Respiratory Therapy Systems

Abstract

A respiratory therapy system (100) for delivering a flow of gas to a patient. The respiratory therapy system (100) includes a flow generator (101) configured to generate a flow of gas and a conduit (122) configured to deliver the flow of gas from the flow generator (104) to the patient. The conduit (122) has an inner lumen and a heater wire configured to heat the flow of gas within the conduit. The respiratory therapy system (100) is configured in fluid communication with the conduit (122) and includes a port for receiving a substance to be nebulized and introducing it into the flow of gas to the patient. The respiratory therapy system (100) includes a controller configured to adjust power delivered to at least the heater wire to adjust the average particle size of the nebulized substance at or toward the target.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to respiratory therapy systems for delivering a flow of gas to a patient. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to respiratory therapy systems that regulate the average particle size of nebulized material introduced into the system. [Background technology]

[0002] Respiratory therapy devices or systems for delivering a flow of gas can be used to improve a patient's ventilation. Such devices or systems can be used to improve patient comfort and / or improve the patient's prognosis for respiratory disease.

[0003] In some systems, the respiratory therapy system may be configured to receive a nebulized substance from, for example, a nebulizer. For example, the nebulizer may be used to deliver a medicinal substance to the patient's airway in conjunction with the delivery of respiratory gases to the patient's airway. In some cases, the respiratory therapy system receives the nebulized substance, which is then carried by the flow of gas through the breath conduit and exits into the patient's airway via the patient interface.

[0004] However, the efficiency of delivery of the nebulized substance may not be as desired, for example, when the nebulized substance adheres to, settles along, or becomes trapped on the inner walls of the conduit and does not advance into the patient's airways, or when an adequate amount of the substance does not advance into the patient's airways as desired. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a respiratory therapy device or system that overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the above-mentioned drawbacks, or at least provides the public with a useful choice. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient is disclosed, the respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient comprising: a flow generator configured to deliver a flow of gas to the patient; a conduit configured to deliver a flow of gas from a flow generator to a patient, the conduit comprising an inner lumen and a heater wire configured to heat the flow of gas within the conduit; a port configured to be in fluid communication with the conduit for receiving the substance to be nebulized and introducing it into the flow of gas to the patient; and a controller configured to adjust the power delivered to at least the heater wire to adjust the average particle size of the material sprayed onto the target.

[0007] In some configurations, the power delivered to the heater wire to reach the target relative humidity.

[0008] In some configurations, the controller continuously controls the power delivered to the heater wire to maintain the target relative humidity.

[0009] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is the relative humidity of the flow gas in the conduit.

[0010] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is the relative humidity of the flow gas at the patient end of the conduit.

[0011] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is approximately 80%.

[0012] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is less than 80%.

[0013] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is approximately 60%.

[0014] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is less than 60%.

[0015] In some configurations, the target average particle size is based on the desired distance traveled into the patient's respiratory tract.

[0016] In some configurations, the desired travel distance is for dispersion within or around the upper respiratory tract of the patient.

[0017] In some configurations, the desired travel distance is for dispersion beyond the patient's upper respiratory tract.

[0018] In some configurations, the desired travel distance is for dispersion within or around the patient's lower respiratory tract.

[0019] In some configurations, the target average particle size is relatively larger when the desired travel distance is dispersion within or around the patient's lower respiratory tract than when the desired travel distance is dispersion within or around the patient's upper respiratory tract.

[0020] In some configurations, the target average particle size is less than 1.0 μm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0021] In some configurations, the target average particle size is between 0.5 μm and 1.0 μm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0022] In some configurations, the target average particle size is less than 0.5 μm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0023] In some configurations, the target average particle size is between 0.1 μm and 0.5 μm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0024] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system further comprises a humidifier, the humidifier comprising a heating element.

[0025] In some configurations, the controller is configured to adjust the power delivered to the heating element to adjust the average particle size of the atomized material relative to the target.

[0026] In some configurations, the controller controls both the power delivered to the heater wire and the power delivered to the heating element to achieve a target average particle size.

[0027] In some configurations, the controller controls the power delivered to the heater wire independently of the power delivered to the heating element to adjust the average particle size.

[0028] In some configurations, the heating element is a heating plate.

[0029] In some configurations, the port for the atomizer is located downstream from the flow generator.

[0030] In some configurations, the port for the nebulizer is located in the humidifier.

[0031] In some configurations, the port for the nebulizer is located at or towards the inlet or outlet of the humidifier.

[0032] In some configurations, the port for the nebulizer is located at or towards the outlet of the humidifier.

[0033] In some configurations, the port for the atomizer is located upstream from the device end of the conduit.

[0034] In some configurations, the port for the atomizer is located at or towards the device end of the conduit.

[0035] In some configurations, the port is configured to indirectly receive a sprayer.

[0036] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system further comprises a connector configured to connect to the port at one opening and to receive the nebulizer at another opening.

[0037] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system further comprises a nebulizer configured to connect to the port, the nebulizer introducing a substance to be nebulized into the flow of gas.

[0038] In some configurations, the system includes a standard therapy mode and a nebulization therapy mode.

[0039] In some configurations, the nebulization therapy mode includes a target relative humidity that is lower than the target relative humidity in the standard therapy mode.

[0040] In some configurations, the power delivered to the heater wire in nebulization therapy mode is higher than the power delivered in standard therapy mode.

[0041] In some configurations, the standard therapy mode includes a target relative humidity of approximately 100%, and the nebulization therapy mode includes a target relative humidity of less than 100%.

[0042] In some configurations, the target relative humidity in nebulization mode is less than 80%.

[0043] In some configurations, the target relative humidity in nebulization mode is less than 60%.

[0044] In some configurations, the user can manually adjust between a standard therapy mode and a nebulized therapy mode.

[0045] In some configurations, the feature for manually adjusting the target average particle size becomes available after entering nebulization mode.

[0046] In some configurations, the system is configured to automatically control the power to the heater wire to achieve a default target average particle size.

[0047] In some configurations, the system is configured to automatically control power to the heating element to achieve a default target average particle size.

[0048] In some configurations, the default target average particle size is less than 1.0 μm.

[0049] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system further comprises a user control interface.

[0050] In some configurations, the user control interface comprises a user control interface element for adjusting the target average particle size.

[0051] In some configurations, the user control interface comprises a user control interface element for adjusting a target travel distance into the patient's ventilator.

[0052] In some configurations, the user control interface includes user control interface elements for selecting between a standard therapy mode and a nebulized therapy mode.

[0053] In some configurations, the user control interface comprises a touch screen interface.

[0054] In some configurations, the user control interface comprises a mechanical interface having a physical element that is one or a combination of a slider, a dial, a button.

[0055] In some configurations, the conduit comprises a length of more than 0.5 meters.

[0056] In some configurations, the conduit comprises a length of more than 1 meter.

[0057] In some configurations, the conduit comprises a length of greater than 1.5 meters.

[0058] In accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a method for delivering a flow of gas to a patient is disclosed, the method comprising: 1. A respiratory therapy device, comprising: a flow generator configured to deliver a flow of gas to the patient; providing a respiratory therapy device comprising: a conduit configured to deliver a flow of gas from a flow generator to a patient, the conduit comprising an inner lumen and a heater wire configured to heat the flow of gas within the conduit; introducing a substance to be nebulized into a gas stream to the patient; and adjusting the power delivered to at least the heater wire to adjust the average particle size of the material sprayed onto the target.

[0059] In some configurations, the method further includes adjusting the power delivered to the heater wire to reach the target relative humidity.

[0060] In some configurations, the method further includes continuously controlling the power delivered to the heater wire to maintain the target relative humidity.

[0061] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is the relative humidity of the flow gas in the conduit.

[0062] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is the relative humidity of the flow gas at the patient end of the conduit.

[0063] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is approximately 80%.

[0064] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is less than 80%.

[0065] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is approximately 60%.

[0066] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is less than 60%.

[0067] In some configurations, the target average particle size is based on the desired distance traveled into the patient's respiratory tract.

[0068] In some configurations, the desired travel distance is for dispersion within or around the upper respiratory tract of the patient.

[0069] In some configurations, the desired travel distance is for dispersion beyond the patient's upper respiratory tract.

[0070] In some configurations, the desired travel distance is for dispersion within or around the patient's lower respiratory tract.

[0071] In some configurations, the target average particle size is smaller when the desired travel distance is dispersion within or around the patient's lower respiratory tract than when the desired travel distance is dispersion within or around the patient's upper respiratory tract.

[0072] In some configurations, the target average particle size is less than 1.0 μm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0073] In some configurations, the target average particle size is between 0.5 μm and 1.0 μm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0074] In some configurations, the target average particle size is less than 0.5 μm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0075] In some configurations, the target average particle size is between 0.1 μm and 0.5 μm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0076] In some configurations, the method further includes providing a humidifier, the humidifier comprising a heating element.

[0077] In some configurations, the method further includes adjusting the power delivered to the heating element to adjust the average particle size of the atomized material relative to the target.

[0078] In some configurations, the method further includes controlling both the power delivered to the heater wire and the power delivered to the heating element to achieve the target average particle size.

[0079] In some configurations, the method further includes controlling the power delivered to the heater wire independently of the power delivered to the heating element to adjust the average particle size.

[0080] In some configurations, the method further includes connecting a nebulizer to the port, the nebulizer introducing a substance to be nebulized into the gas stream.

[0081] In some configurations, the method further includes indirectly connecting the atomizer to the port via a fitting / connector.

[0082] In some configurations, the system includes a standard therapy mode and a nebulization therapy mode.

[0083] In some configurations, the method further includes adjusting power to the heater wire so that the nebulization therapy mode reaches a target relative humidity that is lower than the target relative humidity in the standard therapy mode.

[0084] In some configurations, the method further includes delivering higher power to the heater wire in the nebulization therapy mode than the power delivered in the standard therapy mode.

[0085] In some configurations, the method further includes adjusting power to the heater wire so that the standard therapy mode includes a target relative humidity of approximately 100% and the nebulization therapy mode includes a target relative humidity of less than 100%.

[0086] In some configurations, the method further includes manually adjusting between a standard therapy mode and a nebulized therapy mode.

[0087] In some configurations, the method further includes automatically controlling power to the heater wire to achieve a default target average grain size.

[0088] In some configurations, the method further includes automatically controlling power to the heating element to achieve a default target average particle size.

[0089] In some configurations, the method further includes adjusting the target average particle size.

[0090] In some configurations, the method further includes adjusting a target travel distance of the nebulized substance into the patient's respiratory tract.

[0091] In some configurations, the method further includes selecting a standard therapy mode and a nebulized therapy mode on a user control interface element.

[0092] In accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient is disclosed, the respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient comprising: a flow generator configured to deliver a flow of gas to the patient; a humidifier comprising a heating element; a port configured to be in fluid communication with the conduit for receiving the substance to be nebulized and introducing it into the flow of gas to the patient; and a controller configured to adjust the power delivered to at least the heater wire to adjust the average particle size of the material sprayed onto the target.

[0093] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system further comprises a conduit configured to deliver the flow of gas from the flow generator to the patient, the conduit comprising an inner lumen and a heater wire configured to heat the flow of gas within the conduit.

[0094] In some configurations, the controller is configured to adjust the power delivered to the heater wire to adjust the average particle size of the atomized material relative to the target.

[0095] In some configurations, the controller controls both the power delivered to the heater wire and the power delivered to the heating element to achieve a target average particle size.

[0096] In some configurations, the controller controls the power delivered to the heater wire independently of the power delivered to the heating element to adjust the average particle size.

[0097] In some configurations, the controller controls the power delivered to the heating element and / or heater wire to reach a target relative humidity.

[0098] In some configurations, the controller continuously controls the power delivered to the heating element and / or heater wire to maintain the target relative humidity.

[0099] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is the relative humidity of the flow gas in the conduit.

[0100] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is the relative humidity of the flow gas at the patient end of the conduit.

[0101] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is approximately 80%.

[0102] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is less than 80%.

[0103] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is approximately 60%.

[0104] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is less than 60%.

[0105] In some configurations, the target average particle size is based on the desired distance traveled into the patient's respiratory tract.

[0106] In some configurations, the desired travel distance is for dispersion within or around the upper respiratory tract of the patient.

