US5964223A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Nebulizing catheter system and methods of use and manufacture
Assignee: Trudell Medical Ltd
•
Filing: 1997-01-23
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Granted: 1999-10-12
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Expires: 2017-01-23
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for delivering a medicine to a patient via the patient's respiratory system with control and efficiency. A nebulization catheter is positioned in the patient's respiratory system so that a distal end of the nebulization catheter is in the respiratory system and a proximal end is outside the body. In a first aspect, the nebulization catheter may be used in conjunction with an endotracheal tube and preferably is removable from the endotracheal tube. The nebulization catheter conveys medicine in liquid form to the distal end at which location the medicine is nebulized by a pressurized gas or other nebulizing mechanism. The nebulized medicine is conveyed to the patient's lungs by the patient's respiration which may be assisted by a ventilator. By producing the aerosol of the liquid medicine at a location inside the patient's respiratory system, the nebulizing catheter provides for increased efficiency and control of the dosage of medicine being delivered. In further aspects of the nebulizing catheter apparatus and method, alternative tip constructions, flow pulsation patterns, centering devices, sensing devices, and aspiration features afford greater efficiency and control of aerosolized medicine dosage delivery.
Inventors
- 👤 George Baran
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 23:19
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/0021; A61M25/0023; A61M25/0026; A61M25/003; A61M11/00; A61M11/001; A61M11/005; A61M16/00; A61M16/04; A61M16/0402; A61M16/0404; A61M16/042; A61M16/0463; A61M16/0475; A61M16/0477; A61M16/0484; A61M16/0486; A61M11/06; A61M15/00; A61M15/02; A61M15/025; A61M2025/0035; A61M2025/0036; A61M2025/0037; A61M2025/0039; A61M2025/004; A61M25/0067; A61M25/0068; A61M2025/0073; A61M2205/00; A61M2205/02; A61M2205/0266; A61M25/0009; A61M25/0071
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 44
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A method for delivering a medicine to a patient's respiratory system, comprising: positioning an endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system; positioning a standalone nebulization catheter, said standalone nebulization catheter being separate from said endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system and receiving an indication of the position of the nebulization catheter relative to the endotracheal tube; operating the nebulization catheter to produce an aerosol of the medicine at a distal end of the nebulization catheter while the endotracheal tube is positioned in the patient's respiratory system; delivering a liquid medicine to a first orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter; and delivering a pressurized gas to a second orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter in proximity to the first orifice to aerosolize the liquid medicine at the first orifice.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
137 words
A method for delivering a medicine to a patient's respiratory system, comprising: positioning an endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system; positioning a standalone nebulization catheter, said standalone nebulization catheter being separate from said endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system and receiving an indication of the position of the nebulization catheter relative to the endotracheal tube; operating the nebulization catheter to produce an aerosol of the medicine at a distal end of the nebulization catheter while the endotracheal tube is positioned in the patient's respiratory system; delivering a liquid medicine to a first orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter; and delivering a pressurized gas to a second orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter in proximity to the first orifice to aerosolize the liquid medicine at the first orifice.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: centering the nebulization catheter in the endotracheal tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 in which the step of positioning a nebulization catheter further comprises: positioning a nebulization catheter through an auxiliary lumen of the endotracheal tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: removing the nebulization catheter while leaving the endotracheal tube in position in the patient's respiratory system.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: providing a coaxial airflow to said distal end of said nebulization catheter to constrain aerosol therefrom.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising: providing humidification to the patient's respiratory system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 in which the indication is a tactile indication.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1 in which the step of receiving an indication further comprises: receiving an indication of pressure variation at a distal end of the endotracheal tube as the distal end of the nebulization catheter is moved past.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 in which the nebulization catheter is positioned in a patient who has a tracheotomy.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 in which the nebulization catheter is positioned via a tracheotomy tube.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 in which production of the aerosol at the distal end of the nebulization catheter is synchronized with inhalation of the patient.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of: pulsing delivery of liquid.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of: pulsing delivery of gas.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of: pulsing delivery of gas.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 11 in which production of the aerosol is begun in advance of the inhalation of the patient.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: sensing a physiological condition of the patient, and operating the nebulization catheter to produce the aerosol as a function of the condition sensed.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
167 words
A method for delivering a medicine to a patient's respiratory system, comprising: positioning an endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system; positioning a standalone nebulization catheter, said standalone nebulization catheter being separate from said endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system; operating the nebulization catheter to produce an aerosol of the medicine at a distal end of the nebulization catheter while the endotracheal tube is positioned in the patient's respiratory system; connecting a pressurized canister containing a mixture of a medicine and a liquid propellant to a proximal end of the nebulization catheter; delivering the mixture of medicine and liquid propellant through a first lumen of the nebulization catheter to a first distal orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter; and delivering a pressurized gas through a second lumen of the nebulization catheter to a second orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter in proximity to the first orifice to enhance the aerosolization of the medicine emitted from the first orifice.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
167 words
A method for delivering a medicine to a patient's respiratory system, comprising: positioning an endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system; positioning a standalone nebulization catheter, said standalone nebulization catheter being separate from said endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system; operating the nebulization catheter to produce an aerosol of the medicine at a distal end of the nebulization catheter while the endotracheal tube is positioned in the patient's respiratory system; connecting a pressurized canister containing a mixture of a medicine and a liquid propellant to a proximal end of the nebulization catheter; delivering the mixture of medicine and liquid propellant through a first lumen of the nebulization catheter to a first distal orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter; and delivering a pressurized gas through a second lumen of the nebulization catheter to a second orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter in proximity to the first orifice to enhance the aerosolization of the medicine emitted from the first orifice.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 17 in which the pressurized gas from the second orifice is directed opposite the medicine and propellant delivered from the first distal orifice.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for delivering a medicine to a patient's respiratory system, comprising: positioning an endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system, positioning a standalone nebulization catheter, said standalone nebulization catheter being separate from said endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system; operating the nebulization catheter to produce an aerosol of the medicine at a distal end of the nebulization catheter while the endotracheal tube is positioned in the patient's respiratory system; and applying an electric signal to the distal end of the nebulization catheter to produce the aerosol from said distal end.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for delivering a medicine to a patient's respiratory system, comprising: positioning an endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system, positioning a standalone nebulization catheter, said standalone nebulization catheter being separate from said endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system; operating the nebulization catheter to produce an aerosol of the medicine at a distal end of the nebulization catheter while the endotracheal tube is positioned in the patient's respiratory system; and applying an electric signal to the distal end of the nebulization catheter to produce the aerosol from said distal end.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention of claim 19 wherein the electric signal applied to the distal end of the nebulization catheter causes a vibration that produces the aerosol.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention of claim 19 wherein the electric signal applied to the distal end of the nebulization catheter is applied to a piezoelectric material.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention of claim 19 wherein the electric signal is applied to produce an aerosol by ultrasonic vibration.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention of claim 19 wherein the electric signal is applied to produce an aerosol by electrospray.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention of claim 19 wherein the electric signal is applied to produce an aerosol from a single lumen of the catheter.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
142 words
A method for delivering a medicine to a patient's respiratory system, comprising: positioning an endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system; positioning a standalone nebulization catheter, said standalone nebulization catheter being separate from said endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system; operating the nebulization catheter to produce an aerosol of the medicine at a distal end of the nebulization catheter while the endotracheal tube is positioned in the patient's respiratory system; delivering a liquid medicine to a first orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter; delivering a pressurized gas to a second orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter in proximity to the orifice to aerosolize the liquid medicine at the first orifice; and balancing airflow at the distal end of the nebulization catheter by withdrawing air through a vacuum lumen extending through the nebulization catheter.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
142 words
