FR3113604A1 - Filtration device for breathing circuit - Google Patents

Abstract

The filtration device (2) comprises a first casing part (3) and a second casing part (4) fixed to each other by ultrasonic welding and delimiting an internal receiving chamber (5), the first housing part (3) comprising a first fluid orifice (7) fluidically connected to the internal receiving chamber (5) and the second housing part (4) comprising a second fluid orifice (9) fluidically connected to the internal reception (5); and an antibacterial filter element (16) disposed in the internal receiving chamber (5) and configured to be traversed by a flow of fluid flowing between the first and second fluid ports. At least one of the first and second housing parts (3, 4) is formed from a composition comprising at least a plastic material and an antibacterial agent. Figure 2

Description

Filtration device for breathing circuit

The present invention relates to a filtration device for a breathing circuit, such as an anesthesia or ventilation circuit.

Such a filtration device generally comprises:

- a first housing part and a second housing part fixed to each other and delimiting an internal receiving chamber, the first housing part comprising a first fluid orifice fluidly connected to the internal receiving chamber and the second housing portion having a second fluid port fluidly connected to the internal receiving chamber, and

- an antibacterial filter element disposed in the internal receiving chamber and configured to be traversed by a flow of fluid flowing between the first and second fluid orifices.

Such a filtration device can for example be interposed between a breathing apparatus and a source of gas, for example air, in order to filter the gas which is supplied to the breathing apparatus.

When such a filtration device is intended to be interposed between an endotracheal tube, also called an intubation tube, and a breathing apparatus, it is known to equip the filtration device also with a hygroscopic insert which is configured to absorb moisture from gas exhaled by the patient and passing through the filtration device, and to release heat and moisture when dry gas from the breathing apparatus flows through the filtration device filtration and in the direction of the patient, in such a way that the patient inhales a humid and heated gas. For example, a hygroscopic insert can be configured to absorb humidity by condensation during the exhalation of a gas by the patient and to release humidity by evaporation during the inhalation of a gas by the patient.

Such filtration devices are intended to be handled by hospital personnel, and are thus likely to be contaminated by the latter and therefore to contaminate the gases inhaled by a patient.

The present invention aims to remedy this drawback.

The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular in providing a filtration device which is of simple and economical structure, while substantially reducing the risks of contamination of a patient.

To this end, the present invention relates to a filtration device for a breathing circuit, such as an anesthesia or ventilation circuit, comprising:

- a first housing part and a second housing part fixed to each other by ultrasonic welding and delimiting an internal receiving chamber, the first housing part having a first fluid orifice fluidly connected to the receiving chamber internal housing and the second housing portion having a second fluid port fluidly connected to the internal receiving chamber, and

- an antibacterial filter element disposed in the internal receiving chamber and configured to be traversed by a flow of fluid flowing between the first and second fluid orifices,

characterized in that at least one of the first and second housing parts is formed from a composition comprising at least a plastic material and an antibacterial agent.

In other words, at least one of the first and second casing parts is obtained by curing a composition comprising at least one plastic material and one antibacterial agent.

Such a configuration of the filtration device according to the present invention allows at least one of the first and second casing parts to inhibit bacterial growth on the latter and/or to kill the bacteria present on the latter, and therefore to limit substantially the risks of contamination of a patient connected to a respiratory circuit equipped with a filtration device according to the present invention.

The filtration device may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the composition comprises only a plastic material and an antibacterial agent.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the amount of antibacterial agent contained in the composition is between 0.5 and 4%, for example between 1 and 3%, and advantageously between 1.8 and 2.2%, by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the quantity of plastic material contained in the composition is between 96 and 99.5%, for example between 97 and 99%, and advantageously between 97.8 and 98.2%, in weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the amount of antibacterial agent contained in the composition is approximately 2% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, and the amount of plastic material contained in the composition is approximately 98% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the antibacterial agent is based on silver, and in particular based on silver ions, and may for example be Biomaster 542 (registered trademark).

