Medical tubing and connectors for breathing circuits

Abstract

Disclosed is a connector for medical tubing, the connector having a first portion having a first opening, a second portion having a second opening, and a lumen formed by the first and second portions, the lumen providing a gas flow path between the first and second openings, the first portion of the connector including at least one sensor port extending through a wall of the first portion of the connector into the lumen, the second portion of the connector body having at least one electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection with at least one wire of the medical tubing, and the electrical port being positioned at a top of the second portion of the connector, the first portion being angled relative to the second portion to form an elbow.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to tubing and connectors for medical applications, and in particular to medical tubing assemblies, medical tubing and connectors for use in breathing circuits suitable for delivering humidified gas to or from a patient, such as in a respiratory humidification system. [Background technology]

[0002] In a breathing circuit, various components transport warm and / or humidified gases to and from a patient. Respiratory humidification helps reduce the chance of infection and / or tissue damage.

[0003] Humidifiers are used to humidify the gases. Medical tubing is used to transport the humidified gases to and from the patient and to connect any devices together as part of the breathing circuit.

[0004] The breathing circuit may provide a complete circuit of breathing gas to and from the patient. In some cases, no tubes are provided to remove gas from the patient, and gas may be discharged directly to the atmosphere. In other cases, a complete breathing circuit is provided to deliver gas to and remove gas from the patient. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical tubing assembly, and / or medical tubing, and / or medical connector, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Medical tubing assemblies, medical tubing and / or connectors for use in respiratory devices and breathing circuits are disclosed.

[0007] In one aspect, a medical tubing assembly may be provided, the medical tubing assembly comprising: A tube, a lumen extending from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube; a first elongate member including a hollow body wound in a spiral shape to at least partially define the lumen; a second elongated member wound in a spiral shape and joined between adjacent turns of the first elongated member; Including, The first end of the tube includes at least one connector. Includes.

[0008] The second elongate member can define at least a portion of the lumen.

[0009] The first elongate member of the tube may define, in longitudinal cross-section, a plurality of hollow sections each having a flat surface forming at least a portion of a wall surrounding the lumen.

[0010] The medical tubing may include at least one wire.

[0011] The wires may be positioned between the plurality of hollow portions and the lumen of the tube.

[0012] The wire may be positioned within the second elongate member.

[0013] The lumen may be defined by the first elongate member and the second elongate member and includes a substantially smooth bore.

[0014] In another aspect, a medical tubing assembly may be provided, the medical tubing assembly comprising: A tube having a lumen extending from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube. Including, the first end of the tube includes at least one connector; The lumen of the tube has a substantially smooth bore.

[0015] The medical tubing may include at least one wire.

[0016] The outer surface of the tube may be corrugated, and optionally the corrugations are circular or spiral.

[0017] The at least one wire may extend along a portion of the length of the medical tubing.

[0018] The at least one wire may include at least one heater wire.

[0019] The at least one wire may include a heater wire pair.

[0020] The at least one wire may include at least one sensor wire.

[0021] The at least one wire may include a sensor wire pair.

[0022] The or the heating wire may be positioned within the lumen of the medical tubing.

[0023] The or the heating wire may be attached to the inner wall of the medical tubing.

[0024] A heating wire may be embedded within the wall of the medical tubing.

[0025] The wire may be embedded within the second elongate member.

[0026] The inner diameter of the lumen of the medical tubing can be about 10 mm to about 25 mm, or about 13 mm to about 20 mm, or about 16 mm to about 18 mm, or about 17 mm.

[0027] The length of the medical tubing can be about 1.4 m to about 1.8 m, or about 1.5 m to about 1.7 m.

[0028] The medical tube may be a respiratory tube.

[0029] The medical tube may be an air intake tube.

[0030] In another aspect, a medical tubing assembly may be provided, the medical tubing assembly comprising: a medical tubing having at least one wire positioned within a tube wall of the medical tubing; Connector positioned on end of medical tubing Including, The connector includes at least one electrical port, the electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection with the at least one wire, and optionally, the electrical port includes at least a connection point, the connection point configured to provide a connection of the electrical port to the at least one wire.

[0031] The at least one wire may be coiled along at least a portion of the length of the medical tubing.

[0032] In another aspect, a medical tubing assembly may be provided, the medical tubing assembly comprising: a medical tubing having at least one wire positioned within a tube wall of the medical tubing, the wire being spirally wound; Connector positioned on end of medical tubing Including, the connector includes at least one electrical port, the electrical port extending outwardly from the connector, the electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection with said at least one wire, optionally the electrical port includes at least a connection point, the connection point configured to provide a connection of the electrical port to the at least one wire; The connector is From the tube wall At least one wire Ya extension and / or a pin connected to said at least one wire. of, including at least one guide feature configured to guide to an electrical port and / or a connection point of the electrical port; The electrical ports are positioned tangentially to the outer surface of the connector.

[0033] In another aspect, a connector for medical tubing may be provided, the connector comprising: a first portion having a first opening configured to receive a flow of gas; a second portion having a second opening configured to engage the medical tubing and provide a flow of gas to the medical tubing through the second opening; a lumen formed by the first portion and the second portion, the lumen providing a gas flow path between the first opening and the second opening; Including, the first portion of the connector includes at least one sensor port, the sensor port extending through a wall of the first portion of the connector into the lumen; The second portion of the connector body includes at least one electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection with at least one wire of the medical tubing.

[0034] In another embodiment, a connector for medical tubing may be provided, the connector comprising: a first portion having a first opening configured to receive a flow of gas; a second portion having a second opening configured to engage the medical tubing and provide a flow of gas to the medical tubing through the second opening; a lumen formed by the first portion and the second portion, the lumen providing a gas flow path between the first opening and the second opening; Including, the first portion of the connector includes at least one sensor port, the sensor port extending through a wall of the first portion of the connector into the lumen; the second portion of the connector body includes at least one electrical port, the electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection with at least one wire of the medical tubing, the electrical port being positioned on the second portion of the connector; The first portion is angled relative to the second portion to form an elbow.

[0035] A medical tube may be defined by any one or any combination of any of the other aspects.

[0036] The connector is a first portion having a first opening configured to receive a flow of gas; a second portion having a second opening configured to engage the medical tubing and provide a flow of gas to the medical tubing through the second opening; may include.

[0037] A lumen may be formed by the first portion and the second portion, the lumen providing a gas flow path between the first opening and the second opening.

[0038] The first portion may be angled relative to the second portion to form an elbow.

[0039] The angle between the first and second portions can be from about 90 degrees to about 170 degrees, or from about 100 degrees to about 150 degrees, or from about 110 degrees to about 140 degrees, or about 135 degrees.

[0040] The first portion may provide a tapered mating connection.

[0041] The first portion of the connector may include a sensor port, the sensor port configured to receive the sensor.

[0042] The sensor port can provide an aperture for a sensor to be inserted into contact with the gas flow within the first portion of the connector.

[0043] The sensor may be configured to measure a flow rate of the gas flow within the first portion of the connector.

[0044] The sensor may be configured to measure a temperature of the gas flow within the first portion of the connector.

[0045] The sensor may be configured to measure the humidity of the gas flow within the first portion of the connector.

[0046] The sensor may be included as part of a probe, the probe being for being received by a sensor port.

[0047] The second portion of the connector may include at least one electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection to the or at least one wire in the tube.

[0048] The sensor port may be located on a side of the first portion of the connector and the electrical port is located on the top of the second portion of the connector.

[0049] The sensor port may be offset from about 120 to about 75 degrees, or about 110 to about 80 degrees, or about 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis of the first portion lumen relative to the electrical port.

[0050] The sensor port may be offset from about 120 to about 75 degrees, or about 110 to about 80 degrees, or about 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis of the lumen relative to the electrical port.

[0051] Opposite sides of the elbow can define inner and outer elbow surfaces, with the electrical port located on the outer elbow surface.

[0052] The sensor port may be oriented perpendicular to the first portion.

[0053] The sensor port may be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first portion.

[0054] The electrical port may be oriented along an axis substantially parallel to an axis substantially perpendicular to the second portion.

[0055] The electrical port may be oriented along an axis substantially parallel to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second portion.

[0056] The electrical port may be offset from a central longitudinal axis of the second portion of the connector.

[0057] The sensor port may have a longitudinal axis, the sensor port providing communication with the interior of the connector.

[0058] The longitudinal axis of the sensor port may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the flow of gas through the first portion of the connector.

[0059] A longitudinal axis of the sensor port may substantially intersect a corresponding longitudinal axis of the first portion of the connector from which the sensor port depends.

[0060] The sensor port may include a substantially cylindrical cross-section.

[0061] A termination surface of the sensor port distal to the outer surface of the first portion may include one or more positioning features.

[0062] The one or more positioning features may include one or more notches in an end face of the sensor port.

[0063] The notch or notches may extend in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

[0064] The connector may include a grommet, the grommet configured to be positioned with the sensor port.

[0065] The grommets may be integrally formed with the sensor port and / or the jacket.

[0066] The positioning feature can include a plurality of notches spaced around a circumference of the termination face and at least one of the plurality of notches configured to mate with a corresponding number of protrusions of the grommet.

[0067] The grommet may include a sensor orientation notch for receiving a protrusion of the or the sensor and rotationally orienting the sensor about the longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

[0068] The sensor port may include a sensor orientation notch for receiving the or the sensor protrusion and rotationally orienting the sensor about the longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

[0069] The grommet may include a sensor positioning feature that engages a surface of the sensor and positions the sensor at a desired location within the sensor port.

[0070] The sensor positioning feature may include a radially extending lip spaced from an end face of the sensor port and projecting inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

[0071] The connector may include a jacket for the sensor port, the jacket for fitting at least partially around the sensor port and / or the grommet.

[0072] The jacket may include a sensor orientation notch for receiving a protrusion of the sensor and rotationally orienting the sensor about the longitudinal axis of the sensor port and / or grommet and relative to the jacket.

[0073] The sensor orientation notch may be configured to engage with the sensor orientation notch of the grommet and the sensor port to allow mating of the jacket with the sensor port and grommet in only one relative rotational position.

[0074] The jacket may include a sensor depth positioning feature for engaging a surface of the sensor and positioning the sensor at a desired distance within the first portion of the connector and / or at a desired location on or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

[0075] The jacket may include two fastening members for fastening the jacket to either or both of the sensor port and the first portion.

[0076] The securing member may be for use in securing the jacket to the first portion.

[0077] The stationary member may at least partially surround an outer surface of the first portion from which the sensor port depends.

[0078] The securing member may at least partially surround an outer surface of the first portion and is configured to frictionally engage the outer surface of the first portion to secure the jacket to the first portion.

[0079] The securing members may include locking features that engage with corresponding locking features on the respective first portions.

[0080] The locking features of the first portion may be located on substantially opposing sides of said first portion.

[0081] The locking features of each first portion may be spaced apart from one another along the lumen.

[0082] The locking feature of the first portion may be aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second portion.

[0083] The connector may include a cover for mating with and sealing the sensor port, the cover including a protrusion for positioning within and sealing the sensor port.

[0084] The cover may be subordinate to the jacket.

[0085] The cover may be connected to the jacket by a tether.

[0086] When the cover is not coupled to the sensor port, the tether can be configured to be positioned away from the sensor port.

[0087] When the cover is not coupled to the sensor port, the tether can be configured to extend substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

[0088] The cover may include gripping features that assist a user in gripping the cover.

[0089] The gripping feature may be an outwardly extending collar.

[0090] When the sensor port is sealed by the protrusion, the gripping feature may be provided spaced apart from the jacket such that the gripping feature may be gripped by a user.

[0091] The gripping features may not extend laterally beyond the portion of the jacket fitted around the sensor port.

[0092] The jacket may include uprights that engage the gripping features and provide a restriction to the passage of the protrusions within the sensor port.

[0093] The uprights may be contained by a sensor depth positioning feature on or in the jacket.

[0094] The exterior surface of the connector may include a number of gripping features for grasping by a user.

[0095] The gripping feature may be configured to provide resistance to a user's fingers during connection or disconnection of the connector to the gas supply outlet.

[0096] The gripping features may include at least one pair of ribs or nodes protruding from an exterior surface of the connector, the at least one pair of ribs or nodes being provided on substantially opposing exterior surface portions of the connector.

[0097] The gripping features may include three pairs of ribs or nodes, with each pair of ribs or nodes provided on substantially opposite exterior surface portions of the connector.

[0098] The gripping feature can include at least one set of ribs, each rib oriented such that a longitudinal direction of each rib is substantially non-parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first portion proximate the first opening.

[0099] Each rib may be oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second portion proximate the second opening.

[0100] The connector may include a cuff configured to be positioned over at least a portion of the second portion.

[0101] The connector may include a termination collar positioned away from an end of the second portion (ie, the second opening), and the cuff configured to engage said termination collar when installed.

[0102] A termination collar may be provided around the periphery of the second portion.

[0103] The connector and the cuff may include at least one corresponding locking feature configured to lock and retain the cuff on the second portion.

[0104] The locking features may include a locking collar and a protrusion.

[0105] The protrusion may be configured to engage the locking collar to engage and connect the connector and the cuff.

[0106] The locking collar may be provided on the outer surface of the second portion or a protrusion may be provided on the inner surface of the cuff.

[0107] The projections may be provided on an outer surface of the second portion, or the projections may be provided on an inner surface of the cuff.

[0108] The locking collar may be positioned about an outer periphery of the second portion or an inner periphery of the cuff.

[0109] The protruding collar may be positioned about an outer periphery of the second portion or an inner periphery of the cuff.

[0110] The locking collar can act as a limiting surface for an overmold positioned below the cuff that overmolds the interface between the tube and connector.

[0111] The cuff can have a cutout located at one end, the cutout being shaped to accommodate the contours of the electrical port.

[0112] The electrical port may be aligned with an outer surface of the connector.

[0113] The electrical port may be aligned tangentially to the outer surface of the connector.

[0114] The electrical port may extend outwardly from the connector.

[0115] The electrical port may extend outwardly from the second portion.

[0116] The electrical ports may be offset from the center of the connector to align with the termination points of the wires from the tube wall.

[0117] The termination points of the wires from the tube wall may be aligned with the electrical ports.

[0118] A direct path may be provided from the termination point of the wire from the tube wall to the electrical port.

[0119] The electrical port may include at least one connection point, the connection point configured to provide a connection to at least one wire of the electrical port.

[0120] The connection points may be aligned with an outer surface of the connector.

[0121] The connection points of the electrical ports may be aligned with a surface tangential to the outer surface of the connector.

[0122] The termination points of the wires from the tube may be aligned with the connection points.

[0123] A direct path may be provided from the wire termination point through the tube wall to the connection point.

[0124] The electrical port may include at least one pin configured to be in electrical communication with the at least one wire.

[0125] The electrical port and / or the connection point of the electrical port may be configured to receive at least one wire in the tube wall or a pin (eg, a crimp pin) connected to said at least one wire.

[0126] The at least one wire may include a heater wire pair.

[0127] The at least one wire may include a sensor wire pair.

[0128] The electrical port may be integrally formed with the connector.

[0129] The electrical port may be cloverleaf shaped.

[0130] The electrical port can include a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion.

[0131] The first and second portions may include at least one pin configured to be in electrical communication with the at least one wire.

[0132] The first and second portions may include two pins configured to be in electrical communication with the at least one wire.

[0133] The third portion may be configured to receive a positioning portion of a corresponding electrical port.

[0134] The connector is From the tube wall At least one wire Ya extension and / or a pin connected to said at least one wire. of , may include at least one guide feature configured to guide to the electrical port and / or a connection point of the electrical port.

[0135] The guide features may be positioned tangentially on a surface of the connector.

[0136] The guide features may be provided along a plane aligned with the connection point of the electrical port.

[0137] The guide features may position the wires and / or pins in a predetermined location.

[0138] At predetermined locations, the wires and / or pins may be aligned with electrical ports and / or connection points of electrical ports.

[0139] The at least one guide feature may be or may include an outer surface of the connector.

[0140] The at least one guide feature may be defined at least in part by one or more recesses or protrusions.

[0141] At least one guide feature may be provided in the second portion of the connector.

[0142] The at least one guide feature can include at least one rib, the rib being oriented parallel to or along a longitudinal axis of the second portion or a longitudinal axis of the medical tube.

[0143] The guide feature may include a rib having a recess configured to position the at least one wire and / or the at least one pin within the recess.

[0144] The connector is a first portion having a first opening configured to receive a flow of gas; a second portion having a second opening configured to engage the medical tubing and provide a flow of gas to the medical tubing through the second opening; a lumen formed by the first portion and the second portion, the lumen providing a gas flow path between the first opening and the second opening; may include.

[0145] The tube is a lumen extending from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube; a first elongate member including a hollow body wound in a spiral shape to at least partially define the lumen; a second elongated member wound in a spiral shape and joined between adjacent turns of the first elongated member; It may further include.

[0146] The first elongate member of the tube may define, in longitudinal cross-section, a plurality of hollow sections each having a flat surface forming at least a portion of a wall surrounding the lumen.

[0147] The lumen may be defined by the first elongate member and the second elongate member and includes a substantially smooth bore.

[0148] The second elongate member may include the at least one wire.

[0149] The connector can include at least one positioning feature configured to position the second elongate member at a predetermined location from the end of the tube.

[0150] The predetermined location may align the second elongate member with the electrical port and / or a connection point of the electrical port.

[0151] The predetermined locations may allow the wires from the second elongate member to be provided to the corresponding guide features.

[0152] The positioning feature may include one or more ribs and / or recesses oriented parallel to or along the longitudinal axis of the second portion or the longitudinal axis of the medical tube.

[0153] The positioning feature can include a rib having a recess, the recess configured to position the second elongate member to position the second elongate member at the predetermined location.

[0154] The second portion may include at least one connecting feature.

[0155] The connection features may be configured to engage and retain medical tubing.

[0156] The connection feature may be a thread.

[0157] A guide surface may be positioned at a terminal end of the connection feature to be provided at an end of the medical tubing when the medical tubing is attached to the connector.

[0158] The connector can include at least one protrusion positioned at or near the end of the threads, the protrusion configured to engage the medical tubing to provide a stop that prevents further engagement of the medical tubing with the threads.

[0159] The medical tubing-to-connector connection may be overmolded.

[0160] In another aspect, a connector for medical tubing is provided, the connector comprising: a first portion having a first opening configured to receive a flow of gas; a second portion having a second opening configured to engage the medical tubing and provide a flow of gas to the medical tubing through the second opening; a lumen formed by the first portion and the second portion, the lumen providing a gas flow path between the first opening and the second opening; Including, the first portion of the connector includes a sensor port, the sensor port being configured to receive a sensor, the sensor port being positioned on a side of the first portion of the connector; The second portion of the connector includes at least one electrical port, the electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection to at least one wire in the tube, the electrical port positioned in the second portion of the connector.

[0161] In another aspect, a connector for medical tubing is provided, the connector comprising: a first portion having a first opening configured to receive a flow of gas; a second portion having a second opening configured to engage the medical tubing and provide a flow of gas to the medical tubing through the second opening; a lumen formed by the first portion and the second portion, the lumen providing a gas flow path between the first opening and the second opening; Including, the first portion of the connector includes a sensor port, the sensor port configured to receive a sensor; the second portion of the connector includes at least one electrical port, the electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection to at least one wire in the tube; The sensor port is offset from about 120 to about 75 degrees, or about 110 to about 80 degrees, or about 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis of the lumen relative to the electrical port.

[0162] The first portion may be angled relative to the second portion to form an elbow.

[0163] The angle between the first and second portions can be from about 90 degrees to about 170 degrees, or from about 100 degrees to about 150 degrees, or from about 110 degrees to about 140 degrees, or about 135 degrees.

[0164] The first portion may provide a tapered mating connection.

[0165] The sensor port can provide an aperture for a sensor to be inserted into contact with the gas flow within the first portion of the connector.

[0166] The sensor may be configured to measure a flow rate of the gas flow in the first portion of the connector, and / or to measure a temperature of the gas flow in the first portion of the connector, and / or to measure a humidity of the gas flow in the first portion of the connector.

[0167] The sensor may be included as part of a probe, the probe being for being received by the sensor port.

[0168] The sensor port may be offset from about 120 to about 75 degrees, or about 110 to about 80 degrees, or about 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis of the lumen relative to the electrical port.

[0169] Opposite sides of the elbow can define inner and outer elbow surfaces, and the electrical port can be located on the outer elbow surface.

[0170] The sensor port may be oriented perpendicular to the first portion.

[0171] The sensor port may be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first portion.

[0172] The electrical port may be oriented perpendicular to the second portion.

[0173] The electrical port may be positioned tangentially to an outer surface of the connector.

[0174] The electrical port may be offset from a central longitudinal axis of the second portion of the connector.

[0175] The sensor port may have a longitudinal axis, the sensor port providing communication with the interior of the connector.

[0176] The longitudinal axis of the sensor port may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the flow of gas through the first portion of the connector.

[0177] A longitudinal axis of the sensor port may substantially intersect a corresponding longitudinal axis of the first portion of the connector from which the sensor port depends.

[0178] The sensor port may include a substantially cylindrical cross-section.

[0179] A termination surface of the sensor port distal to the outer surface of the first portion may include one or more positioning features.

[0180] The one or more positioning features may include one or more notches in an end face of the sensor port.

[0181] The notch or notches may extend in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

[0182] The connector may include a grommet, the grommet configured to be positioned with the sensor port.

[0183] The grommets may be integrally formed with the sensor port and / or the jacket.

[0184] The positioning feature can include a plurality of notches spaced about a circumference of the termination face, with at least one of the plurality of notches configured to mate with a corresponding number of protrusions of the grommet.

[0185] The grommet may include a sensor orientation notch that receives a protrusion of the or the sensor and rotationally orients the sensor about the longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

[0186] The sensor port may include a sensor orientation notch that receives a protrusion of the sensor and rotationally orients the sensor about a longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

[0187] The or one of the grommets may include a sensor positioning feature that engages a surface of the sensor and positions the sensor at a desired location within the sensor port.

[0188] The sensor positioning feature may include a radially extending lip spaced from an end face of the sensor port and projecting inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

[0189] The connector may include a jacket for the sensor port, the jacket for fitting at least partially around the sensor port and / or the grommet.

[0190] The jacket may include a sensor orientation notch that receives a protrusion of the sensor and rotationally orients the sensor about the longitudinal axis of the sensor port and / or grommet and relative to the jacket.

[0191] The sensor orientation notch may be configured to engage with the sensor orientation notch of the grommet and the sensor port to allow mating of the jacket with the sensor port and grommet in only one relative rotational position.

[0192] The jacket may include a sensor depth positioning feature that engages a surface of the sensor and positions the sensor at a desired distance within the first portion of the connector and / or at a desired location on or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

[0193] The jacket may include two fastening members for fastening the jacket to either or both of the sensor port and the first portion.

[0194] The securing member may be for use in securing the jacket to the first portion.

[0195] The stationary member may at least partially surround an outer surface of the first portion from which the sensor port depends.

[0196] The securing member may at least partially surround an outer surface of the first portion and may be configured to frictionally engage the outer surface to secure the jacket to the first portion.

[0197] The securing members may include locking features that engage with corresponding locking features on the respective first portions.

[0198] The locking features of the first portion may be located on substantially opposing sides of said first portion.

[0199] The locking features of each first portion may be spaced apart from one another along the lumen.

[0200] The locking feature of the first portion may be aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second portion.

[0201] The connector may include a cover for mating with and sealing the sensor port, the cover including a protrusion for positioning within and sealing the sensor port.

[0202] The cover may be subordinate to the jacket.

[0203] The cover may be connected to the jacket by a tether.

[0204] When the cover is not coupled to the sensor port, the tether can be configured to be positioned away from the sensor port.

[0205] When the cover is not coupled to the sensor port, the tether can be configured to extend substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sensor port.

[0206] The cover may include gripping features that assist a user in gripping the cover.

[0207] The gripping feature may be an outwardly extending collar.

[0208] When the sensor port may be sealed by the protrusion, the gripping feature is provided spaced apart from the jacket such that the gripping feature may be gripped by a user.

[0209] The gripping features may not extend laterally beyond the portion of the jacket fitted around the sensor port.

[0210] The jacket may include uprights that engage the gripping features and provide a restriction to the passage of the protrusions within the sensor port.

[0211] The uprights may be contained by a sensor depth positioning feature on or in the jacket.

[0212] The electrical port may be configured to extend upward and away from the humidifier when the connector is connected to the humidification chamber.

[0213] The electrical port may be configured to extend away from the humidifier when the connector is connected to the humidification chamber.

