Patent ID: 6079413
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
An improved system for the delivery of an aerosolized medical agent to a patient's respiratory system comprising:a pressurized canister that contains a mixture of fine particles of a medical agent and a propellant in a liquid state and further that has an outlet from which the medicine and liquid propellant can exit the canister;an endotracheal tube having a ventilation lumen for ventilating the patient and a secondary lumen that terminates distally in a distal opening that communicates with said main lumen;an extension catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal end to a distal orifice located at said distal end, said extension catheter located in said secondary lumen of said endotracheal tube, and extending distally of a distal end of said distal opening so that a distal portion of said extension catheter extends into said ventilation lumen of said endotracheal tube; anda connection between said proximal end of said extension catheter and said outlet of said pressurized canister to provide a fluid connection between said canister and said lumen of said extension catheter to permit medicine and propellant to be conveyed from said canister through said lumen of said extension catheter and out said distal orifice of said extension catheter where the propellant evaporates and an aerosol of the medical agent is generated.