The pressurized Metered Dose Inhaler (pMDI) is the most commonly prescribed aerosol medication system. A Valved Holding Chamber (VHC) is essential for patients with poor pMDI coordination. From the standpoint of the health-care provider, it is important that the fine particle component is maintained during use of a VHC with a pMDI. Static electricity from non-treated polymers can cause the fine particle component to decrease significantly. The AeroChamber Plus® Z STAT® aVHC incorporates a custom anti-static polymer which maximizes performance with all pMDI formulations.

The use of a metered dose inhaler with a Monaghan anti-static VHC provides many benefits to patients including:

• Optimization of inhaled particle size.  Anti-static VHCs achieve this with a custom anti-static polymer and fine particle selectivity which is largely a function of the valve and baffle system;
• Minimization of oropharyngeal deposition by reducing the velocity at which the aerosol is delivered and by removing larger (>4.7µ) non-respirable particles;
• Improved coordination; and
• Cost savings compared to other standard aerosol delivery modalities such as regular continuous nebulization.

Anti-static VHCs are particularly beneficial for those individuals who find coordinating the prescribed pMDI maneuver difficult to master.

The AeroChamber® brand of VHCs, marketed since the early 1980s and supported by at least 300 publications, are the most commonly prescribed holding chambers in the world. 

Each AeroChamber Plus® Z STAT® aVHC model includes a highly responsive Inspiratory Valve. This one-way valve opens with minimal effort to allow inhalation of the aerosol cloud and closes, upon exhalation, to protect any remaining aerosol still inside the chamber for the next breath. These valves must be responsive to very low inspiratory efforts, especially during situations such as exacerbation when flow rates can be significantly reduced. The design of the inspiratory valve has a profound effect on emitted dose. If a valve is not responsive to low inspiratory efforts, much needed medication may not be delivered to the patient.  

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