The Low-Compliance Concha-Column
is recommended for applications requiring a more constant
compressible volume and compliance, (see Figure 2). The Low-Compliance Concha-Column
maintains a constant water level in the column resulting in a more stable compressible volume. The
system's compliance equals the column’s compliance plus the amount of fluid transferred to the
reservoir during each inspiratory phase. Some fluid, in the form of either water vapor or water,
always transfers during each cycle. In addition, because of the smaller mass of water contained
inside the column, the Low-Compliance Column will heat and cool faster as compared to the
Standard Concha-Column.
The Minimal-Compliance Concha-Column
is recommended for applications requiring a low
constant compressible volume and compliance,. This column maintains a constant compressible
volume at 109 ml with compliance at 0.2 ml/cm H
2
O. The Minimal-Compliance Concha-Column has
an internal baffle and maintains a constant water level in the column resulting in a stable
compressible volume. As with the Low-Compliance column, the system's compliance equals the
Concha-Column’s compliance plus the amount of fluid transferred to the reservoir during each
inspiratory phase. Some fluid, in the form of either water vapor or water, always transfers during
each cycle. This column will heat and cool slightly faster as compared to the Low-Compliance
Concha-Column.
The Comfort Flo Concha-Column
is for use with continuous high flow oxygen applications. This
column is specially designed to maintain a constant water level in the column under high flow oxygen
applications.
Caution:
The Comfort-Flo Column should be used exclusively with continuous high flow
oxygen applications. Use of any other column during high flow oxygen applications may
cause flooding of the circuit.
Note:
The amount of fluid transferred to the reservoir varies slightly depending on venti-
lator settings. Several factors increase the amount of fluid transfer: high peak pressure,
lower breath rates, reduced water volume in reservoir, I/E ratios approaching 1:1.4, and
square pressure waveforms.
Note:
The ConchaTherm Neptune requires the use of a dual temperature probe at
all times.
7
Figure 2: Low-Compliance CONCHA-COLUMN Flow Diagram
Dry oxygen/air mixture
from flow source
Heated, humidified
oxygen/air mixture to patient
Saturated Wick
CONCHA
Prefilled. Disposable
Sterile Water Reservoir
