Cannula device for high flow therapy
Inventors
Cortez, JR., Felino V. • Dungan, II, George C. • Kolnsberg, Mark • Busey, Charles • Kirkland, Randolph Brian • Goldwalker, Karen • Kate, Meghan H.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12285563-B2
Publication Date
2025-04-29
Expiration Date
Abstract
A nasal cannula is described herein for respiratory therapy which includes a first gas supply tub with a distal end terminating in a first connector, and a nasal cannula body which includes a first end rotatably coupled to the first connector, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, and a first nasal prong in fluid communication with the first gas supply tube. The first nasal prong is rotatable relative to the first gas supply tube about the longitudinal axis of the nasal cannula body.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention provides a nasal cannula for respiratory therapy that includes a first gas supply tube and a second gas supply tube, each terminating in a connector that couples to a respective end of a nasal cannula body. The nasal cannula body defines a longitudinal axis and includes a first nasal prong and a second nasal prong, with adjacent first and second sections disposed along the longitudinal axis and the first nasal prong disposed on the first section and the second nasal prong disposed on the second section.
The adjacent first and second sections are coupled by a journal bearing such that the first section is rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the second section, enabling rotatable nasal prongs and/or a rotatable cannula body. The system optionally supports discretely indexed and stable axial positions by using rotational stops and/or a locking mechanism, and optionally enables adjusting a distance between nasal prongs along the longitudinal axis using an axial mechanism.
The nasal cannula includes first and second elastomeric loops with corresponding over ear connectors detachably coupled to the first and second gas supply tubes, respectively. The loops are sized to hang over respective ears and are coupled non-fluidically to the gas supply tubes, and further comfort features keep warm and pressurized tubing away from ears. System integration is described with a therapy console and controls for gas-flow control in high flow therapy ranges, including flow rates over 8 LPM and over 20 LPM.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim set includes one independent claim (clm-00001). This independent claim contains three inventive features.
Journal-bearing coupled rotatable adjacent sections of the cannula body
Adjacent first and second sections disposed along a longitudinal axis of the nasal cannula body are coupled by a journal bearing such that the first section is rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative to the second section, with the first nasal prong disposed on the first section and the second nasal prong disposed on the second section.
Two gas supply tubes coupled to respective connectors and prongs
A first gas supply tube having a distal end that terminates in a first connector and a second gas supply tube having a distal end that terminates in a second connector, where a first end of the nasal cannula body is coupled to the first connector and a second end is coupled to the second connector, and where the first nasal prong is in fluid communication with the first gas supply tube.
Non-fluidically coupled detachable over-ear elastomeric loops for each tube
A first elastomeric loop having a first over ear connector detachably coupled to the first gas supply tube, the first over ear connector coupled non-fluidically to the first gas supply tube, and sized to hang over a first ear; and a second elastomeric loop having a second over ear connector detachably coupled to the second gas supply tube, the second over ear connector coupled non-fluidically to the second gas supply tube, and sized to hang over a second ear.
Overall claim coverage emphasizes a nasal cannula configured with a journal bearing that couples adjacent body sections to provide relative rotational capability between sections carrying the nasal prongs, combined with two gas supply tubes coupled via connectors to respective ends of the cannula body and each tube mechanically supported by a detachable, non-fluidically coupled over-ear elastomeric loop.
Stated Advantages
Improves patient comfort by enabling elastomeric loops that hang over ears and reduce irritation and pressure-ulcer risk (MDRPU) while keeping warm and pressurized tubing away from ears.
Improves treatment efficacy in high flow therapy by enabling rotatable and/or discretely indexed nasal prongs and associated cannula mechanics for stable positioning.
Documented Applications
Respiratory therapy using a nasal cannula configured for high flow therapy (HFT) with heated and humidified breathing gas, with system integration including a respiratory therapy console and controls for gas-flow control over high LPM ranges.
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