CONNECTORS FOR RESPIRATORY ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS

Abstract

Connectors for respiratory assistance systems are disclosed. The connectors include an inspiratory conduit port, an expiratory conduit port, a first interface port, a second interface port, and a body or body portion formed between the inspiratory conduit port, the expiratory conduit port and the first and second interface ports, the body or body portion defining an interior cavity that fluidly couples, at least in part, the inspiratory conduit port and the expiratory conduit port to the first and second interface ports. The first and second interface ports are each fluidly couplable to a patient interface. Preferably, the first interface port is adapted to be coupled to an adult patient interface and the second interface port is adapted to be coupled to a pediatric or neonatal patient interface.

Claims

1.-29 (canceled)

30. A connector for a respiratory assistance system, the connector comprising: an inspiratory conduit port, an expiratory conduit port, an interface port, a body or body portion formed between the inspiratory conduit port, the expiratory conduit port and the interface port, the body or body portion defining an interior cavity that fluidly couples, at least in part, the inspiratory conduit port and the expiratory conduit port to the interface port, wherein the interface port is fluidly couplable to a patient interface, and rotatably operatively coupled in relation to the inspiratory conduit port and the expiratory conduit at least about one axis extending at an angle in relation to a longitudinal axis of either the inspiratory conduit port or the expiratory conduit port so as to change a relative orientation between the interface port and at least one of the inspiratory conduit port or the expiratory conduit port.

31. The connector of claim 30, wherein the interface port is rotatably operatively coupled by a swivel or ball joint connection connecting the interface port to the body or body portion.

32. The connector of claim 30, wherein the angle between the axis around which the interface port is rotatable and the longitudinal axis of either the inspiratory conduit port or the expiratory conduit port is substantially perpendicular.

33. The connector of claim 30, comprising a single or only one interface port.

34. The connector of claim 30 wherein one or more of said ports is operatively couplable to a unit.

35. The connector of claim 34, wherein the one or more of said ports comprise a first orientation structure arranged to align with a corresponding second orientation structure of the unit operatively couplable to said one or more ports, in use.

36. The connector of claim 34, wherein the unit is or comprises: a closure, one or both of a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or and MDI connector, or a conduit connector.

37. (canceled)

38. (canceled)

39. The connector of claim 35, wherein the first orientation structure comprises a recess or projection configured to mate with a corresponding projection or recess of the corresponding second orientation structure.

40. The connector of claim 35, wherein the first orientation structure is arranged to physically guide and receive the corresponding second orientation structure into a mating end position, in use.

41. The connector of claim 35, wherein the first orientation structure and the corresponding second orientation structure are arranged to prevent inadvertent relative rotation between the one or more of said ports and the unit when connected.

42. The connector of claim 30, comprising directional features.

43. The connector of claim 42, wherein the directional features comprise a passageway provided through one of said ports of the connector.

44. The connector of claim 43, wherein the passageway is asymmetrically arranged within the one of said ports.

45. The connector of claim 42, wherein the directional features are provided in a closure configured to selectively close off one of said ports.

46. The connector of claim 42, wherein the connector is associated with one or more of: a metered-dose inhaler, a nebulizer, or a source of aerosolized medication.

47. The connector of claim 42, wherein the directional features are arranged in connection with an interior wall of one of said ports.

48. The connector of claim 42, wherein the directional features act to direct a medicament or drug dispensed via a medicament delivery port or a nebulizer port, at least in part towards the patient interface, when exiting said medicament delivery port or said nebulizer port.

49. The connector of claim 42, wherein the directional features are configured to one or more of: form an integral part of one of said ports, form an integral part of at least part of an interior sidewall of one of said ports, direct a sensor, or a sensing tube connected to one of said ports, into a correct position or orientation, or comprise an angled surface arranged proximal a downstream end of one of said ports.

50. (canceled)

51. (canceled)

52. (canceled)

53. The connector of claim 30, wherein the body or body portion is non-rotatable relative to one or both of the inspiratory conduit port or the expiratory conduit port.

54. A circuit kit for a respiratory assistance system, comprising, a connector according to claim 30, and any one or more of: an inspiratory conduit for connection to the inspiratory conduit port of said connector, an expiratory conduit for connection to the expiratory port of the connector, a humidifier chamber, a dry line for operative coupling to one or both of a gases source or a humidifier chamber, the patient interface, or MDI equipment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] These and other aspects of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the following drawings, which should be considered illustrative but not limiting.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example respiratory assistance system that may be used to provide respiratory gases to a patient.

[0042] FIGS. 2 to 4 provide perspective, side and sectional views, respectively, of a connector for a respiratory assistance system according to an example embodiment.

[0043] FIGS. 5 to 6 provide perspective and sectional views, respectively, of the connector of FIGS. 2-4 with a stopper coupled to an interface port thereof.

[0044] FIGS. 7 to 8 provide perspective and sectional views, respectively, of the connector of FIGS. 2-4 with a stopper coupled to another interface port thereof.

[0045] FIGS. 9 to 11 provide perspective, side and sectional views, respectively, of the connector of FIGS. 2 to 4 with a metered dose inhaler connector coupled to an interface port thereof.

[0046] FIGS. 12 to 14 provide perspective, side and sectional views, respectively, of the connector of FIGS. 2 to 4 with a metered dose inhaler connector coupled to another interface port thereof.

[0047] FIGS. 15 to 17 show different connector configurations for a connector comprising a single interface port.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example respiratory assistance system 100 that may be used to provide respiratory gases to a patient 101. The respiratory assistance system 100 comprises a gases source 105 in fluid communication with a patient interface 115 via an inspiratory conduit 103 and an expiratory conduit 117. In some configurations, the gases source 105 comprises a ventilator. The inspiratory conduit 103 and the expiratory conduit 117 are connected to the patient interface 115 via a wye-piece 113.

[0049] In the configuration shown, the respiratory assistance system 100 also comprises a humidification device 107 to condition respiratory gases provided to the patient 101. The humidification device 107 is positioned in the fluid communication path between the gases source 105 and the patient interface 115 to heat and/or humidify respiratory gases prior to delivery via the inspiratory conduit 103 to the patient interface 115. The humidification device 107 comprises a humidification chamber 129 containing a liquid 130 and a heater 131 adjacent to the humidification chamber 129 to heat the liquid 130 to produce vapor that humidifies respiratory gases passing over the liquid 130. In some configurations, the gases source 105 and the humidification device 107 are located within a common housing and/or comprise components of a single apparatus. In some configurations, the gases source 105 is connected directly to the patient interface 115 via the inspiratory conduit 103 with no intervening humidification device.

[0050] In some configurations, the inspiratory conduit 103 includes a heating component, such as a heater wire, to keep heated and humidified respiratory gases delivered via the inspiratory conduit 103 to the patient interface 115 warm and to reduce formation of condensate in the inspiratory conduit 103. In some configurations, the wye-piece 113 and/or the patient interface 115 might include a similar heating feature, so vapor present in heated and humidified respiratory gases delivered via the inspiratory conduit 103 to the wye-piece 113 do not condense in the wye-piece 113 and/or the patient interface 115.

[0051] FIGS. 2 to 4 provide perspective, side and sectional views, respectively, of a connector 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. The connector 200 of this embodiment is generally in the form of a wye-piece but includes an additional interface port. Both interface ports are capable of and suitable for passing the whole bulk inspiratory and expiratory flow of the patient, as well as any bias bulk flow of gases provided by the gases source in excess of the patient's inspiratory demand. More particularly, the connector 200 includes an inspiratory branch 201, an expiratory branch 202 and two interface branches 203, 204, all extending from the main body or main body portion 205 of the connector 200. At the end of each branch distal from the main body 205, there is provided a respective port 201a, 202a, 203a, 204a. Although referred to above as inspiratory, expiratory and interface branches, each of the branches are in fact interchangeable. Accordingly, branch 201 could alternatively be used also as an expiratory or interface branch. Branch 202 could alternatively be used also as an inspiratory or interface branch. Branches 203, 204 could alternatively be used as inspiratory and expiratory branches, respectively. This branch interchangeability provides the connector with improved versatility.

[0052] While branches 201, 202 and ports 201a, 202a in some embodiments are designated as being for connecting to an inspiratory conduit and an expiratory conduit, respectively, according to other embodiments, the inspiratory and expiratory branches may be substantially identical so that both conduits can connect to either branch 201, 202 or port 201a, 202a. Other connections are also possible. For example, one of said ports 201a, 202a may be open to, or at least in fluid communication with, the atmosphere. Additionally or alternatively, a vent or valve or ventilator-controlled (i.e. pressure-controlled) valve may be provided to selectively and/or partially open and/or close one or both of the ports 201a, 202a. Thus, for example, provision may be made for all or a portion of the expiratory gases from a patient to be vented to atmosphere. Additionally or alternatively, an Anti-Asphyxiation or AA-valve may be incorporated in or otherwise associated with the inspiratory branch so as to allow a patient to inhale atmospheric gases in the event that the supply of gases from the gases source 105 is interrupted.

