JPS61238247A - Emissive aerosol inhalator - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to radioactive aerosol inhalation devices, including disposable lung inhalation devices, having a device for generating radioactive particles of appropriate size to be subsequently inhaled. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various types of diagnostic tests and procedures require patients to inhale radioactive material, for example to perform lung breath analysis. Additionally, it is well known that hospital personnel working with radioactive materials need to be protected against problems associated with exposure to ionizing radiation, and this device provides sufficient shielding to meet this requirement. Bringing it up. For flexibility, the device is portable, disposable, and the device is inexpensive. This device provides the ability to easily and safely add a radioactive solution to a nebulizer, aerosolize the radioactive solution to the appropriate particle size, and collect the radioactive particles into a suitably shielded filter.

This method of administering radioactive aerosols is an improvement over traditional methods, with a lower dose of radioactivity to the patient;
The possibility of radioactive contamination within the hospital room is reduced compared to other methods, and the flexibility for obtaining images at various anatomical locations of the patient is increased.

The US patent specifications disclosing the related prior art are as follows:

Patent number: Issuer: Issue date: 3.097
,645 Leicester
1963, 7, 163, 172.406 Bird, outside 1965.3.93.2
43,100 Adams
1966.5, 293.666.955 Suprenand (9uprenant), outside 1972
, 5,303.695,254 Plum (Elum)
) 1973, 10, 55.762,
409 Leicester (Lsster)
1973. to, 25.769,967 Jonag, outside 197391'#
63.777.742 Aumnle
r), outside 1973, 12, 115, 881.4
65 Shi*-16, (Ice Mon)
1975.5.63.976.050 1'5W-(
Glassar), outside 197B, 8.244.1
The invention of 1978,9,2 relates to a new and improved aerosol inhalation device for generating radioactive particles of suitable size for performing lung ventilation tests. A radioactive solution is added to a nebulizer equipped with baffles, and the solution is aerosolized using air and oxygen. The aerosolized radioactive particles are then aspirated into the lungs, and data assessing lung function is recorded by a radioactive particle counting device, such as a scintillation camera, and associated software. The radioactive aerosol is administered to the patient by means of a mouthpiece or facemask through an elastic tubing conduit equipped with a valve that is placed in close proximity to the mouthpiece to direct the flow from the valve head to the mouthpiece. The throughput capacity is reduced.

Therefore, the primary objectives of this invention are to deliver appropriately sized particles to the lungs, to control the delivery and collection of radioactive aerosolized particles, and to minimize exposure of the human body to problems associated with ionizing radioactivity. In a state where it is shielded so that
It is an object of the present invention to provide a device, including a disposable radioactive aerosol inhalation device, capable of performing a lung ventilation test.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device with a valve that is activated during the patient's or subject's breathing cycle and that assists the individual in inhaling with minimal effort during the generation of radioactive aerosol from within the system. It is to provide.

Another object of this invention is to provide a shielded inlet that allows radioactive solutions to be safely and quickly added to a baffled nebulizer. The injection site is through the valve diaphragm located at approximately a 45° angle from the top of the nebulizer with the bubble.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the aforementioned character which minimizes the amount of radiation exposure to the patient or subject and the technician performing the diagnostic test or procedure. Sufficient shielding in the form of lead surrounds the baffled nebulizer and collection filter to reduce problems with exposure to ionizing radiation.

Another object of this invention is to obtain images or photographs from various anatomical locations, thereby increasing the utility of this diagnostic method for evaluating bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and alveolar sites in the lungs. The object of the present invention is to provide a device having the above-mentioned characteristics.

Yet another object of the invention is to propose a device with the above-mentioned characteristics that reduces radioactive contamination of equipment, equipment and most importantly attending physicians.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol inhalation device for use in methods of generating and utilizing size-controlled aerosolized radioactive particles.

In one form, the invention can be viewed as an aerosol inhalation device that delivers an aerosolized mist containing radiolabeled particles to a subject.

The device includes a reusable lead-shielded container with a closure device so that the contents of the container can be easily accessed.

The device further includes a disposable radioactive aerosol inhalation device that includes first and second conduit devices within the container and passing therethrough. A mouthpiece device is coupled to the first and second conduit devices external to the container. A valve arrangement is provided for controlling the amount of intake from the first conduit device and the amount of output from the second conduit device, respectively. A nebulizer is disposed within the container and a first
and a second conduit device. A device capable of introducing a radioactive solution into the nebulizer from outside the container is disposed at least partially within the container and is provided in communication with the nebulizer. A device is provided in conjunction with the nebulizer for effectively generating an aerosolized mist carrying airborne radiolabeled particles. A device is provided for introducing a mixture of air and mist into the first conduit device.

A collection filter device is provided within the container and is connected to the second conduit device for removing exhaled aerosol. The container can be reused and the inhalation device can be disposed of after use.

More particularly, the invention can be viewed as an aerosol inhalation device that delivers an aerosolized mist containing radiolabeled particles and air and/or oxygen to a subject. The device includes a reusable lead-shielded container with a closure device so that the contents of the container can be easily accessed. The device further includes a disposable radioactive aerosol inhalation device that includes first and second conduit devices within the container and passing therethrough.

A mouthpiece device is coupled to the first and second conduit devices external to the container. A valve arrangement is provided for controlling the amount of intake from the first conduit device and the amount of output from the second conduit device, respectively.

A nebulizer is disposed within the container and coupled to the first and second conduit devices. A device capable of introducing a radioactive solution into the nebulizer from outside the container is disposed at least partially within the container and is provided in communication with the nebulizer. An apparatus is provided in fluid communication with the source of air and/or oxygen and the nebulizer for generating an aerosolized mist carrying airborne radioactive stray particles. A device is included for introducing a mixture of air and/or oxygen and mist into the first conduit. A collection filter device is provided within the container and is connected to the second conduit device for removing exhaled aerosol. The container is reusable and the inhalation device can be disposed of after use.

In one embodiment, a device retained in the container and capable of introducing radioactive solution to the nebulizer includes a one-way valve device, the valve device being in fluid communication with the nebulizer and the first conduit device. , thus allowing ambient gas or atmospheric air to flow into the nebulizer and the first conduit device.

Preferably, the one-way valve device includes an observable movable member so that the subject's inhalation frequency can be observed.

The movable member consists of a one-way valve diaphragm.

Preferably, the device for introducing the radioactive solution is an angled valve piece, with the needle extending into the container at an angle to the vertical, thereby minimizing radiation exposure.

The device includes a stabilizing bubble within the nebulizer to generate appropriately sized aerosol particles of substantially less than 2 microns.

The nebulizer includes a diffuser and a gas oriice, and a stabilizing baffle is positioned above the diffuser and gas oriice to allow aerosol particles substantially larger than 2 microns to remain within the nebulizer. ing.

From another perspective, the invention can be viewed as an aerosol inhalation device that delivers an aerosolized mist containing radioactive charged particles to a subject.

The device includes a generally cylindrical walled container that has a closed bottom and an open top and is reusable. Lead shielding devices are provided in the bottom and walls of the container. The container is formed with first, second and third openings, respectively, at the top of the container and circumferentially spaced from each other. A lead shielding closure device covers the top of the container. A disposable lung inhalation device including a nebulizer device is placed within the container. A collection filter device is provided within the container. A device including a semiconductor coupled to the nebulizer device for introducing radioactive liquid into the nebulizer device is received in the first opening. A device is provided associated with the nebulizer device for generating an aerosolized mist having a plurality of radiolabeled particles. An inhalation conduit device is received in the second opening and coupled to the nebulizer device. A discharge conduit device is received in the third opening and is coupled to the filter device. The container can be reused and the inhalation device can be disposed of after use.

More specifically, the invention can be viewed as an aerosol inhalation device that delivers to a subject a nisolized mist containing radioactive charged particles and air and/or oxygen. The device includes a reusable generally cylindrical walled container with a closed bottom and an open top. Lead shielding devices are provided within the walls and bottom of the container. The container is formed with first, second and third openings, respectively, located at the top of the container and circumferentially spaced from each other. A lead-shielding closure device is provided on top of the container, and a disposable lung inhalation device including a nebulizer device is placed within the container.

A collection filter device is provided within the container. A device including a semiconductor coupled to the nebulizer device for introducing radioactive liquid into the nebulizer device is received in the first opening.

A device is provided associated with the nebulizer device for generating an aerosolized mist having a plurality of radiolabeled particles. An inhalation conduit device is received in the second opening and is coupled to a source of air and/or oxygen and a nebulizer device for receiving a mixture of air and/or oxygen and mist. A discharge conduit device is received in the third opening and is coupled to the filter device. The container can be reused and the inhalation device can be disposed of after use.

The first, second and third openings are configured as slots extending downwardly from the top end of the container.

In its device form, the invention can be viewed as an aerosol inhalation device that delivers an aerosolized mist to a subject. The device includes first and second conduit devices, a mouthpiece device coupled to the first and second conduit devices, and controls an inhalation volume from the first conduit device and an exhalation volume from the second conduit device, respectively. It includes a valve device. A nebulizer is connected to the first conduit device.

A device in fluid communication with the nebulizer is adapted to introduce liquid into the nebulizer. A device associated with the nebulizer is adapted to generate an aerosolized mist carrying airborne particles. A device is provided for introducing a mixture of air and mist into the first conduit device.

In its method form, the invention can be viewed as a radioaerosol inhalation device for use in methods of diagnosing or treating pulmonary diseases. The method includes providing a nebulizer device, introducing a radioactive solution into the nebulizer device, and generating within the nebulizer device an aerosolized mist containing radiolabeled particles substantially smaller than 2 microns. are doing.

The method includes delivering an aerosolized mist containing radiolabeled particles to the subject and filtering the exhaled material from the subject to collect the exhaled radiolabeled particles. is desirable.

In one advantageous aspect, the invention can be viewed as a radioaerosol inhalation device for use in methods useful in the diagnosis or treatment of pulmonary diseases. The method includes providing a nebulizer, a collection filter, and a conduit device coupled to allow a subject to inhale and exhale through the conduit device. The method includes providing a reusable lead-shielded container and positioning at least a portion of a nebulizer, collection filter, and conduit device within the lead-shielded container. The method then includes introducing a radioactive solution into a nebulizer, generating an aerosolized mist containing radioactive aerosol particles within the nebulizer, and allowing the subject to inhale and exhale the aerosolized mist through a conduit device. and collecting radioactive particles discharged into the filter.

Preferably, the method includes the steps of removing the nebulizer, collection filter, and conduit device from the lead-shielded container and processing the nebulizer, collection filter, and conduit device.

Preferably, the method includes leaving key aerosol particles substantially larger than 2 microns in the nebulizer and allowing smaller aerosol particles to flow into the conduit device.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, a disposable aerosol inhalation device is shown that may be utilized in forming radiolabeled particles according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A patient or subject (not shown) breathes through a mouthpiece 12 having seven lunge 11 for a tight fit in the mouth. The mouthpiece 12 is attached to a Y-shaped tubular extension 10 containing two one-way valves, an inlet valve 22 to the device and an outlet valve 23 from the device. Valves 22 and 25 are positioned to appropriately transport radioactive particles through provided conduits 30 and 31. As shown in FIG. 1, when the patient inhales, the diaphragm 28 of the valve 23 opens and the radioactive particles flow into the mouthpiece 12 and are ultimately deposited in the lungs. During inhalation, valve 22
The diaphragm 21 of is maintained closed by the pressure differential across the valve 22. For discharge, valve 2
5 is closed, valve 22 is opened, and the discharged material flows through valve 2.
2, flows through conduit 30, and flows into collection filter 4G (FIG. 4).

The aerosolized radiopharmaceutical liquid, the operating technique of which will be described below with reference to FIG. 4, is added to the system via the diaphragm 1B of the valve 24 contained in the Y-leg 27. The Y-shaped leg 27 projects through the lead-shielded container 50 at the inlet 25 and a downwardly extending slot (opening) is provided in the side wall of the container 50 for this purpose.

The inlet 26 to the Y-shaped leg 27 is angled to minimize direct radiation flowing from the solution of radioactive liquid contained in the nebulizer 60 with the buff /I/ in the container 50 during operation of the device. It is set with The injected radioactive solution is contained approximately at level 69 in a nebulizer 60 equipped with a baffle. Oxygen and air from a tank (not shown) are pumped through elastic tube 63 at approximately 1 minute per minute.
01 to the system, and the elastic tube 63 is passed from the tank through the tubular stem 62 to the nebulizer 6.
Connected to the bottom of 0. ! ! The element or air is mixed with the radioactive solution to form airborne particles. The air soot particles then pass through the conduit 31 via the valve 23 and into the lungs or into the subject or patient.

The discharge air containing the aerosol passes through the valve 22 into the conduit 31 and through the tubular extension 32 to the filter 40 where the aerosol is collected. The patient breathes aerosolized radioactive particles until sufficient radiation from the subject or patient's lungs is externally detected by a radiation detector. Filter 40 can be a conventional disposable conductive anesthetic bacterial filter;
An example of this type of filter is manufactured by Ohio Medical C Products (0hi), a well-known American company.
o MediaProduots) and is being sold under registration number 225-2615-700.

i2FgJ indicates the inlet 26 for the radioactive solution entering the baffle nebulizer 60.

The radioactive solution to be aerosolized is transported in a shielded syringe to the inlet 26 to minimize radioactive exposure to attending technicians and the subject or patient (not shown).

Inflow boat 26 and Y-shaped leg 27 shown in FIG.
protrudes from the side of the lead-shielded container 50 (Fig. 4) at an angle of 450.Due to the angle of the inflow boat 26, once the radioactive solution enters the nebulizer system;
The radioactive exposure to accompanying technicians due to the flow is reduced.

It enters the system via the diaphragm 18 of the valve 24. A syringe needle containing a radioactive solution (not shown) pushes laterally against the diaphragm 18 such that an orifice of the needle (not shown) projects through the diaphragm and the radioactive solution enters the nebulizer system. Injected. The check valve 24 has a diameter of 22M. To facilitate breathing for the subject or patient, the valve 24 also functions as an inflow valve, so that each time the subject or patient inhales, he is forced into the atmosphere or other atmosphere, such as in an oxygen tent or the like. It receives some of the air from the oxygen atmosphere. Furthermore, valve 2
4 also has the function of monitoring the respiratory function of the subject or patient. The attending technician observes the movement of the valve diaphragm 18 each time the subject or patient inhales;
Ensure that he is breathing normally.

FIG. 3 shows a long conical buff /I/
A nebulizer 60 is shown. Oxygen is stem 6
2 into the nebulizer 60. Oxygen gas passes through a nozzle arrangement 72 that extends into container 50 . Nozzle arrangement 72 includes a gas nozzle 64 and a coaxial solution/zzle 71 and is provided with a nearly vertically positioned oriice. Extending above the nozzle arrangement is a long conical stabilizing baffle 65, which is made of plastic and has a volume of approximately 3 ca. Stabilizing baffle 65 reduces excessive particles, typically larger than 2 microns, from entering the subject or patient's lungs. Aerosolized radioactive particles enter the baffle at the diffusion orifice of the gas nozzle 64, and due to settling, impingement, and turbulence within the baffle 65, particles larger than 2 microns settle to the inner bottom wall 68 of the nebulizer 60, typically Particles smaller than 2 microns enter the conduit 73 (Figure 2.4) above the nebulizer and are inhaled by the subject or patient (not shown).

The top of the conical baffle 65 is provided with a symmetrical opening 67 approximately 3 m in diameter, allowing the insertion of a semiconductor tube 66 that transfers the radioactive solution from the nebulizer reservoir to the orifice 71 . The radioactive solution exiting the orifice 71 mixes with the incoming oxygen and is aerosolized through an orifice-diffusion device including a diffusion device 74 .

FIG. 4 shows a lead-shielded container 50 within which a collection filter 40, a baffle nebulizer 60, and a support insert 52 are housed. The container 50 has a volume of approximately 31 mm and consists of an outer plastic layer 55 and a lead shield 51 laminated to each other, with an average wall thickness of 2 to 3 mm.
It is 4-. Lead shield 51 is necessary to minimize radiation exposure to attending technicians and subjects or patients during lung ventilation procedures or research. An insert 52 of plastic or similar material is seated in a similar manner, utilizing the filter portion 41 as a seat, the collection filter 40 in place, and the reservoir bottom end portion and its stem 62. There is. Slots or apertures 29 and 33 having a width or diameter of approximately 1.5 mm are formed through the shielding container 50 and allow the conduits 30 and 5 to
1 and oxygen tube 63 protrude from the container 50 and can be easily removed therefrom.

An additional slot 25 of approximately five stop widths is formed through the container 50 to define an entry port or injection site for the radioactive solution. Horizontal slot or opening 25
The angle is 90° and is configured to minimize radiation flow from the shielding container 50. A cap or lid 54 made of a plastic layer 55 and a lead shield 56 stacked on each other has a thickness equal to that of the plastic layer 53 and lead shield 51 described above. The cap or lid 54 is configured to be removable so that the disposable portion of the device can be easily accessed and removed at the beginning and end of a treatment or diagnosis.

As will be apparent from the foregoing description, the lung inhalation device of the present invention generates appropriately sized radioactive particles, includes appropriate valving apparatus, a suitable non-disposable shield,
and provides a disposable aerosol inhalation device with ease of operation. Furthermore, although the invention has been described in the form of its apparatus with reference to particular embodiments, it will be obvious that variations may be made within the scope of the invention, for example in FIG. , the oxygen tube 63 can protrude from another boat of the container 50.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 is a schematic elevational perspective view of an aerosol inhalation device constructed in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 shows the angled T-piece and valve through which a radioactive solution is applied to the baffle nebulizer; 3 shows a modified nebulizer with an internal baffle; FIG. 4 shows a nebulizer and a collection filter; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus including a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1 showing a shielded container for use in the apparatus; 12... Mouthpiece device 22.
23... Valve device 30... Second conduit device 31...
......First conduit device 40...
...Collection filter device 50...
・Reusable container 60・・・・・・・・・Nebulizer patent applicant: Cadima Medical Products In-Two Borated (2 people) Figure 4

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A reusable lead-shielded container having a lid device for easy access to the contents, and a disposable radioactive aerosol inhaler, the inhaler being provided within the container. first and second conduit devices extending through the container together with the first and second conduit devices external to the container;
a mouthpiece connected to a conduit device, a device, a valve device for respectively controlling the amount of intake from the first conduit device and the amount of discharge to the second conduit device, provided in the container and the first conduit device a nebulizer coupled to a
a device located at least partially within the container and in fluid communication with the nebulizer, capable of introducing a radioactive solution into the nebulizer from outside the container; a device for generating an aerosolized mist carrying radioactively labeled particles; a device for introducing a mixture of air and the mist into the first conduit device; and a device disposed within the container and coupled to the second conduit device. , comprising a collection filter device for removing exhaled aerosol, the container being reusable and the inhalation device being disposable after use, delivering an aerosol mist containing radiolabeled particles to the subject. radioactive aerosol inhalation device for 2. the device held in the container and capable of introducing a radioactive solution into the nebulizer includes a one-way valve device, the one-way valve device being in fluid communication with the nebulizer and the first conduit device; 2. The device of claim 1, wherein atmospheric air is allowed to flow into the nebulizer and the first conduit device. 3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the one-way valve device includes an observable movable member so that the inhalation frequency of the subject can be observed. 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the movable member is a diaphragm of a one-way valve. 5. The device through which the radioactive solution can be introduced is an angled valve piece, the valve piece having a needle extending into the container at an angle to the vertical, so as to introduce the radiation dose. 2. A device according to claim 1, which minimizes . 6. The device of claim 1 including a stabilizing baffle disposed within the nebulizer to generate aerosol particles of suitable size substantially less than 2 microns. 7. the nebulizer includes a diffuser and a gas orifice, and the stabilizing baffle is positioned above the diffuser and the gas orifice to leave aerosol particles substantially larger than 2 microns within the nebulizer; 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the device is adapted to perform the following operations. 8. A reusable container having a generally cylindrical wall and having a closed bottom and an open top, a lead shielding device disposed within the wall and the bottom, and having a first and a second container, respectively. and a third opening is formed in the top of the container and circumferentially spaced from each other, and a lead shielding closure device covers the top. a disposable pulmonary inhalation device, a collection filter device disposed within the container, received in the first opening and connected to the nebulizer device for introducing a radioactive solution into the nebulizer device; a device comprising a connected conduit, associated with the nebulizer device, a device for generating an aerosolized mist having a plurality of radiolabeled particles, received in the second opening and coupled to the nebulizer device; an inhalation conduit device; and a disposable pulmonary inhalation device including an ejection conduit device received in the third opening and connected to the filter device, the container being reusable and the inhalation device being reusable. so that it can be disposed of later
A radioactive aerosol inhalation device for delivering an aerosolized mist containing radioactive charged particles to a subject. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of the first, second and third openings is defined by a slot extending downwardly from the top end of the container. 10. A reusable lead-shielded container having a lid device for easy access to the contents, and a disposable radioactive aerosol inhaler, the inhaler being disposed within and passing through the container. the first extending
and a second conduit device, a mouthpiece device connected to the first and second conduit devices outside the container, and a valve that controls the intake amount from the first conduit device and the discharge amount to the second conduit device, respectively. a nebulizer disposed within the container and coupled to the first conduit device;
a device located at least partially within the container and in fluid communication with the nebulizer, capable of introducing radioactive solution into the nebulizer from outside the container, a source of air and/or oxygen; a device in fluid communication and associated with the nebulizer for generating an aerosolized mist carrying airborne radiolabeled particles, introducing a mixture of the mist with air and/or oxygen into the first conduit device; and a collection filter device disposed within the container and coupled to the second conduit device for removing exhaled aerosol, the container being reusable and the inhalation device being A radioactive aerosol inhalation device for delivering to a subject an aerosolized mist containing radioactively labeled particles and air and/or oxygen that can be disposed of after use. 11. The device retained in the container and capable of introducing a radioactive solution into the nebulizer includes a one-way valve device, the one-way valve device being in fluid communication with the nebulizer and the first conduit device. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein atmospheric air or other surrounding material is allowed to flow into the nebulizer and the first conduit device. 12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the one-way valve device includes an observable movable member so that the inhalation frequency of the subject can be observed. 13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the movable member is a diaphragm of a one-way valve. 14. The device through which the radioactive solution can be introduced is an angled valve piece such that the needle extends into the container at an angle to the vertical to minimize exposure to radioactivity. An apparatus according to claim 10. 15. Claim 10 including a stabilizing baffle disposed within the nebulizer to generate aerosol particles of suitable size substantially less than 2 microns.
Equipment described in Section. 16, the nebulizer includes a diffuser and a gas orifice, and the stabilizing baffle is disposed above the diffuser and the gas orifice to substantially 2
Claim 1, wherein aerosol particles larger than microns can be left in the nebulizer.
The device according to item 5. 17. A reusable container having a generally cylindrical wall and having a closed bottom and an open top, a lead shielding device disposed within the wall and the bottom, and having a first and a second container, respectively. and a third opening is formed in the top of the container and circumferentially spaced from each other, and a lead shielding closure device covers the top. a disposable pulmonary inhalation device comprising: a nebulizer device disposed within the container; a collection filter device disposed within the container; an apparatus comprising a conduit coupled to said nebulizer device for introducing a radioactive solution; an apparatus associated with said nebulizer apparatus for generating an aerosolized mist having a plurality of radiolabeled particles; an inhalation conduit device received and connected to a source of air and/or oxygen and said nebulizer device to receive a mixture of air and/or oxygen and said mist; and said third
a radioactive lung inhaler comprising: a disposable pulmonary inhalation device including a discharge conduit device received in the opening and connected to the filter device, the container being reusable and the inhalation device being disposable after use; A radioactive aerosol inhalation device for delivering an aerosolized mist containing charged particles and air and/or oxygen to a subject. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein each of the first, second and third openings is defined by a slot extending downwardly from the top end of the container. 19. First and second conduit devices, a mouthpiece device connected to the first and second conduit devices, and a valve that controls the intake amount from the first conduit device and the discharge amount from the second conduit device, respectively. an apparatus, a nebulizer coupled to the first conduit apparatus, an apparatus in fluid communication with the nebulizer and capable of introducing a fluid into the nebulizer, an aerosol having airborne particles associated with the nebulizer; A radioactive aerosol inhalation device for delivering an aerosolized mist to a subject, comprising a device for generating a mist and a device for introducing a mixture of air and said mist into said first conduit device. 20, wherein the device capable of introducing liquid into the nebulizer comprises a one-way valve device, the one-way valve device being in fluid communication with the nebulizer and the first conduit device and introducing atmospheric air into the nebulizer; 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the device is adapted to allow flow into a nebulizer and into the first conduit device. 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the one-way valve device includes an observable movable member to enable observation of the subject's inhalation frequency. 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the movable member is a diaphragm of a one-way valve device. 23. According to claim 22, said device capable of introducing liquid is formed by a valve piece allowing a needle to extend past said diaphragm of said one-way valve. equipment. 24. Claim 19 including a stabilizing baffle disposed within the nebulizer to generate aerosol particles of suitable size substantially less than 2 microns.
Equipment described in Section. 25, the nebulizer includes a diffuser and a gas orifice, and the stabilizing baffle is disposed above the diffuser and the gas orifice to substantially
Claim 2, wherein aerosol particles larger than microns can be left in the nebulizer.
The device according to item 4. 26. Prepare a nebulizer device, introduce a radioactive solution into the nebulizer device, and into the nebulizer device,
2. A device according to claim 1 for use in the diagnosis or treatment of upper lung diseases, comprising generating an aerosolized mist containing radiolabeled particles substantially smaller than 2 microns. 27. Claim No. 2 encompasses delivering an aerosolized mist containing radiolabeled particles to a subject, filtering exhalation from the subject, and collecting the exhaled radiolabeled particles. 27. Apparatus according to paragraph 26. 28. Provide a nebulizer, a collection filter, and a semiconductor device that can be arranged in conjunction with each other to allow a subject to inhale and exhale; provide a reusable lead-shielded container; a nebulizer, a collection filter; positioning a filter and at least a portion of the conduit device within the lead-shielded container; introducing a radioactive solution into the nebulizer; generating an aerosolized mist containing radioactive aerosol particles within the nebulizer; Claim 1 for use in the diagnosis or treatment of lung diseases, which comprises making a subject inhale and exhale the aerosolized mist through a filter, and collecting the exhaled radioactive aerosol particles on a filter.
Equipment described in Section. 29. Remove the nebulizer, the collection filter, and the conduit device from the lead-shielded container;
29. The apparatus of claim 28, including discarding the collection filter and the conduit device. 30. The apparatus of claim 29, comprising leaving aerosol particles substantially larger than 2 microns in the nebulizer while allowing smaller aerosol particles to flow into the conduit device. 31. The apparatus of claim 28, comprising leaving aerosol particles substantially larger than 2 microns in the nebulizer while allowing smaller aerosol particles to flow into the conduit device.