Patent ID: 6745766
Filing Date: 2004-06-08
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
In a device for passive humidification of tracheostomized or intubated patients, comprising an outer body which has a first opening for connection to a patient and is connected to at least one seat of a filtering and humidifying element, the improvement comprising:at least one filtering and humidifying element disposed in said at least one seat, said at least one filtering element having an internal channel; said outer body including at least one second opening for receiving the at least one filtering and humidifying element; at least one oxygen delivery duct connected to said at least one seat of said filtering element; on said outer body, a coupling for connection to said at least one oxygen delivery duct, said channel of said at least one filtering and humidifying element being connected to said at least one oxygen delivery duct to conduct oxygen from said at least one oxygen delivery duct through said channel; and at least one cross-member having a first end pivotally connected to said outer body and a second end removably connected to said outer body, said at least one cross-member forming a sealed cover over said at least one second opening for removably retaining said at least one filtering and humidifying element in said at least one seat, said at least one cross-member being spaced apart from said channel of said at least one filtering and humidifying element and redirecting oxygen from said channel through said at least one second opening of said outer body through said at least one filtering and humidifying element to said first opening, so as to filter and humidify said oxygen supplied to the patient from said oxygen delivery duct.