Importance

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Abstract

A dispenser for medication from an MDI canister is connected into an inspiratory stream from a ventilator to the lungs of an intubated patient. The MDI canister valve is actuated so as to deliver a stream of medication-containing liquid propellant through a medication nozzle from which the liquid is simultaneously ejected in upstream and downstream directions through upstream and downstream exit ports, respectively. The two ejected streams of medication-containing liquid form expanding upstream and downstream plumes of rapidly evaporating medication-containing droplets. The upstream and downstream exit ports of the medication nozzle are sized such that few evaporating droplets of the expanding plumes reach the inner wall of the inspiratory path before they entirely evaporate. Therefore, a high percentage of medication particles become dry and are carried by the inspiratory air stream and efficiently delivered into the lungs of the patient.

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First Claim