Connector and patient interface assembly for respiratory support system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a connector. A connector for a respiratory support system has a first portion, a second portion, and a retaining element. The first portion is configured to engage a portion of a breathing catheter, and the second portion is configured to engage another component. The first portion and the second portion together define an interior cavity for gas to pass through the connector. The retaining element defines an outer wall, and the first portion of the connector includes walls spaced inwardly from the outer wall defining a cavity therebetween to receive the portion of the breathing catheter. The wall of the first portion has one or more outwardly projecting protrusions configured to engage the portion of the breathing catheter. At least one distance between a surface of the protrusion and an inner surface of the outer wall is less than a maximum wall thickness of the portion of the breathing catheter.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese utility model patent application with application number 2023202229734, application date February 3, 2023, and utility model name “Connector”. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a connector for a respiratory catheter, and a tube assembly and a patient interface assembly including the connector. Background Art

[0003] In assisted breathing, breathing gases are supplied to the patient via one or more flexible breathing tubes through a patient interface. Such therapies may include, but are not limited to, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, including, for example, VPAP and BiPAP systems, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) therapy, and high-flow therapy.

[0004] Various types of respiratory patient interfaces can be used to provide different respiratory therapies. For example, the patient interface can be a nasal cannula, a nasal mask, an oral or oronasal mask, an endotracheal tube, or other known types of interfaces. The patient interface assembly for a single patient must be fluidically coupled to the other components of the respiratory therapy system to enable humidified breathing gas to be provided to the patient. This coupling can be achieved through a connector that connects to a conduit or component of the patient interface assembly and to a conduit or other component of the respiratory system.

[0005] Accidental disengagement and / or non-engagement of one of the catheters or components from the connector is undesirable but can occur under sufficient axial load, such as when tension or another force with a tensile axial component is applied to the connector. The applied load can cause the connected catheter or component to disengage or pull out of the connector. In some examples, the catheter can be disconnected from the corresponding connector when the catheter wall deflects or stretches, allowing the catheter to slip past the engagement features of the connector that are intended to hold the catheter in place.

[0006] Where reference is made to a patent specification, other external document or other source of information, this is generally to provide a context for discussing the features of the disclosure. Unless expressly stated otherwise, reference to such an external document is not to be construed as an admission that such document or such source of information, in any jurisdiction, is prior art or forms part of the common general knowledge in the art. Utility Model Content

[0007] In a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a connector for a respiratory support system, comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a retaining element. The first portion is configured to engage a portion of a respiratory conduit, and the second portion is configured to engage another component. The first portion and the second portion together define an inner cavity for gas to pass through the first portion and the second portion. The retaining element defines an outer wall. The first portion of the connector includes a wall spaced inwardly from the outer wall, thereby defining a cavity between the inner wall and the outer wall to receive the portion of the respiratory conduit, the wall of the first portion having one or more outwardly projecting protrusions, the protrusions being configured to engage the portion of the respiratory conduit; and wherein at least one distance between a surface of the protrusion and an inner surface of the outer wall is less than a maximum wall thickness of the portion of the respiratory conduit.

[0008] The closest distance between the or each protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall may be smaller than a bead size of the conduit. The closest distance may be measured in the radial direction.

[0009] In one embodiment, the connector is configured to position the maximum wall thickness of the portion of the breathing conduit between the outwardly projecting protrusions.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first portion of the connector is configured to engage with another connector.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least one distance between an outer surface of the wall of the first portion and an inner surface of the outer wall is greater than the maximum wall thickness of the portion of the breathing conduit.

[0012] In one embodiment, at least one distance between a surface of the or each protrusion and an inner surface of the outer wall is greater than the maximum wall thickness of the portion of the breathing conduit.

[0013] In one embodiment, the maximum wall thickness of the respiratory conduit corresponds to the thickness of the conduit's ribs. The closest distance between the or each protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall can be at least 1% smaller than the maximum wall thickness or the rib dimension, preferably at least 10% or 20% smaller. In one embodiment, the closest distance between the or each protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall is at least approximately 50% smaller than the maximum wall thickness or the rib dimension, for example, approximately 55% smaller than the rib thickness.

[0014] In one embodiment, the closest distance between the or each protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall is greater than the minimum wall thickness of the breathing conduit.

[0015] The minimum wall thickness of the conduit may be a membrane thickness between about 20 μm and about 120 μm. In one embodiment, the minimum wall thickness of the conduit is about 50 μm. The minimum wall thickness of the breathing conduit may correspond to the thickness of the membrane between two ribs. The closest distance between the or each protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall may be at least 1% greater than the minimum wall thickness, preferably at least 10% or 20% greater than the minimum wall thickness. In some embodiments, the closest distance between the or each protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall may be many times greater than the membrane thickness.

[0016] In one embodiment, when the conduit is connected to the second portion, the conduit wall is spaced inwardly from the inner surface of the outer wall.

[0017] In one embodiment, the protrusion forms a plurality of blades arranged along a substantially helical path, each blade comprising a leading portion at a leading end of the blade and a trailing portion at a trailing end of the blade, the trailing portion having a steeper gradient relative to a surface of the first portion than the leading portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, during assembly of the first portion of the connector with the breathing catheter, the leading portion of each blade engages the wall of the catheter before the corresponding trailing portion.

[0019] The blade may be formed from a single helical protrusion, or the blade may be formed from a plurality of discrete protrusions.

[0020] In one embodiment, the trailing portion of one blade may be spaced apart, may be in contact, or may abut the leading portion of an adjacent blade.In some embodiments, other protrusions or features may be present between blades.

[0021] The maximum height of each blade may occur at a point midway between the corresponding leading and trailing ends. In one embodiment, the maximum height of each blade is located at a point closer to the trailing end of the blade than the leading end of the blade. The maximum height of each blade may be substantially the same for each blade, or may vary between blades, for example, gradually increasing from the first (leading) blade to the trailing blade.

[0022] In one embodiment, the or each protrusion has a generally smooth profile. For example, the side edges of the protrusion may be rounded or otherwise shaped so that there are no sharp corners on the blade, thereby minimizing stress concentrations in the breathing tube. In one embodiment, the side edges of the blade are chamfered.

[0023] In one embodiment, the leading end of each blade, the trailing end of each blade, and the axis of the connector form an angle of approximately 90 degrees. In alternative embodiments, the blades may be shorter or longer relative to the first portion of the connector. The leading end of each blade, the trailing end of each blade, and the axis of the connector may form an angle greater than or less than 90 degrees, for example, between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 360 degrees, preferably between approximately 45 degrees and 120 degrees.

[0024] In one embodiment, four blades are provided for each revolution of the spiral path. Alternatively, more or fewer than four blades may be provided for each revolution, for example, one to eight blades may be provided for each revolution of the spiral path. In some embodiments, the number of blades per revolution may not be an integer, for example, 2.5 or 4.3 blades per revolution.

[0025] In one embodiment, the helical path has a pitch that is substantially the same as a pitch of a helical feature on the breathing conduit.

[0026] In one embodiment, the one or more protrusions are configured such that the torque required to wind the catheter onto the connector is less than the torque required to unwind the catheter from the connector.

[0027] In one embodiment, the first portion of the connector is rotatably connected to the second portion of the connector. Alternatively, the first portion and the second portion may be fixed relative to each other. The first portion and the second portion of the connector may be separate, connected components, or may be integrally formed.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first end of the retaining element engages with the connector. The first end of the retaining element may engage with the first portion or the second portion of the connector. The retaining member may be integral with the second portion of the body.

[0029] In one embodiment, the retaining element comprises a sleeve. For example, the retaining element may have a generally cylindrical form. Optionally, the retaining element may be flared at one end to aid assembly.

[0030] The retaining element may be coaxial with the second portion of the connector.

[0031] In one embodiment, at least one distance between a surface of the projection and an inner surface of the outer wall is selected to inhibit or prevent the breathing tube from being disengaged from the connector due to a substantially axial force.

[0032] In a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a connector for a respiratory support system, comprising a first portion configured to engage a wall of a portion of a breathing catheter, a second portion configured to engage with another component, and a retaining element that prevents the catheter from being disengaged from the connector. The first portion and the second portion together define an inner cavity for gas to pass through the first and second portions. The first portion of the connector includes a wall spaced inwardly from the retaining element, thereby defining a cavity between the wall and the retaining element to receive the portion of the breathing catheter. The first portion of the connector includes an engagement area having one or more protrusions protruding outwardly into the cavity and configured to engage the portion of the breathing catheter. At least one distance between a surface of the protrusion and an inner surface of the retaining element is less than a maximum wall thickness of the breathing catheter.

[0033] In a third aspect, the present disclosure relates to a connector for a respiratory support system, the connector having an inner cavity for passage of gas therethrough. A first portion of the connector is configured to engage a wall of a portion of a breathing tube, and a second portion of the connector is configured to engage with another component. The connector includes an inner wall and an outer wall, an annular cavity defined between the inner wall and the outer wall to accommodate the wall of the breathing tube. The inner wall includes an engagement region having one or more protrusions protruding outwardly into the cavity, the protrusions being configured to engage the wall of the breathing tube. At least one distance between a surface of the protrusion and an inner surface of the outer wall is less than a maximum thickness of the wall of the breathing tube.

[0034] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure relates to an interface assembly for a respiratory support system, the interface assembly comprising a patient interface, a breathing tube connected to the patient interface, and a connector as described above according to any one of the first three aspects, wherein the first portion of the connector engages an end portion of the breathing tube.

