JP2009519759A - High flow therapy device and related method utilizing non-hermetic respiratory interface - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a high flow therapy system comprising a microprocessor, a heating element, an unsealed respiratory interface and a sensor.
A heating element can be placed in electrical communication with a microprocessor to heat a liquid and create a gas. The non-enclosed respiratory interface is configured to deliver the gas to the patient. The sensor is placed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is configured to measure a patient's upper airway pressure.
[Selection] Figure 18

Description

(Cross-reference to related technologies)
This application is a continuation of US Patent Application Publication No. 11 / 520,490, dated September 12, 2006, and claims the benefit of US Provisional Application Publication No. 60 / 716,976, dated September 12, 2005. This application also includes US Provisional Application No. 60/750063 dated December 14, 2005, US Provisional Application Publication No. 60/792711, dated April 18, 2006, and US Provisional Application dated October 18, 2006. Insist on the benefits and priority of Publication 60/852851. The contents of each of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

  A respiratory interface, such as a nasal cannula, is used to deliver respiratory gases for therapeutic effects comprising oxygen therapy, sleep apnea therapy, and respiratory support. Small nasal cannulas are commonly used for small amounts of oxygen delivery. Sealed cannulas such as those disclosed in Wood et al. US Pat. No. 6,595,215 are used to treat sleep apnea.

  However, certain nasal cannulas are limited by the lack of information on important therapeutic parameters. This parameter includes information about the gas in the user's upper airway, such as pressure, flow rate, and carbon dioxide retention. These and other data may be useful in determining the effectiveness of treatment, as well as treatment control and monitoring.

  In addition, conventional nasal cannula designs (especially those designed for neonatal oxygen therapy) have undesirable effects on the user's nostrils, and thus have a detrimental effect on the user's health. there is a possibility.

Oxygen (O ₂ ) therapy is often used to rescue and supplement patients with respiratory failure who respond to supplemental oxygen, also for recovery, healing, and maintenance of daily vitality.

Nasal cannulas are commonly used during oxygen therapy. This therapy typically provides an air / gas mixture containing about 24% to about 35% O ₂ at a flow rate of 1-6 liters per minute (L / min). On the order of 2 liters per minute, the patient has about 28% oxygen FiO ₂ (percent oxygen in inhaled O ₂ / air mixture). This rate can increase to about 8 L / min if the gas passes through the humidifier at room temperature and is delivered to the patient's nose through the nasal interface. This is appropriate for many people who are usually responsive to about 30-40% inhaled O ₂ (FiO ₂ ), but usually higher flow rates are required for higher concentrations of O _2. Is required.

When higher FiO ₂ is needed, the flow rate cannot simply be increased. This is because breathing 100% O ₂ at room temperature via the nasal cannula is irritating to the nasal passages and usually cannot exceed about 7-8 L / min. Simply increasing the flow rate can also cause bronchospasm.

For administration from about 40% to about 100% FiO _2, the non-rebreathing mask at high flow rates (or sealing mask) is used. The mask seals the face and has a storage bag for collecting oxygen flow during the expiratory phase and uses a one-way one-way valve to direct exhalation into the room and inspiration from the oxygen storage bag . This method is mostly used in emergency situations and is usually not well tolerated for extended treatment.

  High flow nasal airway respiratory support ("high flow therapy" or "HFT, High Flow Therapy") is to provide an "open" nasal airway through a nasal cannula. Airway pressure is usually lower than continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP, Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure) and is neither monitored nor controlled. While the effects of such high flow treatments have been reported as therapeutics and are accepted by some clinicians, others have questioned them to include unknown factors and optional dosing techniques . In such procedures, the pressure generated in the patient's airway is usually a variable that is affected by, for example, cannula size, nostril size, flow rate, and respiratory rate. Since airway pressure affects oxygen saturation, it is usually known that many physicians avoid HFT with these variables alone.

  The present disclosure relates to a high flow therapy system comprising a microprocessor, a heating element, an unsealed respiratory interface and a sensor. The heating element can be placed in electrical communication with the microprocessor to heat the liquid and generate gas. The non-enclosed respiratory interface is configured to deliver gas to the patient. The sensor is placed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is configured to measure the pressure of the patient's upper airway.

  The present disclosure also relates to a high flow therapy system comprising a microprocessor, a heating element, an unsealed respiratory interface, a sensor and a mouthpiece. The heating element can be placed in electrical communication with the microprocessor to heat the liquid and generate gas. The non-enclosed respiratory interface is configured to deliver gas to the patient. The sensor is placed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is configured to measure the pressure of the patient's upper airway. The mouthpiece is arranged to cooperate mechanically with the sensor.

  The present invention will be described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some but not all. Indeed, the invention may be implemented in many different forms which should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. The same number represents the same element throughout. For example, elements 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 830, and 930 are all nasal inserts according to various embodiments of the present invention.

(Summary of function)
Nasal cannulas according to various embodiments of the present invention may be configured to deliver high flow rate therapeutic gas through the patient's nose to the patient's upper respiratory tract. Such gas comprises, for example, air, moisture, oxygen, therapeutic gas or mixtures thereof and may or may not be heated. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the cannula is useful for CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) applications and in providing sleep apnea therapy and respiratory support to a patient (eg, after abdominal surgery). ), Snoring reduction, or other therapeutic uses.

  Nasal cannulas according to embodiments of the present invention comprise one or more sensors adjacent (or mounted for easy positioning) within one or more nasal cannulas. Thus, the nasal cannula may be configured such that when the nasal cannula is depleted by the user, at least a portion of the one or more sensors is in an appropriate location within one or both nostrils of the user. This can be particularly useful for assessing the internal environment of the user's nose and / or the user's upper airway. As will be described in detail later, in various embodiments of the present invention, the cannula is attached so as not to seal the patient's nostril when in use.

  A nasal cannula according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a nozzle that is mounted to remain outside the user's nostril during use. Thus, during use of the cannula, the nozzle avoids sealing the patient's nostril. In some embodiments, the nasal cannula comprises an extension that is inserted into the user's nostril to detect pressure in one or both nostrils.

  In certain embodiments of the invention, sensors are provided adjacent to or within both nasal cannula nasal inserts. In various other embodiments, a sensor is provided adjacent to or within one or more extensions that extend into the user's nostril. In various embodiments, the extension may be used with a nasal insert or nozzle. The use of sensors can be useful, for example, in monitoring environmental changes from one of the user's nostrils to the other. This information can, for example, help measure when the dominant air flow changes from one nostril to the other of the user, which can affect the desired treatment flow characteristics. Thus, data from each nostril can provide useful information in planning or modifying the user's treatment plan.

