Abstract: A method of controlled delivery of breathing gases is described the method comprising: applying breathing gas pressure within the first naris of a patient during inhalation; applying breathing gas pressure within the second naris of the patient during inhalation; applying breathing gas pressure within the first naris of the patient during exhalation; and applying breathing gas pressure within the second naris of the patient during exhalation, wherein the breathing gas pressure applied to the first naris during inhalation is higher than the gas pressure applied to the second naris during inhalation and the breathing gas inflow to the patient is substantially through the first naris during inhalation and wherein the breathing gas pressure applied to the first naris during exhalation is lower than the gas pressure applied to the second naris during exhalation and the gas outflow from the patient is substantially through the first naris during exhalation.

Abstract: A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.

Abstract: A patient interface is configured to deliver a flow of pressurized breathable gas to a patient's airways. The patient interface includes a central portion with an opening configured to deliver the pressurized breathable gas to the patient's nares. A first stabilizing portion extends from the central portion and is structured to engage an outer side of a respective one of the patient's nostrils. A second stabilizing portion is opposite the first stabilizing portion and extends from the central portion. In addition, the second stabilizing surface is structured to engage an outer side of a respective one of the patient's nostrils. The central portion, the first stabilizing portion and the second stabilizing portion cooperate to form a U-shape configured to cradle the patient's nose so that the tip of the patient's nose remains exposed when the patient interface is mounted on the patient's face.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes a sealing cushion, and a tubing assembly structured to receive a breathing gas from a pressure generating device. The tubing assembly has: (i) a first chamber fluidly coupled to the sealing cushion, the first chamber being structured to deliver a flow of the breathing gas to the sealing cushion, and (ii) a second chamber having a pressure sensing module disposed therein, the second chamber having a closed end and an open end, the open end being fluidly coupled to the sealing cushion such that the second chamber is structured to carry only a positive pressure and substantially zero gas flow.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transnasal tube assembly comprising a transnasal tube and an integrated tether for anchoring the transnasal tube, wherein the integrated tether is permanently fixed to the transnasal tube at a first fixation point, and wherein the integrated tether is reversibly fixable to the transnasal tube at a second fixation point.

Abstract: Nasal cannula assemblies for providing respiratory therapy to patients are provided. A nasal cannula assembly can include a cannula, an optional manifold, a gas supply tube, and a securement mechanism. Securement mechanisms can include headgear straps, cheek pads, or an adhesive nose strip. A nasal cannula assembly can also include a lanyard, lanyard clip, and/or lanyard connector to help support the weight of a main gas delivery conduit.

Abstract: A respiratory nosepiece (10) and method of manufacturing the respiratory nosepiece, the respiratory nosepiece including a first nasal prong (110) with a first channel (112) extending there through, and a first side port (130) connectable to tubes (192, 194) having different first and second diameters. The first side port has a second channel (131) extending there through and in communication with the first channel. The second channel includes a first section (134) having the first diameter, a second section (136) having the second diameter, a first step (135) between the first and second sections, and a second step (137) between the second section and an end (133) of the second channel. The first and second channels are formed during injection molding by pins (412, 422, 431, 441) having flat pin-on-pin geometry to reduce resin flash within the channels.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems for securing a tube (e.g. feeding tube) and/or a patient interface or a dermal patch to a user. One embodiment comprises a holder, an interface side of the holder attachable to the patient interface or the dermal patch for securing a feeding tube to the patient interface or the patch, the holder comprising at least a first channel or recess for receiving the feeding tube to couple the feeding tube to the patient interface. Another embodiment comprises a patient interface itself comprising a backing for positioning on a patient's face, a dermal patch having a patient side and an interface side, the patient side of the patch attachable to the user, the patch comprising at least a first flap portion attachable to the tube for affixing the tube to the patch, a two-part releasable connection arrangement for releasably securing the patient interface to the patch.

Abstract: A nasal interface device configured to be positioned about a user's nose includes an air supply interface body including an air supply opening, at least one nasal opening, and first and second side slots and first and second elastic members extending through the first and second side slots, respectively, on the air supply interface body. Each of the first and second elastic members includes first and second adhesive means on an outer end thereof distal from the air supply interface body. The nasal interface device includes a bendable metallic member including a bridge portion between first and second ends, wherein the first and second elastic members attach to the first and second ends of the bendable metallic member, respectively.

Abstract: A device for securing a nasal cannula to a patient includes a pair of opposing legs having a predefined opening therebetween and a clip secured to an opposite end of the pair of opposing legs. The pair of opposing legs are configured to slide over a nasal septum and are biased together to provide compression as the pair of legs are moved apart when sliding over the nasal septum. The clip has an opening configured to secure the device to a tube. Alternatively, a device for securing a nasal cannula to a patient includes an adhesive strip configured to be releasably attached to columella of the nasal septum and a clip secured to the adhesive strip and the clip has an opening configured to secure the device to a tube.

Abstract: Headgear and a patient interface, or components of headgear or a patient interface, such as a nasal cannula are provided. In one embodiment is a size adjustable headstrap to be provided as a headgear or a part thereof, in another is a portion of a headstrap or component for association therewith in which the portion or component facilitates improved location of the strap upon a user's face, in another embodiment is a system for encapsulating or covering a connector from contact with a user's face or facial skin, in another embodiment is a face mount part or body for a patient interface of a particular configuration, and in yet a further embodiment is a gases flow manifold for delivering of gasses to a patient interface of a particular configuration for improved patient comfort.

Abstract: A nasal prong for a cushion member for use with a patient interface device that includes a casing, a flap extending from the casing for insertion into a nostril of a patient, and a bottom cap. The casing and the bottom cap define a space. A fill material is disposed in the space defined by the casing and the bottom cap, wherein the casing is structured to deform and conform to a shape of a portion of the nostril when the nostril applies pressure to the casing.

Abstract: A disposable nasal air moisturizing device is removably attached to a nasal cannula to release a moisturizing liquid into a breathing gas and a patient's nasal airway. The intranasal sponges and moisturizing liquid prevents and treats both abrasions from the nasal cannula and excessive drying of the mucosa. This reduces the incidence of nosebleeds in patients using supplemental nasal oxygen.

Abstract: Embodiments of nasal dilators are disclosed. In one embodiment, a nasal dilator has an internal portion with first and second nostril separators and an external portion forming a connection member. Each nostril separator has a generally “C” configuration and includes a first and second end separated by a linking member. The first and second ends have a gap therebetween. The connection member has a generally “U “configuration, and is fixed to the linking members of the first and second nostril separators to form the nasal dilator.

Abstract: A nasal cannula assembly is disclosed having a face mount part, in use resting against a user's face, which includes at least one nasal prong capable of being fitted into a person's nares. The cannula assembly also includes a manifold part, in fluid communication with the face mount part, having a single horizontal side gases entry. In particular, this cannula assembly is for supplying heated, humidified gases to a patient suffering from COPD. A tie or lanyard is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus such as a nasal cannula, face or nasal mask or tracheostomy connector. The tie or lanyard transfers the weight of the conduits supplying gases to the breathing assistance apparatus from the breathing assistance apparatus and distributes it onto the neck of the patient.

Abstract: A method of controlling a flow rate of gases supplied to a patient by a respiratory assistance device includes controlling the supply gases flow rate so as to deliver gases to the patient according to a predetermined gases pressure/flow rate profile for at least a portion of the breathing cycle. A profile may be achieved that provides the patient with a particular benefit or therapy.

Abstract: An integrated pump module is disclosed that includes a rigid housing having a fluid outlet, a fluid reservoir within the housing, and a pumping segment coupled between the fluid reservoir and the fluid outlet. The pumping segment is configured to cause fluid to flow from the fluid reservoir to the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A headgear for securing a patient airway interface device to a patient's head comprising a concave partial helmet having an outer surface and an inner surface and having a left lateral element, a right lateral element, a top portion and a back portion, wherein the left lateral element and the right lateral element are separated at a front half of the concave partial helmet by a void between the front half top portion of the concave partial helmet and the left lateral element and the right lateral element; when on the patient's head the top portion of the concave partial helmet terminates at the forehead of the patient's head with a front face of the top portion of the concave partial helmet that is proximal to the forehead having a stabilizer for supporting a hub and wherein the left lateral element and the right lateral element is structured to terminate on either side of a patient's face near a cheek portion without directly touching the check portion and wherein a section of the right lateral element and t

Abstract: A method for determining an optimal radio frequency to break an emulsion comprises: analyzing an oil and water interface of an emulsion; defining the oil and water interface at a molecular level; simulating oscillation of molecules at the oil and water interface under different radio frequencies; and determining an optimal radio frequency to break the emulsion.

Abstract: Devices for providing respiratory therapy to a patient are disclosed. One device includes first and second elongated lumens and a nosepiece. The elongated lumens each have a constant internal diameter. The nosepiece portion has a third lumen and a fourth lumen. The third and fourth lumens have constant internal diameters equal to those of the first and second lumens. The third and fourth lumens have inlet ends adapted to be connected to the outlet ends of the first and second lumens without constricting the internal diameter of the first and second lumens. The third and fourth lumens are configured to receive first and second flows of breathing gas from the first and second lumens and deliver the flows of breathing gas to outlets end of the third and fourth lumens. The second flow of breathing gas is maintained separate from the first flow of breathing gas within the nosepiece portion.

Abstract: An air delivery conduit includes first and second conduit portions that cooperate to form the conduit, each conduit portion including an inner layer of a film laminate that forms an interior surface of the conduit and an outer layer of a textile that forms an exterior surface of the conduit.

Abstract: A patient interface has a single loop headstrap and a mask for covering at least the nostrils of the user. The single loop headstrap extends from the mask at either end. A short length of supple conduit is coupled to the mask by a swivel or ball joint to allow rotation of the conduit relative to the mask through different angles and orientations.

Abstract: A patient interface system for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a patient interface structure configured to sealingly engage the face of the patient and a retaining element configured for application to the patient. The retaining element is configured to support the patient interface structure in sealing engagement with the face of the patient. The retaining element includes an adhesive and/or at least one strap. In addition, the patient interface structure is configured to be released from and re-engaged with the retaining element for re-positioning of the patient interface structure relative to the patient's face in a plurality of positions while the retaining element remains supported by the patient.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes a frame member and a cushion having a main body, a sealing portion, and first and second posts extending from the main body. The frame member defines a first orifice and a second orifice. The first post of the cushion is rotateably received within the first orifice and the second post is rotateably received within the second orifice in a manner that permits the cushion to rotate relative to the frame member.

Abstract: A respiratory mask for continuous positive airway pressure treatment includes a cushion adapted to be positioned against the face of a patient. The cushion is configured in a gasket arrangement around an entrance to the airways of the patient. The cushion is constructed from a polyurethane foam and has a thickness of greater than about 5 mm.

Abstract: A patient interface for communicating fluids to and/or from a patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. In addition, a patient interface for fluid and physiological function monitoring proximate to the patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. An apnea monitor and a method for monitoring apnea are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient for the treatment of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) that is less obtrusive includes a nasal cannula, cannulae (2a, 2b), prongs, or pillows and may be sealed or unsealed with the nares of the patient in use. The cannula, pillows or prongs may be positioned on the face of the patient by a headgear (6). The cannula, pillows or prongs may be smaller, lighter, and/or less visible than other nasal cannula, cannulae, pillows or prongs and may therefore be less obtrusive to the patient.

Abstract: A system for providing ventilation support to a patient may include a ventilator, a control unit, a gas delivery circuit with a proximal end in fluid communication with the ventilator and a distal end in fluid communication with a nasal interface, and a nasal interface. The nasal interface may include at least one jet nozzle at the distal end of the gas delivery circuit; and at least one spontaneous respiration sensor for detecting respiration in communication with the control unit. The system may be open to ambient. The control unit may receive signals from the at least one spontaneous respiration sensor and determine gas delivery requirements. The ventilator may deliver gas at a velocity to entrain ambient air and increase lung volume or lung pressure above spontaneously breathing levels to assist in work of breathing, and deliver ventilation gas in a cyclical delivery pattern synchronized with a spontaneous breathing pattern.

Abstract: A conduit for delivering a supply of gas under a positive pressure includes a conduit wall having a first conduit end and a second conduit end. The first conduit end is adapted to be attached to the supply of gas. The conduit wall is deformable between (a) an open condition in which the conduit wall defines a conduit passage along which the supply of gas can travel between the first conduit end to the second conduit end, and (b) a collapsed condition in which the conduit wall substantially collapses the conduit passage.

Abstract: A patient interface system includes a nasal seal of flexible material to communicate with at least one airway of the patient, and a primary headgear from which the nasal seal is suspended, said primary headgear having at least one aperture though which at least a portion of the nasal seal is inserted with the primary headgear wrapping about at least one portion of the nasal seal in a sling-like fashion.

Abstract: Various equipment and methods associated with providing a concentrated product gas are provided. In one embodiment, the equipment includes an input device first and second sieve tanks, a variable restrictor, and a controller. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) selecting a desired output setting for the concentrated product gas from a plurality of output settings, b) separating one or more adsorbable components from a pressurized source gaseous mixture via first and second sieve tanks in alternating and opposing pressurization and purging cycles to form the concentrated product gas, and c) selectively controlling a variable restrictor based at least in part on the desired output setting to selectively provide flow between the first and second sieve tanks such that the flow for at least one output setting is different from the flow for at least one other output setting in relation to corresponding pressurization cycles.

Abstract: A catheter that comprises a hub, an elongated conduit, and at least one lumen therein. The lumen includes a proximal lumen section, a distal lumen section, and an intermediate lumen section extending between the proximal and distal lumen sections. The cross-sectional dimension of the intermediate lumen section is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the distal lumen section. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional dimension of the intermediate lumen section is less than the cross-sectional dimension of the proximal lumen section. In certain embodiments, the lumen tapers from the dial and/or proximal lumen sections to the intermediate lumen section.

Abstract: Headgear, comprising at least one strap; and at least one rigidizer, the headgear being arranged to position one of the at least one strap and one of the at least one rigidizer, with regard to one another such that the rigidizer imparts a desired shape to at least a portion of the strap while allowing said portion of the strap to move relative to the rigidizer.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system for supplying ventilatory support may include a nasal interface configured to communicate with a patient's nose while allowing the patient to breathe ambient air directly without flowing through the nasal interface. A nozzle may be associated with the nasal interface at a distance from a nose. The nozzle may be connectable to the gas delivery circuit and the gas delivery source. The nozzle may be capable of delivering gas into the nasal passage by creating negative pressure area near the nozzle and a positive pressure area near the entrance to the nose. A combination of gas from the gas delivery source and air entrained from the gas exiting the nozzle may provide ventilatory support.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for securing nasal tubes are disclosed. An exemplary system includes a bridle, a magnetic portion connected to the bridle, a delivery probe, a retrieval probe, and a clamp. The delivery probe includes an elongated member having proximal and distal ends, the distal end configured to deliver the magnetic portion, and a bridle lock configured to release the bridle upon actuation of an actuator. The retrieval probe includes an elongated member having proximal and distal ends, the distal end including a magnetic portion configured to magnetically couple with the other magnetic portion, and a magnetic coupling indicator configured to provide an indication in response to a magnetic coupling. The clamp includes a channel portion with an inside diameter larger than an outside diameter of a nasal tube. The clamp is configured to secure the nasal tube following placement of the bridle by the delivery and retrieval probes.

Abstract: A surgical sheath for use in endoscopic trans-nasal or intra-ocular surgery has an angle section joined to a conical section, with the conical section having a central axis not parallel to a central axis of the angle section. A body section is joined to the angle section, with the body section having a length at least twice the length of the angle section. The conical section, the angle section and the body section may be a flexible or compliant material. The sheath reduces collateral trauma to the tissues in the surgical pathway.

Abstract: A catheter tube for insertion into a body of a patient is disclosed. The catheter tube includes a distal portion that remains stable during fluid infusion into the patient, thus reducing or eliminating whipping of the catheter distal tip, even during power injection. In one embodiment, the catheter tube defines at least one lumen and is formed from a tube material that defines a proximal portion and a distal portion of the catheter tube. The catheter tube is configured such that the arithmetic product of an elastic modulus and an area moment of inertia for at least a portion of the distal portion of the catheter tube defined by the catheter tube material is greater relative the arithmetic product of an elastic modulus and an area moment of inertia for at least a portion of the proximal portion of the catheter tube.

Abstract: Breaths of a subject are identified based on the concentration of carbon dioxide at or near the airway of the subject. Troughs corresponding to inhalation are identified and plateaus corresponding to exhalation are identified. A breath is identified responsive to a trough being followed by a plateau.

