Nasal Cannula Interface With Integrated Oximetry Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory support systems lack integrated sensors for monitoring patient parameters, such as blood oxygen saturation, which are essential for adjusting therapy settings and ensuring patient safety and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface with integrated sensors, such as pulse oximeters, mounted on or near the interface, allowing for real-time monitoring of patient parameters and enabling automatic adjustments to therapy settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are integrated into the patient interface, then patient safety and comfort are improved through real-time monitoring, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensors (pulse oximeter, temperature sensor, humidity sensor) directly into the patient interface components (mask, humidifier, patient end of conduit). This merging of monitoring functions into the existing respiratory support interface allows real-time patient parameter monitoring without requiring separate monitoring devices, thereby improving patient safety while managing device complexity through functional integration.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are mounted on the patient interface, then measurement precision of patient parameters is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient interface is designed to perform multiple functions: delivering breathable gases through the conduit, humidifying the gases via the humidifier, and simultaneously monitoring multiple patient parameters (blood oxygen saturation via pulse oximeter, temperature via temperature sensor, humidity via humidity sensor). This multi-functionality allows precise measurement of various patient parameters using a single integrated device rather than multiple separate devices, improving measurement precision while managing complexity through universal design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are integrated into the patient interface, then adaptability of therapy adjustment is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated sensors provide continuous feedback about patient parameters (blood oxygen saturation, temperature, humidity) to the respiratory support system. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of therapy parameters such as oxygen concentration and flow rate to maintain optimal patient conditions. The adaptability of therapy adjustment is improved through real-time feedback, while the ease of operation is maintained as the automatic adjustments reduce the need for manual intervention by clinicians.
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
Enhances patient safety and comfort by providing real-time monitoring and adaptive therapy adjustments based on patient parameters, improving the effectiveness and responsiveness of respiratory support systems.
Implementation Method 1
a pulse oximeter, which can be used to determine blood oxygen saturation and heart rate
Data Source
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AI summary
A nasal cannula interface is provided for supplying a gases flow to a patient comprising: a nasal cannula defining at least a portion of a gases flow path and comprising a body having a base portion and at least one prong extending from the base portion, the at least one prong being configured to direct the gases flow to an orifice of the patient, and one or more sensors configured to measure a parameter. The one or more sensors may comprise a pulse oximeter. The one or more sensors may be mounted on the nasal cannula body, or headgear to which the body is connector. The one or more sensors may be configured to be in contact with the face of the patient, and may be configured to be mounted in and/or substantially flush with, a cheek contacting portion of the interface.