[0035] In one embodiment, the wall of the conduit comprises a flexible membrane. The flexible membrane can be breathable. The membrane of the conduit can have a wall thickness of about 20 μm to about 120 μm. In one embodiment, the membrane thickness of the conduit is about 50 μm. The membrane can have a width of about 6 mm to about 10 mm, for example, about 8 mm.

[0036] In one embodiment, the wall of the conduit comprises spiral ribs. The ribs may have a height of about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, such as about 1 mm. The ribs may have a width of about 1 mm to about 2 mm, such as about 2 mm.

[0037] The helical ribs may have a pitch length of between about 2.6 mm and about 5 mm. In one embodiment, the helical ribs have a pitch of 4.5 mm.

[0038] In one embodiment, the catheter has an inner diameter of about 12 mm and an outer diameter of about 14 mm. In alternative embodiments, the inner diameter can be between about 10 mm and about 14 mm; and the outer diameter can be between about 12 mm and about 16 mm.

[0039] The breathing conduit can be of any suitable length, for example, between about 200 mm and about 500 mm, preferably between about 300 mm and about 450 mm. In one embodiment, the conduit has a length of about 370 mm.

[0040] The interface assembly may include an asymmetric delivery element configured to induce asymmetric flow in the patient.

[0041] In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure relates to a connector for a respiratory support system, comprising a first portion configured to engage a portion of a breathing catheter, a second portion configured to engage with another connector, and a retaining element. The first portion and the second portion together define an inner cavity for gas to pass through the first portion and the second portion, and the retaining element defines an outer wall. The first portion includes a wall spaced inwardly from the outer wall to form an inner wall of the connector, thereby defining a cavity between the inner wall and the outer wall to receive the portion of the breathing catheter, the inner wall having a protrusion that is configured to engage the portion of the breathing catheter. The distance between the surface of the protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall is selected to inhibit or prevent the breathing catheter from being disengaged from the connector due to a substantially axial force.

[0042] The distance between the surface of the protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall is selected such that when an axial force above a threshold force is applied to the catheter, the wall of the catheter will tear while the second portion of the connector remains engaged with the catheter.

[0043] At least one distance between the surface of the protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall may be less than a maximum wall thickness of the breathing conduit.

[0044] The closest distance between the protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall may be smaller than the rib size of the conduit, and the closest distance may be measured in the radial direction.

[0045] In one embodiment, at least one distance between the outer surface of the inner wall and the inner surface of the outer wall is greater than a maximum wall thickness of the breathing conduit.

[0046] In one embodiment, at least one distance between a surface of the or each protrusion and an inner surface of the outer wall is greater than a maximum wall thickness of the breathing conduit.

[0047] In one embodiment, the maximum wall thickness of the respiratory conduit corresponds to the thickness of the conduit's ribs. The closest distance between the or each protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall may be at least 1% smaller than the maximum wall thickness or rib dimension, preferably at least 10% or 20% smaller. In one embodiment, the closest distance between the or each protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall is at least approximately 50% smaller than the maximum wall thickness or rib dimension, for example, approximately 55% smaller than the rib thickness.

[0048] In one embodiment, the closest distance between the or each protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall is greater than the minimum wall thickness of the breathing conduit.

[0049] The minimum wall thickness of the conduit may be a membrane thickness between about 20 μm and about 120 μm. In one embodiment, the minimum wall thickness of the conduit is about 50 μm. The minimum wall thickness of the breathing conduit may correspond to the thickness of the membrane between two ribs. The closest distance between the or each protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall may be at least 1% greater than the minimum wall thickness, preferably at least 10% or 20% greater than the minimum wall thickness. In some embodiments, the closest distance between the or each protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall may be many times greater than the membrane thickness.

[0050] In one embodiment, when the conduit is connected to the second portion, the conduit wall is spaced inwardly from the inner surface of the outer wall.

[0051] In one embodiment, the first portion of the connector includes one or more protrusions that form a plurality of blades arranged along a substantially helical path, each blade including a leading portion at a leading end of the blade and a trailing portion at a trailing end of the blade, the trailing portion having a steeper gradient relative to a surface of the first portion than the leading portion. During assembly of the first portion of the connector with the respiratory catheter, the leading portion of each blade can engage the wall of the catheter before the corresponding trailing portion.

[0052] The one or more protrusions may form a continuous or discontinuous thread.The blade may be formed from a single helical protrusion, or the blade may be formed from a plurality of discrete protrusions.

[0053] In one embodiment, the height of each blade varies along the blade from the leading portion to the trailing portion, from the base of the blade to the top of the blade.

[0054] In one embodiment, the trailing portion of one blade may be spaced apart, may be in contact, or may abut the leading portion of an adjacent blade.In some embodiments, other protrusions or features may be present between blades.

[0055] The maximum height of each blade may occur at a point midway between the corresponding leading and trailing ends. In one embodiment, the maximum height of each blade is located at a point closer to the trailing end of the blade than the leading end of the blade. The maximum height of each blade may be substantially the same for each blade, or may vary between blades, for example, gradually increasing from the first (leading) blade to the trailing blade.

[0056] The maximum height of each blade may be located at a point closer to the trailing end of the blade than the leading end of the blade.

[0057] In one embodiment, the or each protrusion has a generally smooth profile. For example, the side edges of the protrusion may be rounded or otherwise shaped so that there are no sharp corners on the blade, thereby minimizing stress concentrations in the breathing tube. In one embodiment, the side edges of the blade are chamfered.

[0058] In one embodiment, the leading end of each blade, the trailing end of each blade, and the axis of the connector form an angle of approximately 90 degrees. In alternative embodiments, the blades may be shorter or longer relative to the first portion of the connector. The leading end of each blade, the trailing end of each blade, and the axis of the connector may form an angle greater than or less than 90 degrees, for example, between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 360 degrees, preferably between approximately 45 degrees and 120 degrees.

[0059] In one embodiment, four blades are provided for each revolution of the spiral path. Alternatively, more or fewer than four blades may be provided for each revolution, for example, one to eight blades may be provided for each revolution of the spiral path. In some embodiments, the number of blades per revolution may not be an integer, for example, 2.5 or 4.3 blades per revolution.

[0060] In one embodiment, the helical path has a pitch that is substantially the same as a pitch of a helical feature on the breathing conduit.

[0061] In one embodiment, the one or more protrusions are configured such that the torque required to wind the catheter onto the connector is less than the torque required to unwind the catheter from the connector.

[0062] In one embodiment, the first end of the retaining element engages with the connector. The first end of the retaining element may engage with the first portion or the second portion of the connector. The retaining member may be integral with the second portion of the body.

[0063] In one embodiment, the retaining element comprises a sleeve. For example, the retaining element may have a generally cylindrical form. Optionally, the retaining element may be flared at one end to aid assembly.

[0064] The retaining element may be coaxial with the second portion of the connector.

[0065] In a sixth aspect, the present disclosure relates to a connector for a respiratory support system, comprising a first portion configured to engage a portion of a respiratory catheter, and a second portion configured to engage with another connector, the first portion and the second portion together defining an internal cavity for passage of gas through the first portion and the second portion. The first portion includes one or more protrusions that form a plurality of blades arranged along a substantially helical path. Each blade includes a leading portion at a leading end of the blade and a trailing portion at a trailing end of the blade, the trailing portion having a steeper gradient relative to a surface of the first portion than the leading portion.

[0066] During assembly of the first portion of the connector with the breathing catheter, the leading portion of each blade may engage the wall of the catheter ahead of the corresponding trailing portion.

[0067] The one or more protrusions may form a continuous or discontinuous thread.The blade may be formed from a single helical protrusion, or the blade may be formed from a plurality of discrete protrusions.

[0068] In one embodiment, the height of each blade varies along the blade from the leading portion to the trailing portion, from the base of the blade to the top of the blade.

[0069] In one embodiment, the trailing portion of one blade may be spaced apart, may be in contact, or may abut the leading portion of an adjacent blade.In some embodiments, other protrusions or features may be present between blades.

[0070] The maximum height of each blade may occur at a point midway between the corresponding leading and trailing ends. In one embodiment, the maximum height of each blade is located at a point closer to the trailing end of the blade than the leading end of the blade. The maximum height of each blade may be substantially the same for each blade, or may vary between blades, for example, gradually increasing from the first (leading) blade to the trailing blade.

[0071] The maximum height of each blade may be located at a point closer to the trailing end of the blade than the leading end of the blade.

[0072] In one embodiment, the or each protrusion has a generally smooth profile. For example, the side edges of the protrusion may be rounded or otherwise shaped so that there are no sharp corners on the blade, thereby minimizing stress concentrations in the breathing tube. In one embodiment, the side edges of the blade are chamfered.

[0073] In one embodiment, the leading end of each blade, the trailing end of each blade, and the axis of the connector form an angle of approximately 90 degrees. In alternative embodiments, the blades may be shorter or longer relative to the first portion of the connector. The leading end of each blade, the trailing end of each blade, and the axis of the connector may form an angle greater than or less than 90 degrees, for example, between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 360 degrees, preferably between approximately 45 degrees and 120 degrees.

[0074] In one embodiment, four blades are provided for each revolution of the spiral path. Alternatively, more or fewer than four blades may be provided for each revolution, for example, one to eight blades may be provided for each revolution of the spiral path. In some embodiments, the number of blades per revolution may not be an integer, for example, 2.5 or 4.3 blades per revolution.

[0075] In one embodiment, the helical path has a pitch that is substantially the same as a pitch of a helical feature on the breathing conduit.

[0076] In one embodiment, the one or more protrusions are configured such that the torque required to wind the catheter onto the connector is less than the torque required to unwind the catheter from the connector.

[0077] When the connector is engaged with the conduit, the tension in the wall of the conduit may vary relative to the blades. Maximum tension typically occurs in the membrane of the conduit wall, near the point of maximum height of the blades.

[0078] The connector may include a retaining element to prevent the conduit from being removed from the connector. The retaining element may define an outer wall that is spaced outwardly from the first portion of the connector and the blades thereon. In one embodiment, when the conduit is in a seated position within the connector, the conduit wall is spaced inwardly from the inner surface of the outer wall.

[0079] In one embodiment, the distance between the maximum height of the blade and the inner surface of the outer wall is selected to inhibit or prevent the breathing tube from being disengaged from the connector under a substantially axial force.

[0080] In one embodiment, the distance between the surface of the protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall is selected so that when an axial force above a threshold force is applied to the catheter, the wall of the catheter will be torn while the second part of the connector remains engaged with the catheter.

[0081] In one embodiment, at least one distance between a surface of the protrusion and an inner surface of the outer wall is less than a maximum wall thickness of the breathing conduit.

[0082] The closest distance between the protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall may be smaller than the rib size of the conduit, and the closest distance may be measured in the radial direction.

[0083] In one embodiment, at least one distance between the outer surface of the inner wall and the inner surface of the outer wall is greater than a maximum wall thickness of the breathing conduit.

[0084] In one embodiment, at least one distance between a surface of the or each protrusion and an inner surface of the outer wall is greater than a maximum wall thickness of the breathing conduit.

[0085] In one embodiment, the maximum wall thickness of the respiratory duct corresponds to the thickness of the ribs of the duct. The closest distance between the or each protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall can be at least 1% smaller than the maximum wall thickness or the rib dimension, preferably at least 10% or 20% smaller. In one embodiment, the closest distance between the or each protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall is at least about 50% smaller than the maximum wall thickness or the rib dimension, for example, about 55% smaller than the rib thickness.

[0086] In one embodiment, the closest distance between the or each protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall is greater than the minimum wall thickness of the breathing conduit.

[0087] The minimum wall thickness of the conduit may be a membrane thickness between about 20 μm and about 120 μm. In one embodiment, the minimum wall thickness of the conduit is about 50 μm. The minimum wall thickness of the breathing conduit may correspond to the thickness of the membrane between two ribs. The closest distance between the or each protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall may be at least 1% greater than the minimum wall thickness, preferably at least 10% or 20% greater than the minimum wall thickness. In some embodiments, the closest distance between the or each protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall may be many times greater than the membrane thickness.

[0088] In one embodiment, the first portion of the connector is rotatably connected to the second portion. Alternatively, the first portion and the second portion may be fixed relative to each other. The first portion and the second portion of the connector may be separate, connected components, or may be integrally formed.

[0089] In one embodiment, the retaining element comprises a sleeve. For example, the retaining element may have a generally cylindrical form. Optionally, the retaining element may be flared at one end to aid assembly.

[0090] The retaining element may be coaxial with the second portion of the connector.

[0091] In a seventh aspect, the present disclosure relates to a patient interface assembly for a respiratory support system, comprising: a patient interface; a breathing tube connected to the patient interface; and a connector as described above with respect to the sixth aspect. The first portion of the connector engages an end of the breathing tube.

[0092] In one embodiment, the wall of the conduit comprises a flexible membrane. The flexible membrane can be breathable. The membrane of the conduit can have a wall thickness of about 20 μm to about 120 μm. In one embodiment, the membrane thickness of the conduit is about 50 μm. The membrane can have a width of about 6 mm to about 10 mm, for example, about 8 mm.

[0093] The blades of the connector may be configured to engage a flexible membrane. Each blade may contact a wall or membrane along a portion of the blade or substantially the entire blade. Engagement of the blade with the conduit wall may cause the wall around the blade to deflect.

[0094] In one embodiment, the wall of the conduit comprises spiral ribs. The ribs may have a height of about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm, such as about 1 mm. The ribs may have a width of about 1 mm to about 2 mm, such as about 2 mm.

[0095] In one embodiment, the connector is configured such that a rib is located between two consecutive turns of the spiral path formed by the protrusion. The spiral rib may have a pitch length of between about 2.6 mm and about 5 mm. In one embodiment, the spiral rib has a pitch of 4.5 mm.

[0096] In one embodiment, the catheter has an inner diameter of about 12 mm and an outer diameter of about 14 mm. In alternative embodiments, the inner diameter may be between about 10 mm and about 14 mm; and the outer diameter may be between about 12 mm and about 16 mm.

[0097] The breathing conduit can be of any suitable length, for example, between about 200 mm and about 500 mm, preferably between about 300 mm and about 450 mm. In one embodiment, the conduit has a length of about 370 mm.

[0098] The interface assembly may include an asymmetric delivery element configured to induce asymmetric flow in the patient.

[0099] In an eighth aspect, the present disclosure relates to a connector for a respiratory support system, comprising a first portion configured to engage a portion of a respiratory catheter, and a second portion configured to engage with another connector. The first portion and the second portion together define a lumen for passage of gas through the first and second portions. The first portion includes one or more protrusions configured to engage an inner surface of a wall of the portion of the respiratory catheter, and the protrusions are configured to minimize stress concentrations in areas of the catheter wall proximate the protrusions when the connector is engaged with the catheter.

[0100] In one embodiment, the protrusion forms a plurality of blades arranged along a substantially helical path, and each blade comprises a leading portion at a leading end of the blade and a trailing portion at a trailing end of the blade, the trailing portion having a steeper gradient relative to a surface of the first portion than the leading portion.

[0101] In one embodiment, during assembly of the first portion of the connector with the breathing catheter, the leading portion of each blade engages the wall of the catheter before the corresponding trailing portion.

[0102] The blade may be formed from a single helical protrusion, or the blade may be formed from a plurality of discrete protrusions.

[0103] In one embodiment, the height of each blade varies along the blade from the leading portion to the trailing portion, from the base of the blade to the top of the blade.

[0104] In one embodiment, the trailing portion of one blade may be spaced apart, may be in contact, or may abut the leading portion of an adjacent blade.In some embodiments, other protrusions or features may be present between blades.

[0105] The maximum height of each blade may occur at a point midway between the corresponding leading and trailing ends. In one embodiment, the maximum height of each blade is located at a point closer to the trailing end of the blade than the leading end of the blade. The maximum height of each blade may be substantially the same for each blade, or may vary between blades, for example, gradually increasing from the first (leading) blade to the trailing blade.

[0106] The maximum height of each blade may be located at a point closer to the trailing end of the blade than the leading end of the blade.

[0107] In one embodiment, the or each protrusion has a generally smooth profile. For example, the side edges of the protrusion may be rounded or otherwise shaped so that there are no sharp corners on the blade, thereby minimizing stress concentrations in the breathing tube. In one embodiment, the side edges of the blade are chamfered.

[0108] In one embodiment, the leading end of each blade, the trailing end of each blade, and the axis of the connector form an angle of approximately 90 degrees. In alternative embodiments, the blades may be shorter or longer relative to the first portion of the connector. The leading end of each blade, the trailing end of each blade, and the axis of the connector may form an angle greater than or less than 90 degrees, for example, between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 360 degrees, preferably between approximately 45 degrees and 120 degrees.

[0109] In one embodiment, four blades are provided for each revolution of the spiral path. Alternatively, more or fewer than four blades may be provided for each revolution, for example, one to eight blades may be provided for each revolution of the spiral path. In some embodiments, the number of blades per revolution may not be an integer, for example, 2.5 or 4.3 blades per revolution.

[0110] In one embodiment, the helical path has a pitch that is substantially the same as a pitch of a helical feature on the breathing conduit.

[0111] In one embodiment, the one or more protrusions are configured such that the torque required to wind the catheter onto the connector is less than the torque required to unwind the catheter from the connector.

[0112] In a ninth aspect, the present disclosure relates to a patient interface assembly for a respiratory support system, comprising a patient interface, a breathing tube connected to the patient interface, and a connector for the respiratory support system. The connector comprises a first portion configured to engage an end of the breathing tube, a second portion configured to engage with another component, and a retaining element defining an outer wall. The first and second portions of the connector together define an inner cavity for passage of gas through the first and second portions. The first portion of the connector comprises a wall spaced inwardly from the outer wall, thereby defining a cavity between the wall and the outer wall to accommodate the end of the breathing tube, the wall of the first portion having one or more outwardly projecting protrusions configured to engage the breathing tube. At least one distance between a surface of the protrusion and an inner surface of the outer wall is less than the maximum wall thickness of the end of the breathing tube.

[0113] In one embodiment, the closest distance between the or each protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall is smaller than the dimension of the ribs of the conduit.

[0114] In one embodiment, at least one distance between an outer surface of the wall of the first portion and an inner surface of the outer wall is greater than the maximum wall thickness of the portion of the breathing conduit.

[0115] In one embodiment, at least one distance between a surface of the or each protrusion and an inner surface of the outer wall is greater than the maximum wall thickness of the portion of the breathing conduit.

[0116] In one embodiment, the closest distance between the or each protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall is greater than the minimum wall thickness of the breathing conduit.

[0117] In one embodiment, the protrusion forms a plurality of blades arranged along a substantially spiral path. Each blade may include a leading portion at a leading end of the blade and a trailing portion at a trailing end of the blade. The trailing portion may have a steeper gradient relative to the surface of the first portion than the leading portion.

[0118] In one embodiment, during assembly of the first portion of the connector with the breathing catheter, the leading portion of each blade engages the wall of the catheter before the corresponding trailing portion.

[0119] In one embodiment, the blade is formed from a single helical protrusion. Alternatively, the blade may be formed from a plurality of discrete protrusions.

[0120] In one embodiment, the maximum height of each blade is located at a point closer to the trailing end of the blade than to the leading end of the blade.

[0121] In one embodiment, the leading end of each blade, the trailing end of each blade, and the axis of the connector form an angle of approximately 90 degrees.

[0122] In one embodiment, four blades are provided for each turn of the helical path.

[0123] In one embodiment, the helical path has a pitch that is substantially the same as the pitch of the helical feature on the breathing conduit.

[0124] In one embodiment, one or more of the protrusions are configured such that the torque required to wind the catheter onto the connector is less than the torque required to unwind the catheter from the connector.

[0125] In one embodiment, the first portion of the connector is rotatably connected to the second portion of the connector.

[0126] In one embodiment, the first end of the retaining element engages the connector.

[0127] In one embodiment, the retaining element comprises a sleeve.

[0128] In one embodiment, the wall of the conduit comprises a flexible membrane.

[0129] In one embodiment, the flexible membrane is breathable.

[0130] In one embodiment, the wall of the conduit comprises helical ribs.

[0131] In one embodiment, at least one distance between a surface of the projection and an inner surface of the outer wall is selected to inhibit or prevent the breathing tube from being disengaged from the connector due to a substantially axial force.

[0132] The interface assembly may include an asymmetric delivery element configured to induce asymmetric flow in the patient.

[0133] The present invention can also be broadly described as including the parts, elements and features mentioned or indicated in the specification of this application, whether individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features. Specific integers mentioned herein have known equivalents in the art to which the present invention relates, and such known equivalents are deemed to be included herein as if individually described.

[0134] The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of." When interpreting statements in this specification and claims including the term "comprising," other features may be present in addition to those preceded by the term. Related terms such as "including" and "comprising" are to be interpreted in a similar manner.

[0135] Numerical ranges disclosed herein (e.g., 1 to 10) also include all rational numbers within that range and any range of rational numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 6, 1.5 to 5.5, and 3.1 to 10). Thus, all subranges of all ranges explicitly disclosed herein are expressly disclosed herein.

[0136] As used herein, the term "one or more" after a noun indicates the plural and / or singular form of the noun. As used herein, the term "and / or" means "and" or "or", or where the context permits, means both. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0137] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0138] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a respiratory support system for supplying humidified gas to a patient;

[0139] Figure 2 is an illustrative perspective view of a second embodiment respiratory support system for supplying humidified gas to a patient via a nasal cannula;

[0140] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an interface for supplying gas to a patient via an endotracheal tube;

[0141] Figure 4 is based on Figure 2 an exploded perspective view of the patient interface assembly of the illustrated system, including a section of breathing tubing and a connector;

[0142] Figure 5 is based on Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the patient interface assembly of the system shown, including a section of breathing tubing and a connector, is also shown. Figure 4 As shown;

[0143] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the wall of a portion of an exemplary breathing tube having a spiral rib having a flat bottom and a rounded outer side;

[0144] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view along a wall of a portion of an exemplary breathing tube having helical ribs that are generally elliptical in cross-section;

[0145] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment connector connected to a breathing tube;

[0146] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a connector connected to a breathing tube;

[0147] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 a front perspective view of a first portion of the illustrated connector;

[0148] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 a rear perspective view of a first portion of the illustrated connector;

[0149] Figure 12 yes Figure 8 、 10 and a front view of the first portion of the connector shown in FIG11;

[0150] Figure 13 yes Figure 8 and 10 to a side view of the first portion of the connector shown in 12;

[0151] Figure 14 yes Figures 10 to 13 an end view of a first portion of the connector;

[0152] Figure 15 It shows Figures 10 to 14 A schematic end view of the shape and position of the blades on the connector portion;

[0153] Figure 16 It shows Figure 8 a perspective view of a second portion of the connector shown, with the connector including a retaining element;

[0154] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 a cross-sectional perspective view of the second connector portion shown through a mid-plane of the connector;

[0155] Figure 18 is a left front perspective view of an exemplary patient interface including a nasal interface having an asymmetric nasal delivery element;

[0156] Figure 19 Shown Figure 18 A nasal interface, wherein (a) is a top view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a bottom view;

[0157] Figure 20 is an exemplary patient interface connected to a breathing tube and connector assembly;

[0158] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 A perspective view of a breathing tube and connector assembly;

[0159] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 Exploded view of the breathing tube and connector assembly;

[0160] Figure 23 yes Figure 21 A perspective view of the rotary connector of the assembly;

[0161] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 An exploded perspective view of a rotary connector;

[0162] Figure 25 yes Figure 23 an exploded side view of the rotary connector; and

[0163] Figure 26 yes Figure 23 A cross-sectional side view of the second connector and the rotary connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0164] Now refer to Figures 1 to 17 Various embodiments and methods of manufacture are described.

[0165] The directional terms used in the following description are for ease of description and reference only and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the terms "front," "back," "upper," "lower," and other related terms refer to the position of a portion of a respiratory mask relative to a user when the user is wearing the respiratory mask. In this specification, "back" refers to a position closer to the user (when the mask is in use), while "front" refers to a position farther away from the user. The terms "upper" and "lower" refer to the position of a portion or component of the mask relative to the rest of the mask when the mask is in use and the user is sitting in an upright position.

[0166] respiratory system

[0167] Figure 1 An example breathing system 1000 is shown in which embodiments of the connector 101 described herein may be used. In the illustrated arrangement, a patient 1010 receives humidified and pressurized gas through a patient interface assembly 1020 coupled to a breathing conduit 1040, which in turn is connected to a humidifier 1030 (including a humidification chamber 1031), which is supplied with gas from a gas source 1050.

[0168] The gas source 1050 may include a blower 1051 that draws air or other gas through a blower inlet. Supplemental oxygen (not shown) may also be supplied to the blower 1051. The blower 1051 may be controlled, for example, by an electronic controller 1052 in response to input from a system sensor and / or from a controller for another system component (such as a humidifier 1036), and / or in response to a user input value. In alternative embodiments, the gas source 1050 may include a ventilator or other device for supplying breathing gas within a desired pressure and / or flow range.

[0169] A gas source 1050 is fluidly coupled to the inlet 1034 of the humidifier to supply gas to the humidifier. The humidification chamber 1031 can include a heat source located at or near the bottom of the chamber. For example, the chamber can typically include a thermally conductive base (e.g., an aluminum base) located on top of or in contact with a heating plate 1033 of the humidifier 1030. The humidifier 30 can include a control system and / or sensors for controlling the humidifier, for example, by controlling the heating plate.

[0170] The control system 1036 can include a microprocessor-based controller that executes a computer program using software commands stored in an associated memory. The control system can receive input from a user input device (such as via a button or dial) by which a user of the device can set, for example, a predetermined desired value (preset value) for the humidity or temperature of the gas supplied to the patient 1010. In response to the user input and / or other input from sensors (e.g., sensors that measure gas flow or temperature), the controller can determine when (or to what extent) to energize the heating plate 1033 to heat a volume of water within the humidification chamber 1031. As the water within the humidification chamber 1031 is heated, water vapor fills the volume of the chamber above the water surface and exits the humidification chamber outlet 1035 with the air flow (e.g., air) from the gas source 1050 through the humidification chamber.

[0171] Respiratory conduit 1040 is connected to outlet 1035 of humidification chamber 1031 to receive humidified gases and deliver these gases to patient interface assembly 1020. Conduit heating element 1041 can be disposed within respiratory conduit 1040 to help reduce, prevent, or minimize condensation of humidified gases within the conduit.

[0172] Figure 2 An alternative respiratory therapy system 2000 is shown in which a gas source 2050 and a humidifier 2030 are both disposed within a common housing. Figure 1 Compared to the system 1000, reference numerals are used to highlight similar components and are incremented by 1000. For example, the humidification chamber 2031 can be similar to the humidification chamber 1031 described above, the humidifier inlet 2034 can be similar to the humidifier inlet 1034 described above, and the humidification chamber outlet 2035 can be similar to the humidification chamber outlet 1035 described above.

[0173] Also refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The patient interface assemblies 1020, 2020 each include a patient interface body 1021, 2021 for delivering gas to the patient 1010, 2010, a fixing mechanism 1023, 2023 (such as a head cap or a strap) for fixing the patient interface in an appropriate position relative to the patient 1010, 2010, and a patient interface conduit 1025, 2025 for delivering gas from the breathing conduit 1040, 2040 to the patient interface body 1021, 2021.

[0174] The patient interface conduits 1025, 2025 are connected to the patient interface at a first end via one or more coupling components 1026 and may optionally be secured to the patient interface by means of a clamp such as a clamp 1027, 2027 (e.g., Figure 2The second end of the patient interface conduit 1025, 2025 can be coupled to the breathing conduit 1040, 2040 via the connector 101, described in more detail herein.

[0175] In such Figure 1 、 2 In some embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 4, the patient interface assembly 1020, 2020 includes a nasal cannula. The nasal cannula may include one or more nasal delivery elements for delivering gas to the patient's nostrils. The nasal delivery elements may include nasal plugs or nasal pillows that are inserted into the patient's nostrils to deliver breathing gas. The nasal delivery element may also include an orifice without a nasal plug or nasal pillows, wherein the nasal delivery element is not inserted into the patient's nostrils to deliver breathing gas during use. The nasal delivery element may be configured to seal, partially block, or not seal the nostrils. A nasal plug may refer to a nasal delivery element that is configured to partially block or not seal the nostrils.

[0176] The cannula may be a high flow nasal cannula configured for flow-controlled respiratory therapy.Nasal high flow (NHF) typically uses a non-sealing nasal cannula to deliver a relatively high flow of air to the patient's nostrils.

[0177] In some examples, the nasal cannula may include an asymmetric nasal delivery element. Alternatively, the nasal cannula may include a symmetric nasal delivery element.

[0178] Figure 18 and 19 An exemplary embodiment nasal cannula 4020 is shown having asymmetric nasal delivery elements 4021a, 4021b for use with the connectors / systems described herein. For example, the respiratory system 4000 can be similar to the respiratory systems 1000, 2000 described above, the patient interface body 4021 can be similar to the patient interface bodies 1021, 2021 described above, the patient interface conduit 4025 can be similar to the patient interface conduits 1025, 2025 described above, and the clip 4027 can be similar to the clips 1027, 2027 described above. The asymmetric nasal delivery elements can differ in size, such as internal and / or external transverse dimensions or diameters, and / or internal and / or external cross-sectional areas. The external cross-sectional area is the cross-sectional area defined by the outer wall of the nasal delivery element.

[0179] Including such as Figure 18 and 19The nasal cannula with asymmetric nasal delivery elements shown may cause asymmetric flow in the patient. For example, the asymmetric nasal delivery elements may cause asymmetric flow at the patient's nostrils. The asymmetric flow described herein refers to different flows within the interface or within the nose or within the interface and the nose. In this way, each nasal delivery element can deliver different flow rates, or the flow rate can be different between inspiration and expiration, or the flow rate delivered can be a combination of the above. The delivery of asymmetric airflow can improve the clearance of dead space in the upper airway, reduce peak expiratory pressure, increase the safety of treatment, especially for children and infants, and reduce airflow resistance in the interface.

[0180] An exemplary embodiment of a nasal cannula including an asymmetric nasal delivery element is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0158476, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Further exemplary embodiments of a nasal cannula including a first nasal prong and a second nasal prong that are asymmetric to each other are described in WO 2022 / 229909, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0181] In other embodiments, the patient interface coupled to the respiratory conduits 1025, 2025 may include a mask. For example, a nasal mask, a subnasal mask, an oronasal mask, an oral mask, or a full-face mask. The patient interface assembly may include a sealed interface for CPAP, NIV, and pressure-controlled therapy rather than flow-controlled therapy. Some example interfaces and systems are described in WO 2021 / 060992, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0182] Figures 20 to 26 A system 5000 is shown having a tube assembly for connecting to a patient interface 5020 via a coupling component 5026 of the patient interface. A connector 5027 may be provided to couple the patient interface to the tube assembly. The connector 5027 may be configured to couple the coupling component 5026 and the tube assembly. The tube assembly or coupling component 5026 of the patient interface may include the connector 5027. The tube assembly may include a section of respiratory conduit 5025 and a connector 301 that forms a rotational connection with the rotary connector 350. The connector 301 is schematically shown as being overmolded onto the respiratory conduit 5025. However, the connector 301 may be a connector as described above in connection with connectors 101 and 201 that threadably engages the respiratory conduit 5025. Similarly, the connector 5027 can be as described above with respect to connectors 101 and 201 , the patient interface body 5021 can be as described above with respect to patient interface bodies 1021 , 2021 , and the securing mechanism 5023 can be as described above with respect to securing mechanisms 1023 , 2023 .

[0183] As a further alternative, the patient interface assembly may include a tracheostomy tube tracheal adapter for connection to an endotracheal tube, such as Figure 3 3020. In this embodiment, the tracheostomy tube is secured in place by a neck strap 3023, and the second end of the patient interface conduit 3025 is tied to the patient 3010 by a lanyard 3027 (partially shown) at the connector 101 to prevent the patient interface conduit 3025 from pulling downward on the patient interface 3021. Similarly, the coupling component 3026 can be as described above with respect to the coupling component 1026.

[0184] In some embodiments, respiratory therapy system 1 may further include an expiratory conduit or path, a device for supplying aerosolized medication, a respiratory filter for removing contaminants from the respiratory gases, and / or any number of auxiliary components and connections.

[0185] Patient interface catheter

[0186] Now we will focus on Figure 1 and Figure 4 The patient interface assembly 1020 shown in FIG. 1 is used to describe the patient interface conduits 25, 1025, 2025, 3025, but it should be understood that the description also refers to patient interface conduits such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 The patient interface conduits 25, 2025, 3025 of other embodiments of those embodiments, as well as the patient interface conduits of alternative embodiment systems that may have alternative patient interface components.

[0187] Reference Figure 6 and 7 , patient interface conduit 1025 may include a first elongate member 1081 , 2081 and a second elongate member 1082 , 2082 spirally coiled together to form a hollow member defining a lumen for the flow of breathing gas.

[0188] The first elongated member 1081, 2081 may be an elongated rib of any suitable cross-section. The rib typically has a circular solid cross-section, for example, it may be circular, oblong, or semicircular, among other shapes.

[0189] The second elongated member 1082, 2082 can be a thin-walled member. For example, it can include a membrane, diaphragm, or other flexible thin-walled material. The second elongated member 1082, 2082 can have two substantially parallel side edges. The width of the second elongated member 1082, 2082 between its side edges is much greater than the thickness of the member wall.

[0190] The first elongated member and the second elongated member are wound together, and in each winding, the second member 1082, 2082 overlaps itself at its side edge, and the first elongated member 1081, 2081 is disposed in the overlapping region. In one example, the first member 1081 can be disposed between successive turns of the second elongated member 1082, such as Figure 6 In another example, the continuous loops of the second elongated member 2082 may form an overlapping portion, wherein the continuous loops of the second elongated member 2082 contact or engage with each other, and a portion of the overlapping portion may be disposed on the inner and / or outer surface of the first member 2081, as shown. Figure 7 As shown. The terms "interior" and "exterior" refer to conduit 1025, where the interior surface refers to the surface facing the interior of conduit 1025 (e.g., the surface facing the gas flow path through the lumen of conduit 1025), and the exterior surface refers to the surface facing the exterior of conduit 1025 (e.g., the surface facing the surrounding environment). The first elongated member and the second elongated member can be coupled to each other. Continuous turns of the first elongated members 1081 and 2081 can be coupled to each other. Continuous turns of the second elongated members 1082 and 2082 can be coupled to each other.

[0191] exist Figure 7 In an embodiment, the two overlapping edges of the second elongated member 2082 are joined to the first elongated member 2081 and optionally to each other to form a hollow conduit of the patient interface conduit.

[0192] The first elongated members 1081, 2081 create spiral ridges on the outer surface of the catheter. The spiral ridges can have a constant rib spacing, for example, between about 2.6 mm and about 5 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the spiral ribs 1081, 2081 have a spacing of about 4.5 mm, a thickness / height of about 1 mm, and a width of about 2 mm. In alternative embodiments, the ribs can have a height of about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm and a width of about 1 mm to about 2 mm.

[0193] The inner surface of the catheter can be substantially smooth, e.g. Figure 6 As shown in the embodiment, or it can also have Figure 7 In one embodiment, the final catheter has an inner diameter of about 12 mm and an outer diameter of about 14 mm. However, in alternative embodiments, the inner diameter can be any diameter between about 10 mm and about 14 mm; and the outer diameter can be any diameter between about 12 mm and about 16 mm.

[0194] The first elongated member 1081 and the second elongated member 1082 can be formed of any suitable material, most commonly a polymer. The first elongated member 1081 and the second elongated member 1082 can be formed of the same material or polymer, or of different materials or polymers. The first elongated member 1081 can be more rigid than the second elongated member 1082.

[0195] The second elongated members 1082, 2082 may comprise a breathable membrane. As used herein, "breathable" is used to describe a material that allows water molecules to pass through the monolithic wall of the material via a solution diffusion mechanism, while not allowing the bulk passage of liquid water or the bulk flow of respiratory gases all the way through the wall. Those skilled in the art will understand that the water molecules in the wall are molecularly dispersed in the medium and therefore have no state (solid, liquid, or gas), although they are sometimes referred to as vapors in the art (e.g., the transmission rate is often referred to as the water vapor transmission rate, etc.). It should also be understood that the monolithic wall does not contain open channels or through-holes from one major surface to the other major surface, so that viruses can be carried through such channels or pores along with air or liquid droplets via a pore flow mechanism. It should also be understood that, like all polymers, some small molecule transmission of respiratory gases (e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen) can occur in trace or minute amounts (i.e., not "bulk" flow), and for breathable materials as defined herein, the rate is typically at least an order of magnitude lower than the rate of water molecules. Furthermore, and particularly relevant to respiratory gases delivered to or from a patient, the delivery of small molecules in such respiratory gases is less than that permitted by the relevant standards, for example, in the leak test of Section 5.4 of ISO 5367:2014, as tested by the method described in Annex E, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0196] The use of a breathable material within the patient interface conduit 25, 1025, 2025, 3025 can help reduce or prevent condensation of the humidified gas within the conduit. This condensation occurs because the temperature of the walls of the patient interface conduit is close to the ambient temperature (i.e., the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere), which is generally lower than the temperature of the humidified gas within the conduit.