[0214] In another aspect, a medical tubing assembly is provided, the medical tubing assembly comprising: A tube, a lumen extending from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube; a first elongate member including a hollow body wound in a spiral shape to at least partially define the lumen; a second elongated member wound in a spiral shape and joined between adjacent turns of the first elongated member; Including, The first end of the tube includes at least one connector. The connector includes: a first portion having a first opening configured to receive a flow of gas; a second portion having a second opening configured to engage the medical tubing and provide a flow of gas to the medical tubing through the second opening; a lumen formed by the first portion and the second portion, the lumen providing a gas flow path between the first opening and the second opening; Including, The first portion is angled relative to the second portion to form an elbow.

[0215] The first portion of the connector may include a sensor port, the sensor port configured to receive the sensor.

[0216] The second portion of the connector may include at least one electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection to the or at least one wire in the tube.

[0217] In another aspect, a medical tubing assembly is provided, the medical tubing assembly comprising: A tube, a lumen extending from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube; a first elongate member including a hollow body wound in a spiral shape to at least partially define the lumen; a second elongated member wound in a spiral shape and joined between adjacent turns of the first elongated member; Including, The first end of the tube includes at least one connector. The connector includes: a first portion having a first opening configured to receive a flow of gas; a second portion having a second opening configured to engage the medical tubing and provide a flow of gas to the medical tubing through the second opening; a lumen formed by the first portion and the second portion, the lumen providing a gas flow path between the first opening and the second opening; Including, The first portion of the connector includes a sensor port, the sensor port being configured to receive a sensor.

[0218] The second portion of the connector may include at least one electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection to the or at least one wire in the tube.

[0219] In another aspect, a medical tubing assembly is provided, the medical tubing assembly comprising: A tube, a lumen extending from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube; a first elongate member including a hollow body wound in a spiral shape to at least partially define the lumen; a second elongated member wound in a spiral shape and joined between adjacent turns of the first elongated member; Including, The first end of the tube includes at least one connector. The connector includes: a first portion having a first opening configured to receive a flow of gas; a second portion having a second opening configured to engage the medical tubing and provide a flow of gas to the medical tubing through the second opening; a lumen formed by the first portion and the second portion, the lumen providing a gas flow path between the first opening and the second opening; Including, The second portion of the connector includes at least one electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection to the or at least one wire in the tube.

[0220] The electrical port may be positioned tangentially to an outer surface of the connector.

[0221] In another aspect, a medical tubing assembly is provided, the medical tubing assembly comprising: A connector, which is a connector as described above; A tube, a lumen extending from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube; a first elongate member including a hollow body wound in a spiral shape to at least partially define the lumen; a second elongated member wound in a spiral shape and joined between adjacent turns of the first elongated member; Tube containing Includes.

[0222] In another aspect, a medical tubing assembly is provided, the medical tubing assembly comprising: A connector, which is a connector as described above; A tube, a lumen extending from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube; a first elongate member including a hollow body wound in a spiral shape to at least partially define the lumen; a second elongated member wound in a spiral shape and joined between adjacent turns of the first elongated member; Tube containing Includes.

[0223] The second elongate member can define at least a portion of the lumen.

[0224] The first elongate member of the tube may define, in longitudinal cross-section, a plurality of hollow sections each having a flat surface forming at least a portion of a wall surrounding the lumen.

[0225] The medical tubing may include at least one wire.

[0226] The wires may be positioned between the plurality of hollow portions and the lumen of the tube.

[0227] The wire may be positioned within the second elongate member.

[0228] The lumen may be defined by the first elongate member and the second elongate member and includes a substantially smooth bore.

[0229] The exterior surface of the tube is corrugated, and optionally the corrugations are circular or spiral.

[0230] The at least one wire may extend along a portion of the length of the medical tubing.

[0231] The at least one wire may include at least one heater wire.

[0232] The at least one wire comprises a heater wire pair.

[0233] The at least one wire includes at least one sensor wire.

[0234] The at least one wire may include a sensor wire pair.

[0235] The heating wire may be positioned within the lumen of the medical tubing.

[0236] The heating wire may be attached to the inner wall of the medical tubing.

[0237] A heating wire may be embedded within the wall of the medical tubing.

[0238] The wire is embedded within the second elongate member.

[0239] The inner diameter of the lumen of the medical tubing can be about 10 mm to about 25 mm, or about 13 mm to about 20 mm, or about 16 mm to about 18 mm, or about 17 mm.

[0240] The length of the medical tubing can be about 1.4 m to about 1.8 m, or about 1.5 m to about 1.7 m.

[0241] The medical tube may be a breathing tube or an intake tube.

[0242] The connector may include any one or combination of features of the other aspects.

[0243] In another aspect, a medical tubing assembly is provided that includes a connector, the connector being any one or combination of the other aspects, and a tube, the lumen of the tube including a substantially smooth bore.

[0244] When a tube is provided to the second portion of the connector and engages the connection feature, wires of the tube extending from the tube wall may be aligned with the electrical port.

[0245] The connector is a first end having a first opening; a second end having a second opening; Including, the connector is configured to engage the medical tubing at the second end and to receive a flow of gas from the medical tubing through the second opening; A lumen is formed by the connector, the lumen providing a gas flow path between the second opening and the first opening.

[0246] The first end of the connector may be configured to engage a patient interface and / or a patient interface extension tube.

[0247] The connector may include at least one sensor port.

[0248] The sensor port may extend outwardly from the connector.

[0249] The sensor port may include at least one cover.

[0250] A cover may be attached to the connector around the sensor port.

[0251] The cover may be retained about the sensor port by one or more retention features.

[0252] The retention feature may include one or more protrusions.

[0253] The cover may include a cap connected to the cover by a tether.

[0254] The connector may include at least one connection feature configured to allow connection with medical tubing.

[0255] The connection feature may be a thread.

[0256] The connector can include at least one protrusion positioned at or near the end of the threads, the protrusion configured to engage the medical tubing to provide a stop that prevents further engagement of the medical tubing with the threads.

[0257] The connector may include a cuff configured to be positioned over at least a portion of the second portion.

[0258] The connector may include a termination collar, with a first collar positioned away from a second end of the cuff configured to engage with said termination collar when installed.

[0259] A termination collar may be provided around the periphery of the second portion.

[0260] The connector and the cuff may include at least one corresponding locking feature configured to lock and retain the cuff on the second portion.

[0261] The locking features may include a locking collar and a protrusion.

[0262] The protrusion may be configured to engage the locking collar to engage and connect the connector and the cuff.

[0263] The locking collar may be provided on the outer surface of the second portion or a protrusion may be provided on the inner surface of the cuff.

[0264] The projections may be provided on an outer surface of the second portion, or the projections may be provided on an inner surface of the cuff.

[0265] The locking collar may be positioned about an outer periphery of the second portion or an inner periphery of the cuff.

[0266] The protruding collar may be positioned about an outer periphery of the second portion or an inner periphery of the cuff.

[0267] The locking collar can act as a limiting surface for an overmold positioned below the cuff that overmolds the interface between the tube and the connector.

[0268] The cuff and the connector may include corresponding alignment features.

[0269] The alignment feature may include at least one protrusion and at least one corresponding recess.

[0270] The alignment feature may be configured to prevent relative rotation between the cuff and the connector.

[0271] At least one of the protrusions may include one or more teeth.

[0272] The cuff may include said at least one recess and the connector includes said at least one protrusion.

[0273] The connector may include said at least one recess and the cuff includes said at least one protrusion.

[0274] The at least one recess may be located on an interior surface of the cuff.

[0275] The at least one recess may include multiple recesses such that the cuff can engage the protrusion in multiple orientations.

[0276] The at least one recess may be positioned around the entire inner circumference of the inner surface of the cuff.

[0277] At least one protrusion may be positioned on the connector.

[0278] The at least one protrusion may be located on the or a termination collar or the or a locking collar of the connector.

[0279] The connector may include a wire termination feature configured to provide a termination of the tube or wires in the connector.

[0280] The wire termination feature may include one or more protrusions that extend away from the connector.

[0281] In another aspect, there is provided a medical tubing as described with respect to any of the above aspects, wherein the medical tubing includes an additional connector positioned at a second end of the medical tubing, the additional connector being defined by a connector of the above features.

[0282] In another aspect, Any connector, or medical tubing, or medical tubing assembly of any preceding claim; At least one of the following: drying line, filter, intake port, humidification chamber, pressure line, interface extension tube A breathing circuit kit is provided, comprising:

[0283] Any reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (e.g., 1 to 10) is intended to incorporate a reference to every rational number within that range (e.g., 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, and 10) as well as any range of rational numbers within that range (e.g., 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5, and 3.1 to 4.7).

[0284] The embodiments described herein may be broadly described as relating to the parts, elements and features referred to or shown in this specification of the present application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where reference is made herein to a specific whole that has known equivalents in the art to which the invention pertains, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0285] References herein to external sources, including patent applications and other publications, are generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing features of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, references to such sources should not be construed as an admission that such sources are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art in any jurisdiction.

[0286] The term "comprising" as used herein means "consisting at least in part of." When interpreting sentences herein containing the term, all of the features preceding the term in each sentence must be present, although other features may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "included" should be interpreted similarly.

[0287] The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0288] [Figure 1A-B] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a breathing system. [Figure 2A-D]1 illustrates an embodiment of a medical tube. [Figure 2E] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a medical tube. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a medical tube. [Figure 3A-B] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a medical tube. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a medical tubing assembly having medical tubing and one or more connectors. [Figure 5A-B] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a connector as part of a medical tubing assembly. [Figure 6] 1 shows a connector as part of a medical tubing assembly. [Figure 7] 1 shows a connector for a medical tubing assembly. [Figure 7A] The sensor port grommets and jackets are shown. [Figure 8] 1 shows a connector for a medical tubing assembly. [Figure 8A] 1 shows a sensor probe. [Figure 8B] 1 shows the cuff of the connector. [Figure 9] 1 shows a connector for a medical tubing assembly. [Figure 10] 1 shows a connector for a medical tubing assembly. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates another connector for a medical tubing assembly. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates another connector for a medical tubing assembly. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates another connector for a medical tubing assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0289] Reference will now be made in detail to one embodiment of the present invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0290] Medical tubing can be used in breathing circuits or systems to deliver and / or remove humidified gases to and / or from patients, such as in obstructive sleep apnea, neonatal, respiratory humidification and surgical humidification systems including pneumoperitoneum systems and systems for patients undergoing procedures under general anesthesia.

[0291] This application relates to medical tubing assemblies, medical tubing and connectors for use in breathing circuits or systems that can be used to deliver and / or remove humidified gases to and / or from patients, such as in obstructive sleep apnea, neonatal, respiratory humidification and surgical humidification systems, including pneumoperitoneum systems and systems for patients undergoing procedures under general anesthesia.

[0292] A medical tubing assembly can be used to deliver gas between two components of a breathing circuit. A medical tubing assembly can be used to deliver gas between a component and a patient, for example, between a humidifier and a patient.

[0293] In some embodiments, the medical tube may be an inspiratory tube, an expiratory tube, a patient interface tube, a feeding tube, a dryness line, an insufflation tube, or the like.

[0294] A medical tubing assembly may include one or more medical tubing and one or more connectors.

[0295] The connector may allow the properties of the gas to be sensed without compromising the integrity of the tube or allowing gas to leak from or to the external environment.

[0296] A sensor port may be provided to allow insertion of the sensor into the gas flow path through the connector wall.

[0297] In some systems, the connector may also provide an electrical interface (e.g., an electrical port) between the respiratory device and wires provided within the tube. The wires may be, for example, heater wires and / or sensor wires.

[0298] When sensors and electrical ports are required, cable management can be difficult because there may be separate wires going to each of the sensors and electrical ports. Removal and insertion of probes and / or electrical ports can be difficult due to the small size of the connectors and the various cabling requirements.

[0299] As will be described in more detail below, the sensor ports and heater wires may be provided in different portions of the connector and extend in different directions so as not to interfere with one another.

[0300] The tubing used in the respiratory device can be designed to minimize condensation (e.g., by including insulation and / or heater wire), see for example WO2012164407, incorporated herein by reference.

[0301] The tubing used in the respiratory device can be designed to minimize resistance to flow, see for example WO2018016975, WO2011 / 149362 and PCT application PCT / NZP2019 / 050016, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0302] As described in more detail below, resistance to flow can be an important consideration when designing a tube assembly. Resistance to flow can be minimized by increasing the tube diameter to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the gas flow path. As a result of increasing the tube diameter, increased heating of the gases by the heating elements may be required to keep the humidified gases above their dew points to prevent condensation from forming. With an increased tube diameter, it may not be possible to heat the gases to the required dew point.

[0303] A smooth bore tube can be provided to reduce the resistance to gas flow. Furthermore, the reduced resistance to gas flow provided by the smooth bore tube can allow for a reduced inner diameter of the tube. However, challenges such as an internal smooth bore and connecting wires (e.g., heater wires in the tube) can be associated with providing connectors to the smooth bore tube.

[0304] The medical tubing, connectors and medical tubing assemblies described herein may be provided in one or more breathing systems, breathing circuits or kits.

[0305] Medical tubing can be used to deliver and / or remove humidified gases to and / or from patients, such as in obstructive sleep apnea, neonatal, respiratory humidification and surgical humidification systems, including pneumoperitoneum systems, and systems for patients undergoing procedures under general anesthesia. Medical tubing can be used to deliver and / or remove respiratory gases from a patient as part of a respiratory therapy or treatment. The respiratory gases can be heated and / or humidified prior to delivery to the patient, for example, to reduce the possibility of infection and / or tissue damage.

[0306] 1A shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a breathing system (or breathing circuit) 100A that may include one or more of the medical tubes described herein. In the embodiment shown, the breathing system 100A includes a gas source 110 that is integrated with a humidification device 150 (e.g., a humidifier) ​​or is a separate component from the humidification device 150.

[0307] The gas source 110 and / or humidification device 150 delivers heated and humidified gas to a patient 190 via a breathing circuit that includes, for example, an inspiratory tube 170 and a patient interface 180 .

[0308] A patient interface as used herein is intended to have a broad meaning and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those skilled in the art, and includes, without any limitation, any one or more of a full face mask, a nasal mask, an oral mask, an oral-nasal mask, a nasal pillows mask, a nasal cannula, nasal prongs, a laryngeal mask, or any other suitable coupling between the medical circuit and the patient's airway.

[0309] In some embodiments, the intake tube 170 can be any of the medical tubes described herein (for example, the intake tube 170 can be any of the medical tubes 201, 220, 222, 225 shown in Figures 2A-3B and described below).

[0310] In some embodiments, a separate medical tubing, such as a supply tube 130, can be used to carry gas from the gas source 110 to the humidification device 150. The supply tube 130 may be referred to as a "dry" line because it is positioned before the "wet" humidifier in the breathing circuit. In some embodiments, the supply tube / dry line 130 can be any of the medical tubing described herein (e.g., the tube / dry line 130 can be any of the medical tubing 201, 220, 222, 225 shown in FIGS. 2A-3B and described below).

[0311] In some embodiments, additional tubes, such as interface tube 185, can connect inlet tube 170 and patient interface 180. It should be understood that other variations from the illustrated system 100A may exist. For example, inlet tube 170 can include multiple compartments to house other equipment, such as a water trap, an intermediate connector with one or more sensors, a PCB and / or a controller.

[0312] FIG. 1B illustrates, in a schematic manner, another embodiment of a breathing system (or breathing circuit) 100B that may include one or more of the medical tubes described herein. In many respects, the breathing system 100B may be similar to the breathing system of FIG. 1. For example, as illustrated, the breathing system 100B includes a gas source 110 and a humidification device 150 (e.g., a humidifier). The gas source 110 and / or the humidification device 150 supply heated and humidified gas to a patient 190 via a breathing circuit that includes, for example, an inhalation tube 170 and a patient interface 180. However, in FIG. 1B, the breathing circuit further includes an exhalation tube 172 that may carry exhaled gas. In some embodiments, the exhalation tube 172 carries the exhaled gas back to the gas source 110 and / or the humidification device 150.

[0313] 1B, the connector 175 may include a Y-piece that connects both the inhalation tube 170 and the exhalation tube 172 to a patient interface component such as an interface tube 185 (as shown in FIG. 1A) or directly to the patient interface 180 itself. Additionally, the respiratory system 100B may include one or more sensors 135.

[0314] For example, the sensor 135 can be connected to the inspiratory tube 170 near the patient interface 180, or the sensor 135 can be connected to the patient interface 180, among other possible sensor locations. The sensor 135 can be incorporated into or connectable to the inspiratory tube 170. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 100B includes two sensors 135, a first sensor 135 positioned at or near the humidifier chamber outlet end of the inspiratory tube 170 and a second sensor 135 positioned at the patient end of the inspiratory tube 170.

[0315] In some embodiments, the inspiratory tube 170 can include medical tubing 201, 220, 222, 225 as shown in FIGS. 2A-3B and described below, and the sensor 135 can be connected to the sensor port 340 of the connector 300 and / or the sensor port 605 of the connector 600. Alternatively or in addition, the sensor 135 can be provided at or near the humidifier chamber inlet. For example, a control system can be provided with the signal provided by the sensor 135. In some embodiments, the sensor 135 includes one or more of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a flow sensor, and a pressure sensor. Although the sensor 135 is shown connected to the patient end and the chamber outlet end of the inspiratory tube 170, one or more sensors can alternatively or additionally be included elsewhere in the inspiratory tube 170 and / or in other medical tubing or components of the respiratory system.

[0316] It should be understood that there may be other variations from the illustrated system. For example, the inhalation tube 170 and / or the exhalation tube 172 may include multiple compartments to house other equipment, such as a water trap, an intermediate connector with one or more sensors, a PCB and / or a controller. In another example embodiment, the system may include a nebulizer or a port therefor. In another example embodiment, the system may include a catheter mount or an exhalation valve.

[0317] The medical tubing assembly, medical tubing and / or connectors may be provided as a respiratory kit, which may also include at least one of a dryness line 130, a filter, an exhalation port, a humidification chamber, a pressure line, and an interface extension tube.

[0318] The tube can have a lumen extending from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube.

[0319] The tube may form part of a tube assembly, which may include a connector at a first end of the tube, in some embodiments, the tube may include a further or second connector at a second end of the tube.

[0320] As will be described in more detail below, the tube may include one or more wires.

[0321] The wires may be heater wires and / or sensor wires.

[0322] The wires may be positioned within the wall of the tube (eg, as shown in Figures 2A-2C or 3A).

[0323] The wires may be positioned within the wall of the tube (eg, as shown in FIG. 3) or within the lumen.

[0324] The wires may include at least one heater wire.

[0325] The wires may include a pair of heater wires.

[0326] The wires may include at least one sensor wire.

[0327] The wires may include a sensor wire pair.

[0328] The wires may be positioned along a portion of the length of the tube or along the entire length of the tube.

[0329] In some embodiments, the tube can be coiled. A coiled tube can, for example, include one or more members that are coiled to form a lumen.

[0330] In some embodiments, the tube can be wound in a circular shape. The circular tube can include a series of members wound in a circular shape to form a lumen.

[0331] The tube can include an external corrugated surface, for example as shown in Figures 2A-2C.

[0332] Below are examples of different types of tubes.

[0333] The tubing may be part of a medical tubing assembly along with at least one connector.

[0334] 2A shows a side view of a section of medical tubing 201. Medical tubing 201 can be a respiratory tube, such as an inhalation tube. Generally, tubing 201 includes a first elongate member 203 and a second elongate member 205. Member is a broad term and should be given its ordinary and customary meaning to those of skill in the art (i.e., not limited to a special or specialized meaning), and includes, without limitation, integral parts, integral components, and separate components. First elongate member 203 can have a hollow portion 228, and second elongate member 205 can be a structural support or reinforcement that adds structural support to the hollow body.

[0335] FIG. 2B shows a longitudinal cross-section of the top of the tube 201 of FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B has the same orientation as FIG. 2A. The first elongated member 203 can have a hollow body shape. The first elongated member 203 can form a plurality of hollow portions 228 in a longitudinal cross-section. A portion 209 of the first elongated member 203 can overlap adjacent turns of the second elongated member 205. A portion 211 of the first elongated member 203 can form at least a portion of the wall of the lumen 207 (tube bore). Adjacent hollow portions can be separated by a gap 213. A T-shaped second elongated member 205 as shown in FIG. 2B can help maintain the gap 213 between adjacent hollow portions 228.

[0336] As described in more detail below, while FIG. 2B shows wire 215 visible within the second elongated member, it will be understood that wire 215 may not be visible if the second elongated member is opaque.

[0337] FIG. 2C shows a side view of a portion of tube 201 , where first elongate member 203 and second elongate member 205 form lumen 207 .

[0338] In some embodiments, the lumen 207 can have a smooth bore (described in more detail below). Figure 2D shows an example of such a tube 201 having an internal smooth bore.

[0339] The first elongate member 203 may include a hollow body that is spirally wound to at least partially form an elongate tube having a longitudinal axis LA-LA and a lumen 207 that extends along the longitudinal axis of the tube when the tube is in the extended configuration LA-LA. The first elongate member 203 may form a plurality of hollow portions in a longitudinal cross section. A portion 211 of the first elongate member 203 forms at least a portion of the inner wall of the lumen 207. The first elongate member 203 may be a tube. In some embodiments, the first elongate member 203 is flexible. Flexible refers to the ability to bend to withstand strain without being permanently altered or destroyed.

[0340] Additionally, the first elongate member 203 may be transparent or at least translucent or semi-opaque. A degree of optical transparency allows a caregiver or user to inspect the lumen 207 for blockages or contaminants or to see the presence of condensation. A variety of plastics are suitable for the body of the first elongate member 203, including medical grade plastics. Suitable materials include polyolefin elastomers, polyether block amides, thermoplastic copolyester elastomers, EPDM-polypropylene blends, and thermoplastic polyurethanes.

[0341] In some embodiments, the first elongate member 203 can be opaque.

[0342] The hollow structure of the first elongated member 203 can contribute to the insulating properties of the inspiratory tube 201. The insulating conduit can help prevent heat loss, allowing the inspiratory tube 201 to deliver gas from the humidifier 107 to the patient 101 while maintaining a conditioned state of the gas with minimal energy consumption.

[0343] The second elongate member 205 can also be spirally wound. The second elongate member 205 can be joined to the first elongate member 203 between adjacent turns of the first elongate member 203. The second elongate member 205 can form at least a portion of the lumen 207 of the elongate tube. The second elongate member 205 can act as structural support for the first elongate member 203. The second elongate member 205 can be wider at the base (proximal to the lumen 207) and narrower at the apex.

[0344] The second elongate member may be generally triangular, generally T-shaped, or generally Y-shaped, or substantially triangular in shape, however, any shape that matches the contour of the corresponding first elongate member 203 is suitable.

[0345] The second elongated member 205 can be flexible to facilitate bending of the tube. In an exemplary embodiment, the second elongated member 205 is less flexible than the first elongated member 203. This can improve the ability of the second elongated member 205 to structurally support the first elongated member 203. The second elongated member 205 can be solid or mostly solid.

[0346] A variety of polymers and plastics, including medical grade plastics, are suitable for the body of the second elongated member 205. Suitable materials include polyolefin elastomers, polyether block amides, thermoplastic copolyester elastomers, EPDM-polypropylene blends, and thermoplastic polyurethanes. The first elongated member 203 and the second elongated member 205 can be made from the same material.

[0347] The second elongate member 205 can enclose or house one or more wires 215. For example, the wires 215 can be positioned within the second elongate member 205.

[0348] In an exemplary embodiment, the second elongate member 205 can house wires 215 used to transmit information from one or more sensors (not shown). The sensors can include any device configured to detect one or more conditions within the system. For example, the sensors can include thermocouples or similar heat sensors, flow sensors, humidity sensors, barometer sensors, etc.

[0349] In some embodiments, the wire 215 can be a heater wire that acts as a heating element. The wire 215 can be a resistive heater. In an exemplary embodiment, the second elongated member 205 can house one or more heating element wires. The wire 215 can be used to generate heat through electrical resistance. The heating element can reduce cold surfaces where condensation from moisture laden gases can occur. The heating element can also be used to change the temperature profile of the gas within the lumen 207 of the inlet tube 201.

[0350] In an exemplary embodiment, two heating wires (e.g., two wires 215) may be enclosed within the second elongated member 205, one on each side of the vertical portion of the "T". In some embodiments, the second elongated member 205 is generally Y-shaped or substantially triangular. The heating wires (e.g., wires 215) may include conductive materials, such as alloys of aluminum (Al) and / or copper (Cu) or conductive polymers. In some embodiments, the material forming the second elongated member 205 is selected to be non-reactive with the metals in the heating wires when the heating wires reach their operating temperature. The material forming the second elongated member 205 may also desirably include a material with a sufficiently high melting temperature so that the elongated member 205 can maintain its structural properties when the heating wires reach their operating temperature.

[0351] The heater wire 215 can be spaced from the lumen 207 so that the elements are not exposed to the lumen 207. A pair of elements can be formed into a connecting loop at one end of the composite tube. Multiple wires can be positioned within the second elongate member 205.

[0352] In some embodiments, the wires 215 can include at least one heater wire, optionally a pair of heater wires.

[0353] In some embodiments, the wires 215 can include at least one sensor wire, optionally a pair of sensor wires.

[0354] 2E is a cross-sectional view of a portion of medical tubing. As shown, the tube body 12 of the medical tubing can be formed from a bead 16 and a tape or film 18. As will be described in more detail, the bead 16 and the film 18 can define a bore (or lumen) 20 of the medical tubing.

[0355] The inner surface 22 of the medical tubing 10 can at least partially define a lumen (e.g., bore 20). The inner surface 22 can be substantially smooth. Thus, the lumen bore 20 can be considered (and often referred to herein) to be a substantially smooth bore. As described in more detail below, the inner surface 22 can include alternating portions of beads 16 and tapes or films 18. For example, as shown in FIG. 2E, the inner surface 22 can include portions 16A of beads 16 and portions 18B of films 18. The portions 16A of beads 16 and portions 18B of films 18 can be substantially flat, as described below.

[0356] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the bead, which may be much thicker and / or made from a harder or stiffer material than the film, may provide structural support, reinforcement and / or crush resistance to the more flexible film portions of the tube, which may be important in medical tubing, particularly respiratory tubing, which must meet international standards that define usage characteristics and parameters.

[0357] Forming the interior surface 22 and bore 20 in this manner (with alternating portions of bead 16 and film 18) can be accomplished in some embodiments by spirally winding the bead 16 with a space between each turn, and then providing the film 18 over the spirally wound bead 16 such that at least a first portion of the film 18 (e.g., portion 18A) is positioned over at least one turn of the bead 16 and a second portion of the film 18 (e.g., portion 18B) is positioned between the turns of the bead 16. In this configuration, the smooth bore 20 (and interior surface 22) can be formed by alternating portions of the bead 16 and portions of the film 18.

[0358] In some embodiments, film 18 comprises an elongated strip that is spirally wound over bead 16. The total thickness of film 18 (i.e., the combined thickness of all layers of film 18, if multiple layers are present) can have a thickness T, as shown. In some embodiments, thickness T is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. In some embodiments, thickness T is between 0.15 mm and 0.4 mm. Other thicknesses T, both greater and less than the recited values, can also be used.

[0359] In embodiments where film 18 includes multiple layers of film, there may be a locally greater thickness where the layers overlap than where they do not. Film 18 may be made from a thermoplastic polymer (TPE) material. In some embodiments, the TPE material is polypropylene based. In another example embodiment, the film may be made from the same material or the same type of material as beads 16. In some embodiments, film 18 may be at least partially optically translucent to allow a user to see condensation or other substances within the lumen.

[0360] 4 shows an example of a tube 201 having a first connector 300 and a second connector 600. The first connector 300 and the second connector 600 (or further connectors) are described in more detail below.

[0361] The tube can have an inner lumen diameter of about 10 mm to about 25 mm, or about 13 mm to about 20 mm, or about 16 mm to about 18 mm, or about 17 mm.

[0362] The tube can have a length of about 1.4 m to about 1.8 m, or about 1.5 m to about 1.7 m.

[0363] In some embodiments, the lumen of the medical tubing can have a smooth bore. Figure 2D shows an example of a tube with an internal smooth bore.

[0364] It will be appreciated that such a smooth bore tube may be formed by other manufacturing techniques as compared to the first and second elongate member structures as described above for the tube as shown in Figures 2A-2C.

[0365] In some embodiments, the tube may be a single extrusion.

[0366] 3, the tube 220 may have a smooth bore. The tube 220 may include a heater wire 221 positioned within the lumen of the tube.

[0367] Figure 3A shows a further example of a tube 222 having a smooth bore. The tube 222 may include a heater wire 221 positioned within the tube wall 223 of the tube 222. This configuration is similar to that of Figure 2B, where the heater wire 221 is spirally wound around the lumen 207 of the tube.

[0368] 3B shows a further example of a tube 225 having a smooth bore. The tube 225 may include a heater wire 221 attached to a tube wall 223 of the tube 225. The heater wire 221 may be attached to an inner wall of the tube wall 223, for example, by an adhesive.

[0369] The term "smooth bore" is used broadly herein to describe a substantially smooth inner surface of a lumen extending through a medical tubing. In some instances, the term smooth bore can describe a tubing that does not have substantially repeating inner surface features (e.g., a tubing having an inner surface that is not corrugated, wavy, ribbed, etc.).

[0370] In some examples, the term smooth bore can describe a tube that has minimal, reduced, or completely absent pockets (or cavities, recesses, depressions, etc.) within the tube.

[0371] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that tubes made from multiple elongated members may have some irregularities in their interior surfaces, and these slight manufacturing irregularities, even if repeated, are intended to be encompassed by the term substantially smooth bore.

[0372] A medical tube that includes a smooth bore may not substantially disturb (or may reduce) the generally laminar flow of gas through the passageway or lumen defined by the smooth bore. Improving the smoothness of the bore may reduce turbulence and induce a more parabolic wave front across the inner wall of the lumen. A smooth bore tube may not provide any pockets where vapor or gas may become trapped or where condensation or other liquids may accumulate, as corrugated tubes do. Thus, vapors carried by the gas are encouraged to exit the tube and thus be delivered to the patient.

[0373] In some embodiments, medical tubing having a smooth bore may advantageously provide a conduit having a lower resistance to flow (RTF) than a comparably sized conduit having a substantially non-smooth (e.g., corrugated) bore. Thus, in some embodiments, the smooth bore medical tubing described herein may provide improved performance, efficiency and / or flow compared to other medical tubing.

[0374] It will be appreciated that a tube having an internal smooth bore can have any outer contour (i.e., the outer contour of the tube does not necessarily have to be smooth as well).

[0375] 4-10 show a connector 300 as part of a medical tubing assembly 150. As shown in FIG.

[0376] Connector 300 may be positioned and connected to the end of a tube (eg, tube 201 or any of the tubes described above).

[0377] The connector 300 can provide a pneumatic connection between a tube and another component.

[0378] The connector 300 can provide an electrical connection to the wires of the tube (eg, wire 215).

[0379] The connector 300 can include a first portion 301. The first portion 301 can have a first opening 302 configured to receive a flow of gas (e.g., a flow of gas from a humidification chamber). The first portion 301 can be configured to engage the humidification chamber and receive gas from the humidification chamber through the first opening 302.

[0380] Connector 300 can include a second portion 311. Second portion 311 can have a second opening 312. Second portion 311 can be configured to engage a medical tubing (e.g., tubing 201) and provide a flow of gas to medical tubing 201 through second opening 312.

[0381] The connector 300 can include a lumen formed by a first portion 301 and a second portion 311. The lumen can provide a gas flow path between the first opening 302 and the second opening 312.

[0382] For example, first portion 301 may be angled relative to second portion 311 to form an elbow, as shown in Figures 4-5B.

[0383] The elbow configuration of the connector 300 may allow for drainage back (e.g., in the direction of the chamber) of any condensate within the tube 201 or within the second portion 311 when the connector 300 is connected to a humidification chamber.

[0384] The elbow configuration of the connector 300 allows the tube 201 to be positioned at an angle so that gravity can act on any condensation to return it to the connector 300 and then to the attached humidification chamber.

[0385] Condensate drainage can prevent condensate from reaching the patient and can improve the overall efficiency of the system by redirecting any condensate into the humidification chamber.

[0386] The elbow configuration of the connector 300 can also act to direct the tube 201 in a direction upward and away from the humidifier to keep the area around the humidifier unobstructed by the tube 201. This can allow for easier access and user of the work area.

[0387] The angle between the first portion 301 and the second portion 311 can be from about 90 degrees to about 170 degrees, or from about 100 degrees to about 150 degrees, or from about 110 degrees to about 140 degrees, or about 135 degrees.

[0388] The angle between the first portion 301 and the second portion 311 may be the angle of the inner portion 369 of the elbow.

[0389] The angle can be measured between the longitudinal axis of the lumen of first portion 301 and the longitudinal axis of the lumen of second portion 311 (eg, the angle indicated by axis 372).

[0390] The first portion 301 may provide a taper-mating connection that may mate with a complementary taper-mating connection on another component, such as a component of a humidification chamber.

[0391] The exterior surface of the connector may include a number of gripping features 330. The gripping features 330 may be for gripping by a user.

[0392] Gripping feature 330 may be configured to provide resistance to a user's fingers during connection or disconnection of the connector to a gas supply outlet (eg, a humidification chamber).

[0393] The gripping features 330 may also include indentations. The indentations may be formed by a reduction in the cross-sectional area or profile of the outer surface of the connector 300.

[0394] 4-9, the gripping features 330 can include at least one pair of ribs or nodes that protrude from an exterior surface of the connector 300. The at least one pair of ribs or nodes is provided on substantially opposing exterior surface portions of the connector 300.

[0395] The gripping features 330 may include three pairs of ribs or nodes, with each pair of ribs or nodes provided on substantially opposing exterior surface portions of the connector 300 .

[0396] The gripping feature 330 may include at least one set of ribs 330' (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4), each rib 330' oriented such that the longitudinal direction of each rib 330' is substantially non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first portion proximate the first opening 302.

[0397] Each rib 330' may be oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second portion proximate the second opening.

[0398] As shown in FIG. 6, second portion 311 can include at least one connection feature 331 that can be configured to engage and retain medical tubing 201.

[0399] The connecting feature 331 may be a helical rib (eg, a screw thread or a helical thread).

[0400] In some embodiments, the connection feature 331 can include a series of protrusions configured to engage with the tube 201 .

[0401] In some embodiments, the connection feature 331 may include a barbed connection.

[0402] In some embodiments, the connection feature 331 can include any combination of the features described above.

[0403] A guide feature or positioning feature (described in more detail later) can be positioned at the terminal end of connection feature 331 so as to be provided at the end of medical tubing 201 when medical tubing 201 is attached to connector 300.

[0404] Connector 300 may include at least one protrusion 332 positioned at or near one end of connection feature 331. For example, protrusion 332 may be positioned at one end of a thread used as connection feature 331. Protrusion 332 may be configured to engage medical tubing 201 to provide a stop that prevents further engagement of medical tubing 201 with the thread as connection feature 331.

[0405] The connection between the medical tubing 201 and the connector 300 may be overmolded.

[0406] The overmold can help retain the connector 300 on the medical tubing.

[0407] The overmold can protect the electrical connections (eg, the connections between the electrical ports and the wires 215) from water ingress.

[0408] As shown in FIG. 9, the connector 300 may include a cuff 380 configured to be positioned over at least a portion of the second portion 311 .

[0409] The connector 300 may include a termination collar 381 positioned away from the end (i.e., the second opening) of the second portion 311. The cuff 380 may be configured to engage with the termination collar 501 when installed.

[0410] A termination collar 381 may be provided around the periphery of the second portion 311 .

[0411] The connector 300 and the cuff 380 may include corresponding locking features configured to lock and retain the cuff 380 on the second portion 311 .

[0412] The locking features may include a locking collar 382 and a protrusion 384 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8B). The protrusion 384 may be configured to engage with the locking collar to engage and connect the connector 300 and the cuff 380.

[0413] A locking collar 382 may be provided on an exterior surface of the second portion 311 (eg, as shown by locking collar 382 in FIG. 9) or a protrusion may be provided on an interior surface of the cuff 380 .

[0414] A protrusion 385 may be provided on an outer surface of the second portion 311, or a protrusion 384 may be provided on an inner surface of the cuff 380 (eg, as shown in FIG. 8B).

[0415] The locking collar 382 may be positioned about the outer periphery of the second portion 311 or the inner periphery of the cuff 380 .

[0416] The protrusions 384 may be positioned about the outer periphery of the second portion 311 or the inner periphery of the cuff 380 (eg, as shown in FIG. 8B).

[0417] The locking collar can act as a limiting surface for an overmold positioned below a cuff 380 that overmolds the interface between the tube 201 and the connector 300 .

[0418] The cuff can have a cutout 383 located at one end. The cutout 383 can be shaped to accommodate the contours of the electrical port 360.

[0419] Figures 7 and 7A show a connector 300 having a sensor port 340. The sensor port may have a grommet 344 and a covering jacket 350. In use, the sensor port 340 houses the grommet 344 and the jacket 350 is provided over the grommet 344 (as shown in Figures 5A and 5B).

[0420] 7 and 7A, the first portion 301 of the connector 300 may include a sensor port 340. The sensor port 340 may be configured to receive a sensor.

[0421] The sensor port 340 can provide an aperture for a sensor to be inserted into contact with the gas flow within the first portion of the connector.

[0422] The sensor may be configured to measure a flow rate of the gas flow within the first portion 301 of the connector 300 .

[0423] The sensor may be configured to measure the temperature of the gas flow within the first portion 301 of the connector 300 .

[0424] The sensor may be configured to measure the humidity of the gas flow within the first portion 301 of the connector 300.

[0425] The sensor may be included as part of a probe, the probe being for receipt by the sensor port 340 .

[0426] 8A shows an example of a sensor probe 390. The sensor probe can have a portion 391 that extends into the sensor port to position the sensor probe 390 in the gas flow within either or both of the connectors 300, 600.

[0427] The sensor probe 390 may include a sensing portion 392 positioned at the tip of the probe.

[0428] The sensing portion 392 may be positioned within the center of the lumen of either or both of the connectors 300,600.

[0429] Sensing portion 293 may comprise a portion of a sensor that senses a characteristic of the gas flow.

[0430] One or more wires may be connected to the sensor to provide an electrical signal indicative of a characteristic of the gas flow to one or more controllers.

[0431] The sensor port 340 has a longitudinal axis 342 and provides communication with the interior of the connector.

[0432] The longitudinal axis 342 of the sensor port 340 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the flow of gas through the first portion 301 of the connector 300 .

[0433] A longitudinal axis 342 of the sensor port 340 may substantially intersect a corresponding longitudinal axis of the connector first portion 301 .

[0434] The sensor port 340 may include a substantially cylindrical cross-section.

[0435] An end face of the sensor port distal to the outer surface of the first portion 301 may include one or more positioning features 343. The one or more positioning features 343 may include one or more notches in the end face of the sensor port 340.

[0436] The one or more notches may extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis 342 of the sensor port 340 .

[0437] The one or more notches may extend toward the center of the connector.

[0438] The positioning feature 343 can include a plurality of notches spaced around the circumference of the termination face, with at least one of the plurality of notches configured to mate with a corresponding number of protrusions of the grommet 344.

[0439] The notch as the positioning feature 343 may be substantially V-shaped or U-shaped.

[0440] The sensor port 340 and / or grommet 344 may include a sensor orientation notch 345 to receive a protrusion of one or more sensors and rotationally orient the sensor about the longitudinal axis of the sensor port 340 .

[0441] The sensor orientation notch can be configured to engage with a corresponding protrusion 393 positioned on the sensor (eg, as part of the sensor probe 390).

[0442] The grommet 344 may include a sensor positioning feature 364 that engages a surface of the sensor to position the sensor at a desired location on or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sensor port 340 .

[0443] The sensor orientation feature 346 may include a radially extending lip that is spaced from the grommet end face and projects inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the sensor port 346 .

[0444] The sensor positioning feature 364 may be formed by a reduction in the inner diameter of the grommet 344 .

[0445] In some embodiments, the grommet seals with a surface of the sensor.

[0446] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 7 a , the connector 300 can include a jacket 350 for the sensor port 340 , the jacket 350 for fitting at least partially around the sensor port 340 and / or the grommet 344 .

[0447] Jacket 350 may include a sensor orientation notch 345 ″ to receive a protrusion of the sensor and rotationally orient the sensor about the longitudinal axis of sensor port 340 and / or grommet 344 and relative to jacket 350 .

[0448] The sensor orientation notch 345'' of the jacket 350 may be configured to engage with the sensor orientation notch 345' of the grommet 344 and the sensor orientation notch 345 of the sensor port 340 to allow mating of the jacket 350, the sensor port 340 and the grommet 344 in only one relative rotational position.

[0449] The jacket may include a sensor depth positioning feature 351 that engages with a surface of the sensor. The sensor depth positioning feature 351 may position the sensor at a desired distance within the first portion 301 of the connector 300.

[0450] The sensor depth positioning feature 351 may include a protrusion as an upright.

[0451] The sensor depth positioning feature 351 allows for positioning of the sensor at a desired location on or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sensor port 340.

[0452] The sensor depth positioning feature 351 can provide a limit to the passage of the sensor within the sensor port 340 .

[0453] As shown in FIG. 7A, the jacket 350 may include two fastening members 347 that secure the jacket to either or both of the sensor port 340 and the first portion.

[0454] The fastening member 347 can secure the jacket 350 to the first portion 301 .

[0455] The fixing member 347 may at least partially surround or cover an outer surface of the first portion 301 from which the sensor port 340 depends.

[0456] The securing member 347 may at least partially surround an outer surface of the first portion 301 and is configured to frictionally engage the outer surface to secure the jacket 350 to the first portion 301 .

[0457] The securing member 347 includes a locking feature 348 that engages with a corresponding locking feature 348 ′ on each first portion 301 .

[0458] First portion locking features 348 ′ may be positioned on substantially opposing sides of said first portion 301 .

[0459] The locking features 348' of the first portion are spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis of the lumen and / or the first portion.

[0460] The locking feature of the first portion is aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second portion.

[0461] The connector 300 may include a cover 352 for mating with the sensor port 351 and sealing the sensor port 340 and / or grommet 344, the cover including a protrusion 355 for positioning within and sealing the sensor port 340 and / or grommet 344.

[0462] In some embodiments, the jacket 350 can include the cover 352. The cover 352 can be connected to the jacket 350 by a tether 353.

[0463] When the cover 352 is not coupled to the sensor port 340 , the tether 353 can be configured to be positioned away from the sensor port 340 .

[0464] When the cover 352 is not coupled to the sensor port 340 , the tether 353 can be configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 342 of the sensor port 340 .

[0465] The cover 352 may include a gripping feature 354 that aids a user in gripping the cover. The gripping feature may be an outwardly extending collar. In some embodiments, when the sensor port 340 is sealed by a protrusion 355.

[0466] When the sensor port 340 is sealed by the protrusion 355, a gripping feature 354 may be provided away from the jacket 350 for a user to grasp.

[0467] The gripping feature 354 may not extend laterally beyond the portion of the jacket that is fitted within the sensor port 340 .

[0468] The sensor depth positioning feature 351 can be configured to act as an upright and engage with the gripping feature 354 and provide a limit to the passage of protrusions within the sensor port 340.

[0469] 8-10, the connector 300 can include at least one electrical port 360. The electrical port can be configured to provide an electrical connection with one or more wires 215 of the tube.

[0470] An electrical port can receive another electrical port and can include one or more conductors (e.g., pins) that mate with corresponding conductors of the other electrical port.

[0471] In some embodiments, the electrical port includes two pins.

[0472] Wire 215 (eg, heater wire) can be coiled along at least a portion of the length of medical tubing 201 (eg, as shown in FIGS. 2B, 3A, and 9 and 10).

[0473] The electrical port 360 may include at least one connection point 362. The connection point 362 may be configured to provide for connection of the electrical port to at least one wire 215.

[0474] 4, the electrical port 360 may be offset from a central longitudinal axis of the second portion 311 of the connector 300. This positioning allows the electrical port 360 to be aligned with an outer surface of the connector 300.

[0475] In some embodiments, the electrical port 360 may be aligned tangentially to the outer surface of the connector 300 .

[0476] This positioning allows electrical port 360 to be aligned with the exterior surface of connector 300 .

[0477] The exterior surface of connector 300 may be the surface located between the end of the tube or where the wires exit the tube wall and the electrical connector.

[0478] Alignment of the exterior surface of the connector 300 with the electrical port 360 allows for alignment of the wire 215 with the connector 300 when the tube 201 is engaged with the connector 300 .

[0479] In some embodiments, the termination points 361 of the wires 215 from the tube (eg, where the wires exit the tube wall) may be aligned with the electrical ports.

[0480] The electrical port 360 may include at least one connection point 362. The connection point 362 acts as an interface between the electrical port 360 and the wires 215 to provide a connection of the electrical port to the at least one wire.

[0481] The connection point 362 may be an aperture into the electrical port 360 .

[0482] The connection point 362 may be aligned with the outer surface of the connector 360 .

[0483] The connection point 362 of the electrical port may be aligned with a surface tangential to the outer surface of the connector 360 .

[0484] In some embodiments, the termination point 361 of the wire from the tube (e.g., where the wire exits the tube wall) can be aligned with connection point 362. This causes the wire 215 exiting the tube wall to be aligned with connection point 362.

[0485] The alignment of the wires with the connectors 360 and / or connection points 362 can provide a direct path from the wires' termination points from the tube wall to the connection points.

[0486] The alignment of the wires with the connector 360 and / or connection point 362 facilitates ease of manufacturing since the wires 215 are directly aligned with the connector when the tube 201 is attached to the connector 205. No repositioning or realignment of the wires is required because the termination points of the wires from the tube wall and the electrical ports and / or connection points 362 are already aligned when the tube 201 is installed.

[0487] The electrical port 360 may include at least one pin 363 configured to electrically communicate with the at least one wire 215. The pin 363 may be, for example, a crimp pin that connects to an end of the wire 216.

[0488] The electrical port 360 may include two pins 363 configured to be in electrical communication with the at least one wire 215 .

[0489] The electrical port 360 and / or the connection point 362 of the electrical port 300 may be configured to receive at least one wire 215 in the tube wall or a pin (e.g., a crimp pin) connected to the at least one wire 215. The pin 363 may engage the connection point (e.g., by extending through the connection point to form an electrical connection pin 363).

[0490] When the pin 363 engages the electrical port 360, it can provide an electrical connection to another electrical port (eg, a plug).

[0491] The electrical port 360 may be integrally formed with the connector.

[0492] The electrical port 360 may be cloverleaf shaped, as shown in FIG.

[0493] The electrical port 360 can include a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, the first portion and the second portion including at least one pin configured to electrically communicate with the at least one wire, and the third portion configured to receive a corresponding electrical port locating portion.

[0494] The tube 201 can be provided to the second portion 311 of the connector 300 and engaged with the connection feature 331 such that the wires 215 of the tube 201 extending from the tube wall are aligned with the electrical ports 360 and / or connection points 363.

[0495] The connector 300 is From the tube wall At least one wire 21 5th grade and / or a pin connected to the at least one wire 215. of , may include at least one guide feature 365 configured to guide to the electrical port 360 and / or the connection point 264 of the electrical port 360.

[0496] At least one guide feature 365 can position the wire 215 and / or pin 364 in a predetermined location.

[0497] The predetermined locations of the wires 215 and / or pins 364 may be aligned with the electrical ports 360 and / or connection points 364 of the electrical ports 360 .

[0498] At least one guide feature 365 may be provided by an exterior surface of the connector 300 .

[0499] The at least one guide feature 365 may be defined at least in part by one or more recesses or protrusions.

[0500] At least one guide feature 365 may be provided in the second portion 311 of the connector 300 .

[0501] The at least one guide feature 365 can include at least one rib that is oriented parallel to or along the longitudinal axis of the second portion or the longitudinal axis of the medical tube 201 .

[0502] The at least one guide feature may include a rib having one or more recesses configured to position the at least one wire 215 and / or the at least one pin 264 within the recesses.

[0503] 2A-2C, having an elongate member 205 with embedded wires, the connector may include at least one positioning feature 366. The positioning feature 366 may be configured to position an elongate member (e.g., the second elongate member 205) at a predetermined location from the end of the tube.

[0504] The predetermined location can align the second elongate member 205 with the electrical port 360 and / or the connection point 364 of the electrical port 360 .

[0505] Alignment of second elongate member 205 with electrical port 360 and / or connection point 364 allows for corresponding alignment of termination point 261 (where wire 215 exits the tube).

[0506] The predetermined location may allow the wire 215 from the second elongate member 205 to be provided to a corresponding guide feature 365 .

[0507] The positioning feature 366 may include one or more ribs and / or recesses oriented parallel to or along the longitudinal axis of the second portion 311 or the longitudinal axis of the medical tube 201 .

[0508] The positioning feature 366 can include a rib having a recess, the recess configured to position the second elongate member at the predetermined location.

[0509] In some embodiments, the positioning features may include hooks, loops, or clips.

[0510] As mentioned above, easy access to both the sensor port 340 and the electrical port 360 is necessary to allow easy connection and disconnection of associated probes and connectors to the connector 300.

[0511] Having the electrical port 360 located as described above (e.g., on the top of the connector 300) also reduces the likelihood that any cabling connected to the electrical port 360 will interfere with other cabling in the system (e.g., cabling associated with the sensor port 340 and / or the sensor probe 390).

[0512] The orientation of the electrical port 360 (eg, above and away from the humidifier) ​​may also direct any cabling away from the humidifier and / or the working area of ​​the humidifier.

[0513] For example, if the sensor port 340 were located in the same portion of the connector, it may be difficult for a clinician to easily and independently connect and disconnect the associated probes and connectors to the sensor port 340 and electrical port 360 .

[0514] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the sensor port 340 can be positioned on a side 371 of the first portion 301 of the connector 300 and the electrical port 360 is positioned on the second portion 311 of the connector 300.

[0515] The top of the second portion 311 of the connector 300 may be the outer portion 370 of the elbow (ie, the outer portion of the elbow).

[0516] The side 371 of the first portion 301 of the connector 300 can be either side of the elbow.

[0517] The sensor port may be offset relative to the electrical port 360 by about 120 to about 75 degrees, or about 110 to about 80 degrees, or about 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis 372 of the lumen of the connector 300 .

[0518] The connector 300 can define an inner elbow surface and an outer elbow surface, with the electrical port located on the outer elbow surface 370 .

[0519] The sensor port 340 may be oriented perpendicular to the first portion 301 .

[0520] The sensor port 340 may be oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first portion 301 (eg, at the portion of the first portion axis 372).

[0521] The electrical port 360 may be oriented along an axis parallel to an axis substantially perpendicular to the second portion.

[0522] The electrical port 360 may be oriented along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second portion.

[0523] The electrical port 360 may be offset from the center of the second portion 311 of the connector 300 .

[0524] The electrical port 360 may be oriented tangentially to the outer surface of the connector 300 .

[0525] The electrical port 360 may be positioned perpendicular to the sensor port 340 .

[0526] An axis passing through the electrical port 360 may be positioned perpendicular to an axis passing through the sensor port 340 .

[0527] The electrical port 360 may extend upwards and away from the humidifier when the connector 300 is connected to the humidification chamber.

[0528] The sensor port 340 may extend away from the humidifier when the connector 300 is connected to the humidification chamber.

[0529] 6, 11, 12 and 13 show another connector 600 as part of a medical tubing assembly.

[0530] The connector 600 may include a first end 604 having a first opening 602 .

[0531] The connector 600 may include a second end 603 having a second opening 601 .

[0532] The connector 600 may be configured to connect at a second end 603 to a medical tubing.

[0533] The first end 604 of the connector may be configured to engage a patient interface and / or a patient interface extension tube.

[0534] The first opening 602 may be configured to provide for the flow of gas.

[0535] The connector 600 can receive the flow of gas from the medical tubing 201 through the second opening 602 .

[0536] The connector 600 may include a lumen formed by the connector 600 that provides a gas flow path between the second opening 601 and the first opening 602 .

[0537] The connector 600 can include at least one sensor port 605. The sensor port 605 can have any of the features of the sensor port 340 as described above (e.g., the grommet 344 and / or the jacket 350).

[0538] The sensor port 605 may extend outwardly from the connector 600 .

[0539] The sensor port 605 may include at least one cover 607 .

[0540] A cover 607 may be attached to the connector 600 around the sensor port 605 .

[0541] The cover 607 may be retained around the sensor port 605 by one or more retention features 610 .

[0542] The retention feature 610 may include one or more protrusions.

[0543] The cover 607 may include a cap 620 connected to the cover by a tether 608 .

[0544] The connector 600 may include at least one connection feature 617 configured to allow connection of medical tubing.

[0545] The connecting feature 617 may be a helical rib (eg, a screw thread or a helical thread).

[0546] In some embodiments, the connection feature 617 can include a series of protrusions configured to engage with a tube.

[0547] In some embodiments, the connection feature 617 may include a barbed connection.

[0548] In some embodiments, the connection features 617 can include any combination of the features described above.

[0549] The connector 600 may include at least one protrusion 609 positioned at or near the end of the threads, the protrusion 609 configured to engage the medical tubing to provide a stop that prevents further engagement of the medical tubing with the threads.

[0550] The connector may include a cuff 610 configured to be positioned over at least a portion of the second end.

[0551] The connector 600 may include a termination collar 611 positioned away from an end of a second end (i.e., a second opening) of the cuff 610 that is configured to engage with the termination collar 611 when installed.

[0552] A termination collar 611 may be provided around the periphery of the second end.

[0553] The connector 600 and the cuff 610 may include corresponding locking features configured to lock and retain the cuff on the second portion.

[0554] The locking features may include a locking collar and a protrusion.

[0555] The protrusions may be configured to engage a locking collar to engage and connect the connector 600 and the cuff 610 .

[0556] A locking collar may be provided on the exterior surface of the second end or a protrusion may be provided on the interior surface of the cuff 610 .

[0557] The protrusions may be provided on an exterior surface of the second end or the protrusions may be provided on an interior surface of the cuff 610 .

[0558] The locking collar may be positioned around the outer periphery of the second end or the inner periphery of the cuff 610 .

[0559] The protrusions may be positioned around the outer periphery of the second end or the inner periphery of the cuff 610.

[0560] The locking collar can act as a limiting surface for an overmold positioned below the cuff 610, which overmolds the interface between the tube and the connector.

[0561] The cuff 610 and the connector 600 include corresponding alignment features.

[0562] The alignment features 612 , 613 include at least one protrusion 612 and at least one corresponding recess 613 .

[0563] The alignment features 612, 613 may be configured to prevent relative rotation between the cuff and the connector.

[0564] At least one of the protrusions 612 includes one or more teeth.

[0565] The cuff may include said at least one recess 613 and the connector includes said at least one protrusion 612 .

[0566] In some embodiments, the connector may include said at least one recess 613 and the connector may include said at least one protrusion.

[0567] At least one recess 613 may be positioned on an interior surface of the cuff 610 .

[0568] The at least one recess 613 may include multiple recesses such that the cuff 610 may engage the protrusion 612 in multiple orientations.

[0569] As shown in FIG. 13, at least one recess 613 may be positioned around the entire inner circumference of the inner surface of the cuff 610.

[0570] At least one recess 613 may be patterned on the inner periphery of the inner surface of the cuff 610 .

[0571] At least one protrusion 612 may be positioned on the connector.

[0572] At least one protrusion 612 may be positioned on one or more of the termination collars 611 or one or more of the locking collars of the connector 600 .

[0573] The connector may include a wire termination feature 614. The wire termination feature 614 may be configured to provide a termination of the tube or wires in the connector.

[0574] The wire termination feature 614 may include one or more protrusions that extend away from the connector.

[0575] A first end 604 of the connector 600 may provide a tapered mating connection. (Other possible items) (Item 1) 1. A connector for medical tubing, comprising: a first portion having a first opening configured to receive a flow of gas; a second portion having a second opening configured to engage the medical tubing and provide a flow of gas to the medical tubing through the second opening; a lumen formed by the first portion and the second portion, the lumen providing a gas flow path between the first opening and the second opening; Including, the first portion of the connector includes a sensor port, the sensor port configured to receive a sensor, the sensor port being positioned on a side of the first portion of the connector; A connector, wherein the second portion of the connector includes at least one electrical port, the electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection to at least one wire in the tube, the electrical port being positioned at a top of the second portion of the connector. (Item 2) 1. A connector for medical tubing, comprising: a first portion having a first opening configured to receive a flow of gas; a second portion having a second opening configured to engage the medical tubing and provide a flow of gas to the medical tubing through the second opening; a lumen formed by the first portion and the second portion, the lumen providing a gas flow path between the first opening and the second opening; Including, the first portion of the connector includes a sensor port, the sensor port configured to receive a sensor; the second portion of the connector includes at least one electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection to at least one wire in the tube; The connector, wherein the sensor port is offset from the electrical port by about 120 to about 75 degrees, about 110 to about 80 degrees, or about 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis of the lumen. (Item 3) 3. The connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first portion is angled relative to the second portion to form an elbow. (Item 4) 4. The connector according to item 1 or 3, wherein an angle between the first portion and the second portion is about 90 degrees to about 170 degrees, or about 100 degrees to about 150 degrees, or about 110 degrees to about 140 degrees, or about 135 degrees. (Item 5) 5. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first portion provides a tapered mating connection. (Item 6) 6. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensor port provides an aperture for the sensor to be inserted into contact with the gas flow within the first portion of the connector. (Item 7) 7. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sensor is configured to measure a flow rate of the gas flow in the first portion of the connector, and / or to measure a temperature of the gas flow in the first portion of the connector, and / or to measure a humidity of the gas flow in the first portion of the connector. (Item 8) 8. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sensor is included as part of a probe, the probe being intended to be received by the sensor port. (Item 9) 9. The connector according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the sensor port is offset about 120 to about 75 degrees, about 110 to about 80 degrees, or about 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis of the lumen relative to the electrical port. (Item 10) 10. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein opposing sides of the elbow define inner and outer elbow surfaces, and the electrical port is located on the outer elbow surface. (Item 11) 11. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sensor port is oriented perpendicular to the first portion. (Item 12) Item 12. The connector of any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the sensor port is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first portion. (Item 13) Item 13. The connector of any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the electrical port is oriented perpendicular to the second portion. (Item 14) Item 13. The connector of any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the electrical port is positioned tangentially to an outer surface of the connector. (Item 15) Item 15. The connector of any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the electrical port is offset from a central longitudinal axis of the second portion of the connector. (Item 16) Item 16. The connector of any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the sensor port has a longitudinal axis, the sensor port allowing communication with an interior of the connector. (Item 17) Item 17. The connector of any one of items 1 to 16, wherein the longitudinal axis of the sensor port is oriented substantially perpendicular to the flow of the gas through the first portion of the connector. (Item 18) Item 18. The connector of any one of items 1 to 17, wherein the longitudinal axis of the sensor port substantially intersects with a corresponding longitudinal axis of the first portion of the connector to which the sensor port depends. (Item 19) Item 19. The connector of any one of items 1 to 18, wherein the sensor port comprises a substantially cylindrical cross-section. (Item 20) 20. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein a termination surface of the sensor port distal to an outer surface of the first portion includes one or more positioning features. (Item 21) 21. The connector of claim 20, wherein the one or more positioning features include one or more notches in the end face of the sensor port. (Item 22) 22. The connector of claim 20 or 21, wherein the one or more notches extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the sensor port. (Item 23) Item 23. The connector of any one of items 1 to 22, comprising a grommet, the grommet configured to be positioned with the sensor port. (Item 24) Item 24. The connector of item 23, wherein the grommet is integrally formed with the sensor port and / or jacket. (Item 25) 25. The connector of claim 23 or 24, wherein the positioning feature includes a plurality of notches spaced around a circumference of the termination face, and at least one of the plurality of notches configured to mate with a corresponding number of protrusions of the grommet. (Item 26) 26. The connector of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the grommet includes a sensor orientation notch for receiving a sensor or a protrusion of the sensor and for rotationally orienting the sensor about the longitudinal axis of the sensor port. (Item 27) 27. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the sensor port includes a sensor orientation notch for receiving a sensor or a protrusion of the sensor and rotationally orienting the sensor about the longitudinal axis of the sensor port. (Item 28) 28. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the grommet or grommet includes a sensor positioning feature that engages a surface of a sensor and positions the sensor at a desired location within the sensor port. (Item 29) Item 29. The connector of any one of items 23-28, wherein the sensor positioning feature includes a radially extending lip spaced from the end face of the sensor port and projecting inward toward the longitudinal axis of the sensor port. (Item 30) 30. The connector of any one of claims 23 to 29, including a jacket for the sensor port, the jacket for fitting at least partially around the sensor port and / or the grommet. (Item 31) Item 31. The connector of item 30, wherein the jacket includes a sensor orientation notch for receiving a protrusion of the sensor and rotationally orienting the sensor about the longitudinal axis of the sensor port and / or grommet and relative to the jacket. (Item 32) Item 32. The connector of item 30 or 31, wherein the sensor orientation notch is configured to engage with the sensor orientation notch of the grommet and sensor port to enable mating of the jacket with the sensor port and grommet in only one relative rotational position. (Item 33) 33. The connector of any one of claims 30-32, wherein the jacket includes a sensor depth positioning feature for engaging a surface of the sensor and positioning the sensor at a desired distance within the first portion of the connector and / or at a desired location on or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sensor port. (Item 34) Item 34. The connector according to any one of items 30 to 33, wherein the jacket includes two fixing members for fixing the jacket to either or both of the sensor port and the first portion. (Item 35) Item 35. The connector of item 34, wherein the securing member is for use in securing the jacket to the first portion. (Item 36) Item 36. The connector of item 34 or 35, wherein the fixing member at least partially surrounds an outer surface of the first portion to which the sensor port depends. (Item 37) Item 37. The connector of any one of items 34 to 36, wherein the securing member is configured to at least partially surround the outer surface of the first portion and to frictionally engage the outer surface of the first portion to secure the jacket to the first portion. (Item 38) Item 38. The connector of any one of items 34 to 37, wherein the securing member includes a locking feature that engages with a corresponding locking feature of the respective first portion. (Item 39) Item 39. The connector of item 38, wherein the locking features of the first portion are positioned on substantially opposing sides of the first portion. (Item 40) 40. The connector of claim 38 or 39, wherein the locking features of the respective first portions are spaced apart from one another along the lumen. (Item 41) 41. The connector of any one of items 38 to 40, wherein the locking feature of the first portion is aligned substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second portion. (Item 42) Item 42. The connector according to any one of items 1 to 41, comprising a cover for coupling with and sealing the sensor port, the cover including a protrusion for positioning within the sensor port and sealing the sensor port. (Item 43) Item 43. The connector of item 42, wherein the cover depends from the jacket. (Item 44) Item 44. The connector of item 42 or 43, wherein the cover is connected to the jacket by a tether. (Item 45) Item 45. The connector of any one of items 42 to 44, wherein the tether is configured to be positioned away from the sensor port when the cover is not coupled to the sensor port. (Item 46) Item 46. The connector of any one of items 42 to 45, wherein when the cover is not coupled to the sensor port, the tether is configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sensor port. (Item 47) 47. The connector of any one of claims 42 to 46, wherein the cover includes gripping features that assist a user in gripping the cover. (Item 48) Item 48. The connector of item 47, wherein the gripping feature is an outwardly extending collar. (Item 49) Item 49. The connector of item 47 or 48, wherein when the sensor port is sealed by the protrusion, the gripping feature is provided spaced apart from the jacket such that the gripping feature can be gripped by a user. (Item 50) 50. The connector of any one of claims 47 to 49, wherein the gripping feature does not extend laterally beyond a portion of the jacket fitted around the sensor port. (Item 51) 51. The connector of any one of claims 47 to 50, wherein the jacket includes an upright portion that engages with the gripping feature and provides a restriction to passage of the protrusion within the sensor port. (Item 52) Item 52. The connector of item 51, wherein the upright portion is comprised by a sensor depth positioning feature of the jacket or the sensor depth positioning feature. (Item 53) Item 3. The connector of any one of items 1 to 52, wherein the electrical port is configured to extend upward and away from the humidifier when the connector is connected to a humidification chamber. (Item 54) Item 3. The connector of any one of items 1 to 52, wherein the electrical port is configured to extend in a direction away from the humidifier when the connector is connected to a humidification chamber. (Item 55) A tube, a lumen extending from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube; a first elongate member including a hollow body wound in a spiral shape to at least partially define the lumen; a second elongated member wound in a spiral shape and joined between adjacent turns of the first elongated member; Including, The first end of the tube includes at least one connector. 1. A medical tubing assembly comprising: a first portion having a first opening configured to receive a flow of gas; a second portion having a second opening configured to engage the medical tubing and provide a flow of gas to the medical tubing through the second opening; a lumen formed by the first portion and the second portion, the lumen providing a gas flow path between the first opening and the second opening; Including, The first section is angled relative to the second section to form an elbow. (Item 56) Item 56. The medical tubing assembly of item 55, wherein the first portion of the connector includes a sensor port, the sensor port configured to receive a sensor. (Item 57) 57. The medical tubing assembly of claim 55 or 56, wherein the second portion of the connector includes at least one electrical port, the electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection to a wire or at least one wire within the tube. (Item 58) A tube, a lumen extending from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube; a first elongate member including a hollow body wound in a spiral shape to at least partially define the lumen; a second elongated member wound in a spiral shape and joined between adjacent turns of the first elongated member; Including, The first end of the tube includes at least one connector. 1. A medical tubing assembly comprising: a first portion having a first opening configured to receive a flow of gas; a second portion having a second opening configured to engage the medical tubing and provide a flow of gas to the medical tubing through the second opening; a lumen formed by the first portion and the second portion, the lumen providing a gas flow path between the first opening and the second opening; Including, A medical tubing assembly, wherein the first portion of the connector includes a sensor port, the sensor port configured to receive a sensor. (Item 59) Item 59. The medical tubing assembly of item 58, wherein the second portion of the connector includes at least one electrical port, the electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection to a wire or at least one wire within the tube. (Item 60) A tube, a lumen extending from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube; a first elongate member including a hollow body wound in a spiral shape to at least partially define the lumen; a second elongated member wound in a spiral shape and joined between adjacent turns of the first elongated member; Including, The first end of the tube includes at least one connector. 1. A medical tubing assembly comprising: a first portion having a first opening configured to receive a flow of gas; a second portion having a second opening configured to engage the medical tubing and provide a flow of gas to the medical tubing through the second opening; a lumen formed by the first portion and the second portion, the lumen providing a gas flow path between the first opening and the second opening; Including, A medical tubing assembly, wherein the second portion of the connector includes at least one electrical port, the electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection to the wire or at least one wire within the tube. (Item 61) Item 61. The medical tubing assembly of item 60, wherein the electrical port is positioned tangentially to an outer surface of the connector. (Item 62) A connector which is the connector according to any one of items 1 to 54. A tube, a lumen extending from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube; a first elongate member including a hollow body wound in a spiral shape to at least partially define the lumen; a second elongated member wound in a spiral shape and joined between adjacent turns of the first elongated member; Tube containing 1. A medical tubing assembly comprising: (Item 63) Item 64. The medical tubing assembly according to any one of items 55 to 63, wherein a second elongated member forms at least a portion of the lumen. (Item 64) Item 65. The medical tube assembly of any one of items 55 to 64, wherein the first elongated member of the tube defines, in longitudinal cross section, a plurality of hollow portions each having a flat surface that forms at least a portion of a wall surrounding the lumen. (Item 65) 66. The medical tubing assembly of any one of claims 55 to 65, wherein the medical tubing includes at least one wire. (Item 66) Item 66. The medical tubing assembly of item 65, wherein the wire is positioned between the plurality of hollow portions and the lumen of the tube. (Item 67) Item 67. The medical tube assembly of item 65 or 66, wherein the wire is positioned within the second elongate member. (Item 68) Item 68. The medical tubing assembly of any one of items 55 to 67, wherein the lumen formed by the first elongated member and the second elongated member comprises a substantially smooth bore. (Item 69) Item 69. The medical tubing assembly of any one of items 55-68, wherein the outer surface of the tubing is corrugated, and optionally, the corrugations are circular or helical. (Item 70) 70. The medical tubing assembly of any one of claims 55-69, wherein the at least one wire extends along a portion of the length of the medical tubing. (Item 71) 71. The medical tubing assembly of any one of claims 65 to 70, wherein the at least one wire comprises at least one heater wire. (Item 72) Item 72. The medical tubing assembly of item 71, wherein the at least one wire comprises a pair of heater wires. (Item 73) 73. The medical tube assembly of any one of claims 65 to 72, wherein the at least one wire includes at least one sensor wire. (Item 74) 74. The medical tube assembly of any one of claims 65 to 73, wherein the at least one wire comprises a pair of sensor wires. (Item 75) Item 75. The medical tubing assembly of any one of items 71-74, wherein the heating wire is positioned within the lumen of the medical tubing. (Item 76) 76. The medical tubing assembly of any one of claims 71 to 75, wherein the heating wire is attached to an inner wall of the medical tubing. (Item 77) 77. The medical tubing assembly of any one of claims 71-76, wherein the heating wire is embedded within a wall of the medical tubing. (Item 78) 78. The medical tubing assembly of any one of items 71 to 77, wherein the wire is embedded within the second elongated member. (Item 79) 79. The medical tubing assembly according to any one of items 55 to 78, wherein the inner diameter of the lumen of the medical tubing is about 10 mm to about 25 mm, or about 13 mm to about 20 mm, or about 16 mm to about 18 mm, or about 17. (Item 80) 80. The medical tubing assembly according to any one of items 55 to 79, wherein the length of the medical tubing is about 1.4 m to about 1.8 m or about 1.5 m to about 1.7 m. (Item 81) 81. The medical tube assembly of any one of items 55 to 80, wherein the medical tube is a respiratory tube or an inhalation tube. (Item 82) 82. The medical tubing assembly of any one of claims 55 to 81, wherein the lumen of the tube comprises a substantially smooth bore. (Item 83) The medical tubing assembly according to any one of claims 55 to 81, wherein the connector includes the features according to any one of claims 1 to 54. (Item 84) a medical tubing having at least one wire positioned within a tube wall of the medical tubing, the wire being spirally wound; A connector positioned at an end of the medical tubing. 1. A medical tubing assembly comprising: the connector includes at least one electrical port, the electrical port extending outwardly from the connector, the electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection with the at least one wire, optionally the electrical port includes at least a connection point, the connection point configured to provide a connection of the electrical port to the at least one wire; the connector includes at least one guide feature configured to guide the at least one wire from the tube wall of the tube and / or a pin connected to the at least one wire to the electrical port and / or the connection point of the electrical port; The medical tubing assembly, wherein the electrical port is positioned tangentially to an outer surface of the connector.

Claims

1. 1. A connector for medical tubing, comprising: a first portion having a first opening configured to receive a flow of gas; a second portion having a second opening configured to engage the medical tubing and provide a flow of gas to the medical tubing through the second opening; a lumen formed by the first portion and the second portion, the lumen providing a gas flow path between the first opening and the second opening; Including, the first portion of the connector includes a sensor port, the sensor port configured to receive a sensor; the second portion of the connector includes at least one electrical port configured to provide an electrical connection to at least one wire in the medical tubing; the sensor port is offset from the electrical port by about 120 to about 75 degrees, or about 110 to about 80 degrees, or about 90 degrees about the longitudinal axis of the lumen; The first portion is angled relative to the second portion to form an elbow.

2. 10. The connector of claim 1, wherein an angle between the first portion and the second portion is between about 90 degrees and about 170 degrees, or between about 100 degrees and about 150 degrees, or between about 110 degrees and about 140 degrees, or about 135 degrees.

3. The connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first portion provides a tapered mating connection.

4. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor port provides an aperture for the sensor to be inserted into contact with the flow of gas within the first portion of the connector.

5. A connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor is configured to measure a flow rate of the gas flow in the first part of the connector, and / or to measure a temperature of the gas flow in the first part of the connector, and / or to measure a humidity of the gas flow in the first part of the connector.

6. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sensor is included as part of a probe, the probe being intended to be received by the sensor port.

7. The connector of any preceding claim, wherein opposing sides of the elbow define inner and outer elbow surfaces, and the electrical port is located on the outer elbow surface.

8. The connector of any preceding claim, wherein the sensor port is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first portion.

9. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical port is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the second portion or positioned tangentially to an outer surface of the connector.

10. The connector of any preceding claim, wherein the electrical port is offset from a central longitudinal axis of the second portion of the connector.

11. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sensor port has a longitudinal axis, the sensor port providing communication with an interior of the connector.

12. the longitudinal axis of the sensor port is oriented substantially perpendicular to the flow of the gas through the first portion of the connector; And / or the longitudinal axis of the sensor port substantially intersects with a corresponding longitudinal axis of the first part of the connector to which the sensor port depends.

13. The connector of any preceding claim, wherein the sensor port comprises a substantially cylindrical cross-section.

14. A connector as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a terminal surface of the sensor port includes one or more positioning features, and the terminal surface of the sensor port is distal to an outer surface of the first portion.

15. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical port is configured to extend upwards and / or away from a humidifier when the connector is connected to a humidification chamber.

16. 16. The connector of claim 1, wherein the electrical port includes at least one connection point, the connection point configured to provide a connection between the electrical port and the at least one wire.

17. 17. The connector of claim 1, wherein the connector includes at least one guide feature configured to guide the at least one wire and / or a pin connected to the at least one wire from a tube wall of the medical tubing to the electrical port and / or a connection point of the electrical port.

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