Patent ID: 7047974
Filing Date: 2006-05-23
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A nasal cannula comprising: first and second nasal inserts positioned on the nasal cannula with no indentation between the first and second nasal inserts for insertion into a patient's nares; whereby the area of each insert and the area of the nare are essentially equal so that a positive air pressure seal is created between the nare and the insert; a first delivery tube and a second delivery tube, each coupled to both of said nasal inserts, whereby each nasal insert communicates with both the first delivery tube and second delivery tube; a coupler located remote from said nasal inserts for coupling said cannula to said source of respiration gas; and at least one bleed port positioned proximate a nasal insert communicating with said delivery tubes, having an opening flush with the exterior of the nasal cannula that is directly open to atmospheric pressure and having an internal height less than ten times the thickness of the delivery tube at the location of the bleed port.