초록 ▼

A visual and auditory biofeedback system instructs patients in proper techniques of inhalation to administer aerosol drugs with Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) devices. The system displays desired respiratory parameters along with real time performance with computer related technology means. Optimal perf

A visual and auditory biofeedback system instructs patients in proper techniques of inhalation to administer aerosol drugs with Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) devices. The system displays desired respiratory parameters along with real time performance with computer related technology means. Optimal performance parameters suited to individual patient needs may be generated. Suitable respiratory flow transducer means is used to generate air volume signals in real time, and suitable electronic switching means is used to indicate MDI activation in real time. Optional auditory incentive means are provided. Optional plus and minus error limits of acceptable performance are provided. The system thus provides visual and auditory biofeedback incentives to improve patient or student performance to mechanical prescription parameters defined by the physician or instructor. Performance deficiency and performance enhancement indicators may be optionally used, both to enhance and to quality control performance. Performance records may be saved by suitable electronic means or hard copy for clinical or research needs. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the system may be implemented in either a suitable general purpose digital computer or similar specialized stand-alone computer related devices.

대표청구항 ▼

Inhalation therapy apparatus for enhancing patient performance during inhalation of aerosol treatment materials comprising: airflow conduit means for receiving inspiration and expiration air from the patient; manually activated means for introducing a metered dose of aerosol treatment material or pl

Inhalation therapy apparatus for enhancing patient performance during inhalation of aerosol treatment materials comprising: airflow conduit means for receiving inspiration and expiration air from the patient; manually activated means for introducing a metered dose of aerosol treatment material or placebo substitute into the airflow conduit means; means for measuring patient inspiration and expiration airflow and generating a first signal representative of said airflow; means for determining a cyclic expiration point representative of lung exhaustion and generating a second signal upon lung exhaustion; dosage signal means responsive to said second lung exhaustion signal to indicate to the patient to begin an inspiration cycle and substantially simultaneous manual activation of said manually activated means; means for indicating completion of air intake in said inspiration cycle and manual activation of said manually activated means; and means for indicating to the patient a prescribed inhalation airflow pattern.