Nasal cannula having improved and asymmetrical flow control

Abstract

A nasal cannula includes a distribution conduit running along a virtual distribution path. The distribution path defines a longitudinal direction and has two branch openings. A respective supply conduit branches off from each branch opening. The distribution conduit also has two coupling openings arranged spaced apart from the branch openings. The nasal cannula has a plug via which one of the two coupling openings can be sealed as a closure opening. Another of the two coupling openings is designed as a supply opening. The plug has a flow-directing configuration with an exposed flow-directing surface. In a reference state in which the plug is closing the closure opening, the flow-directing surface is arranged in the distribution conduit in the longitudinal extension region of at least one branch opening and positioned relative to the distribution path to deflect treatment gas flowing in the distribution conduit from the supply opening along the distribution path towards at least one of the branch openings.

Claims

1. A nasal cannula for nasally supplying a patient with therapeutic gas, comprising a distribution conduit component having a distribution conduit that extends along a virtual distribution path passing centrally through it; the distribution path defining a longitudinal direction; the distribution conduit comprising two branch openings; a respective supply conduit for supplying the patient with the therapeutic gas from the distribution conduit branching off from each branch opening; the distribution conduit comprising, in addition to the branch openings, two coupling openings arranged at a distance from the branch openings; the nasal cannula further comprising a plug with which one of the two coupling openings, constituting a closure opening, is closable by the plug for a flow of gas through it; and a further one of the two coupling openings, constituting a delivery opening, being embodied for connection of a gas delivery line to the distribution conduit, wherein the plug comprises a flow-directing configuration having an exposed flow-directing surface; the flow-directing surface being arranged, in a reference state in which the plug is arranged on the nasal cannula so as to close off the closure opening, in the distribution conduit in a longitudinal region extending to at least one branch opening, and being canted with respect to the distribution path in such a way that it deflects the therapeutic gas, flowing in the distribution conduit in from the delivery opening along the distribution path, to at least one of the branch openings.

2. The nasal cannula according to claim 1, wherein the flow-directing surface has a concave curvature.

3. The nasal cannula according to claim 2, wherein the flow-directing surface is concavely and/or convexly curved at least locally around a curvature axis orthogonal to the distribution path.

4. The nasal cannula according to claim 3, wherein the flow-directing surface is also concavely curved around a curvature axis extending along the distribution path.

5. The nasal cannula according to claim 1, wherein the nasal cannula comprises a connector fitting that is introducible into the delivery opening for connection of the gas delivery line, an inner surface of the connector fitting which directs the gas flow through the connector fitting, when arranged in an operationally ready state on the nasal cannula, forming a continuous flow-conveying surface with the flow-directing surface.

6. The nasal cannula according to claim 5, wherein the plug comprises a positive-engagement configuration; and the connector fitting comprises a counterpart positive-engagement configuration, the positive-engagement configuration and the counterpart positive-engagement configuration being in positive engagement with one another in the operationally ready state.

7. The nasal cannula according to claim 5, wherein the connector fitting comprises an arrangement configuration; and the distribution conduit component comprises a counterpart arrangement configuration in the region of the delivery opening, the arrangement configuration and the counterpart arrangement configuration being in positive engagement with one another in the operationally ready state, of the nasal cannula.

8. The nasal cannula according to claim 1, wherein the plug comprises an orientation configuration; and the distribution conduit component comprises a counterpart orientation configuration in the region of the closure opening; the orientation configuration and the counterpart orientation configuration being in positive engagement with one another in the operationally ready state, of the nasal cannula.

9. The nasal cannula according to claim 1, wherein the two coupling openings are embodied similarly to the extent that each of the two coupling openings can be both a closure opening and a delivery opening.

10. The nasal cannula according to claim 1, wherein the plug, in the reference state, at least partly closes off the branch opening located closer to the closure opening.

11. The nasal cannula according to claim 1, wherein the flow-directing surface is a first flow-directing surface and the flow-directing configuration is a first flow-directing configuration that deflects the therapeutic gas, flowing in from the delivery opening along the distribution path, to one of the branch openings; the plug having a second flow-directing configuration having a second flow-directing surface that is arranged at a distance along the distribution path from the first flow-directing configuration and that, in the reference state, deflects the therapeutic gas, flowing in from the delivery opening along the distribution path, to the respective other branch opening.

12. The nasal cannula according to claim 11, wherein the second flow-directing configuration extends over only a partial cross-section of the distribution conduit and, where the second flow-directing configuration extends it deflects the therapeutic gas flowing in along the distribution path into the respective other branch opening, and outside where the second flow-directing configuration extends it constitutes, together with the distribution conduit, a flow-through opening for a flow of the therapeutic gas past the second flow-directing configuration to the first flow-directing surface, through which a portion of the therapeutic gas flowing in from the delivery opening can flow to the first flow-directing configuration.

13. The nasal cannula according to claim 11, wherein the second flow-directing configuration abuts against an inner wall of the distribution conduit over a predetermined angular region around the distribution path which is constituted from several angular sub-regions located at a distance from one another.

14. The nasal cannula according to claim 12 or, wherein a cross-sectional area, flow-through-capable for the therapeutic gas, of the flow-through opening is larger or smaller than half the cross-sectional area of the distribution conduit at the location of the flow-through opening.

15. The nasal cannula according to claim 1, wherein the distribution conduit component is constituted from a material that has a lower modulus of elasticity than the material of the plug and/or of a connector fitting, so that the distribution conduit component is deformable by the respective insertion component upon introduction of one insertion component from among the plug and/or connector fitting into the distribution conduit component.

16. The nasal cannula according to claim 1, wherein the two coupling openings are located at opposite longitudinal ends of the distribution conduit.

17. The nasal cannula according to claim 16, wherein the distribution path extends in a straight line between the two coupling openings.

18. A nasal cannula therapy kit comprising: a nasal cannula for nasally supplying a patient with therapeutic gas comprising a distribution conduit component having a distribution conduit that extends along a virtual distribution path passing centrally through it; the distribution path defining a longitudinal direction; the distribution conduit comprising two branch openings; a respective supply conduit for supplying the patient with the therapeutic gas from the distribution conduit branching off from each branch opening; the distribution conduit comprising, in addition to the branch openings, two coupling openings arranged at a distance from the branch openings; and at least two plugs, wherein a closure opening of the two coupling openings is closable by one of the at least two plugs for a flow of gas through it; and a delivery opening of the two coupling openings being embodied for connection of a gas delivery line to the distribution conduit, wherein each of a first plug and a second plug of the at least two plugs comprises a first flow-directing configuration having a first flow-directing surface; the first flow-directing surface being arranged, in a reference state in which either the first plug or the second plug is arranged on the nasal cannula so as to close off the closure opening, in the distribution conduit in a longitudinal region extending to at least one branch opening, and being canted with respect to the distribution path in such a way that it deflects the therapeutic gas, flowing in the distribution conduit in from the delivery opening along the distribution path, to at least one of the branch openings, wherein a second plug of the at least two plugs comprises a second flow-directing configuration having a second flow-directing surface that is arranged at a distance along the distribution path from the first flow-directing configuration and that, in the reference state in which the second plug is arranged on the nasal cannula so as to close off the closure opening, the second flow-directing surface deflects the therapeutic gas, flowing in from the delivery opening along the distribution path, to the respective other branch opening, wherein the first flow-directing configuration and the second flow-directing configuration differ in length, and/or wherein the first flow-directing surface and the second flow-directing surface differ in conformation; and/or the second flow-directing configuration extends over only a partial cross-section of the distribution conduit and, where the second flow-directing configuration extends it deflects the therapeutic gas flowing in along the distribution path into the respective other branch opening, and outside where the second flow-directing configuration extends, it constitutes, together with the distribution conduit, a flow-through opening for a flow of the therapeutic gas past the second flow-directing configuration to the first flow-directing surface, through which a portion of the therapeutic gas flowing in from the delivery opening can flow to the first flow-directing configuration.

Description

(1) The present invention will be explained in further detail below with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view of a first embodiment of a nasal cannula according to the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal section view through the embodiment of FIG. 1, the section plan containing the distribution path;

(4) FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section view, corresponding to the view of FIG. 2, of a second embodiment of a nasal cannula according to the present invention having a plug differing from the nasal cannula of FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 4 is a further longitudinal section view, corresponding to the views of FIGS. 2 and 3, through a third embodiment according to the present invention of a nasal cannula having yet another differing plug; and

(6) FIG. 5 is a partly sectioned perspective view of the distribution component, with a view from below of the plug of the first embodiment.

(7) In FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a nasal cannula according to the present invention is labeled in general with the number 10. Nasal cannula 10 encompasses a distribution conduit component 12, a plug 14, and a connector fitting 16. A delivery hose 18 can be attached, in particular threaded, onto the attachment portion 16b of connector fitting 16 which faces away from distribution conduit component 12 during operation.

(8) Distribution conduit component 12 comprises a distribution conduit 20 extending along a distribution path V. Respective coupling openings 22 and 24, through which distribution conduit 20 is accessible, are embodied at axial longitudinal ends of distribution conduit component 12 which are opposite in terms of distribution path V. Branching off from distribution conduit component 12 are two supply conduits 26 and 28 that open into distribution conduit 20 of distribution conduit component 12. By means of support flanges 30 and 32, distribution conduit component 12 and thus nasal cannula 10 can be placed onto and worn by a patient in known fashion.

(9) Distribution conduit component 12, including supply conduits 26 and 28 as well as support flanges 30 and 32, is preferably constituted in one piece, for instance by injection molding.

(10) During therapeutic operation of nasal cannula 10, supply conduits 26 and 28 are brought, with their respective longitudinal ends 26a and 28a that are remote from distribution conduit 20, close to nostrils of a patient, or enter the patient's nasal cavities through the nostrils.

(11) Distribution conduit component 12 is embodied mirror-symmetrically with respect to a symmetry plane S intersecting the rectilinear distribution path V orthogonally at half the distance between supply conduits 26 and 28 (see FIG. 2). This mirror-symmetrical embodiment has the advantage that coupling openings 22 and 24 are embodied identically, and thus that each is usable both by plug 14 and by connector fitting 16.

(12) In the exploded view shown in FIG. 1, nasal cannula 10 is configured for gas delivery from the left side of a patient wearing nasal cannula 10. Coupling opening 24 is therefore a delivery opening 24.

(13) Plug 14 is arranged and provided for placement through coupling opening 22 in distribution conduit 20 in order to avoid undesired emergence of therapeutic gas out of distribution conduit 20 through coupling opening 22. Coupling opening 22 therefore constitutes a closure opening 22.

(14) Plug 14, preferably embodied in one piece and manufactured by injection molding, has at its one longitudinal end a grip attachment 34 that protrudes from a stop disk 36 which has a larger area than the inside cross-sectional area of coupling opening 22. Stop disk 36 thus projects beyond an edge of coupling opening 22 and thereby physically prevents excessive introduction of plug 14 into distribution conduit 20. When nasal cannula 10 is in the operationally ready state, stop disk 36 abuts against an edge of distribution conduit component 12 which delimits coupling opening 22, and thereby constitutes, with distribution conduit component 12, a mechanical stop.

(15) Embodied on that side of stop disk 36 which is located oppositely from grip attachment 34 is a latching groove 38 into which, with nasal cannula 10 in the operationally ready state, a radial projection 40, extending around distribution path V, of distribution conduit component 12 engages in latching fashion (see FIG. 2). Radial projection 40 and latching groove 38 form a surmountable positive latching engagement that prevents undesired release of plug 14 from distribution conduit component 12, for instance as a result of the therapeutic-gas flow existing in distribution conduit 20.

(16) A flow-directing configuration 42 adjoins latching groove 38 in a direction toward longitudinal introduction end 14a of plug 14. On its end facing away from grip attachment 34, flow-directing configuration 42 is delimited by a flow-directing surface 44 that, when plug 14 is introduced through coupling opening 22 into distribution conduit component 12 along distribution path V, constitutes a wall delimiting the flow space of distribution conduit 20. Therapeutic gas that emerges from connector fitting 16 in order to supply the patient with therapeutic gas flows onto flow-directing surface 44 during therapeutic operation.

(17) In the present first exemplifying embodiment, flow-directing surface 44 is curved uniaxially, specifically exclusively around curvature axes that are arranged orthogonally to distribution path V. An exemplifying curvature axis K is indicated in FIG. 1. In the exemplifying embodiment depicted, flow-directing surface 44 is uncurved along curvature axis K, i.e. it exhibits rectilinear marginal lines in section planes orthogonal to distribution path V.

(18) In the first exemplifying embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, flow-directing surface 44 has three regions having different types of curvature, namely a region 44a closest to longitudinal introduction end 14a and having a concave curvature, a region 44b adjacent thereto along distribution path V and having a convex curvature, and a third region 44c adjacent in turn to the latter region and having a concave curvature. Flow-directing surface 44 thus has two concave curvature regions 44a and 44c and one convex curvature portion 44b lying between them along distribution path V. The curvature of third curvature region 44c increases, i.e. its radius of curvature becomes smaller, with increasing proximity of concave curvature region 44c to supply conduit 26 (or 28, depending on the coupling opening 22 or 24 through which plug 14 is introduced into distribution conduit 20). This promotes low-loss and low-noise diversion of an initially axial therapeutic-gas flow flowing along distribution path V into supply conduit 26 that is associated with flow-directing surface 44 of plug 14 in the example depicted in FIG. 1.

(19) So that it can be placed through each of the two coupling openings 22 and 24 with the same flow-directing effect in distribution conduit 20, plug 14 is symmetrical with reference to a symmetry plane that is oriented parallel to distribution path V and orthogonally to curvature axis K.

(20) Connector fitting 16 is introducible with an introduction portion 16a, in the example shown in FIG. 1, through coupling opening 24 into distribution conduit 20 of distribution conduit component 12. Delivery hose 18 can be attached, in particular threaded, onto the oppositely located attachment portion 16b.

(21) Connector fitting 16 comprises, between the introduction portion 16a and the attachment portion 16b, a stop ring 46 that projects radially beyond an edge of distribution conduit component 12 which delimits coupling opening 24, and thereby limits an introduction depth of connector fitting 16 into distribution conduit 20. Between introduction portion 16a and stop ring 46, connector fitting 16 also comprises a latching groove 48 into which a latching projection 50, extending around distribution path V, engages at that end region of distribution conduit component 12 which is located closer to coupling opening 24, in order to constitute a surmountable positive latching engagement when nasal cannula 10 is in the operationally ready state.

(22) FIG. 2 depicts nasal cannula 10 of FIG. 1 in a longitudinal section view along a section plane containing distribution path V. Mirror symmetry plane S of distribution conduit component 12 is shown in FIG. 2; said plane is orthogonal to distribution path V and to the drawing plane of FIG. 2.

(23) The section plane of the longitudinal section through nasal cannula 10 passes through the respective branch openings 26b and 28b from which supply conduits 26 and 28 extend away from distribution conduit 12. Branch openings 26b and 28b have the same cross-sectional area because of the aforementioned symmetry conditions, so that in principle a symmetrical supply of identical therapeutic-gas flow volumes through supply conduits 26 and 28 to both nostrils of a patient is possible. An inner surface 52 of connector fitting 16 forms, with flow-directing surface 44 of plug 14, one continuous flow-conveying surface 54. Inner surface 52 and flow-directing surface 44 transition flush into one another.

(24) As is also evident from FIG. 2 and as has already been mentioned above in connection with FIG. 1, flow-directing surface 44 of plug 14 is uncurved in a direction orthogonal to the drawing plane of FIG. 2.

(25) When plug 14 is seated correctly, concave portion 44c ends at the edge of branch opening 26b that is closest to plug 14 and is therefore associated therewith. Flow-directing surface 44, and in particular concave portion 44c thereof, are located in the longitudinal region of extent of branch opening 26b.

(26) Flow-directing surface 44 in fact extends along distribution path V into the longitudinal direction of extent of branch opening 28b. Concave portion 44b of flow-directing surface 44 is therefore located for the most part, or in fact entirely, between branch openings 26b and 28b in a longitudinal direction along distribution path V.

(27) As is apparent from FIG. 2, plug 14 and connector fitting 16 can easily exchange positions on distribution conduit component 12, which would result in a mirror-image supply of therapeutic gas through longitudinal ends 26a and 28a of supply conduits 26 and 28.

(28) When a flow of therapeutic gas is flowing in from delivery opening 24, the configuration shown in FIG. 2 results in a very largely symmetrical flow of therapeutic gas through supply conduits 26 and 28, i.e. in a flow of approximately identical therapeutic-gas flow volumes through the two supply conduits 26 and 28.

(29) Radial projection 40 on coupling opening 22 is not depicted in FIG. 2 as being completely encircling, since a radial projection 56—which constitutes a counterpart orientation configuration, extends along distribution path V, and protrudes radially inward toward distribution path V—is embodied on the underside of that wall of distribution conduit component 12 which delimits distribution conduit 20. This radial projection 56 engages into a complementary recess 58 constituting an orientation configuration in plug 14. In the arrangement situation depicted, both orientation configuration 58 in the form of the recess, and counterpart orientation configuration 56 in the form of the radial projection, taper in a radial direction toward distribution path V and in an axial direction from coupling opening 22 toward the longitudinal center of distribution conduit 20. This facilitates the introduction of plug 14 into the distribution conduit component from coupling opening 22 (or, because of the mirror-symmetrical embodiment of distribution conduit component 12 or at least of distribution conduit 20, also from coupling opening 24).

(30) The positive engagement between orientation configuration 58 and counterpart orientation configuration 56 over a not inconsiderable axial length along distribution path V ensures that plug 14 is introducible into distribution conduit component 12 only in a defined relative orientation, so that flow-directing surface 44 is arranged correctly with respect to branch openings 26b and 28b.

(31) Because of the mirror-symmetrical embodiment, distribution conduit component 12 also comprises, in the longitudinal end region of coupling opening 24, a counterpart arrangement configuration 60 in the form of a radial projection that engages into an arrangement configuration 62 of the connector fitting in the form of a recess. Once again, both recess 62 and radial projection 60 are embodied in such a way that they taper in a radial direction toward distribution conduit path V and taper in an axial direction from coupling opening 24 toward the longitudinal center of distribution conduit component 12. This ensures both correct arrangement of connector fitting 16 in distribution conduit component 11, and twist protection for said fitting around distribution path V relative to distribution conduit 20. Counterpart orientation configuration 56 and counterpart arrangement configuration 60 have in that regard an identical but opposite shape and have the same function or effect. The same is true of orientation configuration 58 on the one hand and arrangement configuration 62 on the other hand.

(32) Distribution conduit component 12 is manufactured from a more flexible material than plug 14 and connector fitting 16. The material of distribution conduit component 12 thus has a lower modulus of elasticity than the materials of plug 14 and of connector fitting 16. This too facilitates the introduction of plug 14 and connector fitting 16 into distribution conduit component 12, and establishment of the positive latching engagement between latching projections 40 and 50 and the respective associated latching grooves 38 and 48, as well as establishment of the positive engagement between configurations 58 and 62 on the one hand and counterpart configurations 56 and 60 on the other hand.

(33) FIG. 3 depicts, along the same longitudinal section as nasal cannula 10 of FIG. 1, a second embodiment of a nasal cannula 110.

(34) Components identical and functionally identical to those in the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 are labeled in the second embodiment of FIG. 3 with identical reference characters but incremented by 100.

(35) The second embodiment of FIG. 3 will be explained below only insofar as it differs from the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, to the description of which reference is otherwise made for an explanation of the second embodiment of FIG. 3 as well.

(36) Distribution conduit component 112, connector fitting 116, and delivery hose 118 are identical to the respective components 12, 16, and 18 of the first embodiment. Only plug 114 of the second embodiment of nasal cannula 110 differs from plug 14 of the first embodiment.

(37) On the one hand, in the second embodiment flow-directing surface 144 is curved only concavely along distribution path V, i.e. comprises only a single concave surface portion 144a. The latter extends from longitudinal introduction end 114a of plug 114 to branch opening 126b associated with plug 114. It is, however, also the case for the single portion 144a curved concavely around a curvature axis orthogonal to distribution path V that the curvature increases, i.e. an associated radius of curvature becomes smaller, with increasing distance from longitudinal introduction end 114a and with increasing proximity to the associated branch opening 126b.

(38) At the same time, flow-directing surface 144 is also concavely curved around a further curvature axis extending along distribution path V. Flow-directing surface 144 therefore forms a trough-shaped border around a flow space in the region of extent of plug 114.

(39) A further salient difference between plug 114 and plug 14 is that there is embodied at the formers longitudinal introduction end 114a, separately from first flow-directing configuration 142, a second flow-directing configuration 164 having a second flow-directing surface 166 that is exposed to the therapeutic-gas flow flowing in from connector fitting 116 or from delivery opening 124, and is wettable thereby.

(40) In contrast to first flow-directing surface 144 that is biaxially curved, second flow-directing surface 166 is curved only uniaxially, i.e. only around a curvature axis orthogonal to distribution path V. This need not be the case, however. Second flow-directing surface 166 as well can be curved both around a curvature axis orthogonal to distribution path V and around a curvature axis parallel to distribution path V. Second flow-directing surface 166 is located only in the longitudinal region of extent of branch opening 128b, and is therefore associated with the latter.

(41) Second flow-directing configuration 164 extends over only approximately half the cross-sectional area of distribution conduit 120 at the point where second flow-directing configuration 164 is arranged, so that a flowthrough opening 168 remains between second flow-directing configuration 164 and that wall portion of distribution conduit 120 which lies diametrically oppositely from branch opening 128b that is associated with second flow-directing surface 166. Therapeutic gas flowing in from delivery opening 124 flows through this flowthrough opening 168 and past second flow-directing configuration 164, and reaches first flow-directing surface 144 and thus branch opening 126b associated with the latter. The cross-sectional area of flowthrough opening 168 corresponds approximately to half the cross-sectional area of distribution conduit 120 in the region where second flow-directing configuration 164 is arranged.

(42) Thanks to second flow-directing configuration 164 with its second flow-directing surface 166, a portion of the therapeutic gas flowing in distribution conduit 120 can be deflected in controlled fashion into the one supply conduit 128, while first flow-directing surface 144 deflects the remaining portion of therapeutic gas into the respective other supply conduit 126.

(43) Because flow-directing surfaces 144 and 166 are provided, therapeutic gas can be deflected in very largely loss-free fashion, with little noise, and in very controlled fashion to the individual branch openings 126b and 128b.

(44) By means of differently configured plugs 14 and 114 that are introducible into one and the same respective distribution component 12 and 112, it is thereby possible to implement different therapeutic situations for the patient who is wearing nasal cannula 10 or 110, especially therapeutic situations in which therapeutic-gas flow volumes of different magnitudes flow in deliberate and controlled fashion through branch openings 126b and 128b and through supply conduits 126 and 128 adjoining them.

(45) FIG. 4 depicts a third embodiment in a longitudinal section corresponding to the view of FIGS. 2 and 3.

(46) Components identical and functionally identical to those in the first embodiment are labeled in the third embodiment with identical reference characters but incremented by 200.

(47) The third embodiment of FIG. 4 will be explained below only insofar as it differs from the first embodiment, to the description of which reference is otherwise made for an explanation of the third embodiment of FIG. 4 as well.

(48) Once again, distribution conduit component 212, connector fitting 216, and delivery hose 218 are identical to the components of the same names of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.

(49) Plug 214 almost corresponds to plug 14 of the first embodiment. The single flow-directing surface 244 is curved only around curvature axes that extend orthogonally to distribution path V and orthogonally to the drawing plane of FIG. 4. Like the first embodiment, flow-directing surface 244 also comprises three differently curved curvature regions, namely a concave surface portion 244a located closest to longitudinal introduction end 214a, a convex surface portion 244b adjoining the latter portion along distribution path V, and a further concave surface portion 244c that adjoins the latter portion along distribution path V and extends as far as the associated branch opening 226b.

(50) Flow-directing surface 244 of plug 214 of the third embodiment is, however, embodied to be shorter axially, i.e. along distribution path V, than flow-directing surface 44 of the first embodiment. Because the distance between longitudinal introduction end 214a and stop disk 236 of plug 214 is the same as in the first embodiment of plug 14, flow-directing configuration 242 forms a blocking portion 242a that partly closes off the associated branch opening 226b, so that branch opening 226b has a smaller effective flow cross section than the other branch opening 228b, which remains unclosed and uncovered.

(51) With the third embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a different quantity of therapeutic gas per unit time can be intentionally directed through branch openings 226 and 228b of distribution conduit component 212, which are by design identical in size, so that therapeutic-gas flow volumes of different magnitudes can be administered in deliberate and controlled fashion to a patient via supply conduits 226 and 228.

(52) It is of course also conceivable for plug 214, like plug 114, to additionally comprise a second flow-directing configuration.

(53) Consideration can furthermore be given to generating therapeutic-gas flow volumes of different magnitudes through the branch openings by the fact that the flowthrough opening (see flowthrough opening 168 in FIG. 3) of the second flow-directing configuration is embodied to be smaller or larger than half the flow cross section of the distribution conduit.

(54) These features—differently sized flowthrough opening and blocking portion 242a of flow-directing configuration 242—can also be used together on one and the same plug in order to generate therapeutic-gas flow volumes of different magnitudes in controlled fashion through branch openings 226b and 228b.

(55) A projection or a recess can be embodied over a predetermined angular region at longitudinal introduction ends 14a, 114a, and 214a of plugs 14, 114, and 214, said projection projecting parallel to distribution path V, protrudingly from the longitudinal introduction end, into a recess on the leading longitudinal end of introduction portion 16a, 116a, 216a of connector fitting 16, 116, 216; or a corresponding projection at the leading longitudinal end of the connector fitting projecting into said recess that is indented parallel to distribution path V from the longitudinal introduction end, in order to secure the plug and the connector fitting not only respectively relative to the distribution conduit component, but also relative to one another, against twisting around distribution path V.

(56) FIG. 5 shows distribution conduit component 12 in partial section. Counterpart orientation configuration 56 and counterpart arrangement configuration 60 in distribution conduit 20 are especially visible here. Plug 14 is also depicted here in a perspective view from below, so that orientation configuration 58 is shown here in its conformation that tapers both axially and radially. For reasons of symmetry, arrangement configuration 62 on the connector fitting has the same conformation.

(57) One nasal cannula 10 can comprise different plugs 14, 114, and 214, so that a specific therapeutic situation can be created by selecting, from a plurality of available plugs, one plug that is used. A nasal cannula therapy kit that can be easily and quickly configured is thereby furnished for therapy-providing personnel.