867 results about "Nostril" patented technology

A patient interface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is configured to be at least partially carried by a patient and to receive gas exhaled by the patient. The patient interface includes first and second cannula tubes each having a first end and a second end, the first ends are configured to be inserted into the nostrils of a patient, the first and second cannula tubes are configured to direct exhaled gas from the patient from the first ends to said second ends. The patient interface also includes first and second sensors positioned near the second ends, and the first and second sensors are configured to provide first and second signals based upon the gas, wherein the first and second signals are indicative of a physiological parameter of the patient. The patient interface also includes a communications link configured to provide the signal to a physiological monitor.

An integrally molded ventilation interface includes a hollow bellows-like structure and two nasal prongs extending from a top surface of the bellows. A pair of headgear strap flanges can also be molded integrally with the ventilation interface. The nasal prongs provide a first sealing interface between an outer surface of the nasal prongs and an inner surface of the patient's nares. The bellows provides a second sealing interface between a top surface of the bellows-like structure and a bottom surface of a patient's nose. The headgear strap flanges provide a third sealing interface between the ventilation interface and a mustache region of the patient's face as well as a bottom surface of the patient's nose.

A face feature analysis which begins by generating multiple face feature candidates, e.g., eyes and nose positions, using an isolated frame face analysis. Then, a nostril tracking window is defined around a nose candidate and tests are applied to the pixels therein based on percentages of skin color area pixels and nostril area pixels to determine whether the nose candidate represents an actual nose. Once actual nostrils are identified, size, separation and contiguity of the actual nostrils is determined by projecting the nostril pixels within the nostril tracking window. A mouth window is defined around the mouth region and mouth detail analysis is then applied to the pixels within the mouth window to identify inner mouth and teeth pixels and therefrom generate an inner mouth contour. The nostril position and inner mouth contour are used to generate a synthetic model head. A direct comparison is made between the inner mouth contour generated and that of a synthetic model head and the synthetic model head is adjusted accordingly. Vector quantization algorithms may be used to develop a codebook of face model parameters to improve processing efficiency. The face feature analysis is suitable regardless of noise, illumination variations, head tilt, scale variations and nostril shape.

A nasal ventilation interface including a pair of tubes configured to deliver a ventilation gas. The tubes are attachable at a first end to a ventilation gas supply hose and engageable at a second end with a person's nostril. A coupler is configured to align the pair of tubes with the person's nostrils, wherein each tube has an absence of pneumatic interconnection with the other tube.

A nasal cannula assembly designed for contact with the nasalabidial area of a patient's face comprising a nasal cannula, a pair of oxygen supply tubes connected to opposite ends of the nasal cannula and a main oxygen supply line. The nasal cannula is made of a flexible plastic material molded into a light-weight hollow tubular member having a main body portion formed at an acute angle in the center and having a pair of spaced exterior orifices projecting from the body at an angle and curved upwardly and inwardly for directing gas flow into a patient's nostrils. Attachment points for oxygen supply tubes are above center of gravity of the nasal cannula to make it self-righting thus eliminating need for stiff supply tubing to orient cannula. Oxygen supply tubes made from ultra-high molecular weight PVC possess superior flexibility and low compression set so that little tension on the tubing is required to hold cannula in proper position. A main oxygen supply line made from ultra-high molecular weight PVC resists the formation of twisted loops that tend to block oxygen flow.

Apparatus for fitting to the head of a patient for supply of gas to the nose at a positive pressure for treatment of snoring and sleep apnea comprises headgear for fitting to the head of a patient. A mask support forms part of said headgear and is held, in use, by portions of said headgear in a stable position above the nose of the patient. The mask support includes a manifold chamber, a first connector opening above said manifold chamber for attachment of a gas supply line and a second connector depending from said manifold chamber. The above apparatus may be used with a novel nasal mask which is a nares seal that may be removably connected to said second connector by a third connector forming part of said seal and having an air orifice formed therethrough. The seal further comprises first and second laterally spaced delivery tubes connecting with said air orifice and defining between them a generally triangular open space which extends, when in use, downwardly to a point below the nose of a patient. The delivery tubes thence curves inwardly and upwardly to approach the nose of a patient and supports first and second nostril tubes connected with said delivery tubes for insertion into the nares of a patient. Wire support for said laterally spaced tubes extends from the connector to about where said tubes curve inwardly and upwardly.

An apparatus for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient for the treatment of Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) that is less obtrusive includes a nasal cannula, cannulae (2a, 2b), prongs, or pillows and may be sealed or unsealed with the nares of the patient in use. The cannula, pillows or prongs may be positioned on the face of the patient by a headgear (6). The cannula, pillows or prongs may be smaller, lighter, and / or less visible than other nasal cannula, cannulae, pillows or prongs and may therefore be less obtrusive to the patient.

A nasal delivery device and a method of delivering substance to a nasal airway of a subject can be used for mass treatment, especially mass vaccination. The delivery device includes an interface unit, as a replaceable unit, having at least one nosepiece unit for fitting to a respective nostril of a subject, a nozzle from which substance is in use delivered, and at least one delivery unit having a substance supply unit for delivering substance to the nozzle of the at least one nosepiece unit. The delivery device also includes an actuation unit for actuating the at least one delivery unit of the interface unit.

An integrally molded ventilation interface includes a hollow bellows-like structure and two nasal prongs extending from a top surface of the bellows. A pair of headgear strap flanges can also be molded integrally with the ventilation interface. The nasal prongs provide a first sealing interface between an outer surface of the nasal prongs and an inner surface of the patient's nares. The bellows provides a second sealing interface between a top surface of the bellows-like structure and a bottom surface of a patient's nose. The headgear strap flanges provide a third sealing interface between the ventilation interface and a mustache region of the patient's face as well as a bottom surface of the patient's nose.

A nasal ventilation interface including a pair of tubes configured to deliver a ventilation gas. The tubes are attachable at a first end to a ventilation gas supply hose and engageable at a second end with a person's nostril. A coupler is configured to align the pair of tubes with the person's nostrils, wherein each tube has an absence of pneumatic interconnection with the other tube.

An exhalation breath-actuated nasal delivery device for and a method of delivering a substance to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a nosepiece (40) for fitting to a nostril of a subject; a mouthpiece (42) through which the subject in use exhales; and delivery unit (64), as one of a mechanical delivery pump (66) or a nebulizer (115), for delivering a substance to the nosepiece (40); and an actuation mechanism (74) for actuating the delivery unit in response to oral exhalation through the mouthpiece, and preferably when at least one or both of the pressure at or the flow rate through the nosepiece exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Apparatus for providing positive pressure for treatment of snoring and sleep apnea are disclosed. The apparatus includes a nares seal configured to engage the nares of a patient and to direct pressurized air into the airways of the patient. The nares seal can include first and second laterally spaced delivery tubes defining a generally triangular open space between them. The delivery tubes can extend downward below the nose of a patient and curve inward and upward under the nose of the patient. A first and a second nostril tube are connected to the delivery tubes for insertion into the nares of the patient. A wire support may be provided in each of the laterally spaced delivery tubes. The nares seal may be connected to a mask support of headgear configured to be secured to the head of the patient.

A non-invasive ventilation system may include a nasal interface. The nasal interface may include a left outer tube with a left distal end adapted to impinge a left nostril, at least one left opening in the left distal end in pneumatic communication with the left nostril, and a left proximal end of the left outer tube in fluid communication with ambient air. The left proximal end of the left outer tube may curve laterally away from a midline of a face. A right outer tube may be similarly provided. One or more left jet nozzles may direct ventilation gas into the left outer tube, and one or more right jet nozzles may direct ventilation gas into the right outer tube. The jet nozzles may be in fluid communication with the pressurized gas supply.

An internal nasal dilator and compound delivery method presents an improved dilator including a U-shaped clip having septum engaging pads, first and second nasal expanders, and first and second delivery elements. The pads engage the septum along planar surfaces. Each of the expanders further include a conforming nostril engaging element and a flexible arm interconnecting the engaging element and clip. The delivery elements are each adapted to receive and retain a quantity of a compound and to discharge the compound over a period of time.

Methods and systems for anesthetizing a portion or all of a patient's maxillary dental arch using a nasal delivered anesthetizing composition. The process generates anesthesia sufficient for facilitation of operative dentistry, endodontics, periodontics or oral surgery for teeth of the maxillary arch. The dental nasal spray process consists of inserting one or more dispensing devices through the patient's nostril and delivering metered dosages of anesthetic solution or gel into the nasal cavity. The process may utilize a single solution which is a mixture of anesthetic agents, vasoconstricting agents and other physiological inert agents or two separate solutions, wherein one solution contains the vasoconstricting agents and the other solution contains the anesthetic agents. Anesthetic diffusion through the thin walls of the nasal cavity allows for the blocking of nerve impulses originating from the maxillary dentition and surrounding tissues. Anesthesia of specific oral regions such as right versus left sides of the dental arch, anterior versus posterior teeth, and soft tissue anesthesia may be controlled through modification of the dosage volume and the selection of right or left nostril insertion and agent delivery.

A nasal cannula comprising: a base portion defining a gas passageway and one or more nozzles defining a second gas passageway in gaseous communication with the first gas passageway for directing a therapeutic flow of gas to a user's nares. The nasal cannula may include one or more sensors for measuring the properties of gas within a user's nares. The nozzle may be a nasal insert that is inserted into the user's nares; recesses or grooves are provided for preventing sealing of the nasal insert with the nare. The nozzle may be shaped to avoid insertion into the user's nares, thus preventing sealing with the nares. A stop may be positioned between two nozzles to engage a user's columella and prevent the nozzles from inserting into the user's nares. Elongate extensions are provided for inserting into the user's nares and supporting sensors for measuring gas properties therein.

