Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer Synchronization for Ventilator Circuit Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aerosolizing technologies integrated into ventilator circuits suffer from low medicament delivery efficiency, with aerosol particles condensing back into liquid form due to large droplet sizes and poor aerodynamic qualities, leading to inaccurate dosing and wastage of costly medications, and posing health risks to healthcare providers and other patients.
Innovation Solution
The development of a nebulizer system that delivers aerosolized medicaments intermittently synchronized with the inspiratory phase of the ventilator cycle, using a vibratable member with apertures to produce aerosol particles with mass mean aerodynamic diameters between 1 μm to 7 μm, and administering medications through a ventilator circuit with a pH-adjusted aqueous solution to enhance delivery efficiency and reduce systemic antibiotic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional jet or ultrasonic nebulizers are used in ventilator circuits, then aerosol generation is achieved, but delivery efficiency drops below 20% due to large droplet sizes and poor aerodynamic qualities causing condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the aerosol by using a vibrating mesh nebulizer to produce droplets with mass mean aerodynamic diameters between 1-7 μm, optimizing the size distribution for better aerodynamic qualities and reduced condensation loss in the ventilator circuit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by synchronizing aerosol generation with the ventilator's inspiratory phase, delivering aerosol only when the patient is inhaling, which prevents aerosol lingering and condensation during exhalation while ensuring effective delivery during the beneficial phase
2Quantity of substance
If conventional nebulizers deliver constant aerosol flow, then continuous medicament supply is achieved, but aerosol lingers and escapes during exhalation causing waste and potential exposure to others
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling aerosol generation to occur only during the inspiratory phase of the ventilator cycle, rather than continuously. This timing ensures aerosol is delivered when the patient is inhaling, preventing waste during exhalation when the patient would be exhaling the aerosol back into the environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms to monitor the ventilator cycle and synchronize aerosol generation accordingly. The system detects the ventilator's operational phase and adjusts aerosol generation timing based on this feedback, ensuring aerosol is generated only during inspiratory phases
3Ease of operation
If aerosol is delivered through multiple valves, conduits, and filters in the ventilator circuit, then aerosol can reach the patient, but particles condense back into liquid phase reducing delivery efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the size distribution parameter of aerosol particles to optimize their behavior through the ventilator circuit. By producing aerosol with mass mean aerodynamic diameters between 1-7 μm, the system creates particles that are small enough to navigate the circuit but large enough to maintain stability and reduce condensation during transport through valves, conduits, and filters
4Adaptability or versatility
If inaccurate dosing occurs due to fluctuating patient breathing patterns, then variable medicament delivery is achieved, but therapeutic effectiveness is reduced and healthcare costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the ventilator cycle and adjusting aerosol generation timing accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that aerosol delivery is synchronized with the patient's breathing pattern, maintaining accurate dosing even when breathing frequency or pattern varies, as the system adapts to each breath cycle
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves aerosol delivery efficiencies of at least 40% to 70%, reducing wastage and systemic antibiotic use, while ensuring therapeutic concentrations in the lung with minimal serum levels, thereby improving patient safety and reducing healthcare costs.
Implementation Method 1
using a vibratable member with apertures to produce aerosol particles with mass mean aerodynamic diameters between 1 μm to 7 μm
Implementation Method 2
Medicaments can be delivered directly to the lungs by having the patient inhale the aerosol through a tube and/or mouthpiece coupled to the aerosol generator
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating a patient with a pulmonary disease, where the method includes delivering a dose of aerosolized medicament intermittently to a ventilator circuit coupled to the respiratory system of the patient. Also, a method of treating a patient with a pulmonary disease, where the method includes taking the patient off a ventilator, and administering to the patient, a nebulized aerosol comprising from about 100 μg to about 500 mg of a medicament. Also a method of treating a patient with a pulmonary disease, the method comprising administering an aerosolized first medicament comprising amikacin to the patient and administering, systemically a second medicament comprising an antibiotic to the patient that also treats the pulmonary disease, wherein a resulting amikacin concentration in the lung and/or pulmonary system is therapeutically-effective, and an amount of the systemically administered antibiotics is reduced.