Device for aerosolizing narcotics
US6098620A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 27, 1995 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 27, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/8206
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Devices, packaging and methodology for efficiently and repeatably creating aerosolized bursts of an analgesic (e.g., narcotic) containing formulation are disclosed. Devices are hand-held, self-contained units which are automatically actuated at the same release point in a patient's inspiratory flow cycle. The release point is automatically determined either mechanically or, more preferably calculated by a microprocessor which receives data from a sensor making it possible to determine inspiratory flow rate and inspiratory volume. The device is loaded with a cassette comprised of an outer housing which holds a package of individual disposable collapsible containers of an analgesic containing formulation for systemic delivery. Actuation of the device forces analgesic formulation through a porous membrane of the container which membrane has pores having a diameter in the range of about 0.25 to 3.0 microns, preferably 0.25 to 1.5 microns. The porous membrane is positioned in alignment with a surface of a channel through which a patient inhales air. The flow profile of air moving through the channel is such that the flow at the surface of the channel is less than the flow rate at the ce…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.