[0107] In some configurations, the desired travel distance is for dispersion beyond the patient's upper respiratory tract.

[0108] In some configurations, the desired travel distance is for dispersion within or around the patient's lower respiratory tract.

[0109] In some configurations, the target average particle size is smaller when the desired travel distance is dispersion within or around the patient's lower respiratory tract than when the desired travel distance is dispersion within or around the patient's upper respiratory tract.

[0110] In some configurations, the target average particle size is less than 1.0 μm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0111] In some configurations, the target average particle size is between 0.5 μm and 1.0 μm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0112] In some configurations, the target average particle size is less than 0.5 μm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0113] In some configurations, the target average particle size is between 0.1 μm and 0.5 μm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0114] In some configurations, the heating element is a heating plate.

[0115] In some configurations, the port for the atomizer is located downstream from the flow generator.

[0116] In some configurations, the port for the nebulizer is located in the humidifier.

[0117] In some configurations, the port for the nebulizer is located at or towards the inlet or outlet of the humidifier.

[0118] In some configurations, the port for the nebulizer is located at or towards the outlet of the humidifier.

[0119] In some configurations, the port for the atomizer is located upstream from the device end of the conduit.

[0120] In some configurations, the port for the atomizer is located at or towards the device end of the conduit.

[0121] In some configurations, the port is configured to indirectly receive a sprayer.

[0122] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system further comprises a fitting / connector configured to connect to the port at one opening and to receive the nebulizer at another opening.

[0123] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system further comprises a nebulizer configured to connect to the port, the nebulizer introducing a substance to be nebulized into the flow of gas.

[0124] In some configurations, the system includes a standard therapy mode and a nebulization therapy mode.

[0125] In some configurations, the nebulization therapy mode includes a target relative humidity that is lower than the target relative humidity in the standard therapy mode.

[0126] In some configurations, the power delivered to the heater wire in nebulization therapy mode is higher than the power delivered in standard therapy mode.

[0127] In some configurations, the standard therapy mode includes a target relative humidity of approximately 100%, and the nebulization therapy mode includes a target relative humidity of less than 100%.

[0128] In some configurations, the target relative humidity in nebulization mode is less than 80%.

[0129] In some configurations, the target relative humidity in nebulization mode is less than 60%.

[0130] In some configurations, the user can manually adjust between a standard therapy mode and a nebulized therapy mode.

[0131] In some configurations, the feature for manually adjusting the target average particle size becomes available after entering nebulization mode.

[0132] In some configurations, the system is configured to automatically control the power to the heater wire to achieve a default target average particle size.

[0133] In some configurations, the system is configured to automatically control power to the heating element to achieve a default target average particle size.

[0134] In some configurations, the default target average particle size is less than 1.0 μm.

[0135] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system further comprises a user control interface.

[0136] In some configurations, the user control interface comprises a user control interface element for adjusting the target average particle size.

[0137] In some configurations, the user control interface comprises a user control interface element for adjusting a target travel distance into the patient's ventilator.

[0138] In some configurations, the user control interface includes user control interface elements for selecting between a standard therapy mode and a nebulized therapy mode.

[0139] In some configurations, the user control interface comprises a touch screen interface.

[0140] In some configurations, the user control interface comprises a mechanical interface having a physical element that is one or a combination of a slider, a dial, a button.

[0141] In some configurations, the conduit comprises a length of more than 0.5 meters.

[0142] In some configurations, the conduit comprises a length of more than 1 meter.

[0143] In some configurations, the conduit comprises a length of greater than 1.5 meters.

[0144] In accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a method for delivering a flow of gas to a patient is disclosed, the method comprising: 1. A respiratory therapy device, comprising: a flow generator configured to deliver a flow of gas to the patient; a humidifier comprising a heating element; introducing a substance to be nebulized into a gas stream to the patient; and adjusting the power delivered to the heating element to adjust the average particle size of the atomized material to the target.

[0145] In accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient is disclosed, the respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient comprising: a flow generator configured to deliver a flow of gas to the patient; a port configured to be in fluid communication with the conduit for receiving the substance to be nebulized and introducing it into the flow of gas to the patient; a controller that adjusts the power delivered to components in the system to adjust the average particle size of the sprayed material to the target; The system includes a standard therapy mode and a nebulization therapy mode; The nebulization therapy mode includes a target relative humidity that is lower than the target relative humidity in the standard therapy mode.

[0146] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system further includes increasing the temperature of the gas flow relative to the dew point so that the relative humidity in the nebulization mode is reduced.

[0147] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system further comprises a conduit configured to deliver the flow of gas from the flow generator to the patient, the conduit comprising an inner lumen and a heater wire configured to heat the flow of gas within the conduit.

[0148] In some configurations, the controller is configured to adjust the power delivered to the heater wire to adjust the average particle size of the atomized material relative to the target.

[0149] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system further comprises a humidifier, the humidifier comprising a heating element.

[0150] In some configurations, the controller is configured to adjust the power delivered to the heating element to adjust the average particle size of the atomized material relative to the target.

[0151] In some configurations, the controller controls both the power delivered to the heater wire and the power delivered to the heating element to achieve a target average particle size.

[0152] In some configurations, the heating element is a heating plate.

[0153] In accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient is disclosed, the respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient comprising: a flow generator configured to deliver a flow of gas to the patient; a port configured to be in fluid communication with the conduit for receiving the substance to be nebulized and introducing it into the flow of gas to the patient; a controller that adjusts the power delivered to components in the system to adjust the average particle size of the sprayed material to the target; The target mean particle size is less than 1.0 μm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0154] In some configurations, the target average particle size is based on the desired distance traveled into the patient's respiratory tract.

[0155] In some configurations, the desired travel distance is for dispersion beyond the patient's upper respiratory tract.

[0156] In some configurations, the desired travel distance is for dispersion within or around the patient's lower respiratory tract.

[0157] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system further includes increasing the temperature of the gas stream relative to the dew point so that the relative humidity is reduced to achieve the target average particle size.

[0158] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system further comprises a conduit configured to deliver the flow of gas from the flow generator to the patient, the conduit comprising an inner lumen and a heater wire configured to heat the flow of gas within the conduit.

[0159] In some configurations, the controller is configured to adjust the power delivered to the heater wire to adjust the average particle size of the atomized material relative to the target.

[0160] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system further comprises a humidifier, the humidifier comprising a heating element.

[0161] In some configurations, the controller is configured to adjust the power delivered to the heating element to adjust the average particle size of the atomized material relative to the target.

[0162] In some configurations, the controller controls both the power delivered to the heater wire and the power delivered to the heating element to achieve a target average particle size.

[0163] In some configurations, the heating element is a heating plate.

[0164] In accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein, a respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient is disclosed, the respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient comprising: a flow generator configured to deliver a flow of gas to the patient; a conduit configured to deliver a flow of gas from a flow generator to a patient, the conduit comprising an inner lumen and a heater wire configured to heat the flow of gas within the conduit; a nebulizer in fluid communication with the conduit for introducing a nebulizer into the flow of gas to the patient; and a controller configured to adjust the power delivered to components in the system to adjust the average particle size of the sprayed material to the target.

[0165] In some configurations, the target average particle size is based on the desired distance traveled into the patient's respiratory tract.

[0166] In some configurations, the desired travel distance is for dispersion beyond the patient's upper respiratory tract.

[0167] In some configurations, the desired travel distance is for dispersion within or around the patient's lower respiratory tract.

[0168] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system further includes increasing the temperature of the gas stream relative to the dew point so that the relative humidity is reduced to achieve the target average particle size.

[0169] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system further comprises a conduit configured to deliver the flow of gas from the flow generator to the patient, the conduit comprising an inner lumen and a heater wire configured to heat the flow of gas within the conduit.

[0170] In some configurations, the controller is configured to adjust the power delivered to the heater wire to adjust the average particle size of the atomized material relative to the target.

[0171] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system further comprises a humidifier, the humidifier comprising a heating element.

[0172] In some configurations, the controller is configured to adjust the power delivered to the heating element to adjust the average particle size of the atomized material relative to the target.

[0173] In some configurations, the controller controls both the power delivered to the heater wire and the power delivered to the heating element to achieve a target average particle size.

[0174] In some configurations, the heating element is a heating plate.

[0175] In accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed but not claimed herein, a method for delivering a flow of gas to a patient is disclosed, the method comprising: 1. A respiratory therapy device, comprising: a flow generator configured to generate a flow of gas; providing a respiratory therapy device comprising: a conduit configured to deliver a flow of gas from a flow generator to a patient, the conduit comprising an inner lumen and a heater wire configured to heat the flow of gas within the conduit; introducing a substance to be nebulized into a gas stream to the patient; and adjusting the power delivered to at least the heater wire to adjust the average particle size of the material sprayed onto the target.

[0176] In some configurations, the method further includes adjusting the power delivered to the heater wire to reach a target relative humidity of the gas flow.

[0177] In some configurations, the method further includes continuously controlling the power delivered to the heater wire to maintain a target relative humidity of the gas flow.

[0178] In accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed but not claimed herein, a respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient is disclosed, the respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient comprising: a flow generator configured to generate a flow of gas; a humidifier comprising a heating element; a port configured to be in fluid communication with the conduit, the port configured to receive the substance to be nebulized and introduce the substance to be nebulized into the flow of gas to the patient; and a controller configured to adjust the power delivered to at least the heating element to adjust the average particle size of the substance sprayed onto or towards the target.

[0179] In accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed but not claimed herein, a method for delivering a flow of gas to a patient, the method comprising: 1. A respiratory therapy device, comprising: a flow generator configured to generate a flow of gas; a humidifier comprising a heating element; introducing a substance to be nebulized into a gas stream to the patient; and adjusting the power delivered to the heating element to adjust the average particle size of the material sprayed onto or towards the target.

[0180] In accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed but not claimed herein, a respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient is disclosed, the respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient comprising: a flow generator configured to generate a flow of gas; a port configured to be in fluid communication with the gas supply for receiving the substance to be nebulized and introducing it into the flow of gas to the patient; a controller that adjusts the power delivered to components in the system to adjust the average particle size of the sprayed material at or relative to the target; The system includes a standard therapy mode and a nebulization therapy mode; The nebulization therapy mode includes a lower relative humidity than the standard therapy mode.

[0181] In accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed but not claimed herein, a respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient is disclosed, the respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient comprising: a flow generator configured to generate a flow of gas; a port configured to be in fluid communication with or to receive the substance to be nebulized and introduce it into the flow of gas to the patient; a controller that adjusts the power delivered to components in the system to adjust the average particle size of the sprayed material at or relative to the target; The target average particle size is less than 1.0 micrometer mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0182] In accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed but not claimed herein, a respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient, the respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient comprising: a flow generator configured to generate a flow of gas; a conduit configured to deliver a flow of gas from a flow generator to a patient, the conduit comprising an inner lumen and a heater wire configured to heat the flow of gas within the conduit; a nebulizer in fluid communication with the conduit for introducing a nebulizer into the flow of gas to the patient; and a controller configured to adjust the power delivered to components in the system to adjust the average particle size of the sprayed material to the target.

[0183] In accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of at least one of the embodiments disclosed but not claimed herein, a respiratory therapy device for delivering a flow of gas to a patient, the respiratory therapy device for delivering a flow of gas to a patient comprising: a flow generator configured to generate a flow of gas; a humidifier comprising a heating element; a port configured to be in fluid communication with the conduit, the port configured to receive the substance to be nebulized and introduce the substance to be nebulized into the flow of gas to the patient; and a controller configured to adjust the power delivered to at least the heating element to adjust the average particle size of the substance sprayed onto or towards the target.

[0184] In some configurations, the device is configured to fluidly connect to a conduit configured to deliver a flow of gas from the flow generator to the patient, the conduit comprising an inner lumen and a heater wire configured to heat the flow of gas within the conduit.

[0185] In some configurations, the controller is configured to adjust the power delivered to the heater wire to adjust the average particle size of the atomized material relative to the target.

[0186] In some configurations, the port for the atomizer is located upstream from the device end of the conduit.

[0187] In some configurations, the port for the atomizer is located at or towards the device end of the conduit.

[0188] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy device further comprises a fitting / connector configured to connect to the port at one opening and to receive the nebulizer at another opening.

[0189] In some configurations, the port is configured to be connected to a nebulizer, which introduces the substance to be nebulized into the gas stream.

[0190] In some configurations, the device includes a standard therapy mode and a nebulized therapy mode.

[0191] In some configurations, the apparatus is configured to automatically control the power to the heater wire to achieve a default target average particle size.

[0192] In some configurations, the device is configured to automatically control power to the heating element to achieve a default target average particle size.

[0193] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy device further comprises a user control interface.

[0194] As used herein, the term "comprising" means "consisting at least in part of." When interpreting each statement herein that includes the term "comprising," features other than those preceded by the term may be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" should be interpreted similarly.

[0195] The present invention may also be broadly described as consisting of the parts, elements and features referred to or shown in the specification of this application, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of such parts, elements or features, and where specific elements having known equivalents in the art to which the invention pertains are referred to herein, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0196] The invention comprises the foregoing and also contemplates the following constructions, the following being given by way of example only.

[0197] It is to be understood that alternative embodiments may include any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements, features, or configurations as illustrated, described, or referenced herein.

[0198] Specific embodiments and modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description herein, taken in conjunction with the following drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0199] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a respiratory therapy system. [Figure 2] 1 shows another schematic diagram of a respiratory therapy system. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a circuit sensing board that can be used in a respiratory therapy system. [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a respiratory therapy system receiving nebulized substances from a nebulizer. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a respiratory therapy device for use in a respiratory therapy system configured in accordance with certain features, aspects, and advantages of some described configurations. [Figure 6] 1 shows a perspective view of a breath device of a respiratory therapy system. [Figure 7] 1 shows a flow chart of a method of using and controlling a respiratory therapy system. [Figure 8A] 1 shows a graph of test results showing the correlation between relative humidity, air temperature, and MMAD of nebulized substance in a respiratory therapy system at a flow rate of 20 L / min. [Figure 8B] 1 shows a graph of test results showing the correlation between relative humidity, air temperature, and MMAD of nebulized substance in a respiratory therapy system at a flow rate of 40 L / min. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0200] Although specific examples are described below, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and / or uses, and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the disclosure disclosed herein should be limited by any specific examples described below.

[0201] 1. Overview of Respiratory Therapy System 1, there is shown an exemplary configuration of a respiratory therapy system 100. The respiratory therapy system 100 delivers a flow of gas to a patient.

[0202] In a preferred configuration, the respiratory therapy system 100 includes a flow generator 101 for generating a flow of gas to be delivered to the patient. The illustrated flow generator 101 includes a gas inlet 102 and a gas outlet 104.

[0203] In some configurations, the flow generator 101 may also include a blower 106. The blower 106 may draw gas from the gas inlet 102. In some configurations, the flow generator 101 may include a source or container of compressed gas (e.g., air, oxygen, etc.). The container may include a valve that may be adjusted to control the flow of gas leaving the container. In some configurations, the flow generator 101 may use such a source of compressed gas and / or another gas source in place of the blower 106. In some configurations, the blower 106 may be used in conjunction with another gas source. In some configurations, the blower 106 may include an electric blower, or may include a bellows arrangement or some other structure capable of generating a gas flow. The blower 106 may operate at a motor speed greater than about 1,000 RPM and less than about 8,000 RPM, greater than about 2,000 RPM and less than about 10,000 RPM, or between any of the aforementioned values. The blower 106 can mix gases entering the blower 106 through inlet ports (e.g., the ambient air inlet port 102 and / or the oxygen inlet port). Using the blower 106 as a mixer can reduce pressure drop compared to systems with a separate mixer, such as a static mixer with a baffle.

[0204] In some configurations, the flow generator 101 draws in atmospheric gases through the gas inlet 102. In some configurations, the flow generator 101 is adapted to both draw in atmospheric gases through the gas inlet 102 and accept other gases (e.g., oxygen, nitric oxide, carbon dioxide, etc.) through the same gas inlet 102 or a different gas inlet. For example, the gas inlet 102 may be a supplemental oxygen inlet. The supplemental oxygen inlet may include a valve (e.g., a proportional solenoid valve, a binary valve, or other suitable valve type) capable of controlling the flow of oxygen into the flow generator 101. The valve may be in electrical communication with the controller 113 of the respiratory therapy system 100. Other configurations are possible.

[0205] In some configurations, the flow generator 101 is controlled to provide high-flow therapy. In some configurations, the flow generator 101 is controlled to provide continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. In some configurations, the flow generator 101 is a dual therapy device, controlled to provide both high-flow and / or CPAP therapy. In some configurations, the flow generator 101 is controlled to provide one or more of the following: bi-level pressure therapy, CPAP therapy, or high-flow therapy.

[0206] Respiratory therapy system 100 in some configurations measures and controls the oxygen content of the gas delivered to the patient, and therefore the oxygen content of the gas inhaled by the patient. Oxygen can be measured by placing one or more gas composition sensors (such as an ultrasound transducer system) after the oxygen and ambient air are mixed. Measurements can occur within respiratory therapy device 100, conduit 122, patient interface 124, or any other suitable location.

[0207] The oxygen concentration measured within the device may be equivalent to the fraction of delivered oxygen (FdO2), which may be substantially the same as the oxygen concentration the patient is breathing, the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), and therefore such terms may be considered equivalent.

[0208] The oxygen concentration can also be measured by using flow sensors on at least two of the ambient air inlet conduit, the oxygen inlet conduit, and the patient breath conduit to determine the flow rates of at least two gases. By determining the flow rates of both or one of the inlet gases and one total flow rate, along with the assumed or measured oxygen concentration of the inlet gas (approximately 20.9% for ambient air and approximately 100% for oxygen), the oxygen concentration of the final gas composition can be calculated. Alternatively, flow sensors can be placed in all three of the ambient air inlet conduit, the oxygen inlet conduit, and the breath conduit to allow for redundancy, and each sensor is tested for correct operation by checking the consistency of the readings. Other methods of measuring the oxygen concentration delivered by the respiratory therapy system 100 can also be used.

[0209] Respiratory therapy system 100 can provide high-flow therapy, where the high flow rate of delivered gas meets or exceeds the patient's peak inspiratory demand.

[0210] High flow therapy, as discussed herein, is intended to be given its typical ordinary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art, and generally refers to a breath-assist device that delivers a target flow rate of humidified respiratory gas through an intentionally unsealed patient interface at a flow rate intended to match or exceed the patient's inspiratory flow. Typical patient interfaces include, but are not limited to, nasal or tracheal patient interfaces. Typical flow rates for adults often range from about 15 liters per minute to about 60 liters per minute or more. Typical flow rates for pediatric patients (such as neonates, infants, and children) often range from about 1 liter per minute per kilogram of patient body weight to about 3 liters per minute per kilogram of patient body weight or more, but are not limited to these. High flow therapy also optionally includes the administration of a gas mixture composition containing supplemental oxygen and / or a therapeutic agent. High-flow therapy is often referred to as nasal high-flow (NHF), humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHFNC), high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO), high-flow therapy (HFT), or high-tracheal flow (THF), among other common names.

[0211] For example, in some configurations, for an adult patient, "high flow therapy" can refer to the delivery of gas to a patient at a flow rate of about 10 liters per minute (10 LPM) or greater, e.g., from about 10 LPM to about 100 LPM, or from about 15 LPM to about 95 LPM, or from about 20 LPM to about 90 LPM, or from about 25 LPM to about 85 LPM, or from about 30 LPM to about 80 LPM, or from about 35 LPM to about 75 LPM, or from about 40 LPM to about 70 LPM, or from about 45 LPM to about 65 LPM, or from about 50 LPM to about 60 LPM. In some configurations, for neonatal, infant, or pediatric patients, "high flow therapy" can refer to the delivery of gas to a patient at a flow rate greater than 1 LPM, such as from about 1 LPM to about 25 LPM, or from about 2 LPM to about 25 LPM, or from about 2 LPM to about 5 LPM, or from about 5 LPM to about 25 LPM, or from about 5 LPM to about 10 LPM, or from about 10 LPM to about 25 LPM, or from about 10 LPM to about 20 LPM, or from about 10 LPM to 15 LPM, or from about 20 LPM to 25 LPM. High flow therapy devices with adult, neonatal, infant, or pediatric patients can, in some configurations, deliver gas to a patient at a flow rate of from about 1 LPM to about 100 LPM, or at a flow rate in any of the subranges outlined above. The delivered gas can include a percentage of oxygen. In some configurations, the percentage of oxygen in the delivered gas can be between about 20% and about 100%, or between about 30% and about 100%, or between about 40% and about 100%, or between about 50% and about 100%, or between about 60% and about 100%, or between about 70% and about 100%, or between about 80% and about 100%, or between about 90% and about 100%, or about 100%, or 100%.

[0212] High flow therapy can be effective in matching or exceeding a patient's inspiratory flow, increasing the patient's oxygenation, and / or reducing the work of breathing.

[0213] High flow therapy may be administered into the patient's nostrils and / or orally or through a tracheostomy interface.

[0214] High-flow therapy can create a washout effect in the nasopharynx, such that the anatomical dead space in the upper airway is washed away by the high inflow gas flow. This can create a reservoir of fresh gas available for each breath while reducing nitrogen and carbon dioxide rebreathing. Meeting inspiratory demand and flushing the airway are additionally important when attempting to control a patient's FdO2. High-flow therapy can be delivered using a non-sealing patient interface, such as a nasal cannula. High-flow therapy can reduce a patient's respiratory rate. High-flow therapy can also provide expiratory resistance to the patient.

[0215] High flow therapy can be used to treat patients with obstructive pulmonary diseases such as COPD, bronchiectasis, dyspnea, cystic fibrosis, emphysema and / or patients with respiratory distress or hypercapnia.

[0216] As used herein, the term "unsealed patient interface" (i.e., non-sealing patient interface) may refer to an interface that provides a pneumatic link between a patient's airway and a source of gas flow (such as from the flow generator 101) that does not completely occlude the patient's airway. A non-sealing pneumatic link may include less than about 95% occlusion of the patient's airway. A non-sealing pneumatic link may include less than about 90% occlusion of the patient's airway. A non-sealing pneumatic link may include between about 40% and about 80% occlusion of the patient's airway. The airway may include one or both of the patient's nostrils and / or the patient's mouth. For nasal cannulas, the airway is through the nares.

[0217] In some configurations, respiratory therapy system 100 further comprises a conduit 122. Conduit 122 is configured to deliver a flow of gas from flow generator 101 to the patient. In a preferred configuration, conduit 122 is a patient breath tube.

[0218] The conduit 122 may include an internal lumen and one or more heater wires 123 configured to heat the gas flow within the conduit. The conduit 122 with the heater wires 123 may be used to add heat to the gas passing through the conduit. The heat may reduce or eliminate the possibility of condensation of water entrained in the gas flow along the walls of the conduit 122. The conduit heater may include one or more resistive wires located in, on, around, or near the walls of the conduit 122. In one or more configurations, such one or more resistive wires may be located outside of any gas passageway. In one or more configurations, such one or more resistive wires are not in direct contact with the gas passing through the conduit 122. In one or more configurations, the walls or surfaces of the conduit 122 are interposed between the one or more resistive wires and the gas passing through the conduit 122. In a preferred configuration, the conduit 122 is a heated breath tube.

[0219] 6, which illustrates an exemplary breath therapy system 100, the system may include an elbow 325 configured to connect to the conduit 122 (and, for example, provide a gas outlet 103). The elbow 325 may include one or more sensors.

[0220] To deliver a flow of gas from the conduit 122 to the patient, the gas passing through the conduit may be delivered to a patient interface 124. The patient interface 124 may pneumatically link the respiratory therapy system 100 to the patient's respiratory / airway.

[0221] In the illustrated configuration, gas travels from the humidifier outlet 118 to a conduit 122 .

[0222] The patient interface 124 may comprise a sealing or non-sealing interface and may comprise a nasal mask, an oral mask, an oral-nasal mask, a full face mask, a nasal pillows mask, a nasal cannula, an endotracheal tube, a combination of the above, or some other gas delivery system.

[0223] In some configurations, a short length of tubing connects the interface 124 to the conduit 122. In some configurations, the short length of tubing can have a smooth bore, as described elsewhere herein. For example, a flexible short length of tubing can connect a nasal cannula or the like to the conduit 122. The short length of tubing connecting the interface to the conduit 122 can be breathable to allow vapor transmission through the wall of the tubing. In some configurations, the short length of tubing can incorporate one or more heated wires, as described elsewhere herein. A smooth bore, whether heated or not, can improve efficiency in delivering the nebulized substance, as described elsewhere herein. Any other suitable patient interface 124 can be used.

[0224] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system 100 includes a humidifier 112. The humidifier 112 is used to humidify the flow of gas to the patient. The humidifier 112 is a gas humidifier that entrains moisture in the gas to provide a humidified gas flow. The illustrated gas humidifier 112 includes a humidifier inlet 116 and a humidifier outlet 118. The gas humidifier 112 includes, is configured to contain, or can contain water or another humidifying or moisturizing agent (hereinafter referred to as water).

[0225] In some configurations, the gas humidifier 112 includes a heating element. The heating element can be used to heat water within the gas humidifier 112 to promote evaporation and / or entrainment of water into the gas flow and / or to increase the temperature of the gas passing through the gas humidifier 112. The heating element in some configurations can, for example, heat a resistive metal heating plate, i.e., the heating element is configured to heat the heating plate. However, other heating elements are also contemplated. For example, the heating element can include a plastic conductive heating plate or a chemical heating system with controllable heat output.

[0226] In some configurations, the flow generator 101 and the gas humidifier 112 may share a housing 126. In some configurations, the gas humidifier 112 may share only a portion of the housing 126 with the flow generator 101. Other configurations are possible.

[0227] The flow generator 101 directs the gas out through a gas outlet 104. In some configurations, the flow generator 101 directs the gas out through a connecting conduit 110. In the illustrated configuration, the connecting conduit 110 carries the gas to a gas humidifier 112.

[0228] In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5 , respiratory therapy device 200 incorporates a humidifier with an integrated flow generator. In other words, in the illustrated configuration, housing 202 houses a flow generator (not shown) and at least a portion of gas humidifier 204. In the illustrated configuration, flow generator and gas humidifier 204 together form an integrated unit 206. In some configurations, respiratory therapy system 100 can be a device or system sold by Fisher & Paykel Healthcare under the name AIRVO™ 2. Such a device or system is shown and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,111,624, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some configurations, respiratory therapy system 100 can be a device or system sold by Fisher & Paykel Healthcare under the name AIRVO™ 3. Such an apparatus or system is shown and described, for example, in PCT Application No. PCT / IB2016 / 053761, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Any other suitable configurations described in these applications may be configured with any of the components or configurations described herein.

[0229] The gas humidifier 204 in the illustrated integrated unit 206 employs a chamber 210. The chamber 210 can have any suitable configuration, including any of the configurations shown and / or described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,146,979 and / or U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,722, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The chamber can contain or hold a volume of liquid, such as water, that is used to humidify the gas as it passes through the chamber. In some configurations, the chamber simply defines a location in the system where a liquid, such as water, is transferred into the gas stream or flow.

[0230] As discussed above, gases conditioned (e.g., heated and / or humidified) within system 100 can be delivered to a patient or other user. In some configurations, tubing or conduits 122 are used to deliver the gases to a patient or other user. Some examples of conduits or tubing that can be used with integrated unit 206 include, but are not limited to, those shown and described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014 / 0202462 A1 (also published as WO2012 / 164407 A1) and WO2014 / 088430, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Any other suitable conduits or tubing can also be used.

[0231] In some configurations, respiratory therapy system 100 may include one or more sensors for detecting various characteristics of gases in respiratory therapy system 100, including pressure, flow rate, temperature, absolute humidity, relative humidity, enthalpy, gas composition, oxygen concentration, and / or carbon dioxide concentration; one or more sensors for detecting various characteristics of the patient or the patient's health, including heart rate, respiratory rate, EEG signals, EKG / ECG signals, blood oxygen concentration, blood CO2 concentration, and blood glucose level; and / or one or more sensors for detecting various characteristics of gases or other objects external to respiratory therapy system 100, including ambient temperature and / or ambient humidity. One or more of the sensors may be used to assist in the control of components of respiratory therapy system 100, including gas humidifier 112, which may occur through the use of a controller as described above, through the use of a closed-loop or open-loop control system.

[0232] 2, operational sensors 3a, 3b, 3c, such as flow, temperature, humidity, and / or pressure sensors, can be located at various locations within breath therapy system 100. Additional sensors (e.g., sensors 20, 25) can be located at various locations on conduit 122 and / or patient interface 124 (e.g., temperature sensor 29 can be at or near the end of the inspiratory tube).

[0233] With additional reference to FIG. 3 , a sensing circuit board 2200 that can be implemented in respiratory therapy system 100 is shown. The sensing circuit board 2200 can be positioned within the sensor chamber such that the sensing circuit board 2200 is at least partially immersed in the gas flow. The gas flow can exit the flow generator through a conduit and enter a flow path in the sensor chamber. At least some of the sensors on the sensing circuit board 2200 can be positioned within the gas flow (indicated in the direction by arrow 2203) to measure gas properties within the flow. After passing through the flow path in the sensor chamber, the gas can exit to the humidifier 112, described above.

[0234] The sensing circuit board 2200 can be a printed sensing circuit board (PCB). Alternatively, the circuitry on the board 2200 can be constructed with electrical wires connecting electronic components instead of being printed on a circuit board. At least a portion of the sensing circuit board 2200 can be mounted outside the gas flow. The gas flow can be generated by the flow generator 101 described above. The sensing circuit board 2200 can include an ultrasonic transducer 2204. The sensing circuit board 2200 can include one or more thermistors 2205. The thermistor 2205 can be configured to measure the temperature of the gas flow. The sensing circuit board 2200 can include a thermistor flow sensor 2206. The sensing circuit board 2200 can include other types of sensors, such as humidity sensors (including humidity-only sensors used with a separate temperature sensor and combination humidity and temperature sensors), sensors for measuring barometric pressure, sensors for measuring differential pressure, and / or sensors for measuring gauge pressure. The thermistor flow sensor 2206 may comprise a hot wire anemometer, such as a platinum wire, and / or a thermistor, such as a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) or positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor. Other non-limiting examples of heated temperature sensing elements include glass or epoxy encapsulated or unencapsulated thermistors. The thermistor flow sensor 2206 may be configured to measure the flow rate of the gas by being supplied with a constant power or by being maintained at a constant temperature or a constant temperature difference between the sensor and the gas flow.

[0235] Positioning one or more of the thermistors 2205 and / or thermistor flow sensor 2206 downstream of the combined flow generator and mixer means that the sensor readings depend on the heat supplied to the gas flow by the flow generator. Furthermore, immersing at least a portion of the sensing circuit board and sensor within the flow path can increase the accuracy of the measurement. Compared to non-immersed sensors, sensors immersed in the flow are more likely to be exposed to the same conditions as the gas flow, such as temperature and pressure. Therefore, these immersed sensors may provide a better representation of the gas flow characteristics.

[0236] Sensing circuit board 2200 may include an ultrasonic transducer, transceiver, or other sensor to measure properties of the gas stream, such as the gas composition or concentration of one or more gases in the gas stream. It will be appreciated that any suitable transducer, transceiver, or sensor may be mounted on sensing circuit board 2200. In this configuration, the gas composition sensor is an ultrasonic transducer that employs ultrasonic or sound waves to determine gas concentration.

[0237] Some examples of flow therapy devices are disclosed in International Application No. PCT / NZ2016 / 050193, entitled "Flow Path Sensing for Flow Therapy Apparatus," filed December 2, 2016, and International Application No. PCT / IB2016 / 053761, entitled "Breathing Assistance Apparatus," filed June 24, 2016, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0238] 2. Substance to be sprayed In a preferred configuration, respiratory therapy system 100 is configured to receive a substance to be nebulized and introduce it into the flow of gas to the patient. In some configurations, respiratory therapy system 100 includes a port configured to be in fluid communication with a conduit for receiving a substance to be nebulized and introducing it into the flow of gas.

[0239] The nebulized material is typically in the form of small aerosol / spray particles that can be carried by the gas flow delivered to the patient. The nebulized material is mixed, combined, or otherwise carried with the gas flow delivered to the patient. The nebulized material can be "particles" or "droplets," i.e., aerosolized solids or liquids, respectively, and both terms, particles and droplets, can be used interchangeably to refer to the nebulized material introduced into the system.

[0240] In the illustrated configuration, as alluded to above, the respiratory therapy system 100 can operate as follows. Gas can be drawn into the flow generator 101 through the gas inlet 102 due to rotation of the impeller of the blower 106 by the motor. The gas is pushed out of the gas outlet 104 through the connecting conduit 110. The gas enters the gas humidifier 112 through the humidifier inlet 116. Upon entering the gas humidifier 112, the gas entrains moisture as it passes over or near water within the gas humidifier 112. The water is heated by the heating element, which assists in humidifying and / or heating the gas passing through the gas humidifier 112. The gas exits the gas humidifier 112 through the humidifier outlet 118 and enters the conduit 122. Before entering the conduit 122, the gas flow receives (and entrains) one or more substances from the nebulizer 128. The gas flow is directed from the conduit 122 to the patient interface 124 where it is drawn into the patient's airway to aid in the treatment of respiratory disorders.

[0241] In some configurations, a sufficient amount of the nebulized material delivered to the patient via the gas flow travels to a desired target location within the patient's respiratory tract or airway. The size of the particles of the nebulized material can affect the movement, dispersion, and / or deposition behavior of the material within the patient's respiratory tract or airway. "Particle size" may refer to the average size of particles of the material, as quantified by various measures or parameters, for example, the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0242] Typically, a gas stream carrying a nebulized substance having a smaller average particle size may be able to travel a longer distance within a patient's respiratory tract or airway before being dispersed or deposited on surfaces in the respiratory tract or airway. The particle size of the nebulized substance may also affect the deposition and retention of the substance in the respiratory tract (i.e., how efficiently particles of the substance remain dispersed or deposited in the respiratory tract or airway). However, if the particle size is too small, some proportion of the delivered substance may not be deposited (or remain deposited) in the patient's airway instead of being exhaled by the patient's breath. Depending on various factors, including the composition of the nebulized substance and the condition of the patient being treated, it may be desirable for a) as much of the substance to be deposited or dispersed in the patient's respiratory tract as possible, or b) for some of the substance to be exhaled or partially exhaled from the patient's respiratory tract. Therefore, it is desirable for clinicians to be able to control the average particle size of the nebulized substance provided to a respiratory therapy system.

[0243] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system 100 controls at least one component to adjust the particle size of the nebulized substance. The respiratory therapy system 100 controls system parameters by controlling certain components internal to the system, for example, by adjusting the power provided to the heater wire in the breath tube conduit and / or the blower fan speed (more examples are provided below). Controlling these internal or built-in components of the system can provide a more direct influence on the particle size of the nebulized substance in the gas flow path, closer to what will be received by the patient. Particle size adjustment in these configurations is not performed external to the system, for example, by the nebulizer itself. Any control internal to the system, for example, to adjust the particle size of the nebulized substance, can be different from and additional to any particle size adjustment that may be performed upstream of the respiratory therapy system, for example, before entering the chamber 210. An advantage of controlling the humidity, and therefore particle size, of the nebulized substance in the system is that there is more direct, predictable, and / or more measurable control of the substance closer to delivery to the patient (i.e., particle control / adjustment occurs downstream of the chamber and near the end of the flow path / near the patient end of the system).

[0244] In one or more configurations, the controller 113 is configured to adjust the power provided to components in the system to adjust the average particle size of the atomized material relative to the target. In some of these configurations, adjusting the power delivered to components in the system in turn affects the amount of heat imparted to the gas flow in the system at different points in the flow path, for example, the heat applied to water in a humidifier chamber or the heat applied to the gas flow in a conduit.

[0245] In some configurations, adjustment of the average particle size of the nebulized material can also be achieved through a controller method that varies one or more built-in functions that will affect the relative humidity of the gas stream being provided to the patient. This can involve controlling any number of dynamically controllable features, such as impeller or pump speed to vary the air / gas flow rate, the opening range of a control valve, orifice, or other restriction, control of air-water contact area and residence time in the humidifier chamber or other areas of the system (through features such as baffles and / or other methods of creating a tortuous flow path), control of additional heating or cooling elements in the system, and / or the length of conduits in the system.

[0246] When nebulized substances are introduced into respiratory therapy system 100, the particles become suspended and / or entrained within the gas stream. The average size of the particles can affect how far the substance is entrained by the gas stream into the patient's airways, and therefore the distance traveled. Relatively large particle sizes of these nebulized substances (e.g., average particle sizes of MMADs of 1 μm or greater) tend to deposit in the upper respiratory tract (e.g., the oronasal passages), while smaller droplet sizes in the humidified gas stream (e.g., average particle sizes of MMADs of less than 1 μm) can travel further into the airways. In a preferred configuration, the average particle size can be adjusted within system 100, as particle size is affected by factors within the system.

[0247] Controlling the particle size of the nebulized substance can, in some configurations, be achieved at least in part by adjusting the relative humidity of the humidified gas delivered to the patient. In some respiratory therapy systems with breath gas humidification, it may be desirable for the control system to aim to maintain the relative humidity at 100% (i.e., fully saturating the gas flow, thereby mimicking the natural humidification performed by the patient's airways). However, at least at some flow rates and for some nebulized substances, at 100% relative humidity, the particle size will be higher (e.g., greater than 1.0 μm) than is desirable for dispersing or depositing the substance at a particular depth into the patient's airways. Therefore, in a preferred configuration, the respiratory therapy system 100 controls system components to affect humidity such that a target relative humidity of less than 100% is achieved.

[0248] It is expected that controlling the components of respiratory therapy system 100 to affect the relative humidity of the gas stream (i.e., affect the average particle size of the nebulized material) in the manner described will help improve the likelihood that a sufficient amount of the nebulized material will reach the desired location for dispersion or deposition within the patient's airway. Control of the components in respiratory therapy system 100 to achieve the target relative humidity will be described in more detail below.

[0249] In some configurations, the controller 113 is configured to at least adjust the power delivered to the heater wires 123 to adjust the average particle size of the nebulized material toward or towards the target, i.e., to adjust the power to achieve the target particle size. In some of these configurations, the target average particle size is based on a desired distance traveled into the patient's airways. If the desired location of dispersion or deposition of the nebulized material is farther or deeper into the airways, the desired distance traveled by the particles of the nebulized material is greater than if the desired location is not far into the patient's airways.

[0250] In some configurations, the desired travel distance may be such that dispersion or deposition occurs primarily in or around the patient's upper respiratory tract. In these configurations, the travel distance of particles of the nebulized substance is shorter than if the desired travel distance were such that dispersion or deposition occurs primarily in the lower respiratory tract.

[0251] In other configurations, the desired travel distance is for dispersion or deposition primarily beyond the patient's upper respiratory tract. In these configurations, the travel distance of the nebulized substance particles is greater than if the desired travel distance were to the upper respiratory tract region. To achieve this (i.e., to ensure that a sufficient amount of the nebulized substance particles travel a longer distance to deeper regions of the patient's respiratory tract), the average particle size of the nebulized substance particles is smaller in some configurations than if the desired travel distance were to the region within or surrounding the patient's upper respiratory tract. In summary, in some configurations, the target average particle size is relatively larger when the desired travel distance is for dispersion or deposition in or around the patient's upper respiratory tract than when the desired travel distance is for dispersion or deposition in or around the patient's lower respiratory tract.

[0252] In some configurations, the desired travel distance is for dispersion or deposition in or around the patient's lower respiratory tract.

[0253] In some configurations, the target average particle size (of the nebulized material delivered to the patient via the gas stream) is less than 1.0 μm (micrometers) mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0254] In some configurations, the target average particle size is between 0.5 μm and 1.0 μm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0255] In other configurations, the target average particle size is less than 0.5 μm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0256] In other configurations, the target average particle size is between 0.1 μm and 0.5 μm mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

[0257] It is expected that different target average particle sizes may depend on the specific nebulized material being delivered. Accordingly, the specific controls of a system for delivering a nebulized material to a desired location within a patient's respiratory tract will vary. The moisture absorption characteristics of the material, such as its hygroscopicity—how easily it condenses with water vapor suspended in the gas stream—can also affect how large the particle size becomes. Highly hygroscopic materials may tend to absorb much more water vapor from the gas stream being humidified, resulting in larger particle sizes, while less hygroscopic or even non-hygroscopic materials may have the opposite tendency, with particles absorbing no or less water vapor. Thus, weakly hygroscopic or non-hygroscopic materials remain the same size or smaller than highly hygroscopic materials. That is, weakly hygroscopic or non-hygroscopic materials may remain approximately the same size as when dispensed from the nebulizer. As a further example, specific materials with different dew points, heat capacities, and evaporation characteristics may require their own specific settings or modes. Factors that may affect the required control settings include, but are not limited to, different oxygen concentrations in the air stream, the mixture of different nebulizer substances (e.g., pharmaceuticals or other drugs) and concentrations (e.g., osmolality or osmolality of the particular solution of the substance being nebulized).

[0258] The nebulized substance introduced into the gas stream can be a pharmaceutical substance. Other examples of nebulized substances that can be introduced into the gas stream can be mannitol, lactated Ringer's solution, 5.0% dextrose in water, Hartmann's solution, sodium lactate solution, and complex sodium lactate. The substance can be introduced into the system 100, carried by the gas stream, and then delivered to the patient's airway or respiratory tract along with the respiratory gas.

[0259] In some configurations, the introduction of nebulized substances into the gas stream delivered to the patient can improve the treatment of respiratory diseases or disorders.

[0260] 1 , in some configurations, nebulizer 128 may be used in conjunction with respiratory therapy system 100. Nebulizer 128 may be separate from respiratory therapy system 100 or may form part of respiratory therapy system 100.

[0261] The atomizer 128 produces a fine spray of liquid, i.e., an aerosol of particles. The atomized material is introduced into the stream of conditioned or preconditioned gas. Any suitable atomizer 128 can be used.

[0262] In some configurations, the port through which the atomizer dispenses the atomized substance into the gas flow path is located downstream from the flow generator 101. In these configurations, the atomized substance is carried by the gas flow from the flow generator 101.

[0263] In some configurations, the port for the nebulizer is located in the humidifier 112. The nebulized substance in these configurations is added to the humidified flow of gas delivered to the patient. In some configurations, the port for the nebulizer is located at or toward the inlet 116 or outlet 118 of the humidifier 112. In some configurations, the port for the nebulizer is located at or toward the outlet of the humidifier. In some configurations, the port for the nebulizer is located downstream of the humidifier.

[0264] In some configurations, the port for the nebulizer is located upstream from the device end of the conduit 122 (patient breath tube) of the breath therapy device. In other configurations, the port for the nebulizer is located at or toward the device end of the conduit. In these configurations, the nebulized substance introduced into the gas flow forms part of the gas mixture flow by the time it enters the conduit, so that adjusting the power to the heater wire 123 in the conduit can affect the particle size of the nebulized substance. In some configurations, the port for the nebulizer is located on or within the conduit. In other configurations, the port for the nebulizer is located anywhere or at various locations along the conduit. For example, the port for the nebulizer may be located on or within the conduit approximately one-third of the way from the device end, halfway from the device end, or two-thirds from the device end. In other configurations, the port for the nebulizer is located on or within the conduit approximately one-third of the way from the device end, halfway from the device end, or two-thirds from the device end. In other configurations, the port for the nebulizer is located at or toward the device end of the conduit.

[0265] In some configurations, the conduit 122 includes a length greater than 0.5 meters. In some configurations, the conduit includes a length greater than 1 meter. In some configurations, the conduit includes a length greater than 1.5 meters. In some configurations, the conduit 122 has a length such that the residence time of the gas and atomized material flow is sufficient for adjustments to the power of the heater wire 123 to affect the relative humidity inside the conduit, thereby adjusting the average particle size of the atomized material to or toward a target particle size. In some configurations, the aforementioned controls are sufficient to affect the relative humidity in the system and adjust the average particle size of the atomized material to a target particle size.

[0266] In some configurations, multiple components of the respiratory therapy system may be housed together. For example, two or more of the flow generator 101, gas humidifier 112, and nebulizer 128 may share a housing 126.

[0267] In some configurations, the nebulizer 128 is separate from the housing 126. In these configurations, the nebulizer 128 may be linked to a portion of the gas passageway extending between the flow generator 101 (which may include the gas inlet 102) and the patient interface 124, although other arrangements for the nebulizer 128 or a separate nebulizer may be utilized.

[0268] In some configurations, the nebulizer 128 is not positioned anywhere in line between the humidifier outlet 118 and the patient interface 124. Rather, the nebulizer 128 may be positioned upstream of the humidifier outlet 118 or upstream of the inlet to the conduit 122. In some configurations, the nebulizer 128 may be positioned upstream of the inlet to the humidifier. In some configurations, the nebulizer 128 may be positioned between the source of gas flow and the chamber of the humidifier.

[0269] In some configurations, the location or position of the nebulizer port defines a flow path for the nebulized substance, which may include all or some components of the device outlet, elbow, humidification chamber, conduit, and / or patient interface.

[0270] 5 configuration, the outlet 129 of the nebulizer 128 is positioned to connect with the chamber 210 to introduce the nebulized substance. In some configurations, the nebulizer 128 is configured and positioned to inject the nebulized substance into the regulated gas stream downstream of the chamber 210 and upstream of the conduit 122 connecting the patient interface 124 to the integrated unit 206. In some configurations, the nebulizer 128 is configured and positioned to inject the nebulized substance into the regulated gas stream downstream of the chamber 210 and upstream of the connection between the removable conduit 122 and the integrated unit 206. In some configurations, the nebulizer 128 is configured and positioned to inject the nebulized substance into the gas stream prior to entry into the chamber 210. In some configurations, the nebulizer 128 is configured and positioned to inject the nebulized substance into the gas stream during entry into the chamber 210. In some configurations, the sprayer 128 is configured and positioned to inject the substance to be atomized into the gas flow following entry into the chamber 210. In some configurations, the sprayer 128 is configured and positioned to inject the substance to be atomized into the gas flow prior to exit from the chamber 210. In some configurations, the sprayer 128 is configured and positioned to inject the substance to be atomized into the gas flow during exit from the chamber 210. In some configurations, the sprayer 128 is configured and positioned to inject the substance to be atomized into the gas flow following exit from the chamber 210.

[0271] In some configurations, the port is configured to indirectly receive the nebulizer. The respiratory therapy system may have a connector that connects to the port at one opening and is configured to receive the nebulizer at another opening. In these configurations, the nebulizer is not directly connected to the port because there is a connector or conveyor to connect between the nebulizer and the port.

[0272] The sprayer 128 may be linked to a portion of the gas path by a connector or conveyor 130, which may comprise a conduit or adapter. Alternatively, the sprayer 128 may interface directly with the gas path, which may eliminate the need for the conveyor 130.

[0273] 3. Controller In some configurations, the operation of the flow generator 101, the gas humidifier 112, or other components or aspects of the respiratory therapy system 100 may be controlled by a controller 113. The controller may comprise a microprocessor, application specific circuitry such as an ASIC or FPGA, or other suitable device. The controller may be located in or on the flow generator 101, the gas humidifier 112, or other component of the respiratory therapy system 100, or on a remote computing device in remote communication with the respiratory therapy system 100. In some configurations, multiple controllers may be used.

[0274] Referring to FIG. 2, in such a configuration, the respiratory therapy system 100 controls the operation of the system's components and can control actions including, but not limited to, adjusting the power delivered to the heater wire 123 of the heated breath conduit (to adjust the temperature in the heated breath conduit) and the power delivered to the humidifier heating element 25 (to adjust the heating of the water in the humidifier).

[0275] In some configurations, the controller 113 adjusts the power provided to the heater wires 123 of the conduit 122 to adjust the average particle size of the nebulized material toward a target. For example, in some configurations, the temperature within the conduit 122 downstream of the nebulizer 128 (when connected to the respiratory therapy system 100) can be controlled toward or at a target to adjust the relative humidity of the gas flow within the conduit toward or toward a target.

[0276] The relative humidity of the humidified gas delivered to the patient can be dynamically controlled by the respiratory therapy system 100 by increasing or decreasing the temperature of the heated conduit 122 relative to the temperature at the humidifier heating element 25 (e.g., by adjusting the power delivered to the heater wire). For example, increasing the temperature of the heated conduit 122 and / or reducing the power supplied to the heating element 25 decreases the relative humidity of the humidified gas delivered to the patient. A reduction in the relative humidity of the gas delivered to the patient can be achieved when there is a sufficient temperature difference between the temperature at the humidifier outlet and the temperature at the patient (e.g., as measured by a patient-end temperature sensor positioned in the conduit). A sufficient temperature difference can be approximately 5 degrees Celsius. Smaller or larger temperature differences can also be suitable. It should be appreciated that adjusting the power delivered to the heater wire of the heated conduit 122 allows for faster changes in the relative humidity and, therefore, the average particle size of the atomized material in the conduit 122. Adjusting the power delivered to the heater wire can be more rapid compared to heating the water in the chamber by adjusting the power delivered to the humidifier heating element. One or both controls for the power delivered to the heater wire or the humidifier heating element 25 can be used to achieve the desired humidity.

[0277] Typically, when controlling a respiratory therapy system with humidification, it is preferred to control the power delivered to the heater wire and heating element in parallel to maintain 100% relative humidity and a specified absolute humidity (e.g., 44 mg / L). In contrast, in a preferred configuration of the respiratory therapy system 100 of the present invention, the controller 113 increases the power to the heater wire of the heated conduit 122 relative to the humidifier heating element 25 (i.e., not in tandem), thus decreasing the relative humidity and potentially decreasing the average particle size of the atomized material.

[0278] In some configurations, the power delivered to the heater wire 123 of the heated conduit 122 can be controlled to achieve a relative humidity target after the atomizer 128 is installed and dispenses the substance to be atomized. In some configurations, the power to the heater wire 123 in the conduit 122 can be controlled to achieve a relative humidity target before the atomizer 128 begins atomizing the substance into the gas stream.

[0279] In some configurations, the controller 113 adjusts the power supplied to the humidifier's heating element 25 to adjust the average particle size of the atomized material toward the target. It should be appreciated that adjusting the power to the heating element 25 has a slower effect on the temperature of the gas stream (due to both the thermal inertia of the humidifier heater plate and the mass of water stored in the humidification chamber), and therefore the relative humidity changes more gradually in response to the power adjustment. As noted above, this is due to the thermal inertia of the heater plate and water in the humidification chamber, which can take a relatively long time to cool or heat a relatively large mass of water.

[0280] In some configurations, the controller controls both the power supplied to the heater wire and the power delivered to the heating element to achieve a target average particle size.

[0281] In some configurations, the temperature (or a parameter related to temperature, e.g., the duty cycle of the heating / control signal) of the heating element 25 and / or conduit 122 can be maintained for a predetermined period of time (or a period that is a function of the flow rate, for example). Such a configuration can help account for thermal inertia in the system while protecting the substance being sprayed from excessive heating and / or possible thermal damage that could impair the effectiveness of the substance.

[0282] In some configurations, the controller 113 can control the power supplied to the heater wire 123 of the conduit 122 independently of controlling the power supplied to the humidifier heating element 25 to adjust the average particle size. For example, there can be two separate control loops for each of the components. In some configurations, the heater wire 123 may not be controlled in strict coordination or synchronization with the heating element, which may itself be controlled to achieve an absolute humidity target or setpoint. In some configurations, the heater wire 123 is controlled to heat the gas flow in the conduit 122 to achieve a relative humidity target or setpoint. That is, the control loop for the heater wire 123 can be independent of the control loop for the humidifier heating element. The heater wire 123 in these configurations can be controlled independently of the humidifier heater element to target a particular relative humidity and, therefore, a desired average particle size for a substance sprayed into or added to the gas flow delivered to the patient.

[0283] The particle size of the nebulized substance may also be affected by other parameters of the gas flow in the system; for example, when the flow is turbulent (as may occur when the flow reaches a patient, e.g., towards the nose), the particles may be more likely to coalesce or agglomerate, increasing their size.

[0284] In some configurations, the system includes a standard therapy mode and a nebulization therapy mode. The standard therapy mode can be a mode in which the system operates when the substance to be nebulized has not been added to or introduced into the humidified gas flow.

[0285] In some configurations, in nebulization mode, the relative humidity of the gas stream targeted by the controller 113 is lower than the target relative humidity in standard therapy mode. In nebulization mode, the power delivered to the components may be increased, resulting in a lower relative humidity, depending on the desired average particle size. In some of these configurations, the standard therapy mode may target approximately 100% relative humidity, while the nebulization mode may target a relative humidity of less than 100%.

[0286] In some configurations, the target relative humidity in nebulization mode is less than 80%. In some configurations, the target relative humidity in nebulization mode is less than 60%.

[0287] In some configurations, the power supplied to the heater wire in nebulization therapy mode is higher than the power supplied in standard therapy mode.

[0288] In some configurations, the user can manually adjust between standard therapy mode and nebulized therapy mode, which can be adjusted through a user interface on the device.

[0289] In some configurations, in nebulization mode, the target relative humidity is configurable by a user (e.g., a clinician). This can be directly (e.g., the user selects a desired dew point temperature) or indirectly (the user selects a desired particle size and / or material composition (e.g., saline concentration)). In some configurations, a user interface feature (e.g., a touchscreen element) for manually adjusting the target average particle size becomes available for interaction after entering nebulization mode.

[0290] In some configurations, the system is configured to automatically control the power delivered to the heater wire (e.g., when in nebulization mode) to achieve a default target average particle size.

[0291] In some configurations, the system automatically controls the power delivered to the heating element to achieve a default target average particle size, which in some configurations is less than 1.0 μm.

[0292] In some configurations, in nebulization mode, the flow rate range of the gas flow can be within a set flow rate range. The set flow rate range can be approximately 30 L / min to approximately 50 L / min, although other flow rates may be suitable. In some configurations, the controller is configured to adjust the speed of the blower. In some configurations, the speed of the blower is adjusted to provide a flow rate range of the gas flow within the set flow rate range. The speed of the blower is adjusted so that the flow rate of the gas flow is within the set flow rate range.

[0293] In some configurations, the flow rate of the gas stream can be higher or lower than the set flow rate range, and when the nebulization mode is activated, the blower speed can be adjusted to provide a flow rate range of the gas stream within the set flow rate range.

[0294] In some configurations, the gas flow rate range may be higher than the set flow rate range. When the nebulization mode is activated, the controller is configured to reduce the blower speed to provide a gas flow rate range within the set flow rate range. Optionally, the controller is configured to reduce the blower speed to provide a gas flow rate range within an upper region of the set flow rate range. For example, if the gas flow rate is 60 L / min and the set flow rate range is approximately 30 L / min to approximately 50 L / min, the gas flow rate may be reduced to approximately 50 L / min when the nebulization mode is activated.

[0295] In some configurations, the gas flow rate range may be lower than the set flow rate range. When the nebulization mode is activated, the controller is configured to increase the speed of the blower to provide a gas flow rate range within the set flow rate range. Optionally, the controller is configured to increase the speed of the blower to provide a gas flow rate range within an upper region of the set flow rate range. For example, if the gas flow rate is 20 L / min and the set flow rate range is approximately 30 L / min to 50 L / min, the gas flow rate may be increased to approximately 30 L / min when the nebulization mode is activated.

[0296] The flow rate of the gas flow is limited to a set flow rate range to reduce the probability of the nebulized substance depositing in the flow path and / or to reduce the volume of the nebulized substance depositing in the flow path. For example, at a higher flow rate, a higher volume of the nebulized substance may be deposited in the flow path, and less nebulized substance may reach the patient. In nebulization therapy mode, it may be desirable to reduce the flow rate of the gas flow to a relatively low flow rate. Reducing the flow rate of the gas flow to a relatively low flow rate may facilitate delivery of the nebulized substance to the patient / user's respiratory tract. A relatively low flow rate may be, for example, approximately 10 L / min to approximately 30 L / min, although other flow rates may also be suitable.

[0297] In some configurations, the humidifier is configured to trigger or generate an alarm when the nebulization therapy mode is activated and the gas flow is higher or lower than a set flow rate range. In some configurations, the nebulization therapy mode is active for a set period of time. In some configurations, the humidifier is configured to trigger or generate an alarm when the nebulization therapy mode is active for a period of time longer than a set period of time.

[0298] 4. Relative humidity It should be understood that the particle size of the nebulized substance is affected by several factors within the respiratory therapy system 100 .

[0299] For example, the relative humidity within conduit 122 can affect the particle size (e.g., MMAD) of the atomized material. In the present system, relative humidity can be thought of as the amount of water vapor in a mixture of gases as a percentage of the maximum amount that can be held at a particular temperature. Absolute humidity, on the other hand, is the actual or absolute amount (i.e., quantity) of water vapor carried by the gas stream in the present system, regardless of the temperature of the stream (e.g., milligrams of water per liter of gas, mg / L).

[0300] Adjusting the relative humidity in the respiratory therapy system 100 can affect the particle size of the nebulized substance, as the nebulized particles tend to adsorb water (if the particles are relatively dry) and then absorb water (if the particles are relatively wet), becoming larger in the process.

[0301] In humidified respiratory therapy, the desired relative humidity is typically controlled to be as close to 100% as possible to mimic the natural humidification performed by the upper respiratory tract. However, it has been found that water vapor particles can coalesce with particles of the nebulized substance to form larger particles, resulting in an increased MMAD (as explained above), and therefore the substance may not travel into the respiratory tract as desired and / or in sufficient quantities. Therefore, it may be desirable to reduce the saturation (i.e., relative humidity) of the humidified gas stream to a lower target to affect the particle size of the nebulized substance and thereby affect the distance the nebulized substance travels into the patient's respiratory tract. In fact, reducing the relative humidity can result in an increased evaporation effect, resulting in the desorption of water from the nebulized substance particles, thereby resulting in a decrease in MMAD.

[0302] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is approximately 80%. In other configurations, the target relative humidity is less than 80%. For some nebulized substances, a relative humidity of approximately 80% or less will maintain the average particle size of the nebulized substance at 1.0 μm or less. In some configurations, such parameters will be sufficient for the nebulized substance to travel to at least the upper respiratory tract.

[0303] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is approximately 60%. In other configurations, the target relative humidity is less than 60%. For some nebulized substances, a relative humidity of approximately 60% or less will maintain the average particle size of the nebulized substance at 0.5 μm or less. In some configurations, such parameters will be sufficient for the nebulized substance to travel to the lower respiratory tract.

[0304] It is expected that different relative humidity targets may be required for different nebulized substances to be delivered. Accordingly, the specific control parameters of the system selected to deliver the nebulized substance to a desired location within the patient's respiratory tract will vary. For example, a clinician or other suitable person may specify the type and / or concentration of an active agent in a solution to be introduced into system 100 as the nebulized substance. Controller 113 may adjust the relative humidity of the gas stream carrying the nebulized substance by maintaining or adjusting the settings of one or more components accordingly. Higher concentrations of active agent generally require a greater reduction in relative humidity to adjust the particle size to a desired target, e.g., MMAD less than 1.0 μm, for passage through the upper and proximal airways, while lower concentrations may require a smaller reduction in relative humidity.

[0305] In some configurations, if the nebulized substance introduced into the respiratory therapy system 100 includes a different solution composition, adjustment of the relative humidity can be used to maintain a desired average particle size. If the substance composition changes during a respiratory therapy session, for example, due to a clinician increasing or decreasing the drug dosage, the system can adjust the target relative humidity to maintain the desired average particle size. If the change in substance composition is such that the current relative humidity results in an undesirably large average particle size (at the current settings), the system can, for example, result in a decrease in relative humidity following interaction with the system's controls (e.g., via a user interface) by the clinician.

[0306] It should be appreciated that in some of these configurations, the user does not need to wait for the absolute humidity of the gas stream to be reduced or increased (by cooling or heating the water in the humidifier) ​​after adjusting the substance to be nebulized. The clinician or other user can specify to the system that the particle size needs to be reduced or increased, and the system can control components such as heater wires to quickly adjust the relative humidity accordingly. Thus, in these configurations, the workflow for the clinician or other user can be significantly easier and / or faster.

[0307] Referring to Figures 8A and 8B, the test results confirm the correlation between relative humidity, air temperature, and the MMAD of the nebulized material in the system. It can be seen that as the air temperature deviates from the dew point (and thus the relative humidity decreases), the MMAD of the nebulized particles suspended in the gas stream decreases. Figures 8A and 8B show the MMAD of nebulized particles over a range of carrier air conditions at gas flow rates of 20 L / min and 40 L / min, respectively. The average particle size is largely unaffected by these differences in flow rate. However, at much lower flow rates (e.g., 2-3 L / min), the nebulized particles spend significantly longer in the humidified gas stream, which may promote and enable further growth in particle size, i.e., through water vapor adsorption and other mechanisms. The graphs also demonstrate that the concentration of saline (a surrogate for other nebulized formulations in this situation) in the nebulization solution can significantly affect the MMAD of the nebulized particles suspended in the gas stream. As noted above, relative humidity is affected by increasing or decreasing the gas stream temperature. Alternatively, absolute humidity (AH) can be reduced, for example, by increasing the flow rate to reduce the residence time of the gas flowing through the chamber and / or by reducing the power supplied to the heater plate to reduce how much water is heated. The reverse can be done to increase absolute humidity and thereby increase relative humidity. A higher flow rate reduces the residence time of the gas in the heated breath tube, which can reduce the temperature of the gas received by the patient (unless the power to the heated breath tube is correspondingly increased). Furthermore, the concentration of the substance in the solution being nebulized (e.g., how much NaCl or drug is there relative to the water) affects the MMAD of the particles but is selected outside the system and typically depends on what the patient considers necessary. In summary, the important physical variables that can affect the MMAD of particles are temperature, absolute humidity, and the drug formulation being nebulized.

[0308] As these graphs show, when the material is a saline solution of 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl), a higher relative humidity may be suitable for a particular desired MMAD, but at a higher concentration of NaCl (7.0%), the MMAD is much higher at the same relative humidity. As noted above, a more concentrated solution of the material to be sprayed will generally require a greater reduction in relative humidity to adjust the particle size to the desired target, compared to a lower concentration, where the relative humidity may need to be reduced by a smaller amount to achieve the desired target particle size.

[0309] In a preferred configuration, the controller 113 in the system adjusts settings such as the power supplied to the heater wire 123 in the conduit or the power to the heating element 25 based on the desired average particle size (e.g., MMAD). Adjusting these settings adjusts, and in some configurations can reduce, the relative humidity of the air being humidified in the conduit 122, which reduces the size of the particles in the gas stream to a desired average size and allows the aerosolized material particles to travel a desired distance into the patient's respiratory tract.

[0310] In a preferred configuration, the controller 113 controls the components of the system to reach a target relative humidity (which, as discussed, adjusts the particle size of the atomized material). The target relative humidity can be specific to a region in the system. In some configurations, the target relative humidity is the relative humidity of the flow gas in the conduit 122. In some configurations, the target relative humidity is the relative humidity of the flow gas at the patient end of the conduit. The target relative humidity at the patient end can be adjusted and achieved after the gas flow is heated through a flow path along the length of the conduit 122.

[0311] In some configurations, the controller 113 controls the power supplied to the heater wire to reach the target relative humidity. In some configurations, the controller continuously controls the power supplied to the heater wire to maintain the target relative humidity. The power supplied to the heater wire can be adjusted by varying the duty cycle of a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal to the heater wire and / or by varying the voltage amplitude of a DC voltage provided to the heater wire.

[0312] 5. User Control Interface In some configurations, the respiratory therapy system 100 may include a user control interface 108. The user control interface 108 may include one or more buttons, knobs, dials, switches, levers, touchscreens, speakers, displays, and / or other input or output modules that a user may use to input commands to the flow generator 101, view data, and / or control the operation of the flow generator 101 and / or control the operation of other aspects of the respiratory therapy system 100. The system in some configurations may have multiple user control interfaces 108, 120 in different locations in the system 100, as illustrated in FIG.

[0313] In some configurations, the user control interface comprises a user control interface element for adjusting the target average particle size.

[0314] In some configurations, the user control interface comprises a user control interface element for adjusting a target travel distance into the patient's ventilator.

[0315] In some configurations, the user control interface includes user control interface elements for selecting between a standard therapy mode and a nebulized therapy mode.

[0316] In some configurations, the operation of the components of the respiratory therapy system 100 may be controlled wirelessly using a user control interface located on a remote computing device, which may be a tablet, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, or another computing device.

[0317] 6. How to use In some configurations, respiratory therapy system 100 may be configured as follows: The steps may be performed in any suitable order, and thus the following is merely an example of an order that may be used.

[0318] In some configurations, respiratory therapy system 100 can be used with nebulizer 128 and conduit 122 to provide any desired therapy, which can be implemented using a combination of components. In some configurations, a nasal cannula (which is patient interface 124) is connected to the conduit, and nasal high-flow therapy is provided while dispensing a substance (e.g., saline or medication) into the gas stream via the nebulizer. An advantage of using high-flow therapy while dispensing a substance is that the high flow rate of gas forces nebulized particles within the gas into the patient's airways. The high flow rate may increase the probability and / or volume of nebulized substance depositing in the patient's airways and / or further within the airways. Other configurations and methods are possible.

[0319] 7, there is a flow diagram of steps for the method of use. Different configurations may include one or more of these steps.

[0320] In some configurations, the user selects the desired particle size of the nebulized material on a user control interface. For example, by activating a physical element (e.g., a slider, button, etc.) or a digital interface element (i.e., a touch screen) to select the particle size. The selected particle size may be a particle size having a specific desired MMAD or other configuration by selecting a specific particle size mode, e.g., small, normal, or large particle size mode. Alternatively, the user may be able to select a desired deposition or dispersion area. In some configurations, other modes, such as the type of patient interface connected, may be detected or selected. The mode detected by the system or selected by the user may initiate predetermined controls (e.g., power delivered to system components) to adjust the average particle size of the nebulized material delivered, which in turn adjusts the relative humidity, which affects the delivery of the nebulized material to the patient.

[0321] In a preferred configuration, once input is provided, the power supplied to the heater wires of the conduits, as well as the power delivered to the heating elements of the humidifier and / or other components of system 100, is adjusted based on the desired particle size, the desired deposition or distribution area within the patient, the type of patient interface, or other parameters. For example, a clinician may desire a different desired MMAD, desired distribution, or deposition area based on the type of patient interface being used, such as a nasal cannula, face mask, oral interface, or tracheostomy interface. Reducing the relative humidity of the air to be humidified in conduit 122 reduces the size of the liquid particles to the desired MMAD, allowing the atomized material particles or droplets to travel a desired distance into the patient's respiratory tract (further into the patient's respiratory tract than if the relative humidity were higher). Alternatively, increasing the relative humidity of the air to be humidified in conduit 122 increases the size of the liquid particles to the desired MMAD, allowing the atomized material particles or droplets to travel a desired distance into the patient's respiratory tract (shorter than if the relative humidity were lower).

[0322] 7. Overview of Respiratory Therapy Devices In some configurations, a respiratory therapy device 200 for delivering a flow of gas to a patient is provided. The respiratory therapy device 200 includes a flow generator 101 configured to generate a flow of gas, a humidifier 112 including a heating element 25, a port configured to be in fluid communication with a conduit 122, and a controller 113. The port may be configured to receive a substance to be nebulized and introduce the substance to be nebulized into the flow of gas to the patient. The controller 113 may be configured to adjust the power delivered to at least the heating element 25 to adjust the average particle size of the nebulized substance at or toward the target.

[0323] In some configurations, the device is configured to fluidly connect to a conduit 122. The conduit 122 may be configured to deliver a flow of gas from the flow generator 101 to the patient. The conduit 122 may include an internal lumen and a heater wire 123 configured to heat the flow of gas within the conduit 122.

[0324] In some configurations, the controller 113 is configured to adjust the power delivered to the heater wire 123 to adjust the average particle size of the atomized material to a target. The controller 113 may control both the power delivered to the heater wire 123 and the power delivered to the heating element 25 to achieve a target average particle size. The controller 113 may control the power delivered to the heater wire 123 independently of the power delivered to the heating element 25 to adjust the average particle size. The controller 113 may control the power delivered to the heating element 25 and / or the heater wire 123 to reach a target relative humidity. The controller 113 may continuously control the power delivered to the heating element 25 and / or the heater wire 123 to maintain the target relative humidity.

[0325] In some configurations, the target relative humidity is the relative humidity of the flow gas in the conduit 122. The target relative humidity may be the relative humidity of the flow gas at the patient end of the conduit 122. In some configurations, the target relative humidity may be approximately 80%. In other configurations, the target relative humidity may be less than 80%. In other configurations, the target relative humidity may be approximately 60%. In other configurations, the target relative humidity is less than 60%. It should be recognized that in some of these configurations, the target relative humidity percentages are examples and other target relative humidity may be suitable.

[0326] In some configurations, the target average particle size may be based on a desired distance traveled into the patient's respiratory tract. In some configurations, the desired distance traveled may be for dispersion in or around the patient's upper respiratory tract. In other configurations, the desired distance traveled may be for dispersion beyond the patient's upper respiratory tract. In other configurations, the desired distance traveled may be for dispersion in or around the patient's lower respiratory tract.

[0327] In some configurations, the target average particle size is smaller when the desired travel distance is dispersion in or around the patient's upper respiratory tract than when the desired travel distance is dispersion in or around the patient's lower respiratory tract. In some configurations, the target average particle size may be less than 1.0 micrometer mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD). In other configurations, the target average particle size is 0.5 to 1.0 micrometer mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD). In other configurations, the target average particle size is less than 0.5 micrometer mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD). In some configurations, the target average particle size may be 0.1 to 0.5 micrometer mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD). It should be recognized that in some of these configurations, the target average particle size mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) is an example, and other diameters may be suitable.

[0328] In some configurations, the heating element 25 is a heating plate.

[0329] In some configurations, the port for the nebulizer 128 is located downstream from the flow generator 101. In other configurations, the port for the nebulizer 128 is located in the humidifier 112. In other configurations, the port for the nebulizer 128 is located at or toward the inlet or outlet of the humidifier 112. In other configurations, the port for the nebulizer 128 is located at or toward the outlet of the humidifier 112. In other configurations, the port for the nebulizer 128 is located upstream from the device end of the conduit 122. In other configurations, the port for the nebulizer 128 is located at or toward the device end of the conduit 122. It should be recognized that in some of these configurations, the location of the port for the nebulizer 128 is by way of example and that other locations for the port for the nebulizer 128 may be suitable.

[0330] In some configurations, the port is configured to indirectly receive a nebulizer 128. In other configurations, the respiratory therapy device 200 further includes a fitting or connector configured to connect to the port at one opening. The fitting or connector may be for receiving a nebulizer 128 at another opening. It should be recognized that in some of these configurations, the target relative humidity is an example and other target relative humidity may be suitable. In other configurations, the port may be configured to connect to a nebulizer 128, which introduces a substance to be nebulized into the gas flow.

[0331] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy device 200 includes a standard therapy mode and a nebulized therapy mode. The nebulized therapy mode may include a target relative humidity lower than the target relative humidity in the standard therapy mode. The power delivered to the heater wire 123 in the nebulized therapy mode may be higher than the power delivered in the standard therapy mode.

[0332] In some configurations, the standard therapy mode may include a target relative humidity of approximately 100%, and the nebulization therapy mode includes a target relative humidity of less than 100%. In other configurations, the target relative humidity in the nebulization therapy mode is less than 80%. In other configurations, the target relative humidity in the nebulization therapy mode is less than 60%. It should be recognized that in some of these configurations, the target relative humidity is by way of example, and other target relative humidity may be suitable.

[0333] In some configurations, the user can manually adjust between standard therapy mode and nebulization therapy mode. The feature for manually adjusting the target mean particle size becomes available after entering nebulization therapy mode.

[0334] In some configurations, the apparatus is configured to automatically control the power to the heater wire 123 to achieve a default target average particle size.

[0335] In some configurations, the apparatus is configured to automatically control power to the heating element 25 to achieve a default target average particle size, which may be less than 1.0 micrometer.

[0336] In some configurations, the respiratory therapy device 200 further comprises a user control interface. The user control interface comprises a user control interface element for adjusting a target average particle size. The user control interface may comprise a user control interface element for adjusting a target travel distance into the patient's respiratory system. In other configurations, the user control interface may comprise a user control interface element for selecting between a standard therapy mode and a nebulized therapy mode. In other configurations, the user control interface comprises a touchscreen interface. In other configurations, the user control interface comprises a mechanical interface having a physical element that is one or a combination of a slider, a dial, a button.

[0337] In some configurations, a respiratory therapy system 100 for delivering a flow of gas to a patient is provided, comprising a blower 106, a humidifier 112 including a heating element 25, and a conduit 122 in fluid communication with the humidifier 112. The humidifier 112 is in fluid communication with the blower 106 and is configured to humidify the gas. The conduit 122 is configured to direct the flow of gas from the humidifier 112 to the patient / user. The conduit 122 comprises a heater wire 123 therein. The respiratory therapy system 100 further comprises a port fluidly coupled to the humidifier 112 and the conduit 122. The port is adapted to introduce a substance to be nebulized into the flow of gas. The respiratory therapy system 100 further comprises a controller 113 operably coupled to the heating element 25, the heater wire 123, and the blower 106. The controller 113 is configured to adjust the speed of the blower 106 to provide a flow of gas at a target flow rate, adjust the power to the heating element 25 and / or heater wire 123, and control the particle size of the atomized material to a target size range.

[0338] In some configurations, a respiratory therapy system 100 for delivering a flow of gas to a patient is provided, comprising a blower 106 and a humidifier in fluid communication with the blower 106. The humidifier is configured to adjust the humidity of the gas flow. The respiratory therapy system 100 further comprises a gas path defined between the blower 106 and the patient. The gas path comprises the humidifier and a port adapted to receive the substance to be nebulized. The respiratory therapy system 100 further comprises a controller 113 operably coupled to the blower 106 and the humidifier. The controller 113 is configured to adjust the speed of the blower 106 to provide the gas flow at a set flow rate and to adjust the humidity output of the humidifier to control the particle size of the substance to be nebulized.

[0339] In some configurations, the humidification device comprises a humidifier 112 having a heater plate.

[0340] In some configurations, the humidifier comprises a conduit 122 having a heater wire 123 .

[0341] In some configurations, the system includes a nebulization mode. In nebulization mode, the humidity of the gas flow from the humidifier 112 can be reduced either for a set period of time or while the system is in nebulization mode. In some configurations, in nebulization mode, the power supplied to the heater plate and / or the temperature setpoint of the heater plate are reduced to reduce the absolute humidity. In other configurations, the power supplied to the heater wire 123 of the conduit 122 is increased to reduce the relative humidity.

[0342] In some configurations, in nebulization mode, the humidification device is configured to trigger an alarm when the humidity of the gas stream is greater than an acceptable absolute humidity or an acceptable relative humidity.

[0343] In some configurations, in nebulization mode, the flow rate range of the gas is within a set flow rate range, which may be approximately 30 L / min to 50 L / min.

[0344] In some configurations, when the nebulization mode is activated, the controller 113 is configured to adjust the speed of the blower 106 to provide a gas flow rate range within the set flow rate range. In other configurations, when the nebulization mode is activated and the gas flow rate is higher than the set flow rate range, the controller 113 is configured to decrease the speed of the blower 106 to provide a gas flow rate range within the set flow rate range. Optionally, the speed of the blower 106 is decreased to provide a gas flow rate range within an upper region of the set flow rate range. In other configurations, when the nebulization mode is activated and the gas flow rate is lower than the set flow rate range, the controller 113 is configured to increase the speed of the blower 106 to provide a gas flow rate range within the set flow rate range. Optionally, the speed of the blower 106 is increased to provide a gas flow rate range within a lower region of the set flow rate range.

[0345] In some configurations, the humidifier is configured to trigger an alarm when the nebulization mode is activated and the gas flow is higher or lower than a set flow rate range. The nebulization mode can be activated for a set period of time. In other configurations, the humidifier is configured to trigger an alarm when the nebulizer treatment mode is active for a period of time longer than a set period of time. When the nebulizer treatment mode is active, the patient or user defines a particle size range.

[0346] In some configurations, the breathing apparatus is configured to modify the relative humidity and / or absolute humidity to control the particle size of the aerosolized substance to a specific range. The particle size of the aerosolized substance can be controlled to or towards a specific size range by adjusting the relative humidity and / or absolute humidity.

[0347] In some configurations, respiratory therapy system 100 is configured to provide high-flow therapy. In other configurations, respiratory therapy system 100 is configured to provide nasal high-flow therapy using a nebulized substance.

[0348] Respiratory therapy device 200 may have any one or more of the features and / or functions described herein.

[0349] Respiratory therapy device 200 may be provided as a stand-alone device, or alternatively, may be provided as part of or used in respiratory therapy system 100, which includes respiratory therapy device 200 and one or more of conduit 122, patient interface 124, nebulizer 128, or other components described herein.

[0350] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, throughout this specification and claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense, i.e., "including but not limited to," as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense.

[0351] Where reference is made in the foregoing description to elements or components that have known equivalents thereof, those elements or components are incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0352] The disclosed methods, apparatus, and systems may also be broadly said to comprise the components, elements, and features referred to or shown in this disclosure, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of such components, elements, or features.

[0353] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be construed as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor in any country throughout the world.

[0354] The recitation of ranges of values ​​herein, unless otherwise indicated herein, is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, with each separate value being incorporated into the disclosure as if it were individually recited herein. Additionally, each subrange of values ​​within a range of values ​​is incorporated into the disclosure as if it were individually recited herein.

[0355] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those skilled in the art are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, various components may be repositioned as desired. Furthermore, all features, aspects, and advantages may be required to practice the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined solely by the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A respiratory therapy system for delivering a flow of gas to a patient, comprising: a flow generator configured to generate a flow of the gas; a conduit configured to deliver the flow of gas from the flow generator to the patient, the conduit comprising an inner lumen and a heater wire configured to heat the flow of gas within the conduit; a port configured to be in fluid communication with the conduit for receiving a substance to be nebulized and introducing it into the flow of gas to the patient; a controller configured to adjust the power delivered to at least the heater wire to adjust the average particle size of the atomized substance at or toward the target.

2. 10. The respiratory therapy system of claim 9, wherein the controller controls the power delivered to the heater wire to reach a target relative humidity of the gas flow.

3. 10. The respiratory therapy system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller continuously controls the power delivered to the heater wire to maintain a target relative humidity in the gas flow.

4. 4. The respiratory therapy system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the target relative humidity is the relative humidity of the gas flow within the conduit.

5. The respiratory therapy system of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the target relative humidity is the relative humidity of the gas stream at the patient end of the conduit.

6. The respiratory therapy system of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the target relative humidity is approximately 80%.

7. The respiratory therapy system of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the target relative humidity is less than 80%.

8. 10. The respiratory therapy system of claim 1, wherein the target relative humidity is approximately 60%.

9. 8. The respiratory therapy system of claim 7, wherein the target relative humidity is less than 60%.

10. 10. The respiratory therapy system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target average particle size is based on a desired distance traveled into the patient's respiratory tract.

11. 10. The respiratory therapy system of claim 9, wherein the desired distance of travel is for dispersion within or around the patient's upper respiratory tract.

12. 12. The respiratory therapy system of claim 10 or 11, wherein the desired travel distance is for dispersion over the patient's upper respiratory tract.

13. 12. The respiratory therapy system of claim 10 or 11, wherein the desired travel distance is for dispersion within or around the patient's lower respiratory tract.

14. 10. A respiratory therapy system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target average particle size is relatively larger when the desired travel distance is dispersion within or around the patient's lower respiratory tract than when the desired travel distance is dispersion within or around the patient's upper respiratory tract.

15. 10. The respiratory therapy system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target average particle size is less than 1.0 micrometer mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

16. 10. The respiratory therapy system of the preceding claim, wherein the target average particle size is 0.5 to 1.0 micrometers mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

17. 16. The respiratory therapy system of claim 15, wherein the target average particle size is less than 0.5 microns mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

18. 10. The respiratory therapy system of the preceding claim, wherein the target average particle size is 0.1 to 0.5 micrometers mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD).

19. 10. The respiratory therapy system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a humidifier, the humidifier comprising a heating element.

20. 10. The respiratory therapy system of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the power delivered to the heating element to adjust the average particle size of the nebulized substance to or toward a target.

21. 21. The respiratory therapy system of claim 19 or 20, wherein the controller controls both the power delivered to the heater wire and the power delivered to the heating element to achieve the target average particle size.

22. 10. The respiratory therapy system of claim 1, wherein the controller controls the power delivered to the heater wire independently of the power delivered to the heating element to adjust the average particle size.

23. The respiratory therapy system of any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the heating element is configured to heat a heating plate.

24. 10. The respiratory therapy system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the port for the nebulizer is located downstream from the flow generator.

25. 10. The respiratory therapy system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the port for the nebulizer is located on the humidifier.

26. 10. A respiratory therapy system according to the preceding claim, wherein the port for the nebulizer is located at or towards the inlet or outlet of the humidifier.

27. 10. A respiratory therapy system according to the preceding claim, wherein the port for the nebulizer is located at or towards the outlet of the humidifier.

28. 10. The respiratory therapy system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the port for the nebulizer is located upstream from a device end of the conduit.

29. The respiratory therapy system of any preceding claim, wherein the port for the nebulizer is located at or towards the device end of the conduit.

30. 10. The respiratory therapy system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the port is configured to indirectly receive the nebulizer.

31. 10. The respiratory therapy system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a connector configured to connect to the port at one opening and to receive the nebulizer at another opening.

32. 10. The respiratory therapy system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a nebulizer configured to be connected to the port, the nebulizer introducing the nebulized substance into the flow of gas.

33. 10. The respiratory therapy system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system includes a standard therapy mode and a nebulized therapy mode.

34. 10. The respiratory therapy system of claim 1, wherein the nebulization therapy mode includes a target relative humidity that is lower than the target relative humidity in the standard therapy mode.

35. 35. The respiratory therapy system of claim 33 or 34, wherein the power delivered to the heater wire in the nebulized therapy mode is higher than the power delivered in the standard therapy mode.

36. 36. The respiratory therapy system of any one of claims 33-35, wherein the standard therapy mode includes a target relative humidity of approximately 100% and the nebulized therapy mode includes a target relative humidity of less than 100%.

37. 10. The respiratory therapy system of claim 1, wherein the target relative humidity in the nebulization mode is less than 80%.

38. 10. The respiratory therapy system of claim 1, wherein the target relative humidity in the nebulization mode is less than 60%.

39. The respiratory therapy system of any one of claims 33 to 38, wherein a user can manually adjust between the standard therapy mode and the nebulized therapy mode.

40. 40. The respiratory therapy system of any one of claims 33 to 39, wherein the feature for manually adjusting the target average particle size becomes available after entering nebulization mode.

41. 10. A respiratory therapy system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is configured to automatically control the power delivered to the heater wire to achieve a default target average particle size of the nebulized substance delivered to the patient via the gas flow.

42. 42. The respiratory therapy system of any one of claims 19 to 41, wherein the system is configured to automatically control the power delivered to the heating element to achieve a default target average particle size.

43. 43. The respiratory therapy system of claim 41 or 42, wherein the default target average particle size is less than 1.0 micrometers.

44. 10. The respiratory therapy system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a user control interface.

45. 10. The respiratory therapy system of claim 1, wherein the user control interface comprises a user control interface element for adjusting the target average particle size.

46. 46. ​​The respiratory therapy system of claim 44 or 45, wherein the user control interface comprises a user control interface element for adjusting a target distance traveled into the patient's ventilator.

47. The respiratory therapy system of any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the user control interface includes user control interface elements for selecting a standard therapy mode and a nebulized therapy mode.

48. The respiratory therapy system of any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the user control interface comprises a touch screen interface.

49. 49. The respiratory therapy system of any one of claims 44-48, wherein the user control interface comprises a mechanical interface having a physical element that is one or a combination of a slider, a dial, a button.

50. 10. The respiratory therapy system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conduit comprises a length of greater than 0.5 meters.

51. 10. The respiratory therapy system of claim 1, wherein the conduit comprises a length of greater than one meter.

52. 10. The respiratory therapy system of claim 1, wherein the conduit comprises a length greater than 1.5 meters.

Images