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 humidification canister for humidifying a breathing gas, the humidification canister includes a fluid supply configured to supply a fluid and a first gas flow path in fluid communication with the fluid supply. A first gas flow path is configured to humidify the breathing gas with the fluid. A second gas flow path at least partially surrounds the first gas flow path. A method of insulating a breathing gas in a humidification canister using a gas is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed tube securement device attaches to the patient's body and to the tube, while allowing for a section of the tube to be detached from the tube securement device. The tube securement device comprises a backing with adhesive coated sections. The backing comprises a first end section, a second end section, and a midsection, separating the first end section from the second end section. The tube securement device further comprises a first adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the first end section, a second adhesive on at least a portion of the first major surface of the second end section, and wherein the first major surface of the midsection is free of tacky adhesive.

Abstract: Condensation or “rain-out” is a problem in breathing circuits and especially neonatal breathing circuits. The subject patent provides an improved breathing tube component for managing rain-out particularly in neonatal applications. In particular the breathing tube has a smooth inner bore, and an outer insulating layer containing stagnant gas and a heater wire.

Abstract: A device is provided that humidifies breathing gas. The device has a chamber with an inlet and an outlet. A chemical heater is positioned within the chamber and a trigger activates the heater. The chamber can be a conduit with an inner wall and an outer wall with a reservoir defined therebetween. The chemical heater can be positioned within the reservoir.

Abstract: A roller blind arrangement for a motor vehicle, having a roller blind web and a winding shaft onto which the roller blind web can be wound and from which the roller blind web can be unwound and which has a flexible hollow tube arrangement penetrated by a bearing beam attached to the vehicle. The hollow tube arrangement may have a hollow tube element which, viewed in the axial direction, may have multiple flexible portions interrupted by at least one stabilizing portion having a greater torsional strength than the flexible portions.

Abstract: There is provided a flexible, helically wound conduit for a breathing circuit. The conduit includes an inlet, an outlet, and an enclosing wall defining a flow passage between the inlet and the outlet, wherein at least a region of the enclosing wall is permeable to water vapor and one or more of O2 and CO2. The axial tensile strength of the enclosing wall is greater than 40N. Further provided are limbs comprising the conduit, a method of manufacturing the conduit and the use of the conduit to remove water vapor and/or CO2 from gas exhaled by a patient.

Abstract: Condensation traps are disclosed herein for the purpose of trapping and removing water condensed from the humidified air present within respiratory ventilatory systems and tubing. Traps disclosed herein can be positioned inline with the tubing, and therefore allow the trap to be positioned very near the patient interface, and minimize dead space between the trap and the patient interface. Minimizing the dead space in this manner prevents water from condensing prior to entering the trap. Respiratory ventilator systems incorporating condensation traps and methods of mechanical ventilation relying on condensation traps are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for performing an endoscopic procedure.

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 swiveled 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: The present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling breathing of a patient. A system for controlling breathing of a patient includes a respiratory conduit. The respiratory conduit is configured to be coupled to a patient interface device and is further configured to be coupled to a pressurized air generating device. The respiratory conduit includes at least two air flow control devices, positioned between the patient interface device and the pressurized air generating device. The respiratory conduit includes at least two volumes, wherein one volume is positioned between a first air flow control device and a second air flow control device and another volume is positioned between a second air flow control device and a third air flow control device.

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: The invention pertains to a ventilator that delivers a flow of gas to an airway of a user, and to communicate a flow of gas from the airway of the user in a controlled manner. The ventilator includes a conduit (1, 3) that carries a flow of gas from the airway of a patient, a first valve (7) coupled to the conduit and adapted to control a pressure or rate of the flow of gas exhausted from the conduit, a first sensor (10) coupled to the conduit and adapted to monitor a pressure of the gas in the conduit, and a controller (12) adapted to control the first valve based on an output of the first sensor. A restrictor (8) is provided in the conduit between the pressure sensor and the patient such that a first volume is defined in the conduit between the first valve and the restrictor and a second volume is defined in the conduit between the patient and the restrictor. The controller controls actuation of the first valve based on a pressure of the first volume monitored by the first sensor.

Abstract: A condensate separator is provided for a coaxial tube system, which has an inner gas duct (3) and an outer gas duct (4). A first liquid duct (10) is arranged between the inner gas duct and a first collection volume (8) and a second liquid duct (11) is located between the outer gas duct (4) and a second collection volume (9). The collection volumes (8, 9) are located with a partition (7) in between in a liquid collecting container (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling breathing of a patient. A system for controlling breathing of a patient includes a respiratory conduit. The respiratory conduit is configured to be coupled to a patient interface device and is further configured to be coupled to a pressurized air generating device. The respiratory conduit includes at least two air flow control devices, positioned between the patient interface device and the pressurized air generating device. The respiratory conduit includes at least two volumes, wherein one volume is positioned between a first air flow control device and a second air flow control device and another volume is positioned between a second air flow control device and a third air flow control device.

Abstract: Device for ventilation with a double lumen endotracheal tube featuring a connecting piece at the end distal to the patient into which the two lumina of the endotracheal tube are extended, separated within the connecting piece by an axial partition wall, a connector with two nozzles leading to a joint connecting section and separated from each other by another partition wall, the connector being attachable to the connecting piece in a way that brings the partition wall and the other partition wall into a sealing contact, a ventilator and at least one tube connected to a nozzle of the connector at one end and to the ventilator at the other.

Abstract: A heat and moisture exchanger for both conducting a stream of air produced by a ventilator to a moisturizing medium and internally bypassing the moisturizing medium if aerosolized medication is introduced into the stream includes a housing having a ventilator-side port coupled to an outlet of a ventilator and a source of aerosolized medication. The housing has a patient-side port for coupling to a patient to provide ventilation including either air or air carrying aerosolized medication. A first path conducts air from the ventilator-side port through the moisturizing medium and the patient-side port, and a second path conducts air carrying aerosolized medication from the ventilator-side port directly to the patient-side port. A two-way valve mechanism in the housing selectively couples the ventilator-side port into fluid communication with one or the other of the first and second paths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling breathing of a patient. A system for controlling breathing of a patient includes a respiratory conduit. The respiratory conduit is configured to be coupled to a patient interface device and is further configured to be coupled to a pressurized air generating device. The respiratory conduit includes at least two air flow control devices, positioned between the patient interface device and the pressurized air generating device. The respiratory conduit includes at least two volumes, wherein one volume is positioned between a first air flow control device and a second air flow control device and another volume is positioned between a second air flow control device and a third air flow control device.

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: Tracheal ventilation device, particularly a tracheal tube, which seals the trachea in a substantially air-tight manner. The device includes a cuff that blocks the trachea below the glottis and is traversed by a ventilation cannula. The cuff is larger in its filled, freely displaceable, unrestricted state than in its filled state positioned in the trachea. The cuff is of a flexible soft film material and lies against the trachea by means of its folds. The device is adapted to the morphology of a child's larynx and is available in finely graded sizes.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including an elongate tubular member utilized by extending into an endotracheal tube. A cleaning assembly provided at a distal end of the elongate tubular member radially expands to engage the interior wall of the endotracheal tube, for cleaning thereof by an irregular configuration on an exterior surface, achieving an effective cleaning engagement. A fluid impervious bladder portion provides an effective seal preventing fluid seepage during cleaning withdrawal. Further, a ventilator coupling connects to the endotracheal tube, a first inlet port couples to a ventilator assembly to supply air to a patient, and a second inlet port receives the elongate tubular member there through into the endotracheal tube. Also, a bypass coupling assembly connects between the channel of the elongate tubular member and the ventilator assembly directing air into the channel of the elongate tubular member and out the distal end upon occlusion of airflow.

Abstract: A breathing circuit for use with a ventilated patient that includes a heat exchanger for removing water vapor from the breathing gases to prevent condensation within the breathing circuit. The heat exchanger is positioned downstream from the CO2 absorber and receives the breathing gases from the CO2 absorber prior to delivery of the breathing gases to the inspiration limb of the patient circuit. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of inflow tubes and outflow tubes that are each open to a sump removably attached to the heat exchanger. The sump collects the water vapor condensed from the breathing gases within the heat exchanger.

Abstract: This invention is a neonatal airway adapter (10) with a sliding internal passage (54), which virtually eliminates void volumes (112) within the bore (76) of the airways, such that mixing of the exhales pages with void gases is reduced, and the waveform of the breath is maintained without undue distortion. Furthermore, the virtual elimination of void volumes reduces the level of re-breathing. The neonatal airway adapter connects to endotracheal tube adapters is such a way as to nullify the effect of the differing internal diameters (20) and internal lengths which are used in ET adapters currently available. The cross section of the internal bore of the airway through which the breath flows from the ET adapter to the connector of the ventilator is maintained almost constant, especially in the region of the gas sampling point (66), to ensure that reasonable conditions of laminar flow, and accurate sampling are maintained.

Abstract: A device for ventilation, comprising a ventilator for providing a stream of gas for ventilation at an outlet, a hose for inspiration air one end of which is connected to the outlet, a double-lumen endotracheal tube one lumen of which, at its end distal to the patient, is connected to the other end of the hose for inspiration air, flow meters for measuring the streams of gas in the two lumina of the endotracheal tube, pressometers for measuring the pressures at the ends distal to the patient of the two lumina, an evaluation means for determining the flow resistance in a lumen flowed through by gas because of the stream of gas measured therein and the pressures measured, and a means for outputting an information about the flow resistance of the lumina.

Abstract: A multilumen unilimb breathing circuit with a detachable proximal fitting for providing respiratory gases to and receiving expiratory gases from a patient. The circuit has unique fittings for connection to patient devices or assisted ventilation systems and components. Despite many teachings away in the prior art from making breathing circuit tubing detachable from the proximal terminal, the proximal end of the rigid multilumen proximal fitting can be attached and detached by a user at a site of use to a mating multilumen proximal terminal while its distal end can be attached to multiple lumens formed of flexible tubing for carrying gases to and from a patient. The present invention introduces for the first time to the multilumen unilimb circuit art a detachable proximal fitting.

Abstract: A heat and moisture exchanger for both conducting a stream of air produced by a ventilator to a moisturizing medium and internally bypassing the moisturizing medium if aerosolized medication is introduced into the stream includes a housing having a ventilator-side port coupled to an outlet of a ventilator and a source of aerosolized medication. The housing has a patient-side port for coupling to a patient to provide ventilation including either air or air carrying aerosolized medication. A first path conducts air from the ventilator-side port through the moisturizing medium and the patient-side port, and a second path conducts air carrying aerosolized medication from the ventilator-side port directly to the patient-side port. A two-way valve mechanism in the housing selectively couples the ventilator-side port into fluid communication with one or the other of the first and second paths.

Abstract: A breathing circuit comprising first and second conduits, wherein at least one of the conduits is a non-conventional conduit. In an embodiment, a multilumen unilimb breathing circuit has first and second conduits, wherein when the proximal ends of said first and second conduits are each connected to an inlet and outlet fitting, respectively, axial extension or contraction of the second conduit causes a corresponding axial extension or contraction of the first conduit. In an embodiment, at least one of said conduits is coiled. In another embodiment, a coiled conduit is contained within an outer flexible conduit that is axially extendable and compressible, forming a unilimb, multilumen respiratory circuit. The outer flexible conduit may be pleated to provide for non-rebounding axial extension and contraction. The multilumen respiratory circuit can provide a variable rebreathing volume.

