Patent ID: 9119932
Filing Date: 2015-09-01
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A device for delivering a substance to the nasal airway of a subject, comprising: a flow resistor operably connected to a mouthpiece and configured to allow at least a fraction of an exhalation flow to flow downstream of the flow resistor, wherein the flow resistor comprises an element which is movable between a closed position and an open position and wherein the element is movable to the open position only when the exhalation flow exceeds a predetermined flow rate; a nosepiece shaped and sized for insertion into a nostril of the subject comprising an outlet through which a substance may be delivered into the nasal airway of the subject, and a sealing member configured to seal the one nostril of the subject to the outlet, the sealing member having a first, distal end and a second, proximal end and being enlarged towards the proximal end to cause an anterior region of the nasal cavity into which the nosepiece is inserted to be enlarged; and a substance supply unit for supplying a gas flow entraining a substance, wherein the substance supply unit is in fluid communication with the outlet of the nosepiece; wherein the device is configured to create a positive pressure differential between the oral cavity of the subject and the nasal airway of the subject when the subject exhales against the flow resistor, thereby indirectly achieving closure of the oropharyngeal velum of the subject, and a fluid tight seal is maintained at all times while the subject is exhaling and under the full range of operational fluid flow pressures.