Humidification unit, method of making same, and ventilatory system using such a humidification unit

摘要

A humidification unit adapted to be disposed in a patient circuit for humidifying the flow of breathing gas delivered to the patient via the patient circuit by an artificial ventilator system. The humidification unit includes an exothermic member having an outer surface and a plurality of hollow fibers disposed on the outer surface of the exothermic member. Each hollow fiber is defined by a peripheral wall having minute openings large enough to allow a gas to pass therethrough yet small enough to prevent a liquid from passing therethrough. Liquid delivered to the hollow fibers is heated by the exothermic member and the as vapor resulting from the heating passes through the hollow fiber walls and humidifies the flow of breathing gas delivered to the patient.