Abstract: A breathing circuit comprising first and second conduits is disclosed, wherein at least one of the conduits is a non-conventional conduit. A multilumen unilimb breathing circuit is also disclosed having first and second conduits, wherein when the proximal ends of said first and second conduits are each connected to an inlet and outlet fitting, respectively, movement of the distal end of the first conduit causes a corresponding movement of the distal end of the second conduit. In an embodiment, inner and outer flexible conduits are formed of pleated tubing that is axially extendable and compressible to form a unilimb multilumen respiratory circuit. The pleating provides for axial extension and contraction. The multilumen respiratory circuit can provide a variable rebreathing volume. In an embodiment, at least one tube in a multilumen respiratory conduit is radially collapsible and radially expandable to a maximum radius for carrying respiratory gases to and from a patient.

Abstract: A unilimb breathing circuit has a proximal end coupling member, a distal end coupling member, an expiratory tube extending between the proximal and distal end coupling members, and an inspiratory tube extending between the proximal and distal end coupling members. The expiratory tube is a corrugated expiratory tube that is expandable between a fully compressed rest position, and a fully expanded rest position, and has a plurality of intermediate rest positions. At the plurality of intermediate rest positions, the expiratory tube is capable of maintaining its rest length without the exertion of an external force. The inspiratory tube is a corrugated inspiratory tube having a length that is variable between a fully compressed rest position and a fully expanded rest position, and includes a plurality of intermediate rest positions between the fully expanded rest position and the fully compressed rest position.

Abstract: An adapter couples a patient's breathing circuit to a ventilator. In the preferred embodiment, the adapter comprises an inhalation conduit having a first end for coupling the adapter to the ventilator and a second end for coupling the adapter to the patient breathing circuit; an exhalation conduit having a first end for coupling the adapter to the patient breathing circuit and a discharge conduit, the discharge conduit transversely oriented to the inhalation conduit; an exhaust port communicating with the discharge conduit for releasing breathed gas from same; a valve selectively opening and closing the discharge conduit to release gas from same; and a base comprising means for releasably coupling the adapter to the ventilator.

Abstract: A first and second housing is joined together by a middle housing rotatable with respect to the first and second housing. The first and second housings have conduits passing through exterior walls and an annular ring on an inside wall together with an annular interior edge rotatably joined to first and second side rim channels of the middle housing. A heat-moisture exchanger material having an annular opening through which a tube passes is mounted within the middle housing so that in a first rotatable position air and moisture passes through the first and second housing conduits directly and in a second rotatable position must pass through the heat-moisture exchange material.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering anaesthetic to human or animal patients. The apparatus is an anaesthetic machine which is arranged to mount components of an anaesthetic delivery circuit, and which includes a collector arrangement in the form of a manifold having a plurality of inlets and outlets. The manifold enables a reduction in the number of tubes connecting the various components in an anaesthetic system, which are normally required in prior art anaesthetic machines. The manifold also includes an arrangement which provides a Venturi effect on gas flow, and enables a pressure gauge to be mounted out of a patient breathing circuit. The machine is preferably portable.

Abstract: A multi lumen endotracheal tube having a balloon cuff to seal a patient's trachea during intubation. The ET tube having a main lumen for the exchange of respiratory and medicinal gases consequent to a medical procedure, a secondary lumen for inflation of the balloon cuff, and a tertiary lumen for transmission of sound waves via air medium contained therein, permitting ausculatory monitoring of a patient's breath sounds during intubation and subsequent monitoring of cardiac and respiratory activity after sealing of the ET tube. The ET tube is particularly a adapted for utilization by an anesthetist by including temperature sensor to permit remote monitoring of body core temperature and body cavity ausculation of cardiac and respiratory activity.