[0197] During the provision of respiratory therapy or respiratory support, the characteristics of the patient interface conduit may change due to environmental conditions related to temperature, humidity, etc. The temperature of the patient interface conduit may be between 25°C and 55°C, more preferably at 37°C. The absolute humidity of the airflow may be greater than 12 mg / L, greater than 33 mg / L, more preferably 44 mg / L. The flow rate of the airflow may be between 2 L / min and 60 L / min, such as greater than 20 L / min. The airflow may have a relative humidity of up to 100%. The characteristics of the patient interface conduit that change may relate to stiffness, flexibility, strength, residual stress and / or stress relaxation.

[0198] In some embodiments, the patient interface conduit 25, 1025, 2025, 3025 may include a heating element for heating the gas flowing along the conduit.

[0199] Connectors

[0200] A connector 101, described in more detail below, is provided to couple the patient interface assembly 1020, 2020, 3020 to the rest of the respiratory system 1000, 2000, 3000. In the embodiments described herein, the connector 101 is used to connect the respiratory conduits 1040, 2040 to the patient interface conduits 1025, 2025, 3025. However, the connector 101 may be used to couple other components and / or conduits together in other systems or applications.

[0201] The connector 101 may be located elsewhere in the respiratory system 1000, 2000, 3000 and is not limited to use in Figures 1 to 3 For example, in some systems, connector 101 can be located closer to patient interface body 1021, 2021 to facilitate coupling between patient interface conduits 1025, 2025 and patient interface body 1021, 2021. For example, coupling component 1026 of patient interface 1020 can include connector 101 or a portion thereof (e.g., first portion 103 of the connector or one or more protrusions 125). In some examples, connector 101 can be located on the expiratory conduit. In some examples, the connector can be located on the inlet and / or outlet of the respiratory filter.

[0202] refer to Figure 8 , connector 101 has a first portion 103 and a second portion 105. First portion 103 forms a first end 101a of connector 101, and second portion 105 forms a second end 101b of connector 101. First portion 103 and second portion 105 together define an internal lumen 107 for passage of gas through connector 107, such as gas received from breathing tube 1040. First portion 103 and second portion 105 are preferably coaxial with generally cylindrical internal lumen 107.

[0203] In some embodiments, there are no abrupt changes along the wall of lumen 107, e.g., the wall of lumen 107 may be substantially contiguous between first portion 103 and second portion 105, and / or the interior surface defining lumen 107 may be smooth. The diameter of lumen 107 may be constant along the length of the lumen, or may vary along the length.

[0204] The first portion 103 of the connector 101 is configured to engage the end of the patient interface breathing conduit 25 (or another conduit).

[0205] The second portion 105 of the connector 101 is configured to couple to a complementary connector or component. This coupling can be a removable coupling or a permanent coupling. In one example, the second portion 105 can be integrated with another component. The complementary connector can be provided on a terminal end of the breathing conduit 1040 or on another conduit or component, thereby enabling the conduit or component to be coupled to the patient interface breathing conduit 25. The engagement between the second portion 105 of the connector 101 and the complementary connector can be any suitable connection, such as a snap-fit ​​connection, a clamping connection, a friction connection, or a threaded connection.

[0206] The lumen 107 in the connector 101 creates a gas path between the breathing conduit 1040 and the patient interface breathing conduit 25 so that gas can be delivered to the patient interface 1020 .

[0207] The connector 101 also includes a retaining element 109 that is generally exterior to the first portion 103 of the connector 101. The retaining element 109 defines an outer wall 111 positioned outwardly from the engagement region 104 of the first portion 103 of the connector, such that the first portion 103 is at least partially interior relative to the retaining element 109. The engagement region 104 of the first portion 103 of the connector forms an inner wall 113 of the connector, spaced inwardly from the outer wall 111. The inner wall 111 and the outer wall 113 define a cavity 115 therebetween for receiving the end of the wall of the patient interface breathing conduit 25 (or other conduit).

[0208] In the embodiment shown, the retaining element 109 has the general form of a hollow cylinder located coaxially with the first and second parts 103, 105. The inner and outer diameters of the retaining element 109 are larger than the largest diameter of the first connector part 103 in the joining area 104.

[0209] The first and second parts 103, 105 may be separate components, or they may be integrally formed. The retaining element 109 may be integral with the first connector part 103 or the second connector part 105, or it may be a separate component that can be connected to the first connector part and / or the second connector part. In the embodiment shown, the first and second parts 103, 105 are separate components, and the retaining element 109 is integral with the first connector part 103 (see in particular FIG. Figure 16 and 17 ).

[0210] The first connector portion 103 can rotate relative to the second connector portion 105. In an exemplary embodiment, the first portion 103 is rotatably connected to the second connector portion 105 so that the first portion 103 and the second portion 105 can freely rotate relative to each other about the central axis AA of the connector and the inner lumen. This rotation can reduce the possibility of the patient interface conduit becoming tangled or twisted due to patient movement or other reasons.

[0211] In the illustrated embodiment, to facilitate rotational coupling of the first connector portion 103 to the second portion, the first connector portion 103 includes an annular groove 117 formed by two spaced-apart annular projections 118, 119. The retaining element 109 is provided with a plurality of inwardly facing projections or detents 121 shaped and positioned to engage the annular groove 117. The detents 121 and / or one or both of the annular projections can be shaped to facilitate a snap-fit ​​fit. For example, in this embodiment, the detent face 121a and the surface 118a of the first annular projection are angled such that when the two components 109, 103 are pushed together axially, the angled surfaces 118a, 121a slide relative to each other, causing the detent to flex outwardly, allowing it to move past the first annular projection before "snapping" into the recess provided by the annular groove. In the engaged position, the contacting or facing surfaces of the first annular projection and the detent are parallel and perpendicular to the axial direction, preventing the two components from separating.

[0212] Many alternative configurations are contemplated for rotatably coupling the first and second portions 103, 105. For example, rather than being provided on the first connector portion 103, a groove or shoulder could be provided on the second connector portion 105 or the retaining member 109, and one or more complementary outwardly projecting protrusions could be provided on the first portion 103. An annular protrusion could be provided rather than a discrete protrusion or stop.

[0213] The rotational coupling between the first portion 103 and the second portion 105 preferably ensures that a sufficient pneumatic seal is formed between the first portion and the second portion to prevent or minimize gas leakage at the connector 101. In some embodiments, a sealing component such as an o-ring can be installed between the first connector portion 103 and the second connector portion 105. However, the sealing component may affect the freedom of the rotatable connection. Optionally, the gap between the first connector portion 103 and the second connector portion 105 can be tight enough so that any leakage between the inner and outer components during use under operating pressure is negligible or insignificant, and the gap is still sufficient to allow relative rotation between the two parts.

[0214] The length of the bearing surface 123 between the first portion 103 and the second portion 105 can be selected to reduce leakage, with longer bearing surface lengths generally reducing leakage. In an exemplary embodiment, the first connector portion 103 includes a boss 120 that is received in a complementary recess in the second connector portion and abuts the second connector portion during rotation. The length of the boss can be selected to reduce or minimize leakage between the connector portions.

[0215] The connector 100 may have any one or more features described in connection with U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 861,266 and / or U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 756,953, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0216] The mating area of ​​the first part of the connector

[0217] The engagement region 104 of the first connector portion 103 is configured to engage a wall of the patient interface conduit 25 to secure the connector to the conduit 25. The engagement region 104 includes one or more protrusions 125 for engaging the conduit wall.

[0218] In the illustrated embodiment, one or more protrusions 125 are positioned along a substantially spiral path, such as to form a thread, so that the first portion 103 of the connector can be wound into engagement with a catheter. The continuous winding of the thread defines a spiral groove for receiving a rib of the catheter. The spiral path is shaped to correspond to the catheter 25 to be coupled to the first portion of the connector. For example, the spiral path will typically have a pitch substantially the same as the pitch of a spiral feature (e.g., a spiral rib) on the respiratory catheter.

[0219] The blades 127 may be shaped to facilitate one or more of ease of assembly with the catheter 25, resistance to removal of the catheter 25 by loosening, and / or to reduce stress concentrations induced in an attached catheter. The height of each blade varies along the length of the blade.

[0220] Each blade 127 includes a leading portion 127a at the leading end of the blade (relative to the spiral path) and a trailing portion 128b at the trailing end of the blade. During assembly of the first connector portion 103 with the breathing tube 25, the leading portion 127a of each blade 127 engages the wall of the tube 25 before the corresponding trailing portion 127b.

