Scireq flexivent, User Manual, Page: 56 / 86

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4.2 NEBULIZER
The nebulizer available for tight integration with flexiVent is the Aeroneb Lab nebulizer, which is
manufactured by Aerogen (Galway, Ireland). The Aeroneb uses ultrasonic vibrating plate
technology to generate consistently-sized droplets without heat, shear force or propelled air,
making it ideal for biological substances. There are two stock models available, see section
4.2.1
for details. Use of the Aeroneb nebulizer requires that you have the nebulizer, its controller
module and a module-appropriate FX adapter with nebulizer mount. To pre-dry the air entering
the
flexiVent FX (i.e. in an effort to minimize aerosol rainout), you will also need a drying tube,
plus a quick-connect and length of tubing with which to connect it.
During aerosol production, rain-out will occur and may accumulate in the FX adapter and/or
Y-tubing. The rain-out must be removed frequently to prevent airflow obstruction as
excessive rain-out may compromise mechanical ventilation of the subject and
measurement accuracy.
When using the FX adapter with nebulizer mount, removal of the nebulizer opens the
ventilator circuit and reduces the volume of air delivered to the subject. If possible, avoid
removing the nebulizer from the mount while a subject is attached. If it is necessary to
remove the nebulizer (e.g. for cleaning), do so quickly and immediately replace the nebulizer
or use a cap to close the ventilator circuit.
To use the Aeroneb nebulizer, proceed as follows:
1)
Connect the beige cable from the controller to the nebulizer.
2)
Plug the 7-pin connector of the nebulizer controller into the auxiliary port on the back of the
flexiVent
.
3)
Add a set of Y-tubing to the FX adapter with the nebulizer mount.
4)
Insert the FX adapter into the module.