Vapor retention assembly

US6116235A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp. · US

Inventors

• Mark A. Walters · San Diego, US
• Ernest G. Schutt · San Diego, US
• John K. Hoffman · Fall City, US
• Mark Wyzgala · Bellevue, US
• W. Dean Kirkland · Walnut Creek, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 27, 1997
• Grant date: Sep 12, 2000
• Expiry date: Jun 27, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S128/913
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for the conservation of respiratory promoters following their pulmonary introduction are disclosed. In preferred embodiments the present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing the loss of respiratory promoter, and particularly fluorochemcials, during medical procedures such as liquid ventilation. The disclosed methods comprise the use of vapor retention assemblies, which may be conventional heat and moisture exchangers, to passively retain the respiratory promoter and return it to the lungs in subsequent breaths. Novel vapor retention assemblies comprising fluorophilic exchange elements are also disclosed.