Patent ID: 8869793
Filing Date: 2014-10-28
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A portable control unit for providing automated delivery of medication to a ventilator circuit that extends between a mechanical ventilator and a patient, comprising: a housing releasably attached to the ventilator circuit, the housing releasably holding an end portion of at least one inhaler containing medication such that a major portion of the inhaler extends outside the housing, wherein the inhaler includes an outlet nozzle that is opposite the end portion and is received through an entry port in the ventilator circuit that is outside the housing such that the inhaler is in fluid communication with the ventilator circuit; an actuator held by the housing and in communication with the inhaler to direct the inhaler to release medication to the ventilator circuit for the patient, wherein the actuator is disposed adjacent the end portion of the inhaler that is opposite the outlet nozzle; a controller held by the housing, the controller configured to control an amount and/or frequency of medication delivery from the inhaler to the ventilator circuit for the patient and to actuate the actuator to deliver medication from the inhaler to the ventilator circuit at a defined amount and/or frequency; and a display held by the housing for displaying parameters including the defined amount and/or frequency of medication delivery and an amount of medication remaining in the inhaler, wherein the controller is configured to dynamically update the displayed parameters; wherein the portable control unit is a compact, lightweight standalone device that is releasably attached to the ventilator circuit by at least one holding member that at least partially surrounds the ventilator circuit and holds the housing in place such that the housing is adjacent and/or on the ventilator circuit with the ventilator circuit extending completely outside the housing.