U.S. patent application number 15/511093 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-31 for connectors for respiratory assistance systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited. Invention is credited to Sally Margaret HENSMAN, David Robert KEMPS.
Application Number | 20170246417 15/511093 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55533542 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170246417 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KEMPS; David Robert ; et
al. |
August 31, 2017 |
CONNECTORS FOR RESPIRATORY ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS
Abstract
Connectors for respiratory assistance systems are disclosed that
are configured to at least decrease the proportion of condensate
that drains into an inspiratory conduit. The connectors include a
setup that causes the portion of a wye-piece connected to an
expiratory conduit to be positioned below the portion of the
wye-piece connected to the inspiratory conduit. The connector can
alternatively, or additionally, include a wye-piece that includes a
ball attached to the wye-piece adjacent the inspiratory conduit
port such that when the ball is connected to a medical stand, the
expiratory conduit port is positioned below the inspiratory conduit
port. The connector can alternatively or additionally include a
circuit hanger that includes a cradles for both conduits and a ball
attached to the circuit hanger adjacent the inspiratory conduit
cradle such that when the ball is connected to a medical stand, the
expiratory conduit cradle is positioned below the inspiratory
conduit cradle. The connector can alternatively or additionally
include a coaxial wye-piece that includes an inspiratory branch, an
expiratory branch, and a patient end. The tip of the inspiratory
branch that is internal to the coaxial wye-piece may have a lip and
a narrowed diameter, features which obstruct or reduce condensate
from entering the inspiratory branch and the inspiratory conduit
regardless of the coaxial wye-piece orientation or position.
Inventors: |
KEMPS; David Robert;
(Auckland, NZ) ; HENSMAN; Sally Margaret;
(Auckland, NZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited |
Auckland |
|
NZ |
|
|
Assignee: |
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
Limited
Auckland
NZ
|
Family ID: |
55533542 |
Appl. No.: |
15/511093 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
September 17, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/NZ2015/050151 |
371 Date: |
March 14, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62051860 |
Sep 17, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 16/0841 20140204;
A61M 16/0875 20130101; A61M 2205/3653 20130101; A61M 16/0808
20130101; A61M 16/0833 20140204; A61M 15/009 20130101; A61M
2205/3368 20130101; A61M 16/109 20140204; A61M 16/0069 20140204;
A61M 2209/084 20130101; A61M 16/08 20130101; A61M 2209/082
20130101; A61M 16/1095 20140204; A61M 16/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 16/08 20060101
A61M016/08; A61M 16/16 20060101 A61M016/16; A61M 16/10 20060101
A61M016/10; A61M 15/00 20060101 A61M015/00 |
Claims
1. A wye-piece connector for a respiratory assistance system
comprising: an inspiratory conduit port, an expiratory conduit
port, a patient interface port, a body formed by a fluid passageway
between the inspiratory conduit port and the patient interface port
and a fluid passageway between the expiratory conduit port and the
patient interface port, and a ball for connecting the wye-piece to
a medical stand, wherein the ball is connected to the body adjacent
the inspiratory conduit port such that when the ball is connected
to a medical stand, the expiratory conduit port is positioned below
the inspiratory conduit port.
2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the ball is attached directly
to the body.
3. The connector of claim 1, comprising a stem, wherein the stem is
attached to the body and the ball is attached to the stem.
4. A circuit hanger connector configured to be used in a
respiratory assistance system, the circuit hanger comprising: a
body, the body comprising: an inspiratory conduit cradle, and an
expiratory conduit cradle; and a ball for connecting the circuit
hanger to a medical stand, wherein the ball is attached to the body
adjacent the inspiratory conduit cradle such that when the ball is
connected to a medical stand, the expiratory conduit cradle is
positioned below the inspiratory conduit cradle.
5. The connector of claim 4, wherein the ball is attached directly
to the body.
6. The connector of claim 4, comprising a stem, wherein the stem is
attached to the body and the ball is attached to the stem.
7. A coaxial wye-piece connector configured to be used in a
respiratory assistance system, the coaxial wye-piece connector
comprising: an inspiratory branch including an inspiratory conduit
port; an expiratory branch including an expiratory conduit port; a
patient end including a patient interface port; a body comprising
the inspiratory branch, the expiratory branch, and the patient end,
wherein the body is formed by a fluid passageway between the
inspiratory conduit port and the patient interface port and a fluid
passage between the expiratory conduit port and the patient
interface port; and wherein the inspiratory branch further
comprises a tip that extends into the fluid passageway between the
expiratory conduit port and the patient interface port of the body;
and wherein the tip of the inspiratory branch comprises a lip, the
lip configured to obstruct or impede a condensate from entering
into the inspiratory branch.
8. The connector of claim 7, wherein the inspiratory conduit port
is located on a conduit end of the inspiratory branch.
9. The connector of claim 8, wherein the inspiratory branch is
configured to allow an inspiratory gas to flow within the
inspiratory branch from the conduit end of the inspiratory branch
to the tip of the inspiratory branch such that the inspiratory gas
flow impedes a condensate from entering into the inspiratory
branch.
10. The connector of claims 8 and 9, wherein the inspiratory branch
further comprises an inner surface diameter that is different at
the conduit end of the inspiratory branch than at the tip of the
inspiratory branch.
11. The connector of claim 10, wherein the inner surface diameter
at the tip of the inspiratory branch is narrower than the inner
surface diameter at the conduit end of the inspiratory branch.
12. The connector of claim 11, wherein the inspiratory gas has a
flow speed at the tip of the inspiratory branch that is greater
than a flow speed at the conduit end of the inspiratory branch.
13. The connector of claims 8-12, wherein the conduit end of the
inspiratory branch is tapered on an inner surface and/or an outer
surface such that the conduit end of the inspiratory branch may be
connected to an inspiratory conduit, and wherein the inspiratory
conduit is in fluid communication with the inspiratory conduit port
when the inspiratory conduit is connected to the conduit end of the
inspiratory branch.
14. The connectors of claims 7-13, wherein the inspiratory branch
further comprises an MDI port or a pressure port.
15. The connector of claims 7-14, wherein the fluid passageway
between the expiratory conduit port and the patient interface port
comprises a change in diameter of the inner surface of the fluid
passageway between the expiratory conduit port and the patient
interface port.
16. The connector of claim 15, wherein an inner surface diameter of
the fluid passageway by the patient interface port is smaller than
an inner surface diameter of the fluid passageway by the expiratory
conduit port.
17. The connector of claims 7-16, wherein the patient interface
port is located on an end of the patient end.
18. The connector of claim 17, wherein the end of the patient end
has a dual taper that allows the end of the patient end to act as a
female connector and/or a male connector.
19. The connector of claim 17, wherein the end of the patient end
has a solid wall between an inner surface and an outer surface of
the patient end.
20. The connector of claim 17, wherein the end of the patient end
has a wall gap between an inner surface and outer surface of the
patient end.
21. The connector of claims 7-20, wherein the connector is
opaque.
22. The connector of claims 7-20, wherein the connector is
transparent.
23. The connector of claims 7-22, wherein the connector further
comprises an inner coaxial inspiratory tube that extends from the
inspiratory branch into the fluid passageway between the expiratory
conduit port and the patient interface port.
24. The connector of claim 23, wherein the patient end is
configured to connect with a patient interface at a connection
point.
25. The connector of claim 24, wherein the inner coaxial
inspiratory tube extends toward the patient end.
26. The connector of claim 24, wherein the inner coaxial
inspiratory tube extends from the inspiratory branch up to the
patient interface port of the patient end.
27. The connector of claims 7-26, wherein the connector is
configured to direct flow from the inspiratory branch towards the
patient end.
