Delivery devices for therapeutic substances
Inventors
MAHER, MATTHEW GARDNER • GUERRERO PALACIO, ANGEL LEONARDO • Marchand, Philippe
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11666710-B2
Publication Date
2023-06-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
In some embodiments, a delivery device includes a device actuator and a cannula portion through which a therapeutic substance is ejected. The cannula portion includes an outer shaft, a needle that is configured to move through the outer shaft, and a plunger that is configured to move through the needle, forming a positive displacement arrangement.
Core Innovation
The document describes a delivery device having a device actuator, a needle having a needle lumen, and a plunger configured to move through the needle lumen. Actuation of the device actuator causes the needle to move in a retraction direction and causes the plunger to move in a deployment direction, where the retraction direction is opposite to the deployment direction, and movement of the needle occurs simultaneously with movement of the plunger.
The described devices provide kinematic relationships between needle movement and plunger movement, including first and second distances relative to an outer shaft where the first distance is smaller than the second distance, and quantitative relationships such as a ratio of the second distance to the first distance. The actuation is linked to translation via threaded passages and translation screws, including configurations where first and second threaded passages are rotated by the device actuