Abstract
Background
Contemporary small volume nebulizers have the disadvantages of low efficiency, extrapulmonary deposition of medication leading to side effects, and possible environmental contamination.
Description of Device
The Circulaire nebulizer® is mated to a circuit that includes a one-way valve to baffle large particles and direct airflow, a distensible reservoir to capture aerosol from the nebulizer during expiration, and a variable resistor to optimize nebulizer function for the individual patient.
Evaluation Methods
Performance of 9 units of the new device (nebulizer plus circuit) was compared to performance of 9 conventional nebulizer units by aerosol techniques that permitted quantitation of aerosol deposition.
Results
Compared to a conventional nebulizer, the Circulaire system produced a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05) in lung deposition (50% increase), a fivefold reduction in extrapulmonary deposition, and a twofold reduction in amount of aerosol escaping to the environment.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that the Circulaire system demonstrates (1) improved efficiency of aerosol delivery to the lungs, (2) reduced aerosol deposition in the body outside of the lungs, and (3) less escape of aerosol to the environment when compared to a conventional nebulizer.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.