A simple in vitro method for the evaluation of an ultrasonic nebulizer for drug delivery to intubated, ventilated patients and the effect of nebulizer and ventilator settings on the uptake of fluid from the nebulizer chamber

Williams, L., Fletcher, G.C., Daniel, M. and Kinsella, J. (1999) A simple in vitro method for the evaluation of an ultrasonic nebulizer for drug delivery to intubated, ventilated patients and the effect of nebulizer and ventilator settings on the uptake of fluid from the nebulizer chamber. European Journal of Anaesthesiology, 16(7), pp. 479-484. (doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2346.1999.00507.x)

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Abstract

Little is known about the performance of ultrasonic nebulizers during different ventilation patterns when these nebulizers are used to deliver drugs to intubated, ventilated patients. A method that enables the performance of an ultrasonic nebulizer to be evaluated is described. We used an <i>in vitro</i> model to examine the performance of the DeVilbiss Ultra-Neb 2000 ultrasonic nebulizer under positive pressure ventilation. Performance was measured at different rates of nebulization and under changing conditions of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), inspiratory flow rate, inspiratory time and minute volume. The volume of saline nebulized was unchanged by variations in positive end expiratory pressure from 0 to 5 cm to 10 cm H<sub>2</sub>O, in minute ventilation and in inspiratory flow rate. An increase in the inspiratory time resulted in an increase in the volume of saline nebulized and this volume was greater as the power setting of the nebulizer was increased. We conclude that ultrasonic nebulizers may be affected by different patterns of ventilation and that this simple in vitro assessment of nebulizer function in an intensive care setting may be of value prior to nebulizer

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Kinsella, Professor John and Daniel, Malcolm
Authors: Williams, L., Fletcher, G.C., Daniel, M., and Kinsella, J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:European Journal of Anaesthesiology
Publisher:Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Ltd.
ISSN:0265-0215
ISSN (Online):1365-2346
Published Online:16 August 2006

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