DE102019109000A1 - Adjustable aerosol dispenser for a ventilator and ventilator with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adjustable aerosol dispenser for a ventilator for providing an active ingredient in ventilation air and a corresponding ventilator, the aerosol dispenser comprising a housing (2) and an active ingredient reservoir (1), the housing (2) having an air inlet opening (23) and a the air inlet opening (23) has opposite air outlet opening (24) which are each configured for coupling into a ventilation line (5a, 5b), the air inlet opening (23) and the air outlet opening (24) being in communication with the active substance reservoir (1), so that Ventilation air, which flows in the housing (2) between the air inlet opening (23) and the air outlet opening (24), can flow past the active substance reservoir (1) and / or can flow through the active substance reservoir (1), the active substance reservoir (1) being a cartridge that is replaceable is arranged in the housing (2) in an active substance reservoir receptacle (22), the cartridge accommodating an active substance receptacle space (16) for receiving the active substance to be provided, which has a cartridge opening for dispensing the active substance, the aerosol dispenser comprising a closure device for stepwise or stepless partial closing of the cartridge opening and thus control of a dispensing dose of the active substance.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an aerosol dispenser for a ventilator, in particular an adjustable aerosol dispenser for a ventilator, and a ventilator with the same.

STATE OF THE ART

Ventilators are well known medical devices that enable patients to be ventilated. They are used, for example, in emergency or intensive medicine. In order to enable additional medication therapy at the same time as ventilation, various nebulisers are available on the market for ventilation systems of this type, which can be coupled to the ventilation tubes in order to simultaneously deliver an active substance in aerosol form to a patient via the breathing tube of the ventilation system. Usually, such nebulizer units use ultrasound or a vibrating membrane provided with openings (oscillating membrane), which is made to vibrate, for example via a piezo element, in order to generate an aerosol from an active substance solution, which can be supplied to the patient via the inhaled air. However, such nebulizer units require an external power supply and complex control electronics and should therefore only be operated by trained medical personnel.

A special form of therapy that uses a ventilator is CPAP ventilation therapy (CPAP stands for "continuous positive airway pressure"), in which an overpressure is continuously generated which makes breathing easier. Fibers can be used to nebulize medication in CPAP therapy. These have a T-piece that is attached between a breathing mask worn by the patient and the CPAP machine, the straight part of which is connected to the ventilation tubes. Essentially perpendicular to this, the bubble nebulizer has a connector for attaching a solution reservoir. The liquid is atomized by the air flowing through it. Because the aerosol is introduced essentially vertically into the main ventilation air flow, the aerosol can be undesirably deposited at the corresponding connection point, thereby impairing the efficiency of the drug administration. In addition, such nebulizers should also only be used by medical specialists, in particular because of the proper handling and attachment of the drug reservoir.

However, ventilators are not only used in hospitals by medical personnel for the treatment of acute or life-threatening restrictions on breathing in a patient, but ventilators are also increasingly being used in home therapy for chronic illnesses. For example, a CPAP ventilation therapy in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (abbreviation: COPD), such as B. chronic obstructive bronchitis or emphysema, or sleep apnea can be used.

Mild respiratory diseases (such as runny nose) make ventilation therapy of this kind, carried out independently by the patient at home, more difficult, for example overnight CPAP ventilation in the therapy of sleep apnea.

At present, no aerosol dispensers / nebulizers for coupling with ventilators are known that can be easily operated and regulated by the patient himself in order to enable the safe delivery of active ingredients in home use of ventilation therapies, so that there is a need for improvement in this regard.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to provide a novel aerosol dispenser for a ventilator that is inexpensive to manufacture and simple and user-friendly to use, and a corresponding ventilator to eliminate or at least reduce the deficiencies known in the prior art.

TECHNICAL SOLUTION

This object is achieved by an adjustable aerosol dispenser for a ventilator with the features of claim 1 and a ventilator with such an aerosol dispenser with the features of claim 12. Advantageous configurations are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention proposes an adjustable aerosol dispenser for a ventilator, which is suitable for the application of an active ingredient in the airways by means of a ventilator, the aerosol dispenser according to the invention comprising an active ingredient reservoir and a housing. The housing is a hollow body which has an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening opposite the air inlet opening, the air inlet opening and the air outlet opening in each case towards the Coupling with a ventilation hose are configured. The air inlet opening and the air outlet opening communicate with the drug reservoir, so that ventilation air can flow past the drug reservoir in the housing and / or flow through it. According to the invention, the active ingredient reservoir is an exchangeable cartridge, which preferably has an essentially cylindrical basic shape with two end faces and a lateral surface and an active ingredient receiving space for receiving an active ingredient to be released into the ventilation air is defined in the interior, the cartridge having a cartridge opening in particular on the lateral surface of the cartridge which is used to provide the active ingredient from the active ingredient reservoir for the ventilation air flow. The cartridge opening can be completely or partially closed by a closure device so that the dosage of the active ingredient can be adjusted. The partial closure of the cartridge opening can take place gradually with discrete closure degrees or continuously with any desired degree of closure.

A drug reservoir receptacle is provided in the housing of the aerosol dispenser, which is configured to attach the drug reservoir or the cartridge.

Corresponding to the cartridge, the active substance reservoir receptacle can be formed by a cylindrical space with two end faces and a lateral surface in the housing, which can be tightly closed to the outside of the housing, wherein the active ingredient reservoir receptacle can be limited by a peripheral wall that extends along the lateral surface and a peripheral wall opening having, wherein the active ingredient reservoir receptacle is in communication with the interior of the housing through the peripheral wall opening.

The cartridge opening, which can preferably be formed in the jacket surface in the case of the cylindrical configuration of the cartridge, can extend essentially over the entire height of the cartridge from one end face to the other and / or evenly over a circular sector along the jacket surface.

An active substance carrier can be accommodated in the active substance receiving space of the cartridge, wherein in particular the active substance carrier can be a solid carrier matrix impregnated with an active substance solution.

To implement a closure device for closing the cartridge opening, the cartridge can be accommodated in the active substance reservoir receptacle so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. Together with the circumferential wall, the circumferential wall opening of which, similar to the cartridge opening, can extend over the entire height of the active substance reservoir receptacle from one end face to the other and / or evenly over a circular sector along the circumferential surface, the cartridge opening can be partially or completely covered by the circumferential wall opening by turning the cartridge so that the freely accessible opening to the active substance receiving space varies and thus the delivery dose for the active substance can be changed.

Alternatively, the peripheral wall can also be designed to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

An opening angle or central angle of the cartridge opening and / or the circumferential wall opening can be a maximum of 180 °, the angle being in particular between 30 ° and 120 °, preferably between 60 ° and 90 °.

The housing can be a substantially cylindrical or rectangular body.

The air inlet opening and the air outlet opening can be formed on two opposite sides of the housing, an air flow direction being defined from the air inlet opening in the direction of the air outlet opening in the interior of the hollow body along the length of the housing, wherein the cylindrical space of the active substance reservoir receptacle can extend parallel to the air flow direction . Inside the housing, guide elements, such as air baffles, can be provided between the air inlet opening and the air outlet opening, which can for example be arranged in a spiral around the active substance reservoir receptacle in order to forcibly guide the air over a wide and in particular the entire area of the circumferential wall opening or cartridge opening, with the air flow can be guided past the respective openings several times.

The cylindrical space of the active substance reservoir receptacle can be provided with an opening towards the outside at at least one end in order to enable the active substance reservoir to be inserted into the active substance reservoir receptacle or to be removed therefrom. For this purpose, the active substance reservoir receptacle can have an upper opening and / or a lower opening, the at least one opening being closable by an airtight element. The airtight element can be configured as a rotating element, the rotating element being rotatable relative to the housing and being able to rotate with a cartridge received in the active substance reservoir receptacle.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cylindrical space of the active substance reservoir receptacle can be open to the outside at both ends. In other words, the drug reservoir receptacle can extend along the entire length of the housing and an upper opening at the top End and have a lower opening at the lower end. In this embodiment, the upper opening can preferably be closed by the rotary element, wherein the lower opening can be tightly closed by another airtight element, namely a detachable closure cover.

Since the cylindrical space of the active ingredient reservoir receptacle can extend parallel to the air flow direction in the housing, which is defined between the air inlet opening and the air outlet opening of the housing, each of the openings of the active ingredient reservoir receptacle can be formed on the housing either adjacent to the air inlet opening or to the air outlet opening.

In order to rotatably couple the rotary element and the cartridge to one another, corresponding ring gears can be formed on the facing end faces of the cartridge and the rotary element, so that the corresponding end faces of the cartridge and the rotary element can be releasably brought into engagement with one another, whereby in the engaged state at a Rotation of the rotating element, the cartridge is rotated.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cartridge can be designed to be refillable.

The housing of the aerosol dispenser and / or the components arranged therein and / or the cartridge can be made of disinfectable materials, such as metals or plastics, so that repeated use is possible.

In summary, the present invention thus provides an aerosol dispenser for a ventilator which can be produced simply and inexpensively and is simple and user-friendly to handle.

Furthermore, the invention proposes a corresponding ventilator which comprises a ventilation unit for generating ventilation air and a user interface that is configured for invasive or non-invasive ventilation of a person, the ventilation unit and the user interface through a ventilation line for supplying ventilation air to one Patients are coupled to one another, wherein an adjustable aerosol dispenser according to the present invention is attached between the ventilation unit and the user interface in a ventilation air flow. The air inlet opening of the aerosol dispenser is connected to a hose coming from the ventilation unit so that the air generated by the ventilation unit can flow into the aerosol dispenser, the air outlet opening of the aerosol dispenser being connected to a hose going to the user interface, so that the active ingredient in the aerosol dispenser is enriched Ventilation air can be directed to the patient.

Further objects, advantages and functions of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

Figure list

• 1 eine schematische Ansicht eines Patronenaufbaus gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung,
• 2 eine schematische Querschnittsansicht des Patronenaufbaus gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung,
• 3 eine schematische Ansicht eines Gehäuses gemäß einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung, bei dem die Wirkstoffreservoiraufnahme sich durch das gesamte Gehäuse erstreckt und an beiden Enden eine Öffnung aufweist, wobei ferner ein Drehelement und ein Verschlussdeckel zum luftdichten Verschließen der Öffnungen dargestellt sind,
• 4 eine schematische Ansicht eines an einem Beatmungsgeräts montierten Aerosoldispensers gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung ohne Patrone,
• 5 eine schematische Ansicht eines Anwendungszustands eines an einem Beatmungsgeräts montierten Aerosoldispensers gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung, wobei die ergänzende Darreichung eines Wirkstoffs in Aerosolform realisiert wird, und
• 6A bis 6C eine schematische Querschnittsansicht verschiedener relativer Positionierungen der Patrone in der Wirkstoffreservoiraufnahme zur stufenweisen Regulierung der Wirkstoffintensität im Aerosol.

The accompanying drawings show in a purely schematic manner

• 1 a schematic view of a cartridge assembly according to the present invention,
• 2 a schematic cross-sectional view of the cartridge assembly according to the present invention,
• 3 a schematic view of a housing according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the active substance reservoir receptacle extends through the entire housing and has an opening at both ends, with a rotary element and a closure cover for airtight closing of the openings being shown,
• 4th a schematic view of a ventilator-mounted aerosol dispenser according to the present invention without a cartridge,
• 5 a schematic view of an application state of an aerosol dispenser mounted on a ventilator according to the present invention, wherein the additional administration of an active ingredient is realized in aerosol form, and
• 6A to 6C a schematic cross-sectional view of various relative positions of the cartridge in the active ingredient reservoir receptacle for the gradual regulation of the active ingredient intensity in the aerosol.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Further advantages, characteristics and features of the present invention will become clear in the following detailed illustration of the preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention not being restricted to these exemplary embodiments.

Referring to 5 an adjustable aerosol dispenser according to the invention for a ventilator comprises an active substance reservoir 1 and a case 2 .

The case 2 can be a body with a rectangular, round or oval cross-section that is a certain length L. having. In the preferred embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the housing 2 essentially cylindrical, ie a body with a round cross-section.

As in the 3 and 4th is shown is the housing 2 in the form of a hollow body 21st formed so that inside the housing 2 a receiving space is defined, the housing 2 an air inlet port 23 and an air outlet 24 having on two opposite sides of the housing 2 are trained. Consequently, the receiving space of the housing 2 via the air inlet opening 23 and the air outlet 24 communicate with the outside environment. The air inlet opening 23 and the air outlet 24 are each for coupling with a corresponding ventilation hose 5a , 5b configured. For this purpose, a corresponding adapter (not shown) can optionally be provided so that the air inlet opening 23 and the air outlet 24 with conventional ventilation tubes 5a , 5b can be connected with different diameters.

Accordingly, the housing is in the receiving space 2 between the air inlet opening 23 and the air outlet 24 an air flow space is formed, with an air flow direction in the direction of the air outlet opening 24 points and along the length L. of the housing 2 is defined.

The case 2 is further characterized by the fact that an active substance reservoir receptacle is located in its receiving space 22nd is provided, which is configured for attachment of a drug reservoir. The drug reservoir intake 22nd is designed as a channel-shaped space that extends parallel to the air flow direction. More precisely, is the drug reservoir uptake 22nd by a peripheral wall 25th limited, which has a peripheral wall opening. The peripheral wall 25 separates the interior of the drug reservoir receptacle 22nd from the rest of the receiving space of the housing 2 , whereas the drug reservoir intake 22nd through the peripheral wall opening with the receiving space of the housing 2 is in connection, so that the drug reservoir intake 22nd via the receiving space of the housing 2 with the air inlet opening 23 and the air outlet 24 can communicate. For this purpose, the peripheral wall opening can be used as an open area or as a permeable material layer in the peripheral wall of the active substance reservoir receptacle 22nd be trained.

The case 2 is preferably made of a plastic, but can also be made of another suitable material.

According to 1 and 2 is the drug reservoir 1 so that it fits into the drug reservoir receptacle 22nd can be received, designed accordingly in the form of a cartridge, which has a substantially cylindrical basic shape. Inside the cartridge is an active ingredient receiving space 16 defined, which is delimited by an upper and lower end face and a lateral surface, wherein the active ingredient receiving space 16 for the inclusion of an active ingredient and an active ingredient carrier 14th serves.

The outer surface of the cartridge 1 has a first closed jacket surface wall region 13 and a cartridge opening 15th on. The first closed lateral surface wall area 13 encloses the active ingredient receiving space 16 tight, whereas the cartridge opening 15th is designed so that an exchange of the active ingredient receiving space 16 is possible with the environment, in particular gas (ventilation air) from the outside into the active ingredient receiving space 16 can penetrate and a formed aerosol can escape. Accordingly, the cartridge opening 15th be designed as a partially permeable material layer (membrane) or as a lattice structure (for example wall with a large number of holes) in the surface of the cartridge.

Referring to 1 and 6A is the cartridge opening 15th in the jacket surface in the form of a cylinder sector of the cartridge 1 with an arc of a circle R. defined, wherein the peripheral wall opening in the lateral surface of the drug reservoir receptacle 22nd is defined in the form of a cylinder sector, with a respective opening angle α the cartridge opening 15th and the circumferential wall opening is a maximum of 180 °, the closed lateral surface wall region 13 and the closed peripheral wall 25th corresponding to the remaining surface area of the cartridge 1 and the drug reservoir uptake 22nd cover.

The bullet 1 is for attachment in the drug reservoir receptacle 22nd configured. The dimensions of the cartridge are accordingly 1 and the drug reservoir uptake 22nd coordinated.

To change the cartridge if necessary 1 or to enable the same to be removed (for example if a different drug therapy is required), is the cylindrical space of the drug reservoir receptacle 22nd open to the outside at at least one end, wherein the drug reservoir receptacle 22nd this with an upper opening 222 and / or a lower opening 221 on the housing 2 is provided. In order to prevent air from escaping unintentionally, there is at least one opening 221 , 222 through a airtight element that is detachable to the housing 2 is connected, hermetically sealed, with a rotating element 4th is provided as an airtight element to one of the openings 221 , 222 to close.

The rotating element 4th is relative to the housing 2 rotatable and can be provided with markings which define a first or second direction of rotation.

If there is a cartridge 1 in the drug reservoir receptacle 22nd is located, an end face of the cartridge is 1 with a corresponding end face of the rotary element 4th so in contact that upon rotation of the rotary element 4th the bullet 1 is rotated accordingly.

In one embodiment, the facing end faces are the cartridge 1 and the rotating element 4th therefore with corresponding gear rings 11 formed through which the corresponding end faces of the cartridge 1 and the rotating element 4th are releasably engageable with each other.

According to the in 3 to 5 The embodiment shown is the cylindrical space of the drug reservoir receptacle 22nd open to the outside at both ends, whereby the drug reservoir receptacle 22nd this with an upper opening 222 at the top and a lower opening 221 is provided at the lower end, the upper opening 222 by a rotating element detachably connected to it 4th is tightly closed, as an airtight element for closing the lower opening 221 also a closure cover 3 is provided, which is releasable to the lower opening 221 connected is.

It should be noted that methods for releasably airtight connection of components are sufficiently known from the prior art and are therefore not listed here in detail. Purely by way of example it should be mentioned that the closure cover 3 eg via a corresponding threaded section at the lower end of the active ingredient reservoir receptacle 22nd Can be screwed to the bottom opening 221 to close. A suitable sealing ring can also be used to achieve a better sealing effect.

Since the cylindrical space of the drug reservoir receptacle 22nd parallel to the direction of air flow in the housing 2 which is defined between the air inlet opening and the air outlet opening of the housing, corresponds to the length of the active ingredient reservoir receptacle 22nd in the preferred embodiment shown the length L. of the housing 2 , each of the openings 221 , 222 the drug reservoir intake 22nd on the housing 2 either to the air inlet opening 23 or air outlet opening 24 is formed adjacent, preferably the upper opening 222 to the air inlet opening 23 and the lower opening to the air outlet opening 24 is adjacent.

The aerosol dispenser according to the invention is intended for use in a ventilator which comprises a ventilation unit for generating ventilation air and a user interface which is configured for invasive or non-invasive ventilation of a person, the ventilation unit and the user interface being provided by an inhalation tube 5a , 5b are coupled to one another for supplying ventilation air to a patient. The fully controllable aerosol dispenser according to the invention is attached between the ventilation unit and the user interface, with the air inlet opening for this purpose 23 with a hose coming from the ventilation unit 5a is connected so that the air generated by the ventilation unit can flow into the aerosol dispenser, wherein the air outlet opening 24 with a hose going to the user interface 5b is connected so that the ventilation air enriched with an active ingredient in the aerosol dispenser can be directed to the patient.

The ventilation unit can be a conventional ventilation system, e.g. a conventional CPAP machine.

The user interface is a device connected to the respiratory organs of a patient for non-invasive ventilation, for example a breathing mask, or invasive ventilation (by means of intubation).

Referring to 4th and 5 can the housing 2 of the aerosol dispenser according to the invention permanently with the ventilation tubes 5a , 5b be connected and be coupled between a ventilation unit and user interface.

If an active ingredient is to be additionally administered in aerosol form for therapy, a cartridge carrying a desired active ingredient is used 1 into the drug reservoir receptacle 22nd used. An opening 222 the drug reservoir intake 22nd is through the rotating element 4th closed, the rotating element 4th also with the cartridge 1 is brought into engagement that this upon rotation of the rotary element 4th is rotated synchronously. The lower opening 221 the drug reservoir intake 22nd is by a sealing cap 3 tightly closed. By removing the lower opening 221 a user can use the cartridge 1 Let it fall out in a controlled manner and thus simply remove it if necessary.

In use, the air generated by a ventilation unit flows through the air inlet opening 23 from a hose coming from the ventilation unit 5a into the receiving space of the housing 2 of the aerosol dispenser, whereby the air is swirled in the receiving space and flows around the cartridge. After that, the air is released through the air outlet 24 and a hose going to the user interface 5b directed to the patient. When the air flows around the cartridge 1 with the active ingredient carrier incorporated therein 14th can communicate, a corresponding active ingredient-containing aerosol can form.

Because the drug reservoir 1 that is about the rotating element 4th rotatable in the drug reservoir receptacle 22nd is received, a jacket surface consisting of a closed jacket surface wall area 13 and a cartridge opening 15th having, wherein the drug reservoir receptacle 22nd a jacket surface consisting of a closed peripheral wall 25th and a peripheral wall opening can be obtained by various relative positions of the cartridge 1 in the drug reservoir receptacle 22nd the active substance intensity in the aerosol can be regulated gradually and precisely. To this be on 6A to 6C referenced. In the embodiment shown therein, the opening angle is α the cartridge opening 15th and the peripheral wall opening 90 ° each.

According to 6A is the cartridge 1 in terms of drug reservoir uptake 22nd rotated so that the areas of the cartridge opening 15th and the peripheral wall opening completely correspond with each other. The drug carrier is in this state 14th through the cartridge opening 15th and the peripheral wall opening with respect to the receiving space of the housing 2 maximally exposed, so that for a certain flow rate of ventilation air through the housing 2 a maximum interaction of the air flow with the drug carrier 14th is realized and the active substance intensity in the aerosol formed is consequently high.

According to 6B is the cartridge 1 in terms of drug reservoir uptake 22nd slightly twisted so that the areas of the cartridge opening 15th and the peripheral wall opening only partially overlap. The drug carrier is in this state 14th only over the reduced overlap area of the cartridge opening 15th and the peripheral wall opening with respect to the receiving space of the housing 2 exposed so that for a certain flow rate of ventilation air through the housing 2 less interaction of the air with the drug carrier 14th is realized and the active substance intensity in the aerosol formed in comparison to the state in 6A is reduced.

According to 6C is the cartridge 1 in terms of drug reservoir uptake 22nd completely twisted so that the areas of the cartridge opening 15th and the peripheral wall opening no longer overlap each other. The drug carrier is in this state 14th in relation to the receiving space of the housing 2 shielded so that the through the housing 2 Breathing air no longer flows with the active ingredient carrier 14th interacts.

In summary, about the rotation of the rotating element 4th the relative position of the cartridge 1 in the drug reservoir receptacle 22nd can be changed quickly and easily to adjust the active substance intensity in the aerosol. In other words, the active substance intensity can be determined by the degree of exposure of the active substance carrier 14th can be regulated step by step or steplessly and precisely in the air flow.

If no aerosol dosing is required for a longer period of time, it should also be noted that instead of the closed position, off 6C alternatively, as in 4th is shown, it is conceivable that the cartridge 1 completely removed and the top and bottom opening 221 , 222 simply by using the appropriate airtight sealing elements 3 , 4th be sealed. The air generated by the ventilation unit then flows through the hose coming from the ventilation unit 5a , through the housing 2 and the hose going to the user interface 5b to the user.

The bullet 1 is preferably made of a plastic, for example polypropylene, but can also be made of another suitable material, for example glass or metal. In the preferred embodiments, the cartridge is 1 designed to be refillable. It should be noted that the cartridges 1 are easy to manufacture and can be marketed by the device manufacturer themselves or sold by other providers, e.g. pharmaceutical companies.

The bullet 1 can be 3 to 10 cm, preferably between 5 and 8 cm, long and have a diameter between 0.5 and 3 cm, preferably between 1 and 2.5 cm.

As mentioned above, the drug receiving space serves 16 the cartridge 1 for taking up a drug carrier 14th , where the drug carrier 14th is preferably a solid carrier matrix impregnated with an active ingredient solution. The carrier matrix can be a nonwoven material or wick, for example made of cotton, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The active ingredient incorporated on the carrier matrix from which an aerosol is to be formed can be any known active compound for inhalation or use in ventilation therapy or a combination thereof. Examples of such active compounds are plant extracts or ingredients such as essential oils (preferably menthol, levomenthol, camphor), anti-inflammatory compounds, decongestant compounds or agents against infections.

As a result, there are a large number of compounds available for individual selection in therapy.

The active substance absorbed on the carrier matrix can be a standard solution or it can have an individual composition specially designed by a specialist for a patient.

As a result, the aerosol dispenser according to the invention can be used in a variety of ways for a ventilator. For example, a ventilator equipped with it can be a CPAP device in the home therapy of sleep apnea, whereby the user can use a suitable cartridge (e.g. composition with menthol or the like (as with commercially available inhaler pens)) for independent short-term therapy for mild respiratory diseases, such as runny nose can use the aerosol dispenser to make breathing easier during sleep.

Of course, a ventilator equipped with the aerosol dispenser according to the invention is also suitable for short-term therapy of respiratory diseases (such as bronchitis) as a replacement for conventional inhalation therapy, with completely new therapeutic effects being made possible by the long duration of action (e.g. use of a ventilator over the entire duration of sleep). The longer active ingredient disposition can, for example, reduce the dose of active ingredient required. Of course, a ventilator equipped with the aerosol dispenser according to the invention is also suitable for supporting pre- / postoperative use or for treating or relieving the symptoms of chronic lung diseases (such as asthma, COPD) due to the additional application of active ingredients. In addition, homeopathic and wellness treatments are also conceivable (e.g. with lavender oil with a calming effect).

1. 1. Dadurch, dass die Patrone 1 parallel zur Luftströmungsrichtung in dem Gehäuse 2 angeordnet ist, wird der Luftstrom durch die Patrone 1 nicht mechanisch behindert oder blockiert, sodass die Beatmungsluft den Aerosoldispenser ungehindert durchströmen kann. Ferner mischt sich der mit Wirkstoff angereicherte Luftanteil entlang der Luftströmungsrichtung mit der restlichen das Gehäuse durchströmenden Luft, wodurch eine ungewollte Abscheidung des Aerosols an Dispenserkomponenten vermieden wird, wodurch die Effizienz der Medikamentenverabreichung verbessert wird.
2. 2. Der Aufbau des erfindungsgemäßen Aerosoldispensers ist einfach, wobei die Patronen und die Gehäusekomponenten geringe Herstellungskosten verursachen.
3. 3. Der Aufbau des erfindungsgemäßen Aerosoldispensers ermöglicht eine Integration desselben in alle konventionellen Beatmungssysteme, sodass beispielsweise „einfachere“ CPAP Geräte (z.B. ohne Wasserbehälter) ohne großen Aufwand nachgerüstet werden können und therapeutisch angewendet werden können.
4. 4. Die Intensität der Wirkstoffe im Aerosol ist durch einen einfachen Drehmechanismus leicht und präzise regelbar.
5. 5. Eine Patrone 1 sind leicht in dem Gehäuse 2 anbringbar und kann bei Bedarf ausgetauscht werden, sodass der erfindungsgemäße Aerosoldispenser flexibel anwendbar ist und umweltfreundlich ist (da nur die Patronen getauscht werden müssen oder wiederbefüllbare Patronen verwendet werden können).
6. 6. Die Handhabung des erfindungsgemäßen Aerosoldispensers ist einfach und folglich ohne Aufsicht von medizinischem Fachpersonal in der Heimtherapie vom Patienten selbst durchführbar.
7. 7. Es steht eine große Zahl von Aerosolen zur individuellen Auswahl für Therapiezwecke zur Verfügung.

It should be noted that, according to the above, with the structure according to the invention, the following advantages can be realized for the inhalation of active ingredients or drugs:

1. 1. By that the cartridge 1 parallel to the direction of air flow in the housing 2 is arranged, the air flow is through the cartridge 1 not mechanically hindered or blocked so that the ventilation air can flow through the aerosol dispenser unhindered. Furthermore, the air portion enriched with active substance mixes along the air flow direction with the remaining air flowing through the housing, whereby an undesired separation of the aerosol on dispenser components is avoided, whereby the efficiency of the medicament administration is improved.
2. 2. The structure of the aerosol dispenser according to the invention is simple, the cartridges and the housing components causing low manufacturing costs.
3. 3. The design of the aerosol dispenser according to the invention enables it to be integrated into all conventional ventilation systems, so that, for example, “simpler” CPAP devices (eg without a water tank) can be retrofitted and used therapeutically without great effort.
4. 4. The intensity of the active ingredients in the aerosol can be easily and precisely regulated by a simple rotating mechanism.
5. 5. One cartridge 1 are light in the housing 2 attachable and can be exchanged if necessary, so that the aerosol dispenser according to the invention can be used flexibly and is environmentally friendly (since only the cartridges have to be exchanged or refillable cartridges can be used).
6. 6. The handling of the aerosol dispenser according to the invention is simple and consequently can be carried out by the patient himself in home therapy without the supervision of medical specialists.
7. 7. A large number of aerosols are available for individual selection for therapeutic purposes.

While numerous features and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, the description is merely illustrative. Modifications by omitting individual features or different combinations of the individual features presented belong to the invention, as long as the scope of protection of the appended claims is not left. The present disclosure includes all combinations of the individual features presented.

List of reference symbols

1

Drug reservoir

11

Ring gear

12

upper face

13

closed lateral surface wall area

14th

Drug carrier

15th

Cartridge opening

16

Active ingredient receiving space

2

casing

21st

Hollow body

22nd

Active ingredient reservoir intake

221

lower opening

222

upper opening

23

Air inlet opening

24

Air outlet opening

25th

Perimeter wall

3

Sealing cap

4th

Rotary element

5a

hose coming from the ventilation unit

5b

hose going to the user interface

L.

length

R.

Circular arc of the communication area

α

Opening angle

Claims (13)

Adjustable aerosol dispenser for a ventilator for providing an active ingredient in ventilation air, the aerosol dispenser comprising a housing (2) and an active ingredient reservoir (1), the housing (2) having an air inlet opening (23) and an air outlet opening (24) opposite the air inlet opening (23) ) which are each configured for coupling into a ventilation line (5a, 5b), characterized in that the air inlet opening (23) and the air outlet opening (24) are connected to the active substance reservoir (1), so that ventilation air that is in the housing ( 2) flows between the air inlet opening (23) and the air outlet opening (24), can flow past the active substance reservoir (1) and / or can flow through the active substance reservoir (1), the active substance reservoir (1) being a cartridge which is exchangeable in the housing (2) is arranged in an active substance reservoir receptacle (22), the cartridge having an active substance receiving space (16) for receiving the active substance to be provided s defined, which has a cartridge opening for the delivery of the active ingredient, wherein the aerosol dispenser comprises a closure device for gradual or stepless partial closure of the cartridge opening and thus control of a dispensing dose of the active ingredient. Aerosol dispenser Claim 1 , characterized in that the cartridge has an essentially cylindrical basic shape and comprises two end faces and a casing surface connecting the end faces, which form a cartridge housing, the cartridge opening being formed in the casing surface, the cartridge opening extending essentially over the entire height of the cartridge extends from one end face to the other and / or evenly over a sector of a circle along the lateral surface. Aerosol dispenser Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that an active substance carrier (14) is accommodated in the active substance receiving space (16) of the cartridge, in particular the active substance carrier (14) being a solid carrier matrix soaked with an active substance solution. Aerosol dispenser according to one of the Claims 2 to 3 , characterized in that the cartridge (1) is accommodated in the active substance reservoir receptacle (22) such that it can rotate about the cylinder longitudinal axis. Aerosol dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the active substance reservoir receptacle (22) in the housing (2) is defined by a cylindrical space, the cylindrical space having two end faces and a lateral surface connecting the end faces, with a peripheral wall (25 ) is arranged, which has a circumferential wall opening via which the active substance reservoir receptacle (22) is connected to the interior of the housing (2) and the air inlet opening (23) and the air outlet opening (24), the circumferential wall opening extending essentially over the entire height the active substance reservoir receptacle (22) extends from one end face to the other and / or evenly over a circular sector along the lateral surface. Aerosol dispenser Claim 5 , characterized in that the peripheral wall (25) of the active substance reservoir receptacle (22) is rotatable about the cylinder longitudinal axis. Aerosol dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) is a substantially cylindrical or rectangular body, and / or that the air inlet opening (23) and the air outlet opening (24) on two opposite sides of the housing (2) are formed, wherein an air flow direction is defined from the air inlet opening (23) in the direction of the air outlet opening (24) in the interior of the housing (2), wherein the cylindrical space of the Active ingredient reservoir receptacle (22) extends with its longitudinal axis parallel to the air flow direction. Aerosol dispenser according to one of the Claims 5 to 7th , characterized in that the cylindrical space of the active substance reservoir receptacle (22) has an end face opening on at least one end face, so that the active substance reservoir receptacle (22) is accessible for loading with the cartridge from outside the housing (2), whereby the at least one end face opening (2) is accessible to close the at least one end face opening ( 221,222) a detachable closure cover (3) and / or a rotary element (4) for rotating the cartridge (1) are provided. Aerosol dispenser Claim 8 , characterized in that the cartridge (1) and the rotary element (4) are formed with mutually corresponding engagement elements (11), so that the cartridge (1) and the rotary element (4) can be releasably brought into engagement with each other, in the engaged state upon rotation of the Rotary element (4) the cartridge (1) is rotated. Aerosol dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that guide elements for the air are provided in the interior of the housing between the air inlet opening and the air outlet opening, which are in particular arranged in a spiral around the active substance reservoir receptacle. Aerosol dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a central angle (α) of the cartridge opening (15) and / or the peripheral wall opening is in each case a maximum of 180 °, in particular between 30 ° and 120 °, preferably between 60 ° and 90 °. Aerosol dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cartridge (1) is designed to be refillable. Ventilation device, comprising a ventilation unit for generating ventilation air and a user interface which is configured for invasive or non-invasive ventilation of a person, the ventilation unit and the user interface being connected to one another by a ventilation line (5a, 5b) for supplying ventilation air to a patient , characterized in that an aerosol dispenser according to one of the preceding claims is mounted between the ventilation unit and the user interface in the ventilation line, the air inlet opening (23) of the aerosol dispenser being connected to a hose (5a) coming from the ventilation unit, so that the ventilation unit generated air can flow into the aerosol dispenser, the air outlet opening (24) of the aerosol dispenser being connected to a hose (5b) going to the user interface, so that the ventilation air enriched with an active ingredient in the aerosol dispenser is directed to the patient t can be.

Images