The present invention relates to the delivery of high flow humidified pressurised oxygen and / or air to a patient by way of a wide bore nasal cannula (30). The cannula of the present invention comprises wide bore cannula to minimise the flow resistance and the entry velocity. The nasal cannula includes two nasal prongs (40, 41) fittable into a patient's nostrils. The prongs follow the inner shape of the patient's nostrils such that a more efficient flow of gases into the patient's lungs is achieved as gases flow are directed down the main nasal passage more accurately. The cannula do not seal within the nasal cavities of the patient, and in some embodiments the cannula may be provided with a pressure relief valve to allow gases to be exhausted from the cannula.

Described here are devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the mouth and nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from “pursed-lip” breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable oral and removable nasal devices are described. Oral and nasal devices that filter inhaled airflow of debris and allergens are also provided. A nasal device that increases patency of the nares is also provided.

A nasal cannula assembly is disclosed having a face mount part, in use resting against a user's face, which includes at least one nasal prong capable of being fitted into a person's nares. The cannula assembly also includes a manifold part, in fluid communication with the face mount part, having a single horizontal side gases entry. In particular, this cannula assembly is for supplying heated, humidified gases to a patient suffering from COPD. A tie or lanyard is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus such as a nasal cannula, face or nasal mask or tracheostomy connector. The tie or lanyard transfers the weight of the conduits supplying gases to the breathing assistance apparatus from the breathing assistance apparatus and distributes it onto the neck of the patient.

A method is described for modifying at least one property of a tissue of or near a nasal valve of a nose, without using a surgical incision or an implant, to decrease airflow resistance or perceived airflow resistance in a nasal airway. The method may involve contacting a treatment element of a treatment device with the at least one tissue inside the nasal airway, with sufficient force to at least temporarily deform the at least one tissue, applying energy to, or removing energy from, the at least one tissue, using the treatment element, and removing the treatment element from the nostril.

A breathing apparatus, including a mask and a neck component. The mask is adapted to substantially surround at least the mouth or nostrils of a user. The neck component is attached to said mask, and adapted to substantially surround the back of the neck of said user. The neck component includes a flow generator to receive unfiltered air from a surrounding environment, filter said unfiltered air, and, provide filtered air to said mask. The breathing apparatus has a ‘low profile’ appearance and is adapted to sit comfortably about the neck of the user.

The present invention provides a nostril plug which can reduce functional articulatory disorder by closing a nostril thereby preventing the leaking of exhalation from the nostril and can be used with substantially no discomfort.The nostril plug being inserted into a nostril for suppressing the leaking of exhalation from a nose includes a valve unit for suppressing only passage of exhalation in breathing and support bodies for supporting the valve unit mounting the valve unit thereon and being arranged in the nostrils. The support body is formed of a tubular body inscribed in the nostril, and the valve unit is removably fitted in the support bodies. When the pressure in the nostril reaches a predetermined level or more through exhalation, the valve unit can be separated from the support bodies by the pressure.

A dilator / insert internally support the lateral nasal walls and securely stay in place without discomfort. It stays inserted by a pair of ledges (9a and 10a) and / or catches (7a and 8a), each resting behind a respective: limen nasi ridge (a somewhat vertical central protuberance on a lateral nasal wall); and / or a foot of the columella (the "meaty' protuberance peripherally off the base of the columella). The insert is confined from shifting off those protuberances by being tall (distance between 1a and 2a); almost as tall near the entrances of the nose as the entrances themselves. When worn, the bridge (1a and 2a) / leg (3a, 4a an 5a, 6a) assemblies look like two central nose rings. The peripheral rigidity of the bridge / leg assemblies braces the lateral walls of the nose apart and keeps the ledges in position. Catches can position midway rearward on bottom legs; and they extend centrally enough to rest behind, without engaging, the feet of the columella. The function of the described embodiment is to improve nostril breathing. It, or a similarly functioning embodiment, assembled by incorporating nasal tubing can be used to keep nasal tubing in the nostrils and prevent such tubing from scraping the nasal walls. An embodiment of the insert can be used as comfortable nasal jewelry.

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a nose filter adapted to be inserted into a nostril, the nose filter comprising: a housing having an external shape corresponding to the nostril, for enforcing breathed air to pass through the housing; filtering membrane(s), for filtering inhaled air; a first air passageway(s), through the filtering membrane(s); a second air passageway(s), bypassing the filtering membrane(s); and valve(s), for enforcing inhaled air to pass through the filtering membrane(s), and bypass the filtering membrane(s) upon exhalation; wherein the valve(s) are operative to block the second air passageway(s) upon inhalation, and operative to open the second passageway(s) upon exhalation.

Two nasal breathing devices are supplied with continuous positive airway pressure for alleviation of sleep apnea. The two nasal breathing devices are each supported on a spiral flexible supply tube. The supply tubes pass through a block. The block is supported on the patient's head below his nostrils. A stop nut is threaded on each of the spiral flexible supply tubes. The supply tubes and nasal breathing devices are individually adjustable by rotating the stop nut on each of the supply tubes. In this way, the nasal breathing devices are individually adjusted for proper nasal contact and sealing.