8. Applications
The ConchaTherm Neptune heated humidification system is designed to heat and humidify
respiratory gases delivered to adult, pediatric, and infant patients. The following information
is offered regarding the use of the humidifier in specific applications.
The ConchaTherm Neptune has been tested to operate with ventilators designed to support
neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients using commonly applied ventilation modalities. These
ventilators may incorporate some or all of the following performance characteristics:
• Machine or patient cycled delivery of breath
• Control of pressure, volume, flow or time
Anesthesia
The ConchaTherm Neptune may be used with non-flammable anesthetic gases with either
non-heated wire or heated-wire breathing circuits at the minimum recommended flows for
adults and infants (see Specifications). As flow through the circuit nears the lower limits, the
use of a heated-wire circuit and a Low-Compliance Concha-Column is recommended in
order to maintain circuit temperature and avoid a tracking alarm. The humidifier is NOT
RECOMMENDED in anesthesia applications requiring flows of less than those stated in the
"Specifications". For additional information, see "Low-Flow Applications" later in this section.
Incubators and Warmers
When setting up the humidifier for use with a radiant warmer or incubator, place the proximal
patient airway temperature probe away from lamps or other sources of heat so as not to
affect the temperature reading.
Warning:
Placing a temperature probe in an environment which is at or near the temper-
ature of the gas, such as an incubator or radiant warmer, may mask a dislodged probe
or cause the heater to shut off, thus reducing the humidity and temperature to the
patient.
Low-Flow Applications
The ConchaTherm Neptune may be used with a heated-wire breathing circuit at the
following minimum continuous flows:
• Adult:
Heated-Wire Circuit - 3 LPM minimum
• Infant/Pediatric:
Heated-Wire Circuit - 1 LPM minimum
• Continuous Flow Oxygen:
Comfort Flo System - 1 LPM minimum
For example, with the humidifier in the adult mode, a volume of three liters of gas must pass
the proximal patient airway temperature probe every minute while the unit is operating. In
low-flow applications, the use of a Low-Compliance Concha-Column is recommended in
order to maintain circuit temperature and avoid a tracking alarm. When using the humidifier
in low-flow applications, the warm-up period may be longer due to the slower heat transfer
through the breathing circuit.
For non-heated wire applications in low flow conditions, the following minimum flows must be
observed to ensure maintenance of the patient airway temperatures. If lower flows are
desired, please use a heated-wire breathing circuit:
• Adult:
Non-Heated-Wire Circuit - 6 LPM minimum
• Pediatric:
Non-Heated-Wire Circuit - 5 LPM minimum
• Neonatal
Non Heated Wire Circuit – 3 LPM minimum
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