According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second casing parts is formed from a composition comprising at least one plastic material and one antibacterial agent.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the plastic material contained in the composition is a thermoplastic material, for example polypropylene.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the plastic material contained in the composition is Purell HP 570 (registered trademark).

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first casing part is formed from a first composition comprising at least one plastic material and an antibacterial agent, and the second casing part is formed from a second composition comprising at least one plastic material and one antibacterial agent.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second compositions are identical or different.

According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second compositions has a composition identical to that of the aforementioned composition.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the antibacterial filter element is made of plastic material, for example polypropylene or polyurethane.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the antibacterial filter element extends in an extension plane which is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the filtration device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration device is configured such that the flow of fluid, intended to flow between the first and second fluid orifices, flows in a general direction of flow which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filtration device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first housing part comprises a first holding element configured to bear against a first face of the antibacterial filtering element, and the second housing part comprises a second holding element configured to bear against a second face of the antibacterial filter element which is opposed to the first face of the antibacterial filter element, the first and second holding elements being configured to grip and compress a peripheral edge portion of the antibacterial filter element . Such a configuration of the filtration device makes it possible to ensure optimal fixing of the antibacterial filtering element, while ensuring passage of the entire flow of fluid through the antibacterial filtering element.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second holding elements are annular and substantially concentric, and are arranged substantially opposite one another.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the antibacterial filter element has a disc shape.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration device further comprises a hygroscopic insert placed in the internal receiving chamber. The filtration device then forms a heat and humidity exchanger filter, also called an ECH filter.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the hygroscopic insert is a hygroscopic foam.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first casing part comprises first support ribs which are curved and which are configured to bear against the antibacterial filtering element, and more particularly against the first face of the element antibacterial filter.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the second casing part comprises second support ribs which are curved and which are configured to bear against the antibacterial filtering element, and more particularly against the second face of the element antibacterial filter.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the second casing part comprises second support ribs which are curved and which are configured to bear against the hygroscopic insert, and more particularly against a face of the hygroscopic insert which is opposed to the antibacterial filter element.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first support ribs are distributed around the first fluid orifice.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the second support ribs are distributed around the second fluid orifice.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the hygroscopic insert is made of polyurethane.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the hygroscopic insert and the antibacterial filter element are stacked on top of each other.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the hygroscopic insert bears against one of the first and second faces of the antibacterial filter element.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the hygroscopic insert has a disc shape.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the hygroscopic insert has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the antibacterial filter element.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration device further comprises a CO ₂ level control orifice which is provided on one of the first and second housing parts and which is fluidically connected to the receiving chamber internal, the CO ₂ level control orifice being intended to be connected to a CO ₂ level measuring device, such as a capnometer, configured to measure a level of CO ₂ in the air exhaled by a patient connected to the filtration device. The CO ₂ level control orifice is for example provided on the first casing part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration device further comprises a protective cap which is removable and which is configured to seal off the CO ₂ level control orifice.

According to one embodiment of the invention, one of the first and second housing parts comprises a mounting part which is tubular and which delimits the CO ₂ level control orifice, the protective plug comprising an internal skirt comprising an outer surface configured to cooperate in leaktight manner with an inner surface of the mounting part, and an outer skirt comprising an inner surface configured to cooperate, for example by screwing, with an outer surface of the mounting part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first casing part comprises a first peripheral fixing part and the second casing part comprises a second peripheral fixing part configured to cooperate mechanically with the first peripheral fixing part so as to a primary attachment of the first and second housing portions, one of the first and second peripheral attachment portions comprising an annular attachment groove and the other of the first and second peripheral attachment portions comprising an annular attachment rib configured to be received in the annular fixing groove.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the annular fixing groove and the annular fixing rib are fixed to each other by ultrasonic welding.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the antibacterial filter element and at least one of the first and second housing parts are fixed together by ultrasonic welding. Advantageously, the antibacterial filter element and the first and second housing parts are fixed together by ultrasonic welding.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the antibacterial filter element and at least one of the first and second holding elements are fixed together by ultrasonic welding.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the other of the first and second peripheral fixing parts further comprises a peripheral rim which is annular and which is configured to extend around the annular fixing groove.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second housing parts are configured such that the first and second fluid ports are substantially coaxial.

According to an embodiment of the invention, one of the first and second fluid orifices is intended to be fluidically connected to an endotracheal tube, also called an intubation tube, and the other of the first and second fluid orifices is intended to be fluidly connected to a breathing apparatus, such as an anesthetic or ventilating apparatus, configured to supply breathable gas to a patient. The breathable gas can for example be oxygen or an anesthetic gas. Advantageously, the first fluid port is intended to be fluidically connected to the respiratory tract, and the second fluid port is intended to be fluidically connected to the endotracheal tube.

According to another embodiment of the invention, one of the first and second fluid orifices is intended to be fluidically connected to a gas source, such as air, and the other of the first and second fluid is intended to be fluidically connected to a breathing apparatus, such as an anesthetic or ventilating apparatus, configured to supply breathable gas to a patient. The breathable gas can for example be oxygen or an anesthetic gas.

The present invention will be better understood using the following description with reference to the appended figures, in which identical reference signs correspond to structurally and/or functionally identical or similar elements.

is a perspective view of a filtration device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

is a longitudinal sectional view of the filtration device of Figure 1.

is a top view of the filtration device of Figure 1.

is a sectional view along line IV-IV of the .

is a longitudinal sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of a detail of the filtration device of Figure 1.

is a perspective view of a filtration device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figures 1 to 5 represent a filtration device 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The filtration device 2 is configured to be interposed between an endotracheal tube and a breathing apparatus, such as an anesthesia or ventilation apparatus, configured to supply a breathable gas to a patient, such as oxygen or anesthetic gas .

The filtration device 2 comprises a first casing part 3 and a second casing part 4 which are fixed to each other by ultrasonic welding and which delimit an internal receiving chamber 5.

The first casing part 3 is advantageously formed from a first composition comprising a plastic material and an antibacterial agent, and the second casing part 4 is formed from a second composition comprising a plastic material and an antibacterial agent. The first and second compositions can be identical or different.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the quantity of antibacterial agent contained in each of the first and second compositions is between 0.5 and 4%, for example between 1 and 3%, and advantageously between 1.8 and 2 2%, by weight relative to the total weight of the respective composition among the first and second compositions, and the amount of plastic material contained in each of the first and second compositions is between 96 and 99.5%, for example between 97 and 99%, and advantageously between 97.8 and 98.2%, by weight relative to the total weight of the respective composition among the first and second compositions.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the amount of antibacterial agent contained in each of the first and second compositions is approximately 2% by weight relative to the total weight of the respective composition among the first and second compositions, and the amount of plastic material contained in each of the first and second compositions is about 98% by weight relative to the total weight of the respective composition among the first and second compositions.

Advantageously, the plastic material of each of the first and second compositions is a thermoplastic material, for example polypropylene, and the antibacterial agent of each of the first and second compositions is Biomaster 542 (registered trademark).

Such a configuration of the filtration device 2 allows each of the first and second housing parts 3, 4 to inhibit bacterial growth on the latter and/or to kill the bacteria present on the latter, and therefore to substantially limit the risks of contamination of a patient connected to a breathing circuit equipped with a filtration device 2.

As shown on the , the first housing part 3 comprises a first connection endpiece 6 which delimits a first fluid orifice 7 and which is intended to be connected to an endotracheal tube, and the second housing part 4 comprises a second connection endpiece 8 which delimits a second fluid port 9 and which is intended to be connected to a breathing apparatus, such as an anesthesia or ventilation apparatus.

Each of the first and second fluid ports 7, 9 is fluidly connected to the internal receiving chamber 5. Advantageously, the first and second housing parts 3, 4 are configured such that the first and second fluid ports 7 , 9 are substantially coaxial.

As shown more particularly on the , the first housing part 3 comprises a first peripheral fixing part 11 and the second housing part 4 comprises a second peripheral fixing part 12 configured to cooperate mechanically with the first peripheral fixing part 11 so as to achieve primary fixing of the first and second housing parts 3, 4.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first peripheral fixing part 11 comprises an annular fixing rib 13, and the second peripheral fixing part 12 comprises an annular fixing groove 14 configured to receive the annular fixing rib 13. Advantageously, the annular fixing groove 14 and the annular fixing rib 13 are fixed to each other by ultrasonic welding.

Advantageously, the first peripheral fixing part 11 further comprises a peripheral flange 15 which is annular and which is oriented towards the second peripheral fixing part 12, the peripheral flange 15 being configured to extend around the fixing groove ring finger 14.

The filtration device 2 further comprises an antibacterial filter element 16 disposed in the internal receiving chamber 5 and configured to be traversed by a flow of fluid flowing between the first and second fluid orifices 7, 9. The filter element antibacterial 16 can be made of plastic, for example polypropylene or polyurethane. The antibacterial filter element 16 is advantageously microporous.

Advantageously, the antibacterial filter element 16 has a disc shape. However, the antibacterial filter element 16 could have any other shape, and be for example rectangular or triangular.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the antibacterial filter element 16 extends in an extension plane which is transverse, and for example perpendicular, to a longitudinal axis A of the filtration device 2.

In order to ensure optimal attachment of the antibacterial filter element 16 in the internal receiving chamber 5, the first casing part 3 comprises a first holding element 17 configured to bear against a first face 16.1 of the antibacterial filter element 16, and the second housing part 4 includes a second retaining element 18 configured to bear against a second face 16.2 of the antibacterial filter element 16 which is opposite to the first face 16.1 of the antibacterial filter element 16. The first and second holding elements 17, 18 are more particularly configured to grip and compress a peripheral edge portion of the antibacterial filter element 16. The axial distance separating the first and second holding elements 17, 18 is thus less than the thickness of the antibacterial filter element 16.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second holding elements 17, 18 are annular and concentric, and are arranged opposite one another. The first and second holding elements 17, 18 are advantageously formed by first and second annular holding ribs.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the antibacterial filter element 16 and at least one of the first and second holding elements 17, 18, for example the second holding element 18, are fixed together by ultrasonic welding. .

The filtration device 2 further comprises a hygroscopic insert 19 placed in the internal receiving chamber 5, and therefore forms a heat and humidity exchanger filter, also called an ECH filter. The hygroscopic insert 19 can be a hygroscopic foam, and for example a polyurethane foam.

Advantageously, the hygroscopic insert 19 has a disc shape. However, the hygroscopic insert 19 could have any other shape, and be for example rectangular or triangular.

According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the hygroscopic insert 19 and the antibacterial filter element 16 are stacked on top of each other, and the hygroscopic insert 19 has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the element. antibacterial filter 16. Advantageously, the hygroscopic insert 19 bears against the second face 16.2 of the antibacterial filter element 16.

As shown more particularly on the , the first casing part 3 comprises first support ribs 21 which are curved and which are configured to bear against the antibacterial filter element 16, and more particularly against the first face 16.1 of the antibacterial filter element 16, and the second casing part 4 comprises second support ribs 22 which are curved and which are configured to bear against the hygroscopic insert 19, and more particularly against a face of the hygroscopic insert 19 which is opposite to the element antibacterial filter 16. Advantageously, the first support ribs 21 are distributed around the first fluid orifice 7, and the second support ribs 22 are distributed around the second fluid orifice 9.

The filtration device 2 further comprises a CO ₂ level control orifice 23 which is provided on the first housing part 3 and which is fluidically connected to the internal receiving chamber 5. The CO level control orifice ₂ 23 is intended to be connected to a CO ₂ level measuring device, such as a capnometer, configured to measure a CO ₂ level in the air exhaled by a patient connected to the filtration device 2.

The filtration device 2 further comprises a protective cap 24 which is removable and which is configured to close off the CO2 level control orifice 23 in a leaktight manner. assembly 25 (see ) which is tubular and which delimits the CO2 level control orifice 23, and the protective cap 24 comprises an internal skirt 24.1 comprising an external surface configured to cooperate in a sealed manner with an internal surface of the mounting part 25, and an outer skirt 24.2 comprising an inner surface configured to cooperate, for example by screwing, with an outer surface of the mounting part 25.

There represents a filtration device 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment represented in FIGS. 1 to 5 essentially in that the filtration device has no hygroscopic insert 19 and no CO2 level control 23, and in that the second support ribs 22, provided on the second casing part 4, are configured to bear against the antibacterial filter element 16, and more particularly against the second face 16.2 of the antibacterial filter element 16.

According to such an embodiment of the invention, the first connection endpiece 6 is intended to be fluidically connected to a source of gas, such as air, and the second connection endpiece 8 is intended to be fluidically connected to a breathing apparatus, such as an anesthetic or ventilator, configured to deliver breathable gas to a patient.

It goes without saying that the invention is not limited solely to the embodiments of this filtration device, described above by way of examples, on the contrary it embraces all variant embodiments.

Claims (11)

Filtration device (2) for a breathing circuit, comprising:
- a first casing part (3) and a second casing part (4) fixed to each other by ultrasonic welding and delimiting an internal receiving chamber (5), the first casing part (3) comprising a first fluid port (7) fluidically connected to the internal receiving chamber (5) and the second housing part (4) having a second fluid port (9) fluidically connected to the internal receiving chamber (5), and
- an antibacterial filter element (16) arranged in the internal receiving chamber (5) and configured to be traversed by a flow of fluid flowing between the first and second fluid orifices (7, 9),
characterized in that at least one of the first and second housing parts (3, 4) is formed from a composition comprising at least a plastic material and an antibacterial agent. A filtration device (2) according to claim 1, wherein the first housing part (3) is formed from a first composition comprising at least one plastic material and one antibacterial agent, and the second housing part (4) is formed from a second composition comprising at least one plastic material and one antibacterial agent. A filter device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plastics material is a thermoplastics material. Filtration device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the first housing part (3) comprises a first holding element (17) configured to bear against a first face of the antibacterial filtering element (16), and the second housing part (4) comprises a second holding element (18) configured to bear against a second face of the antibacterial filter element (16) which is opposite the first face of the element antibacterial filter element (16), the first and second holding elements (17, 18) being configured to grip and compress a peripheral edge portion of the antibacterial filter element (16). Filtration device (2) according to Claim 4, in which the first and second holding elements (17, 18) are annular and substantially concentric, and are arranged substantially opposite one another. Filtration device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a hygroscopic insert (19) disposed in the internal receiving chamber (5). Filtration device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the first housing part (3) comprises first support ribs (21) which are curved and which are configured to bear against the antibacterial filter element (16). A filter device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a CO ₂ level control port (23) which is provided on one of the first and second housing parts (3, 4 ) and which is fluidically connected to the internal receiving chamber (5), the CO ₂ level control orifice (23) being intended to be connected to a CO ₂ level measuring device configured to measure a level of CO ₂ in the air exhaled by a patient connected to the filtration device (2). Filtration device (2) according to claim 8, further comprising a protective cap (24) which is removable and which is configured to seal the CO ₂ level control orifice (23). Filtration device (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, in which the first housing part (3) comprises a first peripheral fixing part (11) and the second housing part (4) comprises a second peripheral fixing part (12) configured to mechanically cooperate with the first peripheral fixing part (11) so as to achieve a primary fixing of the first and second housing parts (3, 4), one of the first and second fixing parts peripherals (11, 12) comprising an annular attachment groove (14) and the other of the first and second peripheral attachment portions (11, 12) comprising an annular attachment rib (13) configured to be received in the attachment groove annular (14). Filtration device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which:
- the amount of antibacterial agent contained in the composition is between 0.5 and 4%, for example between 1 and 3%, and advantageously between 1.8 and 2.2%, by weight relative to the total weight of the composition, and/or
- the quantity of plastic material contained in the composition is between 96 and 99.5%, for example between 97 and 99%, and advantageously between 97.8 and 98.2%, by weight relative to the total weight of the composition .