A DUAL-PURPOSE DEVICE FOR DRUG DELIVERY AND SECRETION COLLECTION AND METHODS FOR USING THE SAME

摘要

A dual-purpose medical device for drug delivery and secretion collection and methods for using the device are disclosed. The device for drug delivery and secretion collection upper airway treatment includes two primary components. The first component is a cassette connectable to an airflow generator. The second component is the airflow generator. The airflow generator is manually operable and relies upon ambient air to create a flow of air. The airflow generator is capable of generating airflow through the cassette for either aerosol delivery of a drug or for suction of samples or unwanted secretions. Further disclosed is a method for aearosol delivery of a drug using the disclosed device. The method includes at least two steps. In the first step, the airflow generator is connected to the cassette. In the second step, air is caused to flow through the cassette so that aerosol delivery of a drug in the cassette is accomplished. Further disclosed is a method for suction of samples or unwanted secretions from a bodily orifice. The method includes at least two steps. In the first step, the airflow generator is connected to the cassette. In the second step, air is caused to flow through the cassette so that suction of samples or unwanted secretions from a bodily orifice is accomplished and so that the samples or unwanted secretions accumulate in the cassette.