Abstract: A breathing circuit comprising first and second conduits, wherein at least one of the conduits is a non-conventional conduit. In an embodiment, a multilumen unilimb breathing circuit has first and second conduits, wherein when the proximal ends of said first and second conduits are each connected to an inlet and outlet fitting, respectively, movement of the distal end of the first conduit causes a corresponding movement of the distal end of the second conduit. In an embodiment, at least one of said conduits is coiled. In another embodiment, a coiled conduit is contained within an outer flexible conduit that is axially extendable and compressible, forming a unilimb multilumen respiratory circuit. The outer flexible conduit may be pleated to provide for non-rebounding axial extension and contraction. The multilumen respiratory circuit can provide a variable rebreathing volume.

Abstract: A cold weather breathing device and method. Exhaled air warmed by the lungs of a user is flowed into contact with a heat exchange medium to heat the heat exchange medium. The heat exchange medium is positioned in a hollow body adjacent the chest and under cold weather outer clothing of the user. Upon inhaling, cold outside air is contacted with the heat exchange medium so that the inhaled air is heated by the heat exchange medium.

Abstract: A breathing circuit comprising first and second conduits is disclosed, wherein at least one of the conduits is a non-conventional conduit. A multilumen unilimb breathing circuit is also disclosed having first and second conduits, wherein when the proximal ends of said first and second conduits are each connected to an inlet and outlet fitting, respectively, movement of the distal end of the first conduit causes a corresponding movement of the distal end of the second conduit. In an embodiment, inner and outer flexible conduits are formed of pleated tubing that is axially extendable and compressible to form a unilimb multilumen respiratory circuit. The pleating provides for axial extension and contraction. The multilumen respiratory circuit can provide a variable rebreathing volume. In an embodiment, at least one tube in a multilumen respiratory conduit is radially collapsible and radially expandable to a maximum radius for carrying respiratory gases to and from a patient.

Abstract: A method of making thin-walled permeable tubing using air blown extrusion, and of using the tubing in a device which enables a substantial humidification or drying of patient breathing gases in the breathing lines for patient monitoring or anesthesia results in cost savings and increased efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respiratory gas hose system for supplying a respiratory gas, particularly for use in the framework of CPAP therapy. The respiratory gas hose system comprises a flexible hose line (16). According to the invention, a flexible sheathing body (1) is provided which surrounds the flexible hose line (16) and extends along said flexible hose line (16). This results in considerably improving therapy comfort.

Abstract: A conduit for a breathing circuit includes a heater associated, at least in part, with a portion of hydrophilic material. The purpose of the heater is to evaporate any condensed liquid collecting in the conduit, which is first sucked up by the hydrophilic material. The heated wick reduces the risk of collected water being passed to the patient and causing choking fits or discomfit. It is preferred that the heated wick lies freely in the conduit to settle at low points in the conduit where condensation may collect.

Abstract: An oxygen connector system for coupling an oxygen source to an oxygen tube comprises a source of oxygen. The source has an output orifice through which source oxygen is adapted to pass. The orifice has an inner bore and an outer surface. A flexible cylindrical elastomeric tube has a first input end and a second output end. The first input end is adapted to make a flush abutment with the source at the orifice. A generally cylindrical rigid connector has an exterior surface with a first region and a second region. An intermediate tapered region is provided between the first and second regions. The connector has a central generally cylindrical bore extending through the first and second ends forming an interior surface. The second end has a diameter slightly greater than that of the tube. A pair of stoppers are provided adjacent to the input end of the tube.

Abstract: A multilumen filter device has a housing with first and second filter chambers, each chamber in fluid communication with a separate distal and proximal fluid path. The filter device may be used to provide respiratory gases to and receive expiratory gases from a patient connected to a unilimb respiratory circuit. The filter device may also serve as a connector for respiratory circuit components, and have fasteners or blocking devices at either or both of its distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: A breathing circuit comprising first and second conduits is disclosed, wherein at least one of the conduits is a non-conventional conduit. A multilumen unilimb breathing circuit is also disclosed having first and second conduits, wherein when the proximal ends of said first and second conduits are each connected to an inlet and outlet fitting, respectively, movement of the distal end of the first conduit causes a corresponding movement of the distal end of the second conduit. In an embodiment, at least one of said conduits is coiled. In another embodiment, a coiled conduit is contained within an outer flexible conduit that is axially extendable and compressible, forming a unilimb multilumen respiratory circuit. The outer flexible conduit may be pleated to provide for axial extension and contraction. The multilumen respiratory circuit can provide a variable rebreathing volume.

Abstract: An inexuflator including a patient interface unit, a source of negative fluid pressure, a source of positive fluid pressure, and a manual valve connected to the source of positive fluid pressure and the source of negative fluid pressure, the valve being adapted to selectively connect the patient interface unit with the source of positive fluid pressure and the source of negative fluid pressure.

Abstract: A double endobronchial catheter that is suited for one lung isolation anesthesia and surgery that has an outer sheath that is adapted to be introduced into the patient such that the distal end of the sheath is positioned within the patient and the proximal end remains exterior of the patient. A pair of catheters are slidingly retained in separate lumens within the outer sheath lumen. Each of the catheters has an inflatable balloon at the distal end thereof with the proximal ends extending outwardly from the proximal end of the outer sheath. A stylet is removably positioned within each of the catheters so that each catheter can be manipulated independently of the other catheter within the confines of the outer sheath so that the distal ends of the catheters can be positioned at a site within the bronchi of the patient and, upon inflation of the balloons, one of the patient's lungs can be isolated and ventilation and anesthesia administered to the other lung.

Abstract: A method for providing assisted ventilation which avoids hypoxia and hypocapnia in which a predetermined dead space in an assisted ventilation system is provided external to the patient. The method may also be used to create normocapnia or moderate hypercapnia without causing hypoxia during assisted ventilation. Improved assisted ventilation devices, including an improved proximal terminal, improved tubular attachments and improved coaxial filters, are disclosed which are safer and less expensive to use than corresponding prior art unilimb assisted ventilation devices. Connector fittings and adapters to provide connector fittings on assisted ventilation devices are disclosed which provide positive indication of attachment of assisted ventilation devices and resist detachment of assisted ventilation devices. The devices of the present invention also reduce medical waste in comparison to prior art assisted ventilation devices.

Abstract: A valve, particularly suited for use with a patient ventilation system to regulate respiration gas flow to and from the lungs of a patient has a substantially parallel, co-axial, arrangement of inner and outer fluid flow passages for conducting gas through the valve to and from a common flow conduit connected to the patient's lungs, each passage having gas flowing therein in a different direction. A cuff is provided which is inflatable to control the flow of fluid through the valve. The cuff is disposed so as to be able to form a fluid-tight seal against one or other of the facing surfaces of the inner and the outer flow passages when inflated, and to block flow through the outer passage in a timed relationship with the breathing cycle of the patient.

Abstract: A catheter mount incorporates a filter pleated along its length in zig-zag fashion. Opposite edges of the filter are sealed between identical upper and lower parts of a housing between teeth extending along opposite sides.

Abstract: This invention relates to a feeding apparatus for breathing masks that allows food and drink intake when the mask is in use, does not reduce the wearer's field of vision, requires little space, and is protected from dirt or other contamination.

Abstract: A multilumen unilimb conduit for providing respiratory gases to and receiving expiratory gases from a patient connected to a unilimb respiratory circuit. The conduit has unique fittings for connection to patient devices or assisted ventilation systems and components. In a preferred embodiment, the conduit has fasteners or blocking devices at either or both of its distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: A conduit for a breathing circuit includes a heater associated, at least in part, with a portion of hydrophilic material. The purpose of the heater is to evaporate any condensed liquid collecting in the conduit, which is first sucked up by the hydrophilic material. The heated wick reduces the risk of collected water being passed to the patient and causing choking fits or discomfit. It is preferred that the heated wick lies freely in the conduit to settle at low-points in the conduit where condensation may collect.