28. The connector of claims 7-26, wherein the connector comprises
an angle between the axis of the inspiratory branch and the axis of
the expiratory branch.
29. The connector of claim 28, wherein the angle between the axis
of the inspiratory branch and the axis of the expiratory branch is
between 10 and 90 degrees.
30. The connector of claim 28, wherein the angle between the axis
of the inspiratory branch and the axis of the expiratory branch
allows the connector to direct flow from the inspiratory branch
towards the patient end.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/051,860, filed Sep. 17, 2014, the
entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Any
and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim
is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the
present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37
CFR 1.57.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Technical Field
[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to respiratory
assistance systems. More particularly, the present disclosure
relates to conduit connectors for respiratory assistance
systems.
[0004] Description of the Related Art
[0005] A respiratory assistance system may be used to provide
respiratory gases to a patient from a gases source via an
inspiratory conduit in fluid communication between the gases source
and a patient interface. Examples of a patient interface may
include an oral mask, a nasal mask, a nasal cannula, a tracheal
mask, or an endotracheal tube. In a respiratory assistance system
where the gases source is a ventilator, gases exhaled by the
patient into the patient interface may be returned via an
expiratory conduit in fluid communication between the patient
interface and the ventilator. The inspiratory conduit and the
expiratory conduit may be connected to the patient interface via a
wye-piece.
[0006] A respiratory assistance system may include a humidification
device to condition respiratory gases provided to the patient. The
humidification device may include a humidification chamber
containing liquid and a heater adjacent the humidification chamber
to heat the liquid to produce vapor. The humidification device may
be positioned in the fluid communication path between the gases
source and the patient interface to heat and/or humidify
respiratory gases prior to delivery via the inspiratory conduit to
the patient interface. Respiratory gases delivered to a patient at
100% relative humidity and 37.degree. C. mimic the properties
resulting from the transformation of air that occurs as it passes
through the patient's nose to the lungs. This promotes efficient
gas exchange and ventilation in the lungs, aids defense mechanisms
in the airway, and increases patient comfort during treatment.
[0007] An inspiratory conduit for use in a respiratory assistance
system with a humidification device may include a heating
component, such as a heater wire, to keep heated and humidified
respiratory gases delivered via the inspiratory conduit to the
patient interface warm and to reduce formation of condensate in the
inspiratory conduit. However, a heated inspiratory conduit may be
connected to an unheated wye-piece and/or an unheated patient
interface. The passage of heated and humidified respiratory gases
through an unheated wye-piece and/or an unheated patient interface
can increase formation of condensate in the respiratory assistance
system. Vapor present in gases exhaled by a patient can also
increase formation of condensate in a respiratory assistance
system.
SUMMARY
[0008] Condensate that forms in a respiratory assistance system may
drain in one or more of three directions: toward the patient, into
the inspiratory conduit toward the humidification device, and/or
into the expiratory conduit toward the ventilator. Condensate that
drains toward the patient may reduce effectiveness of respiratory
treatment and/or decrease patient comfort. Thus, caregivers often
may arrange the inspiratory conduit, the expiratory conduit, and/or
the patient interface to reduce the amount of condensate that
drains toward the patient. Condensate that drains toward the
humidification device may cause at least partial occlusion of the
inspiratory conduit which could reduce effective of respiratory
treatment. Condensate that drains toward the ventilator may damage
the ventilator.
[0009] In a respiratory assistance system where the expiratory
conduit includes features adapted to reduce condensate in gases
delivered via the expiratory conduit to a gases source, it may be
useful to decrease the proportion of condensate that drains toward
the patient and/or into the inspiratory conduit by increasing the
proportion of condensate that drains into the expiratory conduit.
Embodiments are disclosed of connectors configured to at least
decrease the proportion of condensate that drains into the
inspiratory conduit by causing the portion of the wye-piece
connected to the expiratory conduit to be positioned below the
portion of the wye-piece connected to the inspiratory conduit. This
arrangement allows condensate that reaches the wye-piece to
naturally drain through gravitational force into the
expiratory.
[0010] According to an embodiment, a connector comprises a
wye-piece, the wye-piece comprising a port for an inspiratory
conduit, a port for an expiratory conduit, a port for a patient
interface, a body formed by a fluid passageway between the port for
the inspiratory conduit and the port for the patient interface and
a fluid passageway between the port for the expiratory conduit and
the port for the patient interface, and a ball for connecting the
wye-piece to a medical stand, wherein the ball is attached to the
body adjacent the port for the inspiratory conduit such that when
the ball is connected to a medical stand, the port for the
expiratory conduit is positioned below the port for the inspiratory
conduit.
[0011] The ball may be attached directly to the body of the
wye-piece, or it may be attached to a stem that is attached to the
body of the wye-piece. The ball, or ball and stem, may be
integrally formed with the body, detachable from the body, or
formed separately from and securely adhered to the body.
[0012] According to an another example embodiment, a connector
comprises a circuit hanger, the circuit hanger comprising a body,
the body comprising a cradle for an inspiratory conduit, a cradle
for an expiratory conduit, and a ball for connecting the circuit
hanger to a medical stand, wherein the ball is attached to the body
adjacent the cradle for the inspiratory conduit such that when the
ball is connected to a medical stand, the cradle for the expiratory
conduit is positioned below the cradle for the inspiratory
conduit.
[0013] The ball may be attached directly to the body of the circuit
hanger, or it may be attached to a stem that is attached to the
body of the circuit hanger. The ball, or ball and stem, may be
integrally formed with the body, detachable from the body, or
formed separately from and securely adhered to the body.
[0014] The medical stand may be configured to securely hold the
ball of the connector so that the connector may be held in a
specific orientation or position. The medical stand may have a
mechanism that allows the orientation or position of the connector
to be changed by a user. The medical stand may have a ball-holding
portion that is configured to attach to, hold, or secure the ball
of a connector that comprises a circuit hanger. The ball-holding
portion may be able to be tightened or loosened so that a user may
change the orientation or position of the connector, such as by
first loosening the ball-holding portion, changing the orientation
or position of the connector to the desired orientation or
position, and then tightening the ball-holding portion to secure
the connector in the desired orientation or position.
[0015] According to an another example embodiment, a connector
comprises a coaxial wye-piece, the coaxial wye-piece comprising a
body, the body comprising an inspiratory branch with an inspiratory
conduit port, an expiratory branch with an expiratory conduit port,
a patient end with a patient interface port, a fluid passageway
between the inspiratory conduit port and the patient interface
port, and a fluid passage between the expiratory conduit port and
the patient interface port. The inspiratory branch may comprise a
tip that extends into the fluid passageway between the expiratory
conduit port and the patient interface port of the body. The tip of
the inspiratory branch may comprise a lip, the lip configured to
obstruct or impede a condensate from draining toward the
inspiratory branch. An MDI or pressure port may also be located on
the inspiratory branch at a location far enough away from the
inspiratory conduit port so that the inspiratory conduit port may
be connected to an inspiratory conduit. The patient end may have a
solid wall between an inner surface and an outer surface, as well
as a dual taper design that allows the patient end to act as a male
or female connector.
[0016] According to an another example embodiment, a connector
comprises a coaxial wye-piece, the coaxial wye-piece comprising a
body, the body comprising an inspiratory branch with an inspiratory
conduit port, an expiratory branch with an expiratory conduit port,
a patient end with a patient interface port, a fluid passageway
between the inspiratory conduit port and the patient interface
port, and a fluid passage between the expiratory conduit port and
the patient interface port. The inspiratory branch may comprise a
tip that extends into the fluid passageway between the expiratory
conduit port and the patient interface port of the body. The tip of
the inspiratory branch may comprise a lip, the lip configured to
obstruct or impede a condensate from draining toward the
inspiratory branch. An MDI or pressure port may also be located on
the inspiratory branch at a location far enough away from the
inspiratory conduit port so that the inspiratory conduit port may
be connected to an inspiratory conduit. The patient end may have a
gap in a wall between an inner surface and an outer surface, as
well as a dual taper design that allows the patient end to act as a
male or female connector. The gap may preserve the dual taper
design while allowing less material to be used.
[0017] According to an another example embodiment, a connector
comprises a coaxial wye-piece, the coaxial wye-piece comprising a
body, the body comprising an inspiratory branch with an inspiratory
conduit port, an expiratory branch with an expiratory conduit port,
a patient end with a patient interface port, a fluid passageway
between the inspiratory conduit port and the patient interface
port, and a fluid passage between the expiratory conduit port and
the patient interface port. The body may further comprise an inner
coaxial inspiratory tube that extends from the inspiratory branch
into the fluid passageway between the expiratory conduit port and
the patient interface port. The inner coaxial inspiratory tube may
be directed towards the patient end and may extend all up to the
patient interface port of the patient end. The inner coaxial
inspiratory tube may obstruct or impede a condensate from draining
toward the inspiratory branch, and it may also direct the flow of
inspiratory gas towards the patient end. The inspiratory branch may
comprise a tip that extends into the fluid passageway between the
expiratory conduit port and the patient interface port of the body.
The tip of the inspiratory branch may comprise a lip, the lip
configured to obstruct or impede a condensate from draining toward
the inspiratory branch. An MDI or pressure port may also be located
on the inspiratory branch at a location far enough away from the
inspiratory conduit port so that the inspiratory conduit port may
be connected to an inspiratory conduit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] These and other aspects of the present disclosure will be
described with reference to the following drawings, which should be
considered illustrative but not limiting.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example respiratory assistance
system that may be used to provide respiratory gases to a
patient.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a connector for a respiratory
assistance system according to an example embodiment in which the
connector comprises a wye-piece.
[0021] FIG. 3A is a diagram of a connector for a respiratory
assistance system according to an example embodiment in which the
connector comprises a circuit hanger.
[0022] FIG. 3B is a diagram of a ball-holding end of a medical
stand that may be attached to a connector for a respiratory
assistance system that comprises a circuit hanger.
[0023] FIG. 3C is a diagram of a medical stand that may be attached
to a connector for a respiratory assistance system that comprises a
circuit hanger.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a connector for a respiratory
assistance system according to an example embodiment in which the
connector comprises a coaxial wye-piece.
[0025] FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a perspective side view of
a connector for a respiratory assistance system according to an
example embodiment in which the connector comprises a coaxial
wye-piece.
[0026] FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a side cut-away view of a
connector for a respiratory assistance system according to the
example embodiment of FIG. 5A in which the connector comprises a
coaxial wye-piece.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cut-away view of the
geometry and positioning of features of a connector for a
respiratory assistance system in which the connector comprises a
coaxial wye-piece.
[0028] FIG. 7A is a diagram of where an MDI port may be located on
a connector in a respiratory assistance system in which the
connector comprises a coaxial wye-piece.
[0029] FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a connector for a
respiratory assistance according to an example embodiment in which
the connector comprises a coaxial wye-piece with an MDI port.
[0030] FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating a cross-section view of
the dimensions and lengths of a connector for a respiratory
assistance system in which the connector comprises a coaxial
wye-piece.
[0031] FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a cross-section view of
the dimensions and angles of a connector for a respiratory
assistance system in which the connector comprises a coaxial
wye-piece.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a diagram of a connector for a respiratory
assistance system according to an example embodiment in which the
connector comprises a coaxial wye-piece.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a connector for a respiratory
assistance system according to an example embodiment in which the
connector comprises a coaxial wye-piece.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a connector for a respiratory
assistance system according to an example embodiment in which the
connector comprises a coaxial wye-piece.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a diagram of a connector for a respiratory
assistance system according to an example embodiment in which the
connector comprises a coaxial wye-piece.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Terms
[0036] The term conduit refers to any tube, channel, or passageway
that may be used in a respiratory assistance system. Conduits that
may be used to carry respiratory gas in a respiratory assistance
system include smooth-bore conduits, which may have inner wall
surfaces that are smooth. The width of the conduit wall of a
smooth-bore conduit may be constant. An example of a smooth-bore
conduit is disclosed in International Application No.
PCT/NZ2015/050028, which is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety. Conduits that may be used to carry respiratory gas in a
respiratory assistance system may also include conduits with inner
wall surfaces that are not smooth. Examples of such conduits
include corrugated conduits. A corrugated conduit may have a series
of parallel ridges or grooves. A corrugated conduit may also be
known as a concertina or bellows conduit. Other types of conduits
with inner wall surfaces that are not smooth may have helical or
spiraling ridges or grooves. A conduit may be designed to possess a
combination of features from different conduit types. For example,
a conduit may have a smooth bore while retaining a series of
parallel ridges or grooves on the exterior of the conduit. Such a
conduit would have a smooth inner wall surface and a wall width
that is non-constant while retaining some of the benefits of a
corrugated conduit, which are described in further detail
below.
[0037] There may be certain benefits associated with a corrugated
conduit. For example, the sizing and/or spacing of parallel ridges
or grooves in a corrugated conduit may allow for specially-designed
medical connectors that fit the ridges and grooves in order to hold
or grasp the corrugated conduit in place. A corrugated conduit may
allow for increased flexibility and bending. The parallel ridges or
grooves present in a corrugated conduit may trap or hinder mobile
condensate, making a corrugated conduit well-suited for preventing
condensate from freely moving in a respiratory assistance
system.
[0038] There may be certain benefits associated with the use of
smooth-bore conduits. The smooth inner wall surface of smooth-bore
conduits may allow for the flow of gas with less resistance and
reduced turbulence. The smooth inner wall surface of smooth-bore
conduits may allow for higher velocity gas flow. This may make
smooth-bore conduits well-suited for high flow respiratory therapy.
A connector designed to reduce the mobility of condensate within a
respiratory assistance system may greatly improve the usability of
the system with a smooth-bore conduit.
[0039] The term branch refers to a projection of a connector in a
respiratory assistance system. For example, a connector may have a
Y-shape. One end of this connector may be referred to as the
inspiratory branch because it is designed to connect to, and
interface with, the inspiratory conduit. Another end of this
connector may be referred to as the expiratory branch because it is
designed to connect to, and interface with, the expiratory conduit.
A branch may have a port or opening in it which may allow the
branch to be fluidly connected to another object. For example, an
inspiratory branch may have an inspiratory conduit port for
connecting to the inspiratory conduit and an expiratory branch may
have an expiratory conduit port for connecting to the expiratory
conduit.
[0040] The term metered-dose inhaler (MDI) port refers to a port in
a respiratory assistance system that is configured to connect to,
or interface with, a metered-dose inhaler, which is a device
designed to deliver a specific amount of medication to the lungs of
a patient. A metered-dose inhaler may be configured to deliver
medication in aerosol form through the MDI port into the
inspiratory gas flow of a respiratory assistance system.
General Respiratory Assistance System (FIG. 1)
[0041] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example respiratory assistance
system 100 that may be used to provide respiratory gases to a
patient 101. The respiratory assistance system 100 comprises a
gases source 105 in fluid communication with a patient interface
115 via an inspiratory conduit 103 and an expiratory conduit 117.
In some configurations, the gases source 105 comprises a
ventilator. The inspiratory conduit 103 and the expiratory conduit
117 are connected to the patient interface 115 via a wye-piece
113.
[0042] In the configuration shown, the respiratory assistance
system 100 also comprises a humidification device 107 to condition
respiratory gases provided to the patient 101. The humidification
device 107 is positioned in the fluid communication path between
the gases source 105 and the patient interface 115 to heat and/or
humidify respiratory gases prior to delivery via the inspiratory
conduit 103 to the patient interface 115. The humidification device
107 comprises a humidification chamber 129 containing a liquid 130
and a heater 131 adjacent to the humidification chamber 129 to heat
the liquid 130 to produce vapor that humidifies respiratory gases
passing over the liquid 130. In some configurations, the gases
source 105 and the humidification device 107 are located within a
common housing and/or comprise components of a single apparatus. In
some configurations, the gases source 105 is connected directly to
the patient interface 115 via the inspiratory conduit 103 with no
intervening humidification device.
[0043] In some configurations, the inspiratory conduit 103 includes
a heating component, such as a heater wire, to keep heated and
humidified respiratory gases delivered via the inspiratory conduit
103 to the patient interface 115 warm and to reduce formation of
condensate in the inspiratory conduit 103. In some configurations,
the wye-piece 113 and/or the patient interface 115 might not
include a similar heating feature, so vapor present in heated and
humidified respiratory gases delivered via the inspiratory conduit
103 to the wye-piece 113 may condense in the wye-piece 113 and/or
the patient interface 115. In some configurations, vapor present in
gases exhaled by the patient 101 may condense in the wye-piece 113
and/or the patient interface 115.
[0044] Condensate that forms in the respiratory assistance system
100, particularly but not exclusively in the wye-piece 113 and/or
the patient interface 115, may drain in one or more of three
directions: toward the patient 101, into the inspiratory conduit
103 toward the humidification device 107, and/or into the
expiratory conduit 117 toward the gases source 105. It may be
considered undesirable to allow condensate to drain toward the
patient 101, because liquid introduced to the face or airway of the
patient 101 may reduce effectiveness of respiratory treatment
and/or decrease comfort. It may be considered undesirable to allow
condensate to drain toward the humidification device 107, because
condensate formed of vapor present in gases exhaled by the patient
may cause at least partial occlusion of the inspiratory conduit 103
which could reduce effective of respiratory treatment. It may be
considered undesirable to allow condensate to drain toward the
gases source 105, because liquid may damage the gases source
105.
[0045] In some configurations, the expiratory conduit 117 may
include features configured to reduce condensate in gases delivered
through the expiratory conduit 117 to the gases source 105. See,
for example, the embodiments and features disclosed in U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2013/0098360. In some configurations,
it may be appropriate to decrease the proportion of condensate that
drains toward the patient 101 and into the inspiratory conduit 103
by increasing the proportion of condensate that drains into the
expiratory conduit 117. Multiple embodiments of connectors are
disclosed that at least decrease the proportion of condensate that
drains into the inspiratory conduit 103 by causing the portion of
the wye-piece 113 connected to the expiratory conduit 117 to be
positioned below the portion of the wye-piece 113 connected to the
inspiratory conduit 103. Other embodiments of connectors are
disclosed that at least decrease the proportion of condensate that
drains into the inspiratory conduit 103 regardless of the
orientation or positioning of the inspiratory conduit 103 relative
to the expiratory conduit 117.
Wye-Piece Connector With Ball (FIG. 2)
[0046] FIG. 2 is a picture of a connector for the respiratory
assistance system 100 according to a first example embodiment,
where the connector comprises a wye-piece 200. The wye-piece 200
comprises a body 210, an inspiratory conduit port 225, an
expiratory conduit port 220, and a patient interface port 215. The
body 210 includes a fluid passageway between the inspiratory
conduit port 225 and the patient interface port 215 and a fluid
passageway between the expiratory conduit port 220 and the patient
interface port 215. The wye-piece 200 comprises a ball 205 for
connecting the wye-piece 200 to a medical stand. The ball 205 is
attached to the body 210 adjacent the inspiratory conduit port 225
such that when the ball 205 is connected to a medical stand, the
expiratory conduit port 220 is positioned below the inspiratory
conduit port 225.
[0047] In the configuration shown, the ball 205 is attached to a
stem 230 and the stem 230 is attached to the body 210. The ball 205
may be integrally formed with the stem 230. The ball 205 may be
detachable from the stem 230. The ball 205 may be formed separately
from and securely adhered to the stem 230. The stem 230 may be
integrally formed with the body 210. The stem 230 may be detachable
from the body 210. The stem 230 may be formed separately from and
securely adhered to the body 210. Any combination of the above
types of attachment between the ball 205 and the stem 230 and
between the stem 230 and the body 210 may be used.
[0048] In some configurations, the ball 205 is attached directly to
the body 210. The ball 205 may be integrally formed with the body
210. The ball 205 may be detachable from the body 210. The ball 205
may be formed separately from and securely adhered to the body
210.
[0049] In use, the wye-piece 113 is replaced by the wye-piece 200,
such that the inspiratory conduit 103 is connected to the
inspiratory conduit port 225, the expiratory conduit 117 is
connected to the expiratory conduit port 220, and the patient
interface 115 is connected to the patient interface port 215. In
use, the wye-piece 200 is connected, via the ball 205, to a medical
stand, which positions the expiratory conduit port 220 below the
inspiratory conduit port 225, which causes the expiratory conduit
117 to be positioned below the inspiratory conduit 103, at least
causing a larger proportion of any condensate formed in the
respiratory assistance system 100 that reaches the wye-piece 200 to
drain into the expiratory conduit 117 than into the inspiratory
conduit 103.
Circuit Hanger Connector Wth Ball (FIG. 3A)
[0050] FIG. 3A is a picture of a connector for the respiratory
assistance system 100 according to a second example embodiment,
where the connector comprises a circuit hanger 127. The circuit
hanger 127 includes a body 310, and the body 310 includes an
inspiratory conduit cradle 325 and an expiratory conduit cradle
320. The circuit hanger 127 comprises a ball 305 for connecting the
circuit hanger 127 to a medical stand. The ball 305 is attached to
the body 310 adjacent the inspiratory conduit cradle 325 such that
when the ball 305 is connected to a medical stand, the expiratory
conduit cradle 320 is positioned below the inspiratory conduit
cradle 325.
[0051] In the configuration shown, the ball 305 is attached to a
stem 330 and the stem 330 is attached to the body 310. The ball 305
may be integrally formed with the stem 330. The ball 305 may be
detachable from the stem 330. The ball 305 may be formed separately
from and securely adhered to the stem 330. The stem 330 may be
integrally formed with the body 310. The stem 330 may be detachable
from the body 310. The stem 330 may be formed separately from and
securely adhered to the body 310. Any combination of the above
types of attachment between the ball 305 and the stem 330 and
between the stem 330 and the body 310 may be used.
[0052] In some configurations, the ball 305 is attached directly to
the body 310. The ball 305 may be integrally formed with the body
310. The ball 305 may be detachable from the body 310. The ball 305
may be formed separately from and securely adhered to the body
310.
[0053] Referring again to FIG. 1, the circuit hanger 127 is shown
connected to the inspiratory conduit 103 and the expiratory conduit
117, such that the inspiratory conduit 103 passes through, or is
held by, the inspiratory conduit cradle 325 and the expiratory
conduit 117 passes through, or is held by, the expiratory conduit
cradle 320. In use, the circuit hanger 127 is connected, via the
ball 305, to a medical stand, which positions the expiratory
conduit cradle 320 below the inspiratory conduit cradle 325, which
causes the expiratory conduit 117 to be positioned below the
inspiratory conduit 103, at least causing a larger proportion of
any condensate formed in the respiratory assistance system 100 that
reaches the wye-piece 113 to drain into the expiratory conduit 117
than into the inspiratory conduit 103.
[0054] In some configurations, the inspiratory conduit cradle 325
may include a shape suitable for holding the inspiratory conduit
103 that is different from the shape of the inspiratory conduit
cradle 325 depicted in FIG. 3A. In some configurations, the
expiratory conduit cradle 320 may include a shape suitable for
holding the expiratory conduit 117 that is different from the shape
of the expiratory conduit cradle 320 depicted in FIG. 3A. In a
preferred configuration, the inspiratory conduit cradle 325 may
include a different shape from the expiratory conduit cradle 320,
which may help ensure that the connections are correct, i.e. the
inspiratory conduit 103 is connected to the inspiratory conduit
cradle 325 and the expiratory conduit 117 is connected to the
expiratory conduit cradle 320. In some configurations, the
inspiratory conduit cradle 325 and the expiratory conduit cradle
320 may include the same shape.
[0055] In some configurations, the inspiratory conduit cradle 325
may be adapted to connect to a circuit accessory that is adapted to
attach to the inspiratory conduit 103. In some configurations, the
expiratory conduit cradle 320 may be adapted to connect to a
circuit accessory that is adapted to attach to the expiratory
conduit 117. For example, but without limitation, either or both of
the inspiratory conduit cradle 325 or the expiratory conduit cradle
320 may be adapted to connect to any one or more of the locking
clips disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2014/0236041. In a preferred configuration, the inspiratory conduit
cradle 325 is adapted to connect to a different type of circuit
accessory from a type of circuit accessory to which the expiratory
conduit cradle 320 is adapted to connect, which may help ensure
that the inspiratory conduit 103 is connected to the inspiratory
conduit cradle 325 and the expiratory conduit 117 is connected to
the expiratory conduit cradle 320. In some configurations, the
inspiratory conduit cradle 325 and the expiratory conduit cradle
320 are adapted to connect to the same type of circuit
accessory.
[0056] In some configurations, the body 310 may be adapted to
connect to a circuit accessory that is adapted to attach to both
the inspiratory conduit 103 and to the expiratory conduit 117 in
such a way that when the ball 305 is connected to a medical stand,
the expiratory conduit 117 is positioned below the inspiratory
conduit 103. For example, but without limitation, the body 310 may
be adapted to connect to any one or more of the locking clips
disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0236041
that is engageable with multiple tubes.
Medical Stand to Secure Ball (FIGS. 3B and 3C)
[0057] FIG. 3B is a diagram of a ball-holding end 350 of a medical
stand that may be attached to a connector for a respiratory
assistance system that comprises a circuit hanger. The ball-holding
end 350 of the medical stand is attached to an arm 355. The arm 355
may be a flexible arm that allows the ball-holding end 350 to be
positioned and oriented by a user.
[0058] The ball-holding end 350 has a first clamp 365 and a second
clamp 370. The first clamp 365 and the second clamp 370 have a hole
in which a screw 375 may be disposed. The screw 375 may be mated
with a handle 360. The handle 360 may have threads such that
rotating the handle in one direction will bring the first clamp 365
and a second clamp 370 closer together, while rotating the handle
in another direction will bring the first clamp 365 and the second
clamp 370 further apart. The connector may have a ball 335 that may
be held within the jaws of the first clamp 365 and the second clamp
370. By bringing the first clamp 365 and the second clamp 370
closer together, the ball 335 and the connector may be held in a
specific orientation or position. By bringing the first clamp 365
and the second clamp 370 further apart, the ball 335 may be
loosened from the grip of the first clamp 365 and the second clamp
370 enough that the orientation or position of the ball 335 and the
connector may be changed.
[0059] However, the ball-holding end 350 may not necessarily be
configured to tighten or loosen so that the orientation or position
of the connector may be changed. Instead, a different mechanism may
be used to attach to, hold, or secure the ball 335 of the
connector.
[0060] FIG. 3C is a diagram of a medical stand that may be attached
to a connector for a respiratory assistance system that comprises a
circuit hanger. It has a ball-holding end attached to the arm 355,
with the ball-holding end having a first clamp 365 and a second
clamp 370. A handle 360 is mated to a screw (not shown) running
through the first clamp 365 and the second clamp 370. The first
clamp 365 and the second clamp 370 securely hold the ball 335 of a
connector.
[0061] The medical stand also has additional features which allow
the orientation and positioning of the ball-holding end and, by
extension, the ball 335 and connector, to be changed and fixed as
desired. The arm of the medical stand may be articulated at various
joints. For example, there is a handle 380A attached to a joint
385A. The handle 380A may be rotated in order to tighten or loosen
the joint 385A. Loosening the joint 385A may allow the arm of the
medical stand to be articulated at joint 385A. The arm of the stand
may then be rotated into a desired orientation or position for the
joint 385A to be tightened, after which the arm will be secured in
its new desired orientation or position. Similarly, there may be a
handle 380B for controlling a joint 385B, a handle 380C for
controlling a joint 385C, and so forth.
Coaxial Wye-Piece Connector (FIG. 4)
[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates a connector for the respiratory
assistance system 100 according to a third example embodiment,
where the connector includes a coaxial wye-piece 400.
[0063] The coaxial wye-piece 400 has a smooth inner wall surface,
so that it has a similar resistance to flow as other wye-piece
connectors, such as the wye-piece 113 shown in FIG. 1. The coaxial
wye-piece 400 may be a single-use wye-piece or a reusable
wye-piece. The coaxial wye-piece 400 may be configured to work with
various types of conduits, such as smooth-bore conduits, in order
to reduce the amount of condensate entering the inspiratory conduit
103 during invasive or non-invasive ventilation.
[0064] The coaxial wye-piece 400 has an inspiratory branch 405 that
connects to, or interfaces with, the inspiratory conduit 103.
Respiratory gases from the inspiratory conduit 103 flow into the
coaxial wye-piece 400 through the inspiratory branch 405. The
orientation of the inspiratory branch 405 directs respiratory gases
from the inspiratory conduit 103 towards the patient 101. The
respiratory gases flows towards a patient end 415 of the coaxial
wye-piece 400, where it may travel through the patient interface
115 before being breathed in by the patient 101.
[0065] Once the patient 101 exhales, the exhaled gases may enter
the coaxial wye-piece 400 through the patient end 415. The exhaled
gas will flow towards an expiratory branch 410 of the coaxial
wye-piece 400, which connects to, or interfaces with, the
expiratory conduit 117. The coaxial wye-piece 400 provides a
straight path from the patient end 415 to the expiratory branch
410. A lip or extension 420 prevents or obstructs condensate in the
exhaled gas from entering the inspiratory branch 405 and the
inspiratory conduit 103. This decreases the proportion of
condensate that drains into the inspiratory conduit 103 regardless
of the orientation or positioning of the inspiratory conduit 103
relative to the expiratory conduit 117. The condensate is directed
towards the expiratory conduit 117.
[0066] The diameter of the inspiratory branch 405 narrows from the
conduit interface end of inspiratory branch 405 to the lip 420. The
narrowing of the diameter near the lip 420 causes the respiratory
gas that flows into the coaxial wye-piece 400 through the
inspiratory branch 405 to move faster as the diameter narrows based
on Pouseuille's Law. This increased speed of gas flow may
discourage or prevent condensate from traveling against the flow
direction and entering the inspiratory branch 405, thereby keeping
condensate out of the attached inspiratory conduit 103.
[0067] A solid wall 425 on the patient end 415 of the coaxial
wye-piece 400 has a dual taper design, so that the patient end 415
may act as a female or male connector. There is a taper on the
outside surface of the solid wall 425 so that the patient end 415
may act as a male connector. For example, the patient end 415 may
be configured to have a 22 mm male connection to fit into a
standard 22 mm female taper. There is a taper on the inner surface
of the solid wall 425 so that the patient end 415 may act as a
female connector. For example, the patient end 415 may be
configured to have a 15 mm female connection for connecting to a 15
mm male taper of a trachea mount, the patient interface 115, and so
forth. Other embodiments of the coaxial wye-piece 400 for which the
wall of the patient end 415 is not a solid wall, such as the solid
wall 425, but still maintains the dual taper design is described
below with regard to FIGS. 5A and 5B.
[0068] The solid wall 425 may be further configured or designed to
meet desired commercial goals. Making the solid wall 425 as thin as
possible may aid in the manufacturing of the wye-piece 400. For
example, if the wye-piece 400 is injection moulded then having the
solid wall 425 as thin as possible will reduce the time needed for
the wye-piece 400 to cool and improve the moulding stability of
tapered portions of the solid wall 425. A thin embodiment of the
solid wall 425 will also reduce the amount of material (such as
plastic) needed to produce the wye-piece 400, which results in
lower unit costs and shorter manufacturing times.
[0069] The coaxial wye-piece 400 drains condensate to the
expiratory branch 410 regardless of the orientation of the coaxial
wye-piece 400. In a scenario where the orientation of the coaxial
wye-piece 400 has the inspiratory branch 405 pointed downwards
towards the ground with no flow coming from the inspiratory branch
405, it will be unlikely that condensate flows into the inspiratory
branch 405. The lip 420 prevents condensate from entering the
inspiratory branch 405 in such an orientation. In more common
scenarios where the inspiratory branch 405 is not pointed
downwards, any condensate that splashes into the inspiratory branch
405 falls back down into the straight flow path between the patient
end 415 and the expiratory branch 410. The design of the coaxial
wye-piece 400 allows condensate to be kept out of the inspiratory
conduit 103 for seven days or more, in comparison to some wye-piece
designs in which condensate may be found in the inspiratory conduit
103 within six hours of use. Furthermore, the design of the coaxial
wye-piece 400 provides these benefits without greatly increasing
the resistance to flow of respiratory gases passing through any
portion of the wye-piece 400. In particular, there may be little
change to the resistance to flow between the patient end 415 and
the expiratory branch 410 in comparison to other wye-piece designs.
The flow path between the patient end 415 and the expiratory branch
410 is a straight path in which the lip 420 creates a relatively
minor obstruction to flow.
[0070] By being able to function in different orientations, the
coaxial wye-piece 400 allows the respiratory assistance system 100
to be simple to set up and use effectively by taking the
orientation of the coaxial wye-piece 400 out of consideration
during setup. Thus, the coaxial wye-piece 400 may be particularly
useful in reusable respiratory assistance systems, which may have
breathing circuits that are not preassembled and more prone to user
error in circuit setup. The coaxial wye-piece 400 may also be
particularly suitable for use at home.
Coaxial Wye-Piece Connector With Gap (FIGS. 5A and 5B)
[0071] FIGS. 5A and 5B both show a connector for the respiratory
assistance system 100 according to an example embodiment where the
connector includes a coaxial wye-piece 500. FIG. 5A illustrates a
perspective view of the coaxial wye-piece 500 while FIG. 5B
illustrates a side cutaway view of the same coaxial wye-piece
500.
[0072] The coaxial wye-piece 500 is very similar in design and
operation to the coaxial wye-piece 400 described above in reference
to FIG. 4. For example, the coaxial wye-piece 500 also has an
inspiratory branch 505, an expiratory branch 510, and a patient end
515. Observable in FIG. 5B is a lip 520 which is similar to the lip
420 shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4. The main difference between
the embodiments is that the coaxial wye-piece 500 has a wall gap
525, whereas the coaxial wye-piece 400 from FIG. 4 has the solid
wall 425. Instead of the solid wall 425 between the inner surface
and the outer surface of the patient end 415 of the coaxial
wye-piece 400, the coaxial wye-piece 500 has the wall gap 525 that
separates the inner surface and the outer surface of the patient
end 515.
[0073] Normally in a reusable circuit, the presence of the wall gap
525 may act as a dirt trap which may make the wye-piece connector
difficult to clean for reuse. However, this drawback of the wall
gap 525 is mitigated in single-use applications. The wye-piece 500
is generally a single-use coaxial wye-piece connector with the wall
gap 525, such that cleaning the wall gap 525 is unnecessary.
[0074] The wall gap 525 may have a thickness defined in part by the
distance between the outer surface and the inner surface of the
patient end 515. If the patient end 515 is configured to have a
dual taper design that supports a 15 mm female connection and a 22
mm male connection, then the wall gap 525 may have a thickness that
is associated with the distance between the 15 mm female connection
and the 22 mm male connection. Thus, the patient end 515 having a
dual taper design does not exclude the possibility of having the
wall gap 525.
[0075] If the patient end 515 is has a solid wall, then more
material (such as plastic) would be used in comparison to having
the wall gap 525 in the patient end 515, which reduces the material
used by the volume of the cylindrical shell defined by the
thickness of the wall gap 525. Thus, the wall gap 525 may reduce
the amount of material needed to manufacture the coaxial wye-piece
500 as well as reduce the manufacturing time of the coaxial
wye-piece 500 since the thinner walls of the patient end 515 would
take less time to cool. Otherwise, the wye-piece 500 maintains many
of the features described of the wye-piece 400 shown in FIG. 4. The
wye-piece 500 has a similar inspiratory branch and expiratory
branch with tapers at the end of both. The patient end 515 of the
wye-piece 500 may preserve the dual taper design such that the
patient end 515 may act as either a male connector or a female
connector. Note that wall gap 525 is a feature that may be present
in combination with any of the embodiments of connectors disclosed
herein including the embodiment of wye-piece 200 shown in FIG. 2.
As further examples, it may also be applied in combination with the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 7A, 7B, 9, 10, 11, and 12.
Wye-Piece Geometry (FIGS. 6, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, and 9)
[0076] FIG. 6 is a cutaway view illustrating the geometry and
positioning of features for a connector in the respiratory
assistance system 100 that includes a coaxial wye-piece 600.
[0077] The coaxial wye-piece 600 may be the same embodiment as the
coaxial wye-piece 400 shown in FIG. 4. The wye-piece 600 may be
opaque or it may be transparent to some degree in order to show the
internal construction of the wye-piece 600. In some embodiments,
the wye-piece 600 may have a certain colour and/or degree of
transparency to indicate whether it is a single-use wye-piece or a
reusable wye-piece. The coaxial wye-piece 600 has some similar
features to the coaxial wye-piece 400, including an inspiratory
branch 605, an expiratory branch 610, a patient end 615, and a lip
620. However, there may be minor changes with regards to the
spacing, angle, or length of the ports and branches.
[0078] A length 630 is the length between the tapered end of the
inspiratory branch 605 and the intersection of the main body of the
wye-piece 600. Over the length 630, the inspiratory branch 605
narrows. This configuration speeds up the flow of respiratory gas
moving towards the patient end 615. However, in some embodiments,
the inspiratory branch 605 does not narrow. In various embodiments,
the length 630 may be altered to serve specific design goals. In
various embodiments, the length 630 may be increased in order to
provide more space for connectors.
[0079] An angle 640 is the angle between the inspiratory branch 605
and the expiratory branch 610. In various embodiments, the angle
640 may be in the range of between 0 and 180 degrees. In various
embodiments, the angle 640 may be in the range of between 0 and 90
degrees. For practical reasons, the angle 640 is normally within
the range of 0 and 90 degrees, such that gas flowing into the
inspiratory branch 605 is naturally directed towards the patient
end 615. In some embodiments, the angle 640 is between 30 and 60
degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 640 is between 40 and 50
degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 640 is 45 degrees.
[0080] A length 635 is the length between the dual-tapered patient
end 615 and the expiratory branch 610. In various embodiments, the
length 635 may be altered to serve specific design purposes. In
various embodiments, the length 635 is at least the distance from
the lip-end of the inspiratory branch 605 to the patient end 615.
In various embodiments, including the one shown in FIG. 6, the
length 635 is significantly greater (by a factor of two in the
illustration) than the distance from the lip-end of the inspiratory
branch 605 to the patient end 615, in order to accommodate at least
any taper at the end of the expiratory branch 610. This allows the
expiratory branch 610 to be connected to other objects in the
respiratory assistance system 100, such as the expiratory conduit
117. In some embodiments, the length 635 may be altered in order to
accommodate or fit an MDI port or other feature, such as a pressure
port. Further discussion on MDI port placement is provided below in
reference to FIG. 7A.
[0081] A dotted line 645 shows how the tip or end of the
inspiratory branch 605 near the lip 620 may be trimmed. In various
embodiments, the tip of the inspiratory branch 605 may be trimmed
in order to reduce resistance to flow from the patient end 615
toward the expiratory branch 610, as well as material usage and
cost, in comparison to having an extended tip. The shortened tip
can still prevent condensate from entering the inspiratory branch
605 since the lip 620 will still be present. The shortened tip will
also still direct respiratory gas flow towards the patient end 615.
A minimum amount of tip is desirable in order to direct a flow of
gases to the patient 101.
[0082] There is an inner diameter change 625 in the inner surface
of the body of the wye-piece 600 between the expiratory branch 610
and the patient end 615. In some embodiments, the inner diameter
change 625 is not present. The inner diameter change 625
accommodates a smaller inner surface diameter at the patient end
615 due to the taper needed for the patient end 615 to serve as a
15 mm female connector. In some embodiments, the dual taper of the
patient end 615 does not conform to the standard 15 mm female
connection. The patient end 615 may have a taper for any size
female connection, such as 13 mm, 17 mm, 19 mm, and so forth. The
inner diameter change 625 may be different to accommodate the taper
or the inner surface diameter of the patient end 615. The inner
diameter change 625 may be a smooth inner transition in diameter
from the expiratory branch 610 and the patient end 615. A stepwise,
or other similarly abrupt, change in diameter may affect the
cleaning and flow characteristics of the wye-piece 600. The
wye-piece 600, with the inner diameter change 625 having a smooth
transition, has a resistance to flow that is very similar to a
wye-piece with no inner diameter change.
[0083] To the implement inner diameter change 625, an upper wall
650 of the wye-piece 600 that is near the lip 620 can be straight
rather than angled in order to aid in manufacturing. In some
embodiments, the upper wall 650 will be straight. In other
embodiments, the upper wall 650 will be angled to contribute to the
inner diameter change 625. If the upper wall 650 is straight, then
the inner diameter change 625 may not be attributed to a change in
the upper wall 650, but rather a change in the wall thickness of
the wall on the opposite side of the upper wall 650. This can be
seen in FIG. 6 in the lower wall directly below the inner diameter
change 625.
[0084] Changing the diameter of the inspiratory conduit 103, which
may be a smooth-bore conduit, may also be reflected in a change in
the diameter of the inspiratory branch 605 and may affect the
function and design of the wye-piece 600. For instance, a decrease
in the diameter of the smooth-bore conduit may be reflected in the
inspiratory branch 605 in a variety of ways. For example, there may
be an aggressive taper at the end of the inspiratory branch 605 in
order to fit the decreased smooth-bore conduit diameter. The
respiratory gases flowing through the smooth-bore conduit will slow
down once it enters the inspiratory branch 605. The respiratory
gases flow may speed up again as the diameter of the inspiratory
branch 605 narrows. As another example, the inner diameter of the
inspiratory branch 605 may be decreased in order to match the
decreased smooth-bore conduit diameter. This may be accomplished by
reducing the outer diameter of the inspiratory branch 605 and/or by
increasing the thickness of the walls of the inspiratory branch
605. The result will be faster respiratory gas flow through the
smooth-bore conduit and the inspiratory branch 605 due to the
decreased diameter.
[0085] Thus, the length 630, the length 635, the angle 640, the
length of the tip of inspiratory branch 605, the diameter of
inspiratory branch 605, and the inner diameter change 625 all may
be changed independently or in consideration of one another in
order to facilitate a specific design purpose. For example, if
directing respiratory gas flow from the inspiratory branch 605
towards the patient end 615 is a priority, then the angle 640 may
be chosen to be smaller, and the tip of the inspiratory branch 605
may be chosen to be longer. All of these changeable features
described here in connection to FIG. 6 may be applied to any other
embodiment of a coaxial wye-piece described herein, including but
not limited to, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B, 9-12.
[0086] FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment where an MDI port may be
located on a coaxial wye-piece connector in the respiratory
assistance system 100. The coaxial wye-piece connector shown has an
inspiratory branch 705, an expiratory branch 710, and a patient end
715. In some cases, it may be desirable for the coaxial wye-piece
connector to have an MDI port. However, such an MDI port should
generally not be located on the tapers towards the ends of
inspiratory branch 705, expiratory branch 710, and patient end 715.
Locating an MDI port on a taper would impair the taper and
interfere with the ability of that end of the wye-piece to serve as
a connector. The MDI port should also be associated with
inspiratory gases, such that any medication delivered through the
MDI port is delivered to the patient during inspiration. Thus, the
MDI port may be positioned anywhere on the inspiratory branch 705
of the wye-piece that does not form the taper of the inspiratory
branch 705. This permissible area of placement is shown in FIG. 7A
as section 730 of the inspiratory branch 705.
[0087] FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a connector for a
respiratory assistance according to an example embodiment in which
the connector comprises a coaxial wye-piece with an MDI port 735.
The figure is similar to FIG. 7A, with the connector having the
same inspiratory branch 705, an expiratory branch 710, and a
patient end 715. Inspiratory branch 705 has an MDI port 735 located
in section 730 of the inspiratory branch 705. Note that MDI port
735 may actually be located anywhere within section 730.
[0088] FIGS. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views that further show
the geometry and dimensions for a connector in the respiratory
assistance system 100 that comprises a coaxial wye-piece.
[0089] In FIG. 8A, representations of the lengths and distances of
various features are shown.
[0090] A length 805 represents the distance between where the
inspiratory branch begins to narrow and where the inspiratory
branch connects to the body of the wye-piece. The length 805 may be
measured along the axis of the inspiratory branch. Changing the
length 805 may alter the rate at which the inspiratory gas flow
speed changes as the inspiratory branch narrows.
[0091] For the portion of wye-piece between the patient end and the
expiratory branch, a length 810 represents the horizontal distance
between where the inspiratory branch joins the wye-piece to the
inner diameter change. Changing the length 810 may alter the
resistance to flow of the wye-piece.
[0092] A length 815 represents the distance between where the
inspiratory branch connects to the body of the wye-piece to the tip
of the inspiratory branch. The length 815 may be measured along the
axis of the inspiratory branch. Changing the length 815 may alter
the resistance to flow of the wye-piece. The length 815 may be
shortened such that the tip of the inspiratory branch still has a
lip, allowing for condensate to still be obstructed from entering
the inspiratory branch. One side of the inspiratory branch may be
shortened so that the tip of the inspiratory branch still has a
lip, as shown in FIG. 6 in which the inspiratory branch may be
shortened up to the dotted-line 645.
[0093] A length 820 represents the distance from the upper wall to
the lip of the tip of the inspiratory branch. The length 820 may be
measured along the outer surface of the tip of the inspiratory
branch. Changing the length 820 may alter the size of the lip.
[0094] A length 825 represents the inner surface diameter of the
tip of the inspiratory branch. The length 825 may be changed to
affect the inspiratory gas flow speed being delivered towards the
patient end. A smaller diameter will result in higher flow speed,
and increased resistance to flow, while a larger diameter will
result in lower flow speed, and decreased resistance to flow.
[0095] The table below provides approximate dimensions of the
lengths illustrated in FIG. 8A.
TABLE-US-00001 Dimensions of FIG. 8A Illustrated Alternative
Dimension Dimensions Length 805 13 mm 10-25 mm Length 810 31 mm
20-40 mm Length 815 16 mm 5-20 mm Length 820 8 mm 4-10 mm Length
825 10 mm 5-15 mm
[0096] In FIG. 8B, representations of the angles of various
features are shown.
[0097] An angle 830 is the angle between the axis of the
inspiratory branch and the axis of the expiratory branch. Changing
the angle 830 may alter how the inspiratory gas flowing through
inspiratory branch is directed towards the patient end. At higher
values for the angle 830, the inspiratory gas becomes less directed
towards the patient end and increasingly directed towards the
opposing wall facing the tip of the inspiratory branch.
[0098] An angle 835 is the angle between the narrowing portion of
the inspiratory branch and the axis of the inspiratory branch.
Changing the angle 835 may alter the rate of change of the
narrowing of the inspiratory branch. At higher values for the angle
835, the inspiratory branch may narrow quickly. This may result in
the flow speed of inspiratory gases increasing more rapidly over
the narrowing portion as opposed to lower values for the angle
835.
[0099] An angle 840 is the angle between the tip of the inspiratory
branch and the axis of the expiratory branch. Changing the angle
840 may alter the resistance to flow of the wye-piece as well as
how inspiratory gas is directed towards the patient end. For
greater values of the angle 840, there may be greater resistance to
flow. However, inspiratory gas is better directed towards the
patient end. For lower values of the angle 840, there may be less
resistance to flow but inspiratory gas is not as well directed
towards the patient end. The angle 840 may be chosen in order to
achieve the desired features of the wye-piece and strike the right
balance between resistance to flow and directing gas towards the
patient end.
[0100] The table below provides approximate dimensions of the
angles illustrated in FIG. 8B.
TABLE-US-00002 Angles of FIG. 8B Illustrated Alternative Dimension
Dimensions Angle 830 50.degree. 50-90.degree. Angle 835 12.degree.
10-90.degree. Angle 840 20.degree. 0-35.degree.
[0101] Thus, the dimensions of the various lengths described in
reference to FIG. 8A, the dimensions of the various angles
described in reference to FIG. 8B, and the dimensions of the
various features described in reference to FIG. 6 (which include
the length 630, the length 635, the angle 640, the length of the
tip of the inspiratory branch 605, the diameter of the inspiratory
branch 605, and the inner diameter change 625) may all be chosen in
order to facilitate the desired functionality of the wye-piece. The
desired wye-piece connector may be designed to have at least one of
a specific resistance to flow (especially with regards to the
expiratory branch), inhibit condensate movement into the
inspiratory branch to a certain degree, minimize carbon dioxide
build-up, have an MDI port for the patient's convenience, and/or
meet a certain degree of usability (such as by eliminating the need
for a user to set up the wye-piece in a specific orientation).
[0102] FIG. 9 illustrates a connector for the respiratory
assistance system 100 according to another example embodiment,
where the connector comprises a coaxial wye-piece 900.
[0103] The coaxial wye-piece 900 has an inspiratory branch 905, an
expiratory branch 910, and a patient end 915. An angle 930 between
the inspiratory branch 905 and the expiratory branch 910 is greater
than the angles in some of the other embodiments shown in the
figures, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. The larger angle
930 makes inspiratory gas from the inspiratory branch 905 less
directed towards the patient end 915 of the wye-piece 900. For
example, the inspiratory gas retains a significant horizontal
momentum that may carry it into the wall of the wye-piece 900
directly opposing the tip of the inspiratory branch 905 (not
shown).
[0104] The inspiratory branch 905 shown is also shorter in length
than the inspiratory branch of the embodiment in FIG. 4. The taper
on the end of the inspiratory branch 905 takes up most of the
length of the inspiratory branch 905. The length of the narrowing
portion of the inspiratory branch 905 is very short.
Coaxial Wye-Piece With Inner Coaxial Tube (FIGS. 10, 11, and
12)
[0105] FIG. 10 illustrates a connector for the respiratory
assistance system 100 according to an example embodiment, where the
connector includes a coaxial wye-piece 1000.
[0106] Coaxial wye-piece 1000 has an inspiratory branch 1005, an
expiratory branch 1010, and a patient end 1015. There is also an
inner coaxial inspiratory tube 1050 which runs the length of the
patient end 1015 of the wye-piece 1000. Inner coaxial inspiratory
tube 1050 is an extension of inspiratory branch 1005 that extends
from the inspiratory branch 1005 into the wye-piece 1000. Inner
coaxial inspiratory tube 1050 helps to ensure that condensate is
directed away from the inspiratory gas flow because inner coaxial
inspiratory tube 1050 is pointed towards patient interface 115. The
interface connector of patient interface 115 does not contact the
inner coaxial inspiratory tube 1050. The interface connector would
connect to patient end 1015 so that inspiratory and expiratory gas
may pass through the interface connector.
[0107] However, the inner coaxial inspiratory tube 1050 may have a
negative impact on resistance to flow as there may only be a small
amount of available space within the 15 mm taper of the patient end
1015 to fit a completely coaxial tube. The presence of the inner
coaxial inspiratory tube 1050 may also restrict the expiratory flow
towards the expiratory branch since it takes up a significant
portion of the cross-section of the wye-piece 1000.
[0108] FIG. 11 illustrates a connector for the respiratory
assistance system 100 according to an example embodiment, where the
connector comprises a coaxial wye-piece 1100.
[0109] The coaxial wye-piece 1100 has an internal coaxial tube 1150
that terminates before the connection point with the interface at
the patient end. The internal coaxial tube 1150 has a relatively
short lip. The internal coaxial tube 1150 takes up a significant
portion of the cross section of the flow path towards the
expiratory branch, which may be a factor in condensate entering the
inspiratory branch under certain conditions.
[0110] FIG. 12 illustrates a connector for the respiratory
assistance system 100 according to an eighth example embodiment,
where the connector comprises a coaxial wye-piece 1200.
[0111] The coaxial wye-piece 1200 has an internal coaxial tube 1250
that also terminates before the connection point with the interface
at the patient end. The internal coaxial tube 1250 has a relatively
longer lip than the lip of the internal coaxial tube 1150 shown in
FIG. 11. Like in FIG. 11, here the internal coaxial tube 1250 takes
up a significant portion of the cross section of the flow path
towards the expiratory branch, which may be a factor in condensate
entering the inspiratory branch under certain conditions.
Additional Description
[0112] It should be understood that any examples used in this
description are in no way limiting, but merely illustrative of
possible embodiments for purposes of clarification. Unless the
context clearly requires otherwise, throughout this description and
the claims that follow, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the
like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an
exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of
"including, but not limited to".
[0113] Reference to any prior art in this description is not, and
should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of
suggestion that the prior art referenced forms part of the common
general knowledge in any relevant field of endeavour in any country
in the world.
[0114] The present invention may be said broadly to consist in the
parts, elements, and features referred to or indicated in this
description and the claims that follow, individually or
collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said
parts, elements, or features. Where reference is made to integers
or components having known equivalents thereof, those equivalents
are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.
[0115] It should be noted that various modifications to the
embodiments disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in
the art. Such modifications may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing
its attendant advantages. For instance, various components may be
repositioned or reshaped as desired. It is therefore intended that
such modifications be included within the scope of the invention.
Moreover, not all of the features, aspects, and advantages
disclosed herein are necessarily required to practice the present
invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is
intended to be defined only by the claims that follow.
* * * * *