[0221] In some embodiments, the trailing portion 127b of each blade 127 has a gradient with respect to the surface of the joining region 104 that is steeper than the gradient of the leading portion 127a. Thus, the length of the leading portion 127a of the blade measured along the spiral path may be longer than the length of the corresponding trailing portion 127b. Figure 15 In the embodiment shown, the guide portion 127a of each blade 127 is arranged along the arc length L α The tail portion 127b of each blade 127 extends along a line of about L α The arc length L is one third of the length βOther ratios between the lengths of the leading and trailing portions are contemplated in alternative embodiments; for example, the leading portion 127a of each blade 127 may extend along an arc length that is approximately 1 to about 5 times the length of the trailing portion 127b, and preferably, approximately 2 to about 4 times the length of the trailing portion 127b. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the leading portion 127a of each blade 127 may extend along an arc length that is approximately 3.2 times the length of the trailing portion 127b.

[0222] The height of each blade varies between its respective leading and trailing ends. The maximum height of each blade occurs at a region or point mp intermediate the respective leading and trailing ends. In the embodiments described herein, the maximum height occurs at point mp, which is closer to the trailing end of blade 127 than the leading end of the respective blade 127. In some embodiments, the maximum blade height occurs along a segment of blade 127 intermediate leading portion 127a and trailing portion 127b. In such embodiments, the height of each blade 127 near the leading end is generally lower than the height near the trailing end. The gradient of the blade leading portion 127a and trailing portion 127b is nonlinear and varies along the blade, generally being steepest near the respective ends of the blade and flattest near the region or point mp of maximum height of blade 127.

[0223] In the illustrated embodiment, blade 127 has a shape in which the leading and trailing portions are continuous, connected at a point or region of maximum height, such that the profile of blade 127 has a convex curvature along the length of the blade. However, other blade profiles are also contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, each blade may have a portion intermediate the leading and trailing portions that has a local minimum and / or includes a convex portion.

[0224] The maximum height H of each blade 127 of the joint area 104 can be substantially the same for each blade, or can vary between blades. In one embodiment, the maximum height H of the blade closest to the first end 101a of the connector is shorter than the maximum height H of the blade farthest from the first end 101a of the connector. The height of successive blades can gradually increase from the blade closest to the first end 101a of the connector to the blade farthest from the first end 101a, or the height can increase only for the first few blades while the remaining blades remain unchanged.

[0225] The blades 127 may be formed by a single shaped helical protrusion, or may be formed by a series of discrete protrusions on the first connector portion 103. The leading end of each blade 127 may be spaced apart from or may contact or abut the trailing end of the previous blade. In some embodiments, other protrusions or features may be present between the blades.

[0226] The total length of each blade 127 measured along the spiral path can be the same for each blade 127 in the engagement region 104, or different blades can have different lengths. In the embodiment shown, the lengths of each blade 127 are the same except for a first engagement blade 128 located at the first end of the connector, which has a leading portion having a shorter length and a steeper gradient than the other blades 127.

[0227] The number of blades provided and / or the number of blades per turn of the spiral path may vary between embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the blades extend along a 90 degree arc θ and are substantially contiguous so that there are four blades 127 per turn of the spiral path.

[0228] In alternative embodiments, the blades 127 may be shorter or longer relative to the connector body, and / or the blades may be spaced apart. As a non-limiting example, in other embodiments, the blades may extend along an arc having an angle θ between about 30 degrees and about 360 degrees, preferably between about 45 degrees and 120 degrees. For example, in other embodiments, each turn of the spiral path may have one to eight blades, although alternatively, there may be fewer than one or more than eight. In some embodiments, the number of blades per turn may not be an integer, for example, there may be 2.5 or 5.3 blades per turn.

[0229] The sides of blade 127 are rounded or otherwise shaped so that there are no sharp corners on the blade. This is to reduce stress concentrations in the respiratory duct during engagement. In the illustrated embodiment, outer edge 131 of blade 127 is chamfered. The radius of the chamfer on the blade edge generally depends on the size of the blade. Both edges can have chamfers of the same or different sizes, and / or the chamfer radius can vary along the length of the blade. For example, the chamfer radius can be smaller at the base of the blade and larger near its maximum height, and / or the chamfer at the leading edge of the blade can be different from the chamfer at the trailing edge.

[0230] The base width of the or each blade is preferably selected so that the spacing 133 between two consecutive turns of protrusion is equal to or greater than the cross-sectional width of the duct rib. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the spiral groove at the base of each blade 127 is approximately the same as the cross-sectional width of the catheter rib, so that the rib is tightly located in the spiral groove.

[0231] exist Figure 9In another embodiment shown, the width of the helical groove at the base of the blade 227 is greater than the cross-sectional width of the catheter rib 81. This allows the rib to move a short distance axially along the connector within the helical groove when an axial force is applied. In this embodiment, the maximum height of the blade 227 is less than the maximum height of the blade 127 in the previous embodiment 101, positioning the inner surface of the retaining element 209 closer to the catheter rib 81. In this particular example, the height of the blade 227 is less than the rib thickness, positioning the rib closer to the inner surface of the retaining element than the blade. This embodiment, with its shallower blades, can result in less tension in the wall of the catheter 25.

[0232] exist Figure 9 In the embodiments of the present invention, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same features. That is, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar features, but with 100 added, such as 101, 201; 101a, 201a; 101b, 201b; 105, 205; 111, 211; 118, 218; 118a, 218a; 119, 219; 120, 220; 121, 221; 125, 225; 133, 233.

[0233] Connect with the catheter

[0234] To engage the connector 101 with the patient's catheter 25, the first connector portion 103 is coiled into engagement with the catheter. The first connector portion 103 can be coiled into engagement with the catheter before assembly with the other connector components. The shallower guide portion 127a of the blade 127 reduces the torque required to coil the first connector portion 103 into engagement with the catheter, facilitating assembly.

[0235] When the first portion 103 of the connector 101 is wound into engagement with the catheter 25, the threads formed by the blades 127 are located between two consecutive turns of the catheter rib 81, contacting the wall / membrane of the catheter 25. The ribs of the patient interface catheter guide the threads. The leading portion 127a of each blade 127 engages the catheter wall before the corresponding trailing portion 127b. The blades can be shaped to have an interference fit with the catheter wall along a portion of the blade, causing the wall to deflect and stretch on the blade, thereby introducing tension.

[0236] The winding process continues until a section of the conduit 25 is positioned on the first connector portion, for example, along substantially all of the engagement region. The first connector portion may include a stop to prevent the section from being wound around the conduit. In the illustrated embodiment, one side of an annular protrusion 119 serves as a stop to define when the conduit is fully engaged. When the conduit 25 is positioned on the first connector portion 103, the rib 81 is positioned on the first connector portion between two consecutive turns of the thread 125 formed by the blades 127. The conduit membrane 82 is stretched over the thread 125.

[0237] Due to the variations in height along each blade 127, the tension in the wall of the catheter 25 varies along the length of each blade and along the helical path when the connector is engaged with the catheter. The maximum tension generally occurs in the membrane of the catheter wall near the point of maximum height of each blade 127. The contact of each blade can be along a portion of the blade or along substantially the entire blade.

[0238] The blades 127 are shaped to minimize the stress concentration factor induced in the membrane adjacent to the blades and / or minimize the area with increased stress concentration and / or reduce the area of ​​the membrane under maximum tension. This has the effect of reducing the stress experienced by the walls of the conduit 25 during engagement and the stress experienced by the walls of the conduit 25 under applied loads, thereby reducing the likelihood of the conduit 25 tearing during assembly and increasing the force that the assembled conduit can withstand before tearing.

[0239] The shape of the blades 127 may be such that the torque required to release the catheter from the connector is greater than the torque required to wind the catheter onto the connector, thereby providing some resistance to inadvertent loosening of the connection.

[0240] To assemble the connector in the exemplary embodiment, the first portion 103 of the connector 101 is first engaged with the interface conduit 25, for example by crimping the components together as described above. This creates a pneumatic seal between the interface conduit and the first portion of the connector, allowing gas to flow from the first connector portion 103 into the interface conduit without negligible gas leakage. In a second step, the boss 120 end of the first connector portion 103 is then pushed into engagement with the second connector portion 105 (including the retaining element 109), such that the annular groove 117 on the first portion engages the stop 121 on the retaining element.

[0241] The assembly of the connector 101 in the exemplary embodiment avoids the use of adhesives or overmolding to connect to the catheter or other components. In some alternative examples, the assembly of the connector can include the use of adhesives or overmolding to improve the connection.

[0242] Keep components spaced apart

[0243] The connector outer wall 111 defined by the retaining element 109 is spaced outwardly from the outer surface of the engagement region 104 of the first connector portion 103. This forms a generally annular cavity therebetween. The spacing between these components is selected to inhibit or reduce the likelihood of the interface conduit 25 disconnecting from the connector when subjected to axial forces, such as when tension or another force having a tensile axial component is applied to the interface conduit 25. This is achieved by preventing the portion of the conduit wall having the greatest thickness (such as the wall ribs described above) from being pulled onto one or more protrusions on the first connector portion.

[0244] In the engagement region, the minimum spacing between the inner surface of the retaining element 109 and the outer surface of the first connector part is less than the maximum wall thickness of the catheter 25 so that the catheter cannot be easily pulled through the annular cavity at the point of maximum thickness.

[0245] The minimum spacing between the inner surface of the retaining element 109 and the outer surface of the first connector part 103 can occur at a single point or area, but more preferably occurs at multiple points or areas. In an exemplary embodiment, the closest distance between the retaining element 109 and the engagement area 104 of the first connector part occurs at the point of maximum height of the blade 127.

[0246] The minimum spacing between the inner surface of the retaining element 109 and the outer surface of the first connector portion 109 in the engagement region 104 can depend on the properties of the catheter wall, such as the stiffness of the ribs, and / or the properties of the retaining member (such as its flexibility). The spacing should be 1% or less less than the maximum wall thickness of the catheter wall. The spacing should also be greater than the minimum wall thickness of the catheter 25 to allow the retaining element to be positioned on the engaged catheter 25.

[0247] In the illustrated embodiments 101, 201, the minimum spacing is about 55% less than the maximum wall thickness of the conduit wall. For example, for a conduit with a rib thickness of 1 mm and a membrane thickness of about 50 μm, the inner surface of the retaining element is spaced about 0.45 mm from the maximum height point mp of the protrusion.

[0248] The inner surface of the retaining element 109 can have a constant diameter along the main portion of the retaining element, or it can vary. In particular, the inner diameter of the retaining element can be increased, for example by having the walls of the element flare outward at the end near the first end 101a of the connector 101. This can aid assembly by guiding the first connector part 103 into the interior of the retaining element 109.

[0249] Connector Usage and Failure Modes

[0250] Once the connector 101, 201 is engaged and assembled with the patient interface conduit 25, the patient interface conduit 25 may be difficult to remove from the connector, particularly for embodiments where the first connector portion 103 is rotatable relative to the second connector portion 105. Thus, the connector prevents accidental disengagement of the interface conduit 25 from the connector due to axial rotation of the conduits or the connector.

[0251] The retention element 109 prevents the patient interface conduit 25 from being pulled intact from the connector 101 under tensile axial loads. In embodiments having such retention features, when the axial load on the patient interface conduit 25 is above a threshold force, the first failure mode is most typically tearing of the wall of the patient interface conduit 25. In some embodiments, the coupling strength between the first connector portion and the second connector portion is sufficiently strong that the first connector portion 103 and the second connector portion 105 will remain connected under axial loads at least as great as the threshold force that causes tearing of the conduit wall.

[0252] Under tensile axial loads, failure of the connection between the connector and the patient interface catheter becomes dependent on the tensile strength of the catheter wall (e.g., membrane), rather than the stiffness of the connector components or the stiffness of the catheter. This enables the connection to withstand higher tensile loads before failure than prior art connectors.

[0253] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described by way of example only and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0254] Alternative embodiments are contemplated that have only some of the features described herein. For example, a connector may include an engagement region having an engagement thread formed by a plurality of outwardly projecting blades, but without a retaining element, or having distinct retaining elements spaced apart as described herein. As another example, in another embodiment, a connector may include an engagement region comprising a helical engagement protrusion without blades or without a height variation along the helical protrusion, or another engagement feature in combination with the retaining element described herein.

Claims

1. A connector for a respiratory support system, characterized in that: comprising a first portion configured to engage a portion of a breathing conduit, and a second portion configured to engage another connector, the first portion and the second portion together defining a lumen for passage of gas through the first portion and the second portion; wherein the first portion comprises one or more protrusions forming a plurality of blades arranged along a substantially helical path; and Each blade includes a leading portion at the leading end of the blade and a trailing portion at the trailing end of the blade, and the trailing portion has a steeper gradient relative to the surface of the first portion than the leading portion.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: During assembly of the first portion of the connector with the breathing tube, the leading portion of each blade engages a wall of the breathing tube ahead of the corresponding trailing portion.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more protrusions form a continuous or discontinuous thread.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The height of each blade varies along the blade from the leading portion to the trailing portion, from the base of the blade to the top of the blade.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The blade is formed from a single helical protrusion.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The blade is formed from a plurality of discrete protrusions.

7. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The trailing portion of one blade is spaced from, in contact with, or abuts the leading portion of an adjacent blade.

8. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The maximum height of each blade is located at a point midway between the respective leading and trailing ends.

9. The connector according to claim 8, wherein: The maximum height of each blade is located at a point closer to the trailing end of the blade than the leading end of the blade.

10. The connector according to claim 8, wherein: The maximum height of each blade is substantially the same.

11. The connector according to claim 8, wherein The maximum height of each blade varies from blade to blade.

12. The connector according to claim 1, wherein The maximum height of each blade is located at a point closer to the trailing end of the blade than the leading end of the blade.

13. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The or each protrusion may have a generally smooth profile.

14. The connector according to claim 13, wherein: The side edges of the or each protrusion may be rounded or shaped so as to have no sharp corners on the blade.

15. The connector according to claim 1, wherein The side edges of the blades are chamfered.

16. The connector according to claim 1, wherein The leading end of each blade, the trailing end of each blade, and the axis of the connector form an angle of approximately 90 degrees.

17. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: The leading end of each blade, the trailing end of each blade, and the axis of the connector form an angle between about 30 degrees and about 360 degrees.

18. The connector according to claim 1, wherein The leading end of each blade, the trailing end of each blade, and the axis of the connector form an angle between about 45 degrees and about 120 degrees.

19. The connector according to claim 1, wherein Four blades are provided for each turn of the spiral path.

20. The connector according to claim 19, wherein One to eight blades are provided for each turn of the spiral path.

21. The connector according to claim 1, wherein The helical path has a pitch that is substantially the same as a pitch of a helical feature on the breathing tube for engagement with the connector.

22. The connector according to claim 1, wherein The one or more protrusions are configured such that the torque required to wrap the breathing tube onto the connector is less than the torque required to unwrap the breathing tube from the connector.

23. The connector according to claim 22, wherein: When the connector is engaged with the breathing tube, tension in the wall of the breathing tube changes relative to the blades.

24. The connector according to claim 1, wherein Also included is a retaining element, wherein the retaining element defines an outer wall that is spaced outwardly from the first portion of the connector and the blades thereon.

25. The connector according to claim 24, wherein In a seated position of the breathing conduit within the connector, a wall of the breathing conduit is spaced inwardly from an inner surface of the outer wall.

26. The connector according to claim 24, wherein The distance between the maximum height of the blade and the inner surface of the outer wall is selected to inhibit or prevent the breathing tube from being disengaged from the connector under a generally axial force.

27. The connector according to claim 26, wherein: The distance between the surface of the protrusion and the inner surface of the outer wall is selected so that when an axial force above a threshold force is applied to the breathing tube, the wall of the breathing tube will tear while the second portion of the connector remains engaged with the breathing tube.

28. The connector according to claim 24, wherein At least one distance between a surface of the or each protrusion and an inner surface of the outer wall is greater than a maximum wall thickness of the portion of the breathing conduit.

29. A patient interface assembly for a respiratory support system, characterized in that include: Patient interface; a breathing conduit connected to the patient interface; as well as The connector according to claim 1; Wherein, the first portion of the connector engages an end portion of the breathing conduit.

30. A patient interface assembly according to claim 29, wherein: The wall of the breathing conduit comprises a flexible membrane.

31. A patient interface assembly according to claim 30, wherein The flexible membrane is breathable.

32. A patient interface assembly according to claim 30, wherein: The flexible membrane has a wall thickness between about 20 μm and about 120 μm.

33. The patient interface assembly of claim 30, wherein: The flexible film has a thickness of about 50 μm.

34. The patient interface assembly of claim 30, wherein: The flexible membrane has a width of between about 6 mm and about 10 mm.

35. The patient interface assembly of claim 30, wherein: The flexible membrane has a width of approximately 8 mm.

36. A patient interface assembly according to claim 30, wherein: The blade engages the flexible membrane.

37. A patient interface assembly according to claim 36, wherein: Engagement of the blades causes deflection of the flexible membrane.

38. A patient interface assembly according to claim 29, wherein The wall of the breathing conduit includes helical ribs.

39. A patient interface assembly according to claim 38, wherein The ribs have a height of between approximately 0.5 mm and approximately 3 mm.

40. The patient interface assembly of claim 38, wherein: The ribs have a height of approximately 1 mm.

41. A patient interface assembly according to claim 38, wherein The ribs have a width of between about 1 mm and about 2 mm.

42. The patient interface assembly of claim 38, wherein: The ribs have a width of approximately 2 mm.

43. The patient interface assembly of claim 38, wherein: The connector is configured such that the helical rib is located between two consecutive turns of the plurality of blades arranged along the substantially helical path.

44. The patient interface assembly of claim 38, wherein: The helical ribs have a pitch length between about 2.6 mm and about 5 mm.

45. The patient interface assembly of claim 38, wherein: The spiral ribs have a pitch length of 4.5 mm.

46. ​​The patient interface assembly of claim 29, wherein: The breathing conduit has a length of between about 200 mm and about 500 mm.

47. A patient interface assembly according to claim 29, wherein The breathing conduit has a length of between about 300 mm and about 450 mm.

48. A patient interface assembly according to claim 29, wherein The breathing tube has a length of approximately 370 mm.

49. The patient interface assembly of claim 29, wherein: The breathing tube had an inner diameter of approximately 12 mm and an outer diameter of approximately 14 mm.

50. A patient interface assembly according to claim 29, wherein The breathing tube has an inner diameter between about 10 mm and about 14 mm, and an outer diameter between about 12 mm and about 16 mm.

51. A patient interface assembly according to claim 29, wherein One or more asymmetric delivery elements are included, the asymmetric delivery elements being configured to induce asymmetric flow in the patient.

52. The patient interface assembly of claim 29, wherein: The patient interface includes a nasal cannula.

53. The patient interface assembly of claim 29, wherein: The patient interface includes a sealing interface.

54. The patient interface assembly of claim 29, wherein: The patient interface includes a tracheostomy tube tracheal adapter.

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