Claims:

1. A nasal interface structure (100) of a nasal cannula (200), the structure (100) comprising:
an elongated tube (1) defining a passage (2) to channelize fluid; and
at least one prong (3) fluidly coupled to and laterally extending from the elongated tube (1), the at least one prong (3) is defined by a proximal end (4) extending from the elongated tube (1), a distal end (5) and a through passage (6) defined between the proximal end (4) and the distal end (5),
wherein the proximal end (4) of the at least one prong (3) defines an inlet portion (7) having a first defined diameter, and the distal end (5) of the at least one prong (3) defines a discharge portion (8) having a second defined diameter to channelize the fluid from the elongated tube (1) towards a nasal cavity (9) of the subject and, wherein the first defined diameter of the inlet portion (7) is less than the second defined diameter of the discharge portion (8),
wherein the at least one prong (3) includes a nozzle section (10) defined in the though passage (2) of the at least one prong (3), wherein the nozzle section (10) is structured to define a narrow opening (11) for flow of the fluid from the elongated tube (1) towards a floor portion of the nasal cavity (9) of the subject during inhalation, and regulates flow of the fluid from the elongated tube (1) based on backpressure applied on the nozzle section (10) during exhalation.

2. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two opposing ends of the elongated tube (1) are defined with a locking profile (12), to securely connect with a conduit of the nasal cannula (200).

3. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nozzle section (10) comprises:
a sleeve portion (13) radially flush at the proximal end (4) of the at least one prong (3) and extending towards the distal end (5) along the through passage (2) of the at least one prong (3),
wherein, the narrow opening (11) is defined between a tip (14) of the sleeve portion (13) and an inlet portion (7) of the at least one prong (3), and wherein the narrow opening (11) defines a third defined diameter.

4. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the third diameter is at least 5% of the first defined diameter.

5. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one prong (3) is defined with a first curved profile, from the proximal end (4) to the distal end (5).

6. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the proximal end (4) and the distal end (5) of the at least one prong (3) extends from the elongated tube (1) to define a first arc angle in a range of 50deg to 70deg, relative to a transverse axis of the elongated tube (1).

7. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the nozzle section (10) is defined with a second curved profile, from an interface between the sleeve portion (13) of the nozzle section (10) at the proximal end (4) of the at least one prong (3) to the tip (14) of the sleeve portion (13) and the inlet portion (7) at the distal end (5) of the at least one prong (3).

8. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the nozzle section (10) extends from the at least one prong (3) to define a second arc angle in a range of 50deg to 70deg, relative to the transverse axis of the elongated tube (1).

9. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein ratio of length of the at least one prong (3) to length of the nozzle section (10) is 1:1.

10. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one prong (3) and the nozzle section (10) are made of homogeneous material.

11. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one prong (3) is relatively softer than the nozzle section (10).

12. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one prong (3) is structured to deform on insertion into the nasal cavity (9) of the subject.

13. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the fluid is breathable gas and wherein the breathable gas is oxygen.

14. The structure (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the nozzle section (10) is made from a group of materials consisting at least one silicone, polymers, metals, alloys, and composite material.

15. A nasal cannula (200) for supplying a breathable gas to a subject, the nasal cannula (200) comprising:
a conduit, connectable to a source of breathable gas;
a splitter member, connectable to an end of the conduit opposite to the end connectable to the source;
a pair of supply tubes connectable to the splitter member, to channelize breathable gas; and
a nasal interface structure (100) as claimed in claims 1-14, removably connected to the pair of supply tubes, to selectively channelize breathable gas through the nasal cannula (200) towards a floor portion of a nasal cavity (9) of a subject.

16. The nasal cannula (200) as claimed in claim 15, comprises a supporting element connectable to the nasal interface structure (100), wherein the supporting element is configured to position the nasal interface structure (100) relative to the nasal cavity (9) of the subject.

17. The nasal cannula (200) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the nasal interface structure (100) includes at least one prong (3) defined with a nozzle section (10), and wherein the nozzle section (10) is structured to define a narrow opening (11) for flow of breathable gas towards a floor portion of the nasal cavity (9) of the subject during inhalation, and regulates flow of the fluid from the elongated tube (1) based on backpressure applied on the nozzle section (10) during exhalation.

18. The nasal cannula (200) as claimed in claim 17, wherein application of backpressure save breathable gas in a range of 10% to 30% by volume.

19. The nasal cannula (200) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the breathable gas is oxygen.

, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of medical devices. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a nasal cannula for supplying a breathable gas to a subject. Further, embodiments of the present disclosures relate to a nasal interface structure of the nasal cannula for regulating flow of breathable gas to a nasal cavity of the subject.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, in case of medical conditions and/or emergencies, a subject is aided by supplying breathable gas such as, oxygen. Supply of such breathable gas is generally performed in a continuous and regulated manner in order to avoid hypoxemia (conditions of the subject, which renders low oxygen levels in blood of the subject from a preferred level). Continuous flow of the breathable gas is received and absorbed by the subject during tidal breathing, which generally includes an inhalation cycle and an exhalation cycle, where during such tidal breathing, the breathable gas is absorbed by the subject.

In some instances, breathable gas is pressurized into the subjects respiratory system to avoid hypoxemia. Such pressurizing may be performed either by supplying such gas through mouth of the subject or by channelizing regulated quantity of such gas through nasal cavity of the subject. In general, supplying the breathable gas through nasal cavity is performed as such process is comparatively easy and hassle-free. In convention, the breathable gas is supplied through the nasal cavity of the subject by means of a nasal cannula, which directs such breathable gas to certain distance into the nasal cavity of the subject. For such direction of the breathable gases, the nasal cannula is generally inserted to a defined distance (or depth) in the nasal cavity of the subject so that, the breathable gas is sufficiently inhaled by the subject during tidal breathing.

With advent of technology, developments surrounding the nasal cannula have evolved in order to supply of the breathable gas. Various technological developments have been performed and/or produced with regards to discharge rate of the breathable gas, material characteristics of the nasal cannula for comfort of the subject, adaptability of the nasal cannula for being donned by the subject, and the like. However, even with such developments, flow of the breathable gases through the nasal cannula is not optimized as volumetric losses with respect to supply of the breathable gas to quantity delivered and/or received by the subject during tidal breathing is significantly low. That is, as the breathable gas is continuously supplied through the nasal cannula during tidal breathings of the subject, some quantity of such breathable gas may vent or escape out from the nasal cavity during the exhalation cycle of tidal breathing by the subject. Such venting of the breathable gas during the exhalation cycle may result in loss of efficiency of the nasal cannula and in-turn increases overall consumption-to-supply rate of the breathable gases to the subject.

With developments over time, structure of the nasal cannula have been modified to regulate quantity of the breathable gas venting from the nasal cavity of the subject during the exhalation cycle of tidal breathing. Such structural modifications to the nasal cannula may include elongation of delivery tubes of the nasal cannula, where such elongated delivery tubes of the nasal cannula may be inserted deeper than the predefined distance into the nasal cavity of the subject. With such insertion, travel time for the breathable gases to vent from the nasal cavity during the exhalation cycle would increase and in-turn reduce quantity of such breathable gas venting from the nasal cavity. However, due to travel of the nasal cannula further into the nasal cavity, the subject may feel uneasy, which eventually leads to unsatisfied aid to the subject. Also, as the breathable gas is to be supplied deep into the nasal cavity of the subject under pressure, walls of the nasal cavity may temporarily feel numb, which in-turn results in uneasiness to the subject. On some occasions, material of the nasal cannula may be hard and rigid, whereby directing the breathable gas onto the walls of the nasal cavity, which may eventually cause uneasiness to the subject.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the conventional approaches are overcome by providing a nasal interface structure of a nasal cannula. Additional advancements are provided due to structural and functional configuration of the nasal interface structure of the nasal cannula for supplying breathable gas to a subject.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a nasal interface structure of a nasal cannula is disclosed. The structure includes an elongated tube, defining a passage to channelize fluid. The structure also includes at least one prong, which is fluidly coupled to and laterally extending from the elongated tube. The at least one prong is defined by a proximal end extending from the elongated tube, a distal end and a through passage defined between the proximal end and the distal end. Further, the proximal end of the at least one prong defines an inlet portion having a first defined diameter, and the distal end of the at least one prong defines a discharge portion having a second defined diameter to channelize the fluid from the elongated tube towards a nasal cavity of the subject. The first defined diameter of the inlet portion is less than the second defined diameter of the discharge portion. The at least one prong further includes a nozzle section defined in the though passage of the at least one prong. The nozzle section is structured to define a narrow opening for flow of the fluid from the elongated tube towards a floor portion of the nasal cavity of the subject during inhalation, and regulates flow of the fluid from the elongated tube based on back pressure applied on the nozzle section during exhalation.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the two opposing ends of the elongated tube are defined with a locking profile, to securely connect with a conduit of the nasal cannula.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the nozzle section includes a sleeve portion radially flush at the proximal end of the at least one prong and extending towards the distal end along the through passage of the at least one prong. Further, the narrow opening is defined between a tip of the sleeve portion and an inlet portion of the at least one prong, and where the narrow opening defines a third defined diameter.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the third diameter is at least 5% of the first defined diameter.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one prong is defined with a first curved profile, from the proximal end to the distal end.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the proximal end and the distal end of the at least one prong extends from the elongated tube to define a first arc angle in a range of 50deg to 70deg, relative to a transverse axis of the elongated tube.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the nozzle section is defined with a second curved profile, from an interface between the sleeve portion of the nozzle section at the proximal end of the at least one prong to the tip of the sleeve portion and the inlet portion at the distal end of the at least one prong.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the nozzle section extends from the at least one prong to define a second arc angle in a range of 50deg to 70deg, relative to the transverse axis of the elongated tube.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, ratio of length of the at least one prong to length of the nozzle section is 1:1.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one prong and the nozzle section are made of homogeneous material.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one prong is relatively softer than the nozzle section.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one prong is structured to deform on insertion into the nasal cavity of the subject.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fluid is breathable gas and wherein the breathable gas is oxygen.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the nozzle section is made from a group of materials consisting at least one silicone, polymers, metals, alloys, and composite material.

In an other non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a nasal cannula for supplying a breathable gas to a subject is disclosed. The nasal cannula includes a conduit, connectable to a source of breathable gas. The nasal cannula further includes a splitter member, connectable to an end of the conduit opposite to the end connectable to the source. The nasal cannula also includes a pair of supply tubes connectable to the splitter member, to channelize breathable gas. Further, a nasal interface structure is provisioned in the nasal cannula, to removably connected to the pair of supply tubes, to selectively channelize breathable gas through the nasal cannula towards a floor portion of a nasal cavity of a subject.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a breathable gas delivery system including a nasal cannula, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of the nasal cannula employed in a system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of a nasal interface structure of the nasal cannula of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4a is a sectional view of the nasal interface structure of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4b illustrates a magnified portion of a nozzle section of FIG. 4a.

FIGs. 5a and 5b are schematic views illustrating flow of breathable gas through the nasal interface structure of FIG 4 during tidal breathing by a subject during inhalation cycle and exhalation cycle, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGs. 6a and 6b are computational flow images depicting flow and velocity of breathable gas through the nasal interface structure of FIG 4 and a conventional nasal cannula during tidal breathing by the subject at the inhalation cycle and the exhalation cycle, respectively.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, embodiments thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device, assembly, mechanism, system, method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or mechanism.

Embodiment of the present disclosure discloses a nasal interface structure of a nasal cannula is disclosed. The structure includes an elongated tube, defining a passage to channelize fluid. The structure also includes at least one prong, which is fluidly coupled to and laterally extending from the elongated tube. The at least one prong is defined by a proximal end extending from the elongated tube, a distal end and a through passage defined between the proximal end and the distal end. Further, the proximal end of the at least one prong defines an inlet portion having a first defined diameter, and the distal end of the at least one prong defines a discharge portion having a second defined diameter to channelize the fluid from the elongated tube towards a nasal cavity of the subject. The first defined diameter of the inlet portion is less than the second defined diameter of the discharge portion. The at least one prong further includes a nozzle section defined in the though passage of the at least one prong. The nozzle section is structured to define a narrow opening for flow of the fluid from the elongated tube towards a floor portion of the nasal cavity of the subject during inhalation, and regulates flow of the fluid from the elongated tube based on backpressure applied on the nozzle section during exhalation.

Here, the term “nasal interface structure” of the nasal cannula may be referred to a portion of the nasal cannula which may be insertable into a nasal cavity of the subject and interfaced to supply breathable gas. The nasal cavity may be defined from anterior naris and extended to nasopharynx and there beyond.

The disclosure is described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figs 1 to 6b. In the figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.
Referring to FIG. 1 which illustrates a block diagram of a breathable gas delivery system (300) including a nasal cannula (200) and a source [also interchangeably referred to as a supply unit (301)]. The supply unit (301) is configured to supply fluid such as, but not limited to, a breathable gas [or also interchangeably referred to as “fluid”], to the subject. The supply unit (301) may be fluidly coupled to the nasal cannula (200), where the supply unit (301) may be at least one of a pressurized cylinder containing the breathable gas or a compressor capable of compressing and supplying the breathable gas or a breathable gas generator which generates and supply the breathable gas to the subject. The supply unit (301) may be coupled to the nasal cannula (200) by means including, but not limited to, a connector, at least one sensor, a regulator, and the like, where pressurized breathable gas from the supply unit (301) may be continuously supplied to the subject at a predefined pressure. The predefined pressure may be in a range of 0.5 L/min to 6 L/min of breathable gas based on requirement of the subject, while the supply unit (301) may be capable of producing the breathable gas in a range of 1 L/min to 60 L/min based on capacity and/or requirement.

Turning now to FIG. 2, which illustrates a schematic view of the nasal cannula (200). The nasal cannula (200) is configured receive the breathable gas from the supply unit (301) of the breathable gas delivery system (300). The nasal cannula (200) is configured to deliver the breathable gas to the subject, where for such delivery the nasal cannula (200) may include, among other components, a channelizing structure (201), a nasal interface structure (100) and a supporting element (205). The channelizing structure (201) includes a conduit (202), a splitter member (203), and a pair of supply tubes (204). The conduit (202) of the channelizing structure may be fluidly connectable with the supply unit (301) of the breathable gas delivery system (300) for receiving the breathable gas. Further, the breathable gas prior being received at the conduit (202), may be regulated to the predefined pressure for supplying to the subject. The splitter member (203) of the channelizing structure (201) may be configured to volumetrically bifurcate the breathable gas from the conduit (202) into a plurality of channels such that, the breathable gas may be supplied to each nasal cavity (9) of the subject. To channelize the breathable gas to the subject, the pair of supply tubes (204) may be connectable to the splitter member (203), where each tube of the pair of supply tubes (204) may be configured to channelize substantially equal volume of the breathable gas to each nasal cavity (9) of the subject. Ends of the pair of supply tubes (204) may be connectable to ends of the nasal interface structure (100), through which the breathable gas may be supplied to the subject.

In an embodiment, the conduit (202), the pair of supply tubes (204), the splitter member (203) and the nasal interface structure (100) may be defined with an internal passage (2) that connect one another, where such internal passage (2) may be defined with a surface finish providing low fluid flow friction, in order to minimize loss of fluid pressure within the conduit (202). Also, the conduit (202), the pair of supply tubes (204), the splitter member (203) and the nasal interface structure (100) may be structured to allow laminar flow of the breathable gas therethrough to reach the subject at substantially (i.e., considering negligible losses through the channelizing structure (201)) predefined pressure. Material of such conduit (202), the pair of supply tubes (204) and the splitter member (203) may be polymeric material or medical grade silicone or medical grade metal.

Turning now to Figure 3 along with reference to Figure 2, the nasal interface structure (100) may be configured to act as routing element between the nasal cannula (200) and the nasal cavity (9) of the subject. The nasal interface structure (100) may be configured to impart direction to the breathable gas being channelized through the channelizing structure (201) of the nasal cannula (200). The nasal interface structure (100) may include an elongated tube (1) defining a passage (2) to channelize the fluid, such as the breathable gas, received from the pair of supply tubes (204). The passage (2) of the elongated tube (1) may be linearly extending through each ends of the elongated tube (1) so that the breathable gas may fill up within the elongated tube (1). To supply the breathable gas from within the elongated tube (1) to the subject, the nasal interface structure (100) may include at least one prong (3). The at least one prong (3) may be coupled to and laterally extending from the elongated tube (1), where the at least one prong (3) may be insertable into each nasal cavity (9) of the subject for supplying the breathable gas. In an embodiment, the nasal interface structure (100) may be configured to include minimum of one prong (3) for supplying the breathable gas to the subject via the nasal cavity (9), however, number of such prongs of the nasal interface structure (100) may also extend to two without deviating from the working principle as described herein and hereabout. For sake of simplicity, the figures 2 and 3 have been illustrated to describe two prongs extending from the nasal interface structure (100).

Further referring to Figure 3, the at least one prong (3) of the nasal interface structure (100) may be configured to either integrally extend from the elongated tube (1) or may be attachable to the elongated tube (1) by means including, but not limited to, fastening, clamping, adhesive bonding, and any other means of joining. In the illustrative embodiment, the elongated tube (1) is defined with a locking profile (12) in the inner surface which sealingly receive respective supply tubes (204) of the nasal canula (200). Further, the at least one prong (3) is defined with a proximal end (4) and a distal end (5), where the proximal end (4) may be integrally extending from the elongated tube (1). The at least one prong (3) may also include a through passage (6), which may be defined between the proximal end (4) and the distal end (5) of the at least one prong (3). The through passage (2) of the at least one prong (3) is configured to fluidly connect the passage (2) of the elongated tube (1) with the nasal cavity (9) of the subject for supplying the breathable gas. The proximal end (4) of the at least one prong (3) further defines an inlet portion (7) having a first defined diameter and the distal end (5) defines a discharge portion (8) having a second defined diameter, where dimension of the first defined diameter is less than the second defined diameter of the discharge portion (8). That is, the first defined diameter of the inlet portion (7) in the at least one prong (3) is structured to be larger than the diameter of the passage (2) of the elongated tube (1), while being less than the second defined diameter of the discharge portion (8) of the at least one prong (3). Such difference in dimension between the inlet portion (7), the elongated tube (1) and the discharge portion (8) of the at least one prong (3) is configured to diffuse pressure of the breathable gas at the distal end (5) of the at least one prong (3). It may be construed that ratio of the second defined diameter of the discharge portion (8) to the first defined diameter of the inlet portion (7) may be at least 5:4 or 6:5 or 3:2 or 2:1, in which dimension of the first defined diameter of the inlet portion (7) is less than the diameter of the passage (2) of the elongated tube (1).

Turning now to Figures 4a and 4b, the at least one prong (3) of the nasal interface structure (100) may also include a nozzle section (10) which may be defined in the though passage (2) extending from the proximal end (4) to the distal end (5) of the at least one prong (3). The nozzle section (10) may define a narrow opening (11) for flow of the breathable gas from the elongated tube (1) to the nasal cavity (9) of the subject. Further, ratio of length of the at least one prong (3) to length of the nozzle section (10) is at least 1:1, where variation in ratio of such length may affect pressure and/or velocity of the breathable gas being dispensed from the nasal interface structure (100). In the illustrative embodiment, the nozzle section (10) includes a sleeve portion (13), which is radially flush at the proximal end (4) of the at least one prong (3). The sleeve portion (13) is structured to extend from the proximal end (4) or at a portion ahead of the proximal end (4) and lean/curve towards the distal end (5), along the through passage (2) of the at least one prong (3). Further, the narrow opening (11) of the nozzle section (10) may be defined between a tip (14) of the sleeve portion (13) (such as, an end of the sleeve portion (13) which is not connected to an inner wall of the at least one prong (3)) and an inner portion (such as, an inner wall) of the at least one prong (3), to channelize the breathable gas entering the nozzle section (10) from the inlet portion (7). The narrow opening (11) of the nozzle section (10) may be structured to include a third defined diameter, where such third defined diameter of the narrow opening (11) may be at least 5% of the first defined diameter of the elongated tube (1), as best seen in Figure 4b. In an embodiment, the third defined diameter of the narrow opening (11) in the nozzle section (10) may be about 0.5mm to 1.5mm. In an embodiment, the third defined diameter of the narrow opening (11) of the nozzle section (10) may even be structured to be substantially less than the first defined diameter, indicating requirement for reduction in dimension. Such reduction in dimension of the narrow opening (11) of the nozzle section (10) (i.e., increase in structure (100) from the first defined diameter to the second defined diameter, and reduction in structure (100) before the second defined diameter to the third defined diameter), may increase pressure of the breathable gas supplied to the nasal cavity (9) of the subject. Such increase in pressure of the breathable gas discharged from the narrow opening (11) of the nozzle section (10), and in-turn from the discharge portion (8) of the at least one prong (3), may enable the breathable gas to be continuously to the nasal cavity (9) of the subject during breathing. For example, the nozzle section (10) of the at least one prong (3) is configured to increase the pressure and/or velocity of the breathable gas such that, the breathable gas may be continuously supplied to the nasal cavity (9) of the subject even during tidal breathing including inhalation and exhalation by the subject.

The nasal interface structure (100) may further be defined with a first curved profile, from the proximal end (4) to the distal end (5) of the at least one prong (3), as best seen in Figures 4a and 4b. The first curved profile of the at least one prong (3) is configured to extend from the proximal end (4) at the elongated tube (1) and curve along the through passage (2) till the discharge portion (8) of the distal end (5), to define a first arc angle in a range of 50deg to 70deg, relative to a transverse axis (A-A) of the elongated tube (1). Curvature of the at least one prong (3) is configured to channelize the breathable gas from the elongated tube (1) towards the nasal cavity (9) of the subject. Additionally, the nozzle section (10) of the at least one prong (3) is defined with a second curved profile, from an interface between the sleeve portion (13) of the nozzle section (10) at the proximal end (4) to the tip (14) of the sleeve portion (13) and the inner portion at the distal end (5) of the at least one prong (3). Such curvature of the nozzle section (10) along the second curved profile is configured to discharge the breathable gas on to a floor of the nasal cavity (9) of the subject, as best seen in Figures 5a and 5b.

Turning now to Figures 5a and 5b, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the nasal interface structure (100) configured to discharge the breathable gas to the nasal cavity (9) of the subject during inhalation and exhalation of tidal breathing, respectively. As best seen in Figure 5a, during inhalation of the breathable gas by the subject, the breathable gas discharged from the nasal interface structure (100) may configured to be directed on the floor of the nasal cavity (9) of the subject. Such discharging of the breathable gas towards the floor of the nasal cavity (9) along with the second curved profile of the nozzle section (10) may allow continuous discharge of the breathable gas to the nasal cavity (9) and obviate obstruction to flow of the breathable gas from mucus or wet precipitate in the nasal cavity (9) of the subject, during inhalation. However, during exhalation by the subject, continuous flow of the breathable gas may be required to be regulated in order to prevent leakage of such breathable gas from the nasal interface structure (100).

As can be seen in Figure 5b, the nasal interface structure (100) is configured to regulate flow of the breathable gas being supplied from the elongated tube (1), during exhalation by the subject. In an embodiment, during exhalation by the subject, exhaling gas being discharged through the nasal cavity (9) may interact with the breathable gas being supplied from the nasal interface structure (100). Such interaction may impart backpressure on the continuously flowing breathable gas through the nozzle section (10) such that, where flow of the breathable gas from the nozzle section (10) of the nasal interface structure (100) may temporarily restricted by covering and/or exerting backpressure at the third defined diameter and portion above the sleeve of the nozzle section (10). That is, pressure of the exhale gas from the subject during exhalation may prevent flow of at least a portion of the breathable gas through the nozzle section (10) into the nasal cavity (9) of the subject, though such breathable gas may be continuously supplied to the nasal interface structure (100). As backpressure is applied by the exhaled gas in the nasal cavity (9) of the subject, escapement of the breathable gas in a volumetric range of 10% to 30% may be saved during supply of said breathable gas through the nozzle section (10). Additionally, application of backpressure within the nozzle section (10) of the nasal interface structure (100) may be calibrated by considering factors including, but not limited to, the second curved profile, material of the at least one prong (3) and the sleeve of the nozzle section (10), pressure of the breathable gas, and any other factor affecting the backpressure being applied and regulating flow of the breathable gas from the nozzle section (10).

In an embodiment, as the nasal interface structure (100) is defined with the first curved profile along the length of the at least one prong (3) and the second curved profile along the nozzle section (10), pressure and/or velocity of the breathable gas supplied through the nasal interface structure (100) may be maintained at a higher value when compared to the nasal interface structure (100) having straight or substantially straight portion of the at least one prong (3). A Computational Fluid Dynamic comparative data is provided in Figures 6a and 6b. As can be seen in Figure 6a, due to inclusion of the nozzle section (10) within the nasal cannula (200), velocity of the breathable gas at exit of such nozzle section (10) may be in the range of 22m/s to 33m/s, while the breathable gas may be supplied to the elongated tube (1) at 11m/s or lower. On the other hand, Figure 6b illustrates the nasal interface structure (100) without including the nozzle cavity, whereby can be seen from that velocity of the breathable gas may decrease when compared to the velocity with which such breathable gas is supplied to the nasal cavity (9) of the subject. Also, it can be compared from Figures 6a and 6b that, during exhalation by the subject, quantity of the breathable gas diffusing and/or dispersing and/or escaping from the nasal interface structure (100) in Figure 6a is substantially low from that in Figure 6b. Additionally, from Fig. 6a, it can be observed that the at least one prong (3) including the nozzle section (10) is configured to skim the breathable gas along the floor of the nasal cavity (9), as the narrow opening (11) of the nozzle section (10) is not in flush with the discharge portion (8) of the at least one prong (3). That is, the narrow opening (11) of the nozzle section (10) is eccentrically within the through passage (2) of the at least one prong (3) so that, the breathable gas having velocity increased by the nozzle section (10) is configured to strike the discharge portion (8) of the at least one prong (3) (i.e., space between the sleeve portion (13) and an outer circumference of the at least one prong (3)) to mitigate and/or minimize cold-hit on the floor of the nasal cavity (9) of the subject.

In an embodiment, the two opposing ends of the elongated tube (1) are defined with a locking profile (12), to securely connect with the pair of supply tubes (204) of the nasal cannula (200) to the source of the breathable gas, as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3. The locking profile (12) may be including, but not limited to, a barbed profile, defined along an inner surface of the elongated tube (1). Such locking profile (12) may allow the nasal interface structure (100) to be replaceable, as per number of usage. Additionally, the nasal cannula (200) includes a supporting element (205), which may be connectable to the nasal interface structure (100), where the supporting element (205) is configured to position the nasal interface structure (100) relative to the nasal cavity (9) of the subject. The supporting element (205) may be a headgear, ear straps, and the like, which may support the nasal interface structure (100) to be engageable in the nasal cavity (9).

In an embodiment, the breathable gas is at least oxygen.

In an embodiment, the nozzle section (10) is made from a group of material consisting at least one of polymers, metals, alloys, and composite material. In the illustrative embodiment, the nozzle section (10) is made from silicone, which is the same material as that of the nasal interface structure (100). Further, the at least one prong (3) is structured with a predefined thickness which is relatively lower than that of the nozzle section (10) so that, insertion of the at least one prong (3) into the nasal cavity (9) do not scratch or prick walls of the nasal cavity (9). Also, in an embodiment, at least one prong (3) and the nozzle section (10) are made of homogeneous material.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principle of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding the description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description.

Referral numerals:
Particulars Numeral
Breathable Gas Delivery System 300
Supply Unit 301
Nasal Cannula 200
Nasal Interface Structure 100
Channelizing Structure 201
Conduit 202
Splitter Member 203
Supply Tubes 204
Supporting Element 205
Elongated Tube 1
Passage 2
Prong 3
Proximal End 4
Distal End 5
Through Passage 6
Inlet Portion 7
Discharge Portion 8
Nasal Cavity 9
Nozzle Section 10
Narrow Opening 11
Locking Profile 12
Sleeve Portion 13
Tip 14