Abstract: A high flow therapy system including a microprocessor, a heating element a non-sealing respiratory interface and a sensor is disclosed. The heating element is disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is capable of heating a liquid to create a gas. The non-sealing respiratory interface is configured to deliver the gas to a patient. The sensor is disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is configured to measure pressure in an upper airway of the patient.

Abstract: A high flow therapy system for delivering pressurized, heated and humidified respiratory gas to an airway of a patient includes a respiratory gas flow pathway for delivering the pressurized respiratory gas to the airway of the patient by way of a non-sealing respiratory interface; wherein flow rate of the pressurized respiratory gas is controlled by a microprocessor, a mixing area for mixing oxygen and air in the respiratory gas flow pathway, a humidification area for humidifying respiratory gas in the respiratory gas flow pathway, a heated delivery conduit for minimizing condensation of humidified respiratory gas, a pressure pathway for monitoring pressure of the airway of the patient and communicating the monitored pressure to the microprocessor and a sensor disposed in communication with the pressure pathway, the sensor further disposed in communication with the microprocessor and configured to measure pressure in the airway of the patient.

Abstract: A tracheotomy shield includes a first sheet defining an opening extending therethrough. The opening in the tracheotomy shield is configured to receive a portion of a tracheotomy tube assembly and to establish a liquid-tight seal about the portion of the tracheotomy tube assembly. The first sheet is wholly supported by the tracheotomy tube assembly.

Abstract: A high flow therapy system including a microprocessor, a heating element a non-sealing respiratory interface and a sensor is disclosed. The heating element is disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is capable of heating a liquid to create a gas. The non-sealing respiratory interface is configured to deliver the gas to a patient. The sensor is disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is configured to measure pressure in an upper airway of the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a device, system and method for providing high flow therapy interfaces for use in the treatment of respiratory conditions and in assisted respirations. In an embodiment of the invention, a nasal cannula for delivery of respiratory gases can include at least one nasal insert and at least one flange coupled to the at least one nasal insert where the at least one flange is configured to partially impede the egress of respiratory gasses delivered to an upper airway of a patient is provided. In another embodiment, a flange has a shape selected from the group consisting of a slotted, vented or slitted design and configured to partially impede the egress of respiratory gasses.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a device, system and method for providing a connector configured for connecting to an artificial airway for use in the treatment of respiratory conditions and in assisted respirations. In an embodiment of the invention, a connector configured for connecting to an artificial airway is provided. The connector configured for connecting to an artificial airway can include an inlet conduit configured to receive supplied respiratory gas, an outlet conduit configured to allow exhaled gas to exit to ambient during use, an artificial airway side conduit configured to couple to an artificial airway and a restrictor coupled with the outlet conduit. The restrictor coupled with the outlet conduit can be an outflow variable restrictor. The connector further can include a reducer coupled with the outlet conduit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a device, system and method for providing artificial airway interfaces for use in the treatment of respiratory conditions and in assisted respirations. In an embodiment of the invention, an artificial airway interface for a non-sealing respiratory gas delivery system that directs a jet of gas into the artificial airway is provided. In another embodiment, an artificial airway interface for a non-sealing respiratory gas delivery system that allows for conductance of pressurized respiratory gasses and at least one of a sensor and port for collecting at least one of data and respiratory gas samples is provided. The artificial airway interface can further include an outflow variable restrictor.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for managing respiratory secretions and fluids in sections of artificial airways. In an embodiment of the invention, a respiratory secretion retention (RSR) device configured to fluidly connect to an artificial airway can be provided. The device can include a housing that defines a passageway for the flow of respiratory gases with at least two chambers coupled to the housing. The chambers are configured to retain exhaled respiratory particulate and liquid. The respiratory secretion retention device further includes a patient port coupled to the housing that is in fluid communication with the artificial airway and a repositionable barrier configured to isolate at least one of the two chambers from the passageway.

Abstract: A novel and non-obvious apparatus, system, and method for managing respiratory secretions and fluids in sections of artificial airways. In an embodiment of the invention, a respiratory secretion retention (RSR) device configured to fluidly connect to an artificial airway can be provided. The respiratory secretion retention (RSR) device can include a housing that defines a passageway for the flow of respiratory gases, a chamber defined by the housing with a portion of the chamber configured to retain exhaled respiratory particulate and liquid, a patient side port coupled with the housing, which is in fluid communication with an artificial airway and at least one access port coupled with the housing were the at least one access port includes a control valve. In an aspect of this embodiment, the housing further can include an instillation port.

