Loma Linda University

Faculty Physicians and Surgeons of Llusm

Albert W Farnsworth

Wolff M Kirsch

Yong Hua Zhu

A breathing gas delivery system and method provides a flow of breathing gas to a patient. The gas flow is purposely interrupted for the patient's exhale phase in order to minimize irritation and injury to nasal tissues due to constant, uninterrupted flows. Embodiments include an oscillating ball valve that interrupts oxygen supply during the patient's exhale phase, cannula tips that are shaped to minimize trauma, and a sleep apnea treatment system that interrupts breathing gas supply during the patient's exhale phase.

Breathing gas delivery system and method

A nasal cannula is provided having a first and second nasal plug connected to a gas supply such as oxygen. A holder frictionally engages each nasal plug and a connector connects the two holders. The plugs are movable along the length of the connector to allow adjustment of the spacing between nasal plugs to accommodate a person's nostrils but with sufficient friction to retain the selected position. The plugs are rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the connector to adjust the orientation of the plug within a nostril relative to a patient's face, but with sufficient friction to retain the selected position. One of the connector or holder is removably fastened to the patient's face. A regulator is interposed in the gas supply to vary the flow rate and pressure to meet predetermined patterns.

Growing community of inventors

Hemet, CA, United States of America

Albert W Farnsworth