Abstract: A synthetic microfluidic microvasculature network and associated methods mimic the structure, fluid flow characteristics, and physiological behavior of physiological microvasculature networks. Computational methods for simulating flow and particle adherence in synthetic and physiological microvascular systems and methods for determining parameters influencing particle adhesion and drug delivery are described with applications in the optimization of drug delivery and microvascular treatments and in describing disease mechanisms that affect the microvasculature.

Abstract: The present invention is a synthetic microfluidic microvasculature network and associated methods. The synthetic microfluidic microvasculature network mimics the structure, fluid flow characteristics, and physiological behavior of physiological microvasculature networks. Computational methods for simulating flow and particle adherence in synthetic and physiological microvascular systems and methods for determining parameters influencing particle adhesion and drug delivery are also described. The invention has many uses including the optimization of drug delivery and microvascular treatments and in describing disease mechanisms that affect the microvasculature such as inflammation, diabetes and hypertension.

Abstract: A spacer for delivering a medication spray from an inhaler includes a first conical body joined to a second conical body, forming a continuous spray conduit through first and second internal chambers of the respective first and second conical bodies. A mouthpiece is formed in the proximal end of the first conical body. A spray inlet for attachment to the inhaler is formed at the distal end of the second conical body. A plurality of air inlets are placed downstream of the medication inlet proximate to, or in, the large diameter distal end surface of the first conical body. Recirculation zones are created in the first and second chambers, to force the medication spray into a central airflow path through the spray conduit, minimizing particle deposition by contract with the walls of the spacer.

Abstract: A spacer for delivering a medication spray from a metered dose inhaler includes a first conical body joined to a second conical body, forming a continuous spray conduit through first and second internal chambers of the respective first and second conical bodies. A mouthpiece is formed in the small diameter (proximal) end of the first conical body. A spray inlet for attachment to an MDI or similar device is formed at the large diameter (distal) end of the second conical body. A plurality of air inlets are placed downstream of the medication inlet proximate to, or in, the large diameter distal end surface of the first conical body. During use, high-pressure recirculation zones are created in the first and second chambers, near the spray inlet and the air inlets, and an air jacket is created along the inner surface of the wall of the first conical body.