Oxygen PEP cannula

Abstract

1. A cannula configured to deliver positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and oxygen to a patient, the cannula comprising: a base including an oxygen opening and an inhalation opening; a valve including an inhalation flap valve that closes the inhalation opening and a PEP flap valve; a valve receiver including a flow opening and an exhalation opening, the PEP flap valve closing the exhalation opening; and nasal pillows positioned on the valve receiver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 031,633, filed May 29, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to cannula devices for supplying both oxygen and positive expiratory pressure (PEP) to a patient using a cannula device.

Background Art

[0003] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a progressive and irreversible deterioration of airflow limitation caused by alveolar wall destruction, bronchial stenosis, and airway inflammation.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] People with COPD have typically been shown to have limited exercise capacity. These people typically experience dyspnea during exercise and often interrupt their exercise. At rest, COPD patients can often maintain a maximal inspiratory capacity (IC) and a stable end-expiratory lung volume (EELV). However, during exercise, there is an increase in ventilation (or respiratory demand), which can exacerbate expiratory flow limitation, increase dynamic pulmonary hyperinflation, and lead to a rapid and shallow breathing pattern.

[0005] The use of positive expiratory pressure (PEP) has been clinically proven to improve the functional exercise capacity of people with COPD.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A summary of various exemplary embodiments is provided below. Some simplifications and omissions have been made in the following summary, intended to highlight and introduce certain aspects of the various exemplary embodiments, but not to limit the scope of the invention. A detailed description of exemplary embodiments sufficient to enable those skilled in the art to conceive and use the concepts of the invention follows in subsequent paragraphs.

[0007] Various embodiments relate to a cannula configured to supply positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and oxygen to a patient, the cannula comprising a base including an oxygen opening and an inspiratory opening; a valve including an inspiratory flap valve and a PEP flap valve that close the inspiratory opening; a valve receiver including a flow opening and an expiratory opening, wherein the PEP flap valve closes the expiratory opening; and a nasal pillow that is placed on the valve receiver.

[0008] Various embodiments are described in which the base oxygen opening further comprises a nozzle including multiple nozzle openings.

[0009] Various embodiments are described in which the nozzle is configured to produce a Venturi effect.

[0010] Various embodiments are described in which the valve receiver further includes a flow opening wall, the edge of which is a retainer for the intake flap valve.

[0011] Various embodiments are described in which the valve receiver includes legs, each leg having a leg notch at its end, and the base includes a tab configured to engage with the leg notch.

[0012] Various embodiments in which a PEP flap valve provides a static PEP value are described.

[0013] Various embodiments are described in which the PEP flap valve includes a biasing member configured to provide a static PEP value.

[0014] Various embodiments are described, further including a plug configured to be placed in the oxygen opening.

[0015] Various embodiments are described in which the valve receiver includes an outer wall, and a portion of the outer wall adjacent to the exhalation opening is a PEP flap seal.

[0016] Various embodiments are described in which the base further includes an oxygen opening wall, the edge of which is an intake flap seal.

[0017] Various embodiments are described in which the inspiratory flap valve is configured to open the inspiratory opening when the patient inhales.

[0018] Various embodiments of the PEP flap valve are described, configured to open the expiratory opening when the patient exhales, thereby providing a static PEP value.

[0019] Further various embodiments relate to a cannula device configured to supply positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and oxygen to a patient, wherein the cannula device is There are two cannulas, and these cannulas are, Base including oxygen opening and intake opening, A first valve including an intake flap valve that closes the intake opening and a PEP flap valve, A valve receiver including a flow opening and an exhalation opening, the valve receiver which closes the exhalation opening when the PEP flap valve is closed, and Nose pillow placed on top of valve holder Two cannulas having A connector for connecting the two cannulas, and Oxygen hose configured to connect to the base It holds.

[0020] Various embodiments are described, further including a second valve, wherein the first and second valves have different PEP values, and the cannula is configured to exchange between the first and second valves.

[0021] Various embodiments are described, further including two stoppers configured to be placed in the oxygen openings of the two cannulas.

[0022] Various embodiments are described in which an inspiration flap valve is configured to open an inspiration aperture when the patient inhales.

[0023] Various embodiments are described in which a PEP flap valve is configured to open an expiration aperture and provide a static PEP value when the patient exhales.

[0024] Various embodiments are described in which the two cannulas further include a nozzle having a plurality of nozzle apertures at a base oxygen aperture.

[0025] Various embodiments are described in which the nozzle is configured to create a Venturi effect.

[0026] Further various embodiments relate to a cannula configured to supply positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and oxygen to a patient, the cannula comprising a nasal seal type nasal interface having a body including an inspiration aperture and an expiration aperture, an inspiration valve configured to open and close the inspiration aperture, the inspiration valve being biased to a closed position, and a PEP valve configured to open and close the expiration aperture, the PEP valve being biased to a closed position and comprising inspiration by the patient opens the inspiration valve and leaves the expiration valve closed, expiration by the patient closes the inspiration valve, opens the PEP valve, and supplies positive expiratory pressure.

[0027] Various embodiments are described that further include an oxygen hose configured to connect to an inhalation aperture and an air entrainment aperture including a Venturi valve.

[0028] Various embodiments are described that further include an oxygen hose configured to connect to the inspiration aperture and a surrounding air valve configured to open when the patient inhales and close when the patient exhales.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] Refer to the attached drawings for a better understanding of the various embodiments. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a PEP cannula device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the cannula. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a magnified perspective view of the cannula. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the top surface of the base. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the base. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the upper surface of the valve. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the bottom of the valve. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the valve. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the nozzle. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a top perspective view of the valve receiver. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a bottom perspective view of the valve holder. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the upper surface of the nasal pillow. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the bottom of the nasal pillow. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the cannula. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows the movement of the cannula when the patient inhales. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows the movement of the cannula when the patient exhales. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows another embodiment of the PEP cannula device during inhalation. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows another embodiment of the PEP cannula device during exhalation. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows another embodiment of the cannula. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] For the sake of easier understanding, the same reference number is used to indicate elements that have substantially the same or similar structure and / or substantially the same or similar function.

[0031] The description and drawings illustrate the principles of the present invention. Therefore, it will be understood that those skilled in the art can devise various configurations that embody the principles of the present invention and fall within the scope of the invention, even if not explicitly described or shown herein. Furthermore, all examples given herein are explicitly intended primarily for educational purposes to help the reader understand the principles of the present invention and the concepts that contribute to the advancement of the art by the inventors, and should be interpreted as not being limited to such specifically cited examples and conditions. Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein refers to a non-exclusive OR (i.e., “and / or”) unless otherwise indicated (e.g., “or else” or “or in the alternative”). Also, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as one embodiment can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments.

[0032] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with progressive and irreversible deterioration of airflow limitation caused by alveolar wall destruction, bronchial stenosis, and airway inflammation. Individuals with COPD have typically demonstrated limited exercise capacity. They usually experience dyspnea during exercise, often causing them to discontinue exercise. At rest, COPD patients can often maintain maximum inspiratory volume (IC) and stable end-expiratory lung volume (EELV). However, during exercise, there is an increase in respiratory demand, which can worsen expiratory flow limitation, increase dynamic lung hyperinflation, and lead to a rapid, shallow breathing pattern.

[0033] The use of positive expiratory pressure (PEP) has been clinically validated to improve functional exercise capacity in individuals with COPD. In addition, PEP use helps patients overcome the perception of shortness of breath. The referenced study utilized a PEP valve in conjunction with a corrugated tube and mouthpiece. Exercise capacity between the control and treatment groups was assessed using the 6-minute walk test (6MWT).

[0034] A more recent trend is seen in the adoption of HFNC (high-flow nasal cannula) therapy in both emergency and home settings. The various HFNC options available on the market require a 50 PSI gas source or compressor to operate, can deliver very high liter-per-minute flow rates (<70 lpm) to assist ventilation, are targeted at emergency and / or home care applications, and often incorporate a Venturi valve to increase both the carried-in airflow and net gasflow.

[0035] Current systems for administering PEP therapy to patients are bulky or, for example, handheld. This makes their use inconvenient or impossible, even during exercise or when the patient is performing normal daily activities. Embodiments of PEP cannula devices for delivering oxygen and PEP therapy are described herein.

[0036] The PEP cannula devices described herein offer significant advantages over conventional PEP delivery models for oxygen-dependent, non-ventilator-dependent COPD patients, as well as the potential to add PEP to modern, more advanced HFNC options. Potential benefits include:

[0037] PEP cannula devices provide adjustable static PEP values. The first study referenced above utilized a fixed, flow-independent PEP value of 5 cmH2O, applied via a mouthpiece that improved exercise tolerance. The second study utilizes a flow resistor applied to an orb-nasal mask that produces a variable PEP value that is flow-dependent, estimated between 10 cmH2O and 20 cmH2O. The benefits of the first study are clearly not only significant improvements in SpO2 and heart rate, but also improvements in exercise tolerance. However, the improvements in the second study are a substantial improvement in dynamic pulmonary hyperinflation, at the expense of decreased exercise tolerance, decreased SpO2, and increased heart rate.

[0038] The PEP cannula device is individualized and adjusted using assessment indicators such as the 6MWT, Borg dyspnea scale, SpO2, and heart rate, enabling adjustable or titrable static PEP values ​​that maximize the user's therapeutic effect. PEP adjustment is performed by the user by swapping different components of the PEP cannula to achieve the desired result.

[0039] The aforementioned cannula integrates PEP into the oxygen delivery system. The PEP cannula device provides the aforementioned benefits of PEP, along with the ability to deliver low-flow, high-flow, or pulsed-dose oxygen therapy. Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) has been clinically proven to improve long-term survival rates in COPD and is thought to improve exercise tolerance. It is believed that the combination of oxygen therapy and PEP with the invention of the PEP cannula may further improve the effects on exercise tolerance and dyspnea compared to either therapy alone.

[0040] The PEP cannula device provides on-demand PEP engagement. Oxygen is engaged by simple nasal inhalation, while PEP engagement is engaged by nasal exhalation. Finally, PEP engagement is user-controlled, in that PEP delivery is not facilitated by the mouth, as opposed to nasal exhalation.

[0041] PEP cannula devices enhance user comfort and wearability during walking, exercise, and activities of daily living. The lightweight and minimal-contact nature of PEP cannula devices improves patient comfort and facilitates extended use of PEP devices in activities of daily living without significant adjustments or technical requirements, while being intentionally very discreet. In comparison, when using current PEP devices, oxygen-dependent individuals with COPD are thought to need to stop exercise / current activity, remove the PEP device, and hold it while concentrating on the appropriate technique (e.g., nasal inhalation to oral exhalation), which may limit the use of both arms if the other hand is actively used to hold an oxygen delivery device, such as a portable oxygen concentrator.

[0042] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the PEP cannula device 1. The PEP cannula device 1 has two cannulas 4, a connector 6, and an oxygen supply hose 2. The connector 6 attaches the two cannulas 4 so that each cannula engages with the patient's nostril. The oxygen supply hose 2, each connected to a cannula 4, supplies oxygen for oxygen therapy from an oxygen source. The oxygen source may be a portable source, such as a portable oxygen canister or portable oxygen concentrator. In other embodiments, the oxygen source may be a more fixed source, such as a larger oxygen cylinder, oxygen concentrator, or wall-mounted oxygen source found in hospitals. In other embodiments, a single oxygen hose with two outlets connected to the two cannulas 4 may be used. Furthermore, the oxygen hose 2 can provide the necessary structure to hold the PEP cannula device 1 in place on the patient when worn by the patient. Alternatively, additional headgear may be used to hold the PEP cannula device in place during use.

[0043] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of cannula 4. Figure 3 shows a magnified perspective view of cannula 4. This cannula has a base 10, a valve 30, a nozzle 25, a valve receiver 40, and a nasal pillow 60.

[0044] Figures 4 and 5 show a top and bottom perspective view of the base 10, respectively. The base 10 sits at the bottom of the cannula 4 and provides a connection to the oxygen hose 2. The base 10 includes an oxygen opening 11 formed by an oxygen opening wall 12 that accommodates the end of the oxygen hose 2. The oxygen opening 11 includes an oxygen hose retainer 20. The oxygen hose 2 is inserted into the oxygen opening 11 until it reaches the oxygen hose retainer 20. The oxygen opening 11 is surrounded by the oxygen opening wall 12, which engages with the oxygen hose 2 and secures the oxygen hose to the base 10, and therefore to the cannula 4. The body 10 also includes a substantially circular annular lower inner surface 18 and a substantially frustoconical lateral inner surface 19 of the body, both of which support the valve 30. The body 10 also includes three inspiratory openings 13 located between the oxygen opening wall 12 and the lower inner surface 18 of the body. The inspiratory openings 13 provide a passage for ambient air to be drawn in by the patient. The base 10 also has three intake opening separation sections 14 that help form and separate the intake opening 13.

[0045] The oxygen opening 11 also includes a nozzle support 16, which supports the nozzle 25 when it is placed on the body 10. As shown, the nozzle support 16 and the oxygen hose clamp 20 are part of the same structure, but in other embodiments, the nozzle support 16 and the oxygen hose clamp 20 may be separate structures located inside the oxygen opening 11. The oxygen opening wall 12 has an upper surface which is an intake flap seal 17. The intake flap seal 17 contacts the intake flap valve 31 of the valve 30 (see Figures 6 and 7) and prevents airflow from passing through the intake opening 13. The body 10 includes three tabs 15, which are located on the lower inner surface 18 of the body and adjacent to the intake opening separator 14. These tabs 15 connect with leg notches 44 of the valve receiver (see Figures 9 and 10).

[0046] Figures 6 and 7 show the top and bottom perspective views of the valve, respectively. The valve 30 has an outer wall 35 that is substantially frustoconical in shape. The valve 30 includes three intake flap valves 31 that extend from the outer wall 35 toward the center of the valve 30. A portion 36 of the bottom surface of the intake flap valves 31 contacts the intake flap seal of the body 10. A portion 37 of the top surface of the intake flap valves 31 contacts the flap retainer 47 of the valve receiver 40 (see Figures 9 and 10).

[0047] Valve 30 also includes three PEP flap valves 34. The PEP flap valves 34 extend perpendicularly from the intake flap valve 31. Valve 30 includes biasing members 33 that provide a flexible connection between the inner surface 32 of the valve and the PEP flap valves 34. Although two biasing members 33 are shown attached to each PEP flap valve 34, more or fewer biasing members may be used. Furthermore, although biasing members 33 with specific shapes are shown, other shapes are possible that provide the necessary flexible connection between the inner surface 32 of the valve and the PEP flap valves 34. In addition, the biasing members 33 may be connected to the inner surface 32 of the valve and the PEP flap valves 34 at locations other than those specifically shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0048] The end of the intake flap valve 31 substantially forms a circular opening corresponding to the oxygen opening 11 of the main body 10.

[0049] The valve 30 may be made of an elastomer material, such as silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0050] Figure 8 shows another embodiment of the valve 30. In this embodiment, there is no biasing member 33. Instead, the rigidity of the PEP flap valve 34, along with various material dimensions and properties of the valve 30, results in the desired PEP value. This allows for a static PEP value that is independent of expiratory pressure or expiratory velocity, based on the specific characteristics of the PEP flap valve 34 and the valve 30.

[0051] Figure 9 shows the nozzle 25. The nozzle 25 has multiple nozzle openings 26. The nozzle 25 is fitted inside the upper end of the oxygen opening 11 and rests on the nozzle support portion 16.

[0052] Figures 10 and 11 show the top and bottom perspective views of the valve receiver, respectively. The valve receiver 40 is placed on the valve 30 and base 10 in the cannula 4. The valve receiver 40 includes a flow opening 41 that is approximately in line with the oxygen opening 11 of the base 10. The flow opening 41 is defined by an inner wall 42. The wall forming the flow opening 41 also has an outer wall 48. The valve receiver 40 includes an outer wall 45, from which a nasal pillow ridge 46 extends. The nasal pillow ridge 46 extends around the valve receiver 40 and is positioned near the top of the valve receiver 40. The nasal pillow ridge 46 engages with the nasal pillow receiver 63 of the nasal pillow 60 (see Figure 13), securing the nasal pillow to the valve receiver 40.

[0053] The valve receiver 40 includes three legs 43 extending downward, each leg 43 including a leg notch 44. When the cannula 4 is assembled, the leg notches 44 engage with tabs 15 on the body 10. The legs 43 have a base 49 extending toward the valve 30, leaving a gap between the base 49 and the valve 30. In other embodiments, the base 49 may be in contact with the valve 30.

[0054] The valve receiver 40 includes an expiratory opening 50 that facilitates the exit of the cannula 4 when exhaling using the PEP cannula device 1. The expiratory opening 50 is located between adjacent legs 43, the operation of which is further described below. The valve receiver 40 includes a PEP flap seal 51, which is part of the outer wall 45 adjacent to the expiratory opening 50. The PEP flap seal 51 is in contact with the PEP flap valve 34 on the valve 30 and prevents the airflow from passing through the expiratory opening 50.

[0055] Figures 12 and 13 show the top and bottom perspective views of the nasal pillow, respectively. The nasal pillow 60 provides a sealed connection between the cannula 4 and the patient's nostril. The nasal pillow 60 includes a nasal opening 61 through which air flows between the patient's nostril and the cannula 4. The nasal pillow includes a valve receptacle opening 62 that connects to and rests on the valve receptacle 40. The nasal pillow receptacle 63 connects to the ridge 46 of the nasal pillow, securing the nasal pillow 60 to the valve receptacle 40 and also providing an airtight connection between the nasal pillow 60 and the valve receptacle 40. The nasal pillow 60 is made from a flexible and patient-comfortable material. The nasal pillow may also be made from a material that facilitates an airtight or nearly airtight connection between the patient's nose and the nasal pillow 60. The nasal pillow may be made from an elastomer material, such as silicone or a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0056] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of cannula 4. Figures 14-16 are used to illustrate the operation of cannula 4. In Figure 14, the cannula is shown in a state without inspiration or expiration. Oxygen from oxygen hose 2 (not shown) flows into oxygen opening 11. The oxygen then flows through nozzle opening 26 in nozzle 25 to valve receiver 40 and then into nasal pillow 60. Nozzle opening 26 can produce a Venturi effect when the patient inhales. In Figure 14, inspiratory flap valve 31 is in contact with inspiratory flap seal 17, which prevents any airflow from passing through inspiratory opening 13. Furthermore, PEP flap valve 34 is in contact with PEP flap seal 51, which prevents any airflow from passing through expiratory opening 50.

[0057] Figure 15 shows the operation of the cannula 4 when the patient inhales. When the patient inhales, this creates negative air pressure above the inhalation flap valve 31, causing the inhalation flap valve 31 to rise until it contacts the flap stopper 47. This draws ambient air in along the inspiratory path 70. This ambient air is then mixed with the oxygen inflow from the oxygen hose at the valve receiver and nasal pillow. If the nozzle opening 26 creates a Venturi effect, this not only creates additional negative pressure to help open the inhalation flap valve 31 but also carries ambient air and assists the inhalation airflow. When the patient stops inhaling, the inhalation flap valve 31 returns to a state where it is in contact with the inhalation flap seal 17, stopping the flow of ambient air. This is achieved because the material of the inhalation flap valve 31 attempts to return to its original shape. It should be noted that when the patient inhales, the resulting negative pressure keeps the PEP flap valve 34 tightly closed, maintaining contact with the PEP flap seal 51, which prevents any airflow from passing through the exhalation opening 50.

[0058] Figure 16 shows the operation of cannula 4 when the patient exhales. When the patient exhales, this creates positive pressure inside the PEP flap valve 34, moving the PEP flap valve 31 away from the PEP flap seal 51, which creates an opening. This then allows the exhaled air to flow out of cannula 4 along the expiratory passage 71, through the expiratory opening 50. When the patient stops exhaling, the PEP flap valve 34 bounces back into contact with the PEP flap seal 51, stopping the airflow along the expiratory air path 71. Note that the positive pressure generated when the patient exhales keeps the inhalation flap valve 31 tightly closed, in contact with the inhalation flap seal 17, preventing any airflow from passing through the inhalation opening 13.

[0059] The biasing members 33 may be designed with various material dimensions and properties to provide different stiffness values ​​for these biasing members 33. Based on the specific properties of the biasing members 33, these biasing members also enable static PEP values ​​that are independent of expiratory pressure or expiratory velocity. Thus, a patient can be provided with a PEP cannula device 1 having multiple different valves 30 with different PEP values. The patient can easily swap these different valves and determine which valve provides the best PEP treatment and benefits. This enables adjustable and titrable PEP values ​​for the patient.

[0060] During periodic breathing by the patient through cannula 4, the inspiratory flap valve 31 and the PEP flap valve 34 work together to open and close the inspiratory air pathway 70 and the expiratory air pathway 71. During inspiration, the inspiratory flap valve 31 opens, allowing ambient air entering the cannula to mix with oxygen from the oxygen source, and the PEP flap valve 34 is pulled tightly closed by the negative pressure generated by the patient's inspiration. During expiration, the PEP flap valve 34 opens, allowing exhaled air to exit cannula 4 through the expiratory opening 50, and the inspiratory flap valve is pushed tightly closed by the positive pressure generated by the patient's inspiration.

[0061] The position of the nozzle 25 in the oxygen opening 11 determines the Venturi effect provided by the incoming oxygen flow. As shown in Figure 15, the nozzle 25 can be positioned higher or lower within the oxygen opening 11 to determine the specific Venturi effect provided by the nozzle. The position of the nozzle relative to the position of the intake opening 13 also determines the overall Venturi effect. Therefore, the nozzle 25 and the intake opening 13 are positioned to obtain the desired Venturi effect.

[0062] It should also be noted that the cannula 4 does not have a nozzle 25, in which case the oxygen flow from the oxygen hose 2 mixes with ambient air that flows in through the inspiratory opening 13 when the patient inhales.

[0063] In another embodiment, the patient may use only the PEP cannula device 1 for PEP therapy without oxygen therapy. This may be done by using a plug (not shown) fitted into the oxygen opening 11 to prevent the air exhaled by the patient from flowing out through the oxygen opening 11, and instead allow this exhaled air to flow through the PEP flap valve 34 that administers the desired PEP therapy and along the expiratory pathway 71. In another embodiment, the inspiratory flap valve may extend to cover the oxygen opening 11 to prevent the air exhaled by the patient from flowing out through the oxygen opening 11, and instead allow this exhaled air to flow through the PEP flap valve 34 that administers the desired PEP therapy and along the expiratory pathway 71.

[0064] In the description of the cannula, three inspiratory flap valves 31 and three PEP flap valves 34 are described. This results in a corresponding number of inspiratory openings 13, expiratory openings 50, limbs 43, tabs 15, etc. Note that the number of inspiratory flap valves 31 and PEP flap valves 34 can be fewer or more than this.

[0065] Another embodiment of the PEP cannula device 100 is described here. Figures 17 and 18 show another embodiment of the PEP cannula device 100 during inspiration and expiration, respectively. The PEP cannula device 100 includes a cannula 114, a connector 116, and an oxygen hose 112. The oxygen hose further includes a Venturi valve 102 and a transport opening 104. The Venturi valve 102 creates a Venturi effect that transports ambient air drawn in through the transport opening 104 along with the oxygen supplied through the oxygen hose 112.

[0066] The cannula 114 includes a main body 128 with an air opening 130. The oxygen hose 112 is connected to the air opening 130 and supplies oxygen and ambient air to the cannula 114.

[0067] The cannula 114 includes a nasal interface 132 with an expiratory opening 124, an inhalation flap 120, a PEP spring 122, and an expiratory plate 126. The inhalation flap 120 is located above the opening in the expiratory plate 126. The PEP spring 122 biases the expiratory plate 126 upward.

[0068] As shown in Figure 17, during inspiration, the inspiratory flap 120 opens due to the negative pressure generated by inspiration, allowing the patient to inhale oxygen mixed with ambient air. As shown in Figure 18, during exhalation, the positive pressure generated by exhalation closes the inspiratory flap 120 and pushes the exhalation plate 126 downward. When the exhalation plate 126 is pushed below the exhalation opening 124, the exhaled air exits the cannula 114 through the exhalation opening 124. When exhalation ends, the PEP spring 122 biases the exhalation plate 126 upward again, covering the exhalation opening 124.

[0069] As the patient breathes, inhaling and exhaling repeatedly, during inspiration, the inspiratory flap 120 rises, allowing the patient to inhale oxygen and air. Then, as the patient exhales, the inspiratory flap 120 closes, the expiratory plate 126 lowers, exposing the expiratory opening 124, allowing the exhaled air to exit the cannula. Next, as the patient takes their next breath, the expiratory plate 126 rises, closing the expiratory opening 124, and the inspiratory flap 120 rises, allowing the mixture of oxygen and air to pass through and be delivered to the patient.

[0070] The PEP spring is selected to provide a desired PEP value. The PEP spring 122 provides a static PEP value. The spring can be any variety of different types, including, for example, a coil spring, a disc spring, or an elastomer spring. A coil spring can provide a variable PEP value by tightening the spring. Otherwise, the PEP value can be changed by raising or lowering the spring within the cannula, so different amounts of force, and therefore pressure, are required to move the spring beyond the expiratory opening. Furthermore, to provide different PEP values, the spring may be replaced by the patient, or multiple different cannulas with different PEP values ​​may be provided, selected by the patient.

[0071] Figure 19 shows another embodiment of the cannula device 200 and cannula 214. Instead of using a venturi valve to draw in ambient air, this cannula 214 includes an ambient air valve 134 that allows ambient air to be drawn into the cannula body 128. In this case, the ambient air and oxygen from the oxygen hose 112 are mixed within the cannula 214. In other respects, the cannula 214 has the same structure and operates in the same way as the cannula 114.

[0072] Cannulas 114 and 214 can operate in the PEP-only mode described above by using stoppers to prevent any oxygen or ambient air from entering the cannulas.

[0073] Furthermore, although the exhalation opening 124, inhalation flap 120, exhalation plate, and PEP spring 122 are shown as part of the nasal interface, they may also be part of the main body instead.

[0074] The PEP cannula device is compact, portable, and easy to use, providing the ability to administer both oxygen therapy and PEP therapy to a patient in a single device. The PEP cannula device is used, for example, by patients with oxygen-dependent COPD to assist and improve exercise tolerance and enhance the ability to maintain normal daily living activities. The PEP cannula device may be used in hypoxic, hyperxic, and pulsed oxygen flow states. The PEP cannula device also provides a patient-selectable static PEP value by changing components or cannulas. The PEP cannula device may also be used in a PEP-only mode, as described, without oxygen therapy.

[0075] While each of the embodiments has been described above with respect to their structural arrangement, it should be understood that the present invention also encompasses related methods of using the embodiments described above.

[0076] While various exemplary embodiments have been described in detail with particular reference to their specific exemplary aspects, it should be understood that other embodiments are possible and their details can be modified in various obvious ways. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications, alterations, and combinations of embodiments can be influenced while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the above disclosures, descriptions, and drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit in any way the invention, as defined solely by the claims, to the present invention.

Claims

1. In a cannula configured to supply positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and oxygen to a patient, A base including an oxygen opening and an intake opening, A valve section configured to include together an intake flap valve that closes the intake opening and a PEP flap valve, A valve receiver including a flow opening and an exhalation opening, wherein the PEP flap valve closes the exhalation opening, A nose pillow installed on top of the valve receiver A cannula having

2. The cannula according to claim 1, wherein the oxygen opening of the base further comprises a nozzle including a plurality of nozzle openings.

3. The cannula according to claim 2, wherein the nozzle is configured to produce a Venturi effect.

4. The cannula according to claim 1, wherein the valve receiver further includes a flow opening wall, and the edge portion of the flow opening wall is an inhalation flap valve stopper.

5. The cannula according to claim 1, wherein the valve receiver includes a leg having a leg notch at its end, and the base includes a tab configured to engage with the leg notch.

6. The cannula according to claim 1, wherein the PEP flap valve provides a static PEP value.

7. The cannula according to claim 1, wherein the PEP flap valve includes a biasing member configured to provide a static PEP value.

8. The cannula according to claim 1, further comprising a stopper configured to be placed in the oxygen opening.

9. The cannula according to claim 1, wherein the valve receiver includes an outer wall, and a portion of the outer wall adjacent to the exhalation opening is a PEP flap seal.

10. The cannula according to claim 1, wherein the base further includes an oxygen opening wall, and the edge of the oxygen opening wall is an inspiratory flap seal.

11. The cannula according to claim 1, wherein the inspiratory flap valve is configured to open the inspiratory opening when the patient inhales.

12. The cannula according to claim 1, wherein the PEP flap valve is configured to open the expiratory opening when the patient exhales, thereby providing a static PEP value.

13. In a cannula device configured to supply positive expiratory pressure (PEP) and oxygen to a patient, Two cannulas as described in claim 1, A connector for connecting the two aforementioned cannulas to each other, An oxygen hose configured to be connected to the base and A cannula device having

14. The cannula device according to claim 13, further comprising two plugs configured to be placed in the oxygen openings of the two cannulas.

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