Nasal cannula for supplying a patient with breathing gas as part of high-flow therapy

Abstract

Nasal cannula (5) for supplying a patient with respiratory gas during high-flow therapy, wherein the patient is a premature or newborn infant, an infant or a baby, wherein the nasal cannula (5) comprises: a nasal attachment piece (13) comprising a hollow base body (15), a hose connection (9) for connecting a supply hose (7) to the base body (15) so that respiratory gas can flow from the supply hose (7) into the base body (15), and two nasal nozzles (17) extending from the base body (15) for directing the respiratory gas from the base body (15) into the nose (19) of the patient; a first cheek pad (23) for supporting and / or fixing the nasal attachment piece (13) to a first cheek of the patient; a second cheek pad (25) for supporting and / or fixing the nasal attachment piece (13) to a second cheek of the patient; a retaining strap (21) that can be stretched around the patient's head to apply additional holding force to the nasal attachment piece (13) and / or the two cheek pads (23, 25).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a nasal cannula for supplying a patient with respiratory gas during high-flow therapy. Furthermore, the invention relates to a ventilation system with such a nasal cannula. State of the art

[0002] Nasal high-flow therapy via a nasal cannula can be used, for example, in patients with mild to moderate respiratory distress syndrome and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. A continuous flow of fresh gas allows the anatomical dead space—the volume of the airways from the nasal cavity to the terminal bronchioles that does not participate in gas exchange—to be used as an oxygen reservoir, thus functionally reducing its volume. Nasal high-flow therapy can increase tidal volume while decreasing respiratory rate. In this way, alveolar ventilation can be improved and the work of breathing supported.

[0003] Nasal high-flow therapy is increasingly used in very small patients such as premature or newborn infants, newborns, or babies, where it can significantly improve treatment success compared to conventional oxygen therapy. In nasal high-flow therapy with these patients, the oxygen flow rate is typically between 1 and 8 liters per minute.

[0004] A nasal cannula (also called nasal prongs) typically consists of a nasal connector with two prongs for insertion into the nostrils. The nasal connector can be connected to a breathing gas source via a supply tube, allowing breathing gas to flow into the nasal connector at a suitable rate and from there through the prongs into the nose.

[0005] Especially in premature or newborn infants, inserting or removing the nasal cannula can be difficult due to the small head and particularly sensitive skin.

[0006] Furthermore, due to the lack of a corresponding pressure measurement, nasal high-flow therapy often requires several attempts to find a suitable setting for the ventilation parameters. Disclosure of the invention

[0007] One object of the invention can be seen as providing an improved nasal cannula for supplying a patient with respiratory gas during high-flow therapy. A further object of the invention can be seen as providing a corresponding ventilation system.

[0008] These problems are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims, the following description, and the accompanying figures.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a nasal cannula for supplying a patient, such as a premature or newborn infant, a baby, or a newborn, with respiratory gas during (nasal) high-flow therapy. The nasal cannula comprises a nasal connector with a hollow base, a hose connection for attaching a supply hose to the base so that respiratory gas can flow from the supply hose into the base, and two nasal nozzles projecting from the base for directing the respiratory gas from the base into the patient's nose.Furthermore, the nasal cannula includes a first cheek pad for supporting and / or fixing the nasal attachment piece to a first cheek of the patient, a second cheek pad for supporting and / or fixing the nasal attachment piece to a second cheek of the patient, and a retaining strap that can be stretched around the patient's head to apply additional holding force to the nasal attachment piece and / or the two (or at least one of the) cheek pads.

[0010] The additional holding force may be suitable to keep the nasal attachment piece in a defined position relative to the patient's face when using the nasal cannula.

[0011] The use of a special holding strap allows for particularly secure fixation of the nasal cannula to the patient's very small face, even if the patient is very lively.

[0012] The term "nasal prong" can refer to a device for insertion into a single nostril.

[0013] The term "retaining strap" can refer to an elongated element separate from the supply hose, such as a rubber and / or fabric strap or an arrangement of several such straps.

[0014] The term "cheek pad" refers to a flat, highly flexible element made of a breathable and / or fluid-absorbing material, such as a particularly skin-friendly and / or soft textile. When using the nasal cannula, the cheek pads make direct, flat contact with the patient's skin, distributing the pressure generated by the additional holding force (i.e., the head strap) evenly over as large an area of ​​the face, especially the cheeks, as possible. This helps prevent unwanted pressure sores on the face.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, depending on the design, the nasal cannula may be suitable for at least one of the following patient types: children, adolescents, adults.

[0016] A second aspect of the invention relates to a nasal cannula for supplying a patient with respiratory gas during (nasal) high-flow therapy. The nasal cannula comprises a nasal connector with a hollow base, a hose connection for attaching a supply hose to the base so that respiratory gas can flow from the supply hose into the base, and two nasal nozzles projecting from the base for directing the respiratory gas from the base into the patient's nose. Furthermore, the nasal cannula comprises a pressure-measuring port for connecting a pressure gauge to the nasal cannula and a pressure-measuring line that is fluidically coupled to the pressure-measuring port and extends from the pressure-measuring port through the base to at least one of the nasal nozzles to enable pressure measurement in the nose, for example, at the outlet of the nasal nozzle(s).

[0017] Such a nasal cannula enables highly accurate oropharyngeal pressure measurement during high-flow therapy. This allows ventilation parameters of high-flow therapy—such as respiratory gas pressure, respiratory gas flow, respiratory gas volume, or respiratory gas composition—to be controlled and / or evaluated very precisely based on the measured pressure. This can significantly improve high-flow therapy compared to devices without such direct nasal pressure measurement. Depending on the specific design, the nasal cannula can be suitable for at least one of the following patient types: premature or newborn infants, infants, babies, children, adolescents, and adults.

[0018] The pressure measurement port can, for example, be designed as a component of a plug connection for connecting the nasal cannula to a breathing gas source.

[0019] The pressure measuring line allows the pressure in the nose or nasopharynx to be transmitted to the pressure measuring port separately from the breathing gas flow in the supply hose. For this purpose, the pressure measuring line can be designed, for example, as a separate hose, a separate tube, or a combination of at least one separate hose and at least one separate tube.

[0020] It should be noted that the nasal cannula according to one embodiment of the second aspect of the invention may also include features of the nasal cannula according to one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention (and vice versa).

[0021] A third aspect of the invention relates to a ventilation system. The ventilation system comprises a nasal cannula according to one of the embodiments described above and below, and a supply tube for connecting the tube connection of the nasal cannula to a respiratory gas source, so that respiratory gas can flow from the respiratory gas source through the supply tube into the body of the nasal cannula. Furthermore, the ventilation system comprises a pressure sensor connected to the pressure sensor port of the nasal cannula for converting a (pneumatic) pressure applied to the pressure sensor port into an electrical pressure signal, and a control unit for controlling at least one ventilation parameter of the (nasal) high-flow therapy using the pressure signal.

[0022] The control unit can comprise hardware and / or software modules. In particular, the control unit can include a processor configured to execute a corresponding (computer-implemented) procedure for controlling and / or evaluating ventilation parameters. Additionally, the control unit can include memory and / or a data communication interface for wireless and / or wired data communication with peripheral devices. Alternatively, the control unit can be implemented exclusively as hardware, for example, in the form of an ASIC or FPGA chip.

[0023] The at least one ventilation parameter can, for example, include at least one of the following parameters: a respiratory gas pressure, a respiratory gas flow, a respiratory gas volume, a respiratory gas composition.

[0024] Such a ventilation system enables particularly precise control of high-flow therapy compared to conventional ventilation systems without direct measurement of the pressure in the nasal cannula.

[0025] The following describes various embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are not to be understood as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0026] According to one embodiment, at least one of the components of the nosepiece can be made at least partially of silicone.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the various components of the nosepiece can be made from the same (plastic) material, for example silicone.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the nosepiece can be formed in one piece. For example, the nosepiece can be manufactured using an injection molding process.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the nasal cannula can be designed such that the nasal attachment piece can be fastened to the retaining band via the first cheek pad on one side and via the second cheek pad on the other. In other words, the nasal cannula can be designed such that the retaining band and the base body can be attached directly to each cheek pad.

[0030] Due to their flat shape, the cheek pads generally offer enough space for a stable and comfortable attachment of the retention strap. In comparison, the nosepiece is usually longer and narrower. Therefore, the options for directly attaching the retention strap to the nosepiece are often limited and involve certain compromises in terms of stability and / or comfort. By designing the cheek pads as load-bearing connecting elements, such limitations and compromises can be avoided without significant additional effort.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the nasal cannula can be designed such that at least one or each of the cheek pads is or can be attached to the retaining strap and / or the nasal end piece via a hook-and-loop fastener. This allows for comfortable and / or secure attachment in various positions with minimal design effort. Such a connection can also be released very frequently without significant wear. Alternatively or additionally, an adhesive bond can be used to attach the respective cheek pad to the retaining strap and / or the nasal end piece.

[0032] According to one embodiment, at least one or each of the cheek pads can have, on a first side facing the respective cheek during use of the nasal cannula, a skin-friendly contact area for touching the respective cheek, and on a second side opposite the first side, facing away from the respective cheek during use of the nasal cannula, an attachment area for securing the cheek pad to the retaining strap and / or the nasal connector. The attachment area can comprise an adhesive part and / or a loop part of a hook-and-loop fastener and / or a (self-adhesive) adhesive section for securing the cheek pad to the retaining strap and / or the nasal connector.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the contact section can be at least partially made of silicone and / or include a special adhesive surface for adhering the respective cheek pad to the respective cheek. A contact section without an adhesive surface has the advantage that no adhesive residue needs to be removed from the skin.

[0034] According to one embodiment, at least one or each of the cheek pads can be designed as a composite layer consisting of at least one first layer and a second layer, which may differ from each other in their material and / or size (for example, their thickness) and / or their shape. The contact section can be a section of the first layer and / or the attachment section a section of the second layer. The second layer can be designed as a support for stabilizing the first layer (or vice versa). For example, the support can be made of a textile material (e.g., a particularly breathable one).

[0035] According to one embodiment, the nasal attachment can further comprise a first mounting wing projecting from the base body for attaching the first cheek pad to the nasal attachment and / or a second mounting wing projecting from the base body for attaching the second cheek pad to the nasal attachment. The first mounting wing can be attached to the base body in such a way that, when the nasal cannula is in use, it projects beyond a first end of the base body toward the first cheek. Alternatively or additionally, the second mounting wing can be attached to the base body in such a way that, when the nasal cannula is in use, it projects beyond a second end of the base body toward the second cheek. For example, the mounting wing or wings can, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the (elongated) base body, project at least partially beyond one end of the base body.Alternatively or additionally, the mounting wing or wings can extend at least partially laterally beyond the base body.

[0036] The attachment wing(s) can be permanently or releasably connected to the base body, for example, via hook-and-loop fasteners and / or adhesive. The attachment wing(s) can be particularly flexible compared to the base body to allow for a good fit to the patient's facial contours. In particular, the attachment wing(s) can be made of a textile material (e.g., a highly breathable one) and / or have a soft, plush surface, at least in some sections. It is also conceivable that the attachment wing(s) and the base body are formed in one piece and / or from the same material.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the nasal cannula can be designed such that, to attach the first cheek pad to the nasal base, the attachment section of the first cheek pad can be fastened to the first attachment wing, and / or, to attach the second cheek pad to the nasal base, the attachment section of the second cheek pad can be fastened to the second attachment wing. Thus, the respective cheek pad can be securely and / or precisely attached to the nasal base without significantly impairing desired properties of the respective cheek pad, such as flexibility or air permeability.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the first mounting wing can have a through opening connecting an upper surface of the first mounting wing to an underside of the first mounting wing opposite the upper surface. The opening can be arranged such that the mounting section of the first cheek pad attached to the first mounting wing is at least partially opposite the opening, allowing the retaining strap to be attached to the mounting section of the first cheek pad opposite the opening.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the second mounting wing can have a through opening connecting an upper surface of the second mounting wing to an underside of the second mounting wing opposite the upper surface. The opening can be arranged such that the mounting section of the second cheek pad attached to the second mounting wing is at least partially opposite the opening, allowing the retaining strap to be attached to the mounting section of the second cheek pad opposite the opening.

[0040] The part of the respective fastening section opposite the opening can include at least part of the adhesive part and / or the loop part. In this case, the respective fastening wing can have an additional adhesive part and / or a further loop part that can be hooked onto the adhesive part.

[0041] This allows for a particularly compact design of the nasal cannula.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the retention band can be designed so that, when the nasal cannula is in use, it covers at least 50%, at least 70%, or at least 90% of a region of the head outside the face. In other words, the retention band can be shaped like a cap when in use. Thus, the retention band can provide additional warmth and / or protection to the head, similar to a cap.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the retaining strap can comprise a first strap section for attaching the retaining strap to the first cheek pad and a second strap section, separate from the first strap section, for attaching the retaining strap to the second cheek pad. The retaining strap can be configured such that the first strap section can be connected to the second strap section in various positions to allow for adjustment of the size and / or shape of the retaining strap to the head. The retaining strap can be configured with at least two, three, or four parts, and the individual strap sections can be releasably connected to one another. For example, the individual strap sections can be adjustable in length and / or width. This allows for a particularly precise adjustment of the retaining strap to different head sizes and / or shapes.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the retaining strap can be designed such that the first strap section can be connected to the second strap section via a hook-and-loop fastener. This allows for particularly secure and / or comfortable application and removal of the retaining strap. Furthermore, such a hook-and-loop fastener can be made very soft and / or flexible compared to other types of connections, such as straps or buckles.

[0045] According to one embodiment, each of the strap sections can comprise a cheek strap section for attaching the strap section to the respective cheek pad, a first head strap section, and a second head strap section. In this case, the retention strap can be designed such that the first head strap sections of the different strap sections can be connected to each other in different positions to form a first head strap, allowing for adjustment of the size and / or shape of the first head strap to the head, and the second head strap sections of the different strap sections can be connected to each other in different positions to form a second head strap, allowing for adjustment of the size and / or shape of the second head strap to the head. Furthermore, the retention strap can be designed such that, when using the nasal cannula: - the cheek ligament segment attached to the first cheek pad is stretched around a first cheek region that includes at least part of the first cheek, - the cheek ligament section attached to the second cheek pad is stretched around a second cheek region that differs from the first cheek region and includes at least part of the second cheek, - the first headband is stretched around a first head region, which includes at least part of a vertex region of the head and - the second headband is stretched around a second head region that differs from the first head region and includes at least part of an occipital region and / or a neck region of the head.

[0046] This allows for secure fixation of the nasal cannula to the face, even in very active patients. Furthermore, the pressure exerted by the retention strap is distributed particularly evenly across the head in this way. This helps prevent unwanted pressure points, even with prolonged use of the nasal cannula.

[0047] Each of the cheek regions can additionally include at least part of the respective ear and / or temple of the patient.

[0048] For example, each of the headbands can have a different length and / or width in each of the different positions in which the respective headband sections can be connected to each other.

[0049] According to one embodiment, each of the band sections can further comprise a third headband section. In this case, the retaining band can be designed such that the third headband sections of the different band sections can be connected to each other in various positions to form a third headband, in order to allow the size and / or shape of the third headband to be adjusted to the head. Furthermore, the retaining band can be designed such that, when the nasal cannula is used, the third headband is stretched around a third head region that differs from the first and / or second head regions. For example, the third head region can include at least part of the neck region.

[0050] The retaining strap can also include more than three such headbands.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the retaining strap can be designed such that at least one of the headband sections of the first strap part can be connected to the respective headband section of the second strap part via a hook-and-loop fastener. This allows for particularly secure and / or comfortable application and removal of the respective headband. Furthermore, such a hook-and-loop fastener can be made very soft and / or flexible compared to other connection types such as straps or buckles.

[0052] For example, the headband can be designed so that adjacent headbands are separated from each other by a cutout that exposes part of the head when the nasal cannula is in use. This improves ventilation compared to a design without such cutouts.

[0053] It is possible for each band section to have a width and / or length of at least 2 cm, preferably at least 4 cm, in the area where the respective band section contacts the head during use of the nasal cannula. This prevents the individual band sections from exerting excessive pressure on the particularly sensitive head.

[0054] It is also conceivable that each of the band sections comprises a basic section from which the respective band sections extend finger-like in different directions.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the nasal cannula can further include a connector for connecting a free end of the supply hose connected to the hose connector to a breathing gas source via a connector receptacle. The connector can be designed so that it can be plugged into the connector receptacle to form an airtight connection (and, if necessary, disconnected again). When plugged into the connector receptacle, the connector can be mounted on and / or in the connector receptacle in such a way that the connector and the connector receptacle can be rotated relative to each other about a common axis of rotation. For example, the mounting can be designed so that the connector and the connector receptacle can be rotated relative to each other by more than 360 degrees and / or in any direction of rotation.This prevents unwanted twisting and / or kinking of hoses connected to the plug connection.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the nasal cannula can further comprise the supply tube, wherein the supply tube is connected on one side to the hose connection and on the other side to the connector.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the nasal cannula can further comprise the connector receptacle and / or a connecting tube for connecting the connector receptacle to the breathing gas source. The connecting tube can, for example, be a particularly thick and / or robust (spiral) tube compared to the supply tube described above.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the connector can comprise a tubular inner part for conducting the breathing gas and a tubular outer part. The outer diameter of the inner part can be smaller than the inner diameter of the outer part by a predefined amount, and the inner and outer parts can be arranged coaxially such that they define an annular gap for receiving at least a portion of the connector receptacle. The gap can be designed such that the portion of the connector receptacle received by the gap can be moved circumferentially within the gap, allowing the connector to rotate relative to the connector receptacle about a common central axis of the inner and outer parts.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the connector can be a standardized connector, in particular according to DIN EN ISO 5356. DIN EN ISO 5356 describes conical connectors for anesthesia and ventilation equipment. Such connectors can be designed as male and female cones (DIN EN ISO 5356-1) or as weight-bearing connectors with screw threads (DIN EN ISO 5356-2).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the connector can have a fastening element for attaching the connector, for example, to a garment or a hose. Such a fastening element can, for example, be designed as a clip and / or a clip (similar to that of a ballpoint pen).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the nasal cannula can further include a tube holder for keeping the supply tube in a defined position relative to the patient's face. The tube holder can, for example, be designed to be releasably attached to one of the cheek pads and / or the retention strap, for instance by clamps, hook and loop fasteners, or adhesive.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the nasal attachment can further include an additional hose connection for connecting another supply hose to the base body, so that breathing gas can flow from the additional supply hose into the base body. The hose connection and the additional hose connection can, for example, be arranged at opposite ends of the (elongated) base body along its longitudinal axis.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the connector can be designed to further connect a free end of the additional supply hose connected to the additional hose connection to the breathing gas source via the connector receptacle.

[0064] In other words, the connector can have an inlet that can be connected to the breathing gas source and an outlet that can be connected to the two supply hoses, with the inlet and outlet being fluidically coupled. For example, the connector can have two separate outlets for the two supply hoses, so that they can be connected to the connector independently of each other.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the nasal cannula can further comprise the additional supply tube, wherein the additional supply tube is connected on one side to the additional tube connection and on the other side to the connector.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the nasal cannula can further comprise a pressure measuring port for connecting a pressure gauge (for measuring air pressure) to the nasal cannula and a pressure measuring line. The pressure measuring line can be fluidically coupled to the pressure measuring port and extend from the pressure measuring port through the main body to at least one of the nasal tips to enable (air) pressure measurement in the nose, for example, at the outlet of the nasal tip(s). This allows for very accurate oropharyngeal pressure measurement during high-flow therapy (see above). For example, a section of the pressure measuring line can extend from the pressure measuring port through the supply tube to the main body. In other words, the pressure measuring line can be at least partially integrated into the supply tube. This can simplify the handling of the nasal cannula.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the pressure measuring port can be integrated into a housing of the connector, for example, into the aforementioned inner and / or outer part. In other words, the connector can be designed so that it can be connected to both the breathing gas source and the pressure measuring device simultaneously. This has the advantage that a separate pressure measuring port can be omitted, which saves space and can simplify the handling of the nasal cannula. Brief description of the drawings

[0068] The following describes embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Neither the description nor the drawings are to be understood as limiting the scope of the invention. Fig. Figure 1 shows a ventilation system according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-section through a plug connection made of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows a retaining strap of a nasal cannula according to an embodiment of the invention with two headbands. Fig. Figure 4 shows a retaining strap of a nasal cannula according to an embodiment of the invention with three headbands.

[0069] The figures are purely schematic and not to scale. If the same reference symbols are used in different drawings, these reference symbols denote identical or equivalent features. Embodiments of the invention

[0070] Fig. Figure 1 shows a ventilation system 1 for ventilating a patient, in this case a premature or newborn infant, a baby, or a newborn, as part of nasal high-flow therapy. The ventilation system 1 comprises a breathing gas source 3 for supplying a breathing gas, for example oxygen or compressed air with an increased oxygen concentration, a nasal cannula 5, and a supply tube 7, via which a tube connection 9 of the nasal cannula 3 is connected to the breathing gas source 3, so that breathing gas can flow from the breathing gas source 3 via the supply tube 7 into the nasal cannula 5.

[0071] The nasal cannula 5 comprises a nasal connector 13 with a hollow, for example tubular or cylindrical, base body 15 and two nasal prongs 17 projecting from the base body 15 for insertion into the patient's nose 19. The nasal connector 13 is designed so that the respiratory gas can flow from the supply tube 7 via the tube connection 9 into the base body 15 and from there through the nasal prongs 17 into the nostrils of the nose 19.

[0072] Depending on the design, the nasal cannula 5 may also be suitable for at least one of the following patient types: children, adolescents, adults.

[0073] It is possible that at least one of the components of the nasal attachment 13 is at least partially made of silicone and / or that the entire nasal attachment 13 is formed in one piece. It is also conceivable that the various components of the nasal attachment 13 are made of the same material, for example, silicone or another suitable plastic.

[0074] Furthermore, the nasal cannula 5 includes a retaining strap 21 that can be stretched around the patient's head to fix the nasal attachment 13 in a defined position relative to the patient's face, for example by applying a corresponding additional holding force to the nasal attachment 13. The retaining strap 21 can be designed as an elongated element separate from the supply tube 7, for example as a rubber and / or fabric band or as an arrangement of several such bands.

[0075] Furthermore, the nasal cannula 5 includes, for example, a first cheek pad 23 and a second cheek pad 25 for additional support and / or fixation of the nasal attachment piece 13, which is fixed opposite the face, to both cheeks. The cheek pads 23 and 25 can each be designed as a flat, particularly flexible element made of an air-permeable and / or fluid-absorbing material, for example, a particularly skin-friendly and / or particularly soft textile material, and can make direct, flat contact with the patient's skin when the nasal cannula 5 is used. This allows the pressure exerted by the head strap 21 to be distributed evenly over as large an area of ​​the face as possible, especially the cheeks. This helps to avoid unwanted pressure points on the face.

[0076] The nasal cannula 5 can be designed so that the nasal attachment piece 13 can be attached to the retaining band 21 on the one hand via the first cheek pad 23 and on the other hand via the second cheek pad 25, for example via one or more Velcro and / or adhesive connections.

[0077] In this example, each of the cheek pads 23, 25 has a skin-friendly contact section on a first side, which faces the respective cheek when the nasal cannula 5 is used, for touching the respective cheek, and a fastening section 27 on a second side opposite the first side, which faces away from the respective cheek when the nasal cannula 5 is used. The fastening section 27 comprises an adhesive and / or loop part 29 of a hook-and-loop fastener for attaching the cheek pad 23 or 25 to the retaining strap 21 and / or to the nasal connector 13. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening section 27 can include a (self-adhesive) adhesive section for this purpose.

[0078] The contact section may be at least partially made of silicone and / or include a special adhesive surface for bonding the respective cheek pad 23 or 25 to the respective cheek.

[0079] It is possible that each of the cheek pads 23, 25 is designed as a layered composite consisting of at least one first layer and one second layer, whereby the layers may differ from one another in their material and / or size (e.g., their thickness) and / or their shape. The contact section may be a section of the first layer and / or the attachment section 27 a section of the second layer. The second layer may be designed as a support to stabilize the first layer (or vice versa). For example, the support may be made of a particularly breathable textile material. However, other support materials are also possible.

[0080] Additionally, the nosepiece 13 comprises a first attachment wing 31 projecting from the base body 15 for attaching the first cheek pad 23 to the nosepiece 13 and a second attachment wing 33 projecting from the base body 15 for attaching the second cheek pad 25 to the nosepiece 13. The attachment section 27 of the first cheek pad 23 can be attached to the first attachment wing 31, and the attachment section 27 of the second cheek pad 25 can be attached to the second attachment wing 33, respectively, by means of hook and loop fasteners.

[0081] The fastening wings 31, 33 can each be permanently or releasably connected to the base body 15, for example, via a hook-and-loop fastener and / or adhesive connection. It is possible that the fastening wings 31, 33 are designed to be particularly flexible compared to the base body 15, so that they can adapt well to the patient's facial contours. In particular, the fastening wings 31, 33 can be made of, for example, a particularly breathable textile material and / or have a plush surface, at least in sections. It is also conceivable that the fastening wings 31, 33 and the base body 15 are formed in one piece and / or from the same material.

[0082] It is possible that each of the mounting wings 31, 33 has a continuous opening 35 that connects a top surface of the mounting wing 31 or 33 with its respective underside. The opening 35 can be arranged such that it is at least partially opposite the respective mounting section 27 of the cheek pad 23 or 25 attached to the respective mounting wing 31 or 33. Thus, the retaining strap 21 can be attached to the parts of the mounting sections 27 opposite the openings 35, here by means of a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0083] In this example, the base body 15 additionally includes another hose connection 37, which can be connected to the breathing gas source 3 via another supply hose 39, so that the breathing gas can additionally flow from the additional supply hose 39 into the base body 15 and from there via the nasal nozzles 17 into the nose 19.

[0084] The free ends of the two supply hoses 7, 39 can each be connected to a connector 41, which can be plugged into a corresponding connector receptacle 43 to form an airtight connection 45. This connection can be released by pulling the connector 41 and the connector receptacle 43 apart with a certain amount of force. The connector receptacle 43 can be connected to the breathing gas source 3 via a connecting hose 47, so that the breathing gas can flow into the two supply hoses 7, 39 via the connecting hose 47 and the connector 45.

[0085] The connector 45 can optionally be designed as a rotary connection, which allows a targeted rotation of the connector 41 relative to the connector receptacle 43 about a common axis of rotation 49, for example by more than 360 degrees and / or in any direction of rotation.

[0086] As from Fig. 2 shows where a cross-section through the plug connection 41 is made Fig. As shown in Figure 1 along a section line AA, the connector 41 can, for this purpose, be designed, for example, with a tubular or sleeve-like inner part 51 for conducting the breathing gas and a tubular or sleeve-like outer part 53. The outer diameter of the inner part 51 can be smaller than the inner diameter of the outer part 53 by a defined amount, and the inner part 51 and the outer part 53 can be arranged coaxially such that they define an annular gap 55 for supporting the connector receptacle 43. The gap 55 can be designed such that it can accommodate at least a section of the connector receptacle 43, and the section of the connector receptacle 43 accommodated by the gap 55 can be rotated in both directions relative to the inner part 51 or the outer part 53 with minimal effort.In this example, the axis of rotation 49 coincides with a common central axis of the inner part 51 and the outer part 53.

[0087] The free ends of the two supply hoses 7, 39 can, for example, be connected to a corresponding connection or corresponding (separate) connections of the inner part 51.

[0088] In particular, the connector 45 can be designed as a standardized connector, for example according to DIN EN ISO 5356-1 or 5356-2.

[0089] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the nasal cannula 5 can additionally include a pressure measuring port 57 and a pressure measuring line 59 connected to the pressure measuring port 57. The pressure measuring line 59 can extend from the pressure measuring port 57 to at least one of the two nasal ports 17. This enables oropharyngeal pressure measurement during nasal high-flow therapy.

[0090] In this example, the pressure measuring port 57 is integrated into a housing of the connector 41. The pressure measuring line 59 extends through the supply hose 7 and the base body 15 to the open end of the right of the two nose ports 17.

[0091] The pressure measuring port 57 can be connected via a further connecting hose 61 to a pressure measuring device 63 of the ventilation system 1. The pressure measuring device 63 can be configured to convert a pneumatic pressure applied to the pressure measuring port 57 into a corresponding electrical pressure measurement signal 65.

[0092] The pressure measurement signal 65 can be used by a suitably configured control unit 67 of the ventilation system 1 to control at least one ventilation parameter of the high-flow therapy. Depending on the embodiment, such a ventilation parameter can be a breathing gas pressure, a breathing gas flow rate, a breathing gas volume, or a breathing gas composition. For example, the control unit 67 can be configured to generate a control signal 69, based on the oropharyngeal pressure measured in this way, to control at least one actuator of the breathing gas source 3, e.g., a blower or a valve.

[0093] As from Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the retaining strap 21 can comprise a first strap section for attaching the retaining strap 21 to the first cheek pad 23 and a second strap section, separate from the first strap section, for attaching the retaining strap 21 to the second cheek pad 25. The two strap sections can be connected to each other in various positions – for example, via one or more hook-and-loop fasteners – to form a retaining strap 21 adapted to the respective head size or shape.

[0094] Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which each of the strap sections comprises a cheek strap section 71 for attaching the strap section to the respective cheek pad 23 or 25, a first head strap section 73, and a second head strap section 75. The first head strap sections 73 of the different strap sections can be connected to each other in various positions to form a first head strap 77 adapted to the respective head size or shape. Likewise, the second head strap sections 75 of the different strap sections can be connected to each other in various positions to form a second head strap 79 adapted to the respective head size or shape.

[0095] The retaining strap 21 can be designed such that, when using the nasal cannula 5, the cheek strap section 71 attached to the first cheek pad 23 is stretched around a first cheek region which includes at least a part of the first cheek, the cheek strap section 71 attached to the second cheek pad 25 is stretched around a second cheek region which differs from the first cheek region and includes at least a part of the second cheek, the first head strap 77 is stretched around a first head region which includes at least a part of a vertex region of the head, and the second head strap 79 is stretched around a second head region which differs from the first head region and includes at least a part of an occipital region and / or a neck region of the head.

[0096] For example, the cheek strap sections 71 can each have a further adhesive and / or loop part 80 at their free ends, which can be connected to the adhesive or loop part 29 of the respective fastening section 27 to form the respective hook and loop connection.

[0097] Each of the cheek regions can additionally include at least part of the respective ear and / or temple of the patient.

[0098] Fig.Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which each of the band sections additionally comprises a third headband section 81. Analogous to the headband sections 73, 75 described above, the third headband sections 81 of the different band sections can be connected to one another in various positions to form a third headband 83 adapted to the respective head size or shape, which, when the nasal cannula 5 is used, is stretched around a third head region of the head that differs from the first and / or the second head region. For example, the third head region can include at least part of the neck region.

[0099] The retaining strap 21 can also include more than three such headbands.

[0100] For example, each of the headbands can have a different length and / or width in each of the different positions in which the respective headband sections can be connected to each other.

[0101] It is possible that each of the band sections, in the area where the respective band section contacts the head during use of the nasal cannula 5, has a width and / or length of at least 2 cm, preferably at least 4 cm. In this way, it can be avoided that the individual band sections exert excessive pressure on the particularly sensitive head.

[0102] The retaining strap 21 can also be designed in a cap-like manner, so that when using the nasal cannula 5 it covers at least 50%, at least 70% or at least 90% of a region of the head outside the face.

[0103] It is possible that adjacent headbands are separated from each other by a recess 85 when using the nasal cannula 5, which exposes part of the head. This improves ventilation compared to an embodiment without such recesses.

[0104] The individual sections of the headband can be connected to each other, for example, using Velcro fasteners.

[0105] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "have", "comprise", "include", "with", etc. do not exclude any other elements or steps, and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" do not exclude any variety.

[0106] It is further noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the foregoing embodiments may also be used in combination with features or steps described with reference to other of the foregoing embodiments.

[0107] Reference numerals in the claims are not to be understood as limiting the scope of the subject matter defined by the claims. List of reference symbols 1 ventilation system 3. Breathing gas source 5 nasal cannulas 7 Supply hose 9 hose connection 13 Nosepiece 15 basic shapes 17 nose clips 19 Nose 21 Retaining strap 23 first cheek pad 25 second cheek pad 27 Fastening section 29 Adhesive and / or hook part 31 first mounting wing 33 second mounting wing 35 Opening 37 additional hose connections 39 additional supply hoses 41 connectors 43 Connector receptacle 45 Plug connection 47 Connecting hose 49 Axis of rotation, central axis 51 Inner part 53 Exterior part 55 gap 57 Pressure measuring connection 59 Pressure measuring line 61 additional connecting hose 63 Pressure gauge 65 Pressure measurement signal 67 Control unit 69 Control signal 71 Cheek ligament section 73 first cranial ligament section 75 second headband section 77 first headband 79 second headband 80 additional adhesive and / or fuzzy parts 81 third headband section 83 third headband 85 recess

Claims

[1] Nasal cannula (5) for supplying a patient with respiratory gas during high-flow therapy, wherein the patient is a premature or newborn infant, an infant or a baby, wherein the nasal cannula (5) comprises: a nasal attachment piece (13) comprising a hollow base body (15), a hose connection (9) for connecting a supply hose (7) to the base body (15) so that respiratory gas can flow from the supply hose (7) into the base body (15), and two nasal nozzles (17) extending from the base body (15) for directing the respiratory gas from the base body (15) into the nose (19) of the patient; a first cheek pad (23) for supporting and / or fixing the nasal attachment piece (13) to a first cheek of the patient; a second cheek pad (25) for supporting and / or fixing the nasal attachment piece (13) to a second cheek of the patient; a retaining strap (21) that can be stretched around the patient's head to apply additional holding force to the nasal attachment piece (13) and / or the two cheek pads (23, 25). [2] Nasal cannula (5) according to claim 1, wherein the nasal cannula (5) is designed such that the nasal attachment piece (13) can be attached to the retaining band (21) on the one hand via the first cheek pad (23) and on the other hand via the second cheek pad (25); and / or wherein each of the cheek pads (23, 25) can be attached to the retaining strap (21) and / or to the nose piece (13) via a Velcro connection. [3] Nasal cannula (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the cheek pads (23, 25) has on a first side, which is facing the respective cheek when using the nasal cannula (5), a skin-friendly contact section for touching the respective cheek and on a second side opposite the first side has a fastening section (27), wherein the fastening section (27) comprises an adhesive part (29) and / or a loop part (29) of a hook and loop connection for fastening the cheek pad (23, 25) to the retaining strap (21) and / or to the nasal attachment piece (13). [4] Nasal cannula (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the nasal attachment piece (13) further comprises: a first attachment wing (31) projecting from the base body (15) for attaching the first cheek pad (23) to the nose attachment piece (13); a second attachment wing (33) projecting from the base body (15) for attaching the second cheek pad (25) to the nose attachment piece (13). [5] Nasal cannula (5) according to claim 4 referring backward to claim 3, wherein, for attaching the first cheek pad (23) to the nasal attachment piece (13), the attachment section (27) of the first cheek pad (23) can be attached to the first attachment wing (31), and for attaching the second cheek pad (25) to the nasal attachment piece (13), the attachment section (27) of the second cheek pad (25) can be attached to the second attachment wing (33). [6] Nasal cannula (5) according to claim 5, wherein the first mounting wing (31) has a continuous opening (35) which connects a top side of the first mounting wing (31) with a bottom side of the first mounting wing (31) opposite the top side and is arranged such that the mounting section (27) of the first cheek pad (23) attached to the first mounting wing (31) is at least partially opposite the opening (35), so that the retaining strap (21) can be attached to the mounting section (27) of the first cheek pad (23) opposite the opening (35); wherein the second mounting wing (33) has a continuous opening (35) which connects a top side of the second mounting wing (33) with a bottom side of the second mounting wing (33) opposite the top side and is arranged such that the mounting section (27) of the second cheek pad (25) attached to the second mounting wing (33) is at least partially opposite the opening (35), so that the retaining strap (21) can be attached to the mounting section (27) of the second cheek pad (25) opposite the opening (35). [7] Nasal cannula (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retention strap (21) is designed such that, when the nasal cannula (5) is used, it covers at least 50%, at least 70%, or at least 90% of a region of the head outside the face; and / or wherein the retaining strap (21) comprises a first strap part for attaching the retaining strap (21) to the first cheek pad (23) and a second strap part separate from the first strap part for attaching the retaining strap (21) to the second cheek pad (25) and is designed such that the first strap part can be connected to the second strap part in different positions to the retaining strap (21) in order to adapt the retaining strap (21) in its size and / or shape to the head. [8] Nasal cannula (5) according to claim 7, wherein each of the band parts comprises a cheek band section (71) for attaching the band part to the respective cheek pad (23, 25), a first headband section (73) and a second headband section (75); wherein the first headband sections (73) of the different band parts can be connected to each other in different positions to form a first headband (77) in order to adapt the first headband (77) to the head in its size and / or shape; wherein the second headband sections (75) of the different band parts can be connected to each other in different positions to form a second headband (79) in order to adapt the size and / or shape of the second headband (79) to the head; wherein the retaining strap (21) is designed such that, when the nasal cannula (5) is used, the cheek strap section (71) attached to the first cheek pad (23) is stretched around a first cheek region which includes at least a part of the first cheek, the cheek strap section (71) attached to the second cheek pad (25) is stretched around a second cheek region which differs from the first cheek region and includes at least a part of the second cheek, the first head strap (77) is stretched around a first head region which includes at least a part of a vertex region of the head, and the second head strap (79) is stretched around a second head region which differs from the first head region and includes at least a part of an occipital region and / or a neck region of the head. [9] Nasal cannula (5) according to claim 8, wherein each of the band parts further comprises a third headband section (81); wherein the third headband sections (81) of the different band parts can be joined together in different positions to form a third headband (83) in order to adapt the third headband (83) to the head in its size and / or shape; wherein the retaining strap (21) is designed such that when using the nasal cannula (5) the third head strap (83) is stretched around a third head region of the head that differs from the first head region and / or the second head region. [10] Nasal cannula (5) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein at least one of the headband sections (73, 75, 81) of the first band part can be connected to the respective headband section (73, 75, 81) of the second band part via a hook and loop fastener connection to the respective headband (77, 79, 83). [11] Nasal cannula (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a pressure measuring port (57) for connecting a pressure measuring device (63) to the nasal cannula (5); a pressure measuring line (59) which is fluidically coupled to the pressure measuring port (57) and extends from the pressure measuring port (57) through the base body (15) to at least one of the nasal nozzles (17) to enable pressure measurement in the nose (19). [12] Nasal cannula (5) for supplying a patient with respiratory gas during high-flow therapy, the nasal cannula (5) comprising: a nasal attachment piece (13) comprising a hollow base body (15), a hose connection (9) for connecting a supply hose (7) to the base body (15) so that respiratory gas can flow from the supply hose (7) into the base body (15), and two nasal nozzles (17) extending from the base body (15) for directing the respiratory gas from the base body (15) into the nose (19) of the patient; a pressure measuring port (57) for connecting a pressure measuring device (63) to the nasal cannula (5); a pressure measuring line (59) which is fluidically coupled to the pressure measuring port (57) and extends from the pressure measuring port (57) through the base body (15) to at least one of the nasal nozzles (17) to enable pressure measurement in the nose (19). [13] Nasal cannula (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a connector (41) for connecting a free end of the supply hose (7) connected to the hose connection (9) to a breathing gas source (3) via a connector receptacle (43), wherein the connector (41) is designed such that the connector (41) can be plugged together with the connector receptacle (43) to form an airtight plug connection (45), wherein the connector (41) - when plugged together with the connector receptacle (43) - is mounted on and / or in the connector receptacle (43) in such a way that the connector (41) and the connector receptacle (43) can be rotated relative to each other about a common axis of rotation (49). [14] Nasal cannula (5) according to claim 13 referring back to claim 11 or 12, wherein the pressure measuring port (57) is integrated into a housing of the connector (41). [15] Respiratory system (1), comprising: a nasal cannula (5) according to claim 11 or 12; a supply tube (7) for connecting the tube connection (9) of the nasal cannula (5) to a breathing gas source (3), so that breathing gas can flow from the breathing gas source (3) via the supply tube (7) into the base body (15) of the nasal cannula (5); a pressure measuring device (63) connected to the pressure measuring port (57) of the nasal cannula (5) for converting a pressure applied to the pressure measuring port (57) into an electrical pressure measurement signal (65); a control unit (67) for controlling at least one ventilation parameter of the high-flow therapy using the pressure measurement signal (65).

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