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Publication Number
US-11583650-B2
Publication Date
2023-02-21
Expiration Date
Abstract
A cannula for providing respiratory therapy to a patient includes a first nasal prong having a proximal end attached to a cannula body and a distal end for insertion into a nare of the patient. The first nasal prong defines a lumen for a flow of breathing gas from a source of breathing gas to the nare of the patient, and the first nasal prong has a variable geometry such that a cross-sectional area of the lumen at the distal end of the first nasal prong varies with a flow rate of the breathing gas. Varying the cross-sectional area of the first nasal prong lumen with the flow rate of the breathing gas enables the first nasal prong to maintain a high velocity flow to the nare for effective flushing of the patient's airway.
Core Innovation
The invention is a cannula for providing respiratory therapy to a patient, with a first nasal prong defining a lumen for flow of breathing gas from a source to the patient's nare. The prong has variable geometry, so the lumen's distal cross-sectional area varies with gas flow; its domed distal end has slits that are closed at no flow and open at a first flow rate.
Other described configurations include polygonal, star-shaped, and oval shapes, internal protrusions that produce turbulence, and a deformable nasal pillow. The partial content does not include the background section, so the problem being solved is not explicitly described in patent. It states that the design supports effective airway flushing at lower flow rates.
Claims Coverage
The patent has one independent claim, which defines two inventive features.
Variable geometry of the first nasal prong
The first nasal prong is configured to have a variable geometry such that a cross-sectional area of the lumen at the distal end varies with a flow rate of breathing gas.
Domed distal end with slits
The distal end of the first nasal prong is shaped as a dome having a plurality of slits, wherein at no flow through the first nasal prong the slits are configured to be closed and at a first flow rate through the first nasal prong the slits are configured to be open.
The independent claim covers a respiratory-therapy cannula with a flow-dependent lumen cross-sectional area and a domed distal end whose slits close at no flow and open at a first flow rate.
Stated Advantages
Effective airway flushing at lower flow rates.
Reduced gas use.
Reduced device noise.
Improved patient comfort.
Documented Applications
Providing respiratory therapy to a patient using a cannula with a nasal prong for delivery of breathing gas to the patient's nare.
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