Device for warming and moistening gases having both an active and passive heat exchanger.

US5383447A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Volker Lang · Gauting, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 6, 1993
• Grant date: Jan 24, 1995
• Expiry date: Jul 6, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2205/3368
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A device for heating and moistening respiratory gases with a small volume of dead space which is especially suitable for giving artificial respiration to premature and newborn infants and children. This device includes three parts, whereby two parts, largely made of metal, are interconnected in a housing and form a connecting component combined with an active steam-sterilizable moistening and heating device into which a third part, a one-time heating-moistening exchanger insert, is fitted. The upper third of this insert acts as a passive heat-moisture exchanger which premoistens and preheats the dry respiratory gas on inspiration (about 30.degree. C., 100% relative humidity) and the central and lower third of which, supported by the active moistening device and heating with the aid of the active heat-moisture device, finally undertakes the optimum conditioning of the respiratory gas (36-37.degree. C., 100% r.h.). On expiration, 60-80% of the moisture and heat of the optimally warm and damp respiratory gas is recovered by the heat-moisture exchanger insert primarily via its upper third away from the patient. In cases of great respiratory difficulty, e.g. in very small premature infa…