Abstract: A novel and non-obvious apparatus, system, and method for managing respiratory secretions and fluids in sections of artificial airways. In an embodiment of the invention, a respiratory secretion retention (RSR) device configured to connect to an artificial airway can be provided. The respiratory secretion retention (RSR) device can include a housing that defines a passageway for the flow of respiratory gases, a chamber that is defined by the housing, where a portion of the chamber is configured to retain exhaled respiratory particulate and liquid, and at least one element configured to provide for repositioning at least a portion of the housing with respect to the artificial airway. In an aspect of this embodiment, the at least a portion of the housing can be repositioned with respect to the artificial airway without opening the artificial airway to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A novel and non-obvious method, system and apparatus for determining respiratory volume flow rate of a subject and associated parameters such as tidal volume, minute volume, and respiratory rate. The method for determining respiratory volume flow rate of a subject can include selecting an airway cavity of the subject, measuring delivery volume flow rate of respiratory gas delivered to the airway cavity, measuring pressure within the airway cavity and calculating a respiratory volume flow rate of the subject using the measured delivery volume flow rate of respiratory gas delivered to the airway cavity and the measured pressure within the airway cavity. The method further can include generating a warning signal selected from the group consisting of an indicator that a respiratory volume flow value is outside of an expected value for the subject and an indicator that an airway cavity measurement value does not conform to an expected value.

Abstract: A pneumotach for measuring respiratory gas flow is provided and includes a housing defining a lumen and having a longitudinal axis; and an airfoil diametrically supported within the lumen of the housing and extending at least partially thereacross, the airfoil defining a chord axis. The chord axis may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a device, system and method for providing artificial airway interfaces for use in the treatment of respiratory conditions and in assisted respirations. In an embodiment of the invention, an artificial airway interface for a non-sealing respiratory gas delivery system that directs a jet of gas into the artificial airway is provided. In another embodiment, an artificial airway interface for a non-sealing respiratory gas delivery system that allows for conductance of pressurized respiratory gasses and at least one of a sensor and port for collecting at least one of data and respiratory gas samples is provided. The artificial airway interface can further include an outflow variable restrictor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a device, system and method for providing high flow therapy interfaces for use in the treatment of respiratory conditions and in assisted respirations. In an embodiment of the invention, a nasal cannula for delivery of respiratory gases can include at least one nasal insert and at least one flange coupled to the at least one nasal insert where the at least one flange is configured to partially impede the egress of respiratory gasses delivered to an upper airway of a patient is provided. In another embodiment, a flange has a shape selected from the group consisting of a slotted, vented or slitted design and configured to partially impede the egress of respiratory gasses. In yet another embodiment, an oral interface for delivery of high flow therapy to the upper airway of a patient can include a gas diffuser that includes a terminus housing having a plurality of holes to allow the delivery of respiratory gases.

Abstract: A high flow therapy system including a microprocessor, a heating element a non-sealing respiratory interface and a sensor is disclosed. The heating element is disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is capable of heating a liquid to create a gas. The non-sealing respiratory interface is configured to deliver the gas to a patient. The sensor is disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is configured to measure pressure in an upper airway of the patient.

Abstract: Continuous positive airway pressure systems are provided including an interface defining a plenum chamber therein, and a pair of nasal cannulas connected to and in fluid communication with the plenum chamber of the interface. The nasal cannulas are configured and dimensioned to deliver pressurized air from the plenum chamber to the nares of a patient, wherein each nasal cannula is capable of off axis movement and/or pivoting.

Abstract: A tube seal adaptor for forming a seal around a tube inserted between a respiratory mask and the face of the mask wearer comprises a curved strip of flexible and pliable material having a tacky base and a slotted curved outer surface which curves downward to a relatively sharp angle with the ends of the strip. A slot extends into the curved strip from an outer surface thereof medially between the ends. The slot is sized to receive a feeding tube or the like in such a manner that the material forming the adaptor will seal around the tube when a mask is pressed or pulled against the seal on the wearer's face.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus for gaining access into the uterine cavity in order to perform minimally invasive surgery or diagnostic procedures related to a uterus and fallopian tubes, includes a single-lumen catheter; and an elongated balloon disposed distally on the single-lumen catheter for insertion into a cervical canal of the uterus. The balloon has opposing portions which occlude openings of the cervical canal when inflated. A fluid displacement sleeve is slidably disposed over the single-lumen catheter. The sleeve is moveable over the elongated balloon to inflate the portions of the balloon which are adjacent the opposite openings of the cervical canal when the balloon is inserted therein. Because there is no need for a balloon inflation lumen, the outer diameter of the catheter can be minimized and the cost of the apparatus is reduced.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus for gaining access into the uterine cavity in order to perform minimally invasive surgery or diagnostic procedures related to a uterus and fallopian tubes, includes a single-lumen catheter; and an elongated balloon disposed distally on the single-lumen catheter for insertion into a cervical canal of the uterus. The balloon has opposing portions which occlude openings of the cervical canal when inflated. A fluid displacement sleeve is slidably disposed over the single-lumen catheter. The sleeve is moveable over the elongated balloon to inflate the portions of the balloon which are adjacent the opposite openings of the cervical canal when the balloon is inserted therein. Because there is no need for a balloon inflation lumen, the outer diameter of the catheter can be minimized and the cost of the apparatus is reduced.

Abstract: An esophageal catheter device including a catheter with a balloon pressure sensor affixed to an exterior surface of the catheter, and a stylet assembly including a stylet for providing appropriate rigidity to the catheter to aid insertion in the esophagus and a port for removably mounting a pressure transducer.