AUTOMATED T PIECE VALVE FOR VENTILATOR SYSTEMS

Abstract

ABSTRACT “AUTOMATED T PIECE VALVE FOR VENTILATOR SYSTEMS” The present invention discloses an automated valved T-piece designed specifically for use in ventilator circuits to reduce drug waste during aerosol drug delivery. The automated valved T-piece for ventilator circuits comprises; a valve positioned on the top/head point of the T-piece; and a connection for a nebulizer and ventilator circuit, wherein, the valve opens and closes as the nebuliser is inserted and removed. Traditional T-piece connectors frequently cause significant medication loss due to aerosol deposition in the ventilator tubing during the expiratory phase of ventilation. In contrast, this novel automated T-piece incorporates a one-of-a-kind passively actuated valve mechanism to address this inefficiency. By reducing drug waste associated with aerosol drug delivery, the automated valved T-piece not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces treatment costs. The streamlined design and automatic functionality simplify the nebulization process, allowing healthcare providers to administer effective medication without the need for manual adjustments. Figures 1, 2 3A, 3B and 4

Specification

Description:AUTOMATED T PIECE VALVE FOR VENTILATOR SYSTEMS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of respiratory therapy, specifically to improvements in ventilator circuits and drug delivery systems for patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Subfields include aerosol drug delivery, ventilator accessories, and respiratory care devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditional T-pieces in ventilator circuits used for aerosol drug delivery are simple connectors with a straightforward T-shaped design that serve as a junction between the ventilator tubing, the nebulizer, and the patient interface. These conventional T-pieces allow aerosolized medication to enter the breathing circuit. However, they lack a mechanism to regulate the flow of the aerosolized drug throughout the respiratory cycle. As a result, during the expiratory phase, a large portion of the aerosolized medication returns to the ventilator circuit rather than being delivered to the patient, resulting in significant inefficiencies.
This backflow generates a significant amount of drug waste because the aerosolized medication is deposited on various components in the ventilator circuit. The Heat and Moisture Exchanger (HME) filter, tubing, and other components unintentionally collect a portion of the aerosolized drug, reducing how much reaches the patient's lungs. In situations where precise dosing is required, such as in intensive care or with drugs with a narrow therapeutic range, inefficiency can jeopardize treatment efficacy and negatively impact patient outcomes. This waste also raises costs because more medication must be used to achieve therapeutic levels, and frequent maintenance may be required to address drug buildup in circuit components.
Existing T-piece designs and related solutions have attempted to increase drug delivery efficiency by improving nebulization devices, adjusting flow rates, or changing patient positioning. However, none has adequately addressed the fundamental issue within the T-piece itself: the uncontrolled distribution of aerosolized medication during both the inspiratory and expiratory phases. This shortfall reduces the efficacy of aerosol drug delivery in ventilator-supported patients and poses an ongoing challenge for healthcare providers seeking precise and cost-effective treatment.
This invention aims to address these issues by introducing an improved T-piece design with mechanisms that control the direction of aerosol flow, thereby reducing waste during expiration. This invention improves drug delivery by incorporating features that direct aerosolized medication primarily to the patient's lungs while reducing backflow into the ventilator circuit. This approach not only improves the therapeutic efficacy of aerosolized drugs, but it also has the potential to lower treatment costs by reducing waste and the maintenance burden on ventilator equipment.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The principal object of the present invention is to develop an automated T piece valve for ventilator system.
Another object of the present invention is to develop the automated T piece valve for ventilator system wherein, the automated T piece improves aerosol drug delivery precision and effectiveness.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses an automated T piece valve for ventilator system.
In an aspect of the invention disclosed an automated valved T-piece for ventilator system comprising; a valve positioned on the top/head point of the T-piece; and a connection for a nebulizer and ventilator circuit, wherein, the valve opens and closes as the nebuliser is inserted and removed.
BREIF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure1: Shows T piece in prior art
Figure 2: Shows T piece and nebulizer cup
Figure 3A and 3B: Illustrates the operation of automated T valve during ventilation inhale and exhale
Figure 4: Shows front view of automated T piece valve placed in ventilation system
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, system, assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by "comprises… a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.).
The present invention discloses an automated T piece valve for ventilator system.
In an aspect of the invention disclosed an automated valved T-piece for ventilator system comprising; a valve positioned on the top/head point of the T-piece; and a connection for a nebulizer and ventilator circuit, wherein, the valve opens and closes as the nebuliser is inserted and removed.
In an embodiment of the aspect disclosed, the automated T piece valve wherein, the valve is made of a rubber.
In another embodiment of the aspect disclosed, the automated T piece valve wherein, the valve is positioned at the junction of the T-piece where the nebulizer connects.
The invention consists of an automated valved T-piece that includes a modified T-shaped housing with a strategically placed valve at the nebulizer connection point. This T-shaped housing has a compact design that is compatible with standard ventilator circuits, making it easy to incorporate without requiring major changes to existing setups.
The valve is passive, responding automatically to the ventilation cycle. During the inspiratory phase, the ventilator's positive pressure causes the valve to open, allowing aerosolized medication to flow directly into the patient's lungs. This design ensures that the maximum possible dose of medication reaches the patient, thereby increasing drug delivery efficiency. When the patient exhales, the pressure in the ventilator circuit decreases, causing the valve to close. This closure keeps the aerosolized medication from backflowing into the ventilator tubing and HME filter, where it would otherwise be discarded. This system's passive nature eliminates the need for manual adjustments, streamlining and improving drug delivery reliability.
To increase its effectiveness, the valve and T-piece housing are designed to form a secure, airtight seal during the expiratory phase. This precise sealing reduces drug waste by preventing aerosolized medication from leaking into the ventilator circuit. Furthermore, the use of flexible materials in the valve improves its responsiveness and longevity, allowing it to withstand repeated cycles of opening and closing without losing integrity. This automated valved T-piece addresses the issues of drug waste and inefficiency in ventilator circuits, providing a cost-effective, user-friendly solution that improves patient care and optimizes the use of aerosolized medications in critical care settings.
This invention not only improves drug delivery efficiency, but it also saves money by reducing medication waste. As more of the aerosolized drug reaches the patient's lungs, overall drug consumption can be reduced, resulting in direct cost savings for both healthcare providers and patients. Furthermore, the reduction in drug deposition within the ventilator circuit reduces the frequency of maintenance needed to clean or replace clogged components, lowering operational costs.
Overall, this automated valved T-piece is a significant improvement over traditional designs, addressing critical inefficiencies in ventilator-based aerosol drug delivery. Its automated, pressure-actuated valve system reduces drug waste, enhances therapeutic outcomes, lowers treatment costs, and streamlines the nebulization process. This innovative design has the potential to improve patient care and resource efficiency in healthcare settings, especially when precise drug delivery is required for effective treatment.
Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.
, Claims:We Claim;
1. An automated valved T-piece for ventilator system comprising;
a valve positioned on the top/head point of the T-piece; and
a connection for a nebulizer and ventilator circuit,
wherein, the valve opens and closes as the nebuliser is inserted and removed.
2. The automated valved T-piece as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve is made of a rubber.
3. The automated valved T-piece of claim 1, wherein the valve is positioned at the junction of the T-piece where the nebulizer connects.

Documents