Importance

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Abstract

An improved spacer (10) for use in administering an aerosol medication to a patient includes a spacer body member (30) having a cylindrical wall (50) defining a generally hollow chamber (56), and a patient delivery member (20) in fluid communication with the chamber (56), through which medication can be delivered to the patient and a medication inlet (40). The patient delivery member (20) includes a mouthpiece (21) through which the patient can inspire medication from the chamber (56) and expire gases. An inspiratory valve (32) is coupled between the mouthpiece (21) and the chamber (56). The inspiratory valve (32) is configured for opening on inspiration by the patient, and closing upon expiration by the patient. An expiratory valve (23) is coupled between the mouthpiece (21) and an expiratory outlet (24) external of the chamber (56). The expiratory valve (23) is configured for opening upon expiration by the patient, and closing upon inspiration by the patient. The medication inlet (40) is in fluid communication with the chamber (56) through which medication can be introduced to the chamber (56). The medication inlet (40) includes a retaining means (44 or 46) for retaining a medication delivery device on a medication inlet housing member (41). The mouthpiece (21) is configured to enable the fitting of standard adult and child face masks and standard connectors with either male or female international taper fittings. The medication inlet housing (41) can include at least one additional medication inlet (43) that allows the simultaneous administration of other gases such as oxygen and/or aerosol medication. A modified spacer (210) in which the inspiratory and expiratory valves are absent, is used for introducing aerosol medication into a breathing circuit. The expiratory valve is replaced by closure disk (23b), and retaining means 46 is used in lieu of retaining spring 44.

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First Claim