Multifunctional integrated filter and breathing conduit

摘要

A device for use in constructing a breathing circuit has at least a first tube and a filter; the filter has a proximal and a distal end; the first tube is attached to the filter distal end. A second tube can be attached to the filter proximal end, wherein the second tube can be detached from the filter for reuse in a breathing circuit formed with the foregoing components. The filter and the first tube may be disposed of after a single use. The first tube has a length sufficient to maintain the filter at a desired distance from a patient airway device when connected thereto. In a preferred embodiment, a fresh gas outlet is provided at the distal end of the first tube resulting in minimal or substantially no mixing space in the circuit, while the disposable first tube and filter create less medical waste than that created by prior art circuits. Mixing space refers to space distal of the fresh gas outlet into the circuit where the fresh gases can mix with recirculated or other gases. In embodiments, the mixing space is less than 15 cm³ or less than about 5 cm³, and the distal disposable filter and tube device is less than 50 cm in length.