Abstract: A medical device may include a gas delivery apparatus, a patient interface, a connection system, and an electrical circuit. The gas delivery apparatus may be configured to deliver gas to a patient. The patient interface may be configured to interface with the patient to deliver gas communicated by the gas delivery apparatus to the patient. The connection system may be configured to communicate gas from the gas delivery apparatus to the patient interface. The electrical circuit may be configured to communicate electrical signals between the patient interface and the gas delivery apparatus, and may including one or more first electrical conductors at least partially integral with the patient interface and one or more second electrical conductors at least partially integral with the connection system.

Abstract: A nasal cannula is provided that employs a left tube and a right tube wherein at least a portion thereof is made of a resilient and compliant material that elongates in response to a tensile load applied thereto. The contemplated tubing material will continue to supply a predetermined amount of oxygen to the patient if elongated, i.e., the elongated tube will not substantially constrict air flow.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for an airflow system, wherein the positive applied pressure is maintained at an approximately constant level over a variety of conditions. In one embodiment, a laminar flow is maintained by a foam housing and configuration. The use low air volume is enabled by using a closed system, wherein feedback information from the system is used to control the speed of an impeller. In one embodiment, moisture recirculation and recycling is applied to extract moisture from exhalation and inject the moisture back into the inhalation portion of the breathing cycle.

Abstract: A low flow heated/humidified respiratory gas delivery system, especially useful for low flow rates as preferred in the treatment of neonate and other such patients, wherein the respiratory gas is heated and humidified as desired for delivery to the patient and the temperature is monitored at the point of delivery to the patient.

Abstract: An air delivery system for providing a supply of air from a source of air at positive pressure to an interfacing structure located at the entrance to the airways of a patient includes a manifold adapted to connect with the supply of positive air pressure and at least one tube connected to the manifold and adapted to deliver the supply of air to the interfacing structure. Each tube is structured to allow movement between an open phase in which the tube allows the passage of air and a collapsed phase in which the tube is collapsed. Each tube is structured such that weight of a typical patient's head against bedding apparel is sufficient to collapse the tube from the open phase to the collapsed phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for nasal drug delivery comprises a first tube in fluid communication with a means for generating a negative pressure and a second tube in fluid communication with an aerosol. The first tube is contacted with one nostril, the said second tube is contacted with the other nostril, and a negative pressure is applied to the first tube, producing a negative pressure within a nasal cavity and causing the aerosol to be drawn into the nasal passages and to deposit on an internal nasal surface.

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 nasal cannula for administering respiratory therapy is disclosed. The nasal cannula comprises first and second supply tubes, a cannula body, first and second nasal prongs, and first and second flow paths. Each supply tube has an inlet to receive a flow from a flow source and an outlet. The cannula body has first and second ends. The first end is coupled to the first outlet and the second end is coupled to the second outlet. The first and second nasal prongs extend from the cannula body. The first flow path extends from the first supply tube through the cannula body to the first nasal prong. The second flow path extends from the second supply tube through the cannula body to the second nasal prong. Systems and methods for using the above-described nasal cannula are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for nasally delivering a supraglottic jet ventilation and methods of treating breathing disorders by utilizing the apparatus for nasally delivering a supraglottic jet ventilation.

Abstract: An airway management device including a hollow flexible tube. The tube defines a lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is configured to be coupled to a ventilator and/or anesthesia circuit. An opening is provided at or near the distal end to allow passage of air and/or anesthesia therethrough. The tube is configured to be expanded radially after insertion through a patient's nasopharyngeal passageway when the distal end of the tube is positioned proximate the patient's hypopharynx. The device may include an inflatable outer sleeve surrounding and extending along the length of the tube. When the outer sleeve is in a deflated state, the distal end of the tube may be inserted through a patient's nasopharyngeal passageway. When the distal end of the tube is positioned proximate the patient's hypopharynx, the outer sleeve may be inflated and expanded.

Abstract: A system for delivering a humidified gas to a patient is disclosed. The system includes a supply tube having a first supply tube end and a second supply tube end. The supply tube has a first inner diameter. The system also includes an apparatus for delivering heated and humidified gas to the first end of the supply tube and a single lumen having a first lumen end and a second lumen end. The single lumen has a second inner diameter, smaller than the first diameter. The first lumen end is in fluid flow communication with the second supply tube end. The system also includes a nasal cannula in fluid flow communication with the second lumen end. A method of delivering heated and humidified gas to a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a respiratory device is disclosed. The respiratory device may include or comprise a nasal device. The respiratory device may also include or comprise a conveyor device coupled with the nasal device. The respiratory device may further include or comprise an oral device, wherein the oral device may include or comprise an adjustment nut sized to couple with the conveyor device.

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: A breathing assistance apparatus includes a nasal mask unit, an insert plate, two nasal prongs, a head strap unit, and an intake tube. The nasal mask unit includes a rear wall having an inner surrounding surface defining a prong-receiving hole, a forwardly converging front wall formed with a tube-connecting hole, an insert groove formed in the inner surrounding surface, and two side straps extending respectively from two opposite sides of the rear wall. The front and rear walls define a compartment in fluid communication with the tube-connecting hole and the prong-receiving hole. The insert plate is inserted into the insert groove to thereby be positioned in the prong-receiving hole. Each of the nasal prongs has a nose-engaging end portion, a plate-engaging end portion fitted within the corresponding mounting hole, and a through hole. The head strap unit is connected between the side straps. The intake tube extends into the tube-connecting hole.

Abstract: A nasopharyngeal airway for providing an air passage through a nose to a nasopharynx includes a cannula having a proximal open end, a distal closed end, and a sidewall surrounding a lumen of the cannula. The nasopharyngeal airway has an opening in the sidewall at a distal portion of the cannula for providing fluid communication between a distal portion of the lumen and the nasopharynx when the cannula is inserted into the nose and a conduit in the sidewall of the cannula, the conduit having an opening adjacent to the proximal open end of the cannula and a conduit opening in a distal portion of the cannula for providing fluid communication between the conduit and the distal portion of the lumen.

Abstract: Fluid flow regulators and fluid conservers are disclosed. An exemplary fluid conserver may be operated in one of an intermittent mode of operation and a continuous mode of operation. Further, the exemplary conserver provides at least two pulses of fluid in response to a first trigger, such as the inhalation of a patient.

Abstract: A nasal delivery device (11) for delivering substance to a nasal airway (1) of a subject, comprising: first and second nosepiece units (17, 19), each including a nosepiece (21, 23) for fitting to respective nostrils of a subject; at least one substance supply unit (13, 15) for supplying substance for delivery to the nasal airway (1) of the subject; and a valve unit (35, 37) for selectively fluidly connecting the at least one substance supply unit (13, 15) alternately to respective ones of the nosepiece units (17, 19).

Abstract: Disclosed is a capnometry apparatus for receiving respiratory gas from a respiratory cannula positioned on a patient. An integrated host controller alerts a user if the capnometry apparatus is connected or not connected to the respiratory cannula based in part on a signal output from a capnometer located in the capnometry apparatus. The host controller also includes the functionality to shut off the capnometer pump with or without a time delay when the capnometer signal output indicates the capnometer pump is not connected to the cannula. An ambient-air pressure sensor located in the capnometry apparatus alerts the host controller if the capnometry apparatus has been moved to a new location with a substantially different altitude than the first location, in which case the host controller will issue an alert to a user prompting a calibration of the capnometry apparatus.

Abstract: A system and a method are described for monitoring pressure imbalances in the adsorbent beds of a portable gas concentrator. Using the programmability features found in modern portable concentrators, various mitigative procedures to adjust for pressure imbalances and to predict the need for service are disclosed.

Abstract: A nasal ventilation interface including a pair of tubes configured to deliver a ventilation gas. The tubes are attachable at a first end to a ventilation gas supply hose and engageable at a second end with a person's nostril. A coupler is configured to align the pair of tubes with the person's nostrils, wherein each tube has an absence of pneumatic interconnection with the other tube.

Abstract: A mask system for use between a patient and a device to deliver a breathable gas to the patient includes a mouth cushion, a pair of nasal prongs, an elbow, and a headgear assembly. The mouth cushion is structured to sealingly engage around an exterior of a patient's mouth in use, and the pair of nasal prongs are structured to sealingly communicate with nasal passages of a patient's nose in use. The elbow delivers breathable gas to the patient. The headgear assembly maintains the mouth cushion and the nasal prongs in a desired position on the patient's face. The headgear assembly provides a substantially round crown strap that cups the parietal bone and occipital bone of the patient's head in use.

Abstract: A nasal cannula is provided that employs a left tube and a right tube wherein at least a portion thereof is made of a resilient and compliant material that elongates in response to a tensile load applied thereto. The contemplated tubing material will continue to supply a predetermined amount of oxygen to the patient if elongated, i.e., the elongated tube will not substantially constrict air flow.

Abstract: A nasal continuous positive airway pressure device for lowering patient work-of-breathing comprising: an inspiratory tubing in fluid communication with at least two nasal prongs; expiratory tubing; and a generator body coupled there between, the generator body comprising: at least two jets configured for receiving gas from the inspiratory tubing; and a flow enhancer configured for directing received gas, the flow enhancer comprising: a gas manager configured for channeling received gas towards a jet impingement point via at least two jet paths; a fluidic flip trigger configured for triggering a fluidic flip of channeled gas back towards the expiratory tubing by directing a first portion of exhaled patient breath towards the jet impingement point along a first pathway; and an isolated pathway manager configured for directing a second portion of the exhaled patient breath along a second pathway towards the expiratory tubing, the second pathway isolated from the first pathway.

Abstract: A wearable medical support is provided for delivery of fluids to the nose of a subject. The support includes a heat moldable nose mask having a longitudinal direction, formed from a sheet of thermoplastic material. The nose mask includes a nose aperture dimensioned to fit the nose of the subject, and a fixture for a strap at each opposing longitudinal end of the mask The support includes a coupling dismountably fixed to the mask for attachment of one or more tubes for delivery of the fluid to the nose. The nose mask is configured for individual molding across at least part of the cheek bones of the subject.

Abstract: A valve arrangement interposed between a compressor and a user, in a respiratory pressure support system. A connecting element connects a breathing tube to a human interface apparatus. A shutter is formed within the connecting element. The shutter is placed in a first position allowing pressurized air to flow from the compressor to the user. This shutter is placed in a second position preventing pressurized air from flowing from the compressor to the user.

Abstract: A device for delivering respiratory gas directly into the nose of a user, for example for use in the treatment of sleeping disorders, in particular sleep apnea. This device for delivering respiratory gas directly into the nose of a user includes a hollow elastic membrane insertable into a nostril of the user and a part, inserted in the cavity of the elastic membrane, which part has a passage extending from one end to an opposite end of the inserted part, and it is characterized in that the inserted part further includes breathing channels which are located in the wall of the inserted part and extend from one end to an opposite end of the inserted part. The invention also relates to a method for producing the device according to the invention, a set and a system for delivering respiratory gas directly into the nose of a user, and a method for assembling the system according to the invention.

Abstract: An oropharyngeal airway configured for placement within a mouth of a patient to create a passageway between a mouth of a patient and the posterior pharyngeal wall that includes a passageway body, a flange assembly and a reactive material. The flange assembly is positioned at the end of the body and includes spaced apart upper and lower flange portions, which define a passageway therebetween which is in communication with the opening of the passageway body. The reactive material cooperates with the flange assembly and the passageway defined by the spaced apart flange portions. The reactive material provides qualitative visual indication as to whether the patient is effectively ventilating. A nasopharyngeal airway is likewise disclosed, as is a flange assembly which can be coupled to existing airways.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system that adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-á-vis the mask and/or airflow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.

Abstract: An atraumatic nasal tube for non-invasive respiratory support (NIV-CPAP), having one central tube (5) extending from the nasal bridge, at a distance from the forehead area, to the nasal opening of the patient. The first end of the central tube (5) has an applicator (2) to be fixed to the forehead of the patient for connecting to a hose system coupled to a respiratory machine, and the second end of the central tube (5) comprises nasal connectors (6) protruding in a sickle shape out of the central tube (5) and opening into the nasal opening.

Abstract: Humidified respiratory gas is supplied to a patient through an open cannula placed within the openings of the patient's nostrils. The open cannula allows respiratory gas to escape the patient's nostrils and thereby reduce back pressure experienced by a patient during the expiratory periods of the patient's breathing cycle. An open cannula configuration also eliminates uncomfortable masks that may otherwise prevent an obstructive breathing disordered patient from effectively using respiratory therapy.

Abstract: A nasal ventilation interface and method for providing nasal ventilation to a patient includes a hybrid face mask, covering only the mouth, coupled with removable nasal inserts extending from the upper surface of the mask. The nasal interface has modular, removable, and disposable nasal pillows connecting the upper surface of the mouth-portion of the mask to the user's nares. Each part of the hybrid mask is modular and can be formed in various shapes and sizes. The ventilation interface has differing gas line entry ports and can be shallow with a relatively deep soft facial interface or deep with a relatively shallow facial interface. In either case, the upper surface receives the nasal interface. The upper surface can have a removable ceiling in which is defined a nasal interface connector. The nasal interface can be integral with a removable ceiling. The entire hybrid mask can be made in one piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient. The device includes a patient interface and connecting member. The connecting member is preferably a L-shaped swivelled connector that is capable of being fixed into one of two positions, a first position where the connector is freely rotatable within the patient interface, and a second position where an interference between the interface and connector prevents the free rotation of the connector within the patient interface. The present invention further relates to a connector that has outlet means, which includes at least one outlet vent and a funnel, which in use directs and passes a substantial portion gases expired from the patient through the outlet vent or vents.

Abstract: A skin adherent device is presented. The skin adherent device includes a first portion configured for attaching to a first portion of an anatomy. A second portion is configured for attaching to a second portion of the anatomy. A tubular bridge portion is configured for attaching to a third portion of the anatomy. The first portion and the second portion comprise a tacky gel material. The first portion and the second portion form a nasal dilator that prevents an outer wall tissue of nasal passages from drawing in during breathing.

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 minimised.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube usable for intraopertive monitoring of the laryngeal nerve. The endotracheal tube includes at least one electrical contact that is movable along and about an exterior sidewall of the endotracheal tube and connected to the exterior sidewall by a connector when the electrode is placed in a position to optimize the conductivity between the nerve being monitored and the electrical contact. The electrical contact may be connected using a locking tube, tape, adhesive, etc.

Abstract: A skin adherent device is presented. The skin adherent device includes a first portion configured for attaching to a first portion of an anatomy. A second portion is configured for attaching to a second portion of the anatomy. A third portion is configured for attaching to a third portion of the anatomy. The second portion and the third portion are disposed on opposing ends of the skin adherent device. The first portion, the second portion and the third portion include a tacky gel material.

Abstract: A method of forming a cannula from a cannula mandrel assembly comprising a pair of mouthpiece/nasal mandrels and a mating facepiece mandrel. The facepiece mandrel has a pair of conical holes, in an intermediate section thereof, for receiving a leading end of one mouthpiece/nasal mandrel. The conical holes allow the facepiece mandrel to slide along the mouthpiece/nasal mandrels until the conical holes abut with respective mating tapering conical sections and prevent further sliding movement along the mouthpiece/nasal mandrels. Following assembly, the assembly is heated, at least one coating of a polymeric material is applied thereto and heat from the assembly at least partially cures the polymeric material on the assembly. Following curing, the facepiece mandrel and formed cannula are slide along the mouthpiece/nasal mandrels until the facepiece mandrel and formed cannula are removed therefrom. Lastly, the facepiece mandrel is removed from the formed cannula.

Abstract: Described herein are nasal devices, including nasal devices formed in layers having four or fewer layers. In some variations, the nasal devices include a single integrated layer from which the flap of the airflow resistor is formed as well as the base of the holdfast region. The nasal devices may include a single aligner or rim body on the side of the device facing the subject. The aligner may protect the airflow resistor, and may help center or position the nasal device. In some variations, these nasal devices may include a noise-reduction feature. Also described herein are systems, devices and methods for determining if a passive nasal respiratory device having an airflow resistor configured to inhibit exhalation more than inhalation has been worn by a subject, and thereby confirming compliance.

Abstract: Whole-nose nasal respiratory devices and methods of making and using whole-nose nasal respiratory devices are described and illustrated herein. These devices are typically configured to be adhesively secured to a subject so that they engage both of the subject's nostrils and allow airflow from both nostrils to communicate with an airflow resistor. The airflow resistor is configured so that it inhibits exhalation through the nostrils more than it inhibits inhalation through the nostrils.

Abstract: A system for supporting a breathing passage of a patient may include a cannula and an insertion apparatus. The cannula may be configured to be at least partially inserted into a breathing passage of a patient for supporting the breathing passage during sleep. The cannula may include an insertion end configured to be inserted through a nasal passageway portion of the breathing passage. The insertion apparatus may include a nasal applicator operable to guide the cannula through the nasal applicator and into the nasal passageway, and a support frame coupled to the nasal applicator and configured to be releasably coupled to the patient to position the nasal applicator proximate to the nasal passageway.

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: The present invention concerns a method for treating a respiratory distress in a infant in need of such treatment, the method comprising intratracheal administration of a pulmonary surfactant by a thin tube. The invention also concerns a kit for performing said method.

Abstract: A self supporting head mounted harness for mounting a respirator mask on the face of a user, the harness including a harness body having a material stiffness sufficient to enable the harness to be retained and self supported on the head of a user independent of whether or not the mask is attached to the harness.

Abstract: A respiration appliance (10), system (40), and method (62, 72, 86) for supporting the airway of a subject (12) as the subject (12) breaths. The flow of gas from the lungs of the subject (12) during exhalation is leveraged to provide support to the airway. In particular, a body (14) that encloses one or more external orifices of the subject (12) provides a resistance differential between inhaled gas flows and exhaled gas flows that supports the subject's airway.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a respiratory shield is disclosed. The respiratory shield is sized to be coupled with a respiratory device having a nasal air intake member so as to be positioned along an oral airflow axis.

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 breathing apparatus includes a supply tube configured to provide a supply of air. A first and second nasal interface each include a generally spherical member having a respective projection configured to be at least partially received within a respective nasal passage of a user, and are independently movable relative to the housing. A valve is disposed between the fluid chamber and an exhaust passage for selectively allowing air to be exhausted from the fluid chamber via the exhaust passage. A diaphragm, coupled to a bias chamber, is also coupled to the valve for moving the valve between the open position and the closed position. Bias pressure within the bias chamber is regulated, at least in part, by a loading fluid impedance and a venting fluid impedance.

Abstract: A medical stabilization device that directs medical tubing onto a compressible foam block where it is attached and stabilized to the patient's body allowing it to be secured against excessive movement, tube dislodgement and positioned in a time efficient manner to prevent obstruction of patient treatment.

Abstract: A device (102) provides respiratory treatment for SDB (including mild OSA) and other respiratory conditions. A flow generator warms and humidifies gas at controlled flow levels. For example, the device (102) delivers breathable gas to the upper airway at flow rates of about 10-35 Liters/minute. Levels of flow rate, temperature and/or humidification of the device may be automatically adjusted in response to the detection of SDB events. The device may also automatically deliver adjustments of any of the levels in accordance with detected phases of respiratory cycles. In some embodiments, the device automatically delivers distinct levels to either of the nares based on independent control of flow to each nare. A warm-up procedure controls temperature and humidity at a desired target during a ramp-up of flow to the set therapy level. A cool-down procedure controls temperature above the dewpoint to avoid condensation internal to the device and patient interface.

Abstract: A nasal cannula for delivering air to a patient's nares. Two delivery tubes are provided to supply air to a pair of nasal inserts each of which conform to the shape of the nare. Properly placed bleed ports reduce noise and reduce carbon dioxide retained in the system. The cannula is positioned on the face with the aid of a strap system.