Exploring Design Possibilities For Enhancing Delivery Efficiency Of A Nebulizer

Aerosol therapy is the most common respiratory treatment for lung related diseases, where the drug is atomized or is in solid micro-particles, allowing it to reach different parts of the respiratory tract. Nebulizers are the most commonly preferred method of asthma treatment for children or patients in critical care, and with firsthand personal experience. Typical treatment time ranges between 10 to 20 minutes. Recent research has shown that drug delivery from nebulizers ranges between one to twenty percent and the rest is wasted, making it an inefficient method in both cost and treatment time. In response, this research was aimed at modifying the current nebulizers and creating a timed nebulization delivery system. First modification included the addition of a baffle for faster impaction of the particle to be re-nebulized. Secondly, two timed drug nebulization systems to match the inhalation period of a breathing cycle were created using an Arduino controller. A solenoid valve was attached to a compressed air nebulizer to turn on and off the nebulization cycle, and a stepper motor was used that controlled the speed at which the syringe released liquid to an ultrasonic mesh atomizer. The time to nebulize 3cc of sodium chloride solution with the modification had a statistically significant difference F(6, 28)=185.71, p\u3c0.001 when compared to original nebulizers. Residual volume of the nebulizers with and without the modification had no statistically significant difference. Cost calculations revealed a huge potential for savings for patients and providers related to use of nebulizers.