CA2424731A1 - Inhalation therapy assembly and method - Google Patents
Inhalation therapy assembly and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2424731A1 CA2424731A1 CA002424731A CA2424731A CA2424731A1 CA 2424731 A1 CA2424731 A1 CA 2424731A1 CA 002424731 A CA002424731 A CA 002424731A CA 2424731 A CA2424731 A CA 2424731A CA 2424731 A1 CA2424731 A1 CA 2424731A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- reservoir
- patient
- medicants
- mdi
- delivery tube
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M15/00—Inhalators
- A61M15/0086—Inhalation chambers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M15/00—Inhalators
- A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
- A61M15/0013—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof with inhalation check valves
- A61M15/0015—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof with inhalation check valves located upstream of the dispenser, i.e. not traversed by the product
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M15/00—Inhalators
- A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
- A61M15/0013—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof with inhalation check valves
- A61M15/0016—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof with inhalation check valves located downstream of the dispenser, i.e. traversed by the product
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/08—Bellows; Connecting tubes ; Water traps; Patient circuits
- A61M16/0816—Joints or connectors
- A61M16/0833—T- or Y-type connectors, e.g. Y-piece
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/20—Valves specially adapted to medical respiratory devices
- A61M16/208—Non-controlled one-way valves, e.g. exhalation, check, pop-off non-rebreathing valves
- A61M16/209—Relief valves
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M15/00—Inhalators
- A61M15/009—Inhalators using medicine packages with incorporated spraying means, e.g. aerosol cans
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/06—Respiratory or anaesthetic masks
Abstract
The inhalation therapy assembly and method of use described herein increases the efficiency of metered dose inhalers by allowing delivery of the doses to a collapsible reservoir which can be manually pumped, ensuring that medicants contained therein are properly and completely delivered to the patient. Terminal and proximal valves of the one-way diaphragm type allow flow of the aerosol medicants while preventing improper expulsion. An exhalation valve is adjustable to ensure the patient exhales suitably to permit proper medicant absorption. A conventional metered dosage inhaler having an approved FDA canister provides proper dosage to the patient and is joined to the collapsible reservoir by a connector having a plurality of apertures for receiving the MDI
and an accessory T-fitting.
and an accessory T-fitting.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention herein pertains to inhalation therapy and particularly pertains to an assennbly and method which utilizes a manual pumping action to ensure complete medication dosage delivery to the patient.
DESCRIPTIpN pF THE PRIOR ART Ai'VD OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
Medications for bronchitis and other common respiratory ailments are conventionally sold in metered dose inhalers (MDl) which have pressurized canisters to release a prescribed dosage quantity of medicants upon each manual activation. Many patients frequently use MDIs for easy, portable, self medication. Other patients with more serious health conditions utilize various types of inhalation therapy devices such as set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,020,530 and 5,479,920. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,467 provides a MDl in coznbizzatioza with a manual breathing unit. Other common types of mechanical respiratory devices include electrical powered ventilators, oxygen tazzlcs and the Iike.
It is commonplace to utilize a collapsible reservoir with an MDI canister for discharge therein. Such devices arc often used in ventilator breathing circuits. It is also usual to provide a rigid, transparent, cylindrical reservoir with a MDI canister for containment of the medicants before such enters the patient's lungs.
Conventional methods of delivering respiratory medicants often work very well under normal circumstances with a cooperative patient. However, young children are often frightened by inhalation apparatus which are attached to their face and as a result bold their breath, preventing intake of the medicants. Sometimes cldcrly patients become obstinate and will not cooperate with medical personnel or some, far physical reasons have difficulty in breathing properly. Breathing too fast can also cause problems in that the medicants are taken into the lungs and are exhaled too quickly, before being absorbed. Under those conditions the mcdicants arc not absorbed and the patient does not ultimately benefit from the prerscribed dosage. Other patients also lack adequate muscle tone for deep breaths due to advanced disease status or heavy sedation.
