Patent ID: 8479740
Filing Date: 2013-07-09
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A system for airway humidification comprising: a tracheal tube adapted to be inserted into a patient's airway, the tracheal tube comprising; a first lumen configured be in-line with a breathing circuit to deliver respiratory gases, wherein the tracheal tube comprises an inner wall defining the first lumen; a second lumen formed within the outer wall of an tracheal tube and that is not in fluid communication with the respiratory gases, wherein the outer wall of the tracheal tube is formed from a first material impermeable to water vapor and impermeable to respiratory gases, and wherein at least a portion of the inner wall defining the first lumen comprising one or more openings covered by a second material permeable to water vapor and substantially impermeable to respiratory gases such that the second material forms a barrier between the first lumen and the second lumen along only a portion of the second lumen; and a source of water vapor in direct fluid connection with the second lumen and not the first lumen such that the water vapor transferred from the source passes through the second lumen before entering the first lumen.