(Specific cannula structure overview)
FIG. 1 shows a cannula 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from this figure, in this embodiment, the cannula 100 comprises a hollow elongate tube base 105 that includes a central portion 110, a first end 115 and a second end 120. As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second end portions 115 and 120 may be bent with respect to the central portion 110.

  In various embodiments of the present invention, the cannula 100 comprises a first inlet 117 adjacent to the outer end of the first end 115 and a second inlet adjacent to the second end 120 (see FIG. In other embodiments, the cannula may include only one such inlet). Cannula 100 further comprises a pair of hollow, elongated, tubular nasal inserts (eg, nasal catheters) 125, 130 that extend from nasal cannula base 105 and are in gas communication with the interior of the base. In various embodiments, the central axis of each of the nasal inserts 125, 130 is substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the central portion 110 of the nasal cannula base 105.

  In certain embodiments of the present invention, the cannula is positioned adjacent to or within the cannula, and when the user depletes the cannula, the environment monitored by the sensor is the internal environment of the user's nose and / or upper airway. Is defined to reflect at least one conduit attached to guide the sensor. In various embodiments of the present invention, the user temporarily inserts the sensor into or through the conduit, measures the correct setting of the cannula system, and then removes the sensor after the correct setting has been made. Also good. In other embodiments, the sensor is left in place in the conduit for purposes of monitoring data in (or adjacent to) the cannula over time (eg, for the purpose of controlling the user's treatment plan). Also good. In further embodiments, the sensor may be positioned adjacent to the outlet of the conduit.

  The sensor may be connected (eg, via a wire) to a computer and / or microprocessor that controls the flow of respiratory gas into the cannula. The computer may use the information received from the sensors to control this gas flow and / or other system characteristics, such that the information is predetermined criteria (e.g., the information is potentially dangerous in the patient airway). An alarm may be issued if the condition is met or if the system is not operating properly).

  As can be appreciated from FIGS. 8A-C, in certain embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the cannula conduits 850 is defined by and extends into the cannula 800 sidewall. Alternatively, the conduit can be placed in an internal passage defined by the cannula. For example, one or more conduits may be defined as a tube that is attached directly adjacent to the inner surface of the cannula (eg, adjacent to the inner surface of the cannula base or one of the nasal inserts of the cannula). Preferably, a cannula conduit is attached to (1) receive gas flow at one or more inlets leading to the conduit and (2) direct this gas flow to an outlet in the cannula. In various embodiments, one or more inlets are defined within one outer portion of the nasal insert of the cannula.

  As can be seen from FIG. 1, in various embodiments of the present invention, each of the cannula conduit outlets 136, 141 is disposed at the end of a respective elongated substantially tubular outlet member 135, 140. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cannula 100 comprises a first outlet member 135 that is substantially parallel to the first nasal insert 125 of the cannula. In this embodiment, the first outlet member 135 and the first nasal insert 125 may be positioned on the opposite side of the nasal cannula base 105 as shown in FIG. Similarly, in certain embodiments of the invention, the cannula 100 comprises a second outlet member 140 that is substantially parallel to the second nasal insert 130 of the cannula. The second outlet member 140 and the second nasal insert 130 may be positioned preferably opposite the nasal cannula base 105.

In various embodiments of the present invention, a sensor (eg, pressure, temperature or O ₂ sensor) is provided adjacent to at least one cannula outlet 136, 141 (preferably each) and gas characteristics from the outlet 136, 141 are measured. Used to measure. In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one sensor (and / or at least one external monitoring device) is connected to each outlet 135, 140 using an accessory tube, which is spaced apart from the cannula 100, for example. May be.

  In yet another embodiment of the present invention, one or more sensors are provided within the conduit and used to measure the properties of the gas accessed through the conduit. In this embodiment, information from each sensor may be relayed from the sensor to a control system outside the cannula, for example, via wires extending through sensor conduit outlets 135,140.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, each of the cannula conduits: (1) from the inlets 152, 154; (2) passes through or is adjacent to one of the nasal inserts 125, 130 of the cannula; (3) through or adjacent to the side wall of the cannula body 105; and (4) may extend to outlets 135, 140 defined in or adjacent to the cannula body 105. . In one such embodiment, the conduit comprises a substantially tubular portion disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the cannula body portion.

  As can be seen from FIG. 2, in certain embodiments of the present invention, the cannula 200 is integrated outside the cannula 200 (eg, formed within the outer surface of one of the cannula nasal inserts 225, 230). At least one sensor 245 (within the range of the recess 223 to be formed). In this embodiment, information from sensor 245 may be relayed from sensor 245 to a control system outside cannula 200 via electrical wires 246 that extend through conduits and conduit outlets 235, 240. In various embodiments of the invention, the conduit passes through or adjacent to the interior of one of the cannula nasal inserts 225, 230 and / or through the interior of the sidewall of the cannula body 205, or Extends adjacent.

  In certain embodiments of the invention, at least one sensor 245 is fixedly bonded to cannula 100 so that it cannot be easily removed by the user. Also, in certain embodiments, at least one sensor 245 removably connects so that sensor 245 can be easily removed adjacent to cannula 100 (and reattached in certain embodiments).

  Cannula 1000 comprises a hollow, elongate tubular base 1005 that includes a central portion 1010, a first end 1015 and a second end 1020. As shown in FIG. 10, the first and second end portions 1010 and 1015 can be bent with respect to the central portion 1010. In various embodiments of the present invention, the cannula 1000 includes a first inlet 1017 adjacent to the outer end of the first end 1015 and a second inlet adjacent to the outer end of the second end 1020. 1022.

  Cannula 1000 comprises a pair of hollow elongate tubular nozzles (first nozzle 1026 and second nozzle 1031) that extend superficially from nasal cannula base 1005. In various embodiments, the central axis of each of the nozzles 1026, 1031 is substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the central portion 1010 of the nasal cannula base 1005. In various embodiments, the nozzles 1026, 1031 define a conduit in gas communication with the interior of the cannula base 1005. In certain embodiments of the invention, during use of the cannula, the first and second nozzles 1026, 1031 are mounted for positioning outside the user's nostril. In certain embodiments, each of the nozzles 1026, 1031 defines a respective nozzle outlet. For example, the first nozzle 1026 defines a first nozzle outlet 1083 and the second nozzle 1031 defines a second nozzle outlet 1084. In various embodiments, when the nasal cannula 1000 is operably positioned adjacent to the user's nostril, the nozzle outlets 1083, 1084 each concentrate in one of the corresponding user's nostrils to direct gas flow. Positioned.

  In another embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, nasal cannula 1200 includes a single nozzle 1227 that defines a conduit or air flow path in gas communication within cannula base 1205. sell. As described in detail below, in various embodiments, the nozzle 1227 extends from the cannula base 1205 and has a rectangular or elliptical cross section. In these and other embodiments, the nozzle 1227 is configured to simultaneously focus and deliver gas flow to both the user's nostrils using the cannula 1200.

