Principles Of Operations; Conchatherm Basics; Concha-Column Descriptions - Teleflex ConchaTherm Neptune User Manual

4. Principles of Operation

ConchaTherm Basics

The Concha ® heated humidification system consists of:
• ConchaTherm Neptune heated humidifier
• Concha-Column
• Concha sterile water reservoir
• ConchaTherm Neptune dual thermistor probe
• Hudson RCI Breathing circuit (non-heated wire breathing circuit or 21-volt heated-wire
breathing circuit.)
The servo-controlled heated humidifier continuously monitors the proximal airway temperature and
regulates the heat supplied to the column by the heating element, and if used, the heated-wire
circuit.
The Concha-Column humidification cartridge is inserted into the heater where it is surrounded by a
heating element. Sterile water flows via a gravity-feed system from the reservoir into the
Concha-Column, wetting an internal absorbent wick. The heating element conducts heat through the
column's metal wall, heating the wick and vaporizing the sterile water. Ventilatory gas passes
through the column where it picks up the moisture in molecular form. The heated, humidified gas is
delivered to the patient through a breathing circuit attached to the top of the column.
Concha-Columns are available in four configurations: Standard, Low-Compliance, Minimal
Compliance and Comfort-Flo. All columns are labeled for easy identification and operate on a
reliable, gravity-feed system for uninterrupted water flow.
Concha-Column Description
The Standard Concha-Column (see Figure 1) is designed for use with ventilatory parameters most
commonly used with adults. The water in the column will be at the same level as that in the
reservoir. The water level in both the reservoir and the column drops as water is consumed. As the
water level in the column drops, the compressible volume of the system increases and the system
compliance changes.
® humidifier cartridge (also referred to as 'column')
Heated, humidified
oxygen/air mixture to patient
Saturated Wick
Figure 1: Standard CONCHA-COLUMN Flow Diagram
Dry oxygen/air mixture
from flow source
CONCHA
Prefilled. Disposable
Sterile Water Reservoir
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