Aerosol delivery apparatus and method for pressure-assisted breathing systems
US7267121B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/7518
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A pressure-assisted breathing system is provided that comprises: a pressure-generating circuit for maintaining a positive pressure within the system; a patient interface device coupled to a patient's respiratory system; a respiratory circuit for providing gas communication between the pressure-generating circuit and the patient interface device; means for introducing aerosol particles into the gas flow in the respiratory circuit; and means for discontinuing the introduction of aerosol particles into said respiratory circuit gas flow when the patient exhales. In one embodiment, a flow sensor is disposed in an auxiliary circuit in fluid communication with the respiratory circuit and electronically coupled with a nebulizer. The flow sensor is adapted to detect changes in the volumetric flow rate of gas in the auxiliary circuit when the patient exhales and stops exhaling and sends corresponding electronic signals to the nebulizer to turn off and turn on, respectively.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.