Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent

Application Serial No. 62/520,222, filed on June 15, 2017, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a device for securing a nasal cannula to a patient, and more particularly, to a device for securing a nasal cannula that provides secure and comfortable attachment to a patient.

Background of the Invention

[0003] A nasal cannula is a device used to deliver oxygen or airflow to a patient for respiration. A portable oxygen generator or a wall connection in a hospital is used to supply the oxygen to the patient using the nasal cannula. The nasal cannula generally consists of a lightweight plastic tube that has two nasal prongs that fit inside the nostrils of the patient. The nasal cannula is always looped behind the patient's ears. A mixture of air and oxygen can flow directly to the patient's respiratory system when the nasal cannula is securely in place.

[0004] A nasal cannula is often times secured to the patient by taping it the patient's cheekbones and looping the tube around the patient's ears or by using an elastic head band or other securing methods. Still, the nasal cannula is susceptible to accidental dislodging from the nostrils, for example, in patient movement and especially during sleep, unconscious movement or involuntary movement. There has therefore been a long-standing need to improve methods of securing a nasal cannula. Despite significant recent advancements in this area, further improvements are possible.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device to secure a nasal cannula to a patient. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device includes a pair of opposing legs having a predefined opening therebetween and a clip secured to an opposite end of the pair of opposing legs. The clip has an opening configured to receive and secure the device to a tube. The pair of opposing legs are configured to slide over a nasal septum and are biased together to provide compression as the pair of legs are moved apart when sliding over the nasal septum.

[0006] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of securing an oxygen tube to a patient using a device for securing nasal cannula to a patient includes securing an oxygen tube to the clip of the device and sliding a pair of opposing legs over a nasal septum of the patient such that the predefined opening of the pair of opposing legs is biased together to provide compression again the nasal septum.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a device for securing a nasal cannula to a patient includes an adhesive strip configured to be releasably attached to the columella of the nasal septum and a clip secured to the adhesive strip. The clip has an opening configured to secure the device to an oxygen tube.

[0008] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of securing an oxygen tube to a patient using a device for securing nasal cannula to a patient includes securing an oxygen tube to the clip of the device and attaching the adhesive strip of the device to the columella of the nasal septum.

[0009] These and other objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better appreciated in view of the drawings and following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] Features and benefits of the present invention will become apparent as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front view of a particular illustrative embodiment of a device to secure a nasal cannula to a patient;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the apparatus clipped to an air tube, illustrating the relationship of the device and the nasal cannula to the patient;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a front view of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of the device taken in the direction of line 4-4;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the device to secure a nasal cannula to a patient; [0016] FIG. 6 is a front view of the device of FIG. 5, illustrating the device being manipulated;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of another alternative embodiment of the device to secure a nasal cannula to a patient;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 7, attached to the nasal septum of a patient;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 7, attached to the nasal septum of a patient and clipped to an air tube with nasal cannula;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 7, securing the air tube and nasal cannula to the nasal septum of a patient;

[0021] FIG. 1 1 is a front view of the device of FIG. 7, employing an extension member, the extension member being in a retracted position;

[0022] FIG. 12 is a front view of the device of FIG. 7, employing an extension member, the extension member being in a partially extended position;

[0023] FIG. 13 is a front view of the device of FIG. 7, employing an extension member, the extension member being in a fully extended position;

[0024] FIG. 14 is a front view of a clip secured to an adhesive clip, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 15 is a front view of a clip secured to an adhesive clip, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 16 is a front view of a clip, according to another embodiment of the present invention; [0027] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a clip in open position, according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 17 in closed position;

[0029] FIG. 19 is a font view of the clip of FIG 17 in open position;

[0030] FIG. 20 is a front view of a clip as a hook in a retracted position, according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0031] FIG. 21 is a front view of a clip as a hook in an extended position, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0032] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 1 -3, a patient 100 typically receives oxygen through a continuous tube 102 that loops behind the ears 104 of the patient 100. Nasal cannula prongs 1 10 are formed or secured to the tube 102 and adapted to slide into the nostrils of the patient to supply oxygen. Oxygen travels through the tube 102 and is inhaled by the patient 100 through the nose 108. [0034] The device 106 is used to secure the nasal cannula prongs 1 10 within the nose 108 of the patient 100. For example, an upper portion of the device 106 includes a pair of opposing legs 1 14 that are configured to slide over the nasal septum 1 12 of the patient 100 and uses a friction fit to hold the device 106 in place. The opposing legs 1 14 are biased to provide compression as the legs 1 14 are slightly moved apart when sliding over the nasal septum 1 12. A width 1 16 between the legs 1 14 may vary depending on the patient 100, but the width 1 16 must be smaller than the width of the nasal septum 1 12. For example, a small width 1 16 between the legs 1 14 is required a proper fit over the nasal septum 1 12 of a child, and a larger width 1 16 is required for adults. The upper portion of the device 106 may be U-shaped with rounded edges and corners to minimize any discomfort to the patient 100. In addition, gel pads or other cushioning material may be secured to an inside portion of the legs 1 14 to soften the contact area of the device 106 to the nasal septum 1 12. For example, the pair of opposing legs 1 14 are flexible and the distance between the opposing legs 1 14 can be adjusted. A pair of gel pads are attached at the end of opposing legs 1 14. The pair of opposing legs 1 14 can be inserted to the nostril and the pair of gel pads are attached to the inner surface of the nostril. This will improve the comfortability of the patient and the pair of gel pads can push the nostril inner surface and make the nostril cavity a little wider to facilitate easier breathing for the patient.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 4, the device 106 includes a clip 1 18 that is configured to secure the device 106 to the tube 102. In this particular illustrative embodiment, the clip 1 18 is hook-shaped with an inside diameter 120 large enough to fit around an outside diameter of the tube 102 without interfering with the flow of oxygen through the tube 102, but small enough to provide a friction fit between the clip 1 18 and the tube 102. The clip 1 18 is made of the relatively elastic material being looped over itself to accommodate the oxygen delivery tube 102. The clip 1 18 has an opening 120 for receiving the oxygen delivery tube 102. More than one hook can be used. For example, the clip 1 18 can include two hooks in parallel with each other.

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an alternative illustrative embodiment is shown. The alternative device 200 similarly includes the clip 1 18 to secure the alternative device 200 to the tube 102 but has a different configuration to secure the alternative device 200 to the nasal septum 1 12. For example, prongs 202 of the alternative device 200 are biased and configured so that they can be manipulated by pinching the proximate ends. As shown in FIG. 6, as the proximate ends of the prongs 202 are pressed together and pressure is applied, the opposing distal ends of the prongs 202 move further apart about a fulcrum location. This manipulation allows the prongs 202 to slide over the nasal septum 1 12 without requiring tissue of the nasal septum to spread the prongs. Accordingly, once the alternative device 200 is in the desired location, the pressure on the proximate ends of the prongs 202 can be released, causing the distal ends of the prongs 202 to move closer together and remain securely to the nasal septum 1 12, as the width 204 between the prongs 202 is less than a width of the nasal septum 1 12. Accordingly, once the device 200 is in the desired location, the pressure on the proximate ends of the prongs 202 is released causing the distal ends of the prongs to move closer together and remain securely to the nasal septum.

[0037] Alternately, referring to FIGS. 7-10, the pair of legs/prongs can be eliminated altogether. In a device 300, a clip 1 18 is secured to an adhesive strip 330 which adheres to the columella 332 (i.e., the fleshy external termination) of the nasal septum 1 12. The adhesive strip 330 can use medical grade adhesive to hold the strip in place. If needed, additional medical adhesive can be applied to the strip prior to placing it on the columella 332 for extra strength. The strip 330 can be square, circular or any other shape suitable for attaching to the columella 332. An example dimension of the strip is about 0.64 centimeters in width and about 1 .3 centimeters in length. Other dimensions can be used to accommodate a patient. The strip 330 can also have a curved support base. The curvature can facilitate placing the strip 330 on the columella 332 more easily and also help to center the strip 330 to the columella 332.

[0038] The clip 1 18 can be secured to the strip 330 via a hook-and-loop- type of fastener or another suitable fastener. The clip 1 18 can be permanently or releasably secured to the adhesive strip 330. In the releasable attachment, the clip 1 18 can be easily removed and/or reattached to the adhesive strip 330, for example, via attraction of magnets having opposite poles. For example, each of the adhesive strip 330 and the clip 1 18 can be attached to a magnet respectfully having opposite poles. The attraction of opposite poles of the respective magnet therefore can hold the strip 330 and the clip 1 18 together. [0039] The clip 1 18 can be rotated relative to the adhesive strip 330 such that the opening 120 is pointed at a certain orientation or otherwise desired by a user to achieve a higher comfort level. The clip 1 18 has an opening 120 for receiving the oxygen delivery tube 102. The clip 1 18 is made of a relatively elastic material to receive the oxygen delivery tube 102 and accommodate the oxygen delivery tube 102. Preferably, a non-adhesive pull tab 334 is located at one end of the strip to facilitate removal. With the tube 102 secured to the clip 1 18 and the strip adhered to the columella 332, the cannula prongs 1 10 extend securely into the nose 108. The strip 330 can be applied to the columella 332 before or after securing the tube 102 to the clip 1 18. When it is desired to remove the device 300, the tab 334 is grasped and the strip 330 is removed from the columella 332. The tube 102 could, if desired, be removed from the clip 1 18 prior to or after removal of the strip 330 from the columella 332.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of securing an oxygen tube to a patient includes using the device 300 securing an oxygen tube to the clip (e.g., clip 1 18) of the device 300 and attaching the adhesive strip (e.g., adhesive strip 330) to the columella of the nasal septum. Alternatively or additionally, the adhesive strip 330 can also be attached to the skin between upper lip and nose instead of columella 332.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an extension member 400 can be mounted between the clip 1 18 and the adhesive strip 330 of FIGS. 7-10 or between the clip 1 18 and the pair of opposing legs 1 14. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 1 -13, the extension member 400 can be in a retracted state as shown in FIG. 1 1 , a partially extended state as shown in FIG. 12, or a fully extended state as shown in FIG. 13 to achieve a desired length for a user. The extension member 400 can introduce a distance between the clip 1 18 and the pair of opposing legs 1 14 or between and the clip 1 18 and the adhesive strip 330. In a preferred embodiment, the cross section of the end of the extension member 400 attaching to the adhesive strip 330 is greater than the cross section of the end of the extension member 400 attaching to the clip 1 18 to provide more stability. A desired placement of the air delivery prongs relative to the oxygen delivery tube 102 can thus be achieved. For example, the extended extension member 400 can result in the air delivery prongs being just inside or just outside of nostrils such that an oxygen delivery tube (e.g., oxygen delivery tube 102) has no contact with patient's nostrils and irritation from contact is minimized. For example, the extension member 400 can be designed as a plurality of slidable sections in a telescoping arrangement.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 14, according to another embodiment of the invention, the clip 1 18 of the devices described in FIGS. 1 -13 can include appendages 122 on the respective ends to facilitate securing the oxygen tube (not shown) inside the clip 1 18.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the clip 1 18 can have a first 124 and a second portion 126. The second portion 126 is secured to the adhesive strip 330. The first portion 124 can be opened to receive an oxygen tube (shown in FIG. 15) and closed and snap onto the second portion 126 (shown in FIG. 16) to secure an oxygen tube in place. The clip 1 18 is preferably made of pliable plastic material such that the first portion 124 is easily snapped into the second portion 126 and a user can manipulate (e.g., open, close, rotate, etc.) at least a portion of the clip 1 18 to secure the oxygen tube.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 17-19, according to another embodiment of the present invention, a first portion 124 of the clip 1 18 is elastic and the first portion 124 can be stretched over the oxygen tube and attached to a second portion 126 of the clip 1 18. The second portion 126 can be rigid and pliable.

[0045] According to another embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIGS. 20-21 , the clip 1 18 is a hook. The size of the hook can vary to accommodate cannulas with different diameters. The hook can be an integral piece or assembled pieces including a support base 128 configured to be affixed to/ embedded into the adhesive strip 330. The hook can be extended as desired. For example, the hook can move up and down along an extension pole. FIG. 20 shows the hook in a retracted state and FIG. 21 shows the hook in an extended state. This would allow a patient to adjust the position and orientation of the hook to achieve a desired placement of the air delivery prongs. The hook also can be attached to the adhesive strip 330 via a hinge arrangement, a sliding arrangement, a ball and socket arrangement, Velcro, and other suitable arrangements. As such, the position and/or orientation of the hook can be adjusted via the hinge and/or ball and socket arrangement, a sliding mechanism, and the like. In the sliding mechanism, a support base having an elongated opening is attached to the adhesive strip 330 and the clip 1 18 can slide along the elongated opening of the support base.

[0046] The hook can be flexible or bendable for use to fit around the oxygen tube. The flexible design can enable to adapt to the oxygen tube with varying diameters. When the oxygen tube has a smaller diameter, the hook can be bended and completely enclose the oxygen tube. When the oxygen tube has a larger diameter, the hook may not completely enclose the oxygen tube, but still hold the oxygen tube in place. The hook can be made of a bendable leg (e.g., leg made of a plastic strip encased in metal) such that it can be molded around the oxygen tube and stay in place. The hook can be made of bendable straight extension leg that one can roll up and wrap around the oxygen tube.

[0047] The present invention can eliminate the need for a cannula that splits into two tubes so the oxygen can be looped around a user's ears. The adhesive strip 330 and/or the opposing legs 1 14 can securely attach the cannula to the user.

[0048] Many additional modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within.

[0049] The foregoing is provided for illustrative and exemplary purposes; the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. Rather, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, as well as adaptations to particular circumstances, are possible within the scope of the invention as herein shown and described.