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Drug delivery device

  • US 5,178,138 A
  • Filed: 09/11/1990
  • Issued: 01/12/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/11/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A drug delivery device for connection in a mechanical ventilator circuit having inspiratory and expiratory lines and being controlled by a mechanical ventilator, the circuit including a wye connection for connecting the inspiratory and expiratory lines, the device being connected to the inspiratory line between the mechanical ventilator and a patient for administering an aerosolized therapeutic agent to the patient, the mechanical ventilator conveying fluid from the ventilator, through the inspiratory line and drug delivery device, and to the patient, the drug delivery device comprising:

  • a spacer with an inlet and an outlet and being connected in the inspiratory line such that fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet, the spacer having a spacing portion with a width greater than the width of the outlet;

    directing means for directing the therapeutic agent into the spacer, the directing means disposed adjacent to the spacing portion; and

    means for minimizing loss of the therapeutic agent to the expiratory line, the means for minimizing loss including the spacer being connected adjacent to the wye connection and between the wye connection and the mechanical ventilator, the means for minimizing loss further including the directing means being structured to direct the therapeutic agent in a direction opposite the fluid flow and away from the wye connection such that loss of the therapeutic agent to the expiratory line is minimized and to facilitate a mixing of the therapeutic agent and fluid before the therapeutic agent and fluid are conveyed out of the outlet and into the lungs, the therapeutic agent being fluidly redirected after such mixing by the fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet.

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