The present invention provides an improved method and novel devices for
treating tracheobronchitis, bronchiectasis and pneumonia in the intubated
patient, preferably with aerosolized anti gram-positive and anti-gram
negative antibiotics administered in combination or in seriatim in
reliably sufficient amounts for therapeutic effect. In one aspect, the
invention assures this result when aerosol is delivered into the
ventilator circuit. In one embodiment the result is achieved
mechanically. In another embodiment, the result is achieved by aerosol
formulation. In another aspect, the invention assures the result when
aerosol is delivered directly to the airways distal of the ventilator
circuit. The devices eliminate the dosage variability that ventilator
systems engender when aerosols are introduced via the ventilator circuit.
The treatment also concentrates the therapeutic agent specifically at
affected sites in the lung such that therapeutic levels of administrated
drug are achieved without significant systemic exposure of the patient to
the drug. The invention further provides a dose control device to govern
this specialized regimen.