Wearable medication administration device
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-10632258-B2
Publication Date
2020-04-28
Expiration Date
2034-12-16
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Abstract
A medication administration device is provided. The device has a flexible tube having an administration end, an activation end and a lumen between the ends. An administration assembly is attached to the administration end. An activation assembly is attached to the activation end. A syringe is disposed within the lumen. The syringe contains the medication and has a first end and an opposite second end. A plunger is disposed within the lumen and operatively connected to the first end of the syringe. A rupturable seal is provided to the second end of the syringe, which end is approximate to the administration end. The activation assembly activates the plunger to break the rupturable seal to establish a fluid communication between the second end of the syringe and the administration assembly. Accordingly, transportation of the medication from the syringe to the medication administration assembly through the medication administration end is allowed.
Core Innovation
The invention is a wearable medication administration device designed for rapid and accessible delivery of medications to subjects in need. The device consists of a flexible tube with a medication administration end and an activation end, a syringe containing medication within the tube lumen, a plunger operatively connected to the syringe, an activation assembly, and a rupturable seal at the syringe’s end near the administration assembly. The activation assembly, when triggered, activates the plunger, ruptures the seal, and enables fluid communication between the syringe and the administration assembly for medication delivery.
A key function of the device is to address the problem of existing medication administration devices that are cumbersome, not easily portable, and not convenient for continuous access by users, which can lead to non-compliance or delays in emergency medication administration. The wearable nature of the device allows it to be carried directly on the user’s person—such as on a wrist, arm, or leg—or attached to clothing or equipment, facilitating immediate access in urgent situations such as anaphylaxis.
The device includes safety and operation features such as the ability for the administration end and activation end to form a partial or closed loop/bracelet by insertion into a clasp, which also serves to protect the device components. The medication administration assembly can include a hypodermic needle that is retracted or exposed upon activation, and the device can deliver medication via needle-based or needle-free mechanisms. The activation assembly may use a force generator (compressed gas or spring) and an activator (such as a button) to drive the plunger and release the medication through the administration assembly.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims, covering the wearable medication administration device and a method of delivering medication using the device. The inventive features are described below.
Wearable device for administering medication with flexible tube assembly and activation mechanism
The device comprises: - A tube with a medication administration end and an activation end, defining a lumen between the ends. - A medication administration assembly attached to the medication administration end. - A syringe within the lumen containing the medication, with a plunger operatively connected to the first end. - An activation assembly attached to the activation end, including: - A force generator for moving the plunger within the lumen from the activation end toward the medication administration end. - An activator operatively connected to the force generator. - A rupturable seal at the syringe's second end near the administration end. - The activation assembly is configured to activate the plunger and break the rupturable seal, establishing fluid communication from the syringe to the medication administration assembly through the medication administration end. - The plunger forms an airtight seal within the lumen, so pressure generated by activation is sufficient to break the rupturable seal.
Method of delivering medication through the wearable device
The method comprises: 1. Placing the medication administration end of the device on a site where medication administration is desired. 2. Generating a force. 3. Moving the plunger from the activation end toward the medication administration end of the tube. 4. The movement of the plunger ruptures the rupturable seal, causing medication to flow from the syringe through the medication administration end of the tube into the medication administration assembly. 5. The flow of medication into the administration assembly ruptures the seal at the administration end, thereby administering the medication to the subject.
Together, these claims define a wearable medication administration device that includes a flexible tube, medication storage and delivery mechanism actuated by a force generator, and a controlled method for delivering medication to a subject.
Stated Advantages
Provides a portable, wearable, accessible, and easy to use device for the rapid administration of medication to a subject in need.
Allows the device to be worn directly on the subject’s person, clothing, or equipment, enhancing immediacy and reliability of access.
Reduces problems associated with bulk, inaccessibility, and incorrect or delayed use present in conventional automatic medication administration devices.
May improve compliance and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes due to delayed medication administration in emergencies.
Documented Applications
Rapid administration of medications under emergency conditions, such as administration of epinephrine for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
Administration of medications to treat diseases, including anti-arrhythmic medications and selective thrombolytic agents during a heart attack.
Delivery of medications including, but not limited to, glucagon, insulin, adrenaline, epinephrine, anti venom, atropine, antidotes to chemical agents, antibodies, and various listed pharmaceutical drugs.
Use on sites including a subject’s arm, thigh, shoulder, hip, abdomen, or neck, with administration via routes such as intravenous, subcutaneous, or intramuscular.
Wearable as a bracelet, around the leg, attached to clothing, or on an item carried by the subject.
May be used by subjects of any age or species, including humans.
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