Devices and methods for nebulizing fluids using flow directors

#The present invention is directed to methods and devices for nebulizing fluids. In a specific application of the present invention, the device is used to nebulize fluids for delivery to the lungs. Although the present invention is particularly useful for nebulizing fluids for inhalation, it is understood that the present invention may be used for nebulizing fluids in other fields and for other purposes.

#In a first aspect of the present invention, a nebulizing device is provided which has at least two nebulizing elements. In a preferred embodiment, the nebulizing element has a vibrating element with a plurality of apertures. The vibrating element is preferably a relatively stiff element, such as a rigid dome-shaped element, but may be any other suitable structure. The vibrating elements are vibrated to expel fluid through the apertures.

#The device may be operated to provide independent delivery of two different fluids. In a specific application of the present invention for nebulizing liquids for inhalation, the first fluid may contain an immune modulator or a mucolytic, such as alpha domase, and the second fluid could contain an antibiotic, such as an aminoglycocide like tobramicin, or quinolone, pentamidine, or an antifungal such as amphotericin B. Another application for the device is for the first fluid to contain a short acting beta agonist and the second fluid to contain a corticosteroid. The beta agonist provides symptomatic relief and the corticosteroid treats the underlying immune reaction. The beta agonist may be any suitable beta agonist such as albuterol. These drugs complement one another in the treatment of asthma. Other combinations of drugs may be delivered with the device which relate to the same ailment or to different ailments.

#These and other advantages and features will become apparent with the following description of the preferred embodiments, drawings and claims.

#FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a device in accordance with the present invention.

#FIG. 2 shows the device with a door and mouthpiece removed to expose internal components of the device.

#Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a nebulizing device 2 is shown. The nebulizing device 2 includes a housing 4 having a mouthpiece 6 and a door 8. The door 8 and mouthpiece 6 are removed in FIG. 2. The door 8 is coupled to the housing 4 with hinges 10 to open and close the door 8. As explained above, the nebulizing device 2 of the present invention may be used for a number of different applications and a preferred application is as a hand-held, portable device for delivery of at least one fluid to the lungs.

#In one aspect of the invention, the nebulizing device 2 has at least two nebulizing elements 12. As will be described in greater detail below, the nebulizing elements 12 provide the ability to control the delivery of two different drugs to the patient. This can be important when two or more drugs are delivered to treat the same ailment. The drugs may be delivered at the same time or at different times in a controlled manner. The combination of nebulizing elements 12 also provides high flow rates when only a single drug is delivered with the nebulizing elements 12.

#The fluid is contained in first and second fluid cartridges 14, 16. The fluid may be contained in any suitable container and a preferred container is an ampoule 18. The fluid may be delivered from the cartridges 14, 16 to the nebulizing elements 12 in any manner. A capillary feed system 20 and a system for delivering single doses are described below. The device 2 is designed so that the fluid cartridges 14, 16 can be replaced a number of times for subsequent use. It is understood that the fluid may be delivered in any other manner such as delivering a number of discrete volumes from a capsule using a piston.