Devices, systems, and methods for providing individualized delivery of suspended medication
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12268807-B1
Publication Date
2025-04-08
Expiration Date
2043-12-20
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Abstract
A medication delivery assistance device includes a chamber housing that defines an interior space. A first input port is at a first end of the chamber housing, an output port is at a second end of the chamber housing, and a second input port is in the chamber housing. The first input port is configured to receive a portion of an inhaler that is configured to deliver medication into the interior space. The output port has a user interface that is configured to define a medication flow path from the first input port through the interior space and out the output port. The second input port is configured to receive at least a portion of an external fluid source that is configured to deliver a fluid into the interior space to accelerate movement of the medication along the medication flow path.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a medication delivery assistance device comprising a chamber housing that defines an interior space, a first input port configured to receive a portion of an inhaler, an output port with a user interface defining a flow path, and a second input port to receive an external fluid source delivering a fluid into the interior space to accelerate medication movement along the defined path. The system also integrates a sensor to obtain user respiratory behavior data, with input/output circuitry facilitating communication between this data and a computing device equipped with inhaler coaching circuitry, which orchestrates automated cue signals for inhaler actuation, external fluid source activation, and user inhalation.
The background highlights problems with current pulmonary medication delivery, particularly the challenge patients face in properly timing and coordinating inhaler use with inhalation. Existing solutions such as nebulizers, spacers, and valved holding chambers address some issues but are limited in efficacy due to variability in user technique, inability to accommodate all medication types, and insufficient patient coordination or inhalation force. Thus, there is a need for improved devices and methods that guide and support patients through individualized medication delivery, monitoring, and coaching.
The system described not only delivers medication but also analyzes a user’s respiratory pattern in real time. The computing device runs algorithms to determine the optimal interval for medication delivery, generating cue signals for timing inhaler actuation, fluid source activation, and inhalation. Feedback is provided to users and, when necessary, the cueing protocol is adjusted according to the efficacy of medication delivery determined by subsequent analysis. This solution aims to enhance medication delivery precision and tailor the process to individual respiratory patterns.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains three main independent inventive features covering the device, system, and method aspects.
Medication delivery assistance device with external fluid source and cue signaling
A chamber housing with: - A first input port receiving an inhaler that delivers medication into the interior space. - An output port at the opposite end featuring a user interface defining a medication flow path. - A second input port configured to receive at least part of an external fluid source (e.g., fan, pump, compressed tank) to deliver a fluid into the interior to accelerate medication movement along the path. - A sensor obtaining respiratory behavior data from the user. - Input/output circuitry transmitting respiratory data to a computing device with inhaler coaching circuitry, then receiving sequential cue signals to actuate the inhaler, actuate the external fluid source, and communicate the inhale cue for proper medication delivery timing.
Individualized medication delivery system with algorithmic coaching and adjustment
A system comprising: - The medication delivery assistance device with its ports as described above. - An inhaler and external fluid source interfacing with the device. - A sensor capturing respiratory behavior data. - A computing device with memory and inhaler coaching circuitry which: - Obtains and receives user respiratory data via the sensor. - Executes a respiratory pattern analysis algorithm to determine a desired medication delivery interval. - Communicates three cue signals: inhaler actuation, external fluid source actuation, and user inhale cue. - Optionally (in a dependent claim): Acquires medication delivery data during use, performs medication delivery analysis to assess efficacy, and adjusts future cue signals if efficacy falls below a predetermined threshold.
Method for coaching medication delivery using individualized cue signals
A method comprising: - Providing a medication delivery assistance device with the described chamber, input ports, inhaler, and external fluid source. - Obtaining user respiratory behavior data via a sensor. - Having a computing device receive the data and execute a respiratory pattern analysis algorithm for optimal medication delivery interval determination. - Communicating sequential cue signals to prompt inhaler actuation, external fluid source activation, and synchronizing user inhalation. - Optionally: Recording medication delivery data, assessing performance, and adjusting future signaling if medication delivery efficacy is sub-optimal.
The inventive features cover the integration of a chamber device with user respiratory monitoring, external fluid-assisted medication propulsion, and computing-driven cueing and adaptive coaching to individualize and optimize inhaled medication delivery.
Stated Advantages
Improves coordination and synchrony between inhaler actuation and patient inhalation to optimize medication delivery.
Accommodates users who are unable to inhale with sufficient force or coordinate breathing with inhaler deployment.
Reduces common inhaler, spacer, and valved holding chamber use errors through guided prompts and feedback.
Provides individualized, real-time coaching and feedback to enhance medication delivery efficacy.
Allows automated adjustment of cue signals and delivery parameters based on actual medication delivery performance and user respiratory patterns.
Compatible with a variety of inhaler types and external fluid sources, offering greater flexibility than prior solutions.
Automates and analyzes the entire medication delivery process, overcoming limitations of human coaching and manual monitoring.
Can improve health outcomes measurable by clinical questionnaires and assessments relevant to obstructive airway diseases.
Documented Applications
Assisting patients with inhalation-based medication delivery in pulmonary medicine.
Coaching and optimizing the use of inhalers combined with medication delivery assistance devices for patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Monitoring, analyzing, and individualizing inhaler therapy across a variety of inhaler types and patient respiratory patterns.
Reducing inhaler use errors and improving adherence in patients requiring inhaled medications for respiratory disorders.
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