K-haler® breath-triggered inhaler: a profile of the properties of the device

Abstract

The k-haler ® device is a new breath-triggered pressurized metered-dose inhaler (BTI). Its breath-triggered mechanism employs unique 'kinked-hose valve' technology (k-valve™) and is easy to actuate. In vitro, the k-haler device required less respiratory power, which is affected by the resistance of the device, for dose release than a dry powder inhaler (DPI), potentially making it suitable for a wider range of patients, including those with a low inspiratory flow rate. It has a lower, more consistent plume force than conventional press-and-breathe pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), has high fineparticle fraction and pulmonary deposition rates, and, in contrast to conventional pMDIs (but like other BTIs and DPIs), does not require actuation-inhalation coordination. The k-haler device is compact, has an easy-to-read dose counter, a connected mouthpiece and is simple to use, with limited data indicating that more patients are satisfied with the device than they are with some DPIs and that many patients prefer it over some commonly used inhalers. To facilitate correct use, the packaging of the k-haler contains simple how-to-use instructions and diagrams, as well as a patient information leaflet. A number of inhaled products may be suitable for administration via the k-haler device. Adis evaluation of the k-haler ® device in obstructive lung disordersBreath-triggered pressurized metered-dose inhaler that releases drug dose via unique 'kinked-hose valve ' technology (k-valve™) Simple to use/actuate; requires less inspiratory power for dose release than a dry-powder inhaler Lower, more consistent plume force than a conventional pressurized metered-dose inhaler High fine-particle fraction and pulmonary deposition rates Largely preferred over some commonly used inhalers

Development of a Smart Metered-Dose Inhaler for Asthma Based on Computational Fluid Dynamics

“…For the correct operation of an MDI [21], a relatively stable and deep inspiration must be performed by the patient during drug administration, and the inspiratory direction must be normal to the oral inlet cross-section. To ensure that the inlet boundary conditions resemble those in real situations, a simplified respiratory flow model was used at the airway inlet [22,23]. The inspiratory flow rate of the patient was first accelerated to a peak flow value of Q max within 1 s and sustained for 2 s; this value was then subsequently decreased to zero at the 4th s. Based on the achievable peak inspiratory flow rate during drug administration and considering relatively extreme cases, a rate of 15-120 L/min (at 15 L/min intervals) was selected as the range of the peak inspiratory flow rate in this study [24].…”