Methods, Devices And Formulations For Targeted Endobronchial Therapy
First Claim
6. A device consisting of tubing configured approximately as a Y piece, said device having a first end attachable to an inspiratory line of a ventilator, a second end attachable to an expiratory line of said ventilator, and a stem attachable to an endotracheal tube, wherein said stem comprises consisting of a lumen and an aerosol generator, said aerosol generator comprising consisting essentially of a fluid-containing reservoir, a vibrational element, a dome-shaped aperture plate with tapered holes and lacking both a propellant and a fluid driving element.
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Accused Products
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.
19 Citations
17 Claims
- 6. A device consisting of tubing configured approximately as a Y piece, said device having a first end attachable to an inspiratory line of a ventilator, a second end attachable to an expiratory line of said ventilator, and a stem attachable to an endotracheal tube, wherein said stem comprises consisting of a lumen and an aerosol generator, said aerosol generator comprising consisting essentially of a fluid-containing reservoir, a vibrational element, a dome-shaped aperture plate with tapered holes and lacking both a propellant and a fluid driving element.
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10. A method of administering medicaments to a mechanically ventilated patient, the method comprising:
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1) providing a ventilator circuit, said ventilator circuit comprising; a) a ventilator and an inspiratory line, said inspiratory line coupled to the ventilator and providing a flow of air to the patient; b) an expiratory line coupled to the ventilator to conduct a flow of air from said patient; c) an endotracheal tube inserted into said patient'"'"'s airway, and d) a tubing device configured approximately as a Y piece, said device having a first end attached to said inspiratory line, a second end attached to said expiratory line, and a stem attached to said endotracheal tube and comprising a lumen through which air in the circuit flows, wherein said stem comprises an aerosol generator, said aerosol generator comprising a fluid-containing reservoir, a vibrational element, a dome-shaped aperture plate with tapered holes and lacking both a propellant and a fluid driving element, wherein the vibration of the plate causes fluid in said fluid-containing reservoir to be drawn through the tapered holes; and 2) administering aerosolized medicaments to said patient via said aerosol generator. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of administering medicaments via an aerosol generator to a mechanically ventilated patient, the method comprising:
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1) providing a ventilator circuit comprising, in fluidic communication; a) a ventilator and an inspiratory line, said inspiratory line coupled to the ventilator and providing a flow of air to the patient; b) an expiratory line coupled to the ventilator to conduct a flow of air from said patient; c) an endotracheal tube inserted into said patient'"'"'s airway, and d) a first tubing device lacking said aerosol generator and configured approximately as a first Y piece, said Y piece having a first end attached to said inspiratory line, a second end attached to said expiratory line, and a stem attached to said endotracheal tube and comprising a regular lumen through which air in the circuit is flowing; 2) providing a second tubing device configured approximately as a second Y piece to replace said first tubing device, said second Y piece having a stem, wherein said second Y piece stem comprises a lumen and said aerosol generator, said aerosol generator comprising a fluid-filled reservoir, a vibrational element, a dome shaped aperture plate with tapered holes, and lacking both a propellant and a fluid driving element, wherein the vibration of the plate causes fluid in said fluid-containing reservoir to be drawn through the tapered holes; and
wherein said second tubing device is not attached to said circuit;3) opening said circuit and replacing said first tubing device with said second tubing device; 4) closing said circuit; and 5) administering aerosolized medicaments to said patient via said aerosol generator. - View Dependent Claims (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 15, 16, 17)
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17-1. The method of claim 15, wherein said fluid further comprises a second antibiotic.
Specification