vent.

65. The nasal cannula according to claim 63 or claim 64, wherein about 1% to about 99% of the gas received by the nasal cannula is discharged through the opening in the direction of the gas path of the opening.

66. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 63 to 65, wherein the flow rate of gas discharged through the airway in the direction of the gas path of the airway is between about 1% and about 99% of the flow rate of gas received by the nasal cannula.

67. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 63 to 66, wherein the flow rate of gas discharged through the opening in the direction of the gas path of the opening is between about 1% and about 99% of the flow rate of gas received by the nasal cannula.

68. The nasal cannula of any one of claims 63 to 67, wherein the nasal plug is configured such that a portion of the airway is located outside the patient's nostril during use, the portion of the airway defining an auxiliary gas path.

69. The nasal cannula of claim 68, wherein a portion of the gas is discharged from the nasal cannula lumen through at least a portion of the airway in the direction of the auxiliary gas path.

70. The nasal cannula of claim 69, wherein the gas moving in the direction of the auxiliary gas path is discharged toward the outside of the patient's nostril during use.

71. The nasal cannula of claim 69 or 70, wherein about 1% to about 99% of the gas received by the nasal cannula is discharged through the portion of the vent in the direction of the auxiliary gas path.

72. The nasal cannula according to any one of claims 69 to 71, wherein the flow rate of gas discharged through the portion of the vent in the direction of the auxiliary gas path is between about 1% and about 99% of the flow rate of gas received by the nasal cannula lumen.

73. A respiratory therapy system, the system comprising: An airflow source, wherein the airflow source is used to provide a gas flow; A gas delivery conduit for receiving the gas flow from the gas flow source; and A patient interface for receiving the gas flow from the gas delivery conduit and delivering the gas flow to a patient; The patient interface described herein includes a nasal cannula according to any one of claims 1 to 72.

74. The respiratory therapy system of claim 73, wherein the respiratory therapy system includes a humidifier.

75. A respiratory therapy system, the system comprising: An airflow source, wherein the airflow source is used to provide a gas flow; A gas delivery conduit for receiving the gas flow from the gas flow source; and A patient interface for receiving the gas flow from the gas delivery conduit and delivering the gas flow to a patient; The patient interface includes a nasal plug, which includes an air vent that extends through the wall of the nasal plug.

76. The respiratory therapy system according to claim 75, wherein, In use, when the airflow source provides a gas flow and the nasal plug is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril, the airway is configured to increase the resistance to gas flow from the patient's nostril during at least a portion of the expiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle.

77. The respiratory therapy system according to claim 75 or 76, wherein, When in use, a pressure difference is created between the outside and inside of the nostril when the airflow source provides a gas flow and the nasal plug is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril.

78. The respiratory therapy system of claim 77, wherein the pressure difference forms at least a partial fluid seal in the region outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostril.

79. The respiratory therapy system according to any one of claims 75 to 78, wherein, In use, when the airflow source provides a gas flow and the nasal plug is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril, a portion of the air vent located outside the patient's nostril is configured to at least partially reduce the resistance to the flow of gas from the patient's nostril.

80. A kit comprising: Nasal cannula according to any one of claims 1 to 72; and Gas delivery conduit, the gas delivery conduit being connected to or integrally formed with the nasal cannula; and / or An adapter for connecting the gas delivery conduit to an inhalation tube, a drying tube, and / or a heated breathing tube.

81. The kit of claim 80, wherein the gas delivery conduit comprises a breathing conduit.

82. The kit of claim 80 or claim 81, wherein the gas delivery conduit is removably connected to the nasal cannula.

83. The kit according to any one of claims 80 to 82, wherein the kit further comprises any one or more of the following: a filter, a pressure relief valve, and / or a humidification chamber.

84. A method for delivering respiratory support to a patient, the method comprising: a. Provide a nasal cannula, the nasal cannula including a nasal plug, the nasal plug including an air vent extending through the wall of the nasal plug; b. Position the nasal plug at least partially inside the patient's nostril, such that the air vent is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril; as well as c. Providing a flow of breathable gas to one or more nostrils of the patient through the nasal plug of the nasal cannula.

85. The method of claim 84, wherein the airway is located at least partially inside the patient's nostril and the gas flow is provided such that resistance to gas flow from the patient's nostril increases during at least a portion of the expiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle.

86. The method of claim 84 or claim 85, wherein the airway is located at least partially inside the patient's nostrils and the gas flow is provided such that the patient's pressure increases during at least a portion of the inspiratory phase of the patient's respiratory cycle.

87. The method according to any one of claims 84 to 86, wherein the airway is located at least partially inside the patient's nostril and the gas flow is provided such that a pressure difference is formed between the outside and inside of the nostril, the pressure difference forming at least a partial fluid seal in the region outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostril.

88. The method of any one of claims 84 to 87, wherein step b) comprises positioning the nasal plug such that the airway is at least partially located outside the patient's nostrils.

89. The method of claim 88, wherein the airway is located at least partially outside the patient's nostrils and the gas flow is provided to at least partially reduce the resistance to gas flow from the patient's nostrils.

90. A patient interface for delivering a breathable gas to a patient, the patient interface comprising: The body includes a nasal plug configured to deliver gas into the patient's nostrils; The nasal plug includes a wall and an air vent, the wall defining a nasal plug lumen in fluid communication with the inlet of the nasal plug, the air vent extending through the wall of the nasal plug, and an outer surface of the wall defining the exterior of the nasal plug. In use, when gas is received into the nasal plug lumen via the inlet and the nasal plug is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril, at least a portion of the gas is discharged from the nasal plug lumen through the vent to a region outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostril, thereby creating a pressure difference between the outside and inside of the nostril, the pressure difference forming at least a partial fluid seal in the region outside the nasal plug and inside the patient's nostril.

91. The patient interface of claim 90, wherein the nasal plug is configured to maintain, in use, a gap between at least a portion of the outer surface of the wall of the nasal plug and the inner wall of the patient's nostril.

92. The patient interface of claim 90 or claim 91, wherein the size of the nasal plug is designed to allow exhaled gas to flow around the outer surface of the wall of the nasal plug to escape from the patient's nostril during use.

93. The patient interface according to any one of claims 90 to 92, wherein the volumetric flow rate of the gas discharged through the airway is between about 1% and about 99% of the flow rate of the gas flowing into the nasal plug lumen from the inlet.

94. The patient interface according to any one of claims 90 to 93, the patient interface comprising a gas delivery conduit in fluid communication with the inlet of the nasal plug to deliver breathable gas to the nasal plug.

95. The patient interface of claim 94, wherein at least a portion of the gas delivery conduit is ventilated.

96. A patient interface for delivering a breathable gas to a patient, the patient interface comprising: main body; A nasal plug, the nasal plug including a base, an inlet at the base, an end, and a wall extending between the base and the end, the wall defining a nasal plug lumen in fluid communication with the inlet, the nasal plug extending from the body; and A vent that extends through the wall of the nasal plug; In use, when gas is received into the nasal plug lumen via the inlet and the nasal plug is at least partially located inside the patient's nostril, at least a portion of the gas is discharged from the nasal plug lumen through the vent, thereby forming at least a partial gas seal between the nasal plug and the patient's nostril.

97. A nasal cannula for delivering a breathable gas stream to a patient in a respiratory support system, the nasal cannula comprising: A cannula body, the cannula body including an inlet configured to receive the breathable gas flow; A nasal plug extending from the cannula body, the nasal plug being configured to extend into the patient's nostril when the nasal cannula is fitted to the patient, the nasal plug comprising: The nasal plug wall at least partially defines the nasal plug lumen, which is configured to receive and deliver the breathable gas flow from the cannula body; At least one airway extending through the nasal plug wall, the at least one airway being configured to deliver the breathable gas flow to the patient; and When in use, when a breathable gas flow is delivered into the nasal cannula, at least a portion of the breathable gas flow delivered through the at least one airway forms at least a partial gas seal between the nasal plug and the patient's nostril.

98. The patient interface of claim 96 or claim 97, wherein the end of the nasal plug includes a blind end.

99. The patient interface according to any one of claims 96 to 98, wherein the nasal plug includes a sensing port disposed at the end.

100. The patient interface of claim 99, wherein the sensing port is centrally located at the end.

101. The patient interface according to claim 99 or claim 100, wherein the sensing port includes an aperture.

102. The patient interface according to any one of claims 99 to 101, wherein the nasal plug includes a sensing lumen in fluid communication with the sensing port.

103. The patient interface according to any one of claims 99 to 102, wherein the sensing port is configured to communicate with a sensor.

104. The patient interface according to any one of claims 99 to 103, wherein the sensor is located at or upstream of the sensing port.

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