U.S. patent application number 15/830591 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-29 for nasal respiratory devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rajiv DOSHI, Motohide HATANAKA, Robert A. HOWARD, Bryan LOOMAS, Ryan Kendall PIERCE. Invention is credited to Rajiv DOSHI, Motohide HATANAKA, Robert A. HOWARD, Bryan LOOMAS, Ryan Kendall PIERCE.
Application Number | 20180085246 15/830591 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55911343 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180085246 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LOOMAS; Bryan ; et
al. |
March 29, 2018 |
NASAL RESPIRATORY DEVICES
Abstract
Devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity
such as the nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be
useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering
from a variety of medical disorders, including snoring and sleep
apnea. The devices are typically removable devices that may be
placed in both nostrils to increase resistance to airflow within
the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively
increased relative to inspiration. The nasal devices may also
increases patency of the nares. Any of these devices may be
configured to achieve positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in a
subject wearing the device.
Inventors: |
LOOMAS; Bryan; (Los Gatos,
CA) ; DOSHI; Rajiv; (Stanford, CA) ; PIERCE;
Ryan Kendall; (San Francisco, CA) ; HOWARD; Robert
A.; (Palo Alto, CA) ; HATANAKA; Motohide;
(Menlo Park, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LOOMAS; Bryan
DOSHI; Rajiv
PIERCE; Ryan Kendall
HOWARD; Robert A.
HATANAKA; Motohide |
Los Gatos
Stanford
San Francisco
Palo Alto
Menlo Park |
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA |
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55911343 |
Appl. No.: |
15/830591 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14997870 |
Jan 18, 2016 |
9833354 |
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15830591 |
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12877836 |
Sep 8, 2010 |
9238113 |
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14997870 |
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|
11811401 |
Jun 7, 2007 |
7806120 |
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12877836 |
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11298640 |
Dec 8, 2005 |
7735492 |
|
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11811401 |
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14371392 |
Jul 9, 2014 |
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PCT/US2013/022121 |
Jan 18, 2013 |
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14997870 |
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60634715 |
Dec 8, 2004 |
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60811814 |
Jun 7, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 5/56 20130101; A62B
23/06 20130101; A61M 15/002 20140204; A61M 2016/003 20130101; A61M
2016/0027 20130101; A61M 2210/0618 20130101; A61M 15/08
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 5/56 20060101
A61F005/56; A61M 15/08 20060101 A61M015/08; A61M 15/00 20060101
A61M015/00 |
Claims
1. A nasal respiratory device, the device comprising: an opening
surrounded by an adhesive; an airflow resistor extending across the
opening, the airflow resistor comprising a flap valve that inhibits
exhalation through a nostril more than inhalation through the
nostril when the device is secured over the nostril by the
adhesive.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the adhesive is configured to
form a seal between the respiratory device and the nostril.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the adhesive is attached to a
compliant material extending around the opening.
4. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more leak
paths, the one or more leak paths allowing air to flow through the
device even when air is restricted by the and airflow
resistors.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the one or more leak paths
comprise at least one aperture or channel through the flap valve,
the at least one aperture or channel being open even when the first
flap valve is closed.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the opening is oval.
7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a filter within the
opening.
8. A nasal respiratory device, the device comprising: a first
opening; a first airflow resistor extending across the first
opening, the first airflow resistor comprising a first flap valve
that inhibits exhalation through a first nostril more than
inhalation through the first nostril; a second opening; a second
airflow resistor extending across the second opening comprising a
second flap valve that inhibits exhalation through a second nostril
more than inhalation through the second nostril; an adhesive
surrounding the first opening and the second opening and configured
to seal the first opening in communication with the first nostril
and the second opening in communication with the second nostril
when the device is worn.
9. The device of claim 8, further comprising one or more leak
paths, the one or more leak paths allowing air to flow through the
device even when air is restricted by the first and the second
airflow resistors.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the one or more leak paths
comprise at least one aperture or channel through the first flap
valve, the at least one aperture or channel being open even when
the first flap valve is closed.
11. The device of claim 8, wherein the first and second openings
are oval.
12. The device of claim 8 further comprising a therapeutic agent
that is configured to come into contact with the subject's nostrils
when the nasal respiratory device is worn.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority as a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 14/997,870, filed on Jan. 18, 2016,
titled "NASAL RESPIRATORY DEVICES," now U.S. Pat. No. 9,833,354,
which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/877,836, filed on Sep. 8, 2010, titled "NASAL RESPIRATORY
DEVICES FOR POSITIVE END-EXPIRATORY PRESSURE," now U.S. Pat. No.
9,238,113, which claims priority as a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/811,401, filed on Jun. 7, 2007, titled
"NASAL RESPIRATORY DEVICES FOR POSITIVE END-EXPIRATORY PRESSURE,"
now U.S. Pat. No. 7,806,120, which is a continuation-in-part of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/298,640, filed on Dec. 8, 2005,
titled "NASAL RESPIRATORY DEVICES", now U.S. Pat. No. 7,735,492,
which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/634,715, filed on Dec. 8, 2004, each of which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/811,401 also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/811,814, filed on Jun. 7, 2006, titled
"RESPIRATORY DEVICES" and is herein incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
[0002] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/997,870 also claims
priority as a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 14/371,392, filed on Jul. 9, 2014, titled "NASAL DEVICES WITH
VARIABLE LEAK PATHS, NASAL DEVICES WITH ALIGNERS, AND NASAL DEVICES
WITH FLAP VALVE PROTECTORS," Publication No. US-2014-0345623-A1,
which claims priority as a 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 371 national phase
application of PCT Application No. PCT/US2013/022121, filed Jan.
18, 2013, titled "NASAL DEVICES WITH VARIABLE LEAK PATHS, NASAL
DEVICES WITH ALIGNERS, AND NASAL DEVICES WITH FLAP VALVE
PROTECTORS," Publication No. WO 2013/109871, which claims priority
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/589,071, filed on
Jan. 20, 2012, titled "NASAL DEVICES WITH VARIABLE LEAK PATHS,
NASAL DEVICES WITH ALIGNERS, AND NASAL DEVICES WITH FLAP VALVE
PROTECTORS," each of which is herein incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0003] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this
specification are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication or
patent application was specifically and individually indicated to
be incorporated by reference.
FIELD
[0004] The devices, methods, and kits described herein relate
generally to the field of medicine and more particularly to the
fields of cardiovascular medicine, sleep medicine, pulmonology,
gastroenterology, and internal medicine. In this regard, the
devices, methods, and kits described may be useful in the treatment
of diseases including heart failure, hypertension, sleep apnea and
other sleep disorders, snoring, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease, and various
inflammatory diseases, among others.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Numerous disease states could benefit from the modification
of patient respiration, including heart failure, sleep apnea and
other sleep disorders, hypertension, snoring, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, asthma, and many others.
[0006] Heart failure, or congestive heart failure (CHF), is a
common clinical syndrome that represents the end-stage of a number
of pulmonary and cardiac disease states. Heart failure is a
degenerative condition that occurs when the heart muscle weakens
and the ventricle no longer contracts normally. The heart can then
no longer adequately pump blood to the body including the lungs.
This may lead to exercise intolerance, or may cause fluid retention
with subsequent shortness of breath or swelling of the feet. Over
four million people are diagnosed with heart failure in the United
States alone. Morbidity and mortality in patients with heart
failure is high.
[0007] Sleep apnea is defined as the temporary absence or cessation
of breathing during sleep. Airflow must be absent for some period
of time longer than the usual inter-breath interval, typically
defined as ten seconds for adults and eight seconds (or more than
two times the normal respiratory cycle time) for infants. There are
three general varieties of sleep apnea: central, obstructive, and
mixed. In central sleep apnea, the patient makes no effort to
breathe. In obstructive apnea, ventilatory effort is present, but
no airflow results, because of upper airway closure. In mixed
apnea, there is initially no ventilatory effort (suggestive of
central sleep apnea), but an obstructive sleep apnea pattern
becomes evident when ventilatory effort resumes. Finally, hypopnea
is a temporary decrease in inspiratory airflow that is out of
proportion to the individual's effort or metabolic needs. The terms
sleep apnea and/or sleep disordered breathing may refer to
hypopnea.
[0008] Hypertension refers to elevated blood pressure, and is a
very common disease. Hypertension is characterized by elevated
systolic and/or diastolic blood pressures. Despite the prevalence
of hypertension and its associated complications, control of the
disease is far from adequate. Only a third of people with
hypertension control their blood pressure adequately. This failure
reflects the inherent problem of maintaining long-term therapy for
a usually asymptomatic condition, particularly when the therapy may
interfere with the patient's quality of life, and when the
immediate benefits of the therapy are not be obvious to the
patient.
[0009] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes
chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. In both chronic
bronchitis and emphysema, airflow obstruction limits the patient's
airflow during exhalation. COPD is a progressive disease
characterized by a worsening baseline respiratory status over a
period of many years with sporadic exacerbations often requiring
hospitalization. Early symptoms include increased sputum production
and sporadic acute exacerbations characterized by increased cough,
purulent sputum, wheezing, dyspnea, and fever. As the disease
progresses, the acute exacerbations become more frequent. Late in
the course of the disease, the patient may develop hypercapnia,
hypoxemia, erythrocytosis, cor pulmonale with right-sided heart
failure, and edema.
[0010] Chronic bronchitis is characterized by a chronic cough with
sputum production leading to obstructed expiration. Pathologically,
there may be mucosal and submucosal edema and inflammation and an
increase in the number and size of mucus glands. Emphysema is
characterized by destruction of the lung parenchyma leading to loss
of elastic recoil, reduced tethering of airways, and obstruction to
expiration. Pathologically, the distal airspaces are enlarged.
[0011] Asthma is another chronic lung condition, characterized by
difficulty in breathing. People with asthma have extra-sensitive or
hyper-responsive airways. The airways react by obstructing or
narrowing when they become inflamed or irritated. This makes it
difficult for the air to move in and out of the airways, leading to
respiratory distress. This narrowing or obstruction can lead to
coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and/or chest tightness. In
some cases, asthma may be life threatening.
[0012] In all of these diseases, current medical and surgical
therapies are not completely effective, and there is considerable
room for improvement. Two therapies that are used to treat these
diseases are pulmonary rehabilitation (including pursed-lip
breathing) and non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
[0013] Pulmonary rehabilitation is frequently used to treat
patients suffering from a variety of medical ailments such as those
mentioned. For example, COPD patients are taught new breathing
techniques that reduce hyperinflation of the lungs and relieve
expiratory airflow obstruction. One of the goals of this training
is to reduce the level of dyspnea. Typically, these new breathing
techniques include diaphragmatic and pursed-lip breathing.
Pursed-lip breathing involves inhaling slowly through the nose and
exhaling through pursed-lips (as if one were whistling), taking two
or three times as long to exhale as to inhale. Most COPD patients
instinctively learn how to perform pursed-lip breathing in order to
relieve their dyspnea. Moreover, patients with asthma and other
respiratory ailments, and even normal people during exercise, have
been shown to use pursed-lip breathing, especially during times of
exertion.
[0014] It is widely believed that producing a proximal obstruction
(e.g., pursing the lips) splints open the distal airways that have
lost their tethering in certain disease states. In other words,
airways that would normally collapse during respiration remain open
when the patient breathes through pursed-lips. Moreover, by
increasing exhalation time, respiratory rate can be reduced and, in
some cases, made more regular.
[0015] The medical literature has confirmed the utility of
pursed-lip breathing in COPD patients. Specifically, it has been
found that pursed-lip breathing by COPD patients results in a
reduction in respiratory rate, an increase in tidal volumes, and an
improvement of oxygen saturation. All of these effects contribute
to a reduction in patient dyspnea. However, pursed-lip breathing
requires conscious effort. Thus, the patient cannot breathe through
pursed-lips while sleeping. As a result, the patient can still
become hypoxic at night and may develop pulmonary hypertension and
other sequelae as a result. Furthermore, the patient has to
constantly regulate his own breathing. This interferes with his
performing of other activities because the patient must pay
attention to maintaining pursed-lip breathing.
[0016] Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) is another
method of treating diseases that benefit from regulation of the
patient's respiration. NPPV refers to ventilation delivered by a
nasal mask, nasal prongs/pillows or face mask. NPPV eliminates the
need for intubation or tracheostomy. Outpatient methods of
delivering NPPV include bilevel positive airway pressure (BIPAP or
bilevel) ventilator devices, or continuous positive airway pressure
(CPAP) devices.
[0017] NPPV can deliver a set pressure during each respiratory
cycle, with the possibility of additional inspiratory pressure
support in the case of bi-level devices. NPPV has been shown to be
very efficacious in such diseases as sleep apnea, heart failure,
and COPD, and has become increasingly used in recent years. Many
patients use CPAP or BIPAP at night while they are sleeping.
[0018] However, most patients experience difficulty adapting to
nocturnal NPPV, leading to poor compliance. Mask discomfort is a
very common problem for patients new to NPPV, because of the high
pressures on the nose, mouth, and face, and because of
uncomfortably tight straps. Nasal congestion and dryness are also
common complaints that may vary by season. The nasal bridge can
become red or ulcerated due to excessive mask tension. Eye
irritation and acne can also result. Still other patients
experience abdominal distention and flatulence. Finally, air
leakage through the mouth is also very common in nasal NPPV
patients, potentially leading to sleep arousals.
[0019] Both pursed-lip breathing and the use of NPPV have been
shown to offer significant clinical benefits to patients with a
variety of medical illnesses, including but not limited to COPD,
heart failure, pulmonary edema, sleep apnea (both central and
obstructive) and other sleep disordered breathing, cystic fibrosis,
asthma, cardiac valve disease, arrhythmias, anxiety, and snoring.
Expiratory resistance is believed to provide the bulk of clinical
improvements when using pursed-lip breathing and NPPV, through a
variety of physiologic mechanisms. In contrast, inspiratory support
is not believed to offer clinical benefits in many patients. For
example, in COPD, expiratory resistance facilitates expiration,
increases tidal volume, decreases respiratory rate, and improves
gas exchange. In the case of heart failure, it is felt that
positive pressure in the airways (due to expiratory resistance)
reduces pulmonary edema and improves lung compliance, decreases
preload and afterload, increases pO.sub.2, and decreases pCO.sub.2.
In many disease states, expiratory resistance helps maintain a more
stable respiratory rate that can have profound clinical effects to
the patient.
[0020] Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) refers to pressure
in the airway at the end of expiration that exceeds atmospheric
pressure. Positive end-expiratory pressure has been used clinically
mainly as a way to recruit or stabilize lung units and improve
oxygenation in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure.
Traditionally, PEEP has been achieved using devices that apply
continuous positive airway pressure (referred to as ventilators or
CPAP devices), wherein both the inspiratory and expiratory portions
of the circuit are pressurized above atmospheric pressure. However,
CPAP devices (including modified devices such as "C-FLEX" devices
manufactured by Respironics) are expensive, uncomfortable and
cumbersome, leading to limited application and patient
compliance.
[0021] Numerous disease states may benefit from the modification of
patient respiration to induce PEEP, including heart failure, sleep
apnea and other sleep disorders, hypertension, snoring, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, asthma, and many
others.
[0022] It would therefore be desirable to have a medical device
and/or procedure that mimics the effect of pursed-lip breathing
and/or the benefits of non-invasive ventilation without suffering
from the drawbacks described above.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0023] Described herein are respiratory devices and methods for
treating a variety disorders, including sleep apnea, snoring, hay
fever, allergic rhinitis, and other allergic respiratory
conditions. Some versions of these devices make use of expiratory
resistance to mimic the effects of pursed-lip breathing and
non-invasive ventilation (with or without positive end expiratory
pressure, or PEEP).
[0024] For example, a whole-nose nasal respiratory device
configured to engage both of a subject's nostrils may include: a
first holdfast comprising a first rim forming a first passageway; a
first airflow resistor within the first passageway, the first
airflow resistor comprising a first flap valve that inhibits
exhalation through a first nostril more than inhalation through the
first nostril when the first holdfast is worn in the first nostril;
a second holdfast comprising a second rim forming a second
passageway; a second airflow resistor within the second passageway,
the second airflow resistor comprising a second flap valve that
inhibits exhalation through a second nostril more than inhalation
through the second nostril when the second holdfast is worn in the
second nostril; and a connector connecting the first rim to the
second rim.
[0025] For example described herein are whole-nose nasal
respiratory device configured to engage both of a subject's
nostrils. These devices may include: a first rim forming a first
passageway; a first airflow resistor within the first passageway,
the first airflow resistor comprising a first flap valve that
inhibits exhalation through a first nostril more than inhalation
through the first nostril; a first holdfast on the first rim, the
first holdfast securing the first rim in communication with the
first nostril when the device is worn; a second rim forming a
second passageway; a second airflow resistor within the second
passageway, the second airflow resistor comprising a second flap
valve that inhibits exhalation through a second nostril more than
inhalation through the second nostril; a second holdfast on the
second rim, the second holdfast securing the second rim in
communication with the second nostril when the device is worn; and
a connector connecting the first rim to the second rim.
[0026] For example, a whole-nose nasal respiratory device
configured to engage both of a subject's nostrils may include: a
first rim forming a first passageway, wherein the first rim is
compressible; a first airflow resistor within the first passageway,
the first airflow resistor comprising a first flap valve that
inhibits exhalation through a first nostril more than inhalation
through the first nostril; a second rim forming a second
passageway, wherein the second rim is compressible; a second
airflow resistor within the second passageway, the second airflow
resistor comprising a second flap valve that inhibits exhalation
through a second nostril more than inhalation through the second
nostril; a connector comprising a clip connecting the first rim to
the second rim. The first and second rims may be oval, or may have
a generally oval shape when worn within the nostril(s).
[0027] The rim may be part of the holdfast, or it may be separate
from the holdfast. The rim and/or holdfast may be adjustable. For
example, an outer diameter of the rim and/or holdfast may be
adjustable to fit into (or more comfortably into) a nostril.
[0028] The connector may be continuous with the rim and/or
holdfast, or it may be separate. For example, the rim may be formed
of the same material as the connector. The holdfast and/or rim and
the connector may be formed of a polymeric material as described
herein, and may be molded or otherwise formed as a single piece, or
from multiple pieces combined together.
[0029] The first rim (and/or holdfast) and the second rim (and/or
holdfast) may be oval.
[0030] The first holdfast and/or rim may form a seal between the
respiratory device and the first nostril, and wherein the second
holdfast and/or rim may form a seal between the respiratory device
and the second nostril. The first and the second holdfast and/or
rim may be formed of a compliant material. For example, the first
and second holdfast may comprise silicone. In any of these
variations, the first and second rim may comprise a compressible
material and/or shape (e.g., a C-shape or broken oval shape). The
first and second rim may comprise a silicone rubber.
[0031] Any of the devices described herein may include one or more
leak paths, the one or more leak paths allowing air to flow through
the device even when air is restricted by the first and the second
airflow resistors. For example, the one or more leak paths comprise
at least one aperture or channel through the valve, the at least
one aperture or channel being open even when the valve is
closed.
[0032] In use, a subject wearing the devices described herein may
experience a positive end expiratory pressure of 0.1 to 30 cm
H2O.
[0033] The device may include a therapeutic agent that comes into
contact with the subject's nostrils when the nasal respiratory
device is worn.
[0034] The connector may comprise one or more of: a clip, a tether,
a strap, a band, a chain, and a string. In general, the connector
bridges the first and second holdfasts when they are secured into
the two nostrils, and may provide a grabbing or grasping region.
For example, the connector may bridge between the two holdfasts and
may be worn around the columella of the nose.
[0035] Any of the devices described herein may include a filter
within either the first or second passageway.
[0036] The devices described herein include respiratory devices and
methods for treating a variety of medical diseases through the use
of such devices. Some versions of these devices make use of
expiratory resistance to mimic the effects of pursed-lip breathing
and non-invasive ventilation (with or without positive end
expiratory pressure, or PEEP).
[0037] The respiratory device described herein is adapted to be
removably secured in communication with a respiratory cavity. A
respiratory cavity may be a nasal cavity (e.g., nostril or nasal
passage) or an oral cavity (e.g., mouth or throat). The respiratory
device comprises a passageway, an airflow resistor in communication
with the passageway, and a holdfast for removably securing the
respiratory device in communication with the respiratory cavity.
The airflow resistor alters the flow of air passing within the
passageway. In particular, the airflow resistor may alter the flow
of air within the passageway by increasing the resistance to the
flow of air in the passageway. The respiratory device may be
applied or removed by the user of the device, and thus, does not
need to be applied by a physician or other healthcare
personnel.
[0038] In one version, the respiratory device is adapted to be
removably secured in communication with a nasal cavity. The
respiratory device may also comprise a rim for supporting the
passageway. The rim may be, for example, a frame, a framework, or a
tube comprising a material and a shape that prevents the passageway
from collapsing during use, particularly when the device is used
during repeated cycles of inhalation and exhalation. In some
versions, the rim defines at least a portion of a wall of the
passageway. However, the rim may support a passageway (or a portion
of the passageway) which has another material (e.g., a medicinal or
protective layer) that defines all or part of the inner lumen of
the passageway.
[0039] In one version, the airflow resistor increases the
resistance of air being exhaled and/or inhaled through the
passageway. The airflow resistor may have an orientation, so that
resistance to airflow in one direction is greater than the opposite
direction. For example, the airflow resistor may increase the
resistance to air exhaled through the passageway of the respiratory
device without substantially increasing the resistance to air
inhaled through the passageway. The airflow resistor may increase
the resistance to air exhaled through the passageway of the
respiratory device more than it increases the resistance to air
inhaled through the passageway. Furthermore, the respiratory device
may be reversible, so that in one orientation resistance to airflow
through the device during inhalation is higher than resistance to
airflow through the device during exhalation. By reversing the
device (or by reversing the airflow resistor portion of the
device), resistance to airflow through the device during exhalation
is higher than resistance to airflow through the device during
inhalation.
[0040] In one version, the airflow resistor decreases the
resistance to air exhaled and/or inhaled through the passageway
when the airflow across the airflow resistor or the air pressure
differential across the airflow resistor exceeds a threshold level.
Thus, for example, the respiratory device may not inhibit airflow
(or not substantially inhibit airflow) in the passageway during a
cough, sneeze, nose blowing or other high airflow/high pressure
event. The threshold value may be determined based on measurements
or approximations from a particular user. For example, the
threshold may be a value above the normal peak of airflow or
pressure during normal expiration. The threshold value may also be
determined based on a typical value approximated from many patients
This threshold pressure for example may fall within the range of
0.1 to 1000 cm H2O pressure, more preferably within the range of
0.5 and 100 cm H2O pressure, and most preferably within the range
1.0 and 50 cm H2O pressure. In one version, the airflow resistor
increases the resistance to air exhaled and/or inhaled through the
passageway when the airflow across the airflow resistor or the air
pressure differential across the airflow resistor falls below a
threshold level. Thus, the respiratory device may create a PEEP
(positive end expiratory pressure) effect by, for example,
preventing complete exhalation based on the pressure applied
against the device, if the pressure and/or airflow at the end of
exhalation are below the threshold level selected. The threshold
level may correspond to an air pressure differential, air pressure,
or airflow measured from an individual patient, or it may
correspond to a typical value, such as a typical value measured
from a sample of patients. This threshold pressure for example may
fall within the range of 0.1 to 150 cm H2O, more preferably within
the range of 0.5 to 30 cm H2O, and most preferably within the range
of 1.0 to 25 cm H2O.
[0041] In some versions, the airflow resistor is a nested airflow
resistor. Nested airflow resistors may be airflow resistors
configured to alter the flow of air in the passageway under
different conditions (e.g., different directions or different flow
rates or pressure differentials across the resistor). For example,
a nested airflow resistor may be a combination of multiple airflow
resistors "nested" so that they affect the flow of air in the
passageway under different conditions. Thus a first flap valve that
increases the resistance to airflow in a first direction may be
combined with a second flap valve that opens when the resistance to
airflow in the first direction is above a threshold. In one
version, the second flap valve is integral to the flap portion of
the first flap valve.
[0042] Virtually any type of airflow resistor may be used with the
respiratory devices described herein, including flap valves,
membrane valves, hingeless valves, balloon valves, stopper-type
valves, ball valves, and the like. The device may include a variety
of "one-way valve structures," or other flow responsive elements
that open to inspiration and close partially or completely to
expiration. In one version, the airflow resistor is a flap valve.
The airflow resistor may be a plate which is held within a nasal
cavity that occludes some portion of the luminal cross-sectional
area of the nasal cavity. The airflow resistor may selectively
increase resistance to expiration while minimally or trivially
increasing flow resistance to inspiration. When closing during
expiration, the airflow resistor may or may not fully prevent
airflow, depending on the design of the device.
[0043] In one version, the airflow resistor is configured to alter
the inspiratory time:expiratory time (I:E) ratio of a user wearing
the respiratory device to be between about 3:1 and about 1:10. In
another version, the airflow resistor is configured to alter the
inspiratory time:expiratory time ratio of a user wearing the
respiratory device to be between about 1:1.5 and about 1:4. In
another version, the airflow resistor is configured to alter the
inspiratory time:expiratory time ratio of a user wearing the
respiratory device to about 1:3.
[0044] In some versions of the respiratory device the holdfast
removably secures the respiratory device in communication with a
nasal cavity of a user so that at least some of the air exchanged
between the nasal cavity and the external environment of a user
passes through the respiratory device. The holdfast may removably
secure the respiratory device to a user's nasal cavity so that all
of the air exchanged between the nasal cavity and the user's
external environment passes through the respiratory device. The
respiratory device may be secured at least partly within the nasal
cavity, or totally within the nasal cavity, or totally external to
the nasal cavity, but in communication with the nasal cavity. The
device may be adapted to communicate with the nasal cavity by being
removably secured within or near the nares.
[0045] The respiratory device may be partly secured in the nasal
cavity of a user so that an outer surface of the respiratory device
exerts pressure against the nasal cavity. For example, an outer
surface (e.g., the holdfast) may be oversized so that it exerts
pressure against the nasal cavity.
[0046] In some versions of the respiratory device, the holdfast
removably secures the respiratory device in communication with both
of a user's nasal cavities (e.g., both nostrils or nasal passages).
In some versions, the holdfast may removably secure the respiratory
device within both of a user's nasal cavities (e.g., nostrils or
nasal passages). In some versions, the holdfast removably secures
the respiratory device in communication with a user's oral cavity
and at least one nasal cavity.
[0047] In some versions, the respiratory device further comprises
an active agent. In some versions, this active agent is a drug
(e.g., a medicament). In some versions, this active agent comprises
an odorant, such as a fragrance. In some versions, the active agent
comprises menthol, eucalyptus oil, and/or phenol.
[0048] In some versions, the respiratory device further comprises a
filter. This filter may be a movable filter, such as a filter that
filters air flowing through the passageway in one direction more
than another direction (e.g., the device may filter during
inhalation but not expiration).
[0049] In some versions, the respiratory device further comprises a
respiratory gas supply. For example, a respiratory gas supply
(e.g., Oxygen, or any mixture of respiratory gases) may be used in
conjunction with a respiratory device. In some versions, the
respiratory device is adapted to connect to a respiratory gas
supply.
[0050] In some versions, the holdfast comprises a conformable
material. For example, the device may fit snugly within or against
a respiratory cavity by compressing the holdfast (or a portion of
the holdfast), which may expand to fit in or against the
respiratory cavity securing the device in place, and preventing air
exchange between the respiratory cavity and the external
environment unless the air passes through the respiratory
device.
[0051] Also described herein are respiratory devices adapted to
removably secure to a nasal cavity comprising a passageway, a rim,
and a holdfast for securing the respiratory device to at least one
nasal cavity. The rim has sufficient strength to support the
passageway in the open state when the device is inserted into the
nasal cavity. The respiratory device may be applied or removed by
the user.
[0052] Also described herein are respiratory devices adapted to be
removably secured in a nasal cavity comprising a passageway, a
filter within the passageway, and a holdfast for securing the
respiratory device within a nasal cavity. The respiratory device
may be applied or removed by a user. In one version, the filter is
a movable filter for filtering air flowing through the device
during either inhalation (but not exhalation) or during exhalation
(but not inhalation). For example, if the movable filter filters
air during inhalation, it may then move at least partly out of the
path of airflow during exhalation.
[0053] Also described herein are methods of regulating pCO2 in a
patient comprising removably securing a respiratory device in
communication with a patient's nasal cavity, wherein the
respiratory device comprises an airflow resistor that inhibits
expiration more than it inhibits inhalation.
[0054] Also described herein are methods of simulating pursed-lip
breathing in patients comprising removably securing a respiratory
device in communication with a patient's nasal cavity, wherein the
respiratory device comprises an airflow resistor that inhibits
expiration more than it inhibits inhalation.
[0055] Also described herein are methods of treating a sleeping
disorder comprising removably securing a respiratory device in
communication with a patient's nasal cavity, wherein the
respiratory device comprises an airflow resistor that inhibits
expiration more than it inhibits inhalation.
[0056] Also described herein are methods of treating chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease comprising removably securing a
respiratory device in communication with a patient's nasal cavity,
wherein the respiratory device comprises an airflow resistor that
inhibits expiration more than it inhibits inhalation.
[0057] Also described herein are methods of treating a
cardiovascular disorder comprising removably securing a respiratory
device in communication with a patient's nasal cavity, wherein the
respiratory device comprises an airflow resistor that inhibits
expiration more than it inhibits inhalation.
[0058] Also described herein are methods of treating a
gastroenterologic disorder (such as gastroesophageal reflux disease
or hiatal hernia) comprising removably securing a respiratory
device in communication with a patient's nasal cavity, wherein the
respiratory device comprises an airflow resistor that inhibits
expiration more than it inhibits inhalation.
[0059] Also described herein are kits comprising a respiratory
device as described herein and instructions on the use of the
respiratory device.
[0060] In some versions, the devices are removable and are placed
within the nose and/or mouth of the patient.
[0061] In some versions of the respiratory device, the device is
adapted to be in communication with an oral cavity by securing
substantially within the oral cavity. The same embodiments
described above for respiratory devices that may be secured in
communication with a nasal cavity may be used with these versions.
The device may be substantially within the oral cavity when most
(but not necessarily all) of the device is within the oral cavity.
For example, a small portion of the device may project from the
oral cavity. Of course, in some variations, a device that is
substantially within the oral cavity may refer to a device that is
held entirely within the oral cavity.
[0062] Some of the devices feature either non-moving parts, or
moving parts that can partially obstruct the breathing passageway
on expiration and minimally obstruct the breathing passageway on
inspiration. That is, the direction of the airflow and the pressure
differential across the valve may determine the degree of
obstruction. The respiratory devices may be used during the day,
night, or both. For example, these devices may be worn during sleep
and/or during waking hours. Furthermore, the devices may be kept in
place for long durations, such as several hours, days, or
weeks.
[0063] The devices and methods described herein may be used to
treat a variety of disease states, and can be inserted and removed
depending on need. These devices may also comprise a positioner to
assist in positioning the device in communication with a
respiratory orifice such as the nasal cavities. The positioner may
be attached to a device, for example, as a handle or grip. The
positioner may also be a device in which the respiratory device
sits until it is secured in communication with a respiratory
orifice, and then the positioner may be removed, leaving the
respiratory device in place.
[0064] In some versions, the respiratory device comprises a nasal
device useful for treating a variety of disease states. A user may
conveniently insert and remove the device depending on need.
[0065] The methods for treating patients suffering from a variety
of medical ailments through the use of an expiratory resistor
broadly comprise creating a resistance to expiratory flow in or
around the oral and/or nasal cavities, typically within or around
the mouth or the nares. The methods may comprise use of any of the
devices described above. For example, airflow resistance may be
created by placing a flow resistor, either one with a fixed flow
resistance or one with a variable flow resistance, i.e., which is
higher to expiration than inspiration.
[0066] As mentioned, the nasal respiratory devices and methods
described herein may be used for treating a variety of medical
diseases through the use of such devices.
[0067] For example, described herein are nasal respiratory devices
for inducing positive end-expiratory pressure adapted to be secured
(e.g., removably secured) in communication with a nasal cavity.
These devices may include a passageway, and an airflow resistor in
communication with the passageway, wherein the airflow resistor is
configured to have a non-zero threshold pressure for opening during
expiration so that the airflow resistor is closed during expiration
when the pressure across the airflow resistor is below the
threshold pressure for opening, but the airflow resistor opens
during expiration when the airflow resistor exceeds the threshold
pressure for opening during expiration. These devices may also
include a holdfast configured to secure the airflow resistor in
communication with the nasal cavity without covering the subject's
mouth.
[0068] As described in more detail herein, any appropriate
threshold pressure for opening during expiration may be used. For
example, the threshold pressure for opening (which may also be
referred to as the threshold for opening) of the airflow resistor
may be less than about 20 cm H2O, less than about 15 cm H2O, less
than about 10 cm H2O, less than about 8 cm H2O, more than about 4
cm H2O, or between a range of pressures. For example, the threshold
pressure for opening may be between about 0.5 cm H2O and about 20
cm H2O, or between about 0.5 cm H2O and about 15 cm H2O, or between
about 4 cm H2O and about 20 cm H2O. The threshold for opening is
typically much less than the pressure resulting from coughing,
sneezing, or the like.
[0069] In some variations, the airflow resistor may further
comprise a non-zero threshold pressure for closing during
expiration, such that the airflow resistor closes during expiration
when the pressure across the airflow resistor falls below the
threshold pressure for closing. Any appropriate threshold pressure
for closing during expiration may be used. For example, the
threshold pressure for closing during expiration may be greater
than about 1 cm H2O, greater than about 2 cm H2O, greater than
about 3 cm H2O, greater than about 4 cm H2O, greater than about 10
cm H2O, etc. In some variations, the threshold pressure for closing
during expiration is between a range of values, such as between
about 0.5 cm H2O and about 20 cm H2O, between about 0.5 cm H2O and
about 15 cm H2O, between about 0.5 cm H2O and about 10 cm H2O,
between about 0.5 cm H2O and about 5 cm H2O. The threshold pressure
for closing during expiration may be approximately the same as the
threshold pressure for opening during expiration, or it may be
different.
[0070] In some variations the airflow resistor of the device has a
threshold pressure for opening that is less than the threshold
pressure for closing. In this variation, the device opens when the
pressure exceeds the threshold for opening (e.g., at 4 cm H2O), and
then closes at a predetermined time after opening after which the
pressure must reach a second threshold for opening (e.g., at 10 cm
H2O). This may allow a user to breathe out easily at first
(possibly improving tolerance for the device) and then have a
larger PEEP pressure at the end of expiration.
[0071] Also described herein are nasal respiratory devices for
inducing positive end-expiratory pressure adapted to be secured in
communication with a nasal cavity including a passageway and an
airflow resistor in communication with the passageway, wherein the
airflow resistor comprises a biased valve having a non-zero
threshold pressure for opening during expiration, so that the
airflow resistor is closed during expiration when the pressure
across the valve is below the threshold pressure for opening, but
the valve opens during expiration when the pressure across the
valve exceeds the threshold pressure for opening during expiration.
These devices may also include a holdfast configured to secure the
airflow resistor only in communication with a nasal cavity, or with
both nasal cavities (e.g., but not the mouth).
[0072] In some variations, the airflow resistor of this device
includes a second valve. Any appropriate valves may be used as part
of the airflow resistor. These devices are described in greater
detail below, but include biased valves configured as a nested
valve, bistable valves, and the like.
[0073] Also described herein are nasal respiratory devices for
inducing positive end-expiratory pressure adapted to be secured in
communication with a nasal cavity that include a passageway and an
airflow resistor in communication with the passageway, where the
airflow resistor has a first valve configured to open during
inspiration and close during expiration and a second valve
configured to open during exhalation and close during inspiration,
and the second valve is configured so that it does not open until
the pressure across the second valve exceeds a non-zero threshold
pressure for opening. These devices may also include a holdfast
configured to secure the airflow resistor in communication with the
nasal cavity.
[0074] In some variations, the second valve is nested with the
first valve. The first valve or the second valve (or both) may be a
may be a flap valve. The second valve may be a biased valve
(including but not limited to a biased flap valve). The second
valve may be a bistable valve.
[0075] Also described herein are nasal respiratory devices for
inducing positive end-expiratory pressure adapted to be secured in
communication with a nasal cavity. These devices may include a
first passageway and a second passageway, and an airflow resistor
comprising a first valve in communication with the first passageway
and a second valve in communication with the second passageway,
wherein the first valve is configured to open during inspiration
and close during expiration and the second valve is configured to
close during inspiration and open during expiration when the
pressure across the second valve exceeds a non-zero threshold
pressure for opening. These devices may also include a holdfast
configured to secure the first and second passageways in
communication with the nasal cavity. As mentioned above, the first
valve or the second valve (or both) may be a may be a flap valve.
The second valve may be a biased valve (including but not limited
to a biased flap valve). The second valve may be a bistable
valve.
[0076] Also described herein are methods of treating a disorder.
These methods may include the steps of securing a nasal respiratory
device in communication with a subject's nasal cavity without
covering the subject's mouth, wherein the respiratory device
comprises an airflow resistor configured to have a non-zero
threshold pressure for opening during expiration so that the
airflow resistor is closed during expiration when the pressure
across the valve is below the threshold pressure for opening, but
the airflow resistor opens during expiration when the pressure
across the airflow resistor exceeds the threshold pressure for
opening during expiration, and allowing the subject to breathe at
least partly through the nasal respiratory device. The disorder
treated may be selected from the group consisting of: respiratory
disorders, sleep disorders, gastroenterologic disorders, and
cardiovascular disorders.
[0077] As described herein, the nasal respiratory device may be
secured at least partially within the subject's nasal cavity (e.g.,
by a compressible holdfast). In some variations, a nasal
respiratory device may be secured at least partially over the
subject's nasal cavity (e.g., by an adhesive holdfast).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0078] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a respiratory device adapted
for an oral cavity.
[0079] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another respiratory device
adapted for the oral cavity.
[0080] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 2,
where the device is positioned in a patient's oral cavity.
[0081] FIG. 4 shows a respiratory device adapted for the nasal
cavity.
[0082] FIG. 5 shows a respiratory device adapted to fit
substantially within the nasal cavity.
[0083] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the device shown in
FIG. 4, where an airflow resistor is shown within the device.
[0084] FIGS. 7A and 7B show cross-sectional views of the device
shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 7A shows the device during inhalation, and
FIG. 7B shows the device during exhalation.
[0085] FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of a respiratory
device showing an airflow resistor during exhalation (FIG. 8A) and
inhalation (FIG. 8B), respectively.
[0086] FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of a respiratory
device having an airflow resistor where the airflow resistor is
shown during exhalation (FIG. 9A) and inhalation (FIG. 9B),
respectively.
[0087] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a respiratory device having
an airflow resistor where the airflow resistor is shown during
exhalation.
[0088] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a respiratory device having
an airflow resistor where the airflow resistor is shown during
exhalation.
[0089] FIGS. 12A and 12B show cross-sectional views of the
respiratory devices shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10, and 11 during
exhalation (FIG. 12A) and inhalation (FIG. 12B), respectively.
[0090] FIG. 12C shows a cross-sectional view of a variation of the
respiratory device during exhalation.
[0091] FIGS. 13A and 13B are perspective views of a respiratory
device having an airflow resistor where the airflow resistor is
shown during exhalation (FIG. 13A) and inhalation (FIG. 13B),
respectively.
[0092] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a respiratory device having
an airflow resistor where the airflow resistor is shown during
exhalation.
[0093] FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C are perspective views of a
respiratory device having an airflow resistor. FIG. 15A shows the
airflow resistor during higher levels of exhalation airflow and/or
pressure.
[0094] FIG. 15B shows the airflow resistor during lower levels of
exhalation airflow and/or pressure. FIG. 15C shows the airflow
resistor during inhalation.
[0095] FIGS. 16A and 16B are perspective views of a respiratory
device having an airflow resistor where the airflow resistor is
shown during exhalation (FIG. 16A) and inhalation (FIG. 16B),
respectively
[0096] FIGS. 17A and 17B are perspective views of a respiratory
device having an airflow resistor where the airflow resistor is
shown during exhalation (FIG. 17A) and inhalation (FIG. 17B),
respectively.
[0097] FIGS. 18A and 18B show cross-sectional views of a
respiratory device having an airflow resistor where the airflow
resistor is shown during inhalation (FIG. 18A) and exhalation (FIG.
18B), respectively.
[0098] FIGS. 19A and 19B are cross-sectional views of a respiratory
device having an airflow resistor where the airflow resistor is
shown during low pressure and/or low airflow exhalation (FIG. 19A),
and then during high pressure and/or high airflow exhalation (FIG.
19B).
[0099] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a respiratory device where
the device is removable and adapted for the nasal cavity.
[0100] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a respiratory device where
the device is removable and adapted for the nasal cavity.
[0101] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a respiratory device
where the device is removable and adapted for the nasal cavity.
[0102] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a respiratory device
where the device is removable and adapted for the nasal cavity.
[0103] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a respiratory device
where the device is removable and adapted for the nasal cavity.
[0104] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a respiratory device
where the device is removable and adapted for the nasal cavity.
[0105] FIGS. 26A and 26B are perspective views of a respiratory
device having a moveable air filter where the moveable air filter
is shown during inhalation (FIG. 26A) and exhalation (FIG. 26B),
respectively.
[0106] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another respiratory device
where the device is removable and adapted for the nasal cavity.
[0107] FIG. 28 shows a cross-sectional view of another respiratory
device where the device is removable and adapted for the nasal
cavity.
[0108] FIG. 29 shows a schematic view of a kit including a
respiratory device in packaging and instructions for using the
respiratory device.
[0109] FIG. 30 shows a representative resistive profile through a
hollow tubular body.
[0110] FIG. 31 shows a representative resistive profile through a
hollow tubular body having a fixed resistor.
[0111] FIG. 32 shows a representative resistive profile for a
simple differential resistor device.
[0112] FIG. 33 shows representative resistive profiles for
differential resistors with a threshold for opening.
[0113] FIG. 34 shows another representative resistive profile for a
differential resistor with a threshold for opening.
[0114] FIG. 35 shows a representative resistive profile for a
differential resistor with a threshold for opening and a threshold
for closing.
[0115] FIG. 36 shows another example of a representative resistive
profile for a differential resistor with a threshold for opening
and a threshold for closing.
[0116] FIGS. 37A and 37B show side views through a portion of one
variation of a respiratory device having nested flap valves.
[0117] FIG. 37C shows a cross-section view through the valve show
in FIG. 37A.
[0118] FIG. 37D shows a detailed view of the flap valve shown in
FIGS. 37A-37C.
[0119] FIGS. 38A, 38B and 38C illustrate the operation of a
door-within-a-door valve as described herein.
[0120] FIGS. 39A, 39B and 39C schematically illustrate different
bias placement in a flap valve for use with the PEEP configured
devices described herein.
[0121] FIG. 40A shows a cross-sectional view of a
door-within-a-door valve.
[0122] FIG. 40B shows a top view of the valve of FIG. 40A.
[0123] FIGS. 41A, 41B and 41C show top, side cross-section and
bottom views of a valve having a living hinge as described
herein.
[0124] FIGS. 41D, 41E and 41F show top, side cross-section and
bottom views of another airflow resistor having a living hinge,
similar to the valve shown in FIGS. 41A-41C.
[0125] FIGS. 42A and 42B show perspective and cross-sectional views
of a region of a respiratory device having two passageways.
[0126] FIG. 43A shows a cross-sectional view of a region of a
respiratory device having two passageways, as described.
[0127] FIG. 43B shows an elastomeric component of the respiratory
device shown in FIG. 43A.
[0128] FIG. 43C shows a top view of the respiratory device shown in
FIG. 43A
[0129] FIGS. 44A, 44B and 44C show different variations of an
anchored bias that may be used with an expiratory flap valve as
shown in FIGS. 43A-43C.
[0130] FIGS. 45A, 45B and 45C illustrate the operation of one
variation of a device configured for PEEP.
[0131] FIGS. 46A, 46B, 46C and 46D illustrate the operation of a
respiratory device configured for PEEP.
[0132] FIG. 46E shows a profile of the device illustrated in FIGS.
46A-46D within a nasal cavity.
[0133] FIGS. 47A, 47B and 47C illustrate the operation of nested
flap valve.
[0134] FIGS. 48A and 48B illustrate different variations of a flap
valve having additional cutout valves.
[0135] FIGS. 49A and 49B illustrate the operation of a rigid plate
valve.
[0136] FIG. 49C shows a flap valve compatible for use with a plate
valve.
[0137] FIG. 49D shows a hybrid rigid plate and flap valve
configured for use with a PEEP device, as described herein.
[0138] FIGS. 49E, 49F and 49G illustrate different variations of a
hybrid rigid and flap valve similar to the valve shown in FIG.
49D.
[0139] FIG. 50A shows a flap valve configured to have a pressure
profile as shown in FIG. 61.
[0140] FIG. 50B shows another flap valve configured to have a
pressure profile as shown in FIG. 61.
[0141] FIG. 51 shows another variation of a PEEP device having a
resistance profile similar to that in FIG. 63.
[0142] FIGS. 52A and 52B illustrate a portion of a valve having a
path accommodating surface that helps to regulate the resistance
profile of the valve similar to that in FIG. 63.
[0143] FIG. 53A illustrates another variation of a valve that may
be included as part of a two or more passageway PEEP device.
[0144] FIG. 53B illustrates another variation of the valve shown in
FIGS. 53A and 53B.
[0145] FIG. 54 shows a respiratory device combining airflow through
both nostrils, as described herein.
[0146] FIG. 55 shows another variation of an airflow resistor for
use with any of the devices described herein.
[0147] FIG. 56 shows another variation of an airflow resistor for
use with any of the devices described herein.
[0148] FIG. 57 shows a variation of an airflow resistor having an
expandable wall for use with any of the devices described
herein.
[0149] FIG. 58 shows a variation of an airflow resistor having a
rolling hinge for use with any of the devices described herein.
[0150] FIG. 59 shows a variation of an airflow resistor having an
inflatable flap for use with any of the devices described
herein.
[0151] FIG. 60 shows another variation of an airflow resistor for
use with any of the devices described herein.
[0152] FIG. 61 shows a variation of an airflow resistor having ball
valve and a slider, for use with any of the devices described
herein.
[0153] FIGS. 62A, 62B, 62C and 62D illustrate the operation of a
bistable valve.
[0154] FIG. 63 illustrates one method of making a bistable valve,
as described herein.
[0155] FIG. 64 shows a variation of a valve for use with any of the
devices described herein.
[0156] FIG. 65 shows another variation of an airflow resistor for
use with any of the devices described herein.
[0157] FIG. 66 shows a cross-section through the holdfast of a
device as described herein.
[0158] FIG. 67 shows one variation of an adjustable holdfast, as
described herein.
[0159] FIGS. 68A and 68B show cross-sections through a holdfast of
a device configured for use within a subject's nose.
[0160] FIG. 69 shows one variation of an oral device including
mandible displacement, as described herein.
[0161] FIG. 70 shows another example of an oral device as described
herein.
[0162] FIG. 71 shows another variation of whole-nose nasal
devices.
[0163] FIG. 72 shows another variation of a whole-nose nasal
device.
[0164] FIGS. 73A, 73B, 73C and 73D illustrate the application of
one variation of a whole-nose nasal device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0165] Described here are respiratory devices, kits, and methods
for their use in improving respiratory and cardiovascular function.
In general, the respiratory devices are referred to as respiratory
devices or simply as "devices." The devices and methods described
herein may be useful to treat a variety of medical disease states,
and may also be useful for non-therapeutic purposes. The devices
and methods described herein are not limited to the particular
embodiments described. Variations of the particular embodiments may
be made and still fall within the scope of the appended claims. It
is also to be understood that the examples and particular
embodiments described are not intended to be limiting. Instead, the
scope of the present invention will be established by the appended
claims.
[0166] As used in this specification, the singular forms "a," "an,"
and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and
scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0167] The respiratory devices described herein alter airflow into
and out of the lungs through a respiratory cavity such as the mouth
and/or the nostrils of the nose. The respiratory devices typically
include an airflow resistor capable of at least partly obstructing
airflow, particularly airflow in one direction (e.g., expiration)
more than the opposite direction (e.g., inhalation). In particular,
the respiratory devices may be used to increase the resistance to
expiration during the expiratory phase of the respiratory cycle.
Many of the respiratory devices described herein may prevent
collapse of airways and airflow conduits, provide a method of drug
delivery, and filter air of undesirable compounds or agents.
[0168] The respiratory devices described herein generally comprise
an airflow passageway and an airflow resistor. The airflow
passageway (or "passageway") generally defines a channel allowing
the passage of air. The passageway may be of any suitable size or
shape; however it is configured so that when the respiratory device
is worn by a patient, the passageway comprises an opening leading
toward the patient's lungs in fluid connection with an opening that
leads away from the patient's lungs. The term "patient" is used to
describe any user of the respiratory device, including users who
are not using the respiratory device for therapeutic purposes. The
airflow passageway may be any suitable length. For example, the
passageway may be as short as the airflow resistor will allow
(e.g., extending only enough to support the airflow resistor).
Similarly, the airflow passageway may be longer than the space
required to support the airflow resistor. For example, in versions
of the respiratory device adapted for at least partial insertion
into a nasal cavity, the airflow passageway way may be
approximately as long as the length of an average nares. In some
versions, the passageway extends the length of an average nasal
chamber.
[0169] The neutral diameter of the passageway may be of any
appropriate size. Neutral diameter refers to the diameter of the
passageway when the device allows air to flow through the
passageway without additional resistance (e.g., due to an airflow
resistor). In particular, the diameter of the passageway may depend
upon configuration of the respiratory device. For example,
respiratory devices configured to be inserted within the nasal
cavity (e.g., a nasal chamber) may have a diameter that is
approximately the diameter of a narrow portion of the nasal cavity,
or slightly narrower. Respiratory devices configured to be secured
over an oral cavity or a nasal cavity may have passageways of
larger diameters. Furthermore, the diameter of a passageway may
vary across the length of the device.
[0170] The airflow passageway may comprise a dedicated structure
defining the inner wall of the airflow passageway, or it may be a
structural component of the device. For example, the passageway may
comprise a passage wall defined by a rim. A rim may be a tube (or
tunnel) of material of any appropriate thickness. The rim may also
be a frame, rather than a complete tube. The rim may comprise a
sufficiently rigid material so that it can support the passageway,
and prevent the passageway from collapsing during use and during
respiration. In some versions, the rim comprises a compressible
material that may be compressed to facilitate insertion and
removal, while maintaining the ability to support the passageway
and prevent complete collapse of the passageway during respiration.
The rim may also be somewhat compressible during respiratory flow.
The airflow passageway (including a rim portion) may also serve as
an attachment site for other components such as airflow resistors,
filters, anchors, etc.
[0171] The rim may be any suitable shape or size. For example, the
rim may comprise a ring shape or an oval shape. The rim may have an
inner diameter which is equivalent to (or larger than) the diameter
of the passageway. In some versions, the rim comprises a material
having strength sufficient to prevent the collapse of a respiratory
device that has been inserted into a nasal cavity. For example, the
rim may comprise a metal, a polymer (particularly stiff polymers),
etc. In some versions, the rim may comprise softer or "weaker"
materials which are formed or arranged so that the final shape of
the rim has sufficient strength to prevent the collapse of the
respiratory device during use.
[0172] In some versions, the airflow passageway does not include a
dedicated structure such as a rim. For example, the airflow
passageway of the respiratory device may be a passageway through
another component of the device, such as holdfast. In some
versions, the airflow passageway is defined by a passageway through
a holdfast.
Airflow Resistor
[0173] An airflow resistor is typically positioned in communication
with at least one airflow passageway, so that at least some of the
air flowing through the passageway passes the airflow resistor.
Thus, an airflow resistor modulates, alters, varies, or keeps
constant the amount of resistance, the degree of airflow, or the
pressure differential across the device or through a passageway in
the device. In some versions, the airflow resistor inhibits airflow
more greatly in one direction than the opposite direction. Thus,
the airflow resistor may regulate airflow to and from the lungs.
Some versions of the device have a greater resistance to exhalation
than to inhalation during use.
[0174] In some versions of the respiratory device, the airflow
resistor comprises a valve that does not appreciably impede airflow
in a certain direction (e.g., inspiration), and that partially or
completely impedes airflow in the other direction (e.g.,
expiration). In some embodiments, the valve allows for an
expiratory obstruction to be relieved if a certain degree of
airflow or pressure differential across the device is achieved, as
might be the case with coughing or nose blowing. For example, in
some embodiments, the valve comprises a flap made of a shape memory
or deformable material (e.g., an elastic material); when the
pressure differential across the valve (the expiratory airflow
pressure) is large enough, the flap bends upon itself, thereby
relieving the obstruction. This may be important during coughing
and may also facilitate the clearance of mucous and other
substances during coughing. After the cough, the flap returns to
its original, non-bent conformation.
[0175] Examples of different types of airflow resistors are
described below and illustrated in FIGS. 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, and
13-19. Any airflow resistance device capable of altering the
resistance of air (e.g., due to inspiration and/or expiration)
passing through an air passageway may be used, particularly devices
which selectively increase the resistance of air flow in one
direction more than in the opposite direction. Valve-type airflow
resistors are particularly suitable. Examples of valves which may
be used as airflow resistors include: flap valves (having one or
more flaps); hingeless valves; stopper-type valves; membrane-type
valves; ball valves; balloon-type valves; and the like. This list
is not intended to be exhaustive, and other types of selective
airflow resistors may be used. Moreover, multiple airflow resistors
may also be used, which may include combinations of different types
of airflow resistors.
[0176] The respiratory device may further comprise a holdfast for
releasably securing the device in communication with a nasal and/or
oral cavity. The holdfast may facilitate the positioning and
securing of the device in a desired location, such as over or
within (e.g., substantially within) a respiratory orifice. In
particular, the holdfast may allow the device to be anchored,
positioned, and/or stabilized in any location that is subject to
respiratory airflow such as a respiratory cavity.
[0177] Examples of respiratory cavities include nasal and oral
cavities. Nasal cavities may comprise the nostrils, nares or nasal
chambers, limen, vestibule, greater alar cartilage, alar fibrofatty
tissue, lateral nasal cartilage, agger nasi, floor of the nasal
cavity, turbinates, sinuses (frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, and
maxillary), and nasal septum. The term "nasal cavity" may refer to
any sub-region of the Nasal Fossa (e.g., a single nostril, nare, or
nasal chamber).
[0178] An oral cavity includes the cavity of the mouth (e.g.,
vestibule and mouth cavity proper), and any sub-region thereof,
including or more than one of the following structures: maxilla,
mandible, gums, lips, teeth, jaw, tongue, hard or soft palate and
the recess or gap between the teeth/gums and the lips.
[0179] In some versions, the holdfast may also secure a seal
between the respiratory device and the respiratory airway, so that
at least some of the air exchanged between the outside of the
patient and the respiratory airway must pass through the
respiratory device. In some versions, the holdfast seals the device
in communication with a respiratory cavity completely, so that all
air must be exchanged through the device. In some versions, the
holdfast seal is incomplete, so that only some of the air exchanged
between the patient and the external environment passes through the
device. As used herein, "air" may be air from environment external
to the patient, or it may be any respiratory gas (e.g., pure or
mixed oxygen, CO2, heliox, or other gas mixtures provided to the
user).
[0180] In some versions, the holdfast may comprise an anchor or
anchor region.
[0181] In some embodiments, the device is to be placed by the
patient or the healthcare provider in communication with an oral
cavity. In this case, the holdfast may comprise any suitable
mechanism for securing the device in position in communication with
an oral cavity. The holdfast may comprise insertive (e.g.,
mouthpiece-type) and non-insertive mechanisms. A non-insertive
holdfast may comprise a surface configured to mate with the outer
surface of a patient's face to secure the device. For example, a
holdfast may comprise an adhesive bandage, a strap, or any other
structure capable of securing the device in communication with a
user's respiratory cavity. The holdfast may comprise a removable
region that contours to interfaces with the lips, gums, teeth,
tongue and/or soft palate of the user, allowing the user to insert
or remove the device as needed. Alternatively, the device can be
held in place by utilizing the area in between the gums and teeth
or lips.
[0182] In other embodiments, the device is to be placed by the
patient or the healthcare provider in or around the nasal cavity.
Holdfasts appropriate for nasal cavities may secure the device in
position within a nasal cavity (e.g., through one or both nostrils)
or against surrounding structures. The holdfast may comprise a
shape, surface or material that secures the device in communication
with a nasal cavity. For example, the holdfast may comprise a
cylindrical shape that allows the device to fit securely or snugly
within a nostril. The outer surface of the device may comprise a
holdfast including an adhesive material. In addition to holding the
device in place, the holdfast may also partially or completely seal
the device in communication with the nasal cavity. The holdfast may
comprise insertive and/or non-insertive mechanisms. In some
versions, the holdfast comprises a mechanical connection between
the device and the user, such as a clip, straps, and the like.
[0183] The holdfast may be formed from a soft or compliant material
that provides a seal, and may enhance patient comfort. Furthermore,
compliant materials may reduce the likelihood that the device cuts
off blood flow to the part of the respiratory cavity and
surrounding regions (mouth or nose) to which the device is
anchored. This compliant material may be one of a variety of
materials including, but not limited to, plastic, polymers, cloth,
foamed, spongy, or shape memory materials. Shape materials include
any that have a preferred conformation, and after being deformed or
otherwise deflected or altered in shape, have tendency to return to
a preferred conformation. Soft shape memory materials may include,
but are not limited to, urethane, polyurethane, sponge, and others
(including "foamed" versions of these materials). Alternatively,
the holdfast may not be soft or compliant and may instead be a
rigid structure that interfaces directly with the respiratory
orifice. For example, in versions of the respiratory device
configured to be used at least partly within a nasal cavity, it is
understood that the device may fit completely within a nostril (or
both nostrils), or may project out of the nostril, depending on the
particular embodiment. In some cases, the device may be placed high
enough within the nasal cavity so that it cannot be seen within the
nostril. In some embodiments the device may be located completely
outside of the nose, for example, in some versions the holdfast has
a shape that conforms to the outside surface of the nose. Thus, the
holdfast may comprise one or more straps, bands, or the like to
ensure an adequate fit and/or seal maintaining the device in
communication with the nasal cavity. In another embodiment the
holdfast may comprise one or more projections that are inserted
within the nostrils. In some versions, a device may be placed at
least partly in both nostrils, and may comprise a bifurcated
passageway or two passageways that the holdfast places in
communication with the nasal cavity through each nostril. In this
case, the inspiratory and/or expiratory airflow to and from the
lungs may be regulated through each nostril separately or together.
In some versions, separate devices may be placed at least partly in
each nostril, and may be connected to each other and/or the patient
using a clip, tether, strap, band, chain, string, or the like. Such
a system would facilitate subsequent removal of the device and make
migration of the devices deeper into the nasal cavity less likely.
Finally, in some devices, an adhesive flap may be present to help
attach the device to the inside or outside of the nose (including
the nostrils), to the oral cavity, to the neck, or to the face.
[0184] Materials
[0185] Respiratory devices may be made from any appropriate
material or materials. In certain embodiments, the devices include
a shape memory element or elements, as part of the holdfast, in the
airflow resistor, or in giving form to the passageway. Any
convenient shape memory material that provides for flexibility and
resumption of configuration following removal of applied force may
be employed in these embodiments. For example, shape memory alloys
may be used. A variety of shape memory alloys are known, including
those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,876,434; 5,797,920; 5,782,896;
5,763,979; 5,562,641; 5,459,544; 5,415,660; 5,092,781; 4,984,581;
the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in
their entirety. The shape memory alloy that is employed should
generally be a biocompatible alloy. Biocompatible alloys may
include nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloys sold under the
Nitinol.TM. name by Memry Corporation (Brookfield, Conn.). Also of
interest are spring steel and shape memory polymeric or plastic
materials, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.
[0186] Rubber and polymeric materials may also be used,
particularly for the holdfast or airflow resistor. For example,
materials which may be used include: latex, polyethylene,
polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene
chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylate, styrene-butadiene
copolymer, chlorinated polyethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride,
ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate-vinyl
chloride-acrylate copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate-acrylate
copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate-vinyl chloride copolymer, nylon,
acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl
chloride, polychloroprene, polybutadiene, thermoplastic polyimide,
polyacetal, polyphenylene sulfide, polycarbonate, thermoplastic
polyurethane, thermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins, natural
rubbers, synthetic rubbers (such as a chloroprene rubber, styrene
butadiene rubber, nitrile-butadiene rubber, and
ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer copolymer, silicone rubbers,
fluoride rubbers, and acrylic rubbers), elastomers (such as a soft
urethane, water-blown polyurethane), and thermosetting resins (such
as a hard urethane, phenolic resins, and a melamine resins).
[0187] Biocompatible materials may be used, particularly for those
portions of the device (e.g., the holdfast) which may contact a
user. In addition to some of the materials described above, the
biocompatible materials may also include a biocompatible polymer
and/or elastomer. Suitable biocompatible polymers may include
materials such as: a homopolymer and copolymers of vinyl acetate
(such as ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and polyvinylchloride
copolymers), a homopolymer and copolymers of acrylates (such as
polypropylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polyethylmethacrylate,
polymethacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, ethylene
dimethacrylate and hydroxymethyl methacrylate, and the like),
polyvinylpyrrolidone, 2-pyrrolidone, polyacrylonitrile butadiene,
polyamides, fluoropolymers (such as polytetrafluoroethylene and
polyvinyl fluoride), a homopolymer and copolymers of styrene
acrylonitrile, cellulose acetate, a homopolymer and copolymers of
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polymethylpentene, polysulfones
polyimides, polyisobutylene, polymethylstyrene and other similar
compounds known to those skilled in the art.
[0188] Other materials of interest include any materials that can
serve as filters for allergens, pollen, dander, smog, etc. By
providing a filter within the device, sinusitis, sleep apnea,
snoring, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and other allergic
respiratory conditions may be reduced or prevented. This filter may
in fact be part of the airflow resistor or may be a separate
component of the device. Any suitable filtering material known to
those skilled in the art may be used with the respiratory devices
described herein. Such materials include, but are not limited to,
activated carbon charcoal filters, hollow-fiber filters, and the
like.
[0189] In some versions, the respiratory device may comprise a
filter that remains in the path of inhalation and/or exhalation
during use. In some versions, the filter material remains in the
path of both inspiratory and expiratory airflow. This filter
material may not appreciably alter resistance to airflow in either
direction, or it may alter airflow to substantially the same degree
in both directions (inhalation and exhalation). In some versions,
the filter comprises a material having a large pore size so that
airflow is not significantly inhibited.
[0190] The airflow resistor may be oriented in any direction. For
example, in some embodiments of the device, the airflow resistor
comprises valve flaps that are oriented such that both flaps are in
a closed position during inspiration and in an open position during
expiration. The respiratory devices may be orientated so that the
airflow resistor increases resistance to expiration, and has a
relatively lower or negligible resistance to inspiration. However,
these devices can be oriented in the opposite direction as well, so
that the device offers increased resistance to inspiration and
decreased resistance to expiration. Such orientation may be used
for a variety of pulmonary, cardiac, inflammatory, neurologic, or
other disorders that might benefit from such changes in resistance
and its subsequent changes to intra-thoracic and airway pressures.
This version of the device may be structurally identical to other
embodiments described elsewhere in this application. In some
versions, the respiratory device is reversible, so that it may be
used in either orientation by the user (e.g., to increase the
resistance of inspiration relative to expiration in one
orientation, or to increase the resistance of expiration relative
to inspiration in another orientation). In some versions, the
respiratory device is shaped so that the direction of the airflow
resistor is immediately evident. For example, the respiratory
device may be of a different shape or size on one end, or may
include a visual indication. In one version, the respiratory device
may be shaped so that it fits securely into a respiratory orifice
only in one orientation (e.g., so that the airflow resistor
inhibits the expiration more than it inhibits inhalation). For
example, a flange or other mechanical stop may be used to insure
proper orientation, while simultaneously preventing migration of
the device further into the respiratory orifice.
[0191] In many embodiments, the device provides some level of
resistance to expiration. It may be preferable to have little if
any effect on resistance to inspiration, though in some cases, some
degree of inspiratory restriction may be beneficial. In some
versions of the device, both inspiration and expiration may be
inhibited by the airflow resistor.
[0192] The device may also be adapted for comfort. Any device
placed either in or around the oral cavity or in or around the nose
should not be painful, and if possible not very noticeable by the
patient. Thus, the holdfast may be shaped to conform to the
attachment site in or around the respiratory orifice. In some
versions, the holdfast comprises a flexible or shapeable material
(e.g., a foam or other soft shape-memory material). In some
versions, the entire respiratory device comprises a soft
material.
[0193] Furthermore, the device may be adapted so that it is more or
less visible to others. In some cases, the device may be configured
to be placed high enough within the nostrils to make it difficult
for others to see. Furthermore, the device may be of any color
and/or pattern that help to camouflage it. In other versions, it
may be useful to include colors and patterns that stand out,
including ones that are fluorescent or otherwise offer increased
visibility during the night or other setting where ambient light is
reduced.
[0194] In some versions, the respiratory device may be "one size
fits all", so that it may be used with any patient (or any patient
of approximately the same size), despite differences in shapes and
sizes of their nose/nostrils, oral cavity, teeth and other relevant
anatomic features. In one version, the devices may conform to a
range of sizes, for example "small," "medium," and "large" (or any
other appropriate range, such as, e.g., a numerical range).
Alternatively, the devices may involve a custom fit of the device
or devices to the patient.
[0195] Custom fitting may improve patient comfort and potentially
improve performance by improving the seal between the device and
the patient's oral cavity, mouth, nasal cavity and nostrils, for
example. In some versions, custom fitting may involve the placement
of a device in warm or cold liquid or air with subsequent placement
in the patient's nose or mouth. This process is meant to "prime"
the materials in the device (e.g., particularly the materials of
the holdfast), so that when holdfast is secured to the patient, the
device permanently assumes a shape or configuration corresponding
to a portion of the patients anatomy.
[0196] In some version of the devices described herein, an airflow
resistor may fit within a larger structure (such as the passageway)
so that some airflow through or around the airflow resistor is
always allowed. For example, there might be a constant opening
between the airflow resistor and the anchor that secures the
airflow filter in communication with the passageway. This may
ensure that expiratory and/or inspiratory airflow is never
completely occluded. In some versions, the airflow resistor
comprises a "hole" or opening. For example, a flap valve may
comprise an opening through the flap valve permitting airflow
through the flap valve even when the valve is closed.
[0197] The device may also create a PEEP effect by differentially
changing the resistance to airflow in one direction based on the
pressure applied against the device. For example, in some designs,
expiratory airflow is subjected to resistance by the airflow
resistor (or valve) until a certain threshold pressure differential
or level of airflow is achieved; below that threshold, a more
complete closure of the airflow resistor occurs (potentially
completely occluding airflow through the device). The desired
levels of PEEP are on the order of about 0.1 to about 30 cm H2O and
more preferably about 1 to about 15 cm H2O pressure. Similarly, the
differential resistance may also be triggered in the opposite
direction; for example, above a certain threshold of pressure or
level of airflow, the airflow resistor (e.g., valve) may open to
decrease the resistance due to the airflow resistor, as when a
patient coughs, sneezes, or blows his or her nose.
[0198] The optimal level of expiratory resistance or PEEP provided
by the device may vary from patient to patient. In some versions,
adequate expiratory resistance or PEEP is created to offer the
desired benefits, but not providing too much expiratory resistance
or PEEP so that the patient preferentially begins breathing through
the mouth. In some cases, the user may test the device or devices
while being monitored by a healthcare provider, a camera, a
polysomnograph, or any other device that will help to assess the
optimal level of resistance or therapy provided by the subject
devices.
[0199] The use of an airflow resistor may also alter the
inspiratory time:expiratory time ratio (I:E ratio), which is
defined as the ratio of inspiratory time to expiratory time. The
desired I:E ratio will be between about 3:1 and about 1:10 and more
preferably about 1:1.5 to about 1:4 depending on the needs of the
individual patient. In some versions, the desired ratio is
approximately about 1:3.
[0200] In some versions, the device comprises an insertion,
adjustment, or removal mechanism. In some cases, this mechanism
involves any appropriate rigid or non-rigid positioner that
facilitates removal or positioning of the device. Non-rigid
positioners include but are not limited to cables, chains, wires,
strings, chains, sutures, or the like. Rigid positioners include
knobs, handles, projections, tabs, or the like. A user may grasp or
otherwise manipulate the positioner to facilitate insertion,
re-adjustment, or removal of the device. Furthermore, various
applicators or other insertion devices may be used. For example, a
tubular applicator holding a respiratory device adapted for
insertion into a nasal cavity may be advanced into the nasal
respiratory orifice (e.g., nostril) to insert the respiratory
device.
[0201] In some cases, the device may be oversized. Oversizing the
device may reduce resistance in one or more direction of airflow.
In some versions, the passageway through the device is oversized.
In some versions, an outer portion of the device that contacts the
respiratory orifice is oversized. Thus, the respiratory device may
exert pressure against the nasal cavity of a user. In patients with
obstructive sleep apnea or snoring, for example, increasing the
size of the a respiratory device configured to be inserted into one
or more nostrils may prevent the more distal tissues of the airway,
tongue, and nasopharynx from being sucked in or closed during
inspiration. Moreover, airflow through an oversized passageway may
assume a less turbulent flow profile, resulting in a decreased
propensity for noise production in the case of snoring, for
example. Similarly, the respiratory device passageway may be shaped
so as to decrease turbulence of airflow. Likewise, the shape and
activity of the airflow resistor may be chosen to minimize
turbulence and, therefore, sound or vibration.
[0202] In some versions, the device is used with an active agent.
In some versions, the active agent comprises a drug. An active
agent (e.g., a medicament) or other compound can be placed in or on
the device to deliver the active agent into the mouth, tongue, hard
and soft palates, sinuses, nose, pharynx, vocal cords, larynx,
airways, lungs, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, air sacs,
or any tissues that are exposed to inspiratory or expiratory
airflow. In some cases, the active agent may be embedded or
impregnated in the device or components of the device. In some
cases the active agent is a coating. An active agent may comprise
any compound that is in some way useful or desirable for the
patient. For example, the active agent may be any odorant,
including: menthol, phenol, eucalyptus, or any agent that provides
a fragrance in the inspired air. Alternatively, an active agent may
comprise a drug with beneficial effects, such as beneficial
vasculature effects. For example, an active agent may comprise a
drug that effects the blood vessels (oxymetazoline or any other
vasoactive compound), nasopharynx, airways or lungs (albuterol,
steroids, or other bronchoconstriction or bronchodilation
compounds). An active agent may comprise an antibiotic or a steroid
for example. The above list of active agents is not meant to be
limiting.
[0203] An active agent may be placed in or on any portion of the
device. Furthermore, the location of the active agent within the
respiratory device may specifically guide the delivery of the
active agent. For example, in versions of the respiratory device
configured to be placed inside a respiratory cavity, when the
holdfast comprises an active agent (e.g., coated, embedded or
otherwise part of the holdfast), the drug may be delivered through
the mucus membranes of the respiratory cavity. In another example,
an active agent may be included as a powder or releasable coating
that may be aerosolized and delivered within the respiratory
system. Thus, an active agent may be on a surface of the device
(e.g., the passageway, holdfast or airflow resistor) or embedded
within any surface of the device. A separate drug-containing region
may also be included in the device. The addition of an active agent
may be of particular interest in treating allergies and sinusitis.
Respiratory devices (with or without airflow resistors) may
therefore comprise active agents such as menthol or other fragrant
compounds.
[0204] In some versions of the devices, an airflow resistor is not
present. The device may comprise a passageway and a holdfast and
may or may not include additional support such as a rim. In some
cases, the holdfast may be of adequate strength to support and
prevent migration or movement of the device, and to provide
adequate radial support to prevent reduction of the passageway of
the device during the various phases of the respiratory cycle. In
this case, the device props open the nasal or oral cavities to
facilitate inspiratory and/or expiratory airflow. This may be
helpful in preventing obstructive sleep apnea and snoring since
these disorders can be treated, for example, by increasing the size
of the nares. This is partly due to the tendency of the nares and
nasal cavity to collapse due to negative inspiratory pressures.
Thus, preventing these nasal tissues from collapsing may prevent
further downstream tissues in the nasopharynx from collapsing. As
mentioned earlier, the device may be oversized relative to the size
of the nares or nasal cavity in order to reduce resistance and
maximize airflow.
[0205] The respiratory devices may be manufactured and assembled
using any appropriate method. Representative manufacturing methods
that may be employed include machining, extruding, stamping, and
the like. Assembling methods may include press-fitting, gluing,
welding, heat-forming, and the like.
[0206] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 provides a perspective
view of one version of the respiratory device 1 in which the device
can fit into the oral cavity of a user. The holdfast 5 comprises
grooves 2 and 3 in which the user's teeth and/or gums may
preferentially sit, thus securing the device in the oral cavity.
Airflow resistor 4 represents any airflow resistor capable of
modulating inspiratory and/or expiratory resistance during any or
all portions of the respiratory cycle, as described above. The
airflow resistor 4 sits within a passageway 6.
[0207] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
respiratory device 1 that may be fitted in an oral cavity. In this
embodiment, the patient's teeth and/or gums help to secure the
device in place by contacting the holdfast. The holdfast comprises
an inner frame 10, and outer frame 12, and a positioner 14. The
inner frame 10 is located on the internal portions of the patient's
teeth or gums. The outer frame 12 is positioned outside the
patient's teeth/gums or outside the patient's lips. The positioner
14 is located between the upper and lower jaws, teeth, and/or gums.
An airflow resistor 4 modulates inspiratory and/or expiratory
resistance during any or all portions of the respiratory cycle.
[0208] FIG. 3 is a view of the device 1 shown in FIG. 2, where the
device is depicted within and protruding from the patient's oral
cavity. The outer frame 12 of the holdfast is shown outside of the
patient's teeth and gums. The airflow modulator 4 within the
passageway 6, modulates inspiratory and/or expiratory resistance
during any or all portions of the respiratory cycle through the
oral respiratory passageway. One or more airflow resistors 4 and/or
passageways 6 may be used in this (or any, e.g., oral or nasal)
respiratory device.
[0209] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
respiratory device 1 in which the device is removable and may be
secured within a patient's nasal cavity 16. In this embodiment, the
device protrudes from the nasal opening. The sides of the device
comprise a holdfast which is shown fitting snugly within the nasal
passage, as well as projecting out from the nasal passage.
[0210] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another version of the
respiratory device 1 in which the device is placed completely
within the nasal passage 16. The entire respiratory device fits
snugly within the nasal passage.
[0211] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a respiratory device 1
similar to those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. A holdfast 28 comprises
the outer surface of the device that contacts the inner portions of
the nasal cavity, thus serving to secure the device in place while
ideally creating a partial or complete seal. The passageway 6
through which air may flow is surrounded by a rim 30 that provides
additional structural support to the device. A rim 30 is not
required, particularly if the walls of the passageway (which may be
defined by the holdfast 28, for example) provide sufficient
support. An airflow resistor 24 is included within the passageway
which may modify inspiratory and/or expiratory resistance during
any or all portions of the respiratory cycle.
[0212] FIGS. 7A and 7B show more detailed views of the operation of
airflow resistors shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. These cross-sectional
views illustrate the holdfast 28, the optional rim 30, the
passageway 6, and the airflow resistor, shown as a valve 32. The
rim 30 separates the holdfast 28 and the valve 32, frames the valve
32, and provides overall structural support to the entire device.
In FIG. 7A, the valve 32 is shown in the open position, providing
less resistance to airflow. In FIG. 7B, valve 32 is shown in the
closed position, providing more resistance to airflow, because the
cross-sectional area of the passageway 6 has been constricted by
the closing of the valve.
[0213] FIGS. 8A and 8B show perspective views of an airflow
resistor that could be used, for example with any of the devices
described in FIGS. 1-5. In these figures, a rim 30 is shown. The
rim may be part of the holdfast which positions and secures the
device within a respiratory passageway; alternatively, additional
material (e.g., compliant material) may be attached to the rim to
form the holdfast. In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the rim provides support to
the airflow resistor 24. The airflow resistor is shown here as a
flap valve mechanism that comprises a flap 36 that pivots around a
joint 38 and is connected to a fixed element 40. Fixed element 40
is attached to the inner region of the passageway 6, which is
defined in this figure by the rim 30. In some versions, the flap
valve and the inner surface of the passageway 6 (e.g., the rim 30)
may constitute a single piece. Alternatively, the flap 36, joint
38, and fixed element 40 may be fabricated as a single piece, in
which case joint 38 may be a hinge. Thus, joint 38 may be a pinned
hinge or a non-pinned hinge joint. Alternatively, rim 30, flap 36,
joint 38, and fixed element 40 may all be created as a single piece
or material. Thus, flap 36 is able to pivot in relation to fixed
element 40 depending on the direction of the patient's airflow and
the desired level of resistance to airflow. FIG. 8A shows the
airflow resistor with flap 36 in a closed position during
expiration, thus providing increased resistance. In some versions,
the flap portion of the airflow resistor closes completely, as
shown. In these versions, the edges of the flap 36 may close off
the entire passageway (as shown), or may only occlude a portion of
the passageway. FIG. 8B shows the airflow resistor with flap 36 in
the open position (e.g., during inspiration), thus providing
decreased resistance. Flap 36 may define a hole, or may have other
openings (which may stay open during all or part of the respiratory
cycle) to help modulate the degree of inspiratory and expiratory
resistance. The flap 36 may return to a preferred opened or closed
position. For example, a shape memory material, a spring (such as a
torsion spring), or the holdfast may apply force to flap 36 to
return it to a closed position. For example, the use of foam or
urethane surrounding the airflow resistor may provide such force as
to close flap 36 in the absence of adequate airflow. Bi-leaflet
versions of the airflow resistor are also contemplated and will
have similar function. These bi-leaflet versions may involve
multiple sets of flaps 36, joints 38, and fixed elements 40,
etc.
[0214] FIGS. 9A and 9B show a perspective view of another
embodiment of an airflow resistor that could be used in any of the
respiratory devices described herein. The inner surface of the
passageway shown includes a rim 30 that supports the airflow
resistor. This airflow resistor 24 is also shown as a valve
mechanism. Moveable elements 42a and/or 42b (flaps) are attached to
one another or are constructed from a single piece. Moveable
elements 42a and 42b are attached to the inner surface of the
passageway (shown as a rim 30) at attachment points 44a and 44b,
and these attachment points may allow the valve to pivot around a
hinge 43 in response to direction and amplitude of airflow. In one
version, attachment points 44a and 44b are formed directly into the
rim 30 or holdfast 28 during the manufacturing (e.g., casting)
process. In one version, the hinge is statically attached to an
inner region of the passageway, and the flaps 42a and 42b are
movably (or flexibly) attached to the hinge. FIG. 9A shows this
airflow resistor when the resistance is high (e.g., the flap valve
is mostly closed), as during expiration, and FIG. 9B shows the
airflow resistor when the resistance is low (e.g., the flap valve
is mostly open), as during inspiration.
[0215] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an
airflow resistor that is similar in structure and function to the
device shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. However, the airflow resistor
shown has an internal opening 45 that is located approximately
where moveable elements 42a and 42b pivot relative to one another.
The addition of internal opening 45 modulates airflow (e.g.,
inspiratory or expiratory airflow) by altering the level of
resistance. Addition of this opening reduces the resistance in one
direction (e.g., expiratory resistance, when the flap valve is
"closed") more than resistance in the opposite direction (e.g.,
inspiratory resistance, when the flap valve is "open").
[0216] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an
airflow resistor that is similar in structure and function to the
device shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Peripheral openings 46a and 46b
are placed completely within, or on the periphery of the moveable
elements 42a and 42b. These peripheral openings 46a and 46b also
modulate inspiratory and/or expiratory resistance. The addition of
peripheral openings 46a and 46b helps modulate inspiratory and
expiratory airflow by altering the level of resistance. Addition of
these peripheral openings also reduce the resistance in one
direction (e.g., expiratory resistance, when the flap valve is
"closed") more than resistance in the opposite direction (e.g.,
inspiratory resistance, when the flap valve is "open").
[0217] FIGS. 12A and 12B show more detailed views of the operation
of the valve mechanisms as described in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10, and 11.
In this figure, we assume that the airflow resistor is oriented so
that the airflow resistor increases resistance during expiration
relative to inhalation (e.g., the lungs are located to the right in
FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C). Moveable elements 42a and 42b are coupled
to each other via hinge 43. FIG. 12A demonstrates the valve
mechanism during expiration, in which moveable elements 42a and 42b
are in a closed position due to the expiratory airflow in the
direction from the lungs to the external environment. FIG. 12B
demonstrates the valve mechanism during inspiration, in which
moveable elements 42a and 42b are in an open position due to the
inspiratory airflow in the direction from the external environment
to the lungs. FIG. 12C demonstrates a modification of the valve
mechanism shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B in which there are one or more
apertures within or on the periphery of the moveable elements that
reduce resistance to expiratory airflow, further increasing the
rate of expiratory airflow. All of these valve mechanisms and
configurations can be placed in the opposite orientation so that
inspiratory airflow leads to valve closure and expiration leads to
valve opening.
[0218] Moveable elements (flaps) 42a and 42b of the airflow
resistor may be made of any appropriate material. In particular,
materials which have sufficient stiffness to withstand the forces
applied by the respiratory process. Furthermore, durable materials
(e.g., which may withstand the moisture, etc. of the respiratory
passage) may also be desirable. In some versions, the devices are
disposable, and thus durability may be less critical. Furthermore,
the moveable elements 42a and 42b may also be made from porous
materials or filters, etc. that do not overly restrict or resist
airflow but at the same time can remove debris, pollen, allergens,
and infectious agents for example.
[0219] FIGS. 13A and 13B show perspective views of another airflow
resistor that could be used in any of the devices described herein.
FIG. 13A shows the airflow resistor (a flap valve) in a closed
position, as might be seen during expiration, resulting in
increased resistance to airflow. FIG. 13B shows the airflow
resistor in an open position, as might be seen during inspiration,
resulting in a decreased resistance to airflow relative to the
closed position. Because of the small profile of the retracted flap
valves, the resistance added by the airflow resistor when the
airflow resistor is "open" may be negligible. Moveable elements 42a
and 42b are attached to each other or are a single piece. Moveable
elements 42a and 42b are attached to the walls of the passageway
(in this example, defined by a rim 30), to the rim 30, or to the
holdfast 28 by a securing element 54a and 54b which uses a tab,
adhesives, press fit, external pressure (as from a holdfast 28) or
any way known to those skilled in the art. Internal opening 45 is
located centrally, decreasing the resistance to expiratory airflow
(in the "closed" state), although peripheral locations are also
contemplated. In some versions, the size and number of openings in
the valves may determine the resistance of the airflow resistor.
Thus, the size and number of openings may be selected in order to
determine the I:E ratio.
[0220] FIG. 14 provides a perspective view of another embodiment of
an airflow resistor that is similar in structure and function to
the airflow resistor shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B. In FIG. 14, the
movable elements further comprise a reinforcement support 60a and
60b that is located partially or completely covering the moveable
elements 42a and 42b. The reinforcement support provides additional
structure and/or support to these moveable elements. Furthermore,
reinforcement support 60a and 60b may also promote a more reliable
seal and may standardize the movements of moveable elements 42a and
42b while reducing the likelihood that moveable elements will
invert, buckle in the direction of airflow, or otherwise fail,
especially when exposed to high pressures and airflow as might be
seen during coughing. The addition of reinforcement support 60a and
60b also dampens any whistling or other sounds during inspiration
or expiration. Moveable element 42a and reinforcement support 60a
and moveable element 42b and reinforcement support 60b may be a
single unit (or each "flap" may be a single unit). Alternatively,
both moveable elements 42a and 42b and both reinforcement support
60a and 60b may be a single unit. A central opening 45 is also
shown in the figure.
[0221] FIGS. 15A-15C show perspective views of another embodiment
of an airflow resistor that may be used in any of the devices
described herein. The airflow resistor is similar to that shown in
FIGS. 13A and 13B with the exception that internal opening 45 is
replaced by another airflow resistor 64 (a "nested airflow
resistor"). This nested airflow resistor 64 automatically closes
when the flow through the valve (or the pressure differential
across the valve) falls below a predetermined level. This allows
the airflow resistor (with the nested airflow resistor region) to
provide positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP). In FIG. 15A, the
airflow resistor is shown during exhalation, and the moveable
elements 42a and 42b of the airflow resistor are in the closed
position. The nested portion of the airflow resistor 64 is open so
long as the pressure differential across the airflow resistor
and/or airflow is above a certain level. Thus, this figure
demonstrates the beginning of expiration, when airflow in the
passageway and pressure differential are largest. In FIG. 15B, the
same airflow resistor is again shown during expiration, and
moveable elements 42a and 42b of the airflow resistor are still in
the closed position. However, the nested airflow resistor region 64
now assumes a closed position, since the pressure differential
across the airflow resistor and airflow through the passageway is
no longer above the threshold value. This scenario may correspond
to the later stages of exhalation, when airflow and pressure
differential are decreasing or are lower. Thus, at the end of
exhalation, PEEP has been created. For example, the nested airflow
resistor 64 may be set to close whenever air pressure in the
respiratory orifice coming from the lungs is less than 5.0 cm H20.
FIG. 15C shows the device during inhalation, in which moveable
elements 42a and 42b of the airflow resistor are in the open
positions, allowing inhalatory airflow with minimal resistance to
said airflow.
[0222] FIGS. 16A and 16B show perspective views of another
embodiment of an airflow resistor that may be used in any of the
devices described herein. FIG. 16A shows a hingeless valve 76 in a
closed position during exhalation, in which there is increased
resistance to airflow. FIG. 16B shows a hingeless valve 76 in an
open position during inspiration, in which there is decreased
resistance to airflow. The hingeless valve 76 may also comprise one
or more holes within its structure to allow airflow in either
direction at various stages of the respiratory cycle. For example,
despite being in a closed position, the hingeless valve 76 would
still allow some level of expiratory airflow. Alternatively, the
hingeless valve 76 might never close completely. Even in a closed
state, its flaps may never completely block all airflow.
[0223] FIGS. 17A and 17B show perspective views of another
embodiment of an airflow resistor that could be used in any of the
devices described herein. The membrane-type airflow resistor show
in FIGS. 17A and 17B comprises a membrane 80 (that may or may not
be floppy) that is attached by a connector 82 to the body of the
airflow resistor. During exhalation, shown in FIG. 17A, the
membrane 80 seats itself against a rim 30 and/or an apposition
support 84 which may project from the sides of the passageway
(e.g., from the rim 30) to support the membrane 80 during
exhalation. FIG. 17B shows the situation during inhalation, when
the membrane 80 in a deflected position, thereby decreasing
resistance to inspiratory airflow, and increasing airflow through
the airflow resistor. Membrane 80 may have an opening 86 (or
openings) which remain open during both inspiration and exhalation.
In some versions of the airflow resistor, membrane 80 does not have
an opening. In still other versions, there are several openings
within membrane 80.
[0224] FIGS. 18A and 18B show cross-sectional views of another
embodiment of an airflow resistor that could be used in any of the
devices described herein. FIG. 18A shows the airflow resistor
during inspiration, during which deformable member 90 is unfurled
leading to decreased resistance and increased airflow. FIG. 18B
shows the airflow resistor during expiration, during which
deformable member 90 assumes an orientation or folding
configuration that leads to increased resistance and decreased
airflow. Deformable member 90 may have a preferred default position
(a tendency to default to a preferred orientation in the absence of
external influences or pressures) that may allow such an airflow
resistor to offer a PEEP effect.
[0225] FIGS. 19A and 19B show cross-sectional views of another
embodiment of an airflow resistor that could be used in any of the
devices described herein. This is a stopper-type airflow resistor.
FIG. 19A shows the airflow resistor on exhalation with little to no
airflow and minimal pressure differential across the valve. FIG.
19B shows the device during more robust exhalation, characterized
by increased airflow and increased pressure differential across the
valve. Stopper 92 is connected to return mechanism 94. Stopper 92
may also have an opening within it to allow airflow at all times or
at specific parts of the respiratory cycle (e.g., another, nested,
airflow resistor, such as one allowing airflow during inhalation,
but not exhalation), thereby providing fluid communication between
the airways and the external environment. Alternatively, stopper 92
may have a valve portion that is open during inhalation and closed
during exhalation, or vice versa. In FIG. 19A, the airflow from
right to left is insufficient to overcome the spring force provided
by return mechanism 94, and stopper 92 seals against seating
supports 96a and 96b. In FIG. 19B, the airflow from right to left
is sufficient to overcome the spring force provided by return
mechanism 94, and stopper 92 is displaced leftward and thus
expiratory airflow is allowed. The mechanism described in FIGS. 19A
and 19B is one way in which PEEP can be created by the device.
[0226] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
respiratory device where the device is removable and may be placed
in communication with the nasal cavity. In FIG. 20, a holdfast 28
is located between the patient's nose and the airflow resistor in
the device 1, providing a partial or complete seal, anchoring the
device, and providing comfort for the patient. The holdfast 28 has
a cross section that is roughly circular and capable of fitting
within a patient's nostrils.
[0227] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
respiratory device where the device is removable and may be placed
within the nasal opening. This device shows a holdfast 28 having an
approximately oval cross-section. Many such cross-sectional shapes
are possible to optimize placement, anchoring, sealing, and
comfort, including a variety of conical or asymmetric shapes
designed to fit within a patient's nasal openings. In some cases,
the rim 30 and/or any airflow resistor 4 may also assume any
desired cross sectional shape, including that of an oval or any
other non-circular orientation. In some embodiments, the holdfast
28 will be shapeable, deformable, or adjustable by the patient
either before, after, or during placement of the device.
Alternatively, the device can be customizable to fit individual
patients through the use of imaging modalities including MRI, CT,
x-ray, or direct vision, or through the use of molding techniques
that are common in dentistry and other fields.
[0228] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
respiratory device where the device is removable and may be secured
in fluid communication with a nasal cavity. In this version, the
device does not contain any moveable components that alter airflow.
The device comprises a holdfast 28 and rim 30 that lends the device
support. The device may be oversized to decrease resistance and
increase airflow in one or more directions. In some cases, a drug
(with either an active or inactive ingredient) may be embedded in
or located on any of the device's components, for example, the rim
30. It is appreciated that in some cases, there may be no rim 30,
so long as structural support is provided by another component of
the device, e.g., the holdfast. In this case, the drug may be
loaded or coated on the holdfast or within the passageway.
[0229] FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment
of a respiratory device where the device is removable and may be
secured in communication with a nasal cavity. In this figure, there
are two airflow passageways. Each passageway is shown with an
airflow resistor 24 therein. The holdfast 28 surrounds both
passageways, and each passageway includes an (optional) rim 30.
Each of the flow resistors 24 may increase or decrease resistance
to airflow independently and may work simultaneously or at
different times during the respiratory cycle. For example, in some
cases, during inhalation, one of the airflow resistors 24 may
decrease resistance to airflow while the second airflow resistor 24
increases resistance to airflow. On exhalation, the first airflow
resistor 24 may increase resistance to airflow while the second
airflow resistor 24 decreases resistance to airflow. In other
words, inspiratory airflow may proceed through one location, and
expiratory airflow may proceed through a second location within the
same device.
[0230] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the respiratory device where the device is removable and may be
secured in communication with a nasal cavity. The device is shown
with a fixed filter 98 that is located in the path of the airflow
as it traverses the device. The fixed filter 98 may help clear the
airflow of any solid or liquid particles, debris, odors, allergens,
pollen, and/or infectious agents. This filter 98 may remain roughly
fixed in place during all parts of the respiratory cycle though
some degree of movement may be permitted. A drug may be placed
within or on the surface of one or more components of the device to
provide additional benefit to the patient. The addition of fixed
filter 98 may not lead to increased resistance in either direction,
unless such a design is desired. The fixed filter 98 can be created
from any number of filter materials that are known to those skilled
in the art. This fixed filter 98 may be used in any of the
respiratory devices herein, in addition to, or as an alternative
to, an airflow resistor 4.
[0231] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the respiratory device, where the device is removable and may be
secured in communication with a nasal cavity. The respiratory
device of FIG. 25 comprises a moveable cleansing filter 100 that is
shown located within the device, and which may help to clear the
airflow of solid or liquid particles, debris, odors, allergens,
pollen, and/or infectious agents. In some versions, the filter may
be configured to move so that it filters only during inhalation (or
exhalation), or may move out of the way during periods of extremely
large airflow (or air pressure) in the airflow passageway (e.g.,
during coughing, nose blowing, sneezing).
[0232] FIGS. 26A and 26B are perspective views of one version of a
moveable cleansing filter where the moveable cleansing filter is
shown during inhalation and exhalation respectively. A movable
cleansing filter may be a movable filter, scrubber, or any other
device capable of removing (particularly selectively removing) any
solid or liquid particles, debris, odors, allergens, pollen, and/or
infectious agents. This moveable cleansing filter may be used in
any of the respiratory devices herein, in addition to, or as an
alternative to, an airflow resistor 4. FIG. 26A shows the moveable
cleansing filter (shown as movable filters) during inspiration
(during which airflow travels from right to left in the figure)
leading to displacement of moveable filter elements 102a and 102b
away from one another. FIG. 26B shows the moveable cleansing filter
during expiration (during which airflow travels from left to right
in the figure) leading to displacement of moveable filter elements
102a and 102b towards one another. Thus, on inspiration, airflow
passes through the moveable filter elements 102a and 102b and the
air may be cleansed of the relevant substances. On expiration,
airflow passes both through and around moveable filter elements
102a and 102b. The addition of moveable filter elements 102a and
102b ideally does not lead to increased resistance in either
direction, unless such a design is desired. The moveable filter
elements 102a and 102b can be created from any number of filter
materials that are known to those skilled in the art. One or more
openings or apertures may be placed within the moveable filter
elements 102a and 102b to alter inspiratory or expiratory
resistances.
[0233] FIG. 27 is a three dimensional view of another embodiment of
the subject devices where the device is removable and secured in
communication with both nasal cavities. Nasal mask 108 is
positioned securely against the nose and face in order to minimize
or eliminate the possibility of air leak around the periphery of
the device. The device includes a holdfast comprising straps 110a
and 110b (that facilitate the secure positioning) and a nasal mask
108 that is secured against the face by the straps. The mask's
airflow resistor 116 modulates inspiratory and/or expiratory
resistance during any or all portions of the respiratory cycle.
There is at least one airflow resistor 116 located on the device,
though two or more airflow resistors 116 may be used (e.g., one
placed in proximity to each nostril).
[0234] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the respiratory device, where the device is removable and may be
secured in communication with a nasal cavity. In FIG. 28, a
respiratory device further comprises a respiratory gas supply. A
respiratory gas inlet 120 is shown attached to the respiratory
device, providing gas, such as pure oxygen or mixed oxygen to the
passageway. An airflow resistor 24 is included within the
passageway which may modify inspiratory and/or expiratory
resistance during any or all portions of the respiratory cycle. In
some versions of the device, the airflow resistor 24 during
exhalation may feature a flap mechanism in which the flap partially
or completely occludes respiratory gas inlet 120, thereby only
providing release of gas when the patient is inhaling and the flow
resistor 24 is therefore open to some degree. The device that
provides the respiratory gas may be permanently or non-permanently
fixed, attached, or otherwise coupled to the holdfast, rim, or
airflow resistor via a press fit, adhesive, or in some other
fashion. In some cases, the respiratory gas supply may be an
off-the-shelf device that that provides respiratory gas, as is
currently available from multiple manufacturers.
[0235] The aforementioned devices and methods of using them may
provide a first airflow resistance to airflow from proximal airways
to distal airways (inhalation) and a second flow resistance to
airflow from distal airways to proximal airways (expiration). In
some of the respiratory devices described herein, when expiratory
airflow and/or expiratory airway pressures fall below a threshold
(one that is too low to keep an airflow resistor mechanism open),
expiration airflow will be stopped, leading to PEEP. As a result,
normal inspiration, normal expiration, and PEEP are accommodated
while offering potential benefits to the patient, including
clinical benefits.
[0236] Uses of the Respiratory Devices
[0237] The respiratory devices and methods described herein may be
used for a variety of therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes. A
description of some of these uses is given below. The respiratory
devices and methods described herein may be used in other ways as
well, and these examples are not to be considered exhaustive.
[0238] Generally, the respiratory devices described herein may
improve the respiratory and cardiovascular function of a person in
need thereof (e.g., a patient). Thus, these respiratory devices may
be used therapeutically, for example, to cure, treat or ameliorate
the symptoms of a variety of medical disease states. Furthermore,
the respiratory devices may be useful in generally improving the
health and wellbeing of any person.
[0239] Disease states which may be treated by the devices and
methods described herein include but are not limited to: heart
failure (right-sided and/or left-sided), COPD, pulmonary edema,
sleep apnea (obstructive and/or central), sleep-disordered
breathing, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, insomnia, snoring and other
sleep disorders, asthma, bronchomalacia, acute lung injury, ARDS,
cystic fibrosis, hypoxemic respiratory failure, gastroesophageal
reflux disease, hiatal hernia, heartburn, hypertension, myocardial
infarction, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, cardiac valve disease
(either stenosis or regurgitation of the mitral, aortic, tricuspid,
or pulmonic valves), stroke, transient ischemic attack, increased
cerebral pressure, a variety of inflammatory diseases, and
degenerative neurologic conditions. Moreover, the devices be
beneficial for patients being weaned off mechanical ventilation, as
well as post-operative patients.
[0240] The increased pressure within the airways may reduce the
amount and frequency of pulmonary edema, a common consequence of
heart failure. Afterload and preload on the heart may also be
affected; for example, afterload and preload may be decreased in
patients with heart failure. Filling pressures may be increased or,
more likely, decreased. Decreasing filling pressure may potentially
benefit patients with failing hearts. Gas exchange may improve in
many cases, leading to increases in pO2 and decreases in pCO2. In
some cases, the level of pCO2 may actually increase or become more
stable and less likely to fluctuate. This increase in the stability
of pCO2 levels may lead to profound benefits in patients with
central sleep apnea and in patients with Cheyne-Stokes breathing,
for example.
[0241] Any location within the body that is exposed to respiratory
airflow (including but not limited to the upper airway, trachea,
bronchi, nasopharynx, oropharynx, nasal cavity, oral cavity, vocal
cords, larynx, tonsils and related structures, back of the tongue,
sinuses, and turbinates) may benefit from the increased airway
pressure and increased duration of expiratory airflow. In some
cases, there will be a reduction in swelling and edema in these
locations, leading to increased diameters of the airways and
conduits in which the airflow passes. This leads to less of a
tendency for these structures to collapse upon inhalation.
Moreover, these structures may be less prone to create noise on
inspiration or expiration, thereby reducing the quantity and/or
quality of snoring. Put another way, the reduction of edema in the
airways may make it less likely that these structures will collapse
and may reduce the volume and frequency of snoring, apnea, or
hypopnea. Furthermore, reduction in swelling and edema and improved
lymphatic flow due to these positive pressures may reduce nasal
congestion, inflammation, and sinusitis for example.
[0242] The respiratory device may also increase lung compliance.
For example, lung compliance may increase partly if fluid which
might otherwise be in the lung and alveoli is driven away by the
increased airway pressure. This increased lung compliance may make
it easier to breathe and may require less effort and force on the
part of the patient to displace the diaphragm a certain distance to
achieve a certain tidal volume. Moreover, increased lung compliance
may decrease the pressure differential between the alveoli and
mouth. As this pressure differential decreases, it becomes less
likely that an inhalation attempt will induce a collapse of the
upper airway. Thus, an increase in lung compliance may herald a
reduction in the frequency or severity of obstructive sleep apnea
or hypopnea episodes. Similarly, snoring frequency and severity
(volume) may be reduced for similar reasons.
[0243] The respiratory device may also improve ejection fraction.
This effect may be mediated via increases in intra-thoracic
pressure and alterations in transmural pressures and the beneficial
effects on preload and afterload on the failing heart. In addition
to left-sided benefits to the heart, there may also be benefits
afforded to the right side of the heart. Improving ejection
fraction with the respiratory devices described herein may result
in positive short- and long-term changes to the energetics and
biologic properties of the heart tissue. Some of these positive
changes may mimic the positive remodeling changes seen in hearts
treated with various complicated cardiac support devices such as
those developed by Acorn Cardiovascular (St. Paul, Minn.) and
Paracor Medical (Sunnyvale, Calif.). These expiratory resistors use
the patient's own intra-thoracic pressure to "support" the
patient's heart. Moreover, because the support potentially provided
by the respiratory devices described herein is not limited to just
the ventricle, it may support the atria, which can also be severely
affected by heart failure and other cardiac or pulmonary diseases.
There may be reductions in left ventricular and left atrial sizes,
both in the shorter and longer term. Furthermore, cardiac
sympathetic activation may be reduced, and cardiac output may be
increased or decreased depending on the nature of the resistance
provided.
[0244] There are a variety of other beneficial effects of enhanced
expiratory resistance and increases in intra-thoracic pressure that
may be achieved with the respiratory devices described herein.
Examples include decreased heart rate and blood pressure. There may
be a reduction in the number of arrhythmias, including but not
limited to atrial/supraventricular and ventricular fibrillation,
atrial/supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias, heart block,
and other common arrhythmias. Thus, the respiratory devices
described herein may also reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac
death and other cardiac disorders. Furthermore, coronary perfusion
may be expected to increase. Further, expiratory resistance and
increased intra-thoracic pressures may lead to improvements in
gastroesophageal reflux disease (i.e. heartburn), gastritis,
Barrett's esophagus, esophageal cancer, hiatal hernia, and other
causes of diaphragmatic hernia. This effect may be mediated by the
compression of the esophagus located within the thorax due to the
increased intra-thoracic pressures. As a result, food and other
stomach contents may no longer be able to reflux superiorly into
the esophagus, which is otherwise common when patients are lying
down. Furthermore, hernias (primarily hiatal) may be reduced and
pushed back into the abdomen by the increased intra-thoracic
pressure. The use of these respiratory devices may have beneficial
effects on other gastroenterologic conditions beyond those already
described.
[0245] Cardiac valve disease, including but not limited to mitral,
tricuspid, pulmonic and aortic regurgitation, and mitral,
tricuspid, pulmonic and aortic stenosis may also benefit from the
respiratory devices described herein. In particular, the
respiratory device may affect mitral regurgitation and may help
prevent further annular dilatation (a byproduct of heart failure
and generalized heart dilation).
[0246] Use of the respiratory devices described herein will result
in a reduction in respiratory rate, which may be very helpful in
diseases such as COPD, asthma, hyperventilation, and anxiety
disorders including panic attacks, among others. The ratio of
inspiratory time to expiratory time (I:E ratio) may be decreased
with the device. Tidal volumes may increase as well. For example,
in COPD, the increased resistance may facilitate improved
expiratory function. This may also allow the patient to benefit
from larger tidal volumes and increased minute ventilation. In
embodiments in which the respiratory device creates PEEP (positive
end expiratory pressure), the amount of PEEP (or resistance
generated by the device) may overcome some, or all, of the
intrinsic PEEP that is common in patients with COPD. In patients
with COPD or other pulmonary disorders, gas exchange may improve.
In this case, gas exchange refers to the removal of CO2 from the
body and addition of O2 into the blood stream from inspired air.
Thus, pO2 may increase and pCO2 may decrease, particularly in
patients with COPD, but more generally in all patients treated with
the device. Moreover, oxygen saturation may increase, reflecting an
increase of oxygen binding to hemoglobin.
[0247] Other benefits offered by the respiratory device may include
a reduction in diaphragm fatigue and improved efficiency of the
accessory muscles of inspiration. This may make breathing
significantly easier in patients with pulmonary disease, and more
specifically COPD and cystic fibrosis.
[0248] As previously mentioned, the respiratory devices described
herein may decrease respiratory rate. It has been shown that slowed
breathing techniques can lead to a reduction in blood pressure.
Thus, the device may reduce blood pressure in a patient, including
patients with hypertension (systemic and pulmonary). The reduction
in blood pressure may be systolic and/or diastolic. Reductions in
blood pressure may be on the order of 1-70 mm Hg systolic or
diastolic. This may bring the patient to normal (<140/80 mm Hg)
or near normal (<160/100 mm Hg) levels. In patients who are
being treated for hypertension, the device could be used as an
adjunctive therapy to drugs or as a stand-alone therapy in some
patients. In some versions, a respiratory device as described
herein may be used for short periods (minutes, hours, or longer)
over a span of days to weeks to months to offer longer term
benefits for weeks or months after the cessation of therapy.
Treatments may last 15 seconds to 24 hours and may be repeated over
a regular or irregular interval, for example, on the order of hours
to days. The devices may be worn at night or day, while awake or
during sleep, to slow respiratory rate. A reduction in blood
pressure and/or heart rate may be seen while the device is in
place, or after the device has been removed. This may be due to
hormonal influences whose effects last longer than the period in
which the device is in place. More specifically, the device may
work though either a sympathetic or parasympathetic pathway.
[0249] Expiratory resistance may also prolong expiratory time,
which may reduce the respiratory rate. Thus, the devices described
herein may be used to reduce respiratory rate. This may have
benefits in treating insomnia, since it may promote a sense of
relaxation in the user, through increased parasympathetic
stimulation, decreased sympathetic simulation, and/other hormonal
and non-hormonal effects. This may also promote a sense of
wellbeing or relaxation that may allow the user to fall asleep
easier and quicker and improve sleep quality and quantity. Thus,
the respiratory devices described herein represent a novel
non-pharmacologic method of treating insomnia and promoting
relaxation. The device may be used throughout the day and/or night
to promote said relaxation and wellbeing.
[0250] The respiratory devices described herein may also be used to
treat or ameliorate disorders characterized by ineffective,
non-productive, or otherwise disturbed inspiration (including but
not limited to obstructive sleep apnea or restrictive pulmonary
disease). For example, with the device in place, a patient may be
more likely to have slightly elevated lung volumes after
exhalation. Put another way, more air than normal may be present in
the lungs after exhalation when using some versions of the device.
Fewer alveoli may be collapsed; thus inhalation may be easier
because it will require less effort to re-open the alveoli during
the subsequent breath. Moreover, pulmonary congestion and pulmonary
edema may also be reduced, so compliance may be improved. As a
result, it may require less effort for patients to inhale. It
follows that a smaller pressure differential (between the alveoli
and the mouth) will be required. The smaller the pressure
differential, the less likely that the patient's conducting airways
(including the upper airways and pharyngeal tissues) will collapse,
thus reducing the likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea, hypopnea,
and snoring.
[0251] Infectious diseases may also benefit from the respiratory
devices described herein. These diseases include but are not
limited to pneumonia (community and hospital acquired),
tuberculosis, bronchitis, HIV, and SARS.
[0252] The respiratory devices may also be useful in pulmonary or
cardiac rehabilitation. For example, the device may find use in
patients with chronic pulmonary disease including but not limited
to chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis,
cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Alternatively, the
devices may benefit patients with cardiac disease, including but
not limited to: angina, myocardial infarction, right or left sided
heart failure, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, valve disease,
pulmonary embolus, and arrhythmia.
[0253] Patients with obesity may also benefit from the use of the
respiratory devices described herein. Obesity can contribute to
exercise intolerance partly because it increases the metabolic
requirement during activity and alters ventilatory mechanics by
reducing functional residual capacity (FRC) and promoting
atelectasis. Obesity may also reduce cardiac reserve, since a
higher than normal cardiac output response is required during
physical activity. This in turn may cause systemic hypertension,
which increases left ventricular afterload. Thus, the device,
through its potential reduction in atelectasis and beneficial
effects on FRC, cardiac output, and blood pressure may be useful in
patients with obesity.
[0254] The respiratory devices may also be used by athletes, for
example, during both aerobic and non-aerobic activities, partially
because of the potentially beneficial direct effects on the heart
and on gas exchange. In some versions, the respiratory device may
be oversized, to increase the amount of inspiratory airflow,
potentially increasing the amount of oxygen transmitted to the
lungs for gas exchange.
[0255] The respiratory devices described herein may also be used
for therapeutic and non-therapeutic effects on sleep. Sleep quality
may be improved, with more slow-wave sleep, fewer arousals, and
improved REM sleep. The user may have more productive sleep and may
be less tired during the day. Furthermore, the beneficial effects
of the device may extend beyond the period of use, and into the
daytime as well, even when the device's use is limited to the night
(e.g., when the user is sleeping). In some cases, sympathetic
discharge may be reduced and/or parasympathetic discharge may be
increased. Thus, the device may have positive benefits on the
autonomic nervous system. This may offer beneficial systemic
effects as well as local effects, some of which have already been
described.
[0256] The respiratory devices described herein may also be used in
other locations besides the nasal and oral cavities. Indeed, any
location in the body that is serves as an entry or exit location
for respiratory airflow or serves as a conducting airway or conduit
for airflow may benefit from the use of the devices described
herein. For example, a device may be used within, on the external
surface of, or near a stoma site (e.g., for use in a patient after
a tracheostomy).
[0257] Inflammation (which is present in a variety of disease
states) may also be reduced using the respiratory device, possibly
via the aforementioned parasympathetic or sympathetic mediated
effects and/or effects of the vagus nerve and its stimulation. The
treatment of any condition mediated by an inflammatory cytokine
cascade is within the scope of the devices and methods described
herein. In some embodiments, the respiratory device is used to
treat a condition where the inflammatory cytokine cascade is
affected through release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from a
macrophage. The condition may be one where the inflammatory
cytokine cascade causes a systemic reaction, such as with septic
shock. Alternatively, the condition may be mediated by a localized
inflammatory cytokine cascade, as in rheumatoid arthritis. Examples
of conditions which may be usefully treated using the respiratory
devices described herein include, but are not limited to:
appendicitis, peptic, gastric or duodenal ulcers, peritonitis,
pancreatitis, ulcerative, pseudomembranous, acute or ischemic
colitis, diverticulitis, epiglottitis, achalasia, cholangitis,
cholecystitis, hepatitis, Crohn's disease, enteritis, Whipple's
disease, asthma, allergy, anaphylactic shock, immune complex
disease, organ ischemia, reperfusion injury, organ necrosis, hay
fever, sepsis, septicemia, endotoxic shock, cachexia, hyperpyrexia,
eosinophilic granuloma, granulomatosis, sarcoidosis, septic
abortion, epididymitis, vaginitis, prostatitis, urethritis,
bronchitis, emphysema, rhinitis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonitis,
pneumoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis, alvealitis,
bronchiolitis, pharyngitis, pleurisy, sinusitis, influenza,
respiratory syncytial virus, herpes, disseminated bacteremia,
Dengue fever, candidiasis, malaria, filariasis, amebiasis, hydatid
cysts, burns, dermatitis, dermatomyositis, sunburn, urticaria,
warts, wheals, vasulitis, angiitis, endocarditis, arteritis,
atherosclerosis, thrombophlebitis, pericarditis, myocarditis,
myocardial ischemia, periarteritis nodosa, rheumatic fever,
Alzheimer's disease, coeliac disease, congestive heart failure,
adult respiratory distress syndrome, meningitis, encephalitis,
multiple sclerosis, cerebral infarction, cerebral embolism,
Guillame-Bane syndrome, neuritis, neuralgia, spinal cord injury,
paralysis, uveitis, arthritides, arthralgias, osteomyelitis,
fasciitis, Paget's disease, gout, periodontal disease, rheumatoid
arthritis, synovitis, myasthenia gravis, thryoiditis, systemic
lupus erythematosus, Goodpasture's syndrome, Behcets's syndrome,
allograft rejection, graft-versus-host disease, diabetes,
ankylosing spondylitis, Berger's disease, Retier's syndrome, or
Hodgkins disease.
[0258] Furthermore, the respiratory devices and methods of using
them may be used by or applied to a variety of different types of
animals. Representative animals with which the methods and devices
find use include, but are not limited to: canines; felines;
equines; bovines; ovines; etc. and primates, particularly humans.
The respiratory devices described herein may also be packaged for
use. For example, the respiratory devices may be packaged
individually or as a set (e.g., in sets of pairs, particularly in
variations in which an individual device is used with each
nostril). Furthermore, the packaging may be sterile, sterilizable,
or clean.
[0259] The respiratory devices described herein may also be
provided as part of a kit that includes at least one of the
devices. Examples of kits may include a respiratory device and
instructions for how to use the device. The instructions are
generally recorded on a suitable recording medium. For example, the
instructions may be printed on a substrate, such as paper or
plastic, etc. As such, the instructions may be present in the kits
as a package insert, in the labeling of the container of the kit or
components thereof (i.e., associated with the packaging or
sub-packaging) etc. In other embodiments, the instructions are
present as an electronic storage data file present on a suitable
computer readable storage medium, e.g., CD-ROM, diskette, etc. The
instructions may take any form, including complete instructions on
how to use the device, or references, directing a user to using
additional sources for instructions (e.g., a website address with
which instructions posted on the world wide web).
EXAMPLES
[0260] The following examples are offered by way of illustration
and not by way of limitation.
[0261] A. Removable Application in the Oral Cavity
[0262] A respiratory device adapted for use in the oral cavity
(e.g., any of the devices shown in FIGS. 1-3) may be placed into a
subject's mouth by medical personnel or by the subject. The
respiratory device may be secured in place by the subject's teeth,
gums, tongue, lips, palate or shape of the oral cavity or
surrounding anatomy including the jaw, nose, chin, or skin. The
respiratory device may also (or alternatively) be secured by use of
an adhesive, a securing strap, or by other holdfast. The use of an
adhesive may further improve the seal between the device and the
oral cavity. The device may be worn during the night or day, while
the patient is awake or sleeping. In some cases, the device may be
worn continuously for extended periods of time (e.g., minutes,
hours, days). These devices are meant to provide benefits to
subjects suffering from COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, insomnia,
hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hiatal hernia and
other medical conditions mentioned previously.
[0263] In some embodiments, the device works as follows. During
inhalation, the valve mechanism remains in the open position as
airflow proceeds from the external environment into the airways and
lungs. Open position means any position in which resistance to
airflow is reduced or minimized during inhalation more than
exhalation. This can be achieved using any of the airflow resistor
embodiments described earlier. During exhalation, the airflow from
the airways and lungs to the outside environment occurs, and an
airflow resistor (e.g., a valve mechanism) subjects this exhalation
airflow to greater resistance than during inhalation. Thus,
resistance during inhalation is less than exhalation resistance,
providing the desired effect to the subject.
[0264] B. Removable Application in the Nasal Cavity
[0265] A respiratory device adapted for use in the nasal cavity
(e.g., any of the devices shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 20, and 21) may be
placed into one or more of the subject's nostrils by medical
personnel or by the subject himself. The respiratory device may be
secured in place in the subject's nostrils by the interaction
between the nostril cavity and the holdfast of the device, as shown
in FIGS. 4 and 5. The use of an adhesive may further improve the
seal between the device and the nasal cavity. The device may be
worn during the night or day, while the patient is awake or
sleeping. In some cases, the device may be worn around the clock.
These devices may provide benefits to subjects suffering from COPD,
heart failure, sleep apnea, insomnia, hypertension,
gastroesophageal reflux disease, hiatal hernia and other medical
conditions, as mentioned previously.
[0266] In some embodiments, the respiratory device worn in a nasal
cavity works as follows. During inhalation, the valve mechanism
remains in the open position as airflow proceeds from the external
environment into the airways and lungs. Open position means any
position in which resistance to airflow is reduced or minimized
during inhalation more than exhalation. This may be achieved using
any of the airflow resistor embodiments described earlier. During
exhalation, the airflow from the airways and lungs to the outside
environment occurs, and valve mechanism subjects this exhalation
airflow to greater resistance than during inhalation. Thus,
resistance during inhalation is less than exhalation resistance,
providing the desired effect to the subject. In some versions, it
may be preferable to regulate the airflow of both nostrils. For
example, it may be desirable to have a single respiratory device
that regulates airflow into the nasal cavity (as in FIG. 27), or to
have a respiratory device that has airflow resistors for both
nostrils, or to simply block all airflow through one nostril and
use a respiratory device to regulate airflow through the other
nostril.
[0267] C. Removable Filtering Application in the Nasal Cavity:
[0268] In one embodiment of the methods for using a respiratory
device, a respiratory device as shown in either FIG. 24 or FIG. 25
is placed into one of more of the subject's nostrils by medical
personnel or by the subject. The respiratory device is secured in
the subject's nostrils (e.g., by the interaction between the
holdfast of the device and the subject's nostrils). The use of an
adhesive may further improve the seal between the device and the
nasal cavity. The device can be worn during the night or day, while
the patient is awake or sleeping. In some cases, the device can be
worn continuously. These devices may provide benefits to subjects
suffering from allergies and allergy-related diseases, sinusitis,
post-nasal drip, and other medical ailments as described
herein.
[0269] In some embodiments, the device works as follows. During
inhalation, the fixed cleansing filter 98 or moveable cleansing
filter 100 filters airflow from the external environment before it
passes into the airways and lungs. During exhalation, in which
airflow proceeds from the airways and lungs to the outside
environment, the fixed cleansing filter 98 remains in the path of
the airflow, while the moveable cleansing filter 100 may deflect or
move so that less airflow passes through it (and more airflow
passes around it). In either case, it may be preferable for the
cleansing filter not to add any additional resistance to either
inspiratory or expiratory airflow, though in some cases, that
addition of resistance to inspiratory and/or expiratory airflow may
be desired.
[0270] D. Removable Nostril Opening Application
[0271] In one embodiment of the methods for using a respiratory
device, the device shown in FIG. 22 is placed into one of more of
the subject's nostrils by medical personnel or by the subject where
it is kept in place by the subject's nostrils. The device can be
worn during the night or day, while the patient is awake or
sleeping. In some cases, the device can be worn continuously. In
this way, these devices may provide benefits to subjects suffering
from sleep apnea, snoring, and other medical ailments described
herein as well as to subjects desiring improved athletic
performance.
[0272] In some embodiments, the device works as follows. During
inhalation, the device props open the nostrils to minimize airflow
resistance and to prevent the nostrils from collapsing or partially
closing due to negative pressures within the nose. On exhalation,
the device facilitates expiratory airflow, again by propping open
the nostrils and increasing the size of the lumen available for
airflow.
[0273] The respiratory devices may improve the respiratory,
cardiac, and general health of the patient by mimicking the effects
of pursed-lip breathing, which is adopted instinctively by many
affected patients or by mimicking the expiratory resistance
produced by non-invasive ventilation. Physiologically, the devices
described herein may provide the same beneficial effects as those
experienced in pursed-lip breathing, specifically: improving oxygen
saturation; decreasing respiratory rate; and increasing tidal
volume. The devices may also provide beneficial cardiac effects,
including: decreased blood pressure; decreased afterload; decreased
preload; decreased heart rate; and improved ejection fraction. This
in turn may reduce the probability of the affected patient
developing hypertension, heart failure, pulmonary edema, sleep
apnea and other sequelae secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease or heart failure. Furthermore, the devices may offer the
significant advantage of freeing the patient from constantly
pursing the lips, or having to be connected to a non-invasive
ventilator via a breathing tube. In contrast to pursed-lip
breathing, which cannot be performed during sleep, and non-invasive
ventilation devices that are used primarily at night (and cannot be
used during the performance of daily activities), these devices may
provide increased expiratory resistance throughout the entire day.
Furthermore, respiratory devices may be provided for cleansing the
inspired air and also for propping open the nostrils. These devices
represent novel, non-invasive methods of treating diseases such as
allergies, sinusitis, sleep apnea and others described herein.
[0274] Described here are respiratory devices, kits, and methods
for their use in improving respiratory and cardiovascular function.
In particular, any of the respiratory devices described herein may
be configured for creating positive end expiratory pressure during
respiration (PEEP) effect in a subject wearing the device are
described. These respiratory devices are referred to as respiratory
devices or simply as "devices." The devices and methods described
herein may be useful to treat a variety of medical disease states,
and may also be useful for non-therapeutic purposes. The devices
and methods described herein are not limited to the particular
embodiments described. Variations of the particular embodiments
described may be made and still fall within the scope of the
appended claims. It is also to be understood that the examples and
particular embodiments described are not intended to be
limiting.
[0275] The following descriptions including various design
parameters or goals, and methods and devices which fit the design
parameters or goals. The devices and methods described herein (and
recited by any claims) are not limited to any particular theory of
operation.
[0276] The devices for achieving PEEP described herein typically
include: one or more passageways through which air may pass to
enter or exit a respiratory orifice; a holdfast for securing the
device to, at least partially over, and/or at least partially
within a subject's respiratory orifice; and an airflow resistor, or
airflow resistors, for regulating the passage of air through the
passageway(s) to achieve PEEP. Furthermore, these devices (and
methods for using them to achieve PEEP) typically do not require
the application of an external pressure (e.g., from a continuous
pressure source such as a pump), but operate only upon pressure
generated by the subject wearing the device. Further, these devices
and methods for using them may be easy to use, and may be removable
and insertable by user without special tools. The devices are
typically reliable, and may be small and inexpensive to
manufacture.
[0277] In operation, a device configured as a PEEP device (or PEEP
valve) offers only minimal resistance to inhalation, but has a very
high resistance during low pressure exhalation up to a threshold
pressure, and a lower resistance to exhalation above that threshold
pressure. As described in greater detail below, the devices for
achieving PEEP described herein may have a characteristic
resistance profile.
[0278] Resistance Profiles of PEEP Devices
[0279] As used herein, the resistance profile of a device refers to
the relationship between pressure across the device, and flow of
air through the device. The resistance profile of a device is
influenced by the shape and size of the passage(s) through the
device, but it may be primarily influenced by the operation of the
airflow resistor (or airflow resistors). As described in more
detail below, an airflow resistor may include one or more valve or
valves. Thus, in the descriptions that follow, an airflow resistor
may be referred to as a valve for simplicity. However, the airflow
resistors may include additional components in addition to the
valve, and may also include multiple valves as part of a single
airflow resistor. Thus, an airflow resistor may be referred to as a
valve.
[0280] In general, a nasal respiratory device including an airflow
resistor has a resistance profile to expiration and inspiration.
For example, FIG. 30 shows a typical resistance profile for a
tubular body (e.g., a passageway) without a valve present. By
convention, the x-axis of a resistance profile shows the pressure
across the device (in cm of H2O). Pressure may also be represented
as the pressure difference between the subject's respiratory system
(e.g., oral cavity, nasal cavity, upper respiratory tract, etc.)
and the external atmosphere (atmosphere). The y-axis shows the flow
through the device (ml/sec). For the sake of simplicity, the
devices described by these resistance profiles are assumed to be
oriented so that inspiration results in negative flow (e.g., from
the proximal to the distal end of the device) and expiration
results in flow in the positive direction (e.g., from the distal to
the proximal end of the device). Thus, in all of the resistance
profiles shown, inspiration (or inhalation) is represented by
negative flow through the device, and expiration (or exhalation) is
represented by positive flow through the device. As would be
apparent to one of skill in the art, the orientation of the device
may be switched so that the relative inspiratory and expiratory
resistances may be reversed.
[0281] The resistance of the device is a function of flow/pressure,
as indicated by FIGS. 1-7. For simplicity, this resistance is often
referred to as the resistance of the valve.
[0282] In all of the resistance profiles described below, the
pressure is expressed as pressure in cm of H2O (or "cm H2O"). A
positive pressure occurs when the pressure on the side of the
device fluidly connected with the inside of a subject's respiratory
tract (e.g., within the nasal or oral cavity) is greater than the
atmospheric pressure. A negative pressure occurs when the subject's
respiratory tract pressure (e.g., intranasal or intraoral pressure)
is below atmospheric pressure. For ease of explanation, the
resistance profiles illustrate pressure-flow characteristics
showing linear behaviors (e.g., constant slopes).
[0283] In the resistance profile shown in FIG. 30 for a device
without an airflow resistor, the resistance through the passageway
of the device is constant, shown as a straight line passing through
the origin. Thus, for this low resistance device, as pressure
increases, flow increases precipitously. The pressure-flow profile
for a tubular member without a valve (or other airflow resistor)
has a steep slope across both inhalation and exhalation. The slope
would be infinite (e.g., vertical) showing zero resistance to flow,
but because there is a finite passage size for air passage, there
will always be some discernable resistance.
[0284] FIG. 31 shows the effect of a simple airflow resistor within
the passageway. A fixed resistor such a hole that limits the size
of the passageway changes the resistance, which is reflected by a
decrease in the slope from the unblocked condition shown in FIG.
30. In FIG. 31, the slope has decreased (reflecting an increase in
resistance) over both inhalation and exhalation, since airflow is
equally impeded in either direction. The resistance is constant
over the range of pressures shown for inhalation and exhalation.
Thus, increasing or decreasing pressure across the device (shown by
the open arrows) results in a constant rate of change (slope).
[0285] A. Simple Differential Resistance
[0286] An airflow resistor may restrict the airflow within the
passageway more in one direction than another. FIG. 32 shows a
resistance profile for a device having a simple "differential
resistance" airflow resistor. A differential resistance device has
a different resistance to airflow through the device at different
parts of the respiratory cycle. As used herein, a simple
differential resistance device is a particular type of differential
resistive device. In general, a simple differential resistive
device has a substantially constant, low resistance to airflow
during inhalation, and a substantially constant but higher
resistance to airflow during expiration.
[0287] Thus, a simple differential resistance device has a
different resistance for inhalation than for exhalation. FIG. 32
shows a resistance profile for one example of a simple differential
resistance device. This device has a low (but constant) resistance
for inhalation, as shown by the steep linear slope during negative
pressures, and a higher (but constant) resistance during
exhalation, as shown by the flatter linear slope during positive
pressures. Respiration through this device switches from inhalation
to exhalation at the zero pressure point.
[0288] Simple differential resistance valves are described in
detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/298,640, filed Dec.
8, 2005, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Exemplary respiratory devices include simple flap valves (having
one or more flaps); hingeless valves; stopper-type valves;
membrane-type valves; ball valves; balloon-type valves; duck-bill
valves, umbrella valves, and the like, in which the valve is open
during inhalation, but closed (or at least partially closed) during
exhalation, and may include one or more leak passageways through
which air may pass.
[0289] Other types of differential resistance devices may have
different resistance profiles. In particular, a respiratory device
may have different resistances at different pressures during
expiration.
[0290] B. Differential Resistance Devices with Threshold for
Opening During Expiration
[0291] FIG. 33 shows a device having a resistance profile in which
there is a threshold pressure for opening during expiration. In
FIG. 33, for convenience, only the flow over the positive
(expiration) pressures is shown. The inhalational pressure
(negative pressures) can be assumed to be a constant low pressure,
as shown in FIG. 34. In FIG. 33, the resistance of the device at
low expiratory pressures across the device (e.g., between 0 cm of
H2O and 10 cm of H2O) is infinite, shown by the flat slope. At 10
cm of H2O, the resistance decreases to a constant level. Three
different cases (shown by the three different lines, A, B and C)
are shown for devices having three different constant resistances.
Thus, in this example, the threshold pressure for opening is 10 cm
of H2O.
[0292] Thus, in some variations, it may be desirable to block all
(or substantially all) flow at low pressures during expiration
until a predetermined pressure threshold for opening is reached.
After this threshold is reached, the device (e.g., a valve within
the device) opens, allowing air to flow through it. Depending upon
the resistance to flow when the device opens, you can have many
different pressure-flow relationships above this threshold value,
as seen by lines A, B and C. For example, line A represents a lower
resistance device, line B represents a moderate resistance device,
and line C represents a higher resistance device. In any of these
devices, it does not matter whether the pressure is increasing or
decreasing, as the flow will match the pressure differential for
any pressure across the device.
[0293] FIG. 34 shows another example of a differential resistance
device having a threshold for opening during expiration. A device
having the resistance profile shown in FIG. 34 may be ideal for
PEEP. During inhalation (at negative pressure across the device),
the device has a very low resistance (e.g., the airflow resistor
may be substantially open during inhalation). During exhalation at
low pressures (e.g., between zero and the threshold for opening of
10 cm of H2O) there is no flow. For example, the airflow resistor
is closed. Above the threshold for opening, the resistance again
drops, because air may flow through the airflow resistor.
[0294] In an actual differential resistance device having a
threshold for opening during expiration, there may be some flow at
low pressure, although this may be very high resistance flow (e.g.,
around the edge of the valve), which would be seen on a resistance
profile as a relatively flat (though not completely flat) slope. In
addition, although the resistance profiles shown herein have abrupt
transitions between high and low (or low and high) resistance
regions, in practice the slopes may transition gradually (e.g., as
the valve opens or closes).
[0295] Differential resistance devices having resistance profiles
such as those shown in FIG. 34 may be useful as PEEP devices
because they may help maintain positive end expiratory pressure
within the subject's respiratory tract. For example, near the end
of the expiratory portion of a respiratory cycle the pressure by
which air is expelled may decrease as expiration ends. Thus, a
subject expiring through a differential resistance device having a
threshold for opening such as the one shown in FIG. 34 may be
prevented from completely expelling air during expiration,
resulting in a positive end expiratory pressure. In some
variations, a respiration device configured as a PEEP device has a
threshold for opening of less than about 15 cm H2O, less than about
12 cm H2O, less than about 10 cm H2O, less than about 8 cm H2O,
less than about 4 cm H2O, etc. For example, the threshold for
opening may be between about 1 cm H2O and about 15 cm H2O, or
between about 1 cm H2O and about 10 cm H2O.
[0296] Exemplary devices having resistance profiles similar to
those shown in FIG. 34 are described more fully below, in the
section titled "Exemplary Devices." In general, these devices may
include an airflow resistor that is configured to be open during
inhalation, and is closed at low pressure during exhalation, but at
some threshold for opening, the airflow resistor opens to allow
flow. For example, the airflow resistor may be biased in the
direction of expiratory flow so that the pressure across the
airflow resistor must exceed some threshold amount before it opens.
In some variations, the airflow resistor is a bistable valve, which
changes from a first stable configuration (e.g., closed during
low-pressure expiration) to a second stable configuration (e.g.,
open during high-pressure expiration) when the pressure across the
device reaches the threshold pressure.
[0297] In some variations (particularly bistable valve variations),
the transition from open during high-pressure operation to closed
during low-pressure operation does not occur at the same threshold
pressure. These devices may have a resistance profile similar to
that shown in FIG. 35.
[0298] C. Differential Resistance Devices with Threshold Release
During Expiration
[0299] FIG. 35 shows a differential resistance device with a
threshold for opening and a threshold release during expiration.
This means that during expiration, at low pressure the device is
closed, but when the pressure across the device reaches a first
threshold (the threshold for opening) the valve in the device opens
to allow airflow. However, this open valve does not close until the
pressure across the device reaches a second threshold (a threshold
pressure for closing).
[0300] For simplicity sake, only the expiratory portion of the
resistance profile is shown in FIG. 35. At low expiratory pressures
across the device (e.g., between zero and the threshold for opening
shown here as 10 cm of H2O) the device is effectively closed,
preventing any airflow across the device (e.g., having an infinite
resistance). When the airflow resistor is closed, but the pressure
across the device exceeds the threshold for opening, the airflow
resistor will open, allowing airflow with a low resistance. In this
embodiment, however, the airflow resistor does not re-close (e.g.,
reset) when the pressure across the device falls below the
threshold for opening. Instead, the pressure must fall below a
threshold for closing during expiration. In FIG. 35, this threshold
for closing is approximately 4 cm of H2O.
[0301] The threshold for closing is the pressure at which the
device is `reset` back into the closed during expiration mode from
the open during expiration mode. Once the device has closed, and
flow has substantially stopped, the device will remain closed
during expiration until the threshold for opening (e.g., 10 cm of
H2O) is again exceeded.
[0302] The resistance profile shown in FIG. 34 may be thought of as
a special case of the situation described above for FIG. 35, in
which the threshold pressure to return the airflow resistor closed
during expiration is the same as the threshold pressure required to
open the airflow resistor during expiration.
[0303] As mentioned above, resistance profiles similar to the one
shown in FIG. 35 may be demonstrated by devices having bistable
valves which change from a first stable configuration (e.g., closed
during low-pressure expiration) to a second stable configuration
(e.g., open during high-pressure expiration) when the pressure
across the device reaches the threshold pressure. Example of
differential resistance devices with a threshold for opening and a
threshold release during expiration are also given below.
[0304] FIG. 36 shows another variation of a differential resistance
device with a threshold for opening and a threshold for release
during expiration. In FIG. 36, the threshold for release (e.g.,
closing the airflow resistor) during expiration is approximately
zero cm of H2O. Thus, the device doesn't "reset" closed during
expiration until after the inspiration occurs.
[0305] Devices having resistance profiles similar to those shown in
FIG. 35 may also be useful as PEEP devices. In particular, devices
in which the threshold pressure to return the airflow resistor to a
closed state during expiration is greater than some minimum level
(e.g., greater than 1 cm H2O, greater than 2 cm H2O, greater than 3
cm H2O, greater than 4 cm H2O, greater than 5 cm H2O, etc.) may
make effective PEEP devices. As described above, these valves may
help maintain a positive end-expiratory pressure within the
subject's respiratory tract at the end of an expiratory cycle of
respiration. The threshold pressure for closing may be any
appropriate pressure values, particularly pressures in the range
of: between about 0.5 cm H2O and about 15 cm H2O, between about 1
cm H2O and about 10 cm H2O, etc.
[0306] It should be apparent that the resistance profiles described
above are idealized profiles. In practice, the pressure-flow
characteristics may be non-linear, and may be curved or have other
non-straight lines. The profiles shown here illustrate general
characteristics of resistance profiles. As described above,
although figures such as FIGS. 5 to 7 show resistance profiles
having flat regions (of infinite or very high resistance) when a
valve is `closed` during expiration, the valve may include one or
more leak pathways through which air may pass. Thus, devices
corresponding to the resistance profiles shown in the figures
(e.g., FIGS. 5 and 6) may have a non-zero slope even when the valve
is closed during expiration.
[0307] Furthermore, the profiles described above are
time-independent, and thus do not accurately reflect the time
dependence of any of the devices described herein. As will be
apparent, the time response of the respiratory device may also
affect the operation of the device. For example, it may be
desirable to delay the response of the change in resistance based
on the time point of the respiratory cycle. For example, it may be
beneficial for a PEEP device to delay closing the valve after
switching from inhalation to exhalation, even though the
respiratory pressure is relatively low across the valve.
[0308] General PEEP Devices
[0309] The respiratory devices described herein alter airflow into
and out of the lungs through a respiratory cavity such as the mouth
and/or the nostrils of the nose in order to achieve positive
end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). These respiratory devices typically
include one or more passages, a holdfast for securing the device in
communication with a subject's respiratory cavity, and an airflow
resistor (e.g., valve) capable of obstructing airflow with high
resistance during low-pressure expiration, and opening to allow
substantial airflow during high-pressure expiration. In particular,
the respiratory devices may include an airflow resistor having a
threshold pressure during expiration for opening the airflow
resistor to allow airflow when the threshold pressure is exceeded.
In some variations, the airflow resistor also has a threshold for
closing during expiration, below which the airflow resistor
inhibits expiratory airflow until the threshold pressure for
opening is again exceeded. Specific examples of devices having
appropriate airflow resistors are described below.
[0310] Any of the devices described herein may be specifically
adapted for nasal use. Thus, these devices may be considered nasal
respiratory devices. For example, the devices may include a
holdfast for securing the passageway(s) in communication with the
nasal cavity to regulate airflow through the nasal cavity. The
holdfast may secure the device at least partially over and/or at
least partially across the nose (particularly in contact with the
area around the nasal opening). In some variations, the holdfast
secures the device at least partly within the nasal cavity. Nasal
devices described herein may be configured so that they do not
cover the subject's mouth, and therefore the subject may be free to
breathe through the oral cavity without additional resistance.
[0311] The respiratory devices described herein generally comprise
an airflow passageway and an airflow resistor. The airflow
passageway (or "passageway") generally defines a channel allowing
the passage of air. The passageway may be of any suitable size or
shape; however it is configured so that when the respiratory device
is worn by a patient, the passageway comprises an opening leading
toward the patient's lungs in fluid connection with an opening that
leads away from the patient's lungs. The terms "patient" and
"subject" are used to describe any user of the respiratory device,
including users who are not using the respiratory device for
therapeutic purposes. The airflow passageway may be any suitable
length. For example, the passageway may be as short as the airflow
resistor will allow (e.g., extending only far enough to communicate
with the airflow resistor). Similarly, the airflow passageway may
be longer than the space required to support the airflow resistor.
For example, in versions of the respiratory device adapted for at
least partial insertion into a nasal cavity, the airflow passageway
may be approximately as long as the length of an average nare. In
some versions, the passageway extends the length of an average
nasal chamber.
[0312] The neutral cross-sectional area of the passageway may be of
any appropriate size. Neutral cross-sectional area may refer to the
cross-sectional area of the passageway when the device allows air
to flow through the passageway without additional resistance (e.g.,
from the airflow resistor). In particular, the size (e.g.,
diameter) or shape of the passageway may depend upon configuration
of the respiratory device. For example, respiratory devices
configured to be inserted within the nasal cavity (e.g., a nasal
chamber) may have an area that is approximately the area of a
narrow portion of the nasal cavity, or slightly narrower.
Respiratory devices configured to be secured over an oral cavity or
a nasal cavity may have passageways of larger diameters.
Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of a passageway may vary
along the length of the device.
[0313] The airflow passageway may comprise a dedicated structure
defining the inner wall of the airflow passageway, or it may be a
structural component of the device. For example, the passageway may
comprise a passage wall defined by a rim. A rim may be a tube (or
tunnel) of material of any appropriate thickness. The rim may also
be a frame, rather than a complete tube. The rim may comprise a
sufficiently rigid material so that it can support the passageway,
and prevent the passageway from collapsing during use and during
respiration. In some versions, at least a portion of the rim is
made of a compressible material that may be compressed to
facilitate insertion and removal, while maintaining the ability to
support the passageway and prevent complete collapse of the
passageway during respiration. The rim may also be somewhat
compressible during respiratory flow. The airflow passageway
(including a rim portion) may also serve as an attachment site for
other components such as airflow resistors, filters, anchors,
etc.
[0314] The rim may be any suitable shape or size. For example, the
rim may comprise a ring shape or an oval shape. As mentioned above,
the rim may define the inner diameter of the passageway. In some
versions, the rim comprises a material having strength sufficient
to prevent the collapse of a respiratory device that has been
inserted into a nasal cavity. For example, the rim may comprise a
metal, a polymer (particularly stiff polymers), etc. In some
versions, the rim may comprise softer or "weaker" materials which
are formed or arranged so that the final shape of the rim has
sufficient strength to prevent the collapse of the respiratory
device during use.
[0315] As mentioned above, a respiratory device may include a rim
that is a tube or tubular body having a distal end and a proximal
end, through which the airflow passageway extends. In variations of
the device that are adapted to be secured in a subject's nasal
cavity, the distal end of the respiratory device is inserted first
into the subject's nose, so that the device is worn so that during
inhalation air flows from the proximal to the distal end of the
passageway, and during expiration air flows from the distal to
proximal end of the passageway. In some variations, the proximal
end of the tubular body has different properties from the distal
end. For example, the thickness of the tubular body from distal end
to proximal end may vary.
[0316] In some variations, the respiratory device has a tubular
body in which the distal end is more compliant than the proximal
end. Thus, the distal end may be more readily compressed for
insertion into the nasal cavity, while the proximal end is somewhat
more rigid, allowing for easier removal/insertion of the device. A
more compliant distal end may also help the device better fit a
subject wearing the device, and may enhance comfort. As described
more fully below, the distal region of the device may conform to
fit the nasal cavity.
[0317] In some variations, the distal end is more compliant than
the proximal end because different regions of the tubular body are
made from different materials or have different structures. For
example, a distal portion of the tubular body may have a wall
thickness that is less than the wall thickness of the more proximal
portion of the tubular body. The rim (e.g., tubular body) may have
two or more regions of different wall thickness, or it may have
regions of continuously varying thickness. The wall thickness may
be uniform for a given distal-to-proximal position (e.g., along the
length of a respiratory device's tubular body). As mentioned above,
the wall thickness of the tubular body (rim) may be zero in some
regions, meaning that the tubular body includes holes or windows,
or comprises a frame.
[0318] Regions of different wall thickness may result in different
regions of the airflow passageway having different diameters or
cross-sectional shapes. For example, in variations where the
respiratory device has a tubular body having a proximal wall
thickness that is greater than the distal wall thickness, the
region where the thicker proximal wall thickness meets the thinner
distal wall thickness may form a step or ledge along the wall of
the passageway. In this example, the outer diameter (OD) of the
tubular body is uniform while the inner diameter (ID) has at least
two different measures. As described in more detail below, this
ledge or step within the passageway may form a valve seal surface
by providing a surface on which a valve (e.g., a flap valve) may
abut or lie against when in the closed position.
[0319] The tubular body may have any appropriate cross-sectional
area. For example, a rim configured as a tubular body may have an
elliptical cross-section through its length that is shaped
similarly to that of most patients' nares. This shape may help
maximize the cross-sectional size of the passage while maintaining
comfort. The passageway may also comprise other cross-sectional
shapes, such as circular, polygonal, teardrop, or other asymmetric
shapes.
[0320] In some versions, the respiratory device does not include a
separate rim forming the passageway. For example, the airflow
passageway of the respiratory device may be a passageway through a
holdfast.
[0321] The devices described herein may include more than one
passageway. Furthermore, although many of the illustrations of
devices provided herein are for nasal devices (e.g., devices for
use in a nasal cavity), it is to be understood that these devices
may be adapted for use with any respiratory orifice (e.g., mouth,
nose, etc.).
[0322] Airflow resistors for use with the PEEP devices described
herein are typically positioned in communication with an airflow
passageway, so that at least some (if not all) of the air flowing
through the passageway passes the airflow resistor. Thus, an
airflow resistor modulates, alters, varies, or keeps constant the
amount of resistance, the degree of airflow, or the pressure
differential across the device or through a passageway in the
device. As described above, a typical PEEP airflow resistor has
very little resistance to inhalation, has a high resistance to
expiratory airflow at low expiratory pressures, and has a threshold
pressure for opening, above which the airflow resistor has a
relatively low resistance to expiration. In some variations, the
airflow resistor (e.g., a valve) has a threshold pressure for
closing during exhalation, so that if the pressure across the valve
during expiration falls below the threshold for closing, the
airflow resistor will close, resulting in a high resistance to
flow.
[0323] Examples of different types of airflow resistors are
described below and illustrated in many of the figures. Any airflow
resistance device having a resistance profile similar to the
resistance profiles shown in FIG. 33, FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 may be
used.
[0324] Some variations of the airflow resistors described are
modified flap valves. The flap region may include a stiff or
flexible material, or some combination thereof. In some variations,
the flap valve includes a stiff region of the valve, which may help
give the flap support. In some variations, the flap comprises a
polymeric material, as described below. The flap valve may be
biased (e.g., in an open or a closed position) or it may be
unbiased. A bias element such as a spring may be used, or the flap
may be made of a material that has elastomeric properties that bias
the valve in a particular position. A biased valve is a valve that
tends to remain in a particular position (e.g., flat, bent, open,
closed, etc.) when at rest, and changes position (e.g., from closed
to open) after an appropriate force is applied to the device to
overcome the bias. As described herein, the bias may be provided by
a biasing element (e.g., spring, tether, weight, or the like), or a
material property of the valve (e.g., the stiffness). The airflow
resistor may also be used with additional components. For example,
respiratory devices may include an airflow resistor seal surface
(valve seal surface), an airflow resistor support (valve support),
and/or an airflow resistor aligner (valve aligner). Examples of
these features are provided in more detail in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/805,496 titled "NASAL RESPIRATORY DEVICE,"
filed May 22, 2007 by inventors Rajiv Doshi, Bryan Loomas, and Ryan
Kendall Pierce, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
[0325] The airflow resistor or valve may be any appropriate shape,
particularly shapes in which the passageway may be blocked or at
least partly occluded.
[0326] The respiratory device may also include one or more leak
paths. A leak path allows air to flow through or past the
respiratory device even when the airflow resistor is closed. A leak
path may be included as part of any portion of the device,
including the holdfast, the rim (e.g., the tubular body), or the
airflow resistor. The sizes, locations and distributions of the
leak path(s) may be chosen to permit a desired amount of airflow
through the device at a known pressure and/or flow rate. In
particular, the leak path may be incorporated as part of an airflow
resistor. For example, the leak path may be one or more holes or
channels through the valve, even when the valve is closed. In some
variations, the leak path is not included as part of the valve.
[0327] The PEEP respiratory device may further comprise a holdfast
for releasably securing the device in communication with a nasal
cavity. The holdfast may facilitate the positioning and securing of
the device in a desired location, such as over or within (e.g.,
substantially within) a nasal orifice. In particular, the holdfast
may allow the device to be anchored, positioned, and/or stabilized
in any location that is subject to respiratory airflow such as a
nasal cavity.
[0328] Nasal cavities may include the following anatomical
structures, or conduits defined by the following anatomical
structures: the nostrils, nares or nasal chambers, limen,
vestibule, greater alar cartilage, alar fibrofatty tissue, lateral
nasal cartilage, agger nasi, floor of the nasal cavity, turbinates,
sinuses (frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, and maxillary), and nasal
septum. The term "nasal cavity" may refer to any sub-region of the
Nasal Fossa (e.g., a single nostril, nare, or nasal chamber).
[0329] In some versions, the holdfast may also secure a seal
between the respiratory device and the respiratory airway, so that
at least some of the air exchanged between the outside of the
patient and the respiratory airway must pass through the
respiratory device. In some versions, the holdfast seals the device
in communication with a respiratory cavity completely, so that all
air must be exchanged through the device. In some versions, the
holdfast seal is incomplete, so that only some of the air exchanged
between the patient and the external environment passes through the
device. As used herein, "air" may be air from the environment
external to the patient, or it may be any respiratory gas (e.g.,
pure or mixed oxygen, CO.sub.2, heliox, or other gas mixtures
provided to the user). In some versions, the holdfast may comprise
an anchor or anchor region.
[0330] In some variations, the device is to be placed by the
patient or the healthcare provider in or around the nasal cavity.
Holdfasts appropriate for nasal cavities may secure the device in
position within a nasal cavity (e.g., through one or both nostrils)
or against surrounding structures. The holdfast may comprise a
shape, surface or material that secures the device in communication
with a nasal cavity. For example, the holdfast may comprise a
cylindrical shape that allows the device to fit securely or snugly
within a nostril. The outer surface of the device may comprise a
holdfast including an adhesive material. In addition to holding the
device in place, the holdfast may also partially or completely seal
the device in communication with the nasal cavity. The holdfast may
comprise insertive and/or non-insertive mechanisms. In some
versions, the holdfast comprises a mechanical connection between
the device and the user, such as clips, straps, and the like.
[0331] The holdfast may be formed from a soft or compliant material
that provides a seal, and may enhance patient comfort. Furthermore,
compliant materials may reduce the likelihood that the device cuts
off blood flow to the part of the respiratory cavity and
surrounding regions to which the device is anchored. This compliant
material may be one of a variety of materials including, but not
limited to, plastic, polymers, cloth, foamed, spongy, viscoelastic,
and/or shape memory materials. Shape materials include any that
have a preferred conformation, and after being deformed or
otherwise deflected or altered in shape, have tendency to return to
a preferred conformation. Soft shape memory materials may include,
but are not limited to, urethane, polyurethane, sponge, and others
(including "foamed" versions of these materials). Alternatively,
the holdfast may not be soft or compliant and may instead be a
rigid structure that interfaces directly with the respiratory
orifice. For example, in versions of the respiratory device
configured to be used at least partly within a nasal cavity, it is
understood that the device may fit completely within a nostril (or
both nostrils), or may project out of the nostril, depending on the
particular embodiment. In some cases, the device may be placed high
enough within the nasal cavity so that it cannot be seen within the
nostril. In some embodiments the device may be located completely
outside of the nose, for example, in some versions the holdfast has
a shape that conforms to the outside surface of the nose. Thus, the
holdfast may comprise one or more straps, bands, or the like to
ensure an adequate fit and/or seal maintaining the device in
communication with the nasal cavity. In another embodiment the
holdfast may comprise one or more projections that are inserted
within the nostrils. In some versions, a device may be placed at
least partly in both nostrils, and may comprise a bifurcated
passageway or two passageways that the holdfast places in
communication with the nasal cavity through each nostril. In this
case, the inspiratory and/or expiratory airflow to and from the
lungs may be regulated through each nostril separately or together.
In some versions, separate devices may be placed at least partly in
each nostril, and may be connected to each other and/or to the
patient using a clip, tether, strap, band, chain, string, or the
like. In these versions, the connection means may connect one rim
from one device to a rim from a second device or a holdfast from
one device to a holdfast from a second device, or some combination
thereof. Any portion of one device may be connected by said
connection means to any portion of the second device. The
connection means may comprise a shape memory material. Such a
system would facilitate subsequent removal of the device and make
migration of the devices deeper into the nasal cavity less likely.
Finally, in some devices, an adhesive region may be present to help
attach the device to the inside or outside of the nose (including
the nostrils), to the oral cavity, to the neck, or to the face. The
use of an adhesive or any other means may prevent the inadvertent
or otherwise undesired removal of the subject devices during
sleep.
[0332] The holdfast portion of a respiratory device may also be
shaped to fit within the subject's anatomy to secure the device in
place and/or to prevent leakage of airflow around the device. For
example, the holdfast may be shaped to fit within the widening of
the nasal cavity immediately inside the nares (opening of the
nostril). As mentioned above, the holdfast may conform to the walls
of a portion of the nasal cavity both to hold the device within the
nose, and also to prevent substantial leak of air around the device
when worn in the nose. Materials such as foams (e.g., foamed
polyurethane) may be particularly useful for this purpose, since
these materials may be readily compressed for insertion and rapidly
expand within the nasal cavity to secure the device in place.
[0333] A holdfast may be attached to a respiratory device. For
example, a holdfast may be attached to a rim. In one variation, the
holdfast is connected to the outer surface of the tubular body. A
holdfast may be glued, taped, stitched, welded, or otherwise
connected to the rim of a respiration device. In some variations
the holdfast circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of a
rim. For example, in one variation the distal end of the tubular
body (e.g., rim) of the device is ensheathed by a holdfast of
foamed material. In some variations, the holdfast thickness is
substantially uniform along most or all of the periphery of the
device. In some variations, it may have variable thickness, for
example it may be thicker or thinner at the long ends of the
device. In other cases, the holdfast thickness may be either
symmetrically or asymmetrically distributed. Similarly, the height
and length of the foam forming a holdfast may also be uniform or
non-uniform, symmetrically or asymmetrically distributed.
[0334] A holdfast may be thicker in some regions than in other
regions. For example, the cross-sectional profile of the holdfast
(e.g., the profile though the long axis of a respiratory device
including a holdfast) may be thicker in some places than in others.
In some variations, e.g., when the tubular body or passageway of
the device has an elliptical profile (cross-sectional profile), the
holdfast in communication with the tubular body is thicker near the
long axis of the elliptical profile of the tubular body than at the
short axis of the tubular body. In some variations, the thickness
of the holdfast around the profile of the tubular body
cross-section is related to the diameter of the passageway through
the device. For example, the thickness of the holdfast at any point
outside of the passageway may be between about 0.2 times and about
2 times the distance from the center of the passageway to the outer
edge of the tubular body around the radius of the passageway. On an
exemplary device having a tubular body with an elliptical profile,
the holdfast may be between about 0.8 mm and about 8 mm thick at
the long axis of the elliptical cross-section of the tubular body,
and between about 0.4 mm and about 4 mm thick at the short axis of
the elliptical cross-section of the tubular body.
[0335] The device may be removably secured by a holdfast, meaning
that the device may be inserted into the subject's nasal cavity for
some amount of time, and then removed. For example, a removable
holdfast exerts sufficient pressure on the nostril walls (e.g.,
within the nasal cavity) to hold the device in position without
harming the subject, or producing too much discomfort. The device
may be used continuously for an appropriate time period (e.g.,
overnight, such as 6-8 hours). Thus, the holdfast does not
generally need to be secured more permanently. The holdfast
material properties and shape typically lend themselves to easy,
fast, and pain-free insertion and removal. Thus, as described
herein, the holdfast may be a compressible/expandable foam
material. The shape and size of the holdfast may also be chosen to
appropriately secure the device within a subject's nasal cavity
comfortably. For example, the foam may have compression properties
that allow it to be readily compressed (for insertion into the
nasal cavity), but expand to fit the cavity quickly once inserted.
The holdfast may also have a thickness and width sufficient to fit
snugly but comfortably within the subject's (including an `average`
subject or range of different subject sizes) nasal cavity. In some
variations, the foam thickness is not uniform. For example, in some
variations, the ends of the holdfast region comprise a foam that is
thicker than in the middle, which may allow the device to fit noses
which are longer and narrower.
[0336] Respiratory devices may be made from any appropriate
material or materials. In certain embodiments, the devices include
a shape memory element or elements, as part of the holdfast, in the
airflow resistor, or in giving form to the passageway. Any
convenient shape memory material that provides for flexibility and
resumption of configuration following removal of applied force may
be employed in these embodiments. For example, shape memory alloys
may be used. A variety of shape memory alloys are known, including
those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,876,434; 5,797,920; 5,782,896;
5,763,979; 5,562,641; 5,459,544; 5,415,660; 5,092,781; 4,984,581;
the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in
their entirety. The shape memory alloy that is employed should
generally be a biocompatible alloy. Biocompatible alloys may
include nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloys sold under the
Nitinol.TM. name by Memry Corporation (Brookfield, Conn.). Also of
interest are spring steel and shape memory polymeric or plastic
materials, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.
[0337] Rubber and polymeric materials may also be used,
particularly for the holdfast, rim, or airflow resistor. Injection
moldable materials such as polyether block amide (e.g.,
PEBAX.RTM.), and the like may be used. Materials which may be used
include: latex, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl
chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylate,
styrene-butadiene copolymer, chlorinated polyethylene,
polyvinylidene fluoride, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer,
ethylene-vinyl acetate-vinyl chloride-acrylate copolymer,
ethylene-vinyl acetate-acrylate copolymer, ethylene-vinyl
acetate-vinyl chloride copolymer, nylon, acrylonitrile-butadiene
copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl chloride, polychloroprene,
polybutadiene, thermoplastic polyimide, polyacetal, polyphenylene
sulfide, polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic
resins, thermosetting resins, natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers
(such as a chloroprene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber,
nitrile-butadiene rubber, and ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer
copolymer, silicone rubbers, fluoride rubbers, and acrylic
rubbers), elastomers (such as a soft urethane, water-blown
polyurethane), and thermosetting resins (such as a hard urethane,
phenolic resins, and a melamine resins).
[0338] Biocompatible materials may be used, particularly for those
portions of the device (e.g., the holdfast) which may contact a
user. In addition to some of the materials described above, the
biocompatible materials may also include a biocompatible polymer
and/or elastomer. Suitable biocompatible polymers may include
materials such as: a homopolymer and copolymers of vinyl acetate
(such as ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer and polyvinylchloride
copolymers), a homopolymer and copolymers of acrylates (such as
polypropylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polyethylmethacrylate,
polymethacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, ethylene
dimethacrylate and hydroxymethyl methacrylate, and the like),
polyvinylpyrrolidone, 2-pyrrolidone, polyacrylonitrile butadiene,
polyamides, fluoropolymers (such as polytetrafluoroethylene and
polyvinyl fluoride), a homopolymer and copolymers of styrene
acrylonitrile, cellulose acetate, a homopolymer and copolymers of
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polymethylpentene, polysulfones
polyimides, polyisobutylene, polymethylstyrene and other similar
compounds known to those skilled in the art.
[0339] Exemplary Devices
[0340] The following exemplary devices contain valve mechanisms
that may be used to achieve PEEP, and therefore may be referred to
as PEEP devices or PEEP valves. Many of these examples describe
only airflow resistors or the valve components of an airflow
resistor, however it should be understood that these airflow
resistors or valves may be used as part of a respiratory device. It
should also be understood that a single device may include more
than one of these valves.
[0341] The valves described herein may be used as part of a PEEP
device having a resistance profile similar to that of FIG. 34
(exemplifying a differential resistance devices with a threshold
for opening during expiration), and FIG. 35 (exemplifying a
differential resistance devices with a threshold for closing during
expiration).
[0342] A. Differential Resistance Devices with a Threshold for
Opening During Expiration
[0343] In general, differential resistance devices having a
threshold for opening during expiration comprise one or more valves
that open (or open more fully) to reduce the resistance through the
valve only after the pressure across the valve exceeds the
threshold for opening. In some variations of these devices, the
threshold for opening is determined by a bias which must be
overcome before the valve (or valves) can be opened. In particular,
a bias may be preloaded, so that the valve cannot be opened until
the preloaded force is overcome. Thus, the threshold pressure for
opening a valve may be the preloaded force.
[0344] One class of resistance devices having a threshold for
opening during expiration are valves having nested flaps, where the
flaps open in opposite directions, as shown schematically in FIGS.
47A-47C. In particular, nested flap valves may be used for PEEP
devices when one of the flaps is biased so that it opens only after
the pressure across the valve exceeds a threshold for opening.
Thus, a nested flap valve may be configured so that the resistance
profile resembles the profile seen in FIG. 34, for example.
[0345] The generic nested flap valve shown in FIG. 47A has two
flaps, a first flap and a second flap, that are each hinged. In
FIG. 47A (during inhalation), the first flap is opened during
inhalation, so that air may flow from the top of the valve to the
bottom of the valve. Relating this to the resistance curve shown in
FIG. 34, during inhalation (negative pressure), the first flap of
the valve is easily opened, and has a very low resistance. FIG. 47B
shows the valve flap during exhalation. The positive pressure moves
the first flap to close off the passageway (the passageway is not
shown). At positive pressures (exhalation) below the threshold for
opening the second flap, the first flap closes the passageway but
the pressure across the valve is not sufficient to open the second
valve. Thus, the second flap is biased so that it only opens when
the pressure exceeds the threshold pressure for opening. Any
appropriate bias may be used. A bias applies force to oppose the
opening of the flap. For example, the second flap may be biased by
a structural bias (e.g., a spring), an elastomeric material (or
region of the valve), or a combination of these. The second flap
may be biased because of the material property of the hinge region
or the flap itself. Once the pressure across the valve during
expiration exceeds the threshold for opening, the second flap
opens, allowing airflow through the device during exhalation. This
is illustrated in FIG. 47C.
[0346] The flaps of a nested flap valve may be oriented in any
appropriate orientation. For example, in FIGS. 47A-47C, the flap
valve is oriented so that both flaps are hinged in parallel. In
some variations, it may be desirable to orient the flaps so that
they open in different directions. Thus, the hinges of the nested
flaps may be perpendicular, or parallel, or any appropriate
angle.
[0347] A living hinge may be used with any of the appropriate
valves described herein, including flap valves. Thus, in FIGS.
47A-47C, either the first or second flap may be formed (e.g., cut,
molded, etc.) from the same material. Thus, the valve may include a
living hinge and a region that deflects under pressure, allowing
airflow. The size and shape of the opening formed by the
deflectable material (as well as the shape and size of the living
hinge) may determine the resistance to airflow through the valve.
FIG. 48A illustrates an examples of living hinges for a valve
similar to the nested valve in FIGS. 47A-47C. FIG. 48A shows four
nested flaps 1901 cut into the body of the first flap 1903. The
flap also includes holes 1907 (e.g., post holes) for mounting to
one or more valve aligners. The nested flaps are shown as
semi-circular cutout regions of the flap having a living hinge
between the ends of the cutout region. These hinged flaps may allow
airflow, and will open when pressure is applied. The amount of
pressure required to open these flaps may be effected (or
controlled) by the length of the hinge, the size (e.g., area) of
the cutout region, the thickness and/or stiffness of the material,
the effective moment arm (e.g., the distance from the flap hinge to
the effective position of rotational force from the pressure), etc.
The living hinge region (the region that is not cut out) may also
be shaped by partially shaping or cutting the material forming the
hinge region. For example, the hinge region may be undercut or
thinned to make opening easier.
[0348] FIG. 37A shows another example of a device having nested
flap valves. A first ("inspiratory") pair of flap valves (hinged
801 together in the center of the passageway) open easily during
inspiration, when pressure is greater from proximal region of the
device, shown here towards the top of the device. A second
("expiratory") pair of flap valves 803 is located on each of the
inspiratory flap, and hinged 805 to open during expiration, when
pressure is greater from distal region of the device, shown here
towards the bottom. The flap door of the second pair of flap valves
is biased using an elastic spring member, as shown in FIG. 37C in a
cross-section though one of the pairs of nested valves. Thus, when
pressure across the valve during expiration exceeds the threshold
for opening which is set by the elastic spring member, the valve
will open. FIG. 37D shows a side view of the surface of the
inspiratory valve, showing the embedded expiratory valve
thereon.
[0349] In operation, the valve shown in FIGS. 37A to 37D operates
as shown in FIGS. 38A to 39C. At rest, the valve (or pairs of
valves) is closed, cutting off flow through the passageway. As
shown in FIG. 38B, during inspiration, when air is flowing from the
proximal to the distal (e.g., shown as top to bottom) ends of the
device, the inspiratory flap valve(s) opens to allow airflow
through the passageway relatively unobstructed. The valves in FIGS.
37 and 38 are relatively stiff flap valves, so that the valves do
not collapse during normal operation. During expiration, the
inspiratory flap valve closes, and the force applied by the subject
during expiration acts across the expiratory valve, which is biased
by the elastic spring member (or any appropriate bias). If the
pressure across the valve is greater than the force applied by the
elastic spring member, then the expiratory valve opens, as shown in
FIG. 38C.
[0350] As mentioned briefly above, the force applied by the spring
member in FIGS. 37A to 38C corresponds to the threshold pressure
for opening. Thus, the threshold pressure for opening can be
adjusted or predetermined based on the bias element
characteristics, including the attachment of the bias element
(here, the spring member) to the valve.
[0351] FIGS. 39A to 39C illustrates the effect of bias position on
the threshold pressure for opening. In FIG. 39A, the valve stays
closed until a predetermined pressure is reached across the valve
(a threshold pressure for opening), and then the valve opens,
allowing maximum outflow until the pressure decrease below the
threshold. This variation comprises a single flap valve that is in
communication with the walls of the passageway, and is hinged or
otherwise flexibly (movably) connected at one end. This valve may
be incorporated into a device such as the device shown in FIGS. 37A
to 38D.
[0352] In FIG. 39A, the valve is shown in cross section as a stiff
valve 1001, connected to a bias 1003 (e.g., a spring, elastomeric
material, etc.). In FIG. 39A, the biasing force applied by the
spring as the valve is opened is likely to decrease slightly as the
valve leaf (flap) is deflected open by pressure across the valve.
Thus, the placement of the bias may affect the amount of force
required to open the valve completely or partially. FIGS. 39B and
39C show arrangements of the bias element 1003 which may result in
an almost constant force, adding little additional resistance to
completely open the valve once initial pressure is exceeded. Thus,
the placement of a biasing element may be chosen so that the
threshold pressure required to fully open the valve remains
constant, or increases as resistance through the device decreases
(as the valve opens).
[0353] Another variation of a nested flap valve is shown in FIGS.
40A and 40B. In FIG. 40A the valve includes an inspiratory door
1103 (flap) portion that opens during inspiration, and an
expiratory door 1101 portion built into the inspiratory door, that
may open during expiration. Both the inspiratory door and the
expiratory door are stiff members, and both are rectangular when
viewed perpendicular to their faces, as shown in the top view of
FIG. 40B. The passageway may be adapted to have a rectangular
cross-section so that the valve can seat within the passageway and
obstruct airflow through the passageway unless the doors are open.
The dashed lines indicated by 1105 show the open position of the
valve during inspiration. During inspiration, when the valves open,
both the upper and lower flap valves open and move together. During
expiration, only the nested expiratory door opens when the
expiratory pressure across the door is greater than the threshold
for opening, as indicated by the dashed lines 1107.
[0354] FIGS. 41A-F show another variation of the door-within-a-door
type (e.g., nested) valve described in FIG. 40. This variation may
be fabricated from an elastomeric material. In some variations, the
doors of the valve are hinged using a living hinge as described,
where the hinge regions are cut into the hinge shape to allow
flexion. FIG. 41A shows a top view of the airflow resistor
including this valve through the passageway. FIG. 41B shows a
cross-section through the side of the airflow resistor, and FIG.
41C shows a bottom view from within the airflow resistor. An
alternative top view is shown in FIG. 41D, in which a sealing face
or ledge 4101 is included for the door to seal or rest against.
FIG. 41E shows a cross-sectional view of the airflow resistor shown
in FIG. 41D, and FIG. 41F shows a bottom view of the same airflow
resistor.
[0355] FIGS. 49A to 49D show an example of a valve appropriate for
an airflow resistor of a PEEP device in which a flap valve is
combined with a rigid valve. In FIG. 49A a rigid valve 2001 is
biased against a valve seal region 2003. The bias 2005 is preloaded
in compression so that it tends to hold the rigid valve against the
valve seal. When the pressure acting on the rigid valve exceeds the
force applied by the bias (e.g., the preloaded compressive force),
the rigid valve is pushed away from the seal, opening to allow the
passage of air around the rigid valve, as shown in FIG. 49B. Thus,
in this example, the preloaded compressive force establishes the
threshold pressure for opening. FIG. 49C shows a dual flap valve
having two flaps covering two openings (holes). This flap valve is
combined with the rigid and biased valve shown in FIGS. 49A and 49C
to form a valve that may be configured to create PEEP, as shown in
FIG. 49D.
[0356] FIGS. 49E-49G show different variations of airflow resistors
comprising valves that may be used as part of a PEEP device,
similar to the biased flap valve shown in FIG. 49D. For example, in
FIG. 20E, the rigid region of the valve is not biased at its
center, but is instead biased so that it opens like a door (on one
side). The rigid region of the valve also includes two biases, a
bias for compression as well as tension. The combination of
different biases may be used to more accurately control the
resistance profile of the valve, and in particular, may be used to
set the threshold for opening during expiration (e.g., flow `out`
of the device, as indicated by the `in` and `out` directions).
[0357] In FIG. 49F, the flap valve is also shown as a side-hinged
valve. In general, a flap valve rotates around a fixed point when
force is applied at some distance from that point, causing
deflection of the flap relative to the point and/or mechanical
deformation of the flap. Thus, a flap may be more easily opened by
increasing the distance between the force applied to the flap and
the flap attachment point (e.g., the moment arm). The moment arm
may be increased (as shown in FIG. 49B) by increasing the movable
area of the flap. In some variations the length of the moment arm
may also be increased by increasing the distance between the hinge
and the opening through which the force is applied. This may be
achieved, for example, by building the flap valve so that it sits
at an angle with respect to the passageway.
[0358] In some variations, the PEEP device may comprise more than
one passageway, in which each passageway includes a valve. In this
example, one passageway is used for inspiration, and one is used
for expiration. For example, FIG. 42A shows a perspective view of a
PEEP device having two passageways. A cross-sectional view is shown
in FIG. 42B. The inspiratory side of the device includes a flap
valve that readily opens during inspiration, but remains closed
during expiration. The cross-sectional area of either passageway
may be equal, or one of them may be bigger than the other (e.g.,
the expiratory passageway may be smaller than the inspiratory
passageway). The expiratory side includes a biased valve (similar
to the valves described above), which is set to open when the
pressure across the device exceeds the threshold for opening. The
bias 1301 shown in FIG. 42B is schematically indicated. One
embodiment of this bias includes an elastomeric band (e.g.,
spring), as shown in FIGS. 43A-43D.
[0359] In FIGS. 43A-C, the PEEP device includes two chambers, as
shown in the cross section shown in FIG. 43A. The elastomeric
element 1401 (shown in FIG. 43B) is wrapped around the outside of
the passageway after passing through holes on either side of the
passageway to connect to the flap and bias it within the expiratory
passageway. This is shown in FIG. 43C, in a top view of the closed
expiratory valve. In this variation, the elastomeric element is
attached by passing through a hole in the flap, where it anchors on
the opposite side of the flap.
[0360] FIGS. 44A, 44B and 44C show alternative ways to anchor the
bias (e.g., a spring or elastomeric element) to the expiratory flap
valve shown in FIGS. 43A-43C. In FIG. 44A a spring is anchored
(e.g., via a hook) thorough a hole fabricated on the flap. In FIG.
44B, the bias is a wire that passes through the flap and anchors
beneath it. In FIG. 44C, the bias connects to a loop of wire that
is pushed through a hole in the door (flap).
[0361] Another variation of a valve that may be included as part of
a two or more passageway PEEP device is shown in FIGS. 53A and B.
In FIG. 53A, an elastomeric membrane 2401 is positioned over only
one end of a passageway 2409, and other passageways may be
substantially blocked off by an occlusive wall 2411 (for
convenience, not shown in the additional FIGS. 53B to 53D). The
membrane 2401 is positioned so that a threshold pressure (PT) is
required to displace the membrane from over an opening 2403.
Airflow is therefore blocked until the elastomeric membrane is
deflected, as shown in FIG. 53B. Thus, when the pressure
differential (P1-P2) is reached in this variation, the membrane
stretches beyond the reach of the structures 2405, 2405' conforming
to the expansion path of the elastomeric membrane (e.g., the
accommodating path surface). The threshold pressure may be
determined by the membranes stiffness and the geometry of the
airflow pathway, including the accommodating path surface, as
described in more detail below. FIGS. 53C and 53D illustrate
another variation of the valve shown in FIGS. 53A and 53B.
[0362] FIG. 50A shows one example of a valve that is not typically
configured for PEEP, but that may be used in combination with a
bias or with another valve to achieve PEEP. FIG. 50A shows a flap
valve that is hinged on one side, and is constrained from opening
during expiration (e.g., into the page), by a crossbar. During
inspiration, the valve bends (out of the page), permitting airflow.
In some variations, the flap valve bends everywhere along the
length of the valve (e.g., 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.w). In other
variations, bending during inspiration is focused on the area near
the hinge (e.g., x approximately equal to w), and the flap may be
reinforced elsewhere, or may comprise a more rigid material or
greater thickness. The valve may be relatively easily opened during
inhalation because of the relatively large surface area of the
flap, and the large moment arm. During exhalation, the valve is
constrained for easily opening by the crossbar, however, since
there is no "preload" (e.g., bias) on the distal region of the
flap, it will simply open a little with a little pressure, and more
with greater pressure, resulting in a pressure profile similar to
the profile shown in FIG. 61. In one variation, the flap is stiff,
and the crossbar is an elastomeric material. Thus, the crossbar
yields during exhalation to open the valve.
[0363] FIG. 50B illustrates another variation of a valve which may
be used as part of a PEEP configured device. Two or more flaps
(e.g., such as the flap shown above in FIG. 50A) may be arranged to
overlap to provide a resistance profile having a threshold for
opening. For example, in FIG. 50B two flaps are hinged, and each
valve is constrained from opening during exhalation by a crossbar,
similar to FIG. 2A. The flaps are arranged in an overlapping
saloon-door configuration, so that there is an overlapping region
between the crossbars. The flaps may open easily during
inspiration, as described above for the variation shown in FIG.
50A. During expiration, the distal region of each flap (furthest
from the hinge region) is constrained from opening at the region
past the crossbar by overlapping region. The flaps may be
continuously flexible (so that they can bend everywhere along their
length) or relatively stiff. Thus, a PEEP resistance profile may
result, since the two doors need to move a certain distance
(providing a preload) before air can get by them.
[0364] FIG. 51 shows another variation of an airflow resistor
including a valve that is configured to operate as part of a PEEP
device having a resistance profile similar to that in FIG. 63. The
valve includes a door 5 that is hinged 6 so that during inhalation,
the door opens without much resistance (inhalation is airflow
towards the distal direction, e.g., P2>P1). During exhalation,
stopper 1 prevents the door 5 from rotating open beyond the set
position. Further rotation of the door 5 in the direction of the
exhalation (e.g., the proximal direction), requires bending around
a hinge region 2 that is part of the door. This second hinge region
2 may resist bending because of material stiffness of the door,
and/or contact between the door and the surface of the passageway
region opposite of the door 4. The surface of the passageway
opposite the door 4 in the proximal direction of the passageway
(e.g., in the proximal direction) may be configured to prevent
opening of the valve during exhalation as the door bends in the
distal direction. Thus, in FIG. 51, the surface of the passage 4 is
curved to prevent airflow during exhalation until the pressure
across the valve (the pressure differential P1-P2) is large enough
to push the end of the door 5 past the curvature of the wall 7 at
the end of the curved surface 4. In the variation shown in FIG. 51,
the door is augmented with a support 3 that stiffens it so that the
door does not readily bend in this region. The support 3 may
therefore help localize bending to the hinge regions, which may
help prevent flow thorough the device until the door has passed the
end of the shaped region of the passageway 4. The threshold for
opening during expiration for this device may therefore be
controlled by the flexibility of the second hinge region 2, the
surface area of the door 5, and the geometry of the shaped region
of the passageway 4. The shaped region is a path-accommodating
surface that may interact with the flap or door of the valve. Thus,
in this example, the valve is biased in the exhalation direction
(P1>P2) by the stiffness of the second hinge region 2, which
must bend a preset amount (along the curved passageway 4) before
the valve can open.
[0365] The device shown in FIG. 51 is also adjustable. In
particular, the threshold for opening during exhalation is
adjustable. For example, the stopper 1 maybe adjusted by moving it
further into or out of the passageway. In one variation, the
stopper is threaded so that it may be screwed further into or out
of the passageway. Adjusting the length of the stopper within the
passageway may affect the ability of the door 5 to deflect during
exhalation. For example, adjusting the length of the stopper may
reduce or increase the curvature of that the door bends with, which
may increase or decrease interference around the shaped region of
the passageway 4. The stopper length may also determine how much of
the second hinge region 2 is available to bend.
[0366] FIG. 52A illustrates the general use of a path accommodating
surface to regulate the resistance profile of a valve. In FIG. 52A,
a cross-section though a flap and path accommodating surface shows
that the flap in four positions. In the first (neutral position),
indicated by position A, the flap blocks off both inhalation (by
convention, in the downward or distal direction of the figure as
drawn), and exhalation (by convention, upward or proximal in the
figure as drawn). During inhalation the valve readily moves out of
the way, forming a space between the wall of the passage in the
distal direction, and the valve through which air may flow, as
shown in position D. However, during exhalation, the walls of the
pathway conform to the movement path of the valve in the proximal
direction. Thus, the space between the flap(s) and the wall is
limited, as shown in position B, until the flaps pass the
conforming region, shown in position C. When the flaps are in
position C, air may pass through the device during exhalation.
Thus, a valve having an accommodating path surface may have
resistance profile similar to that shown in FIG. 63.
[0367] An accommodating path surface may also be adjusted by
adjusting the distance between the path (e.g., wall) surface and
the flap, as well as the extent to which the wall is an
accommodating path surface. FIG. 52B shows a variation in which the
accommodating path wall surface has been split around the neutral
position, as shown.
[0368] FIGS. 46A-46D show another variation of a PEEP device. This
PEEP device includes an airflow resistor that comprises a platform
that moves based on expiratory pressure against a bias. The bottom
of the platform comprises a flap valve that is open during
inspiration, but closed during exhalation. For example, FIG. 46A
show the valve during inhalation, in which the flap valve 1701
(e.g., a silicone flap valve) is open as air is drawn up the valve.
In the neutral position, or during very low pressure exhalation,
the flap valve 1701 is closed, and the platform is biased (e.g., by
the spring or elastomeric material) so that expiratory flow does
not pass (e.g., from the top of the figure down). At moderate
expiratory pressure the platform moves against the bias as shown in
FIG. 46C, however the platform walls block the exit holes through
the passageway, so airflow is still not possible. Once the
expiratory pressure across the device is greater than the threshold
for opening the valve (determined in part by the bias and the
geometry of the platform), the valve opens, allowing respiratory
airflow, as shown in FIG. 46D. FIG. 46E shows a side view of what
this device might look from while in a subject's nostril.
[0369] Any of the respiratory devices described herein (including
the PEEP configured devices) may be dual-nostril devices that cover
both nasal cavities, or they may be configured for use in a single
nostril. If they are configured for use in a single nostril, each
device may include one or more valves to control airflow, as
described above. In many variations, it may be beneficial to
configure the respiratory device so that both nostrils are combined
into a common lumen through which respiratory airflow is regulated.
There is a limited cross-sectional area within each nostril with
which to provide low resistance during inhalation and higher
resistance during exhalation using the valves and vents as
described herein. The effective cross-sectional area may be
increased by extending the device to the region just outside of the
nostril and/or combining the nostril passageway into one effective
passageway. This passageway could span the area between the nares
of each nostril, above the subject's lip.
[0370] For example, a respiratory device combining airflow through
both nostrils is illustrated in FIG. 54. This device is configured
for PEEP, and includes a hybrid flap valve 2501 and a biased rigid
disc 2503. The device is shown inserted into both nasal
passageways. During inhalation, the flaps 2501 of the flap valve
move from a neutral position (B) to a flap open position (C)
allowing air to flow from the outside environment into the nasal
cavity with very low resistance. The rigid valve 2503 (to which the
flap valve is shown attached) is biased against a valve seal (or
seat) by a biasing element 2505. For example the biasing element
may be a spring such as a compression or leaf spring made of metal
or plastic. During expiration at low pressure, the device is
sealed. At high expiratory pressures, the disc lifts, e.g., moving
from the neutral position (B) to an open position (A), allowing
airflow through the device. In this example, since the airflow into
and out of the valve is centrally located, only one valve (e.g.,
one hybrid valve) is required, instead of one per nostril.
[0371] FIGS. 58 to 61 show additional examples of valves that may
be incorporated into a PEEP configured device, because they can
have resistance profiles similar to the resistance profile in FIG.
63, which has a low resistance to airflow during inspiration and a
threshold for opening during expiration.
[0372] FIG. 58 shows a valve having a rolling web or hinge. The
valve is shown in the neutral position. During inhalation
(indicated by the upward arrow), the pressure across the valve
opens the flaps forming the rolling hinge 2901 allowing airflow
with relatively low resistance. During exhalation, the flaps are
closed, and the rolling hinge and flaps are propelled down (shown
by arrow labeled "Ex") until the flaps contact the brace or braces
2905. When the pressure of exhalation exceeds the threshold for
opening, the flaps bend to allow airflow across the valve. In some
variations, the brace 2905 shown is not needed.
[0373] The device shown in FIG. 59 includes an inflatable flap 3001
that is inflated during exhalation. During inhalation the flap is
substantially un-inflated, and loose, and therefore readily moves
to allow airflow. During exhalation, pressure from the distal end
of the device (from a subject's lungs) moves down the passageway,
and also down the inflation passageway shown on the left side of
the passageway. Low pressure exhalation may be sufficient to
inflate the bladder-like flap (which may comprise a thin
elastomeric material, for example), causing it to extend across the
passageway, preventing airflow. Although the flap is extended at
higher pressure exhalation as well, at a threshold for opening, the
pressure across the valve will cause the inflated flap to bend,
allowing airflow with lower resistance. In some variations, the
inflatable flap also includes a bias assisting it to inflate across
the passageway.
[0374] FIG. 60 shows a valve device similar to the device shown in
FIG. 46. The valve includes a combination flap valve (which opens
during inhalation to permit airflow, but is closed during
exhalation), and a sliding member attached to a bias. The sliding
member includes holes along the sides. During low-pressure
exhalation, the bias prevents the sliding member from sliding
within the passageway. Higher pressure exhalation (e.g., pressure
exceeding the threshold for opening) moves the sliding member up
(as shown in the figure), allowing the holes in the sliding member
to overlap with holes through the passage. Air may therefore flow
through these holes to exit the device.
[0375] Another variation of a sliding device is shown in FIG. 61.
The PEEP device shown in FIG. 61 includes an airflow resistor that
combines a ball valve with a biased slider. During inhalation the
ball valve 3201 is displaced out of the way, permitting air to flow
with low resistance through the passageway. During exhalation at
low pressure, the ball 3201 blocks the opening in the passageway
and the slider element is prevented from moving forward by a
biasing element (shown as a spring in cross-section), so that there
is little substantial airflow. At higher pressure exhalation
(again, when the pressure across the valve exceeds the threshold
for opening the valve) the slider moves against the bias towards
the post 3203 in the central region of the passageway. The ball
3201 is eventually pushed out of the way by the post 3203 as the
slider is pushed further forward, opening the passageway so that
airflow may pass around the ball during high pressure
exhalation.
[0376] Although these examples show airflow resistors including
valves and devices that may be configured for use as a PEEP device
having a resistance profile similar to the profile shown in FIG.
63, additional devices and variations of these devices may also be
used. Furthermore, device having both a threshold for opening
during exhalation, as well as a threshold for closing during
exhalation may also be used. These devices may have a resistance
profile similar to that shown in FIG. 35.
[0377] B. Differential Resistance Devices with a Threshold for
Closing During Expiration
[0378] Devices having both a threshold for opening during
exhalation and a threshold for closing during exhalation may also
be used as part of a PEEP device. In particular, these devices may
include bistable valves. Bistable valves are valves that have more
than one (e.g., two) `stable` or neutral positions. Force or
pressure may convert these devices between neutral positions. Thus,
a valve may be configured with a bistable element so that the first
stable portion regulates airflow during inhalation, and the
bistable element in the second position regulates airflow during
expiration. An example of this general concept is shown in FIGS.
62A-62D.
[0379] In FIG. 62A, a valve comprising a bistable flap is shown in
the neutral position (e.g., between inspiration and expiration).
The flap is shown as a curved surface. During inhalation, the curve
may be further bent with very low resistance, so that airflow may
occur during inhalation with very low resistance, as shown in FIG.
62B. During low pressure exhalation (shown in FIG. 62C), the flap
remains in the curved position similar or identical to the position
shown in FIG. 62A. Once the pressure increases to a predetermined
point (e.g., the threshold for opening, the bistable flap opens,
converting to a new stable position, as shown in FIG. 62D, opening
to allow airflow therethrough. Once the flap is opened, however, it
does not automatically return to the initial stable configuration
(e.g., the neutral position shown in FIG. 62A or 62C). If the
pressure across the valve falls below the threshold for opening.
Instead, the flap may remain in the second stable position (e.g.,
open) until the pressure falls below a second threshold (e.g., the
threshold for closing the valve during exhalation). As describe
above, this relationship is described by a pressure profile similar
to the on shown in FIG. 6.
[0380] Typical bistable elements include relatively stiff or
pre-biased materials and shapes. For example, a pre-curved stiff
metallic or polymeric material may be suitable as a bistable flap.
FIG. 63 shows one example of a how a bistable flap may be easily
produced. In FIG. 63, a cylindrical material is cut to form a flap
for use as part of a bistable valve 3401. Any appropriate material
may be used to form these flaps, particularly material having some
inherent or structural stiffness.
[0381] A PEEP device may achieve a resistance profile similar to
that shown in FIG. 64, when the valve includes a bistable flap.
FIGS. 45A-C show one variation of such a device having a resistive
profile similar to that shown in FIG. 64. The valve comprises a
bistable flap that is free to open during inhalation (shown here in
FIG. 45A as a downward bending). At rest the flap is flat. During
exhalation at low pressure (up in FIG. 45B), the flap may have a
curvature (somewhat like a fingernail) when it is forced against
the crossbeam 1601 (also called a cross strut), as shown in FIG.
45B. During exhalation at low pressure (up in FIG. 45B), the flap
valve is prevented from opening by both the crossbeam 1601 and
because the flap has a predetermined stiffness. This stiffness may
arise because of a combination of the material stiffness for the
material from which the flap is formed (e.g., a stiff elastomeric
material), as well as the shape into which the material is formed
(such as a curved structure). Bistable shapes are described in
greater detail below. In FIGS. 45A-45C, it is difficult to bend the
region of the flap distal from the hinge region and the crossbeam.
In order to open, the valve must bend over the beam as shown in
FIG. 45C (shown as upward bending).
[0382] In addition to bistable valves, other valves may also have
both a threshold for opening during exhalation and a threshold for
closing during exhalation. For example, FIG. 55 illustrates a valve
that includes a flap 2603 that opens during inhalation allowing air
to pass through holes on the plate 2601, and rotating the plate
(configured as a disk) to move it down into a seal or seat. During
exhalation, the flaps seal against the disk, and the pressure of
the exhalation drives the disk 2601 to rotate in the opposite
direction it rotated during inhalation. Rotation is driven by the
high-resistance airflow passing along the edge of the disk or
through channels on the disk. As the disk rotates it moves up
(during exhalation, or down during inhalation). Once the disk
reaches a predetermined height, the resistance to airflow during
exhalation decreases, since air is allowed to pass around the sides
of the disk more easily. Inhalation resets the disk by rotating it
back down.
[0383] FIG. 56 show a valve with a threshold for opening and a
threshold for closing, and a profile similar to the resistance
profile shown in FIG. 64. In FIG. 56, the valve is a flap 2703 that
moves easily during inhalation to allow airflow at low resistance.
The flap may be hinged at one end. In some variations, the flap is
flexible (and may therefore bend over its entire length), while in
other variations the flap is relatively stiff and bends most easily
at the hinge region. During exhalation, the edge region of the flap
is constrained from opening (e.g., in the upward direction in FIG.
56) by the rim or edge 2701 (e.g., shown as a projection 2701 in
FIG. 56) along one side. When the pressure across the flap is
strong enough to move the flap past this edge 2701 (the threshold
for opening), the flap bends upwards, allowing flow across the
valve. In the variation shown in FIG. 56, as the pressure across
the valve during expiration falls, the edge of the flap contacts
the rim 2701, again cutting off flow through the valve (at the
threshold for closing). The valve is fully reset by inhalation,
which may drive the valve flap behind the edge 2701 once again.
Another variation of the valve shown in FIG. 56 is shown in FIG.
65.
[0384] In FIG. 57, a flap valve 2803 is anchored to one side of the
passageway. In this variation, the flap is relatively rigid (or
stiff) across the length of the flap. The valve allows the passage
of airflow with low-resistance during inhalation, because the flap
moves upward, permitting air to pass. During exhalation at low
pressure, the flap rest or is seated on a lip or rim on the
opposite side of the passageway from where the flap is hinged. The
portion of the passageway wall 2801 attached to this lip comprises
a flexible or expandable material (e.g., an elastomeric material)
and is configured to be unconstrained (e.g., not covered by a
holdfast) so that the outside of the elastomeric region of the
passageway 2801 is exposed to atmospheric pressure. As the pressure
across the portion of the passageway wall 2801 increases during
exhalation, the expandable region of the passageway 2801 is forced
outwards, moving the lip or rim away from the flap, and permitting
the flap to open (at the threshold for opening). Once the flap has
opened, the flap will remain open even at relatively low pressures,
unless there is an additional bias opposing the opening of the
valve during expiration. If this bias is included (not shown), it
would set the threshold for closing, as shown in FIG. 64.
Otherwise, the valve would not be reset until inhalation drove the
flap back past the lip or rim 2801. In this case, the resistance
profile may resemble that of FIG. 65.
[0385] FIG. 64 shows another example of a valve having a threshold
for opening and a threshold for closing during exhalation. In FIG.
64, the valve comprises a flap 3505 and a plate 3507. As described
in many of the devices above, the flap valve opens with low
resistance during inhalation so that air may flow through holes on
the plate 3507 and thus through the device. During exhalation the
flap closes, preventing substantial airflow through the holes.
Instead, pressure across the valve pushes the rigid plate 3507
upwards. A similar design was seen for the valve in FIGS. 49A-49D,
however the rigid plate in that valve was biased to prevent
movement at low pressure during exhalation. In FIG. 64, the rigid
plate includes an adhesive or magnetic force that must be overcome
before the plate can be moved upwards, allow airflow though the
device. FIG. 64 shows a magnetic or otherwise adhesive region 3503
between the rigid plate 3507 and the lip or seal region of the
device on which the rigid plate 3507 rests. During high-pressure
exhalation the adhesion (e.g., magnetic adhesion) between the plate
and the rim is ruptured, allowing the plate to move upwards,
opening a low-resistance pathway for airflow 3501, 3501'. This
device may have a resistance profile similar to the profile shown
in FIG. 65, for example.
[0386] Time Dependency of the Device
[0387] As mentioned briefly above, the devices described herein may
also be configured to have a time-dependent response. For example,
it may be desirable to delay the response of the change in
resistance based on the time point of the respiratory cycle. In one
variation, a PEEP device may delay closing the valve after
switching from inhalation to exhalation, even though the
respiratory pressure is relatively low across the valve. Delaying
switching to high resistance may allow the user to accommodate to
the device more easily, enhancing comfort, and possibly aiding with
compliance. In some variations, the devices described herein are
configured so that airflow through the device is not substantially
inhibited until some set time (e.g., less than 0.1 sec, less than
0.2 sec, less than 0.3 sec., less than 0.5 sec., less than 1 sec.,
etc.) or some percentage through a portion of the respiratory
cycle. For example, the device may not provide a high resistance to
low-pressure exhalation until approximately one-third or halfway
through the expiration cycle (or 5% through the expiration cycle,
10% through the expiration cycle, 15% through the expiration cycle,
30% through the expiration cycle, 40% through the expiration cycle,
50% through the expiration cycle, 60% through the expiration cycle,
70% through the expiration cycle). The expiration cycle may be
determined individually for a particular user, or an average (e.g.,
population) expiration cycle may be determined.
[0388] A respiratory device having a time-delay for the onset of
resistance to low-expiratory pressure may include electronic (e.g.,
timing) components, including counters, clocks, sensors and the
like. In some variations, a respiratory device includes a
non-electronic timer, such as a mechanical delay which is initiated
upon a change in the direction of airflow from inspiration to
expiration. For example, a mechanical delay may comprise a dashpot
or damper which prevents one or more of the valves within the
device from closing after inhalation. The damper may include a
pre-set delay before closing completely. In some variations,
opening is substantially undampened.
[0389] Operation of the Respiratory Device
[0390] The airflow resistor may be oriented in any direction. In
one variation, a respiratory device may be used in one nostril in
an opposite orientation to a respiratory device in the other
nostril, which may alternate through which nostril resistive
inspiration or expiration occurs.
[0391] In some versions, the respiratory device is shaped so that
the direction of the airflow resistor is immediately evident. For
example, the respiratory device may be of a different shape or size
on one end, or may include a visual indication. In one version, the
respiratory device may be shaped so that it fits securely into a
respiratory orifice only in one orientation (e.g., so that the
airflow resistor inhibits the expiration more than it inhibits
inhalation). For example, a flange or other mechanical stop may be
used to insure proper orientation, while simultaneously preventing
migration of the device further into the respiratory orifice.
[0392] In many embodiments, the PEEP-configured device provides
some level of resistance to expiration, particularly at low
pressure. It may be preferable to have little if any effect on
resistance to inspiration, though in some cases, some degree of
inspiratory restriction may be beneficial. In some versions of the
device, both inspiration and expiration may be inhibited by the
airflow resistor.
[0393] The device may also be adapted for comfort. Any device
placed either in or around the oral cavity or in or around the nose
should not be painful, and if possible not very noticeable by the
patient. Thus, the holdfast may be shaped to conform to the
attachment site in or around the respiratory orifice. In some
versions, the holdfast comprises a flexible or shapeable material
(e.g., a foam or other soft shape-memory material). In some
versions, the entire respiratory device comprises a soft
material.
[0394] When using devices that feature a foam on the portion of the
device that fits within or otherwise communicates with the inside
of a nostril, the device may be inserted by the patient or
healthcare provider foam end first. It may be helpful to insert a
corner of the device into the nostril and then rotate the device
into place. The device may then be gently pulled outward (without
removing the device from the nostril) so that it rests in the
correct position and provides a seal between the periphery of the
device and the nasal cavity or nostril.
[0395] The user may be instructed to breathe through his/her/its
mouth or nose, whichever is more comfortable. If the device is
going to be worn by a subject during sleep, the user may be
instructed to breathe primarily or relatively primarily through his
mouth while he is still awake. This may make the sensation of
expiratory resistance and pressure easier to tolerate. It is
expected that when the patient goes to sleep, he will revert
primarily or at least partly to nose breathing, thus promoting the
beneficial effects of the device. The subject devices may also be
used with any commercially available device that promotes closure
of the mouth during sleep, including but not limited to straps,
mouth guards, tape and the like.
[0396] In some cases, a nasal cannula or other means of monitoring
nasal airflow (such as a thermistor) may be attached, fixed, or
non-fixably positioned within or near the device to allow various
diagnostic parameters to be measured. In some cases, the nasal
cannula or other diagnostic device may be held in place with tape
(on the face for example, near the chin or cheek). By attaching the
diagnostic device to the device, it is less likely that inadvertent
or undesired motion will shift or displace the device while
sleeping or otherwise during use. In some cases, the subject device
may be extended or otherwise altered or changed to allow the
placement of the nasal cannula.
[0397] In other cases, an intranasal pressure probe or sensor may
be placed beyond the device (deeper within the nasal cavity or
nostril) to provide a pressure reading for the airways, nose, and
other respiratory pathways.
[0398] Furthermore, the device may be adapted so that it is more or
less visible to others. In some cases, the device may be configured
to be placed high enough within the nostrils to make it difficult
for others to see. Furthermore, the device may be of any color
and/or pattern that help to camouflage it. In other versions, it
may be useful to include colors and patterns that stand out,
including ones that are fluorescent or otherwise offer increased
visibility during the night or other setting where ambient light is
reduced.
[0399] In some versions, the respiratory device may be "one size
fits all", so that it may be used with any patient (or any patient
of approximately the same size), despite differences in shapes and
sizes of their nose/nostrils, oral cavity, teeth and other relevant
anatomic features. In one version, the devices may conform to a
range of sizes, for example "small," "medium," and "large" (or any
other appropriate range, such as, e.g., a numerical range).
Alternatively, the devices may involve a custom fit of the device
or devices to the patient.
[0400] Custom fitting may improve patient comfort and potentially
improve performance by improving the seal between the device and
the patient's oral cavity, mouth, nasal cavity and nostrils, for
example. In some versions, custom fitting may involve the placement
of a device in warm or cold liquid or air with subsequent placement
in the patient's nose or mouth. This process is meant to "prime"
the materials in the device (e.g., particularly the materials of
the holdfast), so that when the holdfast is secured to the patient,
the device permanently assumes a shape or configuration
corresponding to a portion of the patients anatomy.
[0401] In some cases, the device may be over the counter (OTC) and
in other cases, it may require a prescription. Some possible
indications for the device will include but not be limited to sleep
apnea, snoring and upper airway resistance syndrome. In other
cases, the device may be used to improve athletic performance,
heart or lung function, or improve oxygenation. In some cases, the
devices will be reusable. In some cases, the devices will be
disposable after one or more uses. The devices may be modular; for
example, at least one component or subassembly of the device may be
reusable and at least one component or subassembly may be
disposable.
[0402] In some version of the devices described herein, an airflow
resistor may fit within a larger structure (such as the passageway)
so that some airflow through or around the airflow resistor is
always allowed. For example, there might be a constant opening
between the airflow resistor and the anchor that secures the
airflow filter in communication with the passageway. This may
ensure that expiratory and/or inspiratory airflow is never
completely occluded. In some versions, the airflow resistor
comprises a "hole" or opening. As described above, the device may
include one or more holes or air leak paths even in the closed
position, so that some air may pass through the device even if the
holdfast forms a relatively tight seal with the nasal cavity. For
example, the airflow resistor (e.g., flap valve) may include one or
more holes providing an air leak path. The size of the holes may be
configured to allow a predetermined rate of airflow through the
holes when a certain pressure is applied (e.g., by the user's
breathing). For example holes may be small (e.g., having diameters
of 0.030 inches.+-.0.010 inches). In some variations, multiple
holes are used.
[0403] The devices described herein may create a PEEP effect by
differentially changing the resistance to airflow in one direction
based on the pressure applied against the device, as described
above. For example, in some designs, expiratory airflow is
subjected to resistance by the airflow resistor (or valve) until a
certain threshold pressure differential or level of airflow is
achieved; below that threshold, a more complete closure of the
airflow resistor occurs (potentially completely occluding airflow
through the device). The desired levels of PEEP are on the order of
about 0.1 to about 30 cm H2O and more preferably about 1 to about
15 cm H2O pressure. Similarly, the differential resistance may also
be triggered at very high pressures across the valve. For example,
above a typically high threshold of pressure or level of airflow,
the airflow resistor (e.g., valve) may open to decrease the
resistance due to the airflow resistor, as when a patient coughs,
sneezes, or blows his or her nose.
[0404] In some cases, the device may offer a variable resistance
that is lower during the start of expiration (to promote comfort
and tolerance) and that continues to increase (in a stepwise or
more gradual fashion) for the remainder of expiration. In many
cases, at the end of expiration, PEEP will be maintained. In still
other cases, there will not be PEEP at the end of exhalation. In
some respiratory devices described herein, when expiratory airflow
and/or expiratory airway pressures fall below a threshold (one that
is too low to keep an airflow resistor mechanism open), expiration
airflow will be stopped, leading to PEEP. As a result, normal
inspiration, normal expiration, and PEEP are accommodated while
offering potential benefits to the patient, including clinical
benefits.
[0405] In some cases, the device may feature a fixed orifice during
expiration (e.g., a fixed leak path). Thus, the size of the hole(s)
within the airflow resistor remains substantially or significantly
equal for all, most or substantially most of the expiratory cycle.
Such a device may allow the "average" and peak pressures in the
airway to be different during supine positioning, lateral (left or
right) positioning and prone position during sleep. Preferred peak
airway pressures during exhalation, regardless of positioning, may
be between 0.1 to 70 cm H2O, more preferably between 0.5 and 25 cm
H2O and most preferably between 1 and 20 cm H2O pressure during
sleep. Supine pressures may on average be greater than pressures
while in lateral and prone positions during sleep.
[0406] The optimal level of expiratory resistance or PEEP provided
by the device may vary from patient to patient. In some versions,
adequate expiratory resistance or PEEP is created to offer the
desired benefits, but not providing too much expiratory resistance
or PEEP so that the patient preferentially begins breathing (e.g.,
inspiring and/or expiring) through the mouth. In some cases, the
user may test the device or devices while being monitored by a
healthcare provider, a camera, a polysomnograph, or any other
device that will help to assess the optimal level of resistance or
therapy provided by the subject devices. As described in more
detail below, the devices described herein may be adjustable. In
particular, the threshold pressure for opening the valve during
exhalation may be adjustable, for example by the subject or a
healthcare provider. In some variations, the threshold pressure for
closing the valve may also be adjustable, for example by the
subject or a healthcare provider.
[0407] The use of an airflow resistor may also alter the
inspiratory time:expiratory time ratio (I:E ratio), which is
defined as the ratio of inspiratory time to expiratory time. The
desired I:E ratio will be between about 3:1 and about 1:10 and more
preferably about 1:1 to about 1:4 depending on the needs of the
individual patient. In some versions, the desired ratio is
approximately about 1:2.
[0408] In some versions, the device comprises an insertion,
adjustment, or removal mechanism. In some cases, this mechanism
involves any appropriate rigid or non-rigid positioner that
facilitates removal or positioning of the device. Non-rigid
positioners include but are not limited to cables, chains, wires,
strings, chains, sutures, or the like. Rigid positioners include
knobs, handles, projections, tabs, or the like. A user may grasp or
otherwise manipulate the positioner to facilitate insertion,
re-adjustment, or removal of the device. Furthermore, various
applicators or other insertion devices may be used. For example, a
tubular applicator holding a respiratory device adapted for
insertion into a nasal cavity may be advanced into the nasal
respiratory orifice (e.g., nostril) to insert the respiratory
device.
[0409] In some cases, the device may be oversized, or larger than
the cavity it is inserted into, for example to prop open the nasal
valve. Oversizing the device may reduce resistance in one or more
direction of airflow. In some versions, the passageway through the
device is oversized. In some versions, an outer portion of the
device that contacts the respiratory orifice is oversized. Thus,
the respiratory device may exert pressure against the nasal cavity
of a user. In patients with obstructive sleep apnea or snoring, for
example, increasing the size of a respiratory device configured to
be inserted into one or more nostrils may prevent the more distal
tissues of the airway, tongue, and nasopharynx from being sucked in
or closed during inspiration. Moreover, airflow through an
oversized passageway may assume a less turbulent flow profile,
resulting in a decreased propensity for noise production in the
case of snoring, for example. Similarly, the respiratory device
passageway may be shaped so as to decrease turbulence of airflow.
Likewise, the shape and activity of the airflow resistor may be
chosen to minimize turbulence and, therefore, sound or
vibration.
[0410] In operation, the user may be asked to clean his or her
nose, trim or clip his or her nose hairs, and remove all or
substantially all nasal mucus or boogers. The device, especially if
it is at least partly composed of foam or other deformable
material, may be squeezed to reduce its size prior to insertion
into the nasal cavity or nostril. In some cases, the deformable
material may expand or swell over time, providing a comfortable fit
and/or seal. In some cases, water or water vapor may facilitate or
expedite said swelling or increase in size. In some cases, water or
other liquids may fill in holes within open cell foam, therefore
improving seal.
[0411] In some cases, an active or inactive ingredient may be added
into (or onto the surface of) at least one component of the device.
For example, an odorant such as menthol, phenol, eucalyptus, or
other fragrance may be used. Alternatively, a lubricant or
moisturizer (on the surface of the holdfast, for example) or the
like may find use to improve patient comfort, seal, etc. Any
commonly or uncommonly used substance or ingredient that is used in
over-the-counter and/or prescription healthcare products may find
use.
[0412] The respiratory devices may be manufactured and assembled
using any appropriate method. Representative manufacturing methods
that may be employed include machining, extruding, stamping, and
the like. Assembling methods may include press-fitting, gluing,
welding, heat-forming, and the like.
[0413] A holdfast may be attached to the outer portion of the
tubular body, particularly the distal region of the tubular body.
In many of the exemplary devices described herein, the holdfast is
polyurethane foam. The foam may be pre-molded into the appropriate
shape, or it may be cut (e.g., die cut, water jet cut, laser cut,
etc.) into a ring or other appropriate shape and attached to the
tubular body. For example, the foam may be attached via an adhesive
(e.g., tape, glue, etc.). In one variation, the foam is cut from a
strip of foam that is attached around the tubular body. The foam
may be any appropriate size so that the device is secured within a
subject's nasal cavity. In some variations, the foam is between
about 1/4 and 1/8 of an inch thick. The thickness of the foam
holdfast may vary around the diameter of the device. For example,
the foam holdfast may be thicker at the ends of an elliptical
cross-section so that it conforms better to the shape of a
subject's nasal cavity, particularly in the region immediately
within the subject's nose, past the nares.
[0414] FIG. 66 shows one variation of a foam holdfast attached to
the outer surface of distal region of the tubular body 3705. The
holdfast in FIG. 66 includes two regions that are applied with
adhesive. The first region 3701 includes the two narrower ends
(e.g., shown as the upper and lower ends) of the tubular body
cross-section. In some variations, tapered strips (e.g., cut to be
approximately 0.22 inches wide, by approximately 0.6 inches long)
are attached at these narrow ends, and then a third strip
(approximately 0.22 inches long) is applied on top of them, as
shown in FIG. 66. The outer strip 3705 is then trimmed to create a
relatively smooth outer surface. This configuration augments the
ends of the valve body, which may provide a better nostril fit and
seal. In some variations, the outer diameter of the tubular body
may also be adjusted (e.g., to make the two end foam pieces 3701,
3701' unnecessary, for example).
[0415] As described above, any appropriate foam may be used. For
example, Microbaisan 100 foam produced by Lendell Manufacturing is
a medical-grade, biocompatible sponge foam that may be used. This
foam has a relatively low air permeability.
[0416] The holdfast may be adjustable by a practitioner or the
user, so that it more comfortably and/or securely fit a particular
user. For example, in variations for use within a user's nasal
cavity, the holdfast may consist of selectively removable layers of
foam that may be removed (e.g., onion-skin like) until a
comfortable size is achieved. In some variations, the layers may be
coded (e.g., color coded, numbered, etc.) to indicate each "level"
of holdfast. Thus, once a user determines a particular
configuration for the holdfast that comfortably fits his nose, he
may easily set each subsequent device to that configuration.
[0417] FIG. 67 illustrates one variation of an adjustable holdfast,
as described herein. In FIG. 67, foam surrounds the outer surface
of the tubular body. The foam is divided up into layers, as shown
by the dotted lines. Layers may be formed either by applying the
foam in layers, or by cutting a relatively thick layer of foam into
different layers 3801 (e.g., perforating the foam by laser, etc.).
Thus, the shape of the holdfast can be changed by removing one, a
portion of one, or multiple layers of foam from the device. For
example, in FIG. 67, the outermost layer of foam may be removed by
peeling the layer off in a clockwise direction, and the second
layer may be removed by peeling the layer off in a counterclockwise
direction. Changing the direction of removing each layer may
prevent unintentionally removing too much of the holdfast.
[0418] The holdfast may also be configured to expand to fit within
the subject's nasal cavity. Nasal tissues may swell during sleep or
when a subject is lying prone. This swelling may allow the user to
insert a respiratory device that is relatively loose fitting before
lying down, permitting easier breathing. Thus, before a subject
falls asleep the more loosely fitting device can help the user
breath more easily, and any nasal swelling that occurs would
gradually help the subject sleep better. FIGS. 68A and 68B
illustrate a device configured to take advantage of this
swelling.
[0419] In FIG. 68A, the holdfast 3903 surrounds the outer surface
of the passageway-forming body 3901, and consists of a soft,
biocompatible material that has a scalloped shaped profile. When
the device is inserted into a subject's nostril, there may
initially be gaps 3905 that form between the holdfast and the walls
of the subject's nasal cavity. As the walls of the nostril swell
(e.g., during sleep, etc.), and the inner diameter of the nostril
decreases, these gaps may disappear, so that the device is
comfortably sealed within the nasal cavity, as shown in FIG. 68B.
Swelling and reduction of the inner diameter of the nostril may
also compress the holdfast (e.g., a compliant foam holdfast),
advantageously reducing the air permeability of the holdfast.
[0420] In some variations, the foam may be configured to expand
within the nasal cavity. As mentioned briefly above, the foam may
be configured to swell because of the increased moisture (e.g., in
exhaled air), thereby enhancing fit or the seal within the nasal
cavity. In some variations, the holdfast is configured to expand in
the presence of the subject's body heat. Thus, heat transfer from
the subject to the device causes the holdfast to swell and thus
better fit the nostril.
[0421] Although most of the devices described herein are configured
for nasal use, devices may also be configured for oral use (e.g.,
within the oral cavity). For example, an oral device for inducing
positive end-expiratory pressure may be secured in communication
with an oral cavity (e.g. over, at least partially over, within, or
at least partially within the subject's mouth) and may include a
passageway, an airflow resistor in communication with the
passageway, wherein the airflow resistor is configured to have a
non-zero threshold pressure for opening during expiration so that
the airflow resistor is closed during expiration when the pressure
across the airflow resistor is below the threshold pressure for
opening, but the airflow resistor opens during expiration when the
pressure across the airflow resistor exceeds the threshold pressure
for opening during expiration; and a holdfast configured to secure
the airflow resistor in communication with the oral cavity but not
the subject's nose in some cases.
[0422] In some variations, the holdfast is configured as a
mouthpiece that fits at least partially within the subject's mouth.
An oral respiratory device may extend the jaw (e.g., mandible)
and/or the tongue to further facilitate respiration. These oral
respiratory devices may also include one or more valves to help
regulate respiration. In general, these devices may fit within or
partially within the subject's oral cavity and displace or extend
the subject's mandible and/or tongue, as well as provide a pathway
for airflow that may be regulated by one or more valves or airflow
resistors. Any portion of the device may also extend out from the
subject's oral cavity.
[0423] FIG. 69 shows one variation of an oral device that may allow
the benefits of expiratory resistance (with or without PEEP) in
addition to the benefit of advancing the mandible (which increases
the size of the upper airway). Upper jaw anchor 4100 and lower jaw
anchor 4101 serve to secure the device to the upper jaw 4102 and
lower jaw 4103 respectively in such a manner that the lower jaw
4103 (mandible) is pushed forward while slightly opening the jaw.
The device offers an opening in or around the space between the
jaws through which air may flow, and a resistor 4110 may be placed
in this location. At least some of the subject's airflow must pass
through the resistor in one or more directions. Any resistor,
including those described herein, may be used, including resistors
that offer preferential expiratory resistance, with or without
PEEP. Examples of additional airflow resistors that may be used
with this device are included in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/298,640, filed Dec. 8, 2005 and U.S. Provisional patent
application titled "NASAL RESPIRATORY DEVICE," filed May 23, 2006,
each of which was previously incorporated by reference in its
entirety. The device may be made of any appropriate hard or soft
materials, including those described herein. In some variations,
the degree of lower jaw advancement may be adjusted.
[0424] FIG. 70 shows another variation of an oral device that may
provide expiratory resistance (with or without PEEP) and may
advance the tongue to an anterior position (which increases the
size of the upper airway) through the use of suction. In FIG. 70,
upper jaw anchor 4200 and lower jaw anchor 4201 serve to secure the
device to the upper jaw 4230 and lower jaw 4240 respectively, and
suction cavity 4210 is positioned between jaw anchors 4200 and 4201
to receive and retain the tongue 4212 during use. Thus, the tongue
may be pulled (via the suction) toward the anterior direction
(e.g., out of the mouth). The device may have an airflow opening at
any location between jaw anchors 4200 and 4201, where resistor 4220
may be positioned. At least some of the subject's airflow must pass
through the resistor in one or more directions. Any appropriate
resistor may be used, including those described above (e.g.,
resistors that offer preferential expiratory resistance, with or
without PEEP). The device may be made of any appropriate materials,
particularly those suitable for oral use, including hard or soft
materials. In some embodiments, the devices in FIG. 69 may be
coupled with some lower jaw advancement as described in FIG.
70.
[0425] In some variations, it may also be desirable to occlude the
nostrils of a user wearing an oral device (including the mandibular
or tongue displacement devices described above). Thus, a second
device may be used in conjunction with an oral device to plug the
nose so that airflow is restricted to the mouth. In some
variations, the oral device may include a nostril-occluding region
integral to the oral device. Restricting airflow to the subject's
mouth may enhance the effects of any of the various oral resistance
devices (with or without PEEP) described herein.
Uses of the Respiratory Devices
[0426] The respiratory devices and methods described herein may be
used for a variety of therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes,
particularly uses in which PEEP would be helpful. A description of
some of these uses is given below. The respiratory devices and
methods described herein may be used in other ways as well, and
these examples are not to be considered exhaustive.
[0427] Generally, the respiratory devices described herein may
improve the respiratory and cardiovascular function of a person in
need thereof (e.g., a patient). Thus, these respiratory devices may
be used therapeutically, for example, to cure, treat or ameliorate
the symptoms of a variety of medical disease states. Furthermore,
the respiratory devices may be useful in generally improving the
health and wellbeing of any person.
[0428] Disease states which may be treated by the devices and
methods described herein include but are not limited to: heart
failure (right-sided and/or left-sided), COPD, pulmonary edema,
sleep apnea (obstructive and/or central), sleep-disordered
breathing, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, insomnia, snoring and other
sleep disorders, asthma, bronchomalacia, acute lung injury, ARDS,
cystic fibrosis, hypoxemic respiratory failure, gastroesophageal
reflux disease, hiatal hernia, heartburn, hypertension, myocardial
infarction, arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, cardiac valve disease
(either stenosis or regurgitation of the mitral, aortic, tricuspid,
or pulmonic valves), stroke, transient ischemic attack, increased
cerebral pressure, a variety of inflammatory diseases, and
degenerative neurologic conditions. Moreover, the devices may be
beneficial for patients being weaned off mechanical ventilation, as
well as post-operative patients.
[0429] The increased pressure within the airways may reduce the
amount and frequency of pulmonary edema, a common consequence of
heart failure. Afterload and preload on the heart may also be
affected; for example, afterload and preload may be decreased in
patients with heart failure. Filling pressures may be increased or,
more likely, decreased. Decreasing filling pressure may potentially
benefit patients with failing hearts. Gas exchange may improve in
many cases, leading to increases in pO2 and decreases in pCO2. In
some cases, the level of pCO2 may actually increase or become more
stable and less likely to fluctuate. This increase in the stability
of pCO2 levels may lead to profound benefits in patients with
central sleep apnea and in patients with Cheyne-Stokes breathing,
for example. Oxygen saturation levels may improve. Oxygen
desaturations which may result from apneas or hypopneas may no
longer drop as far. For example there may be fewer oxygen
desaturations to the 80-89% range. Fewer oxygen desaturations may
drop below 90%. Duration of desaturations may also be reduced. The
use of the device to reduce oxygen desaturations (perhaps leading
to performance enhancement) while awake or asleep may represent a
viable market opportunity for the device.
[0430] In some cases, the use of a expiratory resistor will
interfere with loop gain, and will thus promote more stable
breathing. In other cases, the device will reduce the amplitude,
duration, and frequency of snoring.
[0431] Any location within the body that is exposed to respiratory
airflow (including but not limited to the upper airway, trachea,
bronchi, nasopharynx, oropharynx, nasal cavity, oral cavity, vocal
cords, larynx, tonsils and related structures, back of the tongue,
sinuses, and turbinates) may benefit from the increased airway
pressure and increased duration of expiratory airflow. In some
cases, there will be a reduction in swelling and edema in these
locations, leading to increased diameters of the airways and
conduits in which the airflow passes. This leads to less of a
tendency for these structures to collapse upon inhalation.
Moreover, these structures may be less prone to create noise on
inspiration or expiration, thereby reducing the quantity and/or
quality of snoring. Put another way, the reduction of edema in the
airways may make it less likely that these structures will collapse
and may reduce the volume and frequency of snoring, apnea, or
hypopnea. Furthermore, reduction in swelling and edema and improved
lymphatic flow due to these positive pressures may reduce nasal
congestion, inflammation, and sinusitis for example.
[0432] The respiratory device may also increase lung compliance.
For example, lung compliance may increase partly if fluid which
might otherwise be in the lung and alveoli is driven away by the
increased airway pressure. This increased lung compliance may make
it easier to breathe and may require less effort and force on the
part of the patient to displace the diaphragm a certain distance to
achieve a certain tidal volume. Moreover, increased lung compliance
may decrease the pressure differential between the alveoli and
mouth. As this pressure differential decreases, it becomes less
likely that an inhalation attempt will induce a collapse of the
upper airway. Thus, an increase in lung compliance may herald a
reduction in the frequency or severity of obstructive sleep apnea
or hypopnea episodes. Similarly, snoring frequency and severity
(volume) may be reduced for similar reasons.
[0433] The respiratory device may also improve ejection fraction.
This effect may be mediated via increases in intra-thoracic
pressure and alterations in transmural pressures and the beneficial
effects on preload and afterload on the failing heart. In addition
to left-sided benefits to the heart, there may also be benefits
afforded to the right side of the heart. Improving ejection
fraction with the respiratory devices described herein may result
in positive short- and long-term changes to the energetics and
biologic properties of the heart tissue. Some of these positive
changes may mimic the positive remodeling changes seen in hearts
treated with various complicated cardiac support devices such as
those developed by Acorn Cardiovascular (St. Paul, Minn.) and
Paracor Medical (Sunnyvale, Calif.). These expiratory resistors use
the patient's own intra-thoracic pressure to "support" the
patient's heart. Moreover, because the support potentially provided
by the respiratory devices described herein is not limited to just
the ventricle, it may support the atria, which can also be severely
affected by heart failure and other cardiac or pulmonary diseases.
There may be reductions in left ventricular and left atrial sizes,
both in the shorter and longer term. Furthermore, cardiac
sympathetic activation may be reduced, and cardiac output may be
increased or decreased depending on the nature of the resistance
provided.
[0434] There are a variety of other beneficial effects of enhanced
expiratory resistance and increases in intra-thoracic pressure that
may be achieved with the respiratory devices described herein.
Examples include decreased heart rate and blood pressure. There may
be a reduction in the number of arrhythmias, including but not
limited to atrial/supraventricular and ventricular fibrillation,
atrial/supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias, heart block,
and other common arrhythmias. Thus, the respiratory devices
described herein may also reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac
death and other cardiac disorders. Furthermore, coronary perfusion
may be expected to increase. Further, expiratory resistance and
increased intra-thoracic pressures may lead to improvements in
gastroesophageal reflux disease (i.e., heartburn), gastritis,
Barrett's esophagus, esophageal cancer, hiatal hernia, and other
causes of diaphragmatic hernia. This effect may be mediated by the
compression of the esophagus located within the thorax due to the
increased intra-thoracic pressures. As a result, food and other
stomach contents may no longer be able to reflux superiorly into
the esophagus, which is otherwise common when patients are lying
down. Furthermore, hernias (primarily hiatal) may be reduced and
pushed back into the abdomen by the increased intra-thoracic
pressure. The use of these respiratory devices may have beneficial
effects on other gastroenterologic conditions beyond those already
described.
[0435] Cardiac valve disease, including but not limited to mitral,
tricuspid, pulmonic and aortic regurgitation, and mitral,
tricuspid, pulmonic and aortic stenosis may also benefit from the
respiratory devices described herein. In particular, the
respiratory device may affect mitral regurgitation and may help
prevent further annular dilatation (a byproduct of heart failure
and generalized heart dilation).
[0436] Use of the respiratory devices described herein will result
in a reduction in respiratory rate, which may be very helpful in
diseases such as COPD, asthma, hyperventilation, and anxiety
disorders including panic attacks, among others. The ratio of
inspiratory time to expiratory time (I:E ratio) may be decreased
with the device. Tidal volumes may increase as well. For example,
in COPD, the increased resistance may facilitate improved
expiratory function. This may also allow the patient to benefit
from larger tidal volumes and increased minute ventilation. In
still other cases, respiratory rate may be increased and in other
cases, minute ventilation may be decreased.
[0437] The amount of PEEP (or resistance generated by the device)
may overcome some, or all, of the intrinsic PEEP that is common in
patients with COPD. In patients with COPD or other pulmonary
disorders, or even patients without disease, gas exchange may
improve. In this case, gas exchange refers to the removal of CO2
from the body and addition of 02 into the blood stream from
inspired air. Thus, pO2 may increase and pCO2 may decrease,
particularly in patients with COPD, but more generally in all
patients treated with the device. Moreover, oxygen saturation may
increase, reflecting an increase of oxygen binding to
hemoglobin.
[0438] Other benefits offered by the respiratory device may include
a reduction in diaphragm fatigue and improved efficiency of the
accessory muscles of inspiration. This may make breathing
significantly easier in patients with pulmonary disease, and more
specifically COPD and cystic fibrosis.
[0439] As previously mentioned, the respiratory devices described
herein may decrease respiratory rate. It has been shown that slowed
breathing techniques can lead to a reduction in blood pressure.
Thus, the device may reduce blood pressure in a patient, including
patients with hypertension (systemic and pulmonary). The reduction
in blood pressure may be systolic and/or diastolic. Reductions in
blood pressure may be on the order of 1-70 mm Hg systolic or
diastolic. This may bring the patient to normal (<140/80 mm Hg)
or near normal (<160/100 mm Hg) levels. In patients who are
being treated for hypertension, the device could be used as an
adjunctive therapy to drugs or as a stand-alone therapy in some
patients. In some versions, a respiratory device as described
herein may be used for short periods (minutes, hours, or longer)
over a span of days to weeks to months to offer longer term
benefits for weeks or months after the cessation of therapy.
Treatments may last 15 seconds to 24 hours and may be repeated over
a regular or irregular interval, for example, on the order of hours
to days. The devices may be worn at night or day, while awake or
during sleep, to slow respiratory rate. A reduction in blood
pressure and/or heart rate may be seen while the device is in
place, or after the device has been removed. This may be due to
hormonal influences whose effects last longer than the period in
which the device is in place. More specifically, the device may
work though either a sympathetic or parasympathetic pathway.
[0440] Expiratory resistance may also prolong expiratory time,
which may reduce the respiratory rate. Thus, the devices described
herein may be used to reduce respiratory rate. This may have
benefits in treating insomnia, since it may promote a sense of
relaxation in the user, through increased parasympathetic
stimulation, decreased sympathetic simulation, and/other hormonal
and non-hormonal effects. This may also promote a sense of
wellbeing or relaxation that may allow the user to fall asleep
easier and quicker and improve sleep quality and quantity. Thus,
the respiratory devices described herein represent a novel
non-pharmacologic method of treating insomnia and promoting
relaxation. The device may be used throughout the day and/or night
to promote said relaxation and wellbeing.
[0441] The respiratory devices described herein may also be used to
treat or ameliorate disorders characterized by ineffective,
non-productive, or otherwise disturbed inspiration (including but
not limited to obstructive sleep apnea or restrictive pulmonary
disease). For example, with the device in place, a patient may be
more likely to have slightly elevated lung volumes after
exhalation. Put another way, more air than normal may be present in
the lungs after exhalation when using some versions of the device.
Fewer alveoli may be collapsed; thus inhalation may be easier
because it will require less effort to re-open the alveoli during
the subsequent breath. Moreover, pulmonary congestion and pulmonary
edema may also be reduced, so compliance may be improved. As a
result, it may require less effort for patients to inhale. It
follows that a smaller pressure differential (between the alveoli
and the mouth) will be required. The smaller the pressure
differential, the less likely that the patient's conducting airways
(including the upper airways and pharyngeal tissues) will collapse,
thus reducing the likelihood of obstructive sleep apnea, hypopnea,
and snoring.
[0442] Infectious diseases may also benefit from the respiratory
devices described herein. These diseases include but are not
limited to pneumonia (community and hospital acquired),
tuberculosis, bronchitis, HIV, and SARS.
[0443] The respiratory devices may also be useful in pulmonary or
cardiac rehabilitation. For example, the device may find use in
patients with chronic pulmonary disease including but not limited
to chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis,
cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Alternatively, the
devices may benefit patients with cardiac disease, including but
not limited to: angina, myocardial infarction, right or left sided
heart failure, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, valve disease,
pulmonary embolus, and arrhythmia.
[0444] Patients with obesity may also benefit from the use of the
respiratory devices described herein. Obesity can contribute to
exercise intolerance partly because it increases the metabolic
requirement during activity and alters ventilatory mechanics by
reducing functional residual capacity (FRC) and promoting
atelectasis. Obesity may also reduce cardiac reserve, since a
higher than normal cardiac output response is required during
physical activity. This in turn may cause systemic hypertension,
which increases left ventricular afterload. Thus, the device,
through its potential reduction in atelectasis and beneficial
effects on FRC, cardiac output, and blood pressure may be useful in
patients with obesity.
[0445] It has been suggested that expiratory positive airway
pressure (as induced by the subject devices) may increase neural
drive to the muscles that serve to maintain upper airway patency.
Furthermore, FRC increases may improve length-tension relationships
of the inspiratory muscles, allowing inspiratory pressures to
decrease. This reduction of inspiratory pressure would thus make it
less likely for the upper airway to obstruct, presumably due to a
reduction in the transmural pressure gradient. As previously
suggested, positive end expiratory pressure may improve
ventilation-perfusion relationships which may improve oxygen
saturation.
[0446] Furthermore, it is known that the upper airway partially or
completely occludes during the expiratory phase of the breaths
preceding an occlusive apnea. It is this narrowing of the upper
airway at end-expiration that sets the stage for total occlusion
during the next inspiration as subatmospheric pressures are
generated within the airway. Expiratory positive airway pressure
may therefore prevent airway narrowing during expiration, thus
reducing the propensity toward total occlusion during inspiration.
The phenomena of lung hysteresis may also provide therapeutic
benefit.
[0447] The subject devices are also expected to improve sleep
quality, duration and architecture. For example, there may be
increased REM, slow wave, deep and/or stage 3 and 4 sleep and
reduced light and/or stage 1 and 2 sleep. Sleep fragmentation may
be improved with reduced transitions between sleep stages. There
may be fewer arousals and/or awakenings. Subjects may experience
REM or slow wave sleep rebound when the device is used. Subjects
may have reduced central sleep apnea including central sleep apneas
associated with sleep onset. Furthermore, subjects may experience
more restful sleep and may awake more refreshed.
[0448] The respiratory devices may also be used by athletes, for
example, during both aerobic and non-aerobic activities, partially
because of the potentially beneficial direct effects on the heart
and on gas exchange. In some versions, the respiratory device may
be oversized, to increase the amount of inspiratory airflow,
potentially increasing the amount of oxygen transmitted to the
lungs for gas exchange.
[0449] The respiratory devices described herein may also be used
for therapeutic and non-therapeutic effects on sleep. Sleep quality
may be improved, with more slow-wave sleep, fewer arousals, and
improved REM sleep. The user may have more productive sleep and may
be less tired during the day. Furthermore, the beneficial effects
of the device may extend beyond the period of use, and into the
daytime as well, even when the device's use is limited to the night
(e.g., when the user is sleeping). In some cases, sympathetic
discharge may be reduced and/or parasympathetic discharge may be
increased. Thus, the device may have positive benefits on the
autonomic nervous system. This may offer beneficial systemic
effects as well as local effects, some of which have already been
described.
[0450] The respiratory devices described herein may also be used in
other locations besides the nasal and oral cavities. Indeed, any
location in the body that serves as an entry or exit location for
respiratory airflow or serves as a conducting airway or conduit for
airflow may benefit from the use of the devices described herein.
For example, a device may be used within, on the external surface
of, or near a stoma site (e.g., for use in a patient after a
tracheostomy). Alternatively, devices may be adapted for use in
ventilatory circuits within ventilators and other positive pressure
breathing means (invasive and non-invasive) and in portable
breathing devices such as Ambu-bags and the like.
[0451] Inflammation (which is present in a variety of disease
states) may also be reduced using the respiratory device, possibly
via the aforementioned parasympathetic or sympathetic mediated
effects and/or effects of the vagus nerve and its stimulation. The
treatment of any condition mediated by an inflammatory cytokine
cascade is within the scope of the devices and methods described
herein. In some embodiments, the respiratory device is used to
treat a condition where the inflammatory cytokine cascade is
affected through release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from a
macrophage. The condition may be one where the inflammatory
cytokine cascade causes a systemic reaction, such as with septic
shock. Alternatively, the condition may be mediated by a localized
inflammatory cytokine cascade, as in rheumatoid arthritis. Examples
of conditions which may be usefully treated using the respiratory
devices described herein include, but are not limited to:
appendicitis, peptic, gastric or duodenal ulcers, peritonitis,
pancreatitis, ulcerative, pseudomembranous, acute or ischemic
colitis, diverticulitis, epiglottitis, achalasia, cholangitis,
cholecystitis, hepatitis, Crohn's disease, enteritis, Whipple's
disease, asthma, allergy, anaphylactic shock, immune complex
disease, organ ischemia, reperfusion injury, organ necrosis, hay
fever, sepsis, septicemia, endotoxic shock, cachexia, hyperpyrexia,
eosinophilic granuloma, granulomatosis, sarcoidosis, septic
abortion, epididymitis, vaginitis, prostatitis, urethritis,
bronchitis, emphysema, rhinitis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonitis,
pneumoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis, alvealitis,
bronchiolitis, pharyngitis, pleurisy, sinusitis, influenza,
respiratory syncytial virus, herpes, disseminated bacteremia,
Dengue fever, candidiasis, malaria, filariasis, amebiasis, hydatid
cysts, burns, dermatitis, dermatomyositis, sunburn, urticaria,
warts, wheals, vasulitis, angiitis, endocarditis, arteritis,
atherosclerosis, thrombophlebitis, pericarditis, myocarditis,
myocardial ischemia, periarteritis nodosa, rheumatic fever,
Alzheimer's disease, coeliac disease, congestive heart failure,
adult respiratory distress syndrome, meningitis, encephalitis,
multiple sclerosis, cerebral infarction, cerebral embolism,
Guillame-Bane syndrome, neuritis, neuralgia, spinal cord injury,
paralysis, uveitis, arthritides, arthralgias, osteomyelitis,
fasciitis, Paget's disease, gout, periodontal disease, rheumatoid
arthritis, synovitis, myasthenia gravis, thryoiditis, systemic
lupus erythematosus, Goodpasture's syndrome, Behcets's syndrome,
allograft rejection, graft-versus-host disease, diabetes,
ankylosing spondylitis, Berger's disease, Retier's syndrome, or
Hodgkins disease.
[0452] Furthermore, the respiratory devices and methods of using
them may be used by or applied to a variety of different types of
animals. Representative animals with which the methods and devices
find use include, but are not limited to: canines; felines;
equines; bovines; ovines; etc. and primates, particularly humans.
The respiratory devices described herein may also be packaged for
use. For example, the respiratory devices may be packaged
individually or as a set (e.g., in sets of pairs, particularly in
variations in which an individual device is used with each
nostril). Furthermore, the packaging may be sterile, sterilizable,
or clean.
[0453] The respiratory devices described herein may also be
provided as part of a kit that includes at least one of the
devices. Examples of kits may include a respiratory device and
instructions for how to use the device. The instructions are
generally recorded on a suitable recording medium. For example, the
instructions may be printed on a substrate, such as paper or
plastic, etc. As such, the instructions may be present in the kits
as a package insert, in the labeling of the container of the kit or
components thereof (i.e., associated with the packaging or
sub-packaging) etc. In other embodiments, the instructions are
present as an electronic storage data file present on a suitable
computer readable storage medium, e.g., CD-ROM, diskette, etc. The
instructions may take any form, including complete instructions on
how to use the device, or references, directing a user to using
additional sources for instructions (e.g., a website address with
which instructions posted on the world wide web).
[0454] The device may be used in a clinical study, wherein said
clinical study involves comparing sleep data from a patient with
the device in place to sleep data from the same patient without the
device in place. Any duration of the sleep study shall suffice,
from minutes to hours.
[0455] The device may be used in patients who have already
undergone ENT surgery to help their sleep apnea and/or snoring.
This combination of surgery and use of the device may thus reduce
AHI, snoring and other relevant parameters. Similarly, the use of
weight reduction or sleep position therapy may find use in
conjunction this device.
[0456] As mentioned above, a respiratory device adapted for use in
the nasal cavity may be placed into one or both of a subject's
nostrils by medical personnel or by the subject himself. The
respiratory device may be secured in place in the subject's
nostrils by the interaction between the nostril cavity and the
holdfast of the device. The device may be worn during the night or
day, while the patient is awake or sleeping. In some cases, the
device may be worn around the clock. For example, the device may be
worn at night to prevent snoring.
[0457] FIGS. 71 and 72 illustrate example of whole-nose nasal
devices as described above. FIG. 71 shows a whole-nose nasal device
including a first holdfast region 304 and second holdfast region
304' that each include a rigid or adjustable rim forming a passage.
Airflow resistors (e.g., a first airflow resistor and a second
airflow resistor, not visible) are each positioned within each
rim/holdfast. A bridging connector 301 connect the two. In the
example shown in FIG. 72, the connector 601 connecting the two
rims/holdfasts is adjustable.
[0458] FIGS. 73A-73D illustrate one method of inserting a
whole-nose device such as the one shown in FIG. 71 into a subject's
nose. FIG. 73A shows the whole-nose nasal device that may be
adjusted by pushing or pulling on the connector, and/or by rotating
the individual body regions forming the passageways (holding the
airflow resistors). For example, the adjustable connector may
include a bend region (e.g., a ductile wire surrounded by foam
and/or polymer). In some variations, the adjustable connector
includes a hinge joint near the center of the adjustable connector
(in this figure, the hinge is surrounded by a foam or polymeric
material, providing a protective layer that can protect the subject
from pinching by the hinge); this hinge can be opened or closed to
adjust the nasal device. After adjusting the whole-nose device, it
may be initially inserted into the nose, as shown in FIG. 73B, and
further adjusted so that it fits comfortably and snugly.
[0459] The whole-nose nasal device shown in FIGS. 73A-73D includes
a rim/holdfast region surrounding each of the passageways that are
placed in communication with each nostril. In this variation, the
whole-nose nasal device is inserted into the subject's nose, and
the holdfast (which may be, for example, a compressible foam)
secures the device therein. This is shown in FIG. 73C. In some
variations, the connector may also help hold the device in the
subject's nose. For example, the adjustable connector may be
adjusted so that the spacing between the passageways is slightly
smaller than the spacing of the subject's nostrils, resulting in
the device exerting a slight pressure on the septal region of the
nose, helping to hold it is place (e.g., using an adjustable
connector that is also flexible). In other variations, the holdfast
region includes an adhesive holdfast that helps hold the device in
position. The device may be further adjusted for comfort. After
use, the device may be removed, as shown in FIG. 73D. In some
variations, the adjustable connector may also help prevent the
device from being inserted too far into the subject's nostril.
[0460] Other examples of whole-nose nasal devices as generally
described herein are shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/941,915, filed Nov. 16, 2007 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,240,309),
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0461] All publications and patent applications cited in this
specification are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety, as if each individual publication or patent application
were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference. The citation of any publication is for its disclosure
prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an
admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate
such publication by virtue of prior invention.
[0462] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some
detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity
of understanding, it is readily apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art in light of the teachings of this invention that certain
changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing
from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *