Abstract: A dry powder delivery system and method for use, the system having an elongated tube containing a matrix having a measured amount of dry particles of a therapeutic compound and a porous element having a desiccant therein. The porous element with the desiccant can be combined with the powder-containing matrix or it can be two separate elements. The pressure drop induced by inhalation of the user causes air to flow through the tube and into contact with the particles of dry powder for discharging the particles for inhalation by the user.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides an inhaler apparatus comprising interior surfaces having contact with a medicament for inhalation, the interior surfaces including an interior surface of a mouthpiece and a substrate with medicament deposited thereon, at least one of such interior surfaces comprising indentations or raised areas therein, the raised areas having valleys therebetween. In certain preferred embodiments, the interior surface is a surface on a substrate having medicament deposited thereon, and in other preferred embodiments, the interior surface is an interior surface of the mouthpiece of the inhaler. In addition to providing surface topology for minimizing the area of contact between the medicament and the surfaces of the inhaler, the surfaces are preferably made of a material having a low surface energy, and more preferably, also having, when uncharged, no substantial van der Waals or electrostatic interaction with the medicament.

Abstract: The invention prevents dynamic airway compression during ventilatory support of a patient. The respiratory airflow is determined by measurement or calculation, and a measure of the degree of dynamic airway compression is derived from the determined airflow. This measure is servo-controlled to be zero by increasing expiratory pressure if the measure of the degree of dynamic airway compression is large or increasing, and by reducing expiratory pressure if the measure of the degree of dynamic airway compression is small or zero.

Abstract: The CO2 detector has a disc attached to a rim which in turn is attached to a third port on a esophageal detector housing. A baffle rises from an interior surface of the housing to slightly below an opening to the third port. A first and second port of the housing on each side of the third port are in axial alignment. The first port is attached to an elastomeric bulb and the second port is adapted to be connected to an adapter which in turn is attached to an intubation tube. A colorimetric indicator paper is shown through a clear plastic cover after removing backing on the indicator paper through the second port.

Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anaesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.

Abstract: A filtering face mask that covers at least the nose and mouth of a wearer and that includes an exhalation valve. The exhalation valve opens in response to increased pressure when the wearer exhales to allow the exhaled air to be rapidly purged from the mask interior. An exhale filter element is placed in one of several locations in the exhale flow stream to remove contaminants from the exhaled air. The face mask is beneficial in that it provides comfort to the wearer by allowing warm, moist, high-CO2-content air to be rapidly evacuated from the mask interior through the valve and also protects the wearer from splash fluids and polluted air while at the same time protecting other persons or things from being exposed to contaminants in the exhale flow stream.

Abstract: An inhalation activated device or dispenser is disclosed. In particular, the dispenser comprises a housing for containing an aerosol canister containing a medication wherein the canister is moveably contained in the housing upon inhalation by the patient whereby a metered dose of a spray is initiated and a controlled period of time is established by a dwell means.

Abstract: A compressor driven by a motor sends to a nasal mask a breathable gas at a low positive relative pressure whereby the motor is controlled to maintain the pressure in the delivery pipe of the compressor substantially equal to a set point, independently of the inspiration and expiration of the patient, a computer receiving on an input a motor speed signal as a parameter representative of the respiratory activity of the patient and analyzing the motor speed variations whereby the computer will increase the pressure set point if necessary or reduces the pressure set point by a predetermined amount depending upon whether there is a hypopnoea or the absence thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for guiding insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient's trachea simultaneously allows a continued supply of air/oxygen to be delivered into the patient's airway and lungs. A guide having a curved distal portion is inserted into the patient's mouth and hypopharynx. A second lumen extending along the guide is used to supply air/oxygen into the patient's airway and to flush carbon dioxide from the lungs. A fiber optic probe is inserted through an endotracheal tube and this assembly is advanced along the guide into the patient's airway, while ventilation continues without interruption through the second lumen. The direction of the distal tip of the fiber optic probe can be controlled by the physician. This allows the physician to carefully guide the fiber optic probe and endotracheal tube to a position past the larynx while ventilation continues.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of breathing exercise devices and more particularly to expiratory breathing methods which promote proper resistance breathing by the user. More specifically, the present invention discloses a method which utilizes a pressure relief valve, preferably a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) valve, for providing positive expiratory pressure (PEP). The PEP is provided by obstructing the flow of gases exhaled by the patient through the PEEP valve, so that such gases must be exhaled against the PEEP valve's pressure threshold.

Abstract: A multilumen filter device has a housing with first and second filter chambers, each chamber in fluid communication with a separate distal and proximal fluid path. The filter device may be used to provide respiratory gases to and receive expiratory gases from a patient connected to a unilimb respiratory circuit. The filter device may also serve as a connector for respiratory circuit components, and have fasteners or blocking devices at either or both of its distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: A gas delivery apparatus includes a nasal airway having a gas passage therein for insertion into the nose, a swivel connected to the nasal airway and tubing connected to the swivel. The swivel has a gas passage therein that communicates with the gas passage with the nasal airway. Further, the tubing has a proximal portion connected to the swivel so as to be in fluid communication with the gas passage of the swivel. The tubing bends so that an angle is formed between the distal portion of the tubing and the proximal portion of the tubing. The nasal airway preferably includes a nasal vestibular portion that is adapted to fit in a nasal vestibule, a connection portion extending from the nasal vestibular portion and the gas passage that extends through the connection portion and through the nasal vestibular portion. The nasal vestibular portion flares outwardly with respect to the connection part.

Abstract: The adaptive control method for controlling pressure based ventilation utilizes a specific regulator structure designed according to a linear model of the patient/ventilator system. The same model is also used to derive a real time estimate of patient airway resistance, lung compliance, and the connecting tube compliance. These estimates are used to adjust regulator parameters in real time such that closed loop dynamics quickly approach those of a specified system. In the patient/connecting circuit system, G(s) inlet flow and circuit pressure are fed to a parameter estimator, and the output of the parameter estimator is used to adjust the parameters of the compensator, C(s).

Abstract: Nasal dilators and strips, methods of their manufacture, and methods for improving the breathing of individuals are provided. The strips and dilators include an elongated substrate, with or without a dilating component or portion, having top and bottom surfaces and a pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on the bottom surface. The dilator is designed to provide a gentle expanding force to the nasal wall tissue when the dilator is adhesively attached to the nose. This invention further includes a cosmetic fragrance, an aromatic medication and/or transdermal medication disposed on the strips or dilators. In order to improve the shelf-life and in-use olfactory effectiveness of such products, fragrance delivery mechanisms are used. Separation of volatile oils and adhesives are also provided to minimize adhesive residue.

Abstract: A heat-moisture exchanger (HME) and nebulization device for connection to a mechanical ventilator or anesthesia apparatus, to provide humidification or an aerosolized medication without disconnection of the HME from the ventilator circuit, a respiratory device comprising a first housing having an output fitting to provide a connection to an artificial airway of a patient, and a rotatable second housing connected to the first housing, having an input fitting to provide a connection to a ventilator circuit, the input fitting, and the output fitting are in communication with a primary gas flow, the first housing is partitioned into at least two chambers, a chamber to provide an enclosure for an absorbent material, and a chamber to provide a passageway for conveyance of an aerosol, the second housing to provide an enclosure for a nebulizer having a reservoir for a liquid medication, an instillation port to inject the liquid medication, interior to the chamber or passageway, a reciprocating member to open and clos

Abstract: An endotracheal tube can be inserted into a patient's trachea during resuscitation by using a face mask and a curved guide. The guide is inserted through a flexible port in the face mask and has a curved distal portion that extends into the patient's mouth and hypopharynx. The patient is initially resuscitated by supplying a flow of air/oxygen through the mask. For example, a resuscitation bag can be connected to a rotatable ventilation port on the face mask. Alternatively, a resuscitation attachment with an air filter and one-way valve can be removably attached to the ventilation port of the face mask to enable a health care provider to directly resuscitate the patient. An endotracheal tube is inserted over the distal end of a fiber optic probe.

Abstract: A simple, lightweight, easily deployable mask designed for use in modern fires. The mask substantially covers a wearer's face and includes a peripheral adhesive seal for preventing contaminants from effecting the wearer's visual or respiratory systems. The peripheral seal preferably comprises an adhesive band employing the skin adhesive commonly used in surgical masks. The adhesive band provides for closed attachment of the mask to the brow, the temporal area, cheek, over the jaw and down under the chin. The mask is anchored firmly to the ears of the wearer by resilient straps. Thus attached, the mask seals the eyes, nasal passages and mouth from the toxic external environment. The mask includes an intermediate seal separating the mask into separate visual and respiratory portions.

Abstract: The gas mixture is fed in a circulating stream at a volume flow rate of 3-120 l/min, the mixture being cleaned and its temperature and qualitative and quantitative composition regulated. The gas mixture contains oxygen and at least one of the following gases in quantities of up to 95%: helium, argon, neon, krypton, xenon, radon, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, or a mixture of these gases. Pharmaceutical preparations can also be introduced into the breathing mixture, and the level of inhaled carbon dioxide can be adjusted with the aid of the exhaled carbon dioxide. The apparatus has a circulation loop comprising connecting pipes, a respirator bag, flow booster, temperature regulator, and at least one absorption unit for absorbing the carbon dioxide, moisture, and harmful trace contamination exhaled by the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated respiration method involving positive airway pressure. The method comprises a step for measuring the respiratory gas flow and comparing it with a threshold value. A further step is provided for assessing any obstructive respiratory disturbance. An evaluation step evaluates the measurement values and determines whether it is a case of normal breathing, obstructive respiratory disturbance, non-obstructive respiratory disturbance or snoring. Depending on the results provided by the evaluation step, the positive airway pressure is either maintained or modified. It is the advantage of the invention that the respiratory gas flow as well as the airway obstruction are continuously measured, thereby enabling the positive air pressure to be adjusted to different individual states of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is a nebulizer for infants which provides a respirable gas to an infant while the infant is suckling. The respirable gas may be oxygen or a respirable gas containing a medication. In a first series of embodiments, a feeding bottle is provided so that the infant may bottle feed. In a second preferred embodiment, a pacifier is provided so that the infant may suckle while the respirable gas is administered.