| 摘要 |
The present invention is an apparatus (20) for heating and humidifying respiratory gases comprising a housing (28, 30), a gas permeable member (38) and a heat, and moisture generating material (36). The housing includes an inlet (22) adapted for connection to a tracheal tube, and an outlet (23) adapted for connection to a tube for conveying respiratory gases. The inlet, and the outlet are positioned so that respiratory gases passing through the housing, pass from the inlet to the outlet. The gas permeable member, for example, a conventional heat and moisture exchange element, is positioned within the housing between the inlet and the outlet, and is designed to exchange heat and moisture with the respiratory gases which pass through the housing. The generating material, for example, a carbon dioxide absorbing component, is positioned within the housing between the inlet and the outlet and is formulated to generate water, and preferably heat, when exposed to carbon dioxide in order to humidify and heat the respiratory gases as they pass through the housing. |
