PARI Respiratory Equipment, Midlothian, Va, was granted a US patent for its Vortex holding chamber on July 21. The Vortex is a non-electrostatic holding chamber with a one piece, dual-valve system that optimizes patient inhalation and exhalation for more efficient medication delivery with a metered dose inhaler (MDI).

When a patient inhales, the Vortex holding chamber directs airflow through a medication holding chamber and into the patient. During exhalation, airflow is directed out of the device while reducing medication loss. Because it is metal, the Vortex Holding Chamber’s non-electrostatic walls do not attract medication as plastic devices do, thereby reducing medication loss in the holding chamber. The Vortex also features a cyclonic, inspiratory flow pattern that further enhances aerosol delivery. Patients can breathe normally while the Vortex holding chamber’s one piece, dual-valve system enhances medication delivery and reduce drug waste.

"While metered dose inhalers offer a quick burst of medication, there are a number of problems delivering an effective dose to patients. These include medication waste due to high-speed delivery to the back of the throat and loss of medication due to improper use. The Vortex Holding Chamber does a wonderful job of addressing these issues, in particular for young patients and for any person who has difficulty using an inhaler, by allowing patients to breathe normally while using the one piece, dual-valve system to direct medication flow and a patient’s exhalation breaths," said Michael J. Welch, MD, co-director of the Allergy and Asthma Medical Group and Research Center in San Diego in an announcement.
 
"We are very pleased that the Vortex holding chamber has been granted this US patent, because the Vortex holding chamber ensures patients do not have to worry about coordinating their breaths when using a MDI to get an effective treatment. This enhances drug delivery, minimizes drug delivered to the throat, and allows low resistance inhalation and exhalation with the device," added Geoff A. Hunziker, president of PARI Respiratory Equipment.