Thus, with the problems and dii~cultaes afprior art inhalation therapy devices, the present invention was conceived and one of its objectives is to provide an inhalation therapy assembly and method which will conveniently and easily allow the patient to receive the proper prescribed medicant dosage.
It is also an objective of the prcsertt invention to provide an inhalation assezxably which can be used with either a facial mavk or an endotrachael tube.
It is yet a further objecti.an of the present invention to provide an inhalation therapy asseAnbly which includes a collapsible reservoir which can be used to manually pump rnedicants to the patient.
It is still another objective of the present invention to provide an inhalation therapy assembly which utilizes a standard peep valve which is adjustable to provide the needed resistance for a particular patiexit.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an alternative inhalation therapy assembly and method utilizing a conventional MDI rvhich can be connected to an ~ 0 inhalation therapy assembly hxving a collapsible reservoir to ensure FDA
approved dosage amounts.
Various other objectives and advantages of the present inveation will become apparent to those skilled in the art as a more detailed description is sef forth below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aforesaid and other objectives arc realized by providing an inhalation assembly which includes a MDl canister housing which is affixed to a conventional coil spring supported, transparent, flexible reservoir for receiving medicants therefrom.
In an alternate embodiment a commercially available MDI and cannister is utilized.
As the medicants are released from the pressurized aerosol canister, such medicants flow into the expanded reservoir and a terminal diaphragm valve in communication therewith closes due to the pressure associated therewith. As the patient breathes in, a proximal one-way valve on the reservoir opens to allow the medicants to flow from the reservoir to 5 the lungs of the patient through a means connected to a delivery tube, either an endotracheal tube or a conventional facial mask. An adjustable exhalation valve prevents the patient from over breathing, i.e., expiring the medicants too quickly.
Should there be a problem with the patient's breathing, through either lack of cooperation, fear or voluntary physical restraints, the assisting medical personnel can simply "pump" the assembly manually by urging the reservoir to a collapsed position, thereby driving the medicants from the reservoir through the proximal one-way valve into the delivery tube which is attached to for example, a facial mask. The reservoir, which is spring loaded will then recover and the pumping action is repeated until all the medicants are introduced into the patient's lungs, thereby ensuring the patient of receiving the full dosage prescribed, without significant residual amounts remaining in the reservoir.
In an alternate embodiment, a typical metered dose inhaler and pressurized canister is employed to insure FDA approved doses are delivered. An MDI canister is thereby releasably joined to the terminal end of a cylindrical reservoir by a connector which includes an aperture for the outlet of the MDI and for an accessory T-fitting for supplying supplemental oxygen, if needed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. T shows a top view of the preferred form of the invention with the reservoir in an extended state;
FIG. 2 illustrates the invention as shown in FIG. t but with the reservoir in a collapsed posture;
l 0 FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged partial side view of the reservoir and MDI
canister housing?
FI~x. ~l pictures the apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 in place on a male patient;
FIG. 5 shows an alternate inhalation therapy assembly for use with a conventional MDI;
IS
FIG. 6 depicts a view of the fra~ented assembly as seen in FIG. S in enlarged fashion;
FIG. 7 illustrates an end view of the MDI connector as seen in F1C~. 6 along lines 7-7; and 20 FIG. 8 demonstrates the inhalation therapy assembly as seen in F1C'.x. G
but with the MDI
and accessory T-fitting attached.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TIdE i'ItEFERRED EI~iBODII~IENT AND
OPERATION OF THE INVENTION
For a better understanding of the invention and its operation, turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates preferred inhalation therapy assembly 10 having an aerosol metered dose inhaler (MDT) canister 11 positioned in receptacle 15 ofMDI
housing 12 for delivering medicants 22 through housing channel l3 (FIG- 3) into collapsible reservoir 14. Standard terminal one-way diaphragzzz valve 1 b is in Iluid corr~zxaunicatxon with collapsible reservoir 14 to prevent fluids contained within reservoir 14 from escaping and to allow entry of air into reservoir 14 as it is expanded. At the other end of reservoir 14, proximal one-way diaphragm valve I 9 is connected to T-shaped delivery tube 17 as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. T-shaped delivery tube 17 provides a passageway for directing medicants 22 to patient 20 (FIG. 4) through a means to connect to a patient, preferably mask 1$. As aerosol medicants 22 are often not directly or efficiently delivered to patient 20, collapsible reservoir 14 can be manually collapsed and extended (pumped) in order to ensure substantial delivery of mcdicants 22 to patient 20. This is of particular importance for very young patients that might hold their breath or older patients that are uncooperative or lack sufficient muscle tone for a full spontaneous inhalation. Collapsible reservoir 14 is conventional and includes an outer, thin, transparent, polymeric wall 23 which is internally supported by metal coil spring 24 as seen in FIG. 3.
After patient 20 inhales medicants 22 from reservoir 14, exhaled gases are then forced through T-shaped delivery tube 17 and encounter exhalation or peep valve 21 as shown in FIG. 2 which provides resistance to the exhaled gases, as proximal valve 19 is closed.
This created resistance increases the time medicants 22 remain in the lungs of patient 20 and assists in the absorption thereof.
The preferred method of use of inhalation assembly 10 comprises attaching mask 18 to patient 20 via straps 25 or the like which may have a means to connect thereon such as hook and loop fasteners, a buckle, snaps or the like (not seen). Next, MDI
canister 11 is positioned in receptacle 15 of housing 12 with reservoir 14 fully expanded as shown in FIG. 1. By depressing aerosol MDI canister 11 within receptacle 15 the MDI
canister valve (not shown) opens, and medicants 22 contained therein which may be for the treatment of bronchitis or other ailments passes through channel 13 into collapsible reservoir 14. Normal breathing by patient 20 draws medicants 22 from reservoir through mask 18 and on into the lungs of patient 20 as intended. After inhaling, patient then exhales and one-way proximal diaphragm valve 19 as shown in FIGS. l and 2 prevents exhaled gases from entering reservoir 14. Rather, such gases are passed through 20 standard exhalation valve 21 which has been adjusted for suitable resistance, depending on the specific requirements of patient 20. For example, if the patient is breathing noz~ahy, then valve '? 1 would be positioned at a relative low rating (such as at 5 cm of water pressure). This setting would also be used when assembly 10 is used with an endotracheal tube- For a greater resistance, that is, to prevent the patient from exhaling too quickly and the medicant 22 being only partially absorbed due to the short time period in the lungs, exhalation valve 21 is adjusted fox a Beater resistance, up to for example, 20 cm of water pressure. This high resistance slows the exhalation of the patient, thereby allowi..ng the medieants to be more fully absorbed.
In the event a patient is uncooperative, or has trouble breathing once medicants 22 have been released into reservoir 14, a nurse or other medical personnel can manually "pump"
reservoir 14 by grasping canister housing 12 and urging reservoir 14 into a collapsed posture as shown in FIG. 2. Terminal valve 1 G which has been closed by the pressure created in reservoir 14 by the release of mcdicants 22 from pressurized aerosol MI7I
canister 11, remains closed as reservoir 14 is collapsed. Once collapsed, reservoir 14 can I 5 be rapidly expanded by manually urging it outwardly, which allows terminal valve 16 to open and permits air to flow therethrough into z~esezwoir I4. As would be understood, proximal one-way valve 19 likewise opens as air is forced therethrough by collapsing reservoir 14 and allows medicants 22 to pass into T-shaped delivery tube 17 and on to patient 20. Additional collapsing and expansion of reservoir I4 can be carried out as required and., if additional doses of medicants 22 are needed, MI7I canister 11 is manually pressed downwardly to release mcdicants 22 therefrom into reservoir 14 as hereinbefore explained.
Thus, inhalation assembly 10 provides an easy method for ensuring both medicant delivery and absorption by patient 20. Also, the device is conveniently used with patients 5 requiring an endotrachcal tube (not seen) which is attached to T-shaped delivery tube 17 in place of mask 18.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 5-8, alternate inhalation therapy assembly 30 is shown in FIG. 5 having a separately furnished standard aerosol 10 metered dose inhaler (MDI) 31 with canister 32 therein. Metered dose inhaler 31 is prcxluced by a number of pharmaceutical companies and is manually operated by depressing canister 32 to deliver a specific, FDA approved dosage of medicants through.
nozale 37 (FIG. 6}. Connector 33 formed from plastic with a somewhat resilient or flexible, circular adapter 35 surrounding opening 38 is affixed to collapsible reservoir 35 which performs in the same manner as previously described regarding collapsible reservoir 14 of the preferred embodiment. Connector 33 as shown in FIG. 7 includes aperture 38 for receiving nozzle 37 of MDI 31 as showrx furl hIG. b and also iz~zcludes inlet 39 with one-way valve 41 (FIG. 8) which can be used for receiving accessory T-fitting 40 (shown in FIGS. 6 and 8). T-fitting 40 may be used for an auxiliary oxygen supply hpok-up. Flap valve 41 closes as reservoir 35 is collapsed. Thus, flap valve 41 is normally closed and helps prevent the escape of medicants froxu reservoir 35. When using alternate:
inhalation therapy assembly 30, the user receives the prescribed dosage of rnedieants from canister 32 as approved with MUI 3 ! . A consumer can purchase a standard MDI
and canister and use it with inhalation therapy assembly 30 for improved accuracy in dosage and for convenience purposes. Connector 33 may have other possibly uses, such as with a military gas mask for cmcrgency medicine delivery in conjunction with an approved MDI and canister.
The illustrations and examples provided herein arc for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
The invention herein pertains to inhalation therapy and particularly pertains to an assennbly and method which utilizes a manual pumping action to ensure complete medication dosage delivery to the patient.
DESCRIPTIpN pF THE PRIOR ART Ai'VD OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
Medications for bronchitis and other common respiratory ailments are conventionally sold in metered dose inhalers (MDl) which have pressurized canisters to release a prescribed dosage quantity of medicants upon each manual activation. Many patients frequently use MDIs for easy, portable, self medication. Other patients with more serious health conditions utilize various types of inhalation therapy devices such as set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,020,530 and 5,479,920. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,467 provides a MDl in coznbizzatioza with a manual breathing unit. Other common types of mechanical respiratory devices include electrical powered ventilators, oxygen tazzlcs and the Iike.
It is commonplace to utilize a collapsible reservoir with an MDI canister for discharge therein. Such devices arc often used in ventilator breathing circuits. It is also usual to provide a rigid, transparent, cylindrical reservoir with a MDI canister for containment of the medicants before such enters the patient's lungs.
Conventional methods of delivering respiratory medicants often work very well under normal circumstances with a cooperative patient. However, young children are often frightened by inhalation apparatus which are attached to their face and as a result bold their breath, preventing intake of the medicants. Sometimes cldcrly patients become obstinate and will not cooperate with medical personnel or some, far physical reasons have difficulty in breathing properly. Breathing too fast can also cause problems in that the medicants are taken into the lungs and are exhaled too quickly, before being absorbed. Under those conditions the mcdicants arc not absorbed and the patient does not ultimately benefit from the prerscribed dosage. Other patients also lack adequate muscle tone for deep breaths due to advanced disease status or heavy sedation.
Thus, with the problems and dii~cultaes afprior art inhalation therapy devices, the present invention was conceived and one of its objectives is to provide an inhalation therapy assembly and method which will conveniently and easily allow the patient to receive the proper prescribed medicant dosage.
It is also an objective of the prcsertt invention to provide an inhalation assezxably which can be used with either a facial mavk or an endotrachael tube.
It is yet a further objecti.an of the present invention to provide an inhalation therapy asseAnbly which includes a collapsible reservoir which can be used to manually pump rnedicants to the patient.
It is still another objective of the present invention to provide an inhalation therapy assembly which utilizes a standard peep valve which is adjustable to provide the needed resistance for a particular patiexit.
It is a further objective of the present invention to provide an alternative inhalation therapy assembly and method utilizing a conventional MDI rvhich can be connected to an ~ 0 inhalation therapy assembly hxving a collapsible reservoir to ensure FDA
approved dosage amounts.
Various other objectives and advantages of the present inveation will become apparent to those skilled in the art as a more detailed description is sef forth below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aforesaid and other objectives arc realized by providing an inhalation assembly which includes a MDl canister housing which is affixed to a conventional coil spring supported, transparent, flexible reservoir for receiving medicants therefrom.
In an alternate embodiment a commercially available MDI and cannister is utilized.
As the medicants are released from the pressurized aerosol canister, such medicants flow into the expanded reservoir and a terminal diaphragm valve in communication therewith closes due to the pressure associated therewith. As the patient breathes in, a proximal one-way valve on the reservoir opens to allow the medicants to flow from the reservoir to 5 the lungs of the patient through a means connected to a delivery tube, either an endotracheal tube or a conventional facial mask. An adjustable exhalation valve prevents the patient from over breathing, i.e., expiring the medicants too quickly.
Should there be a problem with the patient's breathing, through either lack of cooperation, fear or voluntary physical restraints, the assisting medical personnel can simply "pump" the assembly manually by urging the reservoir to a collapsed position, thereby driving the medicants from the reservoir through the proximal one-way valve into the delivery tube which is attached to for example, a facial mask. The reservoir, which is spring loaded will then recover and the pumping action is repeated until all the medicants are introduced into the patient's lungs, thereby ensuring the patient of receiving the full dosage prescribed, without significant residual amounts remaining in the reservoir.
In an alternate embodiment, a typical metered dose inhaler and pressurized canister is employed to insure FDA approved doses are delivered. An MDI canister is thereby releasably joined to the terminal end of a cylindrical reservoir by a connector which includes an aperture for the outlet of the MDI and for an accessory T-fitting for supplying supplemental oxygen, if needed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. T shows a top view of the preferred form of the invention with the reservoir in an extended state;
FIG. 2 illustrates the invention as shown in FIG. t but with the reservoir in a collapsed posture;
l 0 FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged partial side view of the reservoir and MDI
canister housing?
FI~x. ~l pictures the apparatus as shown in FIG. 1 in place on a male patient;
FIG. 5 shows an alternate inhalation therapy assembly for use with a conventional MDI;
IS
FIG. 6 depicts a view of the fra~ented assembly as seen in FIG. S in enlarged fashion;
FIG. 7 illustrates an end view of the MDI connector as seen in F1C~. 6 along lines 7-7; and 20 FIG. 8 demonstrates the inhalation therapy assembly as seen in F1C'.x. G
but with the MDI
and accessory T-fitting attached.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TIdE i'ItEFERRED EI~iBODII~IENT AND
OPERATION OF THE INVENTION
For a better understanding of the invention and its operation, turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates preferred inhalation therapy assembly 10 having an aerosol metered dose inhaler (MDT) canister 11 positioned in receptacle 15 ofMDI
housing 12 for delivering medicants 22 through housing channel l3 (FIG- 3) into collapsible reservoir 14. Standard terminal one-way diaphragzzz valve 1 b is in Iluid corr~zxaunicatxon with collapsible reservoir 14 to prevent fluids contained within reservoir 14 from escaping and to allow entry of air into reservoir 14 as it is expanded. At the other end of reservoir 14, proximal one-way diaphragm valve I 9 is connected to T-shaped delivery tube 17 as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. T-shaped delivery tube 17 provides a passageway for directing medicants 22 to patient 20 (FIG. 4) through a means to connect to a patient, preferably mask 1$. As aerosol medicants 22 are often not directly or efficiently delivered to patient 20, collapsible reservoir 14 can be manually collapsed and extended (pumped) in order to ensure substantial delivery of mcdicants 22 to patient 20. This is of particular importance for very young patients that might hold their breath or older patients that are uncooperative or lack sufficient muscle tone for a full spontaneous inhalation. Collapsible reservoir 14 is conventional and includes an outer, thin, transparent, polymeric wall 23 which is internally supported by metal coil spring 24 as seen in FIG. 3.
After patient 20 inhales medicants 22 from reservoir 14, exhaled gases are then forced through T-shaped delivery tube 17 and encounter exhalation or peep valve 21 as shown in FIG. 2 which provides resistance to the exhaled gases, as proximal valve 19 is closed.
This created resistance increases the time medicants 22 remain in the lungs of patient 20 and assists in the absorption thereof.
The preferred method of use of inhalation assembly 10 comprises attaching mask 18 to patient 20 via straps 25 or the like which may have a means to connect thereon such as hook and loop fasteners, a buckle, snaps or the like (not seen). Next, MDI
canister 11 is positioned in receptacle 15 of housing 12 with reservoir 14 fully expanded as shown in FIG. 1. By depressing aerosol MDI canister 11 within receptacle 15 the MDI
canister valve (not shown) opens, and medicants 22 contained therein which may be for the treatment of bronchitis or other ailments passes through channel 13 into collapsible reservoir 14. Normal breathing by patient 20 draws medicants 22 from reservoir through mask 18 and on into the lungs of patient 20 as intended. After inhaling, patient then exhales and one-way proximal diaphragm valve 19 as shown in FIGS. l and 2 prevents exhaled gases from entering reservoir 14. Rather, such gases are passed through 20 standard exhalation valve 21 which has been adjusted for suitable resistance, depending on the specific requirements of patient 20. For example, if the patient is breathing noz~ahy, then valve '? 1 would be positioned at a relative low rating (such as at 5 cm of water pressure). This setting would also be used when assembly 10 is used with an endotracheal tube- For a greater resistance, that is, to prevent the patient from exhaling too quickly and the medicant 22 being only partially absorbed due to the short time period in the lungs, exhalation valve 21 is adjusted fox a Beater resistance, up to for example, 20 cm of water pressure. This high resistance slows the exhalation of the patient, thereby allowi..ng the medieants to be more fully absorbed.
In the event a patient is uncooperative, or has trouble breathing once medicants 22 have been released into reservoir 14, a nurse or other medical personnel can manually "pump"
reservoir 14 by grasping canister housing 12 and urging reservoir 14 into a collapsed posture as shown in FIG. 2. Terminal valve 1 G which has been closed by the pressure created in reservoir 14 by the release of mcdicants 22 from pressurized aerosol MI7I
canister 11, remains closed as reservoir 14 is collapsed. Once collapsed, reservoir 14 can I 5 be rapidly expanded by manually urging it outwardly, which allows terminal valve 16 to open and permits air to flow therethrough into z~esezwoir I4. As would be understood, proximal one-way valve 19 likewise opens as air is forced therethrough by collapsing reservoir 14 and allows medicants 22 to pass into T-shaped delivery tube 17 and on to patient 20. Additional collapsing and expansion of reservoir I4 can be carried out as required and., if additional doses of medicants 22 are needed, MI7I canister 11 is manually pressed downwardly to release mcdicants 22 therefrom into reservoir 14 as hereinbefore explained.
Thus, inhalation assembly 10 provides an easy method for ensuring both medicant delivery and absorption by patient 20. Also, the device is conveniently used with patients 5 requiring an endotrachcal tube (not seen) which is attached to T-shaped delivery tube 17 in place of mask 18.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 5-8, alternate inhalation therapy assembly 30 is shown in FIG. 5 having a separately furnished standard aerosol 10 metered dose inhaler (MDI) 31 with canister 32 therein. Metered dose inhaler 31 is prcxluced by a number of pharmaceutical companies and is manually operated by depressing canister 32 to deliver a specific, FDA approved dosage of medicants through.
nozale 37 (FIG. 6}. Connector 33 formed from plastic with a somewhat resilient or flexible, circular adapter 35 surrounding opening 38 is affixed to collapsible reservoir 35 which performs in the same manner as previously described regarding collapsible reservoir 14 of the preferred embodiment. Connector 33 as shown in FIG. 7 includes aperture 38 for receiving nozzle 37 of MDI 31 as showrx furl hIG. b and also iz~zcludes inlet 39 with one-way valve 41 (FIG. 8) which can be used for receiving accessory T-fitting 40 (shown in FIGS. 6 and 8). T-fitting 40 may be used for an auxiliary oxygen supply hpok-up. Flap valve 41 closes as reservoir 35 is collapsed. Thus, flap valve 41 is normally closed and helps prevent the escape of medicants froxu reservoir 35. When using alternate:
inhalation therapy assembly 30, the user receives the prescribed dosage of rnedieants from canister 32 as approved with MUI 3 ! . A consumer can purchase a standard MDI
and canister and use it with inhalation therapy assembly 30 for improved accuracy in dosage and for convenience purposes. Connector 33 may have other possibly uses, such as with a military gas mask for cmcrgency medicine delivery in conjunction with an approved MDI and canister.
The illustrations and examples provided herein arc for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (14)
1. An inhalation assembly comprising: a collapsible reservoir, an MDI
connector, said MDI connector joined to said collapsible reservoir, a delivery tube, said delivery tube joined to said reservoir whereby medicants can pass through said MDI
connector into said reservoir for continued passage through said delivery tube to the patient.
connector, said MDI connector joined to said collapsible reservoir, a delivery tube, said delivery tube joined to said reservoir whereby medicants can pass through said MDI
connector into said reservoir for continued passage through said delivery tube to the patient.
2. The inhalation assembly of claim 1 wherein said MDI connector defines an MDI
aperture.
aperture.
3. The inhalation assembly of claim 1 wherein said MDI connector defines an accessory connector aperture.
4. The inhalation assembly of claim 1 wherein said reservoir comprises a spring supported flexible wall.
5. The inhalation assembly of claim 4 wherein said wall is transparent.
6. An inhalation assembly for delivering medicants from an MDI to a patient comprising: an MDI connector, a collapsible reservoir, said MDI connector attached to said collapsible reservoir, a terminal one-way valve, said terminal one-way valve in communication with said collapsible reservoir, a delivery tube, a proximal one-way valve, said delivery tube connected to said collapsible reservoir through said proximal one-way valve, means to connect a patient, said connecting means attached to said delivery tube, and an exhalation valve, said exhalation valve connected to said delivery tube.
7. The inhalation assembly of claim 6 wherein delivery tube is T-shaped and said exhalation valve in axial alignment along said delivery tube with said collapsible reservoir.
8. The inhalation assembly of claim 7 wherein said reservoir further comprises a coil spring supported flexible wall.
9. The inhalation assembly of claim 8 wherein said wall is transparent.
10. A method of delivering medicants to a patient through an inhalation assembly having a collapsible reservoir attached to a MDT comprising the steps of a) attaching the assembly to the patient; b) releasing medicants from the MDI into said reservoir; and c) collapsing the reservoir to pump the medicants to the patient.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein attaching the assembly to the patient comprises the step of attaching a mask to the face of the patient.
12. The method of claim 10 wherein releasing the medicants comprises the step of manually releasing pressurised medicants from said MDI.
13. The method of claim 10 wherein directing the medicants into the reservoir comprises the step of directing the medicants under pressure to the reservoir.
14. The method of claim 10 wherein collapsing the reservoir further comprises the step of allowing the reservoir to expand and thereafter collapsing the reservoir again.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/730,997 US6494202B2 (en) | 2000-12-07 | 2000-12-07 | Inhalation therapy assembly and method |
| US09/917,323 US6584969B2 (en) | 2000-12-07 | 2001-07-30 | Inhalation therapy assembly and method |
| CA002424731A CA2424731A1 (en) | 2000-12-07 | 2003-04-07 | Inhalation therapy assembly and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/730,997 US6494202B2 (en) | 2000-12-07 | 2000-12-07 | Inhalation therapy assembly and method |
| US09/917,323 US6584969B2 (en) | 2000-12-07 | 2001-07-30 | Inhalation therapy assembly and method |
| CA002424731A CA2424731A1 (en) | 2000-12-07 | 2003-04-07 | Inhalation therapy assembly and method |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2424731A1 true CA2424731A1 (en) | 2004-10-07 |
Family
ID=33568082
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002424731A Abandoned CA2424731A1 (en) | 2000-12-07 | 2003-04-07 | Inhalation therapy assembly and method |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6584969B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2424731A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
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| WO2006114699A3 (en) * | 2005-04-28 | 2006-12-28 | Trudell Medical Int | Ventilator circuit and method for the use thereof |
| US7849853B2 (en) | 2003-02-11 | 2010-12-14 | Trudell Medical International | Ventilator circuit and the method for the use thereof |
| US8151794B2 (en) | 2007-04-24 | 2012-04-10 | Trudell Medical International | Aerosol delivery system |
| US9242057B2 (en) | 2008-10-22 | 2016-01-26 | Trudell Medical International | Modular aerosol delivery system |
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| US6644309B2 (en) * | 2001-01-12 | 2003-11-11 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Medicament respiratory delivery device and method |
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| US7819115B2 (en) * | 2004-01-30 | 2010-10-26 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Inhalers and methods of controlling airflow in inhalers |
| US7958888B2 (en) * | 2005-03-21 | 2011-06-14 | Wagner Iii Fred A | Circulation apparatus and method for use of same |
| US7861713B2 (en) * | 2006-06-08 | 2011-01-04 | Sunil Kumar Dhuper | Adapter for use in an aerosol delivery system |
| JP5307715B2 (en) | 2006-08-21 | 2013-10-02 | トルーデル メディカル インターナショナル | Respiratory muscle endurance training equipment |
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| CN109310834B (en) * | 2016-04-18 | 2021-07-06 | 励志私人有限公司 | Spacer for an inhaler |
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| CN110831647B (en) * | 2017-04-18 | 2022-02-01 | 励志私人有限公司 | Spacer for atomizer |
| CA3060820A1 (en) * | 2017-04-18 | 2018-10-25 | Inspiring Pty Ltd | Dry powder inhaler and spacer device for a dry powder inhaler |
| FR3091654B1 (en) * | 2019-01-14 | 2023-05-12 | Stiplastics | INHALATION CHAMBER |
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| US3874379A (en) * | 1973-08-15 | 1975-04-01 | Becton Dickinson Co | Manifold nebulizer system |
| US5020530A (en) | 1990-05-07 | 1991-06-04 | Miller Warren C | Inhalation therapy device |
| NZ250105A (en) * | 1992-11-09 | 1996-07-26 | Monaghan Canadian Ltd | Inhalator mask; one-way valve opens upon exhalation |
| DK0706352T3 (en) * | 1993-06-29 | 2002-07-15 | Ponwell Entpr Ltd | Dispenser |
| US5479920A (en) | 1994-03-01 | 1996-01-02 | Vortran Medical Technology, Inc. | Breath actuated medicinal aerosol delivery apparatus |
| US5842467A (en) | 1996-06-19 | 1998-12-01 | Greco; Michael | Metered dose inhaler and ambulatory manual breathing unit combination |
| US5853002A (en) | 1997-03-14 | 1998-12-29 | Kawasaki; Mary Kelly | Pediatric nebulizer enhancer |
-
2001
- 2001-07-30 US US09/917,323 patent/US6584969B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2003
- 2003-04-07 CA CA002424731A patent/CA2424731A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| US7849853B2 (en) | 2003-02-11 | 2010-12-14 | Trudell Medical International | Ventilator circuit and the method for the use thereof |
| WO2006114699A3 (en) * | 2005-04-28 | 2006-12-28 | Trudell Medical Int | Ventilator circuit and method for the use thereof |
| US8028697B2 (en) | 2005-04-28 | 2011-10-04 | Trudell Medical International | Ventilator circuit and method for the use thereof |
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| US9242057B2 (en) | 2008-10-22 | 2016-01-26 | Trudell Medical International | Modular aerosol delivery system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20020069870A1 (en) | 2002-06-13 |
| US6584969B2 (en) | 2003-07-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |