Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Inspiratory Muscle Training as an Adjunct to the Treatment of Weaning Failure in Critically Ill Patients: A Practical Guide
Published on: January 30, 2026
Inspiratory efforts achieved in use of the Technosphere insulin inhalation system
Chad C Smutney1, Emil M Friedman, John M Polidoro
1MannKind Corporation, Danbury, Connecticut 06810, USA. CSmutney@mannkindcorp.com
Objective:
The Technosphere Insulin (TI) inhalation system comprises TI powder premetered into unit dose cartridges and the patient-friendly, reusable, breath-powered MedTone inhaler. This high-resistance system uses a patient's inspiratory effort to effect TI powder de-agglomeration and promote subsequent deep-lung delivery. This study reports on flow and pressure data achieved by patients with diabetes using the MedTone system.
Method:
MedTone inhalers containing empty cartridges were adapted with pneumotach measuring devices to capture inhalation profiles. The measuring apparatuses had negligible impact on the nominal MedTone system resistance level of 0.117 kPa(0.5)/liters/min. Each of 56 subjects inhaled twice to mimic TI clinical study dosing instructions. Achieved inhalation profiles were characterized by peak inspiratory flow (PIF), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), and average pressure drop from the time of PIP to 4 s (P(avg)).
Results:
The achieved mean PIF (+/- standard deviation [SD]) in all subjects was 26.74 (+/-6.06) liters/min after the first inhalation and was similar to the mean PIF of 26.25 (+/-6.23) liters/min achieved after the second inhalation. Mean PIP (+/-SD) achieved by subjects was 8.49 (+/-2.86) and 8.1 (+/-2.99) kPa, and mean P(avg) drop (+/-SD) in all subjects was 6.53 (+/-2.24) and 6.09 (+/-2.08) kPa after the respective inhalations.
Conclusion:
Patients with diabetes demonstrated consistent inhalation efforts over two inhalations using the MedTone system. The achieved PIFs and PIPs demonstrate the capacity of this population to obtain sufficient inspiratory effort necessary for delivery of TI using the MedTone inhaler. Adequate postpeak pressures were also revealed, further supporting reliable and sustained inhalation efforts.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Mechanism of Breathing I: Inspiration
The respiratory system, an essential network for breathing, comprises the conducting and respiratory zones, each playing a crucial role in the overall process of respiration. Let us explore the detailed mechanism of inspiration, or inhalation, which is the first phase of the respiratory cycle.
Pathway of Air during Inspiration
During inspiration, air enters our body through the nose or mouth and moves through the conducting zone,...
Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
Inhaled Medications
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings

