Abstract:
A drug delivery device for delivering to a patient a drug composition from a container which contains the drug composition where the container is adapted to be placed in a dispensing mode thereof on application of an actuating condition thereto is disclosed. The device includes a dispensing unit adapted to receive the container, the dispensing unit having an actuating mechanism operable to apply the actuating condition to the container and an outlet through which the drug composition is dispensable from the device, and a removable casing unit for the dispensing unit. The dispensing and casing units have securing features for releasably, fixedly securing the units together, and the dispensing unit is operable to apply the actuating condition to the container when fixedly secured to the casing unit and when independent from the casing unit.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a nebuliser and method of nebulising a liquid. The nebuliser includes a nebulisation chamber (1) having a well (2) adapted to contain a liquid (3) to be nebulised. An energy source in the form of an ultrasonic transducer (6) has as a curved energy transmission surface (7). This curved energy transmission surface defines a focal point (8) and a focal length (9). The energy source is spaced from the well such that the distance between the focal point and the energy source intrudes into the well not greater than 50% of the focal length. Preferably the well is shaped such that during nebulisation the level of the liquid in the well remains within a predetermined focal length range to thereby provide a substantially constant flowrateut of nebulised liquid. The nebuliser may also include a deflector baffle or fountain diverter (16) which acts to deflect the nebulised liquid fountain rising from the well. In order to reduce large droplets leaving the nebulisation chamber a circuitous or labyrinthine path is also provided between the well and the exit (13) of the nebulisation chamber
Abstract:
A drug delivery system, which includes an aerosol generator unit, a pumping unit, a flow tube, at least one condensate collector and an aerosol transition adapter. The aerosol generator forms an aerosol from a liquid formulation, which is partially vaporized. The pumping unit supplies the liquid formulation to the aerosol generator unit and a flow tube having an inlet end in fluid communication with an outlet of the aerosol generator unit and an outlet adapted for connection to a patient interface, which supplies ventilation to a patient's lungs. The system also includes at least one condensate collector adapted to collect condensed liquid or liquid produced by the aerosol generator unit, and a transition adapter arranged to mix aerosol produced by the aerosol generator unit with heated air and directs the mixed aerosol into the inlet end of the flow passage.
Abstract:
A spray nozzle assembly is disclosed which provides for increased atomization, a finer spray, and a reduced tendency of the apparatus to clog. The nozzle assembly includes a discharge opening, an expansible bladder, and optionally, a pressure chamber through which the spray material must pass prior to exiting the spray container through the discharge opening. As material exiting the container passes through the expansible bladder and the pressure chamber, pressure is built up, which results in increased shearing and atomization of the spray material.
Abstract:
An inhalation nebulizer (1) includes an aerosol generator (2) that has a diaphragm (22) vibrated by a vibration generator (23). The inhalation nebulizer (1) includes a liquid storage container (21) that is in fluid contact with the diaphragm (22). A liquid contained in the storage container (21) is atomized into a mixing chamber (3) through openings in the diaphragm and can subsequently be inhaled by a patient.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an improved means of treating tracheobronchitis, bronchiectasis and pneumonia in the nosocomial patient, preferably with aerosolized anti gram-positive and anti-gram negative antibiotics administered in combination or in seriatim in reliably sufficient amounts for therapeutic effect. In one aspect, the invention assures this result when aerosol is delivered into the ventilator circuit. In one embodiment the result is achieved mechanically. In another embodiment, the result is achieved by aerosol formulation. In another aspect, the invention assures the result when aerosol is delivered directly to the airways distal of the ventilator circuit. The treatment means eliminates the dosage variability that ventilator systems engender when aerosols are introduced via the ventilator circuit. The treatment means also concentrates the therapeutic agent specifically at affected sites in the lung such that therapeutic levels of administrated drug are achieved without significant systemic exposure of the patient to the drug. The invention further provides a dose control device to govern this specialized regimen.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for the self-administration of a plurality of doses of an intranasal liquid pharmaceutical composition, including opioid analgesics, that includes a drug delivery device containing a plurality of sealed vials, each vial containing a predetermined volume of the pharmaceutical composition, a pump assembly for conveying the liquid pharmaceutical composition from the interior of the vial and discharging it as a nasal spray in response to manual activation by the patient, and programmable means for sequentially advancing a vial to the ready position after passage of a prescribed time interval following the last activation of the delivery device.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a compressed air inhaler for the pulmonary application of a liposomal powder aerosol that carries active agents or is uncharged. The aim of the invention, providing an inhaler with which the pulmonary application of, in particular, liposomes carrying active agent is enabled without forced breathing manoeuvres and with which the active agent can be transferred to the desired place of action in a sufficient amount without the active agent escaping, is solved by the compressed air inhaler for the pulmonary application of a liposomal powder aerosol entailing a receptacle 20 for a watery liposome dispersion, in which the liposomes carrying the active agent are dispersed in water, which is connected via a liquid dosing device 19 with an atomiser nozzle 1 and with a drying unit 17 such as an atomising chamber for the spray drying of the liposomes, to which said drying unit an exit 18 such as a mouthpiece is connected, in which the atomiser nozzle 1 has separate supply channels 14,16 for the compressed air and the liposome dispersion-FIG. 1-. The aim of the invention is further a new kind of powder aerosol comprising liposomes or nano-particles.
Abstract:
An apparatus for conditioning an insufflation gas has an inlet for the delivery of an insufflation gas to a conditioning chamber. The conditioning chamber is used to charge the insufflation gas with a medicament by blowing the insufflation gas through a humidifying liquid containing the medicament. The insufflation gas charged with the medicament flows from the charging device to an outlet and can be delivered to the abdominal cavity of a human or animal, where it ensures optimum distribution of the medicament.
Abstract:
Nebulising apparatus (1) for aerosol therapy comprising a nebuliser ampoule (2) provided with at least an opening (4;5) for aspirating and/or expelling air from/to the environment and with a mouthpiece (3) for dispensing a nebulised medical product. The apparatus is provided with a valve (6) for regulating a flow of air into and/or out of the ampoule (2) and it comprises: a shutter (8) able to move between an operative configuration corresponding to an obstruction of said opening (4;5) and an operative configuration of consent to the passage of the flow of air; a ring (9) connected to the shutter (8) to anchor it to a tubular portion (2a) of the ampoule (2); a plurality of deformable connecting elements (10) between the ring (9) and the shutter (8) to allow the shutter (8) to move between the aforesaid operative configurations.