IMPROVEMENTS TO APPARATUS USED FOR THE HUMIDIFICATION OF GASES IN MEDICAL PROCEDURES

摘要

This invention relates to apparatus used to alter the temperature and humidi ty of gases. The apparatus of the present invention comprises an insufflator (8 ), humidifier (5), and transportation means connected to delivery means to deliver humidified and heated gases to a body cavity prior to and during a medical procedure. In one form of the present invention the insufflator and humidifier are contained in the one housing (23), while in another form the humidifier is located proximal and external to the insufflator. The transportation means that delivers the humidified gases to the body cavity comprises a flexible tubing (3) having located within, throughout or around it heating means. The heating means may be a heat conductive wire (10), a ribbo n of PTC material (120), or a conducting wire extruded into the walls of tubin g, where the tubing may be made from a PTC material or flexible plastics.