Nasal Cannula with Flared Prongs for High Flow Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nasal positive airway pressure devices for treating obstructive sleep apnea are often cumbersome, uncomfortable, and noisy due to air leaks, leading to poor patient compliance and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A nasal cannula design with flared or angled prongs that create a secure seal within the nares, allowing for high-flow delivery of humidified gases and positive airway pressure, combined with a humidification system and transportation means to ensure comfort and effective treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional nasal masks are used for CPAP treatment, then positive airway pressure can be delivered, but the device becomes cumbersome and uncomfortable for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the nasal interface into separate prongs that insert into individual nares, replacing the single-piece nasal mask. This segmentation allows for better fit and comfort while maintaining the necessary seal for positive airway pressure delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the mask cover the external nose surface, the invention inverts the approach by inserting prongs internally into the nares. This inversion eliminates the external bulk and discomfort of conventional masks while maintaining functionality.
2Reliability
If conventional nasal masks are used for CPAP treatment, then airway pressure can be maintained, but air leaks occur causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The prongs are made of flexible material that conform to the internal geometry of the nares, creating an effective seal without rigid components. This flexibility allows the prongs to adapt to individual anatomical variations, preventing air leaks and the associated noise.
3Quantity of substance
If narrow bore nasal cannula is used for high flow oxygen delivery, then oxygen can be delivered, but gas flow resistance increases causing excessive velocity and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single narrow bore channel to multiple prongs with larger individual bore sizes. This dimensional change reduces flow resistance and velocity while maintaining high total flow capacity, thereby reducing noise.
4Quantity of substance
If narrow bore nasal cannula is used, then oxygen delivery is possible, but the cannula does not create positive airway pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation into multiple prongs allows each prong to create a localized seal within the nare, enabling positive pressure creation while maintaining high flow capability through the combined channels.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The nasal cannula design enhances patient comfort and treatment compliance by providing a secure fit, reducing noise and air leaks, while effectively maintaining positive airway pressure and delivering humidified gases for improved respiratory therapy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one prong allowing high flow delivery of said humidified gases and creating a positive airway pressure in said patient's airway
Implementation Method 2
As oxygen is supplied as a dry gas it is well known in the art to either heat and/or humidify gases before delivering them for breathing by a patient
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a nasal cannula is shaped to fit within a user's nares, where the nasal cannula includes at least one prong allowing high flow delivery of humidified gases and creates positive airway pressure in the patient's airway. The prongs have angled ends such that, in use, gases flowing through the prongs are directed to the user's nasal passages. The nasal cannula body is partially swivelling and preferably has a ball joint connector. In another embodiment the nasal cannula may have at least one flared end prong that preferably seals within a patient's nare.