Vapor retention assembly
AssigneeAlliance Pharmaceutical Corp.
InventorsMark A. Walters, Ernest G. Schutt, John K. Hoffman, Mark H. Wyzgala, W. Dean Kirkland
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for the conservation of respiratory promoters following their pulmonary introduction are disclosed. In preferred embodiments the present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing the loss of respiratory promoter, and particularly fluorochemcials, during medical procedures such as liquid ventilation. The disclosed methods comprise the use of vapor retention assemblies, which may be conventional heat and moisture exchangers, to passively retain the respiratory promoter and return it to the lungs in subsequent breaths. Novel vapor retention assemblies comprising fluorophilic exchange elements are also disclosed.
Claims15
A vapor retention assembly for use in partial liquid ventilation, comprising:
- a housing defining a chamber and having a plurality of connecting ports formed therein, said chamber and said connecting ports comprising a gas flow passage through the chamber between the connecting ports, said assembly further comprising a fluorophilic exchange element positioned in said chamber so as to intersect said gas flow passage;
- and
- a breathable fluorochemical liquid having a vapor pressure of less than about 75 Torr dispersed in said chamber wherein at least a portion of said breathable liquid is reversibly associated with said fluorophilic exchange element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.