Abstract: A nasal pillow section for use as part of an apparatus for providing a stream of gases to a user, the pillow section in use located in front of the upper lip and below the nostrils of a user, the pillow section comprising a pillow gasket having a gases aperture which receives a stream of gases in use, and nasal pillows fluidically connected to the pillow gasket which are adapted to substantially seal against the nostrils of a user in use, so that substantially the whole of the stream of gases entering the gasket through the aperture passes into the nasal pillows from the pillow gasket and is delivered to the user, the lower inner surface of the pillow gasket shaped so that in use contact between the upper lip of a user and the pillow gasket is minimized.

Abstract: Apparatus for control of oxygen and/or air flow to nasal prongs.

Abstract: A nasal cannula having a face piece including first and second nares which each communicate with a respective nostril of a patient. A septum divides the face piece into first and second flow paths such that the first flow path communicates with the first nare and the second flow path communicates with the second nare. A leading end of the first nare is configured to form a fluid barrier within a first nostril and facilitate only supplying an insufflation gas, via the first flow path, to the patient and prevent exhausting any exhaust gas, of the patient, through the first nostril. A leading end of the second nare is configured to facilitate collecting some of the exhaust gas, from the patient, via the second flow path as well as exhausting a remainder of the exhaust gas out through a second nostril of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tube fastening structure for fastening a tube in a radiant floor heating system, the tube fastening structure comprising a bottom layer and at least one fastening element. The bottom layer is fixed on ground and has a surface of loop members. The fastening element has a plurality of hook members on a first surface thereof, and the plurality of hook members are configured to be mechanically fastened to the surface of the loop members of the bottom layer. After the tube is placed on the bottom layer, the fastening element is configured to fasten the tube in a manner of surrounding the tube by a mechanical fastening between the plurality of hook members and the surface of the loop members of the bottom layer.

Abstract: The present application discloses a bridle device and a method of placing a bridle on a person using the bridle device. In one exemplary embodiment, the bridle device comprises a retrieval portion and a delivery portion. The delivery portion has a retrieval member and a retrieval magnet attached to the retrieval member. The delivery portion has a delivery member and a delivery magnet that is movable relative to a distal portion of the delivery member. In certain embodiments, the delivery portion has a delivery tube and a delivery magnet attached to a flexible elongated member received in the delivery tube. The delivery magnet is movable relative to a distal portion of the delivery tube and both poles of the delivery magnet are exposed outside of the delivery tube.

Abstract: An embodiment is directed to pressure plate for attachment to an infusion pump, where the pressure plate includes a tubing support surface at least partially surrounded by a raised perimeter support. The pressure plate includes a plurality of guide structures extending from the raised perimeter support that define a passageway for an infusion pump tube. Additionally an attachable flow stop assembly is included that includes an attachable occlusion arch and an attachable flow stop arm. The attachable occlusion arch includes a plurality of tab structures that couple to the raised perimeter support. The occlusion arch further includes an aperture configured to surround an infusion pump tube threaded therethrough. The attachable flow stop arm is operatively coupled to the raised perimeter support adjacent the attachable occlusion arch in a spring-biased fashion such that the aperture in the occlusion arch may be selectively occluded by the flow stop arm.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a device is disclosed. The device includes a nasal cannula having prongs to supply air and covers inserted over the prongs to prevent discomfort during use of the nasal cannula.

Abstract: A protective cover for a nasal cannula completely encloses the two prongs of the nasal cannula when properly installed. This protective cover will keep the nasal cannula from contacting potentially unclean surfaces when the nasal cannula is not in use. An optional UV light may be present in the protective cover to provide UV cleaning of the nasal cannula prongs when the cover is closed.

Abstract: A reaction and distribution system may include a distributor securable near or in a path correspond to a breathing passage such as the nostrils or the mouth of a user for delivering nitric oxide therapy thereto. The distributor may contain an internal reactor for creating the nitric oxide from reactants. Alternative embodiments may rely on a line delivering nitric oxide to the distributor from a remote generator such as a canister carried in a pocket or placed/at the bedside of a user.

Abstract: There is provided an airway tube for breath sampling, comprising a breath sampling port comprising two or more inlets adapted to sample breath from the airway tube. The inlets are connected to each other through a junction located outside of the air passageway of the airway tube.

Abstract: A medical apparatus for the treatment of one or more sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea in a patient is provided. The medical apparatus has an elongate member with a middle portion, a first fixation element and a second fixation element. The middle portion applies a force to a segment of a patient's airway.