JP2019005589A - Miniature fluid atomizer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an atomizing nozzle having a small frontal area permitting insertion of a nozzle into a small-diameter medical conduit.SOLUTION: A body of a nozzle 104 has a characteristic size (e.g., cross-section diameter) of less than about 0.2 inch (0.5 cm). The nozzle body is typically carried on an extension member 106, which can be transversely flexible to permit passage of the nozzle body through a tube and along a nonlinear path. The nozzle body is typically connected to an extension member by way of a lap joint connected to the nozzle body. A De/O ratio is less than 12.0, a Db/O ratio of is less than about 18, and a Db/De ratio is less than about 1.1. Certain embodiments include a swirling chamber disposed upstream of an ejection orifice and having a proximal wall with a portion configured to at least approximate a portion of a dome, or configured as other curved surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates generally to a spray nozzle and apparatus for dispensing a therapeutic fluid in a mist form or in a form that is dispersed with a small particle size. Certain devices constructed as described herein may be used in devices adapted to be inserted into a stoma conduit and apply a mist-like fluid to a body portion of a human patient. Especially suitable.

  Details of the operation principle and configuration of certain operable spray nozzles are described in Perry W., published March 2, 2004. US Pat. No. 6,698,429 to Croll et al., Entitled “MEDICAL ATOMIZER”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The prior art of small spray nozzles by the present inventors disclosed in the aforementioned '429 patent provides a small cross-sectional profile that allows insertion into medical related tubes and orifices in the field of disposable spray nozzle components. It is thought to constitute the most advanced "latest technology" that has.

  The body of the nebulizer component constructed in accordance with the Croll et al. Disclosure includes an injection molded socket in which the extension tube member is adhesively bonded. Problems inherent in the injection molding process effectively limit the dimensions (eg, diameter) with which such sockets can be reliably manufactured. The minimum wall thickness of a socket that can be reliably injection molded is considered to be about 0.015 inch (0.381 mm). Thus, the minimum practical socket diameter is about 0.030 inches (0.76 mm), which is larger than the outer diameter of the extension member. The maximum cross-sectional diameter of the body of the nebulizer component disclosed in Croll et al. Is even greater than the minimum outer diameter of the socket.

  As disclosed in Croll et al., Line 5, lines 47-56, the nominal diameter Db of the nozzle body is about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) and the diameter De of the cylindrical extension conduit is about 0.1. Inches (0.25 cm). With such numbers, the ratio (Db / De) of the nebulizer body diameter to the extension member diameter is 2.0. In a more precise direct measurement of the corresponding commercially available embodiment, the maximum diameter of the nebulizer body is 0.218 inches (0.55 cm) and the extension member diameter is 0.121 inches (0.3 cm), so Db / The ratio of De is 1.8. Corresponding direct measurements of commercially available alternative embodiments, such as those illustrated in FIG. 3 of Croll et al., Are 0.188 inches (0.5 cm) and 0.119 inches (0.3 cm), and thus the Db / De ratio. Is 1.6. It can be theoretically understood that as the spray nozzle diameter decreases or the extension member increases, the ratio of the sprayer body diameter to the extension member diameter can tend to approach unity. However, due to the presence of the socket, the diameter of the spray nozzle component constructed in accordance with the disclosure of the '429 patent is such that the ratio of the sprayer body diameter to the extension member diameter is equal to 1 or less than 1. It can never be.

  The front area, or front cross-section, can be defined as the area that the fluid must displace to accommodate the straight path of the object. As a further consequence of the injection molded socket, the front cross-sectional area feature dimension (eg, diameter Db, ie, the length across the largest dimension front area) of the nebulizer component body approaches or exceeds the desired small feature dimension. The ratio of the diameter Db of the circular atomizer body to the diameter De of the circular extension member (ie, Db / De) is necessarily far from 1 (in other words, Db / De is gradually larger than 1). Become).

