ADAPTER FOR ESTABLISHING A FLOW CHANNEL BETWEEN A BREATHING GAS SUPPLY AND A PATIENT CONNECTOR

Abstract

An adapter (1) for establishes a flow channel (2) between a breathing gas supply and a patient connection piece. A set (20) and a system (30) for ventilation or respiratory support, each include the adapter (1). The adapter (1) includes a first connection structure (3) configured to connect to the breathing gas supply and a second connection structure (4) configured to connect to a patient connection piece. A bypass channel (5) branches off from the flow channel (2) and is provided with an extraction opening (7) which can be closed at least temporarily by a safety valve (6). The safety valve (6) is configured such that the extraction opening (7) is closed when a ventilation pressure prevailing in the flow channel (2) is lower than a pressure prevailing on a side of the safety valve facing away from the flow channel (2).

Claims

1. An adapter for establishing a flow channel between a breathing gas supply and a patient fitting, the adapter comprising: a first connection structure configured to connect to the breathing gas supply; a second connection structure configured to connect to the patient fitting; a bypass channel branching off from the flow channel, the bypass channel having an extraction opening; and a safety valve configured to close the extraction opening upon a ventilation pressure prevailing in the flow channel being lower than a pressure prevailing on a side of the safety valve facing away from the flow channel.

2. An adapter according to claim 1, further comprising a breathing gas treatment element for breathing gas treatment, the breathing gas treatment element being arranged in the flow channel and comprising one or more of a filter element, a heat exchanger and a moisture exchanger.

3. An adapter according to claim 2, wherein the bypass channel branches off on a side of the breathing gas treatment element facing the second connection structure.

4. An adapter according to claim 1, wherein the bypass channel comprises an extraction connection on a side of the safety valve facing away from the flow channel, the extraction connection being configured to connect a hose for at least intermittent gas extraction form the flow channel.

5. An adapter according to claim 1, wherein the first connection structure is configured to attach to one or more of a Y-piece and a ventilation tube.

6. An adapter according to claim 1, wherein the second connection structure is at least partially conical.

7. An adapter according to claim 1, wherein the second connection structure is configured to attach to one or more of a nose mask and an oral mask.

8. An adapter according to claim 1, wherein the second connection structure is configured for at least indirect attachment of a tube.

9. An adapter according to claim 1, wherein the safety valve is configured such that the extraction opening is closed when a ventilation pressure prevailing in the flow channel is lower than an atmospheric ambient pressure prevailing in an environment of the adapter.

10. An adapter according to claim 1, wherein the safety valve comprises a movably mounted valve element on which ventilation pressure prevailing in the flow channel acts and on which pressure prevailing on the side of the safety valve facing away from the flow channel acts.

11. An adapter according to claim 1, wherein: the safety valve comprises a valve element and a valve opening to an environment of the adapter; and the valve opening is arranged such that an atmospheric ambient pressure prevailing in an environment of the adapter acts on the valve element via the valve opening so that the valve element closes the extraction opening when ambient pressure is greater than ventilation pressure prevailing in the flow channel.

12. A ventilation or respiratory support set comprising: an adapter for establishing a flow channel between a breathing gas supply and a patient fitting, the adapter comprising: a first connection structure configured to connect to the breathing gas supply; a second connection structure configured to connect to the patient fitting; a bypass channel branching off from the flow channel, the bypass channel having an extraction opening; and a safety valve configured to close the extraction opening upon a ventilation pressure prevailing in the flow channel being lower than a pressure prevailing on a side of the safety valve facing away from the flow channel; and a nasal or an oral-nasal mask or a tube configured to attach to the second connection structure.

13. A ventilation or respiratory support set according to claim 12, wherein the tube is configured for ventilation of one or more of infants, premature infants and neonates.

14. A system for ventilating or providing respiratory support to a patient, comprising: an adapter for establishing a flow channel between a breathing gas supply and a patient fitting, the adapter comprising: a first connection structure configured to connect to the breathing gas supply; a second connection structure configured to connect to the patient fitting; a bypass channel branching off from the flow channel, the bypass channel having an extraction opening; and a safety valve configured to close the extraction opening upon a ventilation pressure prevailing in the flow channel being lower than a pressure prevailing on a side of the safety valve facing away from the flow channel; and a ventilator or anesthesia device connected to the adapter and forming a gas-tight connection between an outlet of the ventilator or anesthesia device and the flow channel of the adapter.

15. A system according to claim 14, wherein the adapter further comprises a breathing gas treatment element for breathing gas treatment, the breathing gas treatment element being arranged in the flow channel and comprising one or more of a filter element, a heat exchanger and a moisture exchanger.

16. A system according to claim 15, wherein the bypass channel branches off on a side of the breathing gas treatment element facing the second connection structure.

17. A system according to claim 14, wherein the bypass channel comprises an extraction connection on a side of the safety valve facing away from the flow channel, the extraction connection being configured to connect a hose for at least intermittent gas extraction form the flow channel.

16. A system according to claim 14, wherein the first connection structure is configured to attach to one or more of a Y-piece and a ventilation tube.

17. A system according to claim 14, wherein the second connection structure is configured to attach to one or more of a nose mask, an oral mask and at least indirectly a tube.

18. A system according to claim 14, wherein the safety valve is configured such that the extraction opening is closed when a ventilation pressure prevailing in the flow channel is lower than an atmospheric ambient pressure prevailing in an environment of the adapter.

19. A system according to claim 14, wherein the safety valve comprises a movably mounted valve element on which ventilation pressure prevailing in the flow channel acts and on which pressure prevailing on the side of the safety valve facing away from the flow channel acts.

20. A system according to claim 14, wherein: the safety valve comprises a valve element and a valve opening to an environment of the adapter; and the valve opening is arranged such that an atmospheric ambient pressure prevailing in an environment of the adapter acts on the valve element via the valve opening so that the valve element closes the extraction opening when ambient pressure is greater than ventilation pressure prevailing in the flow channel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In the drawings:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adapter configured according to the invention for connecting a breathing gas supply to a patient connector;

[0029] FIG. 2a is a sectional view of an adapter configured according to the invention for connecting a breathing gas supply to a patient connector, shown in an operating position with the sampling opening open;

[0030] FIG. 2b is a sectional view of an adapter configured according to the invention for connecting a breathing gas supply to a patient connector, shown in an operating position with the sampling opening closed;

[0031] FIG. 3a is a sectional view of an adapter configured according to the invention with integrated heat and moisture exchanger for connecting a breathing gas supply to a patient connector, shown in an operating position with the sampling opening open;

[0032] FIG. 3b is a sectional view of an adapter configured according to the invention with integrated heat and moisture exchanger for connecting a breathing gas supply to a patient connector, shown in an operating position with the sampling opening closed;

[0033] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a ventilation or respiratory support set comprising an adapter and a connected part such as a patient fitting; and

[0034] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a system for ventilating or providing respiratory support to a patient, comprising a ventilator or anesthesia device and an adapter.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an adapter 1 configured according to the invention for connecting a breathing gas (respiratory gas) supply to a patient connection piece. The adapter 1 has a first connection structure 3 to which a breathing tube or a Y-piece of a breathing gas supply can be attached. A second connection structure 4 is provided at the opposite proximal end, i.e. near the patient during operation, to which a tube, in particular an endotracheal tube for ventilating a neonate, can be attached. An essential feature of the adapter 1 shown is that a bypass channel 5 with an extraction (sampling/withdrawal) opening 7 branches off from a flow channel 2, which connects the adapter ends to the first and second connection structures 3, 4 in a gas-tight manner, via which a part of the breathing gas flow flowing in the flow channel 2 can be withdrawn at least temporarily and supplied via a withdrawal connection 9, for example to a tube not shown in this view. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the extraction connection 9 is tubular, so that an extraction hose can be plugged on for extracting at least part of the breathing gas flowing in the flow channel 2. Furthermore, the extraction connection (sampling port) 9 has a connection structure such that a sampling tube can be firmly attached to the extraction connection 9 in a detachable manner by means of a Luer lock closure. A portion of the breathing gas flowing in the flow channel 2 can be extracted via such an extraction connection 9 and sampling tube and preferably fed for a measurement of the end-tidal carbon dioxide content of the breathing gas.

[0036] Furthermore, the adapter 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a safety valve 6 which closes the extraction opening 7 of the bypass channel 5 as a function of a ventilation pressure prevailing in the flow channel 2. The safety valve 6 closes the extraction opening 7 as soon as the ventilation pressure within the flow channel 2 of the adapter 1 drops below the pressure prevailing on the side of the safety valve 6 facing away from the flow channel 2. In the embodiment example shown in FIG. 1, the safety valve 6 closes the extraction opening 7 as soon as the ventilation pressure in the flow channel 2 of the adapter 1 falls below an ambient atmospheric pressure prevailing in the vicinity of the adapter 1. An appropriately configured safety valve 6 ensures that in the event of an impermissible drop in pressure within the flow channel 2 of the adapter 1, for example due to an at least partial blockage of the flow channel 2 during a suction measurement, an impermissible extraction of breathing gas from the flow channel 2, and possibly from the patient's lungs, is prevented.

[0037] FIGS. 2a and 2b shows a sectional view of an adapter 1 configured according to the invention for connecting a breathing gas supply to a patient connector both in an operating position with an open extraction (tapping) opening 7 and in an operating position with a closed extraction opening 7. FIG. 2a shows the adapter 1 in an operating state with an open extraction opening 7, whereas FIG. 2b shows the adapter 1 in an operating state with a extraction opening 7 closed by a safety valve 6.

[0038] A flow channel 2 for conveying the breathing gas extends between a first end 12 with a first connection structure 3, which in operation is connected to an element of a breathing gas supply, for example a ventilation tube, and a second end 13 with a second connection structure 4, which in operation is connected to a patient connection piece, for example an endotracheal tube. The bypass channel 5 with the extraction opening 7 for at least temporarily extracting part of the breathing gas flowing in the flow channel 2 branches off from this flow channel 2. In addition, the adapter 1 has an extraction (sampling) connection 9 for attaching an extraction hose, with which a connection can be made to a device for measuring the carbon dioxide content of a partial breathing gas stream extracted from the flow channel 2. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the extraction connection 9 is tubular, so that an extraction hose can be plugged on for extracting at least part of the breathing gas flowing in the flow channel 2. Furthermore, the extraction connection 9 has a connection structure such that a sampling tube can be firmly attached to it in a detachable manner by means of a Luer lock.

[0039] Furthermore, a safety valve 6 with a movably arranged valve element 10 is provided, with which the extraction opening 7 can be closed as a function of a ventilation pressure prevailing in the flow channel 2.

[0040] According to the operating situation shown in FIG. 2a, the safety valve 6 and the valve element 10 are in the open position, in which breathing gas can be withdrawn from the flow channel 2 of the adapter 1 via the extraction opening 7 and the bypass channel 5, in particular extracted from it, during an operation in order to carry out a measurement of the end-tidal carbon dioxide content. As soon as an operating state occurs in which the ventilation pressure in the flow channel 2 drops below a pressure, in this case an atmospheric ambient pressure in the vicinity of the adapter 1, which prevails on the side of the safety valve 6 facing away from the flow channel 2, the extraction opening 7 is closed by the valve element 10 of the safety valve 6. This operating state, in which the extraction opening 7 is closed by the valve element 10 of the safety valve 6, is shown in FIG. 2b.

[0041] The safety valve 6 is configured in such a way that the valve element 10 can be moved between two positions, namely a position in which the extraction opening 7 is open and a position in which the extraction opening 7 is closed. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the safety valve 6 has a valve opening 11 through which the ambient pressure prevailing in the vicinity of the adapter 1 acts on the valve element 10. In contrast, the ventilation pressure prevailing in the flow channel 2 of the adapter 1 acts on the opposite side of the valve element 10, so that the valve element 10 is displaced or held in the corresponding position depending on the two pressures or pressure forces acting on the valve element 10 in opposite directions.

[0042] In the operating state shown in FIG. 2b, the ambient pressure acting on the valve element 10 of the safety valve 6 via the valve opening 7 is greater than the ventilation pressure prevailing in the flow channel 2 of the adapter 1, which acts on the valve element 10 via the extraction opening 7 of the bypass channel 5. The extraction opening 7 is therefore closed by the valve element 10. Compared to the operating state shown in FIG. 2a, in which the valve element 10 of the safety valve 6 is in an open position, the pressure conditions are reversed in the operating situation shown in FIG. 2b.

[0043] In addition, FIGS. 3a and 3b shows a sectional view of an adapter 1 configured according to the invention with an element for treating the breathing gas 8, in this case an integrated heat and moisture exchanger, for connecting a breathing gas supply to a patient connection piece in an operating position with the extraction opening 7 open and in an operating position with the extraction opening 7 closed. FIG. 3a again shows the adapter 1 in an operating state with the withdrawal opening 7 open, while FIG. 3b shows the adapter 1 in an operating state with the withdrawal opening 7 closed by a safety valve 6. The configuration and functionality with regard to the flow guidance of the breathing gas, the withdrawal possibility of a partial breathing gas flow as well as the safety valve 6 provided correspond to those of the adapter 1 shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. Also in the adapter 1 shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the withdrawal opening 7 is closed by the valve element 10 of the safety valve 6 as soon as the ambient atmospheric pressure prevailing in an environment of the adapter 1 is greater than the respiratory pressure in the flow channel 2 of the adapter 1. In contrast to the adapter shown in FIG. 2, the adapter shown in FIG. 3 additionally has an element for treating the breathing gas 8 in the form of a combined heat and moisture exchanger, a so-called HME filter, which is arranged on a side of the extraction opening 7 of the branching bypass channel 5 facing the first connection structure 3. With the aid of such a combined heat and moisture exchanger, both temperature control and humidification or dehumidification of the breathing gas flow can be ensured as required.

[0044] Due to the safety valve 6 configured according to the invention, it is also ensured in an advantageous manner in the case of an adapter 1 according to FIGS. 3a and 3b that even if an at least partial blockage of the combined heat and moisture exchange should occur during the performance of an aspirating measurement of the end-tidal carbon dioxide content, an unacceptable amount of breathing gas is not sucked in via the extraction opening 7 of the bypass channel 5. This is in turn achieved by the fact that the extraction opening 7 is closed by the valve element 10 of the safety valve 6 as soon as the breathing pressure prevailing in the flow channel 2 falls below the ambient atmospheric pressure prevailing in the vicinity of the adapter 1.

[0045] FIG. 4 schematically shows a ventilation or respiratory support set 20 that comprises one of the adapters 1 of FIG. 2a, 2b or 3a, 3b for establishing a flow channel between a breathing gas supply and a patient fitting in combination with a connected/connectable part (patient fitting and/or tube with patient fitting) 22 configured to attach to the second connection structure 4 and which is schematically shown attached to the second connection structure 4. The connected/connectable part 22 comprises one or more of a nasal mask or an oral-nasal mask and a tube. The mask and/or tube 22 may advantageously be configured for ventilation of one or more of infants, premature infants and neonates.

[0046] FIG. 5 schematically shows a system 30 for ventilating or providing respiratory support to a patient. The system 30 comprises one of the adapters 1 of FIG. 2a, 2b or 3a, 3b and a ventilator or anesthesia device 32 connected to the adapter 1, particularly connected via a breathing gas supply 34 tube and the first connection structure 3 and forming a gas-tight connection between an outlet of the ventilator or anesthesia device 32 and the flow channel 2 of the adapter 1. The connected/connectable part (patient fitting and/or tube with patient fitting) 20 is attached to the second connection structure 4.

[0047] With the aid of the technical solution provided in accordance with the invention, i.e. an adapter 1 with an additional, automatic safety valve 6, it is possible, on the one hand, to measure the end-tidal carbon monoxide content in the breathing gas close to the patient and, on the other hand, to ensure that an impermissible drop in pressure in the flow channel 2 of the adapter 1 and thus excessive suction of breathing gas from the flow channel 2 and thus from the patient's lungs is reliably prevented. The adapter 1 according to the invention has a comparatively simple configuration in this respect and enables not only reliable operation as well as safe operation, but also its effective and inexpensive manufacture.

[0048] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0049] 1 Adapter [0050] 2 Flow channel [0051] 3 First connection structure [0052] 4 Second connection structure [0053] 5 Bypass channel [0054] 6 Safety valve [0055] 7 Extraction opening [0056] 8 Breathing gas treatment element [0057] 9 Extraction connection (sampling part) [0058] 10 Valve element [0059] 11 Valve opening [0060] 12 First end [0061] 13 Second end [0062] 20 Ventilation or respiratory support set (kit) [0063] 22 Connected part (patient fitting and/or tube with patient fitting) [0064] 30 System for ventilating or providing respiratory support to a patient [0065] 32 Ventilator or anesthesia device [0066] 34 Breathing gas supply