FLUIDIC-CONTROLLED RESERVOIR CANNULA

摘要

A reservoir cannula is described that has a static fluidic control structure, in that it does not employ a membrane or other moving parts. Furthermore, the reservoir is open to ambient air instead of being sealed. In use, the reservoir cannula enables storage of oxygen and oxygen-rich gas in a storage chamber as well as in and around the patient's nasal passages and nasopharynx, which enables high volume oxygen delivery to the patient early in the next inhalation. Consequently, patients using this delivery mode can carry a smaller and lighter portable oxygen container for ambulatory oxygen, because lower flow oxygen is required to meet their oxygenation needs. In addition, patients requiring a higher flow of oxygen can achieve oxygenation levels previously achieved only by high flow mask or high flow nasal oxygen systems.

主权项

1. A cannula for controlling delivery of gas, comprising:
an outer shell having an outer surface exposed to ambient air and an inner surface defining a reservoir chamber; an exhaust aperture extending through the outer shell to the reservoir chamber and having an open surface area dimension; a static structure disposed within the reservoir chamber and including a fluidic controller having a nasal port; and a nasal prong fitted to the nasal port and extending through the exhaust aperture, wherein the nasal prong has an outer area dimension which is less than the open surface area dimension of the exhaust aperture to permit gas to escape from the cannula.