Abstract: An improved medical conduit including a heating element for controlling the temperature and humidity of a gas to be delivered to a recipient patient is disclosed. A flexible ribbon spanning the width of a flexible tubing and extending generally the length of the tubing is provided, where the flexible ribbon carries a heating element therein. The heating element, preferably an electrically conductive wire or plurality of wires, is connected to a power supply in order to heat the flow of gas traveling within the tube. The flow is heated as it passes over and around the heating element. The flexible ribbon supporting the heating element can be integral with the tubing or comprise an insertable unit which fits into the tubing.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 23, 1998
Date of Patent:
January 2, 2001
Assignee:
Respiratory Support Products, Inc.
Inventors:
Anthony V. Beran, Gordon Shigezawa, Morris Minch