Inhalation testing method and means

Details Inhalation testing method and means Inhalation testing method and means

1999-02-23

2001-05-29

Nasser, Robert L. (Department: 3736)

Surgery

Diagnostic testing

Respiratory

C600S529000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06238352

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a method and means which allow the flow characteristics of inhalatory devices to be simulated, for example for the evaluation of the suitability of those devices for particular subjects.
In the treatment of various physiological conditions of the airways it is known to provide dispensing devices to deliver doses of particular substances by inhalation for therapy or control of those conditions. For a number of reasons, such as the fact that many of the conditions for which these substances are intended are caused by impaired lung or bronchial function, the efficiency of delivery of the materials can vary significantly from subject to subject.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one of its aspects, the present invention provides a method of testing the performance of a subject in relation to the use of an inhalatory dispensing device for the introduction of a substance to the airways of the subject, in which an inspiratory flow meter is provided with a predetermined flow restriction to provide a comparison with the resistance of the inhalatory dispensing device in use.
According to another aspect of the invention, an inhalatory flow meter is provided in combination with a restriction device located in the air flow path through the meter for increasing the resistance to flow through the meter, said device being removable or adjustable or being capable of being rendered inoperative.
For many purposes it will be convenient to have a plurality of alternative restriction devices to be used interchangeably with the inhalatory flow meter, each having a predetermined pressure: flow rate characteristic, which may be illustrated for example in the form of a calibration chart. It may be preferred to provide a series of disposable restriction devices for use in accordance with the invention.
It is known to provide an inhalatory flow meter with a removable or disposable adaptor which comprises or carries a mouthpiece through which the subject inhales. In a convenient form of the invention, such an adaptor or mouthpiece can incorporate a restriction device, eg. in the form of an orifice.
The invention will be described further by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3695608 (1972-10-01), Hanson
patent: 4114607 (1978-09-01), Russo
patent: 4158360 (1979-06-01), Adams
patent: 4693256 (1987-09-01), Talonn
patent: 5287851 (1994-02-01), Beran et al.
patent: 5522380 (1996-06-01), Dwork
patent: 5564432 (1996-10-01), Thomson

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