Plunger rod comprising at least three annular elements for a prefilled syringe
Inventors
Baldauf, Wolfgang • Heinrich, Jörg • ZAUNER, Christoph
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10543319-B2
Publication Date
2020-01-28
Expiration Date
Abstract
A prefilled syringe includes a syringe body filled with a medical fluid, which has a nozzle at a front side, the nozzle being closed with a cap, and which is closed at a rear side with a displaceable plunger; and a plunger rod that can be inserted into the syringe body via the rear side. The plunger rod has a connecting portion at a front side, via which the plunger rod can be connected to the plunger. At least three annular elements, which extend at least in some sections about a longitudinal axis of the rod, are arranged on a rear side of the connecting portion on the plunger rod in such a manner that they are located in the syringe body when the plunger rod is fully connected to the plunger. The three annular elements support a coaxial connection of the rod to the plunger positioned in the syringe.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a prefilled syringe having a syringe body filled with a medical fluid, a nozzle on a front end closed by a cap, and a displaceable plunger closing a rear end. A plunger rod is insertable into the syringe body via the rear end and includes a front-end connecting portion by which it is connectable to the displaceable plunger. When the plunger rod is fully connected to the plunger, components arranged on a rear end of the connecting portion reside inside the syringe body.
At least three annular elements are arranged on the plunger rod on a rear end of the connecting portion so that they guide the plunger rod in the syringe body. The annular elements extend at least in portions about a longitudinal axis of the plunger rod and are arranged at a distance R, wherein 0.5 mm ≤ R ≤ 20 mm. The annular elements are positioned to reside in the syringe body when the plunger rod is fully connected to the plunger.
The document further describes radially outwardly extending wing elements or ribs that connect and distribute the annular elements around the circumference of the plunger rod, and introduces geometric relations such as angular arrangement between wing elements and placement between annular elements. In addition, it describes packaging using an oxygen-impermeable over pack and, in example context, an oxygen-sensitive fluid such as Propofol or a Propofol emulsion, to maintain fluid properties during storage and transport. The system is also described as providing haptic and/or acoustic feedback during correct versus misaligned connection, including a transition with a jump or click.
Claims Coverage
The document provides one independent claim and several dependent claims. The independent claim centers on a plunger-rod guidance concept using at least three annular elements arranged at a defined distance R relative to a longitudinal axis, enabling guiding within the syringe body upon full connection to the displaceable plunger.
Three annular elements configured to guide the plunger rod in the syringe body
A prefilled syringe with a plunger rod insertable via the rear end and connectable to a displaceable plunger, wherein at least three annular elements configured to guide the plunger rod extend at least in portions about a longitudinal axis and are arranged on the plunger rod on a rear end of the connecting portion such that, when the plunger rod is fully connected to the plunger, the at least three annular elements are situated in the syringe body
Annular elements arranged at distance R about the longitudinal axis
The at least three annular elements extend at least in portions about a longitudinal axis of the plunger rod and are arranged at a distance R, wherein 0.5 mm ≤ R ≤ 20 mm
Overall claim coverage is directed to positioning at least three annular elements on a plunger rod so that they are located inside the syringe body when the plunger rod is fully connected to the plunger, with the annular elements distributed about the longitudinal axis at a defined distance R. Dependent claims further refine this by specifying additional wing-element arrangements and an oxygen-impermeable hermetic over-pack concept.
Stated Advantages
Guides the plunger rod in the syringe body to reduce tilting and leakage during connection, particularly during syringe pump use (as described).
Provides haptic and/or acoustic control during correct versus misaligned connection, including a transition with a jump or click (as described).
Enables oxygen-impermeable packaging for oxygen-sensitive fluids using an oxygen-impermeable over pack (as described).
Documented Applications
Use of the prefilled syringe in syringe pump operation, where reduced tilting and leakage and correct coaxial connection are described as relevant (as described).
Storage/transport of oxygen-sensitive fluids such as Propofol or a Propofol emulsion using an oxygen-impermeable over pack (as described).
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