Maximizing the benefit from the Inhaler in order to minimize carbon footprint (ID 372)
Trudell Medical
Funding: Trudell Medical International
Abstract
AIM: To compare the modelled lung delivery of rescue medication via different valved spacers with the goal of providing optimum patient care and minimizing potential carbon footprint.METHODS: Four different spacer types were evaluated by breathing simulator (tidal volume=155-mL, I:E ratio=1:2, rate=25 cycles/min). The facemask of each spacer (n=3) was attached to an anatomical model and the airway coupled to a breathing simulator via a filter to capture drug particles that penetrated as far as the carina. 5-actuations of salbutamol (Ventolin Evohaler) were delivered at 30-s intervals and recovered from specific locations in the aerosol pathway by HPLC. Comparisons were then made on drug delivery data looking at potential dose to the lungs for each pMDI/spacer. This potential delivery was then equated to a potential relative carbon footprint based upon published claims [1] that Ventolin has a carbon footprint of 28 kg CO2 per inhaler.
RESULTS: The mean mass (µg/actuation) and standard deviation of salbutamol delivered to modelled carina from the different delivery systems are reported below.
- AeroChamber Plus* Flow Vu* Anti-Static VHC Medium Mask: 19.3±2.0
- Paediatric Volumatic Spacer with Mask: 7.8±1.0
- SpaceChamber with Medium Mask: 10.3±6.9
- AbleSpacer2 with Medium Mask: 5.9±1.7
CONCLUSION: Depending on the pMDI/spacer system chosen the delivery of medication can vary significantly and as a result will have implications on the potential carbon footprint. In this case, the use of the AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* spacer could potentially reduce the carbon footprint by up to three fold compared to alternative spacers. By maximizing the amount of each puff reaching the lungs the patient is likely to be able to get relief sooner and reduce the amount of puffs needed.
[1] https://greeninhaler.org/
Conflicts of interest: The authors of the abstract are employed in a scientific/clinical capacity by Trudell Medical.
The conference has been instigated and organised by PCRS. We are grateful to sponsors and exhibitors who have contributed funding towards this event in return for exhibition space. Neither sponsors or exhibitors have had any input into the agenda or the selection of speakers with the exception of any sponsored satellite symposia which are clearly indicated. View the full list of sponsors.