NASAL CANNULA ASSEMBLY

Abstract

NASAL CANNULA ASSEMBLY The present invention relates to a nasal cannula assembly (1) comprising a collecting body (2) including a septum-type structure (3) which divides into an inlet orifice (6) and an outlet orifice (7), each defining a lumen (8) having a first length (L1) and a first internal diameter (Ø1), in which the lumen (8) includes a projection (9) which extends at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the lumen (8), a channel (11) disposed near the septum-type structure (3) having a second length (L2) and defining an opening having a second internal diameter (Ø2) and a pair of nasal clips (13). The assembly (1) further includes a first sealing member (16) having a recess (17) which extends longitudinally along its length so that the recess (17) of the first sealing member (16) follows the shape of the light (8), and a second sealing member (18).The first length (L1) of the inlet and outlet ports (6, 7) is equal to the second length (L2) of the channel (11) and in which the second internal diameter (Ø2) of the channel (11) is less than the first internal diameter (Ø1) of the inlet and outlet ports (6, 7). Figure for the abbreviation: FIG. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: NASAL CANNULA ASSEMBLY Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to ventilation devices, and more particularly to a nasal cannula assembly for sampling gases and delivering them to a user through the nasal passages. CONTEXT OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A gas sampling system continuously transports a flow of gas from or to a patient through a tube. A gas sampling system is typically used in a hospital setting, for example, during certain medical procedures, anesthesia, or sedation. Healthcare professionals may wish to provide patients with respiratory support in the form of supplemental oxygen or airflow for many reasons in intensive care or at home. Different types of interfaces are available for supplying gases to patients. For example, various nasal masks, full-face masks, oral interfaces, nasal pillows, and nasal cannula interfaces are applicable.

[0003] Generally, a nasal cannula is used to provide a flow of gas to a patient through the patient's nostrils or other nasal passages as needed. Such a device is configured to either deliver oxygen to the patient's nostrils or to aspirate carbon dioxide therefrom. Nasal cannula assemblies generally consist of an inlet tube, either symmetrical or single-sided, that rests on the upper lip. Projecting from this tube is a pair of open-ended prongs that extend into the patient's nostrils to deliver oxygen. Nasal cannulae are advantageous in that they are more comfortable for most patients and more acceptable to use than a face mask for most patients. The technologies associated with nasal cannula assemblies are generally established and are disclosed in the prior art.

[0004] An example of a nasal cannula configured to deliver a fluid stream to a patient is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. US8161971B2. Disclosed herein is a patient interface that includes a body portion configured to communicate with a first fluid path, a first nostril interface extending from the body portion, wherein the nostril interface communicates with the first fluid path, and an attachment portion extending from the body portion proximate the nostril interface, wherein the attachment portion is constructed and arranged to engage an exterior surface of a patient's nose to secure the patient interface. Another example is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. US11420002B2 describes a nasal cannula comprising a manifold portion having an inlet for receiving the fluid flow and at least one outlet for delivering the fluid flow to the patient's nostrils, an orifice located on the manifold portion for delivering a medicament into the fluid flow delivered by the nasal cannula to the patient. US Patent No. US7353826B2 also describes a ventilation interface comprising a nasal cannula having a pair of nasal prongs on an upper portion of the nasal cannula body and a bellows-like structure configured to contact a lower surface of the nose to create a sealing interface between the nasal cannula body and the nose.

[0005] The main disadvantage of such devices is that the oxygen flow, carbon dioxide flow, and the patient's respiratory flow can create turbulence adjacent to the opening of the clamps and ports, thereby reducing the overall efficiency of oxygen delivery due to the additional dead space thereof. Dead space in a nasal cannula can impact the efficiency of oxygen delivery to the patient. Dead space refers to the volume of air inside the nasal cannula system that is not involved in the gas exchange process and does not reach the patient's lungs. When a patient breathes through a nasal cannula, the inspired air consists of both fresh oxygen and a portion of the exhaled air that remains inside the dead space. This rebreathed air, which contains a lower concentration of oxygen, reduces the overall efficiency of oxygen delivery.The higher the dead space volume, the greater the dilution of inspired oxygen concentration. The presence of unnecessary dead space will affect both oxygen delivery and the accuracy of carbon dioxide sampling overall. Therefore, it is necessary for the prior art device to reduce or eliminate unwanted dead space to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages. The present invention provides a solution to this disadvantage. Summary of the invention

[0006] One aspect of the invention is to provide a nasal cannula assembly comprising a collector body having an inlet and an outlet of substantially reduced length to minimize the dead space thereof. Advantageously, minimizing the dead space of the inlet and outlet ports reduces or eliminates turbulence adjacent the opening of the inlet and outlet ports, thereby decreasing the mixture of supplied oxygen and exhaled carbon dioxide to be sampled.

