Schlüsselwort: Vernebler

Respiratory diseases can be found in both veterinary and human medicine. The inhalation of aerosols is accepted as primary treatment for many lung diseases. Since prevalence and incidence numbers are constantly rising, there is a strong demand for technical developments to optimize inhalation therapy. This includes the ability to deposit aerosol particles in desired lung areas. The aim of this study ist he development and validation of a nebulizer system that allows a distinct deposition of aerosol particles in the lung periphery. The premise for a distinct lung deposition is a manual adjustment of particle size, which eventually effects the intrathoracic site of deposition. In a validation study, the produced aerosol particle size oft he developed nebulizer was measures via laser diffraction analysis during various device settings. In a three-factorial experimental setup, these device settings were defined as a) volume flow rate, b) height oft he baffle plate, which i spart oft he nebulizer cover, and c) adjustable resistance on the nebulizer board. The results showed average particle sizes between 2.38 µm (x10 = 1.36 µm; x90 = 3.77 µm) and 4.42 µm (x10 = 1.91 µm; x90 = 8.30 µm). The volume flow rate into the nebulizer unit represented the strongest influence regarding alteration of particle size. A three-factorial variance analysis showed a highly significant value of p < 0.001 % fort he volume flow rate. The height oft he baffle plate also showed a significant value of p = 2.2 % regarding particle size alteration. The adjustable resistance showed a value of p = 5.9 % and is therefore not significant. It merely changes the quantity oft he produced aerosol over time. Based on these results, the developed nebulizer qualifies for inhalation therapy. Furthermore, it indirectly allows a distinct deposition inside the lungs by adjusting the volume flow rate. This represents a unique feature that has not been provided by any other nebulizer system. Further development includes a filling level control, as well as automatic refill oft he drug being nebulized. Further studies will evaluate the usability and handling oft he device to eventually enable an application in both veterinary and human medicine.