  In various embodiments, the nasal cannula comprises one or more extensions that are attached for insertion into one or more of the user's nostrils. For example, returning to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the nasal cannula 1000 is sufficiently long so that each extension 1070, 1702 can be inserted into one user's nasal cavity during use of the nasal cannula 1000, respectively. A plurality of extension parts (for example, the first extension part 1070 and the second extension part 1072) may be included. In various embodiments, the extensions 1070, 1072 may each have a central axis that is substantially parallel to the central axis of the corresponding nozzle 1026, 1031. As can be appreciated from FIG. 10, in certain embodiments, when the nasal cannula is operably positioned adjacent to the user's nostril, the first extension 1070 is centered on the corresponding first nozzle 1026. It has a central axis that is substantially parallel to and below the axis. Similarly, in various embodiments, when the nasal cannula is operably positioned adjacent to the user's nostril, the second extension 1072 is substantially parallel to the central axis of the corresponding second nozzle 1031 and It has a central axis below. In various other embodiments, the extensions may be placed within and extended out of the corresponding nozzles 1070, 1072.

  As a further example, FIG. 12 shows an example of a nasal cannula 1200 having a plurality of extensions (first extension 1270 and first extension 1272). Both are placed substantially below a single nozzle 1227 when the nasal cannula 1200 is operably positioned adjacent to the user's nose. In one embodiment, the central axis of the first and second extensions 1270, 1272 may be substantially parallel to the central axis of the nozzle 1227. Also, in various embodiments, one or both of the extensions 1270, 1272 may be placed in the nozzle 1227. In these and other embodiments, the distal end of each of the extensions 1270, 1272 may extend beyond the distal end of the nozzle 1227.

  As described above, in certain embodiments of the invention, the nasal cannula is one or more sensors that are attached to measure gas data (eg, gas pressure) in the user's nostril during use of the nasal cannula. Comprising. For example, the nasal cannula 1000 shown in FIG. 10 may include a sensor positioned adjacent to the distal end of one or both of the first and second extensions 1070, 1072. In various embodiments, each extension may (1) support the sensor adjacent to (eg, at that position) the distal end of the extension, and (2) the characteristics of the gas flow through the sensor and cannula 1000. It may be attached to a control mechanism that is attached to adjust the to support simultaneously connected conductors.

  In other embodiments, the extension defines a conduit. For example, the sensor (s) may be positioned inside or outside the extension, and information from the sensor is a passage defined by each of the conduits (eg, conduit 1023 in FIG. 10) or extensions. It may be relayed to the control system via a lead extending through it. In one embodiment, as shown, for example in FIG. 10, the conduit 1023 is similarly shaped to the nasal cannula base 1005 so that it is substantially below the base 1005 when the nasal cannula 1000 is in effective use. Placed. In various embodiments, the first and second extensions 1070, 1072 are positioned in the base 1005 so as to be placed in and extend out of the respective first and second nozzles 1026, 1031. The

  In various embodiments, each extension defines a respective conduit that provides a passage for air. For example, in certain embodiments, each conduit is mounted to allow gas transfer conditions between a user's nostril, control system, or other device for measuring and adjusting air characteristics. In these and other embodiments, a sensor may be positioned in the control box to measure a characteristic (eg, pressure) of air in the user's nostril. In some embodiments, the extension serves as both an air flow path and a conduit through which a lead can pass from a sensor positioned adjacent to a piece of the extension to a control system or other device. A conduit is defined.

(Data monitored by sensor)
In various embodiments of the invention, such as those described above, one or more sensors measure gas data within one of the nasal cannula conduits, or measure gas data adjacent to the cannula exterior. Therefore, positioning may be performed. In such embodiments, one or more sensors may be positioned adjacent to the inner or outer surface of the cannula, for example. In certain embodiments of the present invention, one or more sensors of the cannula can be placed in the cannula conduit or on the outer surface of the cannula (eg, of the nasal insert of the cannula to monitor one or more of the following types of data: One, side adjoining, or adjacent to the distal end). (1) gas pressure; (2) gas flow rate; (3) carbon dioxide content; (4) temperature; (5) moisture level; and / or (6) oxygen content.

(Absolute vs. relative pressure measurement)
In various embodiments of the invention, the cannula may be configured to sense absolute pressure within or adjacent to a particular location of the cannula. Similarly, in certain embodiments, the cannula may be configured to measure the difference in pressure at two different sites within the cannula. This can be done, for example, by providing two separate sensors (eg, positioned at different locations within one cannula conduit) or by providing two physically different gas intake conduits. Each is attached to route gas from different locations within the cannula. For example, in various embodiments of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, the first inlet 152 may be connected to route gas to the first sensor, and the second inlet 154 may be physically separated. You may connect so that gas may be sent to two pressure sensors. Information from the first and second sensors may then be used to calculate the pressure difference between the first and second inlets 152,154. Alternatively, a differential pressure sensor may be used.

(Appropriate sensor)
Sensors for use with various embodiments of the present invention include electronic and optical sensors. For example, suitable sensors include: (1) Disposable MEM piezoelectric sensor (e.g., Silex Microsensors); (2) McCaul O 2 light-based sensors, such as sensors, see U.S. Pat large 6,150,661 of McCaul; and, obtain (3) micro pressure sensor from Honeywell Possible things etc.

(Non-hermetic feature)
As shown in FIG. 4, in various embodiments of the present invention, one or more of the nasal cannula nasal inserts 425, 430 may include one or more recesses 423 (e.g., extending along the length of the nasal insert outer surface). Grooves, semicircular recesses or other indentations or conduits). As can be seen from this figure, in various embodiments of the present invention, at least one of these recesses 423 is adjacent to the distal surface of nasal inserts 325, 330, 425, 430, and It is an elongate groove extending past the midpoint. (1) the distal surface of the nasal insert, and (2) the portion of the nasal insert 425, 430 directly adjacent to the nasal cannula base 305, 405. As can be seen from this figure, in various embodiments of the present invention, each groove 423 extends substantially parallel to the central axis of each nasal insert 425, 430.

  In certain embodiments of the present invention, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the nasal cannula inserts 425, 430 of at least one nasal cannula are operatively positioned within the user's nostril. When done, the nasal insert may be configured not to create an airtight seal in the user's nostril. This is because, for example, when the user wears the nasal cannula, air can flow adjacent to the user's nasal cavity through the recess 423 in the nasal inserts 425, 430.

  5-8, the nasal insert does not form a seal within the user's nostril when the nasal insert of the cannula is operably positioned adjacent (eg, partially inward) to the user's nostril. An embodiment of the present invention configured as follows is added. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, at least one (preferably both) of the cannula nasal inserts 525, 530 may have an inlet 555 (eg, may be substantially tubular) and a nasal insert 525, 530. Includes one or more flange portions 560, 561 that are attached to physically separate the user's nostril between the exterior sides of the inlet 555 when inserted into the user's nostril.

  For example, in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5, the cannula nasal inserts 525, 530 are each a substantially tubular inlet 555, and a pair each facing together with a substantially C-shaped cross section. Extension flanges 560 and 561. In this embodiment, these C-shaped flanges 560, 561 cooperate with the exterior of the inlet 555, and when the cannula 500 is operably disposed within the user's nostril, the ambient air in the user's nasal passage Forms a substantially U-shaped channel (an example of a “nasal lumen”) through which flows in and out. In this embodiment, when the nasal inserts 525, 530 are properly positioned in the user's nostrils, breathing gas flows freely into the user's nose through the inlet 555, and ambient air is defined as follows: Through the passage, it flows into and out of the user's nose. (1) flanges 560, 561; (2) the exterior side of the inlet 555 extending between the flanges 560, 561; and (3) the interior of the user's nose. In various embodiments, when the cannula 500 is operably disposed within the user's nostril, air flows into and / or out of the user's nose through the passage adjacent to the inner end of the U-shaped channel. , A path (eg, a semicircular path) may be provided, which may act as a path for gas exhausted and aspirated through the U-shaped channel.

  The general embodiment shown in FIG. 5 may have many different structural configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of a nasal insert according to an embodiment of the present invention, the respiratory gas inlet of the nasal insert 655 of the cannula has an irregular cross-section (rather than a circular cross-section ( For example, it may be in the shape of a tube having a substantially cross-section of a partial shape of a pie. Alternatively, as can be seen from FIG. 7, the breathing gas inlet of the nasal insert 755 of the cannula may be in the form of a tube having a substantially semicircular cross section rather than a circular cross section.

  Similarly, as can be seen from FIGS. 6 and 7, the shape and dimensions of the cannula flange may vary from embodiment to embodiment. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the flanges 660, 661 are each relatively short and have a substantially C-shaped cross section, and the distal ends of the flanges 660, 661 are spaced apart from one another to form a gap. Placed. As shown in FIG. 7, in other embodiments, the flanges 760, 761 may each have a relatively long and substantially C-shaped cross section, with the distal ends of the flanges 760, 761 being directly adjacent to each other. And may be positioned.

  As can be appreciated from FIG. 7, in various embodiments of the present invention, a separation 763 (eg, a slit, such as an angled slit) is provided between the flanges 760, 761. This allows the flanges 760, 761 to move relative to each other and thus fit within the nostril into which the nasal insert is inserted. In other embodiments, the cross-section of the nasal insert is substantially similar to that shown in FIG. 7, except that no separation 763 is provided in the semicircular flange. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the substantially semicircular, outer portion of the inlet cooperates with the substantially semicircular flange portion to contact and have an outer surface having a substantially circular cross-section. Form. Such an embodiment is shown in FIGS. 8A-C.

  As can be seen from FIGS. 8A-C, in this embodiment, during use of the cannula 800, a passage 881 (eg, defined by a corresponding breathing gas inlet 855) that extends through each of the nasal inserts 825, 830 of the cannula. Breathing gas may flow into the user's nose. A substantially semicircular cross-sectional passage 885 extends between the distal end of each nasal insert 825, 830 to a substantially semicircular outlet 865 defined in the cannula base 805. In various embodiments, the user may aspirate or vent gas through this passage 885 during use of the cannula 800.

  In one embodiment, a conduit 850 is provided in each of the cannula nasal inserts 825, 830 (see FIG. 8C) as described above. Each of these conduits 850 receives gas from (1) the interior of the corresponding passage 885 and / or from the exterior of one of the cannula nasal inserts 825, 830, and (2) within the cannula 800. It may be mounted to direct gas from the corresponding outlets 835,840. As described above, one or more sensors may be placed in or adjacent to conduit 850 to evaluate one or more gas flow attributes through or adjacent to conduit 850. It may be used.

  It should be understood that the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 4-8 and related embodiments may be useful with or without the use of sensors or sensor conduits. It should also be understood that the various nasal inserts may be configured to be placed in any suitable orientation within the user's nostril once the cannula is operably positioned within the user's nostril. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the cannula may be positioned so that the nasal cavity of the cannula is directly adjacent to the user's nasal spine or facing anterior-laterally from the user's nasal spine.

  In yet another embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 9, tube inlets 970, 972 for at least one sensor (or the sensor itself) are located at the distal end of each nasal insert 925, 930. The cannula 900 and corresponding sensor may be attached so as to be adjacent or spaced a predetermined distance from the distal end. In this embodiment, the sensor (or sensor intake) may be spaced apart from the rest of the nasal cannula 900 adjacent to one of the nasal cannula outlet openings.

  As can be appreciated from FIG. 10, in various embodiments, the nasal cannula first and second nozzles 1026, 1031 are configured to remain outside the user's nostril during use of the cannula. For example, during use of the cannula, the distal ends of the nozzles 1026, 1031 are placed adjacent to the user's nostril but outside. By preventing the nozzles 1026 and 1031 from being inserted into the nostrils, sealing of the nostrils can be avoided. As can be seen from FIG. 13, in various embodiments, when the nasal cannula is operably positioned adjacent to the user's nostril, the exit portion (and the distal end) of each nozzle 1326, 1331 is , Spaced from one of the corresponding patient's nostrils and substantially in-line (eg, substantially coaxial) with it. In various embodiments, when the nasal cannula is operably in use, each nozzle outlet is spaced apart from the patient's nostril, and each nozzle is a gas concentrated in one of the particular user's nostrils. Positioned to guide the flow.

  As can be appreciated from FIG. 11, in certain embodiments, the stop 1190 may extend from the nasal cannula base 1105. In some embodiments, the stop 1190 is positioned between the first and second nozzles 1126, 1131 and defines a central axis that is substantially parallel to the central axis of each of the nozzles 1126, 1131. In some embodiments, the length of the nozzles 1126, 1131 or more may extend from the nasal cannula base 1105. Thus, the stop 1190 prevents the nozzles 1126, 1131 from being inserted into the user's nostril when the nasal cannula 1100 is in use.

  For example, the stop 1190 may be positioned in a design that engages the user's nasal shaft during use of the nasal cannula 1100, thereby preventing the nozzles 1126, 1131 from being inserted into the user's nostril. Also good. In various embodiments, the first and second nozzles 1126, 1131 are positioned on opposite sides of the stop 1190, and each of the nozzles 1126, 1131 is positioned in the patient's nares when operatively using the nasal cannula 1100. Each spaced from a particular one, for example, for the outlet (and distal end) of each nozzle (first outlet 1183 and second outlet 1184) to be substantially aligned with one of the corresponding patient's nostrils. By being positioned, the gas flow is focused on the specific nostril.

  As can be appreciated from FIG. 12, in various embodiments, the nasal cannula 1200 may include only a single nozzle 1227. The nozzle 1227 has a rectangular or substantially elliptical cross section in various embodiments. In these embodiments, the major axis of the ellipse is substantially parallel to the central axis of the nasal cannula base 1205. In one embodiment, the nozzle 1227 is wide enough to allow air to enter both nares of the user during use of the nasal cannula. For example, in various embodiments, the width of the nozzle 1227 (eg, the length defined by the major axis of the elliptical nozzle cross-section) may be approximately equal (or greater) to the total width of the user's nostril. .

  As can be seen from FIG. 14, when the nasal cannula 1100 is operatively used, the first side 1430 of the nozzle outlet 1429 is spaced from and adjacent to the user's first nostril and the nozzle The second side 1430 of 1429 is spaced from and adjacent to the user's second nostril. In this and other configurations, the nozzle 1422 is configured to focus and direct the gas flow to each of the user's nostrils. In various embodiments, when the nozzle width is approximately equal to (or greater than) the total width of the user's nostrils and other widths, the nozzle 1227 is wide enough to prevent the nozzle 1227 from being inserted into the user's nostrils. This prevents the nasal cannula from sealing the nostril.

  In various other embodiments, a single nozzle of the cannula may have different cross sections that are neither rectangular nor elliptical. For example, the nozzle is wide enough to allow air to flow into both nostrils of the user when the cannula is in use, while at the same time sufficiently wide to prevent insertion into a single nostril And may have a substantially circular cross section. In various other embodiments, the nasal cannula may have one or more nozzles, each having a substantially rectangular cross-section and a width that prevents insertion into each nostril of the user.

  In various embodiments, the extension of one or more cannulas has a diameter adapted to prevent sealing of the user's nostril. For example, the extension (s) may have a diameter that is substantially narrower than the user's nostril, thereby avoiding sealing. In other embodiments, as described above, the elongated portion (s) may include features such as grooves or recesses to prevent sealing when inserted into the user's nostril (s).

(Usage example of cannula)
To use the cannula according to embodiments of the present invention, the physician or technician allows the patient to use the cannula for a short time while the physician or technician receives information from various sensors on the cannula, or for subsequent analysis. Monitor the information that can be recorded for this purpose. The physician or technician may then use this information to adjust the structure or operation of the cannula until the cannula sensor indicates that the patient's airway support environment meets certain conditions.

  Similarly, in various embodiments, cannula sensors may be used to monitor conditions in the patient's upper airway over time. In certain embodiments, the sensor of the cannula is connected to a control system that automatically changes or corrects the treatment gas flow into the cannula when information from the sensor indicates an undesirable condition in the patient's upper airway. May be. In a further embodiment of the invention, the sensor connects to a control system that issues an alarm when information from the sensor of the cannula indicates an undesirable condition in the patient's airway.

  Figures 13 and 14 show various embodiments of a nasal cannula for use with a patient. As can be seen from FIG. 13, for example, the nasal cannula is used for high flow therapy for the young or small infant. For example, a nasal cannula similar to that shown in FIG. 10 can be used. In various embodiments, the first and second extensions 1370, 1372 are inserted into the patient's nostrils while the corresponding first and second nozzles 1326, 1331 are maintained outside adjacent to the patient's nostrils. Obviously, when using a nasal cannula, air flows into the patient's nostril through the nozzle. FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of a nasal cannula in use by a patient. In one embodiment, a nasal cannula such as that shown in FIG. 12 may be used. As can be seen from FIG. 14, a nasal cannula having a single nozzle 1427 can be used, but the nozzle is sized and shaped to prevent insertion into the patient's nostril (eg, oval and / or more than the patient's nostril). Also widely). In various other embodiments, a nasal cannula having a nasal insert may be used as described generally. In these embodiments, the nasal insert is inserted into the user's nostril during use of the cannula. The nasal cannula according to embodiments of the present invention can be used for various patients.

(High flow therapy device)
Referring now to FIGS. 15-17, a high flow therapy device 2000 is shown. The high flow therapy device 2000 is configured to be used with a non-enclosed respiratory interface, such as the cannula 100, for example to deliver gas to a patient. In various embodiments, the high flow therapy device 2000 may warm, humidify, and / or oxygenate the gas before delivering the gas to the patient. In addition, embodiments of the high flow therapy device 2000 may control and / or adjust gas temperature, gas humidity, gas oxygen content, gas flow rate and / or amount of gas delivered to a patient.

  FIG. 15 shows a high flow therapy device 2000 that includes a housing 2010, a humidification container 2020 (steam generator, etc.), a user interface 2030, a gas inlet port 2040, and a gas outlet port 2050. FIG. 16 illustrates a microprocessor 2060, an air inlet port 2070, a blower 2080, an oxygen inlet 2090, and a proportion valve 2100. A non-sealed breathing interface (such as the nasal cannula illustrated in FIGS. 1-14 (such as 100 or 1200, hereinafter referred to as 100), etc.) is connected to the gas outlet port 2050 and machine Configured to work together.

  The heating element 21107 schematically shown in FIG. 17 (hidden from the field of view by the humidifying container 2020 in FIG. 15) is electrically connected to the microprocessor 2060 (included in a printed circuit board (PCB)) via, for example, a conductor 2112. The liquid (water, etc.) in the humidification container 2020 can be heated to generate gas. The non-enclosed respiratory interface 100 is configured to deliver this gas to the patient. In addition, a sensor 2120 or transducer (shown in FIG. 20) is placed in electrical communication with the microprocessor 2060 and configured to measure the pressure of the patient's upper airway UA (including upper airway, both nasal cavity and oral cavity). To do. In one embodiment, conduit 2130 extends between the patient's upper airway and sensor 2120 (FIG. 19, sensor 2120 not shown in FIG. 19, but may be located adjacent to microprocessor 2060). In another embodiment, sensor 2120 is disposed at least partially within the patient's upper airway, with lead 2122 relaying a signal to microprocessor 2060 (FIGS. 18 and 20).

  During use, for example, liquid (water, etc.) is placed into the humidification container 2020 through the container port 2022. The heating element 2110 warms the liquid and generates vapor or gas. This steam humidifies the gas entering the humidification vessel 2020 through the gas inlet port 2040. Warm and humidified vapor flows through the non-enclosed breathing interface 100 through the gas outlet port 2050.

  In the disclosed embodiment, the sensor 2120 collects data for measuring the patient's breathing rate, tidal volume, and tidal volume. Further, based on measurements obtained by the sensor 2120 and relayed to the microprocessor 2060, the microprocessor 2060 may determine the gas temperature, gas humidity, gas oxygen content, gas flow rate, and / or amount of gas delivered to the patient. Can be adjusted. For example, if the patient's upper airway pressure is measured too low (eg, by a pre-programmed algorithm embedded in the microprocessor 2060 or from a setting entered by the operator), the microprocessor 2060 may For example, the speed of the blower 2080 and / or the oxygen proportional valve 2100 may be adjusted so that the level is maintained.

  In addition, the sensor 2120 may be used to monitor the respiration rate, and the microprocessor 2060 alerts if the respiration rate exceeds or falls below the range defined by either the microprocessor 2060 or the operator settings. May be sent. For example, an over-breathing alarm may alert the operator and may indicate that the patient requires a higher flow rate and / or higher oxygen flow.

  Referring to FIG. 17, a pair of thermocouples 2200 and 2202 are shown. These sense the temperature entering and exiting the breathing interface 100 and the gas outlet port 200. In addition, a second heating element 2114 (or heater) (such as a heating wire) may be placed adjacent to the air outlet port 2050 to further heat the gas. It is also assumed that the second heating element 2114 is disposed in the circuit 2210. Thermocouples 2200 and 2202 may be in communication with the microprocessor 2060 and used to adjust the temperature of the heating element 2110 and the second heating element 2114. A feedback loop may be used to minimize delivery gas temperature control, as well as humidity control and water droplet formation. FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a circuit 2210 that includes a conduit 2130 coaxially disposed therein, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

  With respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the blower 2080 draws ambient air into the air inlet port 2070 and pushes it through the air flow tube 2140, gas inlet port 2040, humidification vessel 2020 and gas outlet port 2050 into the unsealed breathing interface 100. For use. The blower 2080 is configured to provide a gas flow rate of up to about 60 liters per minute for a patient (eg, an adult patient). In certain embodiments, it is envisioned that the blower 2080 is configured to provide the patient with a gas flow rate of up to about 40 liters per minute. In addition, an air intake filter 2072 (shown schematically in FIG. 17) may be provided adjacent to the air inlet port 2070 for filtering the air delivered to the patient. Air intake filter 2072 reduces the amount of particulates (including dust, pollen, fungi (including yeast, mold, spores, etc.), bacteria, viruses, allergens and / or pathogens) received by blower 2080. It is assumed that In addition, using the blower 2080 may eliminate the need to utilize compressed air, for example. Assuming the pressure sensor is placed adjacent to the air intake filter 2072 (schematically shown in FIG. 17), this determines when the air intake filter 2072 should be replaced (eg, dirt, negative pressure generation, etc.) Yes.

  With continued reference to FIG. 16, the oxygen inlet 2090 is connected to an external oxygen source (or oxygen gas) (not explicitly shown), for example, so that oxygen can pass through the high flow therapy device 2000 and mix with ambient air. Constitute. Proportional valve 2100 is in electrical communication with microprocessor 2060 and is positioned adjacent to oxygen inlet 2090 and configured to regulate the amount of oxygen flowing from oxygen inlet 2090 through oxygen flow tube 2150. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the oxygen flowing through the oxygen flow tube 2150 mixes with air (or filtered air) flowing through the air flow tube 2140 in the mixing region 2155 before entering the humidification container 2020.

  In the disclosed embodiment, sensor 2120 measures the patient's inspiratory pressure and expiratory pressure. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, conduit 2130 communicates pressure measurements to sensor 2120 (not explicitly shown in FIGS. 18 and 19), which may be located adjacent to microprocessor 2060. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, sensor 2120 is adjacent to the patient's upper airway and comprises a lead 2122 for transmitting readings to microprocessor 2060.

  In various instances, the clinician does not want air to enter the patient's upper airway. To measure whether ambient air enters the patient's upper airway, inspiratory and expiratory pressure readings from (or adjacent to) the upper airway may be compared to the ambient air pressure. That is, the patient can aspirate gas at a higher rate than the gas rate delivered by the high flow therapy device 2000 to the patient. In these situations (because the breathing interface 100 is unsealed), in addition to breathing with the supply gas, the patient also inhales air. Based on this information, the microprocessor 2060 of the high flow therapy device 2000 may adjust various flow parameters, such as increasing the flow rate, to minimize or suppress environmental air tuning.

  FIG. 21 shows an example of a screen shot. This may be displayed on part of the user interface 2030. The head of a wave such as a sine wave represents the expiratory pressure, and the trough represents the inspiratory pressure. In this state, environmental air entrainment into the patient's upper airway is evident, as evidenced by a sine wave trough below the zero pressure line. The microprocessor 2060 may be configured to automatically adjust the manner of gas delivered to the patient by the high flow therapy device 2000 to overcome environmental air tuning. Further, the microprocessor 2060 may communicate a pressure indication to an operator who inputs settings to adjust the flow rate to minimize ambient air tuning or to maintain a pressure above the ambient air pressure. . Furthermore, the oxygen flow through the high flow therapy device 2000 can be minimized by reducing the flow rate during expiration. By reducing the flow rate in this manner, oxygen inflow into a closed environment such as in a patient room or ambulance where high levels of oxygen can be harmful can also be minimized.

  In the disclosed embodiment, the conduit 2130 is used as a gas analyzer that can be configured to variously measure (eg, oxygen percentage, carbon dioxide percentage, pressure, temperature, etc.) in or adjacent to the patient's upper airway. Also good.

  In another embodiment (not explicitly shown), a gas port may be positioned adjacent to the housing 2010 for communication with the exterior of the housing 2010. It is envisioned that the gas port is configured to measure various gas properties (eg, oxygen percentage and pressure) using an external device. In addition, the gas port may be used to check the gas value externally. Further, for example, a communication port 2300 (shown in FIG. 16) for enabling connection of an external device such as a computer for additional analysis may be included. In addition, the communication port 2300 can be connected to other devices, for example, remotely monitoring data and allowing recording and reprogramming.

  A one-way valve 2160 and / or a sample pump 2170 (shown schematically in FIG. 17) may also be included to easily sample the analysis gas. More particularly, in certain embodiments, the sample pump 2170 can move a certain amount of gas to the gas component meter. As schematically shown in FIG. 17, a gas sample may be taken from the patient's upper airway via conduit 2130 or from the mixing region 2155 via sample line 2180 and sample port 2182. The directional valve 2160 can be controlled by the microprocessor 2060 to direct gas samples from any site (or a different site, such as after gas warming). The gas analyzer may compare the predetermined measurement with the gas sample (s) measurement to confirm that the high flow therapy device 2000 is operating optimally. Further, the sample pump 2170 may be configured to pump gas or liquid toward the patient to provide additional gas to the patient, eg, anesthetic gas, and / or to purify or clean the conduit 2130. Suppose.

  The present disclosure also relates to a method of delivering gas to a patient. This method comprises, for example, providing a high flow therapy device 2000, warming the gas, and delivering the gas to the patient, as described above. In this embodiment, the high flow therapy device 2000 includes a microprocessor 2060, a heating element 2110 placed in electrical communication with the microprocessor 2060, an unsealed respiratory interface 100 configured to deliver gas to the patient, and the micro A sensor 2120 is disposed in electrical communication with the processor 2060 and configured to measure pressure in the patient's upper airway. The method of this embodiment can be used, for example, to provide respiratory assistance to a patient. A blower 2080 may also be included in the high flow therapy device 2000 of this method. Blower 2080 allows high-flow therapy device 2000 (eg, through filter 2072) to be supplied to the patient with ambient air. In this embodiment, the high flow therapy device is portable because it does not require an external source of compressed air, for example.

  Another method of the present disclosure relates to minimizing respiratory infections in patients. In this method embodiment, the high flow therapy device 2000 comprises a warming element 2110 and an unsealed respiratory interface 100. Here, the patient may be provided with warmed and / or humidified air (eg, at various flow rates) to minimize the patient's respiratory infection. In addition, this method may be used with some sort of filter 2072 connected, for example in hospitals, to prevent patients from taking in various symptoms associated with inhalation of contaminated air. In addition, by providing a properly warmed and humidified breathing gas, cilia movement along the respiratory passageway from the anterior third of the nose to the entrance of the respiratory bronchiole is optimized, and Further minimize risk. Furthermore, this effect may be increased by supplemental oxygen. A microprocessor 2060 connected to the sensor 2120 may be included in the high flow therapy device 2000 of this method, for example, to measure various aspects of the gas delivered to the patient, as described above.

  Further methods of the present disclosure relate to other methods of delivering gas to a patient. The method of the present invention mechanically cooperates with the heating element 2110, the non-sealed breathing interface 100, the blower 2080, the air inlet port 2070 configured to allow ambient air to flow toward the blower 2080, and the air inlet port 2070. Providing a high flow therapy device 2000 that includes a filter 2070 that is positioned and configured to remove pathogens from ambient air. The high flow therapy device 2000 of this method may also include a microprocessor 2060 and a sensor 2120.

  Other methods of the present disclosure comprise the use of a high flow therapy device 2000 to treat headache, upper airway resistance syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, hypopnea and / or snoring. The high flow therapy device 2000 may be configured to provide sufficient airway pressure to minimize upper airway collapse during the inspiration period, particularly while the user is asleep. HFT is more acceptable to children and others who cannot tolerate conventional CPAP treatments that require a sealed interface. Early treatment with HFT may prevent mild upper airway resistance from progressing to more advanced symptoms, such as sleep apnea and associated morbidity.

  Another method of the present disclosure is headache treatment using HFT. In a headache treatment / prevention embodiment, a gas having a water content of at least 27 milligrams / liter at a temperature between about 32 ° C. and about 40 ° C. (the temperature at the hot end of this range can provide a faster response). It may be delivered to the patient. More specifically, it is assumed that a gas having a water vapor amount between about 33 mg / L and about 44 mg / L is used. It is assumed that the gas delivered to the patient contains a water content similar to typical exhalation. In one embodiment, this warmed and humidified air flow rate sufficiently prevents / minimizes the tuning of the air to the breathing gas during inspiration, as described above. It may also be beneficial to include an increase in oxygen percentage. In addition, this gas may be delivered to a patient using the non-enclosed respiratory interface 100.

  The high flow rate therapeutic device 2000 used in these methods includes a heating element 2110 and an unsealed respiratory interface 100. A microprocessor 2060 and sensor 2120 may also be included in the high flow therapy device 2000 of this method. By including the blower 2080 according to the disclosed embodiments, the high flow therapy device 2000 can be portable because it does not require an external compressed air or oxygen source to be connected. Thus, the high-flow-rate treatment apparatus 2000 of this method can be used relatively easily in an individual home, a doctor's office, an ambulance, and the like.

  The present disclosure also relates to a method of delivering respiratory gas to a patient, comprising phase monitoring of the patient's breathing. Patient respiratory phase monitoring is enabled by measuring the patient's upper airway pressure. In addition, the phase of respiration may be measured by pressure with circuit 2210 or by monitoring phrenic nerve activity. Real-time pressure measurement (see, for example, the sine wave-like wave of FIG. 21) allows different gases to be delivered to the patient at different pressures or at different pressures. For example, a higher pressure gas may be delivered to the patient during inspiration and a lower pressure gas may be delivered to the patient during expiration. This example may be useful when the patient is fragile and it is difficult to exhale if high pressure gas comes in. Further, to improve patient comfort, assume that the level of gas pressure delivered to the patient is increased, for example, stepwise (eg, over several minutes).

  With reference to FIGS. 22-24, a mouthpiece 3000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. As outlined above, mouthpiece 3000 is an example of a respiratory interface of the present disclosure. A mouthpiece 3000 (illustrated similar to a pacifier) may be used to detect the patient's upper airway pressure.

  The first mouthpiece port 3010 may be used to measure the pressure in the mouthpiece 3000 through the open end 3012 of the first port. The first mouthpiece port 3010 may include an open tube that communicates the pressure of the mouthpiece 3000 to the sensor 2120 (not explicitly shown in FIGS. 22-24) via the first port conduit 2130a. The sensor 2120 may be positioned in the mouthpiece 3000. It is assumed that the mouthpiece 3000 is at least partially filled with a liquid such as gas or water.

  The pressure in the mouthpiece 3000 is useful for evaluating, recording, or otherwise using the pressure data, for example, to measure aspiration or feeding intensity. The timing of the suction movement and the pressure difference in the mouth may also be measured. The suction pressure may be useful for measuring the suction strength, and may be used, for example, for evaluating a child's health. Oral pharyngeal pressure measurements may provide data for setting or adjusting respiratory support therapy to the patient. Assume that a relatively short first mouthpiece port 3010 is used so that the valve 3030 of the mouthpiece 3000 operates as a pressure balloon. It is also envisioned that a relatively long first mouthpiece port 3010 having rigidity can be used to help prevent tube closure due to, for example, an alveolar ridge or tooth pressure.

  The second mouthpiece port 3020 is configured to enter the patient's mouth or oral cavity during use of the mouthpiece 3000 and provides intraoral pressure (upper airway pressure) through the open end 3022 of the second mouthpiece port 3020. Configure to measure. Pressure from the upper airway (eg, measured adjacent to the pharynx) may be transferred to sensor 2120 via second port conduit 2130b or sensor 2120 positioned adjacent to mouthpiece 3000. May be. That is, the pressure communicated from the upper airway to the patient's mouth is the measured pressure. In order to easily measure accurate upper airway pressure, it is assumed that the second mouthpiece port 3020 extends beyond one piece of valve 3030.

  Referring to FIG. 23, a balloon 3040 adjacent to the distal end 3024 of the second port 3020 is shown. Here, it is assumed that the lumen of conduit 2130b is in fluid communication with the interior region of balloon 3040. Further, any force on the wall of the balloon 3040 is transferred through the observation or analysis sensor 2120 or the lumen on the transducer side.

  The pressure in the oral cavity can change during the aspiration and swallowing phases. The high-flow-rate treatment apparatus 2000 using the mouthpiece 3000 enables simultaneous measurement of the inhalation pressure inside the mouthpiece 3000 and the pressure outside the mouthpiece 3000. This data can be useful in determining therapeutic properties for respiratory support of children, children or adults (eg, unconscious adults).

(Conclusion)
Those skilled in the art will envision many modifications and other embodiments of the invention described herein which relate to these inventions having the advantages of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. I will. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that variations and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. For example, while the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 shows a nasal insert 125, 130 having two inlets 152, 154, in another embodiment of the invention there are two or more nasal inserts 125, 130. You may have more or less inlets (and / or two or more or less sensors). Further, the sensor 2120 may be placed, communicate with any area of the airway, and is not limited to sensing the environment in front of the nasal cavity. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and are not intended to be limiting.

  Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which do not require dimensional ratios.

1 is a perspective view of a nasal cannula according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a nasal cannula according to a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a nasal cannula according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a nasal cannula according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a nasal cannula according to a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a nasal cannula according to a particular embodiment of the present invention inserted into the nose. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a nasal cannula inserted into the nose according to a further embodiment of the invention. It is a front perspective view of the nasal cannula which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 8B is a rear perspective view of the nasal cannula shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the nasal cannula shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a nasal cannula according to a further embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a perspective view of a nasal cannula according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a nasal cannula according to a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a nasal cannula according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a nasal cannula in use on a patient, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a nasal cannula in use on a patient, according to a further embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a high flow therapy device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the high flow therapy device of FIG. 15 showing internal elements in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic diagram of the high flow therapy device of FIGS. 15 and 16 with a nasal interface and patient in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 7 illustrates a high flow therapy device including a nasal interface and a conduit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. as well as FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged view of a patient's upper airway and nasal interface according to two embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 illustrates an example screenshot of a user interface of the high flow therapy device of FIGS. 15-17 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. as well as FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an unsealed respiratory interface in the shape of a mouthpiece, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. FIG. 24 illustrates the mouthpiece of FIG. 22 or 23 in use on a patient according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Claims (30)

Microprocessor;
A heating element disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and capable of heating a liquid to create a gas;
A non-hermetic respiratory interface configured to deliver the gas to a patient; and a sensor disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and configured to measure an upper airway pressure of the patient.
High flow therapy system.   The high flow therapy system of claim 1, wherein the non-sealing respiratory interface comprises a nasal cannula.   The high flow rate therapy system of claim 1, further comprising a mouthpiece, wherein the sensor is arranged to mechanically cooperate with the mouthpiece.   The high flow therapy system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is located at least partially within a patient's upper airway.   The high flow therapy system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is positioned adjacent to a patient's oral cavity.   The high flow therapy system of claim 1, further comprising a conduit extending between the patient's upper airway and the sensor.   The high flow therapy system of claim 1, further comprising a conduit extending between the patient's oral cavity and the sensor.   The high flow rate therapy system of claim 1, wherein the sensor measures at least one of a respiratory rate, a tidal volume, and a tidal volume.   The microprocessor is configured to control at least one of the temperature of the gas delivered to the patient, the humidity of the gas, the amount of oxygen in the gas, the flow rate of the gas, and the volume of the gas. The high flow rate therapeutic system according to claim 1.   The high flow rate therapy system of claim 1, further comprising a second heating element configured to warm the gas.   The high flow therapy system of claim 1, further comprising a blower configured to mechanically cooperate with the non-sealed breathing interface and capable of advancing the gas at least partially through the non-sealed breathing interface. .   The high flow therapy system of claim 11, wherein the blower is configured to provide a maximum gas flow rate of 60 liters per minute to a patient.   The high flow therapy system of claim 11, wherein the blower is configured to provide a maximum gas flow rate of 40 liters per minute to a patient.   The high flow rate therapy system of claim 11, further comprising an air inlet port configured to blow ambient air to the blower.   15. The high flow therapy system of claim 14, further comprising an air filter disposed in mechanical cooperation with the air inlet port.   The high flow therapy system of claim 15, wherein the air filter is configured to reduce the amount of particles received by the blower.   The high flow therapy system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to measure inspiratory pressure and expiratory pressure of the patient.   The high flow therapy system of claim 17, wherein the microprocessor is configured to minimize the uptake of ambient air into the upper airway of the patient.   The high flow therapy system of claim 1, further comprising an oxygen inlet configured to connect to an external oxygen source.   The high flow rate therapy system of claim 11, further comprising an oxygen inlet configured to connect to an external oxygen source.   The high flow therapy system of claim 1, further comprising a gas analyzer disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor.   The high flow rate therapy system of claim 6, further comprising a gas analyzer disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor.   And a one-way valve disposed in mechanical cooperation with a portion of the conduit, the one-way valve configured to allow air to move from the patient's upper airway to the one-way valve. The high flow rate therapy system of claim 6, wherein:   And a one-way valve arranged in mechanical cooperation with a portion of the conduit, the one-way valve configured to allow air to move from the one-way valve to the patient. The high flow rate therapeutic system according to claim 6.   The method further comprises a one-way valve that mechanically cooperates with a test tube, wherein the test tube is configured to allow the gas to move to the one-way valve prior to warming of the gas. 7. The high flow rate treatment system according to 6.   The test tube further comprises a one-way valve that mechanically cooperates with the test tube, wherein the test tube is connected to the one-way valve after the gas is warmed and before the gas reaches the patient. The high flow therapy system of claim 6, configured to be movable.   The high flow therapy system of claim 1, further comprising an alarm in electrical communication with the microprocessor.   28. The high flow therapy system of claim 27, wherein the alarm provides at least one of visual and audio feedback. Microprocessor;
A heating element disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and capable of heating a liquid to create a gas;
An unsealed respiratory interface configured to deliver the gas to a patient;
A sensor disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and configured to measure pressure in the patient's upper airway; and a mouthpiece disposed in mechanical cooperation with the sensor. ,
High flow therapy system.   30. The high flow rate therapy system of claim 29, further comprising at least one conduit extending between a portion of the mouthpiece and between the sensors.

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