Patent ID: 6763832
Filing Date: 2004-07-20
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
An assembly for use with a nasal cannula, comprising:a first and second nasal plug each having a gas inlet and a nostril outlet prong configured for insertion into a patient's nostril and through which gas can pass, the inlets of the two nasal plugs being adapted to be placed in fluid communication with a gas supply; a first holder connected to the first nasal plug and a second holder connected to the second nasal plug; and a connector connected to each of the holders, the first and second plugs being independently and movably mounted to the first and second holders, respectively, the plugs being selectively movable relative to each other and the connector along and about an axis generally transverse to an axis of the patient's nostril; wherein at least one of the first and second holders comprises a holding portion frictionally engaging at least one of the nasal plugs sufficiently to maintain a selected linear position and angular orientation of the plug along and about the transverse axis under normal use of the nasal cannula yet allow linear and rotational movement of the plug along and about the transverse axis upon application of a friction-overcoming force to adjust a relative spacing between the plugs and the angular orientation of the plugs while the plus,s remain in contact with the respective holders.