[0053] The main body 205 and branches 201-204 define internal passageways that provide a fluid connection between the insides of the branches 201-204 and the inside of the main body 205, as best seen in FIG. 4. Thus, in use, inspiratory gases may be received into the main body 205 via inspiratory port 201a and conveyed to a patient interface via inspiratory branch 201, main body 205 and either interface branch 203 and interface port 203a or interface branch 204 and interface port 204a. Conversely, expiratory gases may be received at interface port 203a or 204a, conveyed along the corresponding expiratory branch 203, 204 to the main body 205, and out through the expiratory port 202a via the expiratory branch 202. As will be appreciated, this description of flow is a description of the general intended flow of the bulk of gases through the connector 200 and is non-limiting. For example, some inspiratory gases may pass to the expiratory port without passing through an interface port. Similarly, some expiratory gases may be breathed in again by a patient.

[0054] Additionally, the main body 205 and/or at least one of the branches may be provided with at least one auxiliary port. The at least one auxiliary port may e.g. be used for sensing a parameter of interest, e.g. pressure, humidity, temperature, flow rate. Alternatively, or additionally the at least one auxiliary port may be used in association with medication delivery. Alternatively, or additionally the at least one auxiliary port could be used for suctioning patient secretions, inspections or monitoring e.g. using a bronchoscope. Other uses and/or configurations of auxiliary port(s) will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are included within the scope of the invention.

[0055] According to preferred embodiments, the connector is configured to be of generally reduced size as compared to more conventional wye piece connectors. More particularly, the main body is very much reduced in size, particularly length. The same is preferably true of the branches joined to the main body. Reducing the size of the connector and/or the length of the flow path therethrough reduces dead space and condensation forming as a result thereof. The reduced size and/or length of the connector in turn reduces the interior volume of the connector. Since the interior volume in some configurations is a shared inspiratory/expiratory pathway, with reduced interior volume for the connector, the distance exhaled gases must travel to exit through the expiratory port 202a (away from the interface port) is reduced, thereby reducing the amount of exhaled gas that may be re-breathed in.

[0056] To connect to inspiratory and expiratory conduits, the ports 201a, 202a are configured to be operatively, e.g. sealingly or substantially sealingly, coupled to an end of an inspiratory conduit and an expiratory conduit, respectively. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, to this end, a connector may be provided at the ends of the inspiratory and expiratory conduits to facilitate such connection. For example, the inside and/or outside of the connectors at the ends of the conduits may be tapered and configured to receive therein or thereabout a respective end of branches 201, 202, providing a frictional engagement between the conduit connectors and the respective branch 201, 202. Seals may optionally be provided. For example, an O-ring may be positioned between the engaging surfaces of the conduits connectors and the respective end of branches 201, 202. Alternative forms of connection are also within the scope of the invention. For example, snap fit-type connections and/or sprung clip or button type connections that require actuation to enable separation of the connected components are also envisaged. According to some alternative embodiments the inspiratory conduit and/or expiratory conduit and/or respective connectors at the ends thereof may be fixedly attached to or at least in part integral with the branches 201, 202, respectively.

[0057] Interface branches 203, 204 may be used to connect to a patient interface, including via intermediate conduits and/or connectors. While branches 203, 204 are shown as being substantially identical, albeit with different orientations, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the interface ports 203a, 204a may have different sizes so as to connect to different types of interface.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the inspiratory and expiratory branches 201, 202 are formed integrally and rotatably attached to the main body 205. Referring in particular to FIG. 4, the integrally formed inspiratory and expiratory branches may be configured to snap-fit into engagement with the main body 205 with a sufficient tolerance in the fit that friction between the component parts does not hinder rotation. A suitable seal (such as an o-ring or other sealing apparatus as is known in the art) may be provided to prevent leakage of gases. The ability to swivel the inspiratory and expiratory branches 201, 202 can provide for greater ease of setup and further provide for improved patient comfort. According to the embodiment shown, the axis of rotation lies in a plane bisecting the inspiratory and expiratory branches 201, 202 although the invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the inspiratory and/or expiratory branches 201, 202 may be formed integrally with the main body 205. Regardless of whether the inspiratory and expiratory branches 201, 202 are rotatable as a unit, one or both may provide for independent rotation about its own axis for the respective inspiratory conduit and expiratory conduit when connected thereto.

[0059] FIGS. 5 and 6 show views similar to those in FIGS. 2 and 4 except that a closure or stopper 501 has been applied to close interface port 204a. FIGS. 7 and 8, on the other hand, show the closure or stopper 501 applied to close interface port 203a. Thus, when a patient interface is connected to interface port 203a, gases may be prevented from flowing through interface port 204a per FIGS. 5 and 6 and when a patient interface is connected to interface port 204a, gases may be prevented from flowing through interface port 203a per FIGS. 7 and 8. This prevention is particularly advantageous for therapies requiring a closed or essentially closed system with a known pressure, flow, or volume of gas such as, but not limited to, e.g., ventilation or assisted breathing arrangements where both inspiratory and expiratory assistance is provided. The stopper may engage the ports 203a, 204a via a friction or push fit, as shown, although the invention is not limited thereto. As shown in the illustrated embodiments (see, for example, FIG. 6), the closure or stopper 501 may include a flange extending about all or a part of a perimeter thereof, preferably parallel or substantially parallel to the opening formed by the port. This can serve to limit the extent of insertion of the closure or stopper inside the port and further provides leverage in facilitating removal of the closure or stopper from the port. Further as shown, a wall may extend from the flange such that a cavity or recess is formed in which the wall forming the port is received. This may improve the seal. Additionally or alternatively, the port may comprise a flange or rib around an inner or outer surface thereof that is brought into engagement with the stopper or closure when the stopper or closure is fitted to provide for a more secure fit. Further, with appropriate, known constructions, haptic, audible (click), or visual feedback can be generated to indicate to a user that the closure or stopper has been properly fitted.

[0060] While the invention is not limited to any particular form of closure, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the closure may be conveniently formed, at least in part from a resiliently deformable material, such as an elastomeric material. As will be appreciated, only a portion of the closure may be formed from such a material. For example, only a portion of the closure that engages the inner wall of the interface branch 203, 204 may be resiliently deformable. In FIGS. 5 to 8, the closure 501 includes ribs or ridges 502 which provide for an improved seal while maintaining ease of connecting and disconnecting the closure. Alternatively, the closure may be rigid or substantially rigid. According to such embodiments, a deformable seal may be provided between the engaging surface of the closure 501 and the connector 200. For example, rather than the ribs per FIGS. 5 to 8, one or more O-rings may be provided on a substantially rigid insert.

[0061] The closure 501 may be arranged in a suitable shape, e.g. comprising a male projection, for being at least partly received in the cavity formed by a branch to which it is to be connected, in use.

[0062] To avoid or reduce an undesired pulling force on the patient interface, the closure 501 may be made of a light weight, e.g. low density material.

[0063] Alternatively, or additionally the closure 501 may be provided as a hollow or semi-hollow body thereby minimizing its weight.

[0064] It is also advantageous to provide the closure in a shape minimizing the dead space of at least the branch to which it is connected in use. As such the closure 501 may extend into the branch to which it is connected, in use. In some configurations, the closure 501 may comprise a part extending substantially along the entire interior length of the branch and arranged to close the flow path between the main body 205 and said branch, in use. Alternatively, the closure 501 may comprise a part extending at least part-way through the branch, thereby closing off the flow path between the main body 205 and the branch, part-way within the branch.

[0065] Alternatively, or additionally, the closure 501 may comprise a tapered or stepped portion for providing a secure or snug fit against the edge or interior peripheral surface of the branch. A tapered or stepped closure 501 may be particularly useful in embodiments where at least two ports, e.g. the first and second interface ports, are of different sizes, since one and the same closure 501 may be used to selectively close either of the associated different sized ports.

[0066] While not shown, the closure 501 may include an extension that may be pulled to facilitate removal of the closure 501 from the applicable interface port 203, 204. While the extension may take any form that enables it to be gripped by a user, preferably, the extension is in the form of a loop or hook as this enables the connector 200 to be suspended on a medical stand when not in use. Particularly when the connector 200 is connected to other medical circuit components, this can provide an easy and ordered way of temporarily storing at least parts of a breathing circuit. Additionally or alternatively, the extension may include a flexible arm or loop that is long and flexible enough to enable the closure 501 to be fitted to and removed from one or both of the interface ports while keeping the closure 501 attached to the connector 200, preventing loss and/or dropping.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, the extension may include a hinge, e.g. a living hinge, to enable the closure 501 to be fitted to and removed from one or both of the interface ports while keeping the closure 501 connected to the connector 200.

[0068] The connector body 205 may include an integral or attachable circuit hanger in addition to or in lieu of a circuit hanger, such as the hook/loop. The circuit hanger may itself be a hook or loop, or may be a ball configured to mate with a socket on a medical pole or other device to hang the connector, with its optionally connected circuit components, when not in use

[0069] Also not shown, the closure 501 may have a passage extending therethrough to enable a gases treatment and/or monitoring device to be inserted therethrough. According to such embodiments, a further closure, such as a plug, may be used to close of the passage when a gases treatment or monitoring device is not required, similar to cap 905 shown in FIG. 9.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6, preferably, the closure or stopper 501 extends through the port so as to fill or substantially fill the inside of the relevant interface branch 203, 204. This avoids dead space being formed in the branch not being used to deliver gases to a patient interface by preventing the heated, humidified gases from flowing into an additional portion of the connector, that would otherwise extend the length of the path of gases therethrough and result in further cooling and lead to greater re-breathing of exhaled gas.

[0071] Other forms of closure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, threaded caps or valves.

[0072] FIGS. 9 to 11 show views similar to those in FIGS. 2 to 4 except that in FIGS. 9 to 11 a metered dose inhaler (MDI) connector 901 is connected to interface port 204a of branch 204. FIGS. 12 to 14, on the other hand, show the MDI connector 901 connected to interface port 203a of branch 203. The MDI connector 901 enables an MDI to be coupled to the connector 200 so that a drug may be administered to a patient in a controlled way. The general design and operation of MDIs and ports and connectors therefor are known. Only points relevant to the present development will be described.

[0073] MDIs generally comprise a drug or pharmaceutical reservoir in the form of an aerosol canister. The canister has a short outlet tube extending therefrom, enabling a controlled amount of the drug to be injected into a flow of gases. Once injected, the drug mixes with the gases flowing towards a patient, e.g. within a conduit, for subsequent inhalation by the patient. In order to track usage of the MDI, a counter may be provided. Often this uses a simple mechanical arrangement such as a rack and pinion, whereby when the aerosol canister is urged towards the MDI connector to release the drug, the pinion is caused to rotate by translation of the linear movement of the pinion along the rack into rotation of the pinion, thereby turning a counter. Such arrangements are known.

[0074] Thus, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 14, the MDI connector 901 preferably includes a MDI port 902 for sealingly engaging with the outlet tube of an aerosol canister such that drugs released from the canister pass though passageway 1101 to MDI connector outlet 1102 (see FIGS. 11 and 14) and then to the gases flow through the connector 200 for delivery to the patient. As shown, the MDI connector outlet may comprise or be in the form of a diffuser so as to aid in dispersal of the drug over a wider portion of the gases flowing through the connector 200.

[0075] As shown, the MDI connector further includes a rack 903 which forms part of a counter for the MDI to monitor usage thereof. Cap 905 may be used to selectively close off MDI port 902 when it is not necessary or desired to administer a drug. The cap 905 may be conveniently mounted on an elongate, flexible arm or loop 906 to prevent it becoming lost or dropped.

[0076] Consequently, the interface port 203, 204 of the connector 200 that is not connected to a patient interface may be used to connect to an MDI, avoiding the need for further ports. However, the invention is not limited thereto and one or more auxiliary ports may be provided in the connector 200, including in the branches 201-204 and/or the main body 205. These may be provided for the purposes of connecting to an MDI and/or other gases treatment devices and/or gases monitoring devices.

[0077] Further, while the MDI connector 901 of FIGS. 9-14 is shown as being insertable and sealingly engageable with the inner wall of the interface branches 203, 204 similar to the closure 501 shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown, the end and/or outer walls of the interface branches 203, 204 may also be engaged. It is also possible that only the outer and/or end walls be engaged with the MDI connector. Further, while the illustrated MDI connector is shown as frictionally or press-fit engaging the connector 200, the invention is not limited thereto. Alternative configurations, similar to those described with respect to closure 501, are also applicable to MDI connector 901.

[0078] With reference to FIG. 9, one or more of the branches 201, 202, 203, 204, e.g. one or more of the interface branches 203, 204, and/or the associated ports thereof, may be provided with a first orientation structure 210. The first orientation structure 210 is arranged to align with a corresponding second orientation structure 310 of a unit upon connection of said unit to said branch, in use.

[0079] In one configuration the unit may be the closure 501. Additionally or alternatively, the unit may be the MDI connector 901. Additionally or alternatively, the unit may be any other circuit component arranged to be operatively coupled to said branch, e.g. a conduit connector or a patient interface.

[0080] In some configurations, such as that shown in FIG. 9, the first orientation structure 210 is arranged to physically contact and receive the corresponding second orientation structure 310, in use.

[0081] Additionally or alternatively, the first orientation structure 210 may be arranged to physically guide and receive the corresponding second orientation structure 310 into a mating end position, in use.

[0082] The first orientation structure 210 and corresponding second orientation structure 310 may be arranged so as to prevent inadvertent relative rotation between the associated branch and the unit when connected, in use. In this way, a correct rotational orientation between the connected branch and unit may be initiated and then maintained.

[0083] In some configurations the MDI connector 901 may comprise directional features. The directional features may indicate or be associated with a general direction of the passageway 1101 of the associated MDI port 902 (see FIG. 11). In some embodiments, the passageway 1101 may extend non-symmetrically through the MDI connector 901. To this end, at least a part of the passageway 1101 may extend at an angle in relation to the sidewalls or main axis of the MDI connector 901. An angled or partially angled passageway 1101 allows for directing the medicament or drug into the gases stream and towards the patient interface when entering the main body 205. In this way the dispensed medicament or drug impinges less on the bulk flow of gas within the main body 205. Moreover, deposition of the medicament against the inner walls of the main body 205 is limited by not directing the medicament or drug directly towards said walls. Also, by directing the medicament or drug towards the patient interface, the risk of the medicament being carried away from the patient by the bias flow of the system is substantially decreased, as it encourages velocity towards the patient, resulting in greater medicament take up and accuracy in the determined dose delivered to a patient. The passageway may comprise a dispenser, such as a nozzle and/or diffuser, that encourages dispersion of the medicament across a volume of the gas, rather than delivering the medicament at a concentrated point.

[0084] In some configurations, the directional features may form a passageway through any unit arranged to be connected to at least one of the connector branches 201, 202, 203, 204, e.g. the closure 501 or the MDI connector 901.

[0085] In some configurations, directional features may be arranged in connection with an interior wall of the associated connector branch 201, 202, 203, 204. Such directional features may act to direct a medicament or drug dispensed via a medicament delivery port, e.g. a MDI port 902 or a nebulizer port, towards the patient interface, when exiting said medicament delivery port.

[0086] In some configurations, the directional features may form an integral part of the associated branch 201, 202, 203, 204.

[0087] In some configurations the directional features may form an integral part of at least part of an interior sidewall of the associated branch, thereby creating an at least partly angled flow path through the associated port towards the main body 205.

[0088] In some configurations, the directional features are arranged to direct a sensor, or sensing tube connected to one of the branches 201, 202, 203, 204 into a correct position.

[0089] In some embodiments, the directional features may comprise an angled surface arranged downstream the downstream end of the medicament passageway 1101, in use. The angled surface being arranged to direct medicaments exiting the medicament passageway 1101 towards the patient interface. thereby forcing the medicaments to change direction after exiting the downstream end of the medicament passageway 1101.

[0090] It should be appreciated that any branch and/or associated port of the connector could be provided with any of the different types of aforementioned directional features.

[0091] In an embodiment, a circuit kit for a respiratory assistance system is provided. The kit may comprise the aforementioned connector. The kit may further comprise any one or more of: an inspiratory conduit for connection to the inspiratory conduit port of said connector, an expiratory conduit for connection to the expiratory port of the connector, a humidifier chamber, a dry line for operative coupling to a gases source and/or a humidifier chamber, a patient interface, and MDI equipment.

[0092] It should be understood that any examples used in this description are in no way limiting, but merely illustrative of possible embodiments for purposes of clarification. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout this description and the claims that follow, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”. “Include” and “including” are to be interpreted in the same way.

[0093] Reference to any prior art in this description is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art referenced forms part of the common general knowledge in any relevant field of endeavour in any country in the world.

[0094] The present invention may be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements, and features referred to or indicated in this description and the claims that follow, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements, or features. Where reference is made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

[0095] It should be noted that various modifications to the embodiments disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. For instance, various components may be repositioned or reshaped as desired. It is therefore intended that such modifications be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects, and advantages disclosed herein are necessarily required to practice the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to be defined only by the claims that follow.