Breathing assistance device with nebulizer

摘要

A breathing assistance device includes a patient breathing tube having a leading end in fluid communication with a face mask. A source of air under pressure is connected to a first port formed integrally with a valve in fluid communication with the breathing tube and a nebulizer is connected to a second port formed integrally with the valve. A compartment holding a medicinal compound in liquid fluid form is connected to the nebulizer. A valve actuator has an open position where gaseous fluid and aerosolized medicine from the nebulizer flow to the patient through the breathing tube and a closed position where only gaseous fluid without medication is delivered. Medication can therefore be administered to or withheld from the patient by manipulating the valve actuator. The valve construction enables the patient to exhale against pressure slightly above atmospheric pressure.

主权项

1. A breathing assistance device, comprising:
a patient breathing tube having a leading end adapted to be in open fluid communication with a face mask worn by a patient requiring breathing assistance; a valve body in open fluid communication with said patient breathing tube; a nebulizer port in open fluid communication with said patient breathing tube; a nebulizer having a leading end in open fluid communication with said nebulizer port; said nebulizer including a nebulizer compartment adapted to hold a medicinal compound in liquid fluid form; a first port in open fluid communication with said valve body; a first tube having a trailing end connected in open fluid communication to a remote source of gaseous fluid under pressure and having a leading end connected in open fluid communication to said first port; a second port in valved communication with said valve body; a second tube having a trailing end connected in open fluid communication with said second port and having a leading end connected in open fluid communication with said nebulizer compartment; a valve actuator having a closed position that allows gaseous fluid flow through said first tube and prevents flow of gaseous fluid through said second tube; said valve actuator having an open position that enables flow of gaseous fluid flow through said first tube and through said second tube; said breathing assistance device adapted to deliver gaseous fluid under pressure to the patient when said valve actuator is in said closed position, said gaseous fluid under pressure flowing from said remote source of gaseous fluid under pressure through said first tube to said patient breathing tube; and said breathing assistance device adapted to deliver gaseous fluid under pressure to the patient when said valve actuator is in said open position, said gaseous fluid under pressure flowing from said remote source of gaseous fluid under pressure through said first tube to said patient breathing tube, and flowing to said nebulizer through said second tube, causing said medicinal compound in said nebulizer compartment to flow through said nebulizer so that said medicinal compound is changed into a spray that is introduced into said patient breathing tube, said spray of medicinal compound being entrained into the flow of gaseous fluid flowing through said patient breathing tube en route to said patient's face mask.