Anaesthesia, 1975, Volume 30, pages 360-361 APPARATUS
A portable self-inflator-nebuliser
Apparatus This apparatus has been designed to fill the need for a simple, inexpensive portable machine for the administration of topical nebulisation therapy. The instrument is powered by oxygen which is delivered with entrained air when the valve (A in Fig. 1) C
D
E
A
Fig. 1. The self inflator-nebuliser. A, oxygen inlet; B, oxygen valve; C, valve lever; D, air inlet; E , expiratory port; F, limiting jet; G, venturi; H, micro-nebuliser; J, mouthpiece.
I. Fodor, Chief Technician and J. W. Lloyd, FFARCS, The Nuffield Department of Anaesthetics, The Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford OX2 6HE.
360
A portable self-inflator-nebuliser
361
is depressed. This movement also closes the expiratory port (E). The flow ceases when the lever is released. A maximum oxygen concentration of 35-5 volumes per cent is achieved. This concentration remains linear against a resistance of up to two-thirds of the maximum inflating pressure (25 cm/H,O). It then rises to 43 volumes per cent measured on expired gases. The Bird in-line micro-nebuliser (H) is attached to the gas outlet for use with broncho-dilators, aerosols or topical chemotherapy. Discussion Patient cooperation is essential when the apparatus is used as a nebuliser because inspiration must synchronise with the depression of the valve lever by the patient. The procedure is usually under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Wider applications of the instrument are envisaged. Manual compression of the control lever by an operator allows the instrument to be used as a miniature ventilator for emergency oxygen therapy and intermittent positive pressure ventilation either through a mask or an endotracheal tube. An oxygen regulator is available for domiciliary use. The minimum oxygen concentration of 35 volumes per cent safeguards the anoxic respiratory drive in some patients with chronic respiratory disease. The rise in oxygen concentration above a resistance of 25 cm/H,O is only applicable when intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) is used in a non-compliant lung and must therefore be of advantage to the patient. The instrument has been on trial for the past 2 years at the Radcliffe Infirmary. It has met all its specificationsand it has proved to be both robust and trouble free. It is manufactured by Gardner and Company of Oxford. Summary An inexpensive portable apparatus for the administration of topical nebulisation therapy is described.
A portable self-inflator-nebuliser
Apparatus This apparatus has been designed to fill the need for a simple, inexpensive portable machine for the administration of topical nebulisation therapy. The instrument is powered by oxygen which is delivered with entrained air when the valve (A in Fig. 1) C
D
E
A
Fig. 1. The self inflator-nebuliser. A, oxygen inlet; B, oxygen valve; C, valve lever; D, air inlet; E , expiratory port; F, limiting jet; G, venturi; H, micro-nebuliser; J, mouthpiece.
I. Fodor, Chief Technician and J. W. Lloyd, FFARCS, The Nuffield Department of Anaesthetics, The Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford OX2 6HE.
360
A portable self-inflator-nebuliser
361
is depressed. This movement also closes the expiratory port (E). The flow ceases when the lever is released. A maximum oxygen concentration of 35-5 volumes per cent is achieved. This concentration remains linear against a resistance of up to two-thirds of the maximum inflating pressure (25 cm/H,O). It then rises to 43 volumes per cent measured on expired gases. The Bird in-line micro-nebuliser (H) is attached to the gas outlet for use with broncho-dilators, aerosols or topical chemotherapy. Discussion Patient cooperation is essential when the apparatus is used as a nebuliser because inspiration must synchronise with the depression of the valve lever by the patient. The procedure is usually under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Wider applications of the instrument are envisaged. Manual compression of the control lever by an operator allows the instrument to be used as a miniature ventilator for emergency oxygen therapy and intermittent positive pressure ventilation either through a mask or an endotracheal tube. An oxygen regulator is available for domiciliary use. The minimum oxygen concentration of 35 volumes per cent safeguards the anoxic respiratory drive in some patients with chronic respiratory disease. The rise in oxygen concentration above a resistance of 25 cm/H,O is only applicable when intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) is used in a non-compliant lung and must therefore be of advantage to the patient. The instrument has been on trial for the past 2 years at the Radcliffe Infirmary. It has met all its specificationsand it has proved to be both robust and trouble free. It is manufactured by Gardner and Company of Oxford. Summary An inexpensive portable apparatus for the administration of topical nebulisation therapy is described.
