Nebulizer for ventilation system

摘要

A nebulizer assembly for engagement in a ventilator circuit is provided in which the nebulizer can be used, maintained and serviced without breaking the ventilation circuit or causing turbulence in the system or loss of pressure. The assembly includes a coupler having two end ports and a lateral port. The coupler defines a chamber in communication with each of the ports. Each of the two end ports are engageable to ventilator circuit hose segments. A tubular housing defines a first opening at a first end and a second opening at an opposite end. The housing defines a passageway between the ends that is in communication with the first opening and the second opening. The first end of the housing is engageable to the lateral port of the coupler. The housing has a bend adjacent the first end of the housing. A valve is disposed within the housing adjacent the first end. The valve has an open position and a closed position and is operable to hermetically seal a portion of the passageway in the chamber in the closed position. A nebulizer defining a lower reservoir for containing liquid and an upper section defining an opening is also provided. The upper section is engageable to the second opening of the housing. The nebulizer includes an atomizer disposed within the reservoir. A medication port that is communicable with the reservoir is provided to deliver liquid medicine to the reservoir. A suction port is also provided for removing residual liquid from the reservoir.