  For purposes of this disclosure, a nebulizer component having the desired small feature size means that the diameter of the circular body is less than about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm). In this limited case where the socket wall thickness is minimal and the body diameter is 0.2 inches (0.5 cm), the ratio of the diameter of the circular atomizer body to the diameter of the circular extension member is 0.2. /0.17 or 1.176. This Db / De ratio inevitably increases as the component diameter is reduced while keeping the wall thickness of the socket at the minimum value obtained with an injection molded part (numbers increase from 1.176). To go). Only the diameter of the extension member is made smaller (making the wall thickness of the socket thicker than the minimum 0.015 inch (0.038 cm) while keeping the diameter of the sprayer body at 0.2 inch (0.5 cm)). And the ratio between the diameter of the nebulizer body and the diameter of the extension member also increases correspondingly (numbers increase from 1.176).

  The spray nozzle component can sometimes be characterized by the ratio of the diameter Db of the spray component body to the diameter O of the discharge orifice (ie Db / O). The discharge orifice is typically sized small (e.g., about 0.010 to 0.008 in diameter) so that a sufficient pressure drop occurs to facilitate the dispensed fluid being properly sprayed. The inch (0.0254-0.02032 cm) must still be large enough to deliver, for example, a therapeutic fluid at a reasonable flow rate and resist clogging. As a nominal dimension of an operable discharge orifice, a diameter of about 0.010 to 0.008 inches (0.0254 to 0.02032 cm) is considered a reasonable limit.

  When the orifice size is fixed, it is obvious that the numerical value of the ratio Db / O decreases as the diameter Db of the main body decreases. With a nominal body dimension of 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) and the aforementioned discharge orifice dimensions of 0.008 and 0.10, the Db / O ratio would be 25 and 20, respectively. The smallest commercially available body diameter of 0.188 inch (0.478 cm) is compared to the larger discharge orifice diameter of 0.010 inch (0.0254 cm) (this diameter is 0.008 inch (0 Larger than .02032 cm), the Db / O ratio is calculated to be 18.8. All prior art disposable sprayers are believed to have a Db / O ratio of greater than 18.8.

The spray nozzle component can sometimes be characterized by the ratio of the outer diameter (or maximum feature size) of the extension member to the diameter of the discharge orifice from which the therapeutic fluid is discharged. In order to properly spray the dispensed dose of fluid, some minimum fluid pressure is required.
The outer diameter of the extension conduit must be large enough to provide structural integrity to withstand the pressure of the therapeutic fluid upstream of the spray portion of the assembly. According to Croll et al., Certain extension conduits can include one or more extra lumens to hold the deformable member, thus increasing the diameter of such extension member. Commercially available nebulizer components corresponding to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 of Croll et al. Have discharge orifices with dimensions of 0.008 inch (0.0203 cm) and 0.010 inch (0.025 cm), respectively. . For an extension member formed from medical tubing having a nominal diameter of 1/8 inch (0.32 cm), as disclosed in Croll et al., The ratio of the extension member diameter to the discharge orifice diameter is as shown in FIG. In the embodiment, it is 15.6, and in the embodiment of FIG. Using the direct measurements listed above for the diameter of commercially available extension members, such ratios are 14.88 and 12.11, respectively. For a given size of discharge orifice, as the extension member feature dimension increases, the ratio of the extension member maximum feature dimension “De” to the nozzle discharge orifice dimension “O” (ie, De / O) is: Essentially increases. All of the De / O ratios of configurations according to the prior art are considered to be greater than 12.

  For non-circular spray components (and / or extension members), a similar ratio, i.e., the ratio of the atomizer body diameter to the extension member diameter, or the ratio of the extension member diameter to the discharge orifice diameter, or the body diameter. The ratio between the diameter of the discharge orifice and the diameter of the discharge orifice can be obtained by using their maximum feature size. Thus, in this disclosure, the maximum feature size and diameter are sometimes used interchangeably. For convenience, the term “maximum” is sometimes omitted with the understanding that the proper meaning can be logically inferred from the context.

A spray nozzle component constructed according to Croll et al. Essentially includes a shoulder disposed at the proximal end of the boundary region between the spray component and the extension member. The minimum wall thickness required to ensure injection molding of the socket receiving the extension member results in a practical minimum shoulder of about 0.015 inches (0.038 cm) in height. In fact, larger shoulders are found in commercially available embodiments.
A scraping edge is formed by a step in height (from the outer diameter of the extension member) at the shoulder of the nebulizer component, which damages the patient's tissue as the nebulizer nozzle is withdrawn. This is not desirable because of fear.

  The spray nozzle may be caught on the structure after dispensing the therapeutic dose into the patient's body and then withdrawing the nozzle, which is undesirable. For example, this socket shoulder step may form a structural interference at the distal opening of the medical tube, thereby resisting re-entry of the spray nozzle component into the tube. While pulling out the spray nozzle component, applying additional force at the proximal end of the extension member to overcome the interference caused by the shoulder increases the risk that the spray nozzle component will come off the extension member. If the spray nozzle component comes off and remains in the patient's body, it can be harmful.

  A socket is essentially required to provide a sufficient joint area to withstand that the spray component disengages from the extension member under the pressure required for spray operation. That is, if at least small dimensions are desired (generally with a maximum cross-sectional diameter of about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) or less), simply butt joining the interface between the spray nozzle component and the extension member will ensure It is considered that the surface area for forming a simple connecting portion is too small. Furthermore, introducing an adhesive to the butt connection surface induces the risk of the fluid delivery conduit being clogged by the adhesive, which is undesirable. For the reasons listed in this paragraph and in the previous paragraph, the ratio of the outer diameter (or maximum feature size) of the extension member of the prior art sprayer to the diameter of the discharge orifice will be greater than about 12.

  Certain disposable spray nozzle components are known, but such components have an undesirably large maximum body diameter, for example, greater than 0.2 inches (0.5 cm). “Disposable” means that the spray nozzle component of the assembly is sufficiently low in cost since it is to be disposed of after a single use. Of course, "single use" may also include releasing multiple portions of the therapeutic fluid multiple times. However, “disposable” nebulizer components are generally not re-sterilized and repackaged so that they cannot be resold and / or reused by another patient. Disposable spray nozzle components are typically manufactured using low cost mass production techniques such as injection molding from plastic or plastic-like materials. On the other hand, non-disposable spray nozzles can be machined from metal on a one-off basis or in small lot production. Manufacturing costs for disposable spray nozzle components, including labor and component costs, calculated in 2009 US currency, most preferably less than about $ 1.00, desirably less than about $ 10.00, Is less than about $ 100.00.

US Pat. No. 6,698,429

  A spray nozzle with a small front area is provided that allows the nozzle to be inserted into a small diameter medical conduit. The body of one preferred spray nozzle body component has a characteristic dimension (eg, cross-sectional diameter) of less than about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm). The nozzle body is typically carried on an extension member that is laterally flexible so that it can be advanced into the tube and along the non-linear path to the nozzle body. be able to. Certain extension members may optionally be plastically deformable so as to be able to direct the direction of release of the nebulized therapeutic fluid. The extension member can have any desired length. The nozzle body is typically connected to the extension member by a lap joint connected to the outer surface of the nozzle body. In a preferred embodiment, the De / O ratio is less than 12.0, the Db / O ratio is less than 18, and the Db / De ratio is less than about 1.1. Certain embodiments include a swirl chamber disposed immediately upstream of the discharge orifice, the swirl chamber comprising a fluid wetted portion configured at least to resemble a portion of the dome or as another curved surface. Having a proximal chamber wall.

  Accordingly, there is an improved disposable spray nozzle component that can be advanced into a medical-related tube having an inner diameter that was previously too small to accommodate the smallest known disposable spray nozzle according to the prior art. Have been described. Also described is a shoulder transition at the interface between the spray nozzle and the extension member with a height variation of less than about 0.015 inches (0.038 cm). Further described are disposable spray nozzle components and extension assemblies that can be advanced into and retracted from the subject's body while reducing the potential for trauma to the subject. When the nebulizer is withdrawn from the patient, the risk of the nebulizing element coming off the extension member is further reduced. Furthermore, a disposable spray nozzle component with increased hydrodynamic efficiency is obtained.

  The drawings illustrate what is considered to be the best mode of carrying out the invention at the present time.

1 is a plan view of a fluid dispensing assembly constructed in accordance with certain principles of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an assembly including a portion of a fluid dispensing assembly similar to that shown in FIG. 1 with a thoracic medical tubing device. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the assembly shown in FIG. 2 with the distal end of the fluid dispensing assembly advanced to near the distal end of the medical tubing device. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment constructed in accordance with certain principles of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 in an assembled state. FIG. 6 is a partial close-up view of the structure shown in FIG. 5. 1 is a perspective view from the proximal end of an exemplary nebulizer body constructed in accordance with certain principles of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 6. It is sectional drawing seen in the direction of the arrow along the cross section 8-8 of FIG. It is sectional drawing seen in the direction of the arrow along the cross section 9-9 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an alternative embodiment constructed in accordance with certain principles of the invention. FIG. 11 is a partial close-up cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.

  Devices and methods for applying a therapeutic fluid, such as an anesthetic, to facilitate certain medical procedures have been described. Non-exclusive and exemplary uses of a device constructed in accordance with certain principles of the present invention include endotracheal intubation, pulmonary disease treatment, intranasal drug delivery, nasal drug delivery for antibiotics in awake patients Delivery, laryngeal tracheal delivery to anesthetize the vocal cords prior to intubation, chromoendoscopy and other drug delivery through the endoscopic accessory port, targeting the gastrointestinal mucosa, incorporation into the intubation airway, neonatal patients Surfactant delivery at the distal end of the endotracheal tube that delivers the drug to the lungs of the patient, delivery of antibiotics or other drugs via the endotracheal tube to the lungs of an artificially ventilated patient, laparoscopic or laparoscopic surgery Delivery of thrombin or other hemostatic agents for surgical bleeding and delivery of eg bupivacaine or other fluids for pain management in open or laparoscopic surgery.

  The presently preferred fluid dispensing device is adapted to nebulize the drained therapeutic fluid. “Spraying the discharged fluid” means that the discharged fluid is sprayed as a mist composed of substantially mist or very small droplets. Design variables incorporated in the spray nozzle include the discharge orifice feature size, the amount of pressure applied to the fluid upstream of the discharge orifice, and any spin chamber structure that induces the fluid to spin. Effective spraying requires the discharged fluid to undergo a pressure drop at the discharge orifice. Furthermore, the discharged fluid has a rotational motion component (spin) around the discharge axis. The radial diffusion of the ejected mist increases in response to an increase in spin speed.

  A presently preferred first therapeutic fluid dispenser, shown generally at 100 in FIG. 1, includes a fluid transfer source, generally indicated at 102, with a dispensing nozzle generally indicated at 104. Although the fluid transfer source 102 shown in FIG. 1 is a syringe, other configurations that act to create pressure on the fluid are also useful. Alternatively, it is also contemplated to supply fluid from a pressurized or pre-pressurized canister, and also from a utility facility such as a faucet or hose faucet. The exemplary dispensing nozzle 104 is a fluid spray nozzle that is operable to eject therapeutic fluid as a mist or mist. Such a spray nozzle applies a spin (around the discharge axis) to the fluid immediately before discharging the fluid from the small diameter orifice. The released spin fluid undergoes a pressure drop at the exit orifice and is thereby effectively sprayed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing nozzle 104 can be spaced from the fluid transfer source 102 by an extension member generally indicated at 106. Desirably, a connector generally indicated at 108 is provided to couple the nozzle 104 in communication with a therapeutic fluid supplied by a fluid transfer source. The exemplary connector 108 includes a removable luer-type female connection adapted to engage the cooperating structure of the syringe 102. The proximal end of the extension conduit 106 can be secured to the connector 108 using known techniques such as adhesive bonding or welding.

  Useful extension members 106 may be formed from medical grade tubing such as transparent plastic tubing having an exemplary diameter of about 0.060 inches (0.152 cm). Such an extension conduit 106 is typically flexible in the lateral direction and thus can be formed into a wound shape as illustrated. Certain extension conduits 106 can be configured to be inserted along the lumen of a medical tube or into a conduit structure within a human or animal. In such a case, the extension conduit 106 is laterally flexible so that it can be easily inserted by adapting to a non-linear lumen or conduit path. However, the flexibility of the extension conduit 106 is not necessary. In some cases, the extension member may be substantially rigid. As described further below, the extension member may include a plastically malleable portion that is configured to help maintain the deformed shape of the conduit. In the latter case, this malleable portion is typically adapted such that the desired shape that acts to direct the spray axis 110 of the dispensing nozzle is maintained in the extension conduit.

  FIG. 2 shows an elongate spray fluid delivery system constructed in accordance with certain principles of the present invention, indicated generally at 112. Some of such systems 112 are adapted to cooperate with medical tubing such as the exemplary endotracheal tube 114. The fluid delivery system 112 includes an extension member 106 that extends between the connector 108 and the dispensing nozzle 104. The extension member 106 is slidably sealed through the bifurcated adapter cap 116, generally indicated at 118, thereby allowing the dispensing nozzle 104 to be advanced or retracted into the lumen 120. . As illustrated, the extension member 106 can carry an indicator structure 122 that indicates the depth at which the dispensing nozzle 104 has been inserted into the endotracheal tube 114 and thus into the patient.

  FIG. 3 shows the dispensing nozzle 104 advanced to the vicinity of the distal end 150 of the endotracheal tube 114. As illustrated, the spray nozzle 104 preferably dispenses the treatment fluid as a mist generally indicated at 152 having a transverse diameter that is greater than the diameter of the tube 114. Therefore, a local anesthetic can be applied and supported during intubation of the endotracheal tube 114.

  One presently preferred configuration for forming dispensing nozzle 104 is shown in FIG. A nebulizer component, indicated generally at 156, is connected to the extension conduit 164 by a coupling 160. Useful joints can be formed from relatively thin walled tubing. One useful tubing includes extruded polyimide tubing having a nominal outer diameter of about 0.069 inch (0.18 cm) and a nominal inner diameter of about 0.0615 inch (0.156 cm). Such tubes are commercially available from IWG High Performance Conductors, Inc., Inman, South Carolina.

  The outer diameter of the exemplary sprayer body 168 (FIG. 4) is dimensioned to form a slip fit within the lumen 172 of the coupling portion 160. Similarly, the outer diameter of the extension member 164 is also dimensioned to form a sliding fit in harmony with the lumen 172. Since both the main body 168 and the extension member 164 have the same diameter, the Db / De ratio is 1 (1.0). During assembly, the coupling 160 forms a lap joint with each of the body 168 and the distal portion of the extension member 164. These components are typically joined together using an adhesive, such as a UV curable adhesive, or other fixative that is pressure resistant and operable to form a fluid resistant connection. The Accordingly, the therapeutic fluid delivered through the fluid delivery conduit 176 is trapped and flows distally and exits the discharge orifice 180.

  FIG. 5 shows the components of FIG. 4 in the assembled position. Desirably, the annular plug 184 is formed by an adhesive 188. The annular plug 184 helps to withstand that the nebulizer body 168 is disengaged from the mounting position within the coupling 160 during dispensing of the therapeutic fluid dose. It is further desirable that the adhesive 188 or the structure at the distal end of the sprayer body 168 form a rounded tip as the distal end of the dispensing nozzle 104.

  It is also desirable to form a transition ramp, generally indicated at 192, at the proximal end of the coupling 160 with adhesive 188. Such a transition ramp prevents catching (of the small shoulder formed by the thickness of the coupling 160) while withdrawing the nozzle 104. The smooth transition ramp 192 desirably prevents tissue from being scraped from the patient's conduit structure. Also, the smooth transition ramp 192 desirably avoids structural interference with the shoulder of the distal opening of the medical conduit that allows the nebulizer 104 to be retracted.

  With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 5A, a swirl chamber 196 (sometimes referred to as a “turbine chamber”) is disposed immediately upstream of the fluid discharge orifice 180. The proximal surface of the swirl chamber 196 is formed by a wall element 200, which is a sphere in the illustrated embodiment. In the currently preferred embodiment, the sphere 200 is press fit into the receiving hole 204. At present, a press fit engagement between a portion of the sphere 200 and a shoulder 208 formed on the body 168 is preferred. Accordingly, the structure shown in FIG. 5A is shown with a small amount of overlap at the corners 208. It should be understood that the above is merely illustrative of a preferred assembly configuration. A sliding fit of the wall element 200, such as a sphere, into the receiving hole 204 is also useful because the fluid flow essentially pushes the wall element toward the swirl chamber 196. It is desirable to configure the wall element 200 so that the fluid enters the turbine chamber 196 in a manner that facilitates fluid spinning before the fluid is dispensed.

  With reference to FIG. 5A, a portion of the proximal wall of pivot chamber 196 extends along the distal portion of one or more fluid paths 212. In the illustrated embodiment, two fluid paths 212 are provided. However, it is also contemplated to provide a single fluid path 212, or even multiple fluid paths. Desirably, the vector normal to the fluid contact surface of the wall element 200 moves from the proximal position (indicated by vector 216) to the intermediate position (indicated by vector 216 ') and distally along the guide surface from the proximal position (indicated by vector 216'). As it moves toward the position (indicated by vector 216 ″), it gradually varies from a vector pointing substantially in the lateral direction to a vector pointing substantially in the distal direction. Such a transition is believed to improve the hydrodynamic properties of the discharge nozzle produced by the body 168 and wall elements such as wall element 200.

  As illustrated, the wall element 200 can be formed from a spherical element, such as a sphere. It is contemplated that the wall element 200 may be a curved portion carried at the distal end of the cylinder, or some other carrier having a different shape. The presently preferred wall element 200 is worldwideweb. precisionballs. The stainless steel balls 316 series having an outer diameter of 1/32 inch (0.76 mm) are commercially available. Of course, other compositional elements are also useful.

  Additional details of a useful nebulizer body 168 will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the therapeutic fluid flows distally along the fluid path 212 and then enters the swirl chamber 196 via the turbine port 220. Fluid in the swirl chamber is confined between the wall element (not shown) and the outlet surface 224. Thus, fluid swirls within chamber 196 and exits from discharge orifice 180.

  A second nebulizer assembly constructed in accordance with certain principles of the present invention is shown generally at 240 in FIGS. The assembly 240 includes the spray nozzle 104 spaced from the connector 108 by an extension member 106 '. A typical extension member 106 'has an outer diameter of about 1/8 inch (0.3 cm). Unlike the embodiment 100 (see, eg, FIGS. 4 and 5), the sprayer body 168 of the assembly 240 is attached using a lap joint formed directly between the outer surface of the body 168 and the inner surface of the fluid delivery conduit 176. It has been.

  Note that embodiments of the type shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 inherently have a Db / De ratio of less than 1 (1.0). This is considered to be a feature that such embodiments differ from any previously developed spray nozzle. In the combination of the spray body 168 having an outer diameter of 0.060 inch and an extension member having a nominal outer diameter of 1/8 inch (0.3 cm), the Db / De ratio can be calculated as 0.48. For such a spray body having a discharge orifice with a diameter of 0.008 inches (0.02 cm), the Db / O ratio is calculated to be 7.5. If the discharge orifice is increased to 0.010 inches (0.254 cm), the ratio is even lower, i.e. less than 6.0. On the other hand, as described above, it is considered that all the conventional spray nozzles have a Db / O ratio larger than 18.8.

  The outer diameter of the nebulizer body 168 may be of any desired size that can be manufactured. For example, an injection molded sprayer body 168 from a medical grade plastic such as polycarbonate is preferred. Of course, the inner diameter of the fluid delivery conduit 176 is typically sized to the dimensions of the body 168 to allow assembly. It is presently preferred that the body 168 forms a light interference fit within the fluid delivery conduit 176 for ease of assembly. Similar to assembly 100, an annular ring 184 of adhesive 188 can be provided to resist the body 168 from coming off the lumen 176. Note that body 168 and conduit 176 are simpler when rounded, but need not be.

  The extension member of certain assemblies is optionally configured to help keep the fluid delivery conduit 176 in a deformed shape, thereby directing the discharge axis 110 (see, eg, axis 110 in FIG. 3). It may contain plastically malleable parts. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a malleable metal wire 244 is disposed in the second lumen within the extension member 106 '. Typically, at least one end of the wire 244 is secured to the extension member, thereby preventing the wire 244 from moving out of the assembly position. Adhesive mounting is currently preferred.

  The wire 244 can be deformed into a desired shape to direct the direction of discharge of the nebulized therapeutic fluid. The deformable element can be provided with a plastically deformable extension element, glue the deformable element to the outer surface of the flexible extension member, and wrap the deformable element around the outer surface of the extension member It is contemplated that the malleable element can be coupled to the extension member by alternative methods, such as placing a malleable element within the fluid delivery conduit 176, or similarly using alternative configurations within the ability of one skilled in the art. It is.

  It is generally desirable to provide a rounded distal tip 248 on an extension member, such as extension member 106 '. RF chipping or other manufacturing techniques according to the prior art are useful for forming the desired rounded tip 248.

  Actuation of the syringe 102 of FIG. 1 pushes the fluid contained therein through the member 106 and the nebulizer portion 104.

  Upon understanding the present disclosure, other additional strategies for making, using, and assembling this device will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Many of the components are readily available commercially available or can be adapted from commercially available components.

100 Treatment Fluid Dispenser 102 Fluid Transfer Source (Syringe)
104 Dispensing nozzle (spray nozzle)
106, 106 'extension member (extension conduit)
108 Connector 110 Spray axis (discharge axis)
112 Nebulization Fluid Delivery System 114 Endotracheal Tube 116 Cap 118 Branch Adapter 120 Lumen 122 Indicator Structure 150 Distal End 152 Fog 156 Nebulizer Component 160 Coupling 164 Extension Member (Extension Conduit)
168 Nebulizer body 172 Lumen 176 Fluid delivery conduit (lumen)
180 Discharge orifice (fluid discharge orifice)
184 annular plug (annular ring)
188 Adhesive 192 Transition ramp 196 Swivel chamber (turbine chamber)
200 Wall element (sphere)
204 Receiving hole 208 Shoulder (corner)
212 Fluid Path 216, 216 ′, 216 ″ Vector 220 Turbine Port 224 Blowout Surface 240 Second Atomizer Assembly 244 Malleable Metal Wire 248 Distal Tip 316 Stainless Steel Ball

Claims (21)

An apparatus comprising a spray nozzle component comprising:
The spray nozzle component is capable of ejecting fluid substantially as a mist and is secured to an extension member, the extension member including a deformable element, the extension member from a fluid transfer source Effective to receive fluid traveling through the extension member and effective to separate a nozzle from the fluid transfer source;
The characteristic maximum dimension of the front area of the body of the spray nozzle component is less than 0.5 cm;
The apparatus wherein the ratio of the characteristic maximum dimension of the front surface area of the body to the characteristic maximum dimension of the front surface area of the extension member is less than 1.1.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the characteristic maximum dimension of the front surface area of the body to the characteristic maximum dimension of the extension member is 1.0.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a ratio of a characteristic maximum dimension of the front surface area of the body to a characteristic maximum dimension of the extension member is less than 1.0.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a ratio of a characteristic maximum dimension of the extension member to a characteristic maximum dimension of a fluid ejection orifice of the spray nozzle component is less than 12.0.   The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a sleeve element configured to form a lap joint with a distal end of the extension member.   6. The device of claim 5, wherein the annular thickness of the sleeve element is less than 0.02 cm.   The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the sleeve element is configured to form a lap joint with both the spray nozzle component and the extension member.   8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid transfer conduit within the extension member is configured to form a lap joint with the outer diameter of the spray nozzle component.   A deformable element associated with the extension member, the deformable element being configured to allow plastic deformation therein and relative to an axis of a proximal portion of the extension member; 9. The apparatus of claim 1 or 8, configured to substantially retain a deformed shape in the extension member effective to direct a fluid ejection direction from the spray nozzle component.   A swirl chamber disposed upstream of an orifice, configured to impart a lateral velocity component to a distally discharged fluid stream, the proximal wall of the swirl chamber having a wet guide surface A vector comprising a fluid contact area and a vector pointing in a substantially distal direction from a vector pointing in a substantially lateral direction as the vector perpendicular to the surface advances along the guide surface from a proximal position toward a distal position The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a swirl chamber in which the fluid contact area is configured to gradually vary toward. The device is a disposable device;
11. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body has a characteristic maximum dimension of less than 0.5 cm.   12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of the characteristic maximum dimension of the front area of the body to the characteristic maximum dimension of the discharge orifice is less than 18. A discharge orifice configured to discharge fluid in a distal direction;
A swirl chamber disposed upstream of the discharge orifice, the swirl chamber being configured to impart a lateral velocity component to a distally discharged fluid stream discharged from the swirl chamber, the proximal wall of the swirl chamber Comprises a fluid contact region having a wet guide surface, and a vector pointing substantially laterally as the vector perpendicular to the surface proceeds along the wet guide surface from a proximal position toward a distal position A swirl chamber in which the fluid contact region is configured to gradually vary from a vector substantially pointing to a vector pointing in the distal direction;
An extension member including a deformable element, effective to receive fluid transmitted from the fluid transfer source through the extension member, and effective to separate a fluid spray nozzle from the fluid transfer source. An extension member;
A fluid spray nozzle.   The fluid spray nozzle of claim 13, wherein the variation in vector orientation is defined by a mathematically smooth function.   15. A fluid spray nozzle according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the guide surface comprises a region resembling at least a portion of a dome.   16. A fluid spray nozzle as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the guide surface is formed by a portion of a spherical element.   The fluid spray nozzle according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the maximum diameter of the fluid spray nozzle is less than 0.5 cm.   The fluid spray nozzle according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the characteristic maximum dimension of the front cross section of the fluid spray nozzle is less than 0.5 cm.   The fluid spray nozzle of claim 16, wherein the body of the fluid spray nozzle is configured to receive the spherical element in a drop-in assembly from a proximal end of the body.   The fluid spray nozzle of claim 19, wherein the spherical element is held in an installed position by forming an interference fit configuration with the cooperating structure of the body.   A method for delivering a fluid comprising delivering a fluid using the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or the fluid spray nozzle according to any one of claims 13 to 20.