Abstract:
A nebulizer apparatus for delivering medication in the form of an aerosol to a patient. The apparatus includes a medication reservoir for receiving liquid medication, a face mask for delivering aerosol to a patient, an attachment to a nebulizer machine or Bag resuscitator to generate carrier gas flow, a face mask or tubing to deliver the aerosol to the patient, and hosing to inter-connect the nebulizer components. The medication reservoir of the nebulizer apparatus includes rapid injection ports for the addition of medication to the medication reservoir, and is connected to the face mask via a dual sided ball and socket connection.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Area of the Art 
     This invention relates generally to devices used in respiratory therapy, and more particularly, to an improved apparatus for delivering a continuous dosage of aerosol medication to a patient. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Nebulizers are well known in the art, and are designed to deliver an aerosol of medication to the respiratory tract of a patient. A nebulizer apparatus is composed of a medication reservoir, a face attachment, and hosing to connect the components of the nebulizer to a carrier gas source, such as an oxygen tank, a respirator, resuscitator bag, or other pump. During operation, the nebulizer creates a flow of oxygen that intermixes with the liquid medication held in the medication reservoir. The intermixing of medication and oxygen forms an aerosol of oxygen and the medication, which is delivered to the lungs of the patient through a face attachment, such as a face mask. 
     Nebulizers have been utilized for treating various respiratory ailments ranging from common colds to severe asthma and complex infections of the bronchial system. Certain respiratory ailments can be more effectively treated by the delivery of medication to the patient as an aerosol, as opposed to taking the medication orally or through intra-venous administration. The uses of nebulizer apparatus are not limited to respiratory ailments; they may also be used in the treatment of coronary sclerosis, coronary thrombosis and other ailments. An advantage of using a nebulizer apparatus to treat these ailments is that medicated aerosol may be carried deep into the patient&#39;s lungs. In addition, the air transmitted to the patient through the nebulizer may be humidified, or heated. 
     Moreover, the treatment of medical conditions using nebulizers is not limited to hospitals or other treatment centers. In addition to stationary devices, devices to heavy or bulky to be transported, nebulizers may also take the form of portable devices. Paramedic emergency medical technicians (“EMT-P”) frequently use nebulizers to administer albuterol and other medications in the field, or in transit, during an emergency medical response. 
     There are, however, problems that interfere with the efficacy of nebulizer systems currently known in the art. These problems are particularly acute in the context of emergency medical situations in which patients are treated in the field or in transit to a hospital or other treatment center. One such problem with existing nebulizer systems, is the need to disassemble the nebulizer in order to add a medication dose to the nebulizer&#39;s medication reservoir. While in the field, or in transit, the disassembly of the nebulizer apparatus requires an EMT-P or other emergency responder to divert their attention from the emergency medical situation. The disassembly of the nebulizer apparatus to add medication may also take time that may be critical for other required emergency treatment of the patient. 
     Another problem with existing nebulizer systems is that spillage of medication from the medication reservoir frequently occurs during field treatment of a patient or during the transport of a patient to a treatment center. Patients often must be treated in a variety of positions, such as on their backs, sides, stomachs, or sitting upright. Many prior art medication reservoirs are not adapted to be variably positioned, and spillage of medication from the reservoir will occur unless the device (and the patient) are maintained in an upright position. Moreover, treatment often occurs in transit to a treatment center, where the patient is subject to various vibrations and motion associated with automobile travel. This vibration and motion makes it difficult to disassemble the medication reservoir and add medication without causing spillage. 
     Therefore, it is an object the present invention to provide an improved nebulizer apparatus for the delivery of aerosolized medication to a patient. The apparatus incorporates a medication reservoir that may be variably positioned to prevent medication spillage. The improved apparatus also incorporates a rapid medication injection port for the introduction of medication to the medication reservoir without having to disassemble the nebulizer apparatus. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an improved nebulizer apparatus for delivering medication in the form of an aerosol to a patient. The apparatus includes a medication reservoir for receiving liquid medication, an attachment to a nebulizer or Bag resuscitator to generate carrier gas flow, a face mask or tubing to deliver the aerosol to the patient, and hosing to inter-connect the nebulizer components. 
     During operation, the carrier gas flow travels through the hosing to the medication reservoir. The carrier gas intermixes with the liquid medication held in the medication reservoir to form an aerosol. This aerosol is mixed with additional gas (as from a resuscitator bag) and then flows through the hosing to the face mask or tubing to be delivered to the respiratory tract of the patient. 
     The medication reservoir of the improved nebulizer apparatus is connected to the nebulizer apparatus through a dual sided hollow ball and socket joint. This hollow ball and socket joint allows the medication reservoir to be positioned in a substantially vertical manner independent of the motions or position of the patient. The medication reservoir of the improved nebulizer apparatus also features a rapid medication injection port for the delivery of medication to the medication reservoir without the need to disassemble any portion of the nebulizer apparatus. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the medication reservoir is connected directly to a mask that is positionable over the nose and mouth of a patient. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the medication reservoir is connected to a resuscitator bag, or other gas source, and a flexible tube connected to an apparatus for intubation of a patient. As in the previous embodiment, the connection between the medication reservoir and the other components of the nebulizer apparatus is via a dual sided ball and socket connection. The medication reservoir may also contain the rapid medication injection port. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The present invention will be more fully understood when the specification herein is considered in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a prior art nebulizer apparatus, having a face mask and a medication reservoir. The illustration includes a representation of how the medication reservoir is filled. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a prior art nebulizer apparatus being used for a patient lying on their back or at an angle. 
         FIG. 3  is a magnified view of a prior art nebulizer apparatus being used for a patient lying on their back or at an angle. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of one embodiment of the nebulizer apparatus contemplated by the current invention, including: a face mask, a medication reservoir, a hollow ball and socket joint connecting the face mask to the medication reservoir, and a rapid injection port. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of an embodiment of the nebulizer apparatus as contemplated by the current invention being used for a patient lying on their back or at an angle. 
         FIG. 6  is a magnified side view of one embodiment of the nebulizer apparatus as contemplated by the current invention being used for a patient lying on their back or at an angle. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the nebulizer apparatus of the current invention, including: a resuscitator bag, hosing, medication reservoir, hollow ball and socket joint, rapid injection port, and intubation tube. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Referring to  FIG. 1 , a prior art nebulizer apparatus  10  is represented. The apparatus is composed of a face mask  11 , medication reservoir  40  and hosing  18  from the carrier gas source. The liquid medication in the medication reservoir  40  is aerosolized by the flow of carrier gas (usually oxygen) through the medication reservoir  40 . The resulting aerosol flows through a hollow plastic housing  14  connecting the medication reservoir  40  to the face mask  11  of the nebulizer apparatus  10 , and out of an outlet  12  for delivery to the patient. 
     In order to add medication to the medication reservoir of the prior art nebulizer apparatus  10 , the medication reservoir  40  must be disconnected from the plastic housing  14 , and the gas source must be shut down. Once the medication reservoir is disconnected, medication may be added to the opening of the medication reservoir  16  through a standard needle and syringe, needleless syringe, or other dispenser  17 . During the disconnection of the medication reservoir, the ventilation circuit from the respirator, bag resuscitator or nebulizer to the patient is necessarily interrupted with possible harm to the patient. 
     The method of adding medication to the medication reservoir of a prior art nebulizer apparatus has a number of highly undesirable aspects. A patient requiring ventilation and treatment via an aerosol medication, as in the case of a severe asthma attack, is gravely ill. The interruption of oxygen delivery to a patient during an emergency, or other serious condition, can be life threatening. Moreover, the disconnection of the medication reservoir during an emergency response or other treatment can result in spillage of the liquid medication, and increased risk of contamination and infection. 
     In addition to the problems associated with disconnecting the medication reservoir from the nebulizer apparatus, a prior art nebulizer apparatus also fails to accommodate the variety of positions a patient may be treated in. This deficiency can become particularly problematic in the context of an emergency medical response. For instance, a prior art nebulizer apparatus requires that the medication reservoir of the apparatus be in a substantially upright position.  FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate the use of a prior art nebulizer apparatus  10  with a patient  20  lying on their back. The orientation of the patient prevents the medication reservoir  19  from being oriented vertically. The improper orientation of the medication reservoir  19  prevents the liquid medication within the medication reservoir  19  from being properly aerosolized and delivered to the patient  20 , and the liquid medication may also spill into the face mask  11  of the apparatus  10 , and, possibly, into the nose  26  and mouth  24  of the patient. Moreover, the addition of liquid medication using a syringe  17 , or other suitable device, is difficult because the nebulizer apparatus must be disassembled to access the medication reservoir  19 . In addition, the need to shut off the source of carrier gas is a further inconvenience. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the inventive nebulizer apparatus. The nebulizer apparatus  30  includes a face mask  31  designed to enclose the nose and mouth of the patient. In a preferred embodiment, the face mask  31  is constructed of a flexible material, such as a flexible plastic, to fit comfortably on the face of the patient. The face mask may also include a compressible plastic bladder, or other pad, running along the edge of the portion of the mask that receives the patient&#39;s face, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. In one preferred embodiment all of these components or at least those that contact the patient are designed for single use and are disposed of following that use. 
     The face mask  31  of the inventive nebulizer apparatus  30  is connected to a medication reservoir  40  through a housing  36 , and a hollow member  33  having two, substantially spherical ends  35 . The housing  36  is substantially tubular, with one end coupled to the face mask  31 , and the other end  32  constructed to receive a spherical end of the hollow member  33 . The spherical end of the hollow member  33  fits into the end  32  of the housing  36 , resulting in a ball and socket connection between the housing  36  and the hollow member  33 . Likewise, the other spherical end of the hollow member  33  fits into a receiving structure  37  of the medication reservoir  40 , resulting in a ball and socket connection between the medication reservoir  40  and the hollow member  33 . 
     The ball and socket connection between the hollow member  33  and both the housing  36  and the medication reservoir  40  allows a range of motion between the face mask  31  and the medication reservoir  40 . In fact, the hollow member  33  may rotate with two degrees of freedom about its connection to either the housing  36  or the medication reservoir  40 . As will be shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the range of motion between the face mask  31  and medication reservoir  40  allows the nebulizer apparatus of the current invention  30  to effectively deliver aerosol medication to a patient in various positions, such as on their side, back, or stomach. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the current invention, the hollow member  33  may form a ball and socket connection directly with a receiving structure of the face mask  31 . The direct connection of the hollow member  33  and the face mask  31  may simplify the manufacture of the inventive nebulizer apparatus, or improve its durability. In addition, the ball and socket connection between the hollow member  33  and the housing  36 , face mask  31 , or medication reservoir  40 , may be disconnected, providing for easier storage and cleaning of the nebulizer apparatus  30  in situations where disposable apparatus is not used. 
     The medication reservoir  40 , connected to the face mask  31  by the hollow member  33 , is where liquid medication, such as albuterol, saline, or other medication, is intermixed with a carrier gas; such as oxygen or air, to create a medicated aerosol. The carrier gas is delivered to the inventive nebulizer apparatus  30  through tubing  18  connected to a gas source. The medicated aerosol flows from the medication reservoir  40  through the hollow member  33  and through the housing  36  to the face mask  31  of the nebulizer apparatus  30 . Upon inhalation or exhalation of the patient, the medicated aerosol flowing to the face mask  31  is then delivered to the patient through their nose or mouth. 
     The liquid medication is introduced to the medication reservoir  40  through a rapid injection port  34 . In one embodiment, the rapid injection port may be located on the side of the medication reservoir  40 , and in a position towards the top of the medication reservoir  40 , or near the receiving structure  37  of the ball and socket connection. It will be apparent that multiple injection ports can be supplied at different locations on the device—even on the ball and socket connector. Multiple injection ports permit additional doses of the initial medication or doses of a different medication to be in place for instantaneous injection when they are needed. The rapid injection port  34  includes a short inlet tube  39  extending outward from the outer surface of the medication reservoir  40 . In the preferred embodiment, the short inlet tube  39  of the rapid injection port  34  is at a slight upward angle from the horizontal plane normal to the side wall of the medication reservoir  40 . 
     One end of the short inlet tube  39  opens into the medication reservoir  40 , with the other end terminating at a gate  38 , composed, for example, of a flexible piece of plastic, fabric, or other material, for receiving a drug dispenser  17 . In one embodiment, the gate  38  is composed a plurality of plastic sheets, defining a single plane, which fit snugly together along cuts radially placed from the center point of the gate. Upon placement of a dispenser  17  at the gate, the plurality of plastic sheets bend inward to receive the tip of the dispenser  17 . Medication may then be delivered to the medication reservoir  40  through the gate  38  and through the short inlet tube  39 . 
     The inventive nebulizer apparatus  30  may be fabricated from a flexible material such as plastic or rubber, or other materials. It may be desirable, however, for certain components, such as the housing  36 , rapid injection port  34 , hollow member  33 , and medication reservoir  40 , to be constructed of a strong, durable material, that need not be flexible, such as a stiff plastic, glass, or a polyester or epoxy resin. Moreover, it may be desirable that the materials comprising the face mask  31 , housing  36 , rapid injection port  34 , hollow member  33 , and medication reservoir  40  be transparent such that the medicated aerosol is visible in nebulizer apparatus  30 . 
     The present invention provides an improved nebulizer apparatus with great advantages over the prior art. As shown in FIGS.  5  and  6 ., the ball and socket connections between the hollow member  33  and the housing  36 , and medication reservoir  40  allow for the effective delivery of medicated aerosol to patients lying on their backs or in virtually any other position. The ball and socket connections ensure that the medication reservoir  40  is maintained in a substantially vertical orientation independent of the position of the patient. As a result, the liquid medication is properly aerosolized and delivered to the patient, and there is no spillage of the liquid medication. 
     An alternate embodiment of the nebulizer apparatus  50  for use with a resuscitator bag is depicted in  FIG. 7 . As in the previous embodiment the medication reservoir  40  contains a rapid injection port  34 , and is connected to a conduit for carrier gas  18 . A tubular member having two substantially spherical ends  33  couples to a receiving structure  37  on the top of the medication reservoir  40 . The other spherical end of the tubular member  33  couples to a receiving structure  52  of a T-junction  51 , or other tubular connector. The T-junction is further coupled to a resuscitator bag  54  and a flexible tube  58 . The flexible tube may couple to a tube for intubation  56 , such as an endotracheal tube, or a face mask. 
     While this detailed description represents the preferred embodiments of practicing and making the current invention, various modifications will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art. As a result, the following claims are to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiment can be configured without departing from the scope of the invention. The illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and that should not be taken as limiting the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.