A method for delivering a medicine to a patient's respiratory system, comprising: positioning an endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system; positioning a standalone nebulization catheter, said standalone nebulization catheter being separate from said endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system; operating the nebulization catheter to produce an aerosol of the medicine at a distal end of the nebulization catheter while the endotracheal tube is positioned in the patient's respiratory system; delivering a liquid medicine to a first orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter; delivering a pressurized gas to a second orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter in proximity to the orifice to aerosolize the liquid medicine at the first orifice; and balancing airflow at the distal end of the nebulization catheter by withdrawing air through a vacuum lumen extending through the nebulization catheter.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of: positioning the nebulization catheter in a working channel of a bronchoscope.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for delivering a medicine to one or both lungs of a patient who is not intubated with an endotracheal tube, comprising: positioning a nebulization catheter in the patient's respiratory system; positioning the nebulization catheter in a channel of bronchoscope; operating the nebulization catheter to produce an aerosol of the medicine at a distal end of the nebulization catheter; delivering a liquid medicine to a first orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter; and delivering a pressurized gas to a second orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter in proximity to the orifice to aerosolize the liquid medicine at the first orifice.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for delivering a medicine to one or both lungs of a patient who is not intubated with an endotracheal tube, comprising: positioning a nebulization catheter in the patient's respiratory system; positioning the nebulization catheter in a channel of bronchoscope; operating the nebulization catheter to produce an aerosol of the medicine at a distal end of the nebulization catheter; delivering a liquid medicine to a first orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter; and delivering a pressurized gas to a second orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter in proximity to the orifice to aerosolize the liquid medicine at the first orifice.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of delivering an aerosol of medication to a patient's lungs, comprising: nebulizing the medication at a distal end of a catheter located in the patient's respiratory tract, said distal end of said catheter directed in a first direction; and directing a flow of gas at said nebulized medication in a direction opposite to said first direction.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of delivering an aerosol of medication to a patient's lungs, comprising: nebulizing the medication at a distal end of a catheter located in the patient's respiratory tract, said distal end of said catheter directed in a first direction; and directing a flow of gas at said nebulized medication in a direction opposite to said first direction.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 28 in which said first direction in said nebulizing step is a distal direction.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 28 in which said first direction in said nebulizing step is a proximal direction.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 28 in which said directing step is further characterized by: directing a flow of gas from a distal end of an endotracheal tube.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 28 in which said flow of gas is an inhalation of the patient through an endotracheal tube.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of delivering a medicine selectively to a bifurcated region of a patient's respiratory system, comprising: positioning a catheter into a branch of the patient's respiratory system that leads to a region other than the region to which the medicine is to be delivered; delivering an airflow through the catheter; and nebulizing the medicine in the respiratory system proximal of where the airflow is delivered whereby a plume of the nebulized medicine is delivered to the region without the catheter.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of delivering a medicine selectively to a bifurcated region of a patient's respiratory system, comprising: positioning a catheter into a branch of the patient's respiratory system that leads to a region other than the region to which the medicine is to be delivered; delivering an airflow through the catheter; and nebulizing the medicine in the respiratory system proximal of where the airflow is delivered whereby a plume of the nebulized medicine is delivered to the region without the catheter.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for delivering a medicine to a patient's respiratory system, comprising: positioning an endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system; positioning a standalone nebulization catheter, said standalone nebulization catheter being separate from said endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system; operating the nebulization catheter to produce an aerosol of the medicine at a distal end of the nebulization cater while the endotracheal tube is positioned in the patient's respiratory system; delivering a liquid medicine to a first orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter; delivering a pressurized gas to a second orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter in proximity to the first orifice to aerosolize the liquid medicine at the first orifice; and wherein the aerosol is produced by vibrating a distal orifice of the nebulizing catheter.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for delivering a medicine to a patient's respiratory system, comprising: positioning an endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system; positioning a standalone nebulization catheter, said standalone nebulization catheter being separate from said endotracheal tube in the patient's respiratory system; operating the nebulization catheter to produce an aerosol of the medicine at a distal end of the nebulization cater while the endotracheal tube is positioned in the patient's respiratory system; delivering a liquid medicine to a first orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter; delivering a pressurized gas to a second orifice located at the distal end of the nebulization catheter in proximity to the first orifice to aerosolize the liquid medicine at the first orifice; and wherein the aerosol is produced by vibrating a distal orifice of the nebulizing catheter.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 34 wherein the vibrating is produced by a mechanical means in a shaft of the nebulzation catheter.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
22 words
The invention of claim 34 wherein the vibrating is produced by a mechanical means near the distal orifice of the nebulzation catheter.
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| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-10-11 | 2003-04-12 | 2003-10-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-10-11 | 2007-04-12 | 2007-10-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-10-11 | 2011-04-12 | 2011-10-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |