Steven H Minar

US Patent:

53331060, Jul 26, 1994

Filed:

Oct 9, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/958868

Inventors:

Ted W. Lanpher - Atherton CA
Gregory B. Lanpher - York PA
David J. Mishelevich - Cupertino CA
Steven H. Minar - El Granada CA

Assignee:

Circadian, Inc. - San Jose CA

International Classification:

G06F 1500
A61M 1500

US Classification:

36441301

Abstract:

An apparatus for interactive training of a patient in the use of an aerosol inhaler includes a feedback display based upon air flow versus volume data in order to train patients to use a proper sequence of inhalation steps to insure maximum delivery of an aerosol pharmaceutical to target sites in the lungs. Flow and volume data are displayed to provide the patient and physician with a real-time, interactive representation of the inhalation process. Visual feedback to the patient includes a portrayal of the lungs which may be either three dimensional or an outline form in addition to or instead of an X-Y display. An important element of visual feedback is the portrayal of the distribution of representative droplets of aerosol medication in various stages of inhalation and breath holding. Thus, the patient is provided with meaningful feedback representative of the actual distribution of aerosol medication. The real-time representation of the delivery of medication to the lungs enables a patient to derive a maximum therapeutic benefit from pharmaceuticals which are administered through inhalation.