[0007] Another aspect of the invention is to provide a nasal cannula assembly comprising the aforementioned inlet port having a projection disposed on an inner surface thereof which extends at least partially in the longitudinal direction of its lumen. A sealing member having a recess configured to conform to the shape of the lumen of the inlet port is provided to seal the inlet port. Advantageously, the projection functions as an indicator allowing a medical personnel or a health professional to connect the inlet port to an oxygen source for delivering oxygen to the nostrils of a patient.

[0008] Yet, one aspect of the invention is to provide a nasal cannula assembly comprising a channel extending from the collector body, the channel thereby having an opening of a substantially reduced internal diameter to minimize the dead space thereof.

[0009] At least one of the foregoing objects is implemented, in whole or in part, wherein the embodiment of the present invention describes the nasal cannula assembly comprising a collector body comprising a septum-like structure configured to separate an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber that extend generally axially relative to the collector body and internally dividing the collector body into an inlet port and an outlet port, each defining a lumen having a first length (LJ) and a first inner diameter (0 i), wherein the lumen of the inlet port comprises a protrusion disposed on an inner surface thereof that extends at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the lumen, a channel disposed proximate the septum-like structure and in fluid communication with the outlet chamber,the channel having a second length (L2) and defining an opening having a second internal diameter (02) and a pair of nasal prongs having a proximal end connected to the septum-like structure and a distal end for insertion into the nostrils of a patient. The nasal cannula assembly further comprises a first sealing member adapted to form fluid communication with the inlet port, the first sealing member having a recess extending longitudinally along the length thereof such that the recess of the first sealing member conforms to the shape of the lumen of the inlet port and a second sealing member adapted to form fluid communication with the outlet port.

[0010] Preferably, the first length (L1) of the inlet and outlet orifices is equal to the second length (L2) of the channel.

[0011] Preferably, the second internal diameter (02) of the channel is less than the first internal diameter (01) of the inlet and outlet orifices.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is disclosed that the pair of nasal prongs, each having an axial partition aligned with the septum-like structure and passing through a wall of the collector body to intersect the septum-like structure so that gas inspired by the patient flows from the inlet port only to the patient's nostrils and the gas exhaled by the patient flows at least partially to the exit port.

[0013] Preferably, the pair of nasal prongs includes a first tube extending from the inlet chamber to deliver gas to the patient's nostrils, and a second tube extending from the outlet chamber to receive gas exhaled from the patient's nostrils.

[0014] More preferably, the length of the first tube extending from the inlet chamber is less than that of the second tube extending from the outlet chamber.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is disclosed that the first and second sealing members comprise a sealing element disposed at their proximal end which is fixedly and directly coupled to the inlet port and the outlet port, respectively, for sealing thereof.

[0016] Preferably, the first and second sealing members each have an opening extending therethrough in an axial direction and aligning with the inlet and outlet ports.

[0017] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses the nasal cannula assembly which further comprises a bulb-shaped member disposed above the channel for positioning adjacent the patient's mouth to intercept orally exhaled gas and transmit at least one sample to the outlet of the collecting body.

[0018] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention discloses that the outlet port is connected to a capnograph or any suitable device for measuring the concentration or partial pressure of carbon dioxide exhaled by the patient, the device thereby being incorporated into a suitable pumping means for drawing in carbon dioxide during the patient's exhalation, while the inlet port is connected to an oxygen source for delivering oxygen to the patient's nostrils.

[0019] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the present invention is perfectly suited to implement the objects and to achieve the aims and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiment described herein is not intended to impose limitations on the scope of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0020] In order to facilitate an understanding of the invention, the attached drawing illustrates the preferred embodiments thereof, the examination of which in relation to the The following description would make it easy to understand and appreciate the invention, its construction and operation, as well as many of its advantages.

[0021] [Fig.l] illustrates a top perspective view of a nasal cannula assembly according to the present invention.

[0022] [Fig.2] illustrates a side perspective view of a nasal cannula assembly of [Fig.l] according to the present invention.

[0023] [Fig. 3] illustrates another side perspective view of a nasal cannula assembly of [Fig. 1] according to the present invention.

[0024] [Fig.4] illustrates a front view of a nasal cannula assembly comprising the bulb-shaped member according to the present invention.

[0025] [Fig. 5] illustrates a cross-sectional view of a nasal cannula assembly according to the present invention, taken along line AA of [Fig. 4].

[0026] [Fig. 6] illustrates a rear view of a nasal cannula assembly comprising the bulb-shaped member according to the present invention.

[0027] [Fig.7] illustrates a cross-sectional view of a nasal cannula assembly according to the present invention, taken along line BB of [Fig.6].

[0028] [Fig.8] illustrates an enlarged view of section C of [Fig.6] showing in greater detail the nasal prongs of a nasal cannula assembly according to the present invention.

[0029] [Fig.9] illustrates a front view of the inlet port of a nasal cannula assembly according to the present invention.

[0030] [Fig. 10] illustrates a side view of the inlet port of a nasal cannula assembly according to the present invention.

[0031] [Fig. 11] illustrates a front view of the first sealing member of a nasal cannula assembly according to the present invention.

[0032] [Fig. 12] illustrates a front view of the channel of a nasal cannula assembly according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Hereinafter, the invention will be described according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and with reference to the accompanying description and drawings. However, it is understood that the limitation of the description to the embodiments of the invention is merely intended to facilitate the discussion of the present invention and it is contemplated that those skilled in the art may develop various modifications without departing from the scope of the related claims.

[0034] The present invention relates to a nasal cannula assembly suitable for ventilation applications such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) applications, bi-level continuous positive airway pressure (BIPAP) applications and positive pressure ventilation applications intermittent. Referring generally to [Fig.l] to 3, there is illustrated an assembled device in the form of a nasal cannula (1) which is provided for delivering a supply of oxygen from a source to the nostrils of a patient and connected to a carbon dioxide sampling machine. The nasal cannula assembly (1) comprises individual components including a collector body (2), a first sealing member (16) and a second sealing member (18), which can be assembled to form a nasal cannula of the present invention. The aforementioned nasal cannula components can be manufactured from one or more inert materials, such as polyurethane, silicone or the like. In the preferred embodiment, the nasal cannula components of the present invention can typically be assembled or disassembled without the use of tools, fasteners or adhesives.Alternatively, fasteners or adhesives can be used to assemble the nasal cannula if a more permanent assembly is desired.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nasal cannula assembly (1) comprises a main portion of a collector body (2) having a septum-like structure (3) which is configured to separate an inlet chamber (4) and an outlet chamber (5) which extend generally axially with respect to the collector body (2) and internally dividing the collector body (2) into an inlet port (6) and an outlet port (7), as shown in [Fig.l] to 3. The separation of the inlet chamber (4) and the outlet chamber (5) is best illustrated in [Fig.7].When using the nasal cannula assembly (1) in a hospital setting, the inlet port (6) is typically connected to an oxygen source such as an ambulatory tank for delivering oxygen to a patient's nostrils while the outlet port (7) may be connected to a capnograph or any suitable machine which is capable of measuring the concentration or partial pressure of carbon dioxide. For example, such a machine may be incorporated into a suitable pumping means for drawing in carbon dioxide during respiration.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the inlet port (6) and the outlet port (7) defines a lumen (8) having a first length (Li) and a first inner diameter (0i). In the context of the present invention, the lumen (8) refers to the interior space within the tubular structure of the inlet port (6) and the outlet port (7). Depending on the compatibility of the connection to the oxygen source and the carbon dioxide sampling machine, the first length (Li) of the lumen (8) may be provided in the range of 2 mm to 6 mm. Similarly, the first inner diameter (00 of the lumen (8) may be provided in the range of 8 mm to 12 mm.

[0037] With reference to [Fig.2], the lumen (8) of the inlet orifice (6) comprises a projection (9) arranged on an inner surface (10) thereof. Preferably, the projection (9) is elongated and extends at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the lumen (8). It should be noted that the presence of the elongated protrusion (9) will not impede or disrupt the flow of oxygen from the inlet port (6) to the inlet chamber (4). Nevertheless, the elongated protrusion (9) is intended to function as a visual indicator for a medical personnel or healthcare professional when attempting to connect the inlet port (6) to the oxygen source. In practice, the visual indication of the elongated protrusion (9) prevents incorrect connection of the inlet port (6) to the wrong pathway, for example, the carbon dioxide sampling machine or an intravenous catheter. If desired, the elongated protrusion (9) may be pigmented with a bright color for easy indication.

[0038] With reference to [Fig.l] to 3, the collector body (2) of the nasal cannula assembly (1) comprises a channel (11) which is disposed proximate to the septum-like structure (3) and in fluid communication with the outlet chamber (5). As used herein, the term "proximate to" refers to a direction closer to the collector body (2) of the nasal cannula assembly (1). As shown in [Fig.l] to 3, the channel (11) extends in a transverse direction of the septum-like structure (3) and has a second length (L2). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second length (L2) of the channel (11) is substantially equal to the first length (Li) of the inlet port (6) and the outlet port (7). It should be noted that the first length (Li) of the inlet port (6) and outlet port (7) and the second length (L2) of the channel (11) are relatively smaller than those of conventional nasal cannulas.The reduced length minimizes the dead space of the inlet port (6) and outlet port (7), which subsequently reduces or eliminates turbulence adjacent to the opening of the inlet port (6) and outlet port (7), thereby decreasing the mixture of supplied oxygen and exhaled carbon dioxide to be sampled.

[0039] With reference to [Fig. 12] illustrating a front view of the collector body (2), the channel (11) defines an opening (12) having a second internal diameter (02) which is substantially smaller than the first internal diameter (0i) of the inlet port (6) and the outlet port (7). For example, the second internal diameter (02) of the opening (12) may be provided in the range of 1.3 mm to 1.7 mm. Ideally, the substantially smaller opening (12) of the channel (11) will also reduce the dead space around it.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a bulb-shaped member (23) is disposed above the channel (11) having a bore (24) to allow carbon dioxide gas exhaled by the patient through the mouth to be guided to the outlet chamber (5) via an air passage (25) located within the channel (11), as illustrated in [Fig.4] to 6. The bulb-shaped member (23) is intended to be positioned adjacent to the patient's mouth to intercept orally exhaled carbon dioxide gas and transmit at least a sample thereof to the outlet port (7) of the collecting body (2).

[0041] As shown in [Fig. 1] to 3, the collector body (2) of the nasal cannula assembly (1) also includes a pair of nasal prongs (13) having a proximal end (14) connected to the septum-like structure (3) and a distal end (15) for insertion into a patient's nostrils. As used herein, the term "distal" refers to a direction further from the collector body (2) of the nasal cannula assembly (1). Each of the nasal prongs (13) has an axial septum that aligns with the septum-like structure (3) and passes through a wall of the collector body (2) to intersect the septum-like structure (23), as clearly seen in [Fig. 7]. This allows the oxygen gas inspired by the patient to flow from the inlet port (6) only to the patient's nostrils and the carbon dioxide gas exhaled by the patient to flow at least partially to the outlet port (7). As illustrated in [Fig.l], the pair of nasal prongs (13) comprises a first tube (20) extending from the inlet chamber (4) for delivering oxygen gas to the patient's nostrils, and a second tube (21) extending from the outlet chamber (5) for receiving carbon dioxide gas exhaled from the patient's nostrils. To implement the object of reducing dead space and thereby minimizing or eliminating respiratory turbulence, it is preferable that the length of the first tube (20) extending from the inlet chamber (4) be less than that of the second tube (21) extending from the outlet chamber (5), as shown in [Fig. 8]. .

[0042] As described above, individual components including a first sealing member (16) and a second sealing member (18) may be assembled to form the nasal cannula (1) of the present invention. In some embodiments, it is further described that the manifold body (2) houses the components and holds them adjacent by releasably or releasably locking or sealingly engaging them. Accordingly, to form the nasal cannula (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first sealing member (16) is adapted to form fluid communication with the inlet port (6) of the manifold body (2). For example, the first sealing member (16) may slide over the inlet port (6) of the manifold body (2) to form a nasal cannula assembly (1) that is held by friction fit or mechanical fit.Due to the presence of the elongated projection (9) extending on the inner surface of the inlet port (6), the first sealing member (16) is provided with a recess (17) which extends longitudinally along the length thereof so that the recess . (17) of the first sealing member (16) conforms to the shape of the lumen (8) of the inlet orifice (6), as shown in [Fig. 2]. Furthermore, to form the nasal cannula assembly (1) of the present invention, the second sealing member (18) is also adapted to form a fluid communication with the outlet orifice (7) as shown in [Fig. 3]. Similarly, the second sealing member (18) is slidable over the outlet orifice (7) of the collector body (2) to form a nasal cannula assembly (1) which is held by friction fit or mechanical fit.

[0043] To provide the locking or sealing engagement as mentioned above, the first sealing member (16) and the second sealing member (18) include a sealing element (22) disposed at their proximal end which is fixedly and directly coupled to the inlet port (6) and the outlet port (7), respectively. By way of example, the outer circumference of the sealing element (22) may be configured to be substantially larger than the outer circumference of the inlet port (6) and the outlet port (7) such that the sealing element (22) abuts the inlet port (6) and the outlet port (7) to fill a space therebetween, thereby forming the sealing engagement.Ideally, the first sealing member (16) and the second sealing member (18) each have an opening (19) extending therethrough in an axial direction and aligning with the inlet port (6) and the outlet port (7).

Claims

Claims

1. A nasal cannula assembly (1) comprising: a collector body (2) comprising: a septum-like structure (3) configured to separate an inlet chamber (4) and an outlet chamber (5) which extend generally axially with respect to the collector body (2) and internally dividing the collector body (2) into an inlet port (6) and an outlet port (7), each defining a lumen (8) having a first length (LJ) and a first inner diameter (0i); a channel (11) disposed proximate the septum-like structure (3) and in fluid communication with the outlet chamber (5), the channel having a second length (L2) and defining an opening having a second inner diameter (02); and a pair of nasal prongs (13) having a proximal end (14) connected to the septum-like structure (3) and a distal end (15) for insertion into the nostrils of a patient;wherein the lumen (8) of the inlet orifice (6) comprises a projection (9) disposed on an inner surface (10) thereof which extends at least partially in the longitudinal direction of the lumen (8).;

2. A nasal cannula assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first length (L1) of the inlet and outlet ports (6, 7) is equal to the second length (L2) of the channel (11).

3. A nasal cannula assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second internal diameter (02) of the channel (11) is less than the first internal diameter (01) of the inlet and outlet ports (6, 7).

4. The nasal cannula assembly of claim 1 further comprising a first sealing member (16) adapted to form fluid communication with the inlet port (6), wherein the first sealing member (16) has a recess (17) extending longitudinally along the length thereof such that the recess (17) of the first sealing member (16) conforms to the shape of the lumen (8) of the inlet port (6), the nasal cannula assembly further comprising a second sealing member (18) adapted to form fluid communication with the outlet port (7).

5. A nasal cannula assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first and second sealing members (16, 18) comprise a sealing element (22) disposed at their proximal end which is fixedly and directly coupled to the inlet port (6) and the outlet port (7), respectively, for sealing thereof.

6. A nasal cannula according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first and second sealing members (16, 18) each have an opening (19) extending therethrough in an axial direction and aligning with the inlet and outlet ports (6, 7).

7. A nasal cannula assembly according to claim 1, wherein the pair of nasal prongs (13) each has an axial partition aligned with the septum-like structure (3) and passing through a wall of the collecting body (2) to intersect the septum-like structure (3) so that gas inspired by the patient flows from the inlet port (6) only to the patient's nostrils and gas exhaled by the patient flows at least partially to the outlet port (7).

8. A nasal cannula assembly according to claim 1 or 7, wherein the pair of nasal prongs (13) comprises a first tube (20) which extends from the inlet chamber (4) of the septum-like structure (3) for delivering gas to the patient's nostrils, and a second tube (21) which extends from the outlet chamber (5) of the septum-like structure (3) for receiving gas exhaled from the patient's nostrils.

9. A nasal cannula assembly according to claim 8, wherein the length of the first tube (20) extending from the inlet chamber (4) of the septum-like structure (3) is less than that of the second tube (21) extending from the outlet chamber (5) of the septum-like structure (3).

10. A nasal cannula assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a bulbous member (23) disposed above the channel (11) for positioning adjacent the patient's mouth to intercept orally exhaled gas and transmit at least one sample to the outlet orifice (7) of the collecting body (2).

11. A nasal cannula assembly according to claim 1, wherein the outlet port (7) is adapted to be connected to a capnograph or any suitable device for measuring the concentration or partial pressure of carbon dioxide exhaled by the patient.

12. A nasal cannula assembly according to claim 1, wherein the inlet port (6) is connected to an oxygen source for delivering oxygen to the patient's nostrils.

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