Delivery device with cantilever structure and associated method of use
Inventors
O'Flaherty, Brendan • Lipman, Johann • Fraser, John • Gregory, Shaun
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11247001-B2
Publication Date
2022-02-15
Expiration Date
Abstract
A delivery device for use in administering a dry powder to a biological subject's airway is provided. The device comprises (a) a housing having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet for delivering a flow of gas to the subject's airway; and (b) one or more cantilever structures located within the housing. Vibration of the one or more cantilever structures facilitates entry of the dry powder into the flow of gas, such that the dry powder can be delivered by the flow of gas through the outlet to the subject's airway. Also provided is a container for releasably storing a particulate composition, the container comprising a shell sealed by a seal in which the particulate composition is stored, wherein a puncturing device for rupturing the seal to release the particulate composition is housed within the shell. Further provided are associated methods for administering dry powder using the delivery device and/or container.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a delivery device for use in administering a dry powder to a biological subject’s airway. The device includes a housing having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet, and one or more cantilever structures located within the housing. A container stores a dose of the dry powder and is engaged or engageable with the housing to cover an opening in the housing located part way between the inlet and the outlet.
The container is configured to be at least partially rupturable so that the dose of the dry powder is released into the housing via the opening. In this configuration, at least a portion of the dry powder dose is located in proximity to the one or more cantilever structures. Vibration of the one or more cantilever structures is configured to facilitate entry of the dose of the dry powder into the flow of gas, such that the dry powder can be delivered by the flow of gas through the outlet to the subject’s airway.
The disclosed device and associated method generate a flow of gas between the inlet and outlet to facilitate vibration of the cantilever structures and deliver the dry powder entrained in the gas flow to the subject’s airway, including release of the dose from a rupturable container into proximity with the cantilever structures. In some embodiments described in the provided content, the cantilever structures are configured as reeds, and a deagglomerating surface and/or a filter with openings and a maximum particle size constrain how powder is handled and delivered.
The disclosure further includes optional downstream eddy-generating structure for turbulence and flow-control elements such as one-way/exhalation valves to prevent reverse flow through the inlet, as well as an acoustic isolator to stabilize operation with different airways.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes two independent claims: one for a dry-powder airway delivery device and one for a method of delivering a dose of dry powder using that device. Across the independent claims, the inventive features focus on a housing with inlet/outlet and internal cantilever structures, a rupturable container covering an in-between opening to release powder into proximity with cantilever structures, and gas-flow generation and cantilever vibration to facilitate powder entry into the gas flow for delivery to the airway.
Rupturable dose container with housing opening between inlet and outlet
A container stores a dose of the dry powder and is engaged or engageable with the housing to cover an opening in the housing located part way between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the container is configured to be at least partially rupturable to allow the dose of the dry powder to be released into the housing via the opening such that at least a portion of the dry powder dose is located in proximity to the one or more cantilever structures.
Cantilever vibration to facilitate powder entry into gas flow for airway delivery
Vibration of the one or more cantilever structures is configured to facilitate entry of the dose of the dry powder into the flow of gas such that the dry powder can be delivered by the flow of gas through the outlet to the subject’s airway.
Gas flow generation enabling cantilever vibration and entrained powder delivery
Generating a flow of gas between the inlet and outlet, vibrating the one or more cantilever structures to facilitate entry of the dry powder into the flow of gas, and delivering dry powder entrained in the gas flow to the subject’s airway, wherein the step of generating the flow of gas between the inlet and outlet facilitates vibration of the one or more cantilever structures.
Delivery does not require subject inhalation
Delivering the dry powder to the subject’s lungs does not require the subject to inhale.
Claim coverage centers on a device and method that combine a housing with an inlet and outlet, internal cantilever structures, and a rupturable container positioned to release a dry-powder dose via an opening part way between the inlet and the outlet. The cantilever vibration is configured to facilitate entry of the powder into a gas flow so that the powder is entrained and delivered through the outlet to the subject’s airway, with an additional dependent feature that delivery does not require subject inhalation.
Stated Advantages
Audible feedback.
Reduced reliance on patient inhalation.
Portability for first responders.
Documented Applications
Use in administering a dry powder to a biological subject’s airway.
Use in delivering a dose of dry powder to the subject’s airway/subject’s lungs without requiring the subject to inhale.
Use of CPR medicated breaths delivered using positive pressure gas flow for resuscitation contexts, including medicated breaths delivered with a delivery device interface with CPR components.
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