Abstract: A drug delivery system for administering preset doses of a substance such as a drug, vaccine or the like. The drug delivery system includes a holder and a pre-filled drug container such as a syringe which is retained in the holder. The drug container includes a barrel for containing the substance, a movable stopper situated within the barrel, and a blunt end having an opening through which the substance within the barrel can be expelled. The holder includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, each configured to accommodate the drug container, with the distal portion being able to be assembled to the proximal portion, which acts as a plunger rod during activation of the delivery system. A plurality of slots are provided on the holder that permit multiple equal doses of the substance to be administered to each nostril of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a variable acoustic source and a microphone, both acoustically coupled to a volume having a fluid region and an air region. The apparatus also can include a processor to determine a volume of the air region based on signals received from the microphone and the variable acoustic source. A fluid valve is coupled to the processor, and is configured to allow an amount of fluid to exit the fluid region associated with the volume of the air region. An atomizer, coupled to the fluid region, is configured to aerosolize at least a portion of the fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus comprising a closure-cap and a container in the form of a two-chamber cartridge in which an active ingredient and a solvent can be stored separately until the apparatus is used in a nebuliser, as well as an active substance concentrate in which the active substance is present as a solution or suspension for storage purposes.

Abstract: A spacer assembly for a ventilator or other respiratory equipment for dispensing aerosol drugs from metered dose inhaler (MDI) canisters or nebulized drugs from a nebulizer into a respiratory gas stream delivered from a ventilator or other respiratory equipment connected to a patient. The improvements involve optimizing the shape of the spacer assembly body member and providing an efficient MDI nozzle assembly to allow maximal evaporation of the propellant before the propellant droplets impact the walls of the body member while providing a compact volume for directing the output of an MDI canister or a nebulizer into the gas stream.

Abstract: A liquid atomizer includes a main body and an ampoule holder detachably attached to the main body for holding ampoules in an annular formation. The main body has an atomizing part for atomizing the liquid discharged from outlets of the ampoules. The outlet of each of these ampoules can be disposed proximal to the atomizing part by moving the ampoules around the annular formation. Positioning devices are between the main body and the ampoule holder for positioning the ampoule holder properly with respect to the main body. The ampoule holder holds the ampoules such that each of the ampoules can move between an advanced position and a retracted position. The outlet of each ampoule moves into the atomizing part when the ampoule moves to the advanced position. The ampoule holder is able to undergo a rotary motion with respect to the main body when each of the ampoules is at the retracted position.

Abstract: An inhalation device configured to programmably emit small droplets of multiple components in which quantities of the multiple components can vary with each successive activation of the inhalation device.

Abstract: A device and method for simplifying, organizing, and reducing medication error, and enhancing therapeutic compliance with the combined use of liquid medications for continuous nebulization for treating respiratory disorders comprising at least two separate liquids for continuously nebulized delivery to the respiratory tract, indicia for distinguishing the liquids, instructions for coordination of the liquids use together, a unifying container, and optionally, a spirometer. The method comprises providing the liquids, indicia, and instructions in the unified container, dispensing the prescribed amount of the liquids into the nebulization device, and administering the liquids according to the instructions.

Abstract: An implantable flow control element is provided which prevents air from entering an isolated portion of a patient's lung. The element may permit air to escape from the isolated portion so that the element acts like a valve. Systems for implanting pulmonary devices are also provided.

Abstract: Bioactive agents are topically administered or delivered to a mucous membrane by a jet dispenser using inkjet technology, such as that used in printing. The dispenser propels precise volumes of droplets or powder for administration to a subject, such as being inhaled through the mouth or nose. A controller in the dispenser may control delivery of multiple different drugs, timing of drug administration, or change drug regimens in response to a changing medical condition of a patient, such as those monitored by a sensor in communication with the controller, for example to prevent an overdose. Administration methods are also provided, along with replacement kits.

Abstract: A filling system for use between an anesthetic storage container and a drug reservoir of an anesthetic vaporizer to prevent overfilling of the drug reservoir. The filling system includes a filling conduit that extends between the drug reservoir and the anesthetic storage container to allow a liquid anesthetic agent to flow from the storage container to the drug reservoir. A closing valve is positioned adjacent to a flow opening of a filling conduit such that the closing valve can be moved to a closed position to prevent the flow of anesthetic agent into the drug reservoir. The closing valve includes a float that controls the opening and closing of the closing valve depending upon the level of the anesthetic agent within the drug reservoir.

Abstract: Disclosed are various devices and methods for delivering bronchial isolation devices into the lung of a patient. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is disclosed an apparatus for deploying a bronchial device in a bronchial passageway in a lung of a patient. The apparatus comprises a flexible shaft having an inner lumen and a distal end adapted to engage the bronchial isolation device. The apparatus further comprises a wire slidably disposed in the inner lumen and a housing movably coupled to the distal end of the shaft and configured to receive the bronchial device. The wire is connected to the housing to produce relative movement between the housing and the shaft to deploy the bronchial device from the housing.

Abstract: A drug delivery system for administering preset doses of a substance such as a drug, vaccine or the like is provided. The drug delivery system includes a holder and a pre-filled drug container such as a syringe which is securely retained in the holder. The drug container includes a barrel for containing the substance, a movable stopper situated within the barrel, and a blunt end having an opening through which the substance within the barrel can be expelled. The holder includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, each configured to accommodate the drug container, with the distal portion being able to be assembled to the proximal portion, which acts as a plunger rod during activation of the delivery system.

Abstract: An applicator for delivering a bioactive composition includes a jet dispenser having an orifice for ejection of droplets from the dispenser. The jet dispenser further includes a main body. At least partially insertable through the main body is a replaceable fluid reservoir for holding and delivering the bioactive composition to the orifice for ejection therethrough. A body orifice spacer is positioned between the orifice of the dispenser and a target during ejection of the bioactive composition to the target.

Abstract: The metering valve which includes a material reservoir formed generally above a load bearing bottom hollow, with a toroidal gas chamber formed thereabout. Both the gas chamber and the material reservoir include metering spindles which allow the material to be dispensed and gas to be mixed precisely in a mixing chamber, and dispensed through an orifice.

Abstract: A drug delivery system for administering preset doses of a substance such as a drug, vaccine or the like is provided. The drug delivery system includes a holder and a pre-filled drug container such as a syringe which is securely retained in the holder. The drug container includes a barrel for containing the substance, a movable stopper situated within the barrel, and a blunt end having an opening through which the substance within the barrel can be expelled. The holder includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, each configured to accommodate the drug container, with the distal portion being able to be assembled to the proximal portion, which acts as a plunger rod during activation of the delivery system.

Abstract: A device and method for simplifying, organizing, and reducing medication error, and enhancing therapeutic compliance with the combined use of liquid medications for continuous nebulization for treating respiratory disorders comprising at least two separate liquids for continuously nebulized delivery to the respiratory tract, indicia for distinguishing the liquids, instructions for coordination of the liquids use together, a unifying container, and optionally, a spirometer. The method comprises providing the liquids, indicia, and instructions in the unified container, dispensing the prescribed amount of the liquids into the nebulization device, and administering the liquids according to the instructions.

Abstract: An implantable flow control element is provided which prevents air from entering an isolated portion of a patient's lung. The element may permit air to escape from the isolated portion so that the element acts like a valve. Systems for implanting pulmonary devices are also provided.

Abstract: An implantable flow control element is provided which prevents air from entering an isolated portion of a patient's lung. The element may permit air to escape from the isolated portion so that the element acts like a valve. Systems for implanting pulmonary devices are also provided.

Abstract: A drug delivery system for administering preset doses of a substance such as a drug, vaccine or the like is provided. The drug delivery system includes a holder and a pre-filled drug container such as a syringe which is securely retained in the holder. The drug container includes a barrel for containing the substance, a movable stopper situated within the barrel, and a blunt end having an opening through which the substance within the barrel can be expelled. The holder includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, each configured to accommodate the drug container, with the distal portion being able to be assembled to the proximal portion, which acts as a plunger rod during activation of the delivery system.

Abstract: Airflow in the exhaust piece of a fluid delivery device is forced through a series of gaps to achieve a split airflow. One component has a velocity and direction to impact on the source of the aerosol thus sweeping and entraining the aerosol off the aerosol generator into the directional air. The other airflow is used to protect the internal surfaces from aerosol deposition. The two air flows then recombine and are swept over a three dimensional surface or porous medium, used as an impaction or filtration site for determining the amount and particle size of the entrained aerosol at the exhaust exit.

Abstract: A device and method for delivering an aerosolized liquid having therapeutic properties to a user's lungs. The compact and convenient device includes a housing of such size that it can be held in a user's one hand with an exit opening in the housing for directing the aerosol to the user's mouth. The housing encloses a dispensing system for containing the liquid to be aerosolized and delivering it to an electrohydrodynamic apparatus and an electrohydrodynamic apparatus for aerosolizing the liquid and delivering the aerosol to the exit opening. The electrohydrodynamic apparatus produces a cloud of aerosolized liquid droplets having a monodispersed respirable droplet size and near zero velocity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual-cannister inhaler for effectively delivering medications by inhalation through the mouth of patients, having a spacer for more effectively mixing the medication and air, and easy to operate lever and canister selection mechanisms. A preferred embodiment of the invention has universal receptors for two metered dose inhaler canisters. A lever arm is provided that is opposed to the body of the inhaler, which allows a patient to use the entire hand to activate the metered dose inhaler canister. A simple and easy to operate sliding selector permits one-handed control of the canister selector. In a preferred embodiment a valve assembly and whistle are included in the inhaler to improve the consistency and effectiveness of delivery of medication to the lungs of a patient.

Abstract: A system for generating aerosol is disclosed, which system comprises a multiple-dose container, a device which provides the means for aerosol generation and delivery of an aerosol and a disposable package comprised of a single-dose container with a means for drug intake and which can be loaded into the device and filled with drug from the multiple-dose container, and an aerosol generating nozzle material. In one embodiment, the single-dose container of the disposable package comprises a needle which is used to penetrate a self-sealing, re-sealable area on a multiple-dose container holding drug under positive pressure. The drug leaves the multiple-dose container and enters the single-dose container via an open channel in the needle while preserving the sterility of the liquid in the multiple dose container.

Abstract: A device for nebulizing a fluid is supplied which has a flow director. The flow director helps to direct any bubbles formed by the nebulizing device away from the nebulizing device. The nebulizing device has a vibrating element with apertures through which the fluid is dispensed. A dispensing chamber is defined between the flow director and the vibrating element. The dispensing chamber has an inlet which is positioned below an outlet so that bubbles naturally migrate up and away from the vibrating element.

Abstract: A drug delivery system for administering preset doses of a substance such as a drug, vaccine or the like is provided. The drug delivery system includes a holder and a pre-filled drug container such as a syringe which is securely retained in the holder. The drug container includes a barrel for containing the substance, a movable stopper situated within the barrel, and a blunt end having an opening through which the substance within the barrel can be expelled. The holder includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, each configured to accommodate the drug container, with the distal portion being able to be assembled to the proximal portion, which acts as a plunger rod during activation of the delivery system.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a highly concentrated mixture of aerosolized liquid and pressurized gas to a patient including a collapsible membrane defining a chamber, the membrane further defining a first opening and a second opening in communication with the chamber. A mask defining an enclosure having a first passageway in communication with the first opening. A nebulizer having a body defining a reservoir for holding the liquid therein, the body including an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice which communicates with the second opening. A pressurized gas source which contains a pressurized gas with the pressurized gas source being in communication with the inlet orifice for providing the pressurized gas to the nebulizer. When the pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source enters the nebulizer, the pressurized gas mixes to form a mixture with the liquid inside the reservoir of the nebulizer.

Abstract: An interlock arrangement for evaporators in an anesthesia apparatus having at least two evaporators for setting a desired gas concentration prevents more than one evaporator from being activated at a time. The evaporators are connectable to a gas distributor. The interlock arrangement has for each evaporator, a mechanical element with the mechanical elements being arranged so that they cross each other in a crossing region. The mechanical elements are fashioned in the crossing region so that the mechanical element for one evaporator is displaced when this evaporator is activated and thereby locks the other mechanical elements in a position in which an activation of the further evaporators is prevented.

Abstract: A pump-type dispenser for dispensing predetermined doses of medicament in droplets or in spray form to the nasal area incorporates a rigid vial for medicament, an expandable pouch located within the rigid vial, a nasal screen, a one-way actuation mechanism, a one-way valve mechanism in the nozzle area and a spring element, both the valve mechanism and the spring element being formed as integral portions of the pump body. The nasal screen aligns the dispenser nozzle with the nasal passage and also allows the user to discreetly hide the nasal area from public view. The one-way valve mechanism in the nozzle area ensures a one-way movement of medicament from the dispenser, thereby preserving substantially perfect sterility of the medicament in the dispenser regardless of the environment surrounding the dispenser, without requiring the use of preservatives.

Abstract: A system for dispensing medication includes: a medicine canister that contains medicine to be dispensed, an actuator that houses the medicine canister and an adapter assembly that allows for obtaining information. The adapter assembly includes a connector assembly and an electronics module. The connector assembly connects to the medicine canister. The electronics module obtains information related to patient usage of medicine from the medicine canister. In another embodiment, a method for using the same electronics module with first and second medicine dispensing apparatuses, including a first medicine canister and a second medicine canister, is provided. The first medicine canister contains first medicine and the second medicine canister contains second medicine. First information, related to dispensing the first medicine, is stored with the electronics module joined to the first medicine dispensing apparatus.