Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/CA2409722C/en
Timestamp: 2019-12-07 21:55:12
Document Index: 310491301

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 31', 'art 31', 'art 31', 'art 31', 'art 31', 'art 31', 'Application No. 09', 'art.\n25']

CA2409722C - Apparatus and methods for the delivery of medicaments to the respiratory system - Google Patents
CA2409722C
CA2409722C CA002409722A CA2409722A CA2409722C CA 2409722 C CA2409722 C CA 2409722C CA 002409722 A CA002409722 A CA 002409722A CA 2409722 A CA2409722 A CA 2409722A CA 2409722 C CA2409722 C CA 2409722C
CA002409722A
CA2409722A1 (en
AEROGEN (IRELAND) LIMITED
2000-05-05 Priority to IEPCT/IE00/00051 priority
2001-05-04 Application filed by AEROGEN (IRELAND) LIMITED filed Critical AEROGEN (IRELAND) LIMITED
2001-05-04 Priority to PCT/IE2001/000060 priority patent/WO2001085244A1/en
2001-11-15 Publication of CA2409722A1 publication Critical patent/CA2409722A1/en
2009-03-03 Publication of CA2409722C publication Critical patent/CA2409722C/en
239000003814 drug Substances 0 abstract claims description title 183
210000002345 respiratory system Anatomy 0 abstract claims description title 30
239000000443 aerosols Substances 0 abstract claims description 157
239000006199 nebulizer Substances 0 claims description 22
101700074463 DERL1 family Proteins 0 description 36
An apparatus (1) for the delivery of medicament to the respiratory system of a patient comprises a medication cup (2), an aerosol generator (3), a housing (4) for the aerosol generator (3), a liquid supplier (5) and a connector (6).
Liquid medication placed within the medication cup (2) is delivered by the liquid supplier (5) to the generator (3). The aerosol generated is passed through the housing (4) into the connector (6). A gas, such as air, is d elivered into a gas inlet (61) of the connector (6), for example by pumping the gas from a ventilator (70). Within the connector (6) the gas entrains the aerosol therein, and the air with entrained medication is delivered through an outlet (62).
"APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAMENTS
TO THE RESPIlZATORY SYSTEM"
It is known to use a nebulizer to create an aerosol of medication for delivery into the respiratory system of a patient. Typically the medication is placed in a cup which is held over a reservoir of buffer water. A
piezoelectric element is vibrated ultrasonically under the buffer water transferring energy to the water, thus causing an aerosol to be formed in the medication cup. Baffles are provided between the medication cup and the airway in an attempt to ensure large particles of medication rain out on the filter and drip back down into the medication cup.
The medication in the cup is directly exposed to the airway.
Therefore the nebulizer must be maintained substantially horizontal at all times to prevent medication spilling out into the patient airway. Also the, ventilator pressure will be lost when the medication cup is removed to refill it.
This method of aerosol generation requires a relatively large amount of energy, the response time of aerosol generation is thus large. A considerable amount of heat is generated during use of the nebulizer, therefore to prevent patient discomfort or injury the nebulizer is placed away from the patient.
However this necessitates a long inhalation tube between the nebulizer and the patient, increasing drug loss through rain out along the inhalation tube, and further increasing the response time to patient inspiration. Further, the generated heat degenerates the medication, which can be particularly harmful to protein based drugs.
According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for delivery of a medicament to the respiratory system, the apparatus comprising:
i a reservoir adapted to hold a liquid medicament that is to be delivered to a respiratory system;
a liquid supplier adapted to deliver the liquid medicament from the reservoir to the aerosol generator; and a connector to which the aerosol generator is operably connected, wherein the connector comprises a gas conduit having an inlet, and an outlet, and an aerosol supply conduit, wherein the aerosol generator is configured to provide the aerosolized liquid medicament into the gas conduit through the aerosol supply conduit, and wherein the gas conduit is adapted to pass gases from a ventilator.
In one aspect the invention provides an apparatus for delivery of medicament to a respiratory system comprising:
a liquid supplier that is adapted to deliver the liquid medicament from the cup to the aerosol generator; and a connector that is adapted to receive aerosol generated by the aerosol generator is delivered.
In another aspect the invention provides an apparatus for delivery of medicament to a respiratory system comprising:
a liquid supplier that is adapted to deliver the liquid medicament from the reservoir to the aerosol generator; and a connector through which aerosol generated by the aerosol generator is delivered;
In another aspect the invention provides a connector to facilitate the delivery of a medicament to a respiratory system, the connector comprising:
a connector body having a gas conduit having an inlet and an outlet, an aerosol supply conduit coupled to the gas conduit between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the connector has a generally T-shape, and wherein the aerosol supply conduit subtends an angle of less than 90 with the inlet of the gas conduit.
The invention further provides an apparatus for delivery of medicament to the respiratory system comprising:
a liquid supplier that is adapted to deliver the liquid medicament from the cup to the aerosol generator; and a connector through which aerosol generated by the aerosol generator is delivered, wherein the liquid supplier is mounted to the generator housing.
The invention also provides an apparatus for delivery of medicament to the respiratory system comprising:
a liquid supplier that is adapted to deliver the liquid medicament from the cup to the aerosol generator; and a connector through which aerosol generated by the aerosol generator is delivered;
According to another aspect the invention provides an apparatus for delivery of medicament to the respiratory system comprising:
5 an aerosol generator;
a liquid supplier that is adapted to deliver the liquid medicament from the cup to the aerosol generator; and a connector through which aerosol generated by the aerosol generator is delivered, wherein the medication cup is releasably mounted to the aerosol generator housing.
The invention also provides a nebulizer for use with a ventilator circuit, comprising:
a nebulizer which is adapted to deliver a nebulized fluid to the at least one tubing section for inhalation by a patient on the ventilator, the nebulizer having a vibrating element having a plurality of openings therein, the vibrating element having a front side and a back side; and wherein vibration of the vibrating element is adapted to move fluid from the back side of the vibrating element through the plurality of openings to produce the nebulized fluid which enters the at least one tubing section for delivery to the patient.
In a further aspect the invention provides a nebulizing device for a ventilator, comprising:
a fluid delivery system that is adapted to supply fluid to the nebulizing element; and at least one tube section which defines a delivery path to the patient, the delivery path being defined by a distance between the nebulizing element and the patient, the delivery path having a length of less than about 500mm.
The invention also provides a method of providing a nebulized fluid to a patient, comprising the steps of providing a nebulizing element and a source of fluid coupled to the nebulizing element, the nebulizing element delivering nebulized fluid into at least one tube section;
coupling the tube section to a patient's airway, with the tube section defming a delivery path to the patient, the delivery path being defined by a distance between the nebulizing element and the patient, the delivery path having a length of less than 500mm.
In one aspect the invention also provides a method for providing a nebulized fluid to a patient, the method comprising:
permitting the nebulized fluid to eject into a conduit that is coupled to a ventilator; and supplying a gas from the ventilator to supply the aerosolized fluid to the patient's airway.
The invention also provides a ventilator circuit comprising:
a ventilator that is adapted to deliver and withdraw gases from a patient; and a control system operably coupled to the nebulizing element for controlling the nebulizing element and the ventilator.
In one broad aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for use with a ventilator circuit to deliver a medicament to a patient, the apparatus (1) comprising; a reservoir (11) adapted to hold a fluid medicament that is to be nebulized and delivered to a patient; a nubulizer (3) for nebulizing the fluid medicament, the nubulizer (3) comprising a vibrating element (40) having a plurality of openings therein, the vibrating element (40) having a front side and a ' 5 back side; a vibrating element housing (2,4) which houses both the vibrating element (40) and the reservoir (11); a gas tubing section (6) having an inlet (61) for receiving at least one gas from a ventilator (200) and an outlet (62) for delivering the at least one gas and the nebulized fluid to the patient; an aerosol supply tubing section (60) for delivering the nebulized fluid from the nubulizer (3) into the gas tubing section (6); the aerosol supply tubing section (60) being coupled to the gas tubing section (6) between the inlet (61) and the outlet (62) to form a substantially "T"-shaped tubing arrangement; and wherein vibration of the vibrating element (40) is adapted to move fluid from the back side of the vibrating element (40) through the plurality of openings to produce the nebulized fluid which enters the aerosol supply tubing section (60) for delivery to the gas tubing section (6) for delivery to the patient.
Features of the various aspects of the invention are described in the subsidary claims.
7a In one embodiment, an apparatus for delivery of medicament to the respiratory system comprises a reservoir, such as a medication cup, for receiving a liquid medication that is to be delivered to a respiratory system. The apparatus also includes an aerosol generator that may be held within a housing. A liquid supplier is provided to deliver the liquid medicament from the cup to the aerosol generator. A connector is employed to receive aerosol generated by the aerosol generator. The connector has an aerosol inlet for receiving aerosol from the generator, an air inlet, and an outlet. In this way, the aerosol that is received through the aerosol inlet may be entrained with a gas passing through the air inlet, and the entrained aerosol may pass through the outlet for delivery to a patient.
In one aspect, the connector is of generally T-shape and has an inlet leg with a longitudinal axis and an outlet leg with an air inlet end and an aerosol outlet end. The inlet is connected to the outlet leg intermediate the air inlet end and the aerosol outlet end, and the outlet leg has a first portion extending from the air inlet end to the connection to the inlet leg. The first portion has a longitudinal axis, with the longitudinal axis of the inlet leg subtending an angle of less than 90 with the longitudinal axis of the first portion of the outlet leg. Preferably the angle between the longitudinal axis of the first portion of the outlet leg and the longitudinal axis of the inlet leg is less than 80 .
Ideally the angle between the longitudinal axis of the first portion of the outlet leg and the longitudinal axis of the inlet leg is about 75 . In some cases, the outlet leg may have a second portion extending from the first portion, the second portion being substantially in line with the first portion.
The aerosol generator housing and the medication cup may be configured to be sealed to each other. This may be accomplished by using a sealing mechanism, such as a skirt extending from the aerosol generator housing to sealingly engage the medication cup. Conveniently, the skirt may have an angled surface to sealingly engage a chamfered mouth of the medication cup. In a further aspect, the liquid supplier may be mounted to the aerosol generator housing.
In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a controller for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator. For example, the controller may send control signals to actuate the aerosol generator just prior to initiating an inhalation cycle of a ventilator and to deactivate the aerosol generator just after termination of the inhalation cycle of the ventilator. Conveniently, the controller may be the same controller used to control the ventilator. In one aspect, the aerosol generator housing has a signal connector to which a control signal from the controller is inputted to control the operation of the aerosol generator. An interface may also be used to interface the aerosol generator with the controller. The interface may be mounted remote from the aerosol generator housing.
According to another embodiment of the invention, a connector is provided for delivery of medicament to the respiratory system. The connector comprises a generally T-shaped device having an inlet leg with a longitudinal axis and an outlet leg with an air inlet end and an aerosol outlet end. The inlet leg is connected to the outlet leg intermediate the air inlet end and the aerosol outlet end. The outlet leg has a first portion extending from the air inlet end to the connection to the inlet leg. The first portion has a longitudinal axis subtending at an angle of less than 90 with the longitudinal axis of the the inlet leg.
In one aspect, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the first portion of the outlet leg and the longitudinal axis of the inlet leg is less than 80 .
Ideally, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the first portion of the outlet leg and the longitudinal axis of the inlet leg is about 75 . The outlet leg may have a second portion extending from the first portion, with the second portion being substantially in line with the first portion.
In one embodiment of the invention, the releasable seal comprises a sealing sheet releasably attached to the cup. Conveniently, a peel tab or other release mechanism may be used to remove the sheet. Alternatively the release mechanism may be a tab or other opener to perforate the sealing sheet when the 5 cup is connected to the aerosol generator. The sheet may conveniently have an identifying code.
The invention further provides a nebulizer for use with a ventilator circuit, comprising:
10 at least one tubing section having an inlet and an outlet for delivering air to a patient from a ventilator;
a nebulizer which delivers a nebulized fluid to the at least one tubing section for inhalation by a patient on the ventilator, the nebulizer having a vibrating element having a plurality of openings therein, the vibrating element having a front side and a back side; and a source of fluid which provides fluid to the back side of the vibrating element;
wherein vibration of the vibrating element moves fluid from the back side of the vibrating element through the plurality of openings to produce the nebulized fluid which enters the at least one tubing section for delivery to the patient.
In one embodiment of the invention the at least one tubing section forms an air path and the source of fluid is separated from the air path by the vibrating element.
Preferably the at least one tubing section includes a T-shaped section.
The s'ource of fluid may include a capillary feed system which provides fluid to the back side of the vibrating element.
Ideally the vibrating element includes a ring-shaped piezoelectric element.
The openings in the vibrating element are preferably sized to eject liquid droplets such that about 70% or more of the droplets by weight have a size in the range from about 1-5 micrometers.
In another aspect there is provided by the invention a nebulizing device for a ventilator, comprising:
a source of fluid coupled to the nebulizing element;
at least one tube section which defines a delivery path to the patient, the delivery path being defined by a distance between the nebulizing element and the patient, the delivery path having a length of less than 500mm.
Preferably the at least one tube section has a delivery path of less than 300mm.
In one embodiment of the invention the nebulizing element has a vibrating element with openings therein, the vibrating element having a front side and a back side, the delivery path being defined at one end by the front side of the vibrating element, the fluid being delivered through the openings in the vibrating element upon vibration of the vibrating element; and the source of fluid delivering fluid to the backside of the vibrating element.
Preferably the at least one tube section includes a T-shaped section, the nebulizing element being positioned at a bottom of a central section.
Ideally the central section forms an angle of from 600 to 80 with a straight portion of the T-shaped section.
In another embodiment of the invention the at least one tube section includes a Y-shaped section which separates into a first arm for inhalation and a second arm for exhalation, the nebulizing element being coupled to a second tube section which is connected to the Y-section.
Desirably the second tube section is a T-shaped section which is attached to the Y-section.
Most preferably the delivery path through the at least one tube section is substantially free of baffles and flow disrupters.
The invention also provides a method of providing a nebulized fluid in a ventilator circuit, comprising the steps of:
positioning the nebulizing element to define a delivery path through the at least one tube section to the patient, the delivery path being defined by a distance between the nebulizing element and the patient, the delivery path having a length of less than 500mm.
The invention further provides a ventilator circuit comprising:
a source of fluid coupled to the nebulizing element for delivering fluid to the nebulizing element;
a ventilator which delivers and withdraws air from a patient;
a control system operably coupled to the nebulizing element for controlling the nebulizing element and the ventilator, the control system activating the nebulizing element within 20 milliseconds of initiation of an inhalation cycle and deactivating the nebulizing element within 20 milliseconds of termination of the inhalation cycle.
Ideally the nebulizing element has a vibrating element with openings therein, the vibrating element having a front side and a back side, the fluid being delivered through the openings in the vibrating element upon vibration of the vibrating element, and the source of fluid providing fluid to the back side of the vibrating element.
The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for delivery of medicament to a respiratory system according to the invention;
Fig. 10 is a perspective view from above of the aerosol generator housing of Fig.
Fig. 12(a) is an exploded, perspective view of the liquid supplier of Fig.9;
5 Fig. 14(b) is a front view of the apparatus of Fig. 14(a) in different orientations;
Fig. 16 is a side view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in use connected to the 10 mouthpiece of Fig. 15;
15 Fig. 17(b) is a side view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in another configuration of use connected to a tracheal tube;
Fig. 21(b) is a perspective view along the rear side of the controller circuit of Fig.
21(a);
Fig. 24 is an exploded, perspective view of another mounting device according to the invention in use with the controller circuit of Fig. 21(a); and Fig. 25 is a side view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in use with the controller circuit of Fig. 21(a) and the mounting device of Fig. 24.
Detailed Description Referring to the drawings and initially to Fig. 1 thereof, there is illustrated an apparatus 1 according to the invention for the delivery of medicament to the respiratory system of a patient.
The apparatus 1 comprises a medication cup 2, an aerosol generator 3, a housing 4 for the aerosol generator 3, a liquid supplier 5 and a connector 6.
Liquid medication placed within the medication cup 2 is delivered up through the liquid supplier 5 by capillary action. An oscillatory motion of the liquid supplier 5 may assist also in pumping the liquid medication upwards. An aerosol of the medication is generated by the aerosol generator 3, the aerosol then passes through the aerosol generator housing 4 and into the connector 6.
gas, such as air or oxygen, enters the connector 6 through a gas inlet 61 of the connector 6 entraining the generated aerosol therein, and the air with entrained aerosol medication is delivered through an outlet 62.
A controller 50, which may be connected to the apparatus 1 by means of a control lead 52, controls the generation of the aerosol and the associated oscillation of the liquid supplier 5 (Fig. 2). The controller 50 has a power supply socket 53 and provides power to drive the generation of the aerosol as will be described in more detail below.
Referring now to Fig 3, the connector 6 has an aerosol inlet 60 for aerosol from the generator 3, a gas inlet 61 and an outlet 62 for aerosol and gas. The connector 6 is of a general T-shape, the longitudinal axis of the gas inlet 61 subtending an acute angle of 75 with the longitudinal axis of the aerosol inlet 60, as illustrated. The longitudinal axis of the gas inlet 61 is co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the outlet 62, and the connector 6 slightly tapers outwardly between the gas inlet 61 and the outlet 62.
The connector 6 is configured to entrain the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 3, which passes from the aerosol generator housing 4 into the aerosol inlet 60, with a gas, such as air, which passes in through the gas inlet 61.
The entrained medication aerosol/gas mixture passes out of the connector through the outlet 62.
The configuration of the connector 6 ensures the entrained aerosol/gas mixture passes out of the connector 6 through the outlet 62 regardless of the orientation of the connector 6, as illustrated in Figs 4(a) to 4(d). This is highly advantageous as it enables the user to operate the apparatus 1 in a wide variety of orientations, even with the longitudinal axis of the outlet 62 vertical, while being assured that the aerosol/gas mixture is always delivered through the outlet 62.
It will be appreciated that the angle between the longitudinal axis of the gas inlet 61 and the longitudinal axis of the aerosol inlet 60 may be any angle in the range of from 60 to 90 , but preferably less than 90 , and most preferably from 60 to 80 .
The gas inlet 61 may be connected to a ventilator 70 which pumps a gas, such as air into the connector 6, alternatively the apparatus 1 may be employed during manual breathing with the gas inlet 61 being open to atmosphere.
The medication cup 2, as illustrated in Figs 5 to 8, comprises a delivery tube centrally located within the cup 2, and an annular reservoir 11 which surrounds the tube 10. Four inlet slots 13 are provided circumferentially spaced-apart around the wall of the tube 10 and a base 12 of the reservoir 11 slopes downwardly and inwardly to direct liquid medication to flow through the inlet slots 13 in the wall of the delivery tube 10 and into the tube 10. The delivery tube 10 extends below the level of the base 12 to form a central well 17.
By spacing the inlet slots 13 around the circumference of the tube 10, this ensures that the liquid medicament wi11 flow into the well 17 in a wide variety of orientations of the cup 2.
In this case, the tube 10 is integral with the cup 2, however it will be appreciated that the tube 10 may alternatively be releasably attached to the cup 2.
A plurality of protuberances 14 are formed on the inner wall of the medication cup 2 to indicate the maximum volume of liquid medication to be inserted into the cup 2. In this case the maximum volume is 10m1.
The medication cup 2 has an annular skirt 15, as illustrated in Fig 6, formed on the base of the cup 2 to enable the cup 2 to be supported in an upright orientation. This allows a user to, for example, stand the cup 2 safely on a table before pouring liquid medication into the cup 2.
The medication cup 2 may be provided with a sealing sheet 19 to maintain the liquid medication in the cup 2 (Figs 7 and 8). The sheet 19 is releasably attached to the cup 2 and may be peeled off prior to use using a tab 19a. In this way medication may be preloaded into the cup 2 and stored in this way in a condition which is ready for use when required.
It will be appreciated that the sealing sheet 19 may also be perforated by the downwardly protruding liquid supplier 5 during mating of the cup 2 with the housing 4 on assembly.
Referring now to Figs 9 to 12, the aerosol generator housing 4 comprises an iso-conical neck 30 extending from a shoulder part 31. The shoulder part 31 has four downwardly projecting and circumferentially spaced apart fmgers 32, each finger 32 having a projection 33 on the lower end of the finger 32. In the assembled apparatus 1 the liquid supplier 5 is releasably held within the housing 4 by means of a snap-fit engagement between the projections 33 and the liquid supplier 5 (Fig. 9).
A screw thread 35 is formed on the inner sides of the shoulder part 31 to enable 5 releasable mounting of the medication cup 2 to the aerosol generator housing 4.
The neck 30 has an annular inward projection 36 formed above the shoulder part 31. The projection 36 defines a space 37 within the hollow neck 30, in which the aerosol generator 3 may be received.
The housing 4 also includes a connector port 38 rigidly attached to the upper surface of the shoulder part 31. Port 38 is configured to receive a docking member 51 of the control lead 52. A control signal from the controller circuit is passed through the control lead 52 into the housing 4 via the port 38 to control the operation of the aerosol generator 3 and thus the generation of aerosol of medication.
The liquid supplier 5 comprises a head 20 and a stub 21 separated by an annular protruding flange 26. A coiled spring 22 is coaxially mounted around the stub 21. The outer diameter of the stub 21 is less than the inside diameter of the delivery tube 10, so that there is a clearance between the stub 21 and the tube 10 when the stub 21 is inserted into the tube 10 in the assembled apparatus 1(Fig.
12). The coiled spring 22 is at least partially compressed against the upper end of the delivery tube 10, and base 25 of the stub 21 extends below the slots 13 in the wall of the tube 10 and into the well 17 when assembled (Fig 12).
The liquid supplier 5 includes two capillaries 23 which extend from the base upwardly through the liquid supplier 5 to crown 24 of the head 20. The capillaries are open at the base 25 and at the crown 24 (Fig. 9). The capillaries 23 provide the flow path for the liquid medicament through the liquid supplier 5.
As shown in Fig. 11A, an insert 20a is included within a slot 20b of head 20 and includes slots 23a that also define capillaries 23. In this way, head 20 is provided with a liquid supply system that is similar to that of a fountain pen.
As illustrated in Fig. 12(a), the liquid supplier comprises an insert piece 500 which may be slidably received in a slot 501 in the head 20. Two elongate recesses in the insert piece 500 define the capillaries 23. In use each capillary 23 operates in a manner similar to a point of a fountain pen.
The aerosol generator 3 comprises a non-planar member 40, which may be dome shaped in geometry, with a plurality of tapered apertures extending between a front surface and a rear surface thereof, as described in US 5164740 (Ivri), US
5,586,550 (Ivri et al), US 5,758,637 (Ivri et al), and US 6085740 (Ivri et al). The aerosol generator 3 further comprises a piezoelectric element 42 with a central aperture therethrough and a housing 44 (Fig. 11). In the assembled apparatus 1, the non-planar member 40 and the piezoelectric element 42 are enclosed within the housing 44 in the neck space 37, and a shield 41 is fixedly attached to the shoulder part 31 by means of bonding a rim 43 to the housing 4 (Figs 11 and 12). The shield 41 has a central aperture for receiving the crown 27 of head 20, when assembled (Fig.
To assemble the apparatus 1, the aerosol generator 3 is assembled and is inserted into the neck space 37 within a sleeve 45 between an 0-ring seal 46 and the shield 41, which is bonded to the housing 4. The aerosol generator 3 has freedom to move between the 0-ring 46 and the shield 41. The liquid supplier 5 is engaged with the housing 4 by means of the snap-fit of the projections 33 with the flange 26. Liquid medication is then poured into the reservoir 11 and the housing 4 is mated with the medication cup 2, the stub 21 being inserted into the delivery tube 10. The housing 4 and the cup 2 are rotated relative to one another to inter-engage the screw threads 35, 16 and thereby seal the housing 4 to the medication cup 2. Finally, the aerosol inlet 60 is pushed over the neck 30 to mount the connector 6 in a push-fit arrangement.
In the assembled apparatus of Fig. 12, the crown 24 of the head 20 extends through the aligned apertures in the shield 41. Piezoelectric element 42 is ' connected to housing 44 to which the non-planar member 40 is coupled.
In this case, the crown 24 extends through the apertures and contacts the non-planar member 40.
In another embodiment of the invention the crown 24 extends through the apertures towards the non-planar member 40 but terminates adjacent to the member 40 without contacting member 40.
In use and referring particularly to Fig. 12, the control lead 52 provides a power and a control signal to the piezoelectric element 42 to cause activation of the piezoelectric element 42, which in turn causes vibration of the non-planar member 40. In some embodiments, this vibration may act against the force of the coiled spring 22 to cause an oscillatory plunging motion of the liquid supplier 5. Liquid medication is thus delivered up through the capillaries 23 of the liquid supplier 5. Alternatively, the liquid medication may be drawn up through the capillaries 23 solely due to capillary action such that vibration of non-planar member 40 does not come into contact with head 20. Such a liquid delivery system may operate in a manner similar to that described in U.S. Patent No.
5,938,117 and copeding U.S. Patent Application No. 09/678,410, filed October 2, 2000, the complete disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.
The clearance between the delivery tube 10 and the stub 21 enables medication to flow from the reservoir 11 into the well 17 (flow A). During the motion of the liquid supplier 5, base 25 of the stub 21 always remains below the level of the slots 13 to ensure the liquid pressure in the capillaries 23 is not lost.
The droplets of liquid emerge from the capillaries 23 at the crown 24 where they contact the non-planar member 40, the vibration of which causes the liquid to pass through the holes in the member 40 and generates an aerosol of medication.
The aerosol passes through the neck 30 (flow B) into the aerosol inlet 60 until it meets the flow of gas from the gas inlet 61. The aerosol is entrained with the gas (flow C) and passes out of the connector 6 through the outlet 62 (flow D).
As illustrated in Figs 13 and 14, the outlet 62 of the connector 6 may be connected in communication with a face mask 100 to assist breathing of a patient. The connector 6 tapers outwardly in a step-wise manner to define a female connection recess 110 at the outlet 62 (Fig. 12). In this case, the face mask 100 is releasably mounted to the connector 6 by means of an interference fit between an inlet arm 101 to the face mask 100 and the recess 110.
The configuration of the T-shaped connector 6 means that an entrained mixture of aerosol medicament and gas is delivered from the connector outlet 62 through the inlet arm 101 to the face mask 100 and on to the respiratory system of the patient, in a wide variety of orientations of the apparatus 1, as illustrated in Figs 14(a) and 14(b). The apparatus 1 provides flexibility with regard to its possible uses, and is thus suitable for use with, for example, a reclining or sleeping patient.
A breathing mouthpiece 120 may be used as an alternative to the face mask 100, as illustrated in Figs 15 and 16. The mouthpiece 120 is releasably mounted to the connector 6 by means of an interference fit between an inlet arm 121 to the mouthpiece 120 and the female connection recess 110 at the outlet 62.
As a further alternative, a tracheal tube 130 may be used to assist breathing of a patient (Fig 17(a)). The tracheal tube 130 is releasably mounted to the connector 6 by means of an interference fit between an inlet arm 131 to the tracheal tube 130 and the female connection recess 110 at the outlet 62.
The apparatus 1 delivers an entrained aerosol medicament and gas mixture out through the outlet 62 regardless of the orientation of the apparatus 1. As illustrated in Fig. 17 (b), the apparatus 1 may be used in a configuration in which the medication cup 2 and the aerosol generator housing 4 are positioned above the connector 6. In this case, the liquid medicament is delivered through the liquid supplier 5 by gravitational action in addition to capillary action, and in some cases pumping action also.
An insert aperture 400 may be provided in the base 12 of the medication cup 2, 5 as illustrated in Fig. 17(c). The aperture 400 facilitates mating of an insert with the medication cup 2 in communication with the reservoir 11. The insert may contain a volume of liquid medicament and by mating the insert with the cup 2 via the aperture 400, the medicament can be delivered from the insert 400 directly to the reservoir 11 of the medication cup 2. This arrangement has the 10 advantage that it is not necessary to disassemble the medication cup 2 from the aerosol generator housing 4 to refill the cup 2 after all of the medication has been delivered in an aerosol form to the respiratory system of the patient.
After delivery of medicament from the insert to the reservoir 11, the insert is 15 normally removed and a plug is inserted into the aperture 400 to seal the reservoir 11.
A ventilator 200 may be connected to the gas inlet 61 of the connector 6 by means of an interference fit between a ventilator tube and the gas inlet 61.
The 20 connector 6 tapers outwardly near the gas inlet 61 to define a male connection protrusion 300 (Fig. 12) for a secure connection of the ventilator tube to the connector 6. The ventilator 200 may be used to pump air, or oxygen, or any other desired gas mixture into the connector 6 through the gas inlet 61 where it is entrained with aerosol medicament.
A Y-shaped connector piece may be provided in the ventilator tubing circuitry to provide one flow path for inhalation and an alternative flow path for exhalation.
The Y-piece may be connected to the tubing circuitry either side of the apparatus 1.
The controller circuit 50 may be powered by an on-board power source, such as a rechargeable battery 201. Alternatively the controller circuit 50 may be connected to a remote power source by means of a power connection lead connected to the controller circuit 50 at power supply socket 53 (Fig 2). The lead may be for connection to a mains power source 202, or alternatively to the ventilator 200 which provides the power for the controller circuit 50.
The controller circuit 50 preferably includes an on/off switch 54 to selectively control the operation of the aerosol generator 3, and two light emitting diodes (LED's) 55, 56. One LED 55 indicates the aerosol generator 3 is in an active state generating aerosol of medicament, and the other LED 56 indicates that the aerosol generator 3 is in a rest state.
The switch 54 may alternatively be a reset switch.
Timing circuitry may further be provided as part of the controller circuit 50 to automatically switch between the active state of operation of the aerosol generator 3 and the rest state. The timing sequence may be programmable to activate generation of the aerosol a short period after commencement of an inhalation cycle, and to cease generation of the aerosol a short period after commencement of an exhalation cycle.
Referring now to Figs 18 to 20, there are illustrated some possible arrangements for using the apparatus 1, according to the invention, for delivering medicament to a respiratory system 203 of a patient.
In the arrangement of Fig 18, gas is pumped from the ventilator 200 into the gas inlet 61 of the connector 6(line G). The power source for the controller circuit 50 which controls operation of the apparatus 1 is provided by the ventilator (line P).
In the arrangement of Fig 19, gas is pumped from the ventilator 200 into the gas inlet 61 of the connector 6 (line G). The power source for the controller circuit 50 is provided by the battery 201 and/or the mains power source 202 (lines P).
In the arrangement of Fig 20, gas is drawn into the connector 6 through the gas inlet 61 directly from the atmosphere 204 (line G). The power source for the controller circuit 50 is provided by the battery 201 and/or the mains power source 202 and/or the ventilator 200 (lines P).
Fig. 21 (a) illustrates a rear side of the controller circuit 50. The controller circuit 50 defines a recess 260 in the rear side of the controller circuit 50. The housing of the controller circuit 50 defies two ledges 261, 262 which overhang partially over recess 260, as illustrated most clearly in Fig. 21(b).
Referring now to Fig 21(c), there is illustrated a mounting device 250. The mounting device 250 comprises means for attaching the device 250 to a support, such as an intravenous (IV) pole or a medi-rail, and hook means for supporting another medical device, in this case the controller circuit 50.
The attachment means is provided, in this case, by a releasable clamp 251. The attachment means may alternatively be provided by a clip, such as a belt-clip .
The hook means is configured to define a plurality of, in this case four, support surfaces 252 for supporting the medical device in an upright configuration.
The support surfaces 252 are provided by a lip 253 protruding from a main body 254 of the mounting device 250. The lip 253 is spaced from the main body 254 by two legs 255 (Fig 21(c)).
In this case, the mounting device 250 is used to support the controller circuit 50, as illustrated in Figs 22 and 23. The lip 253 of the mounting device 250 may be inserted into the wider end of the recess 260 in the rear side of the controller circuit 50 and then slid along the recess 260 until the lip 253 is partially enclosed behind the ledges 261,262. In this configuration, the controller circuit 50 is releasably supported by the mounting device 250 (Figs. 22 and 23).
The lip 253 comprises a plurality of support surfaces 252. This is advantageous, as it enables the controller circuit 50, or any other suitable medical device, to be supported in an upright orientation when the mounting device 250 is clamped to a horizontal support, such as a medi-rail (Fig 22), or when the mounting device 250 is clamped to a vertical support, such as an IV pole (Fig 23).
It will be appreciated that the support surfaces 252 may be arranged at angles other than 90 relative to one another.
Referring now to Figs 24 and 25 there is illustrated another mounting device which is similar to the mounting device 250 of Figs 21 to 23, and similar elements are assigned the same reference numerals in Figs 24 and 25.
In this case, the hook means may be moved relative to the attachment means to selectively disassociate the hook means from the attachment means, which is provided in this case by a sleeve 270. The sleeve 270 defines a groove 271 in which the main body 254 of the mounting device may be slidably received (Fig 24).
The sleeve 270 may be permanently or temporarily attached to a support, such as a medi-rail, or an IV pole, or a ventilator 200, as illustrated in Fig 25, by means of fixing pins inserted through apertures 272 in sleeve 270.
In one embodiment, the apparatus is provided as part of a ventilator circuit.
In this case the ventilator circuit comprises a nebulizing element, a fluid source coupled to the nebulizing element for delivering fluid to the nebulizing element, and a ventilator which delivers and withdraws air from a patient. A control system is operably coupled to the nebulizing element and the ventilator. The control system activates the nebulizing element shortly before initiation of an inhalation cycle, for example within a time period such as 20 milliseconds and deactivates the nebulizing element shortly after termination of the inhalation cycle, for example within a time period such as 20 milliseconds.
The apparatus will deliver medication in aerosol form to a patient in a wide variety of orientations of the apparatus. This is highly desirable as the apparatus may be directly attached to a patient breathing circuit and so reduce the length of tubing from the nebulizer to the mouth of the patient to less than 500mm, usually less than 300mm.
The power usage of the apparatus is relatively low, in this case approximately 5 1.5W, thus the associated heat generated during use is negligible. The apparatus may be placed as close to the patient as desired, even touching the patient for long periods of use without causing discomfort to the patient, or without burning the patient.
10 The coiled spring is mounted to the liquid supplier, the medication cup is therefore free of all moving parts. The medication cup may simply be replaced as a refill container when the liquid medication has been used.
The liquid supplier, is held within the aerosol generator housing . Therefore, 15 there are no loose parts which could be contaminated, broken or lost during refill of the medication cup, or replacement of the medication cup.
The aerosol generator produces an aerosol of medication within a controlled range of aerosol particle sizes. No degradation of the medication occurs as a 20 result of the aerosol generation process.
1. An apparatus (1) for use with a ventilator circuit to deliver a medicament to a patient, the apparatus (1) comprising:
a reservoir (11) adapted to hold a fluid medicament that is to be nebulized and delivered to a patient;
a nebulizer (3) for nebulizing the fluid medicament, the nebulizer (3) comprising a vibrating element (40) having a plurality of openings therein, the vibrating element (40) having a front side and a back side;
a vibrating element housing (2, 4) which houses both the vibrating element (40) and the reservoir (11);
a gas tubing section (6) having an inlet (61) for receiving at least one gas from a ventilator (200)and an outlet (62) for delivering the at least one gas and the nebulized fluid to the patient;
an aerosol supply tubing section (60) for delivering the nebulized fluid from the nebulizer (3) into the gas tubing section (6);
the aerosol supply tubing section (60) being coupled to the gas tubing section (6) between the inlet (61) and the outlet (62) to form a substantially "T"-shaped tubing arrangement; and wherein vibration of the vibrating element (40) is adapted to move fluid from the back side of the vibrating element (40) through the plurality of openings to produce the nebulized fluid which enters the aerosol supply tubing section (60) for delivery to the gas tubing section (6) for delivery to the patient.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tubing section (6, 60) forms an air path; and the reservoir (11) being separated from the air path by the vibrating element (40).
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a capillary feed system (5) that is adapted to provide fluid to the back side of the vibrating element (40).
4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a ring-shaped piezoelectric element (42) to vibrate the vibrating element (40).
5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the openings in the vibrating element (40) are sized to eject liquid droplets such that about 70% or more of the droplets by weight have a size in the range from about 1 to about 5 micrometers.
6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the nebulizer (3) comprises:
a fluid delivery system (5) that is adapted to supply fluid to the vibrating element (40); and the tubing section (6, 60) defines a delivery path to the patient, the delivery path being defined by a distance between the vibrating element (40) and the patient, the delivery path having a length of less than about 500mm.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the tubing section (6, 60) has a delivery path of less than about 300mm.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the delivery path is defined at one end by the front side of the vibrating element (40), and wherein the fluid delivery system (5) is adapted to deliver fluid to the back side of the vibrating element (40).
9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the vibrating element (40) is positioned at the aerosol supply tubing section (60).
10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the aerosol supply tubing section (60) forms an angle of from 600 to 800 with the gas tubing section (6).
11. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the delivery path through the tubing section (6, 60) is substantially free of baffles and flow disrupters.
12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the apparatus comprises:
a liquid supplier (5) adapted to deliver the liquid medicament from the reservoir (11) to the vibrating element (40).
13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the aerosol supply tubing section (60) subtends an angle less than 90° with the inlet side of the gas tubing section (6).
14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the aerosol supply tubing section (60) subtends an angle of less than 80° with the inlet side of the gas tubing section (6).
15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the aerosol supply tubing section (60) subtends an angle of about 75° with the inlet side of the gas tubing section (6).
16. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the aerosol supply tubing section (60) is mounted to the vibrating element housing (4).
17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the aerosol supply tubing section (60) is releasably mounted to the vibrating element housing (4).
18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein aerosol supply tubing section (60) is mounted to the vibrating element housing (4) by an interference fit between the vibrating element housing (4) and the aerosol supply tubing section (60).
19. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 18 wherein the vibrating element housing comprises:
a medication cup (2) that is adapted to receive a fluid medicament to be nebulized and delivered to the patient; and a vibrating element portion (4), in which the vibrating element (40) is held;
the vibrating element portion (4) being releasably coupled to the medication cup (2); and the liquid supplier (5) being adapted to deliver the fluid medicament from the cup (2) to the vibrating element (40).
20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the vibrating element (40) is displaced from the medication cup (2), and wherein the liquid supplier (5) is adapted to deliver the fluid medicament between the cup (2) and the vibrating element (40).
21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the liquid supplier (5) is releasably mounted to the vibrating element housing (4).
22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the liquid supplier (5) is releasably mounted to the vibrating element housing (4) by a snap-fit engagement.
23. Apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein the vibrating element housing (4) comprises at least one finger (32) for snap-fit engagement with a neck (26) of the liquid supplier (5).
24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the vibrating element housing (4) comprises a plurality of fingers (32) which are circumferentially spaced apart.
25. Apparatus as claimed in claim 23 or 24, wherein the vibrating element housing (4) comprises four fingers (32).
26. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the liquid supplier (5) defines an annular protruding neck (26).
27. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein the medication cup (2) is sealingly mounted to the vibrating element portion (4).
28. Apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein the vibrating element portion (4) comprises a skirt (34) extending to sealingly engage the medication cup (2).
29. Apparatus as claimed in claim 28, wherein the skirt (34) has an angled surface to sealingly engage a chamfered mouth (99) of the medication cup (2).
30. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 29, wherein the medication cup (2) is releasably mounted to the vibrating element portion (4) by a screw-thread engagement.
31. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 30, wherein the medication cup (2) defines a reservoir part (11) for the liquid medicament, and further comprising a medication delivery tube (10) extending from the reservoir part (11), the liquid supplier (5) being at least partially received within the delivery tube (10) for delivery of the liquid medicament to the vibrating element (40).
32. Apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the delivery tube (10) is provided by the medication cup (2).
33. Apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein the delivery tube (10) is integral with the medication cup (2).
34. Apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein the delivery tube (10) is attached to the medication cup (2).
35. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the delivery tube (10) has an inlet (13) that is adapted to receive the fluid medicament from the reservoir part (11).
36. Apparatus as claimed in claim 35, wherein the inlet (13) includes a number of inlet slots (13) which are circumferentially spaced-apart around the delivery tube (10).
37. Apparatus as claimed in claim 35 or 36, wherein a base (12) of the reservoir part (11) at least partially slopes downwards towards the delivery tube (10).
38. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein at least part of the liquid supplier (5) extends below the inlet (13).
39. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 38, wherein the reservoir part (11) includes a refill port (400).
40. Apparatus as claimed in claim 39, wherein the refill port (400) is provided in a base of the reservoir part (11).
41. Apparatus as claimed in claim 39 or 40, further comprising a plug to selectively seal the refill port (400).
42. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 41, wherein the reservoir part (11) comprises a central well from which the delivery tube (5) extends.
43. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 42, wherein the liquid supplier (5) comprises a resilient member (22) to reciprocate the liquid supplier (5) in the delivery tube (10).
44. Apparatus as claimed in claim 43, wherein the resilient member (22) is engagable with a free end of the delivery tube (10).
45. Apparatus as claimed in claim 43 or 44, wherein the resilient member (22) comprises a spring.
46. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 45, wherein the medication cup (2) comprises at least one depth indicator (14) to indicate the volume of liquid medicament in the reservoir part (11).
47. Apparatus as claimed in claim 46, wherein the depth indicator (14) comprises an internal marking on a wall of the medication cup (2).
48. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 47, wherein the medication cup (2) has a base that is adapted to hold the cup in an upright orientation when receiving the fluid medicament.
49. Apparatus as claimed in claim 48, wherein the base includes a support skirt (15) extending from the base of the medication cup (2).
50. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 49 wherein the vibrating element housing (4) includes a signal interface (38) that is configured to receive control signals to control the operation of the vibrating element (40).
51. Apparatus as claimed in claim 50, further comprising a controller (50) to control the operation of the vibrating element (40), the controller (50) being connectable to the signal interface (38).
52. Apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the controller (50) comprises control means having an on-board power source.
53. Apparatus as claimed in claim 52, wherein the power source is a battery.
54. Apparatus as claimed in claim 53, wherein the battery is rechargeable.
55. Apparatus as claimed in claim 51, wherein the controller (50) includes a power connector, the power connector being connectable to a remote power source.
56. Apparatus as claimed in claim 55, wherein the power connector comprises a ventilator power connection lead for connection to a ventilator power source.
57. Apparatus as claimed in claim 55, wherein the power connector comprises a mains power connection lead for connection to a mains power source.
58. Apparatus as claimed in claim 56 or 57, wherein the power connection lead is detachable from a socket in the control means
59. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 58, wherein the controller (50) comprises a timer to automatically switch the vibrating element (40) between an active state and a rest state.
60. Apparatus as claimed in claim 59, wherein the timer is selectively programmable.
61. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 60, wherein the controller (50) comprises a user interface to selectively control the operation of the vibrating element (40).
62. Apparatus as claimed in claim 61, wherein the user interface is remote from the vibrating element housing (4).
63. Apparatus as claimed in claim 61 or 62, wherein the user interface comprises an on/ off switch (54).
64. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 61 to 63, wherein the user interface means comprises a reset switch.
65. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 64, wherein the controller (50) comprises status indication means (55, 56) to indicate the operational state of the vibrating element (40).
66. Apparatus as claimed in claim 65, wherein the status indication means (55, 56) comprises at least one visual indicator.
67. Apparatus as claimed in claim 66, wherein the status indication means comprises two light emitting diodes (55, 56), one to indicate an active state of operation of the vibrating element (40), and the other to indicate a rest state of the vibrating element (40).
68. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 67, wherein the controller (50) comprises a housing having a support (260) to receive a mounting device (250).
69. Apparatus as claimed in claim 68, wherein the support comprises a recess (260) in the housing for receiving a mounting device (250).
70. Apparatus as claimed in claim 69, wherein the support comprises at least one ledge (261, 262) overhanging the recess (260) for engagement of a mounting device (250) in the recess (260).
71. Apparatus as claimed in claim 70, wherein the support comprises two ledges (261, 262) on opposite sides of the recess (260).
72. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 68 to 71, further comprising a mounting device (250) to support the controller (50).
73. Apparatus as claimed in claim 72, wherein the mounting device (250) comprises means (251) for attaching the mounting device (250) to a support; and hook means (252) for supporting the control housing, the hook means (252) being configured to define a plurality of support surfaces (252) for supporting the control housing in an upright configuration.
74. Apparatus as claimed in claim 73, wherein the support surfaces (252) each comprise a lip protruding from a main body (254) of the mounting device (250).
75. Apparatus as claimed in claim 74, wherein the lip (252) is engagable in the recess (260) in the housing to support the control means.
76. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 73 to 75, wherein the hook means defines four support surfaces (252).
77. Apparatus as claimed in claim 76, wherein each support surface (252) is substantially perpendicular to an adjacent support surface (252).
78. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 73 to 77, wherein the attachment means (251) is releasable.
79. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 73 to 78, wherein the attachment means comprises a clamp (251).
80. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 73 to 78, wherein the attachment means comprises a clip.
81. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 73 to 80, wherein the hook means (252) is movable relative to the attachment means (270) to selectively disassociate the hook means (252) from the attachment means (270).
82. Apparatus as claimed in claim 81, wherein the attachment means (270) defines a groove (271) in which the hook means (252) is slidable to selectively disassociate the hook means (252) from the attachment means (270).
83. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 82 wherein the medication cup (2) comprises:
a reservoir part (11) containing a liquid;
a connector operably coupled to the reservoir part (11), wherein the connector is adapted to be connected to a vibrating element (40); and a releasable seal (19)to maintain the medicament in the cup (2).
84. Apparatus as claimed in claim 83, wherein the releasable seal (19) comprises a sealing sheet releasably attached to the cup (2).
85. Apparatus as claimed in claim 84, wherein the sealing sheeting (19) includes a peel tab (19a).
86. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 83 to 85, wherein the releasable seal (19) includes a code.
87. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 86 wherein the liquid supplier (5) is mounted to the vibrating element housing (4).
88. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 87, wherein the outlet (62) of the gas tubing section (6) at least partially tapers outwardly.
89. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 88, wherein the gas tubing section comprises an outlet connector (110) that is adapted to connect the gas tubing section (6) to a respiratory system.
90. Apparatus as claimed in claim 89, wherein the outlet (62) of the gas tubing section (6) tapers outwardly in a step-wise manner to define a female connection recess (110) at the outlet (62).
91. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 90, wherein the gas tubing section (6) comprises an inlet connector (300) that is adapted to connect the gas tubing section (6) to a ventilator (200).
92. Apparatus as claimed in claim 91, wherein the gas tubing section (6) comprises a male protrusion (300), and the inlet connector is at least partially provided by the protrusion (300).
93. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 92, wherein the back side of the vibrating element (40) is adapted to receive the liquid medicament from the liquid supplier (5).
94. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 93, wherein the vibrating element (40) is dome shaped in geometry.
95. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 94, wherein the vibrating element (40) comprises a piezoelectric element.
96. A ventilator circuit comprising:
an apparatus (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11;
a respiratory conduit that is adapted to connect the outlet (62) of the gas tubing section (6) to a respiratory system;
a fluid delivery system (5) that is adapted to supply a fluid to the nebulizer (3), a ventilator (200) that is adapted to deliver and withdraw gases from a patient;
a ventilator conduit to connect the gas tubing section (6) to the ventilator (200); and a control system (50) operably coupled to the nebulizer (3) for controlling the nebulizer (3) and the ventilator (200)
97. A ventilator circuit as claimed in claim 96, wherein the control system (50) is configured to activate the nebulizer (3) within 20 milliseconds of initiation of an inhalation cycle and to deactivate the nebulizer (3) within milliseconds of termination of the inhalation cycle.
98. A ventilator circuit as claimed in claim 96 or 97, further comprising a source of fluid.
99. A ventilator circuit as claimed in claim 98, wherein the source of fluid provides fluid to the back side of the vibrating element (40)
100. A ventilator circuit as claimed in any one of claims 96 to 99, wherein the circuit includes a Y-shaped tubing section which separates into a first arm for inhalation and a second arm for exhalation, the vibrating element (40) being coupled to the gas tubing section (6) which is connected to the Y-shaped tubing section.
101. A ventilator circuit as claimed in any one of claims 96 to 100, wherein the respiratory conduit is mounted to the outlet (62) of the gas tubing section (6).
102. A ventilator circuit as claimed in claim 101, wherein the respiratory conduit is releasably mounted to outlet (62) of the gas tubing section (6).
103. A ventilator circuit as claimed in claim 101 or 102, wherein the respiratory conduit is mounted to the gas tubing section (6) by an interference fit between the respiratory conduit and the outlet (62) of the gas tubing section (6).
104. A ventilator circuit as claimed in any one of claims 96 to 103, wherein the respiratory conduit is selected from a group consisting of a mouthpiece, a face mask, and an intertracheal tube.
105. A ventilator circuit as claimed in any one of claims 96 to 104, wherein the ventilator conduit is mounted to the inlet (61) of the gas tubing section (6).
106. A ventilator circuit as claimed in claim 105, wherein the ventilator conduit is releasably mounted to the inlet (61) of the gas tubing section (6).
107. A ventilator circuit as claimed in claim 105 or 106, wherein the ventilator conduit is mounted to the inlet (61) by an interference fit between the ventilator conduit and the gas tubing section (6).
CA002409722A 2000-05-05 2001-05-04 Apparatus and methods for the delivery of medicaments to the respiratory system Active CA2409722C (en)
PCT/IE2001/000060 WO2001085244A1 (en) 2000-05-05 2001-05-04 Apparatus and methods for the delivery of medicaments to the respiratory system
CA2653847A CA2653847C (en) 2000-05-05 2001-05-04 Apparatus and methods for the delivery of medicaments to the respiratory system
CA2409722A1 CA2409722A1 (en) 2001-11-15
CA2409722C true CA2409722C (en) 2009-03-03
CA2653847A Active CA2653847C (en) 2000-05-05 2001-05-04 Apparatus and methods for the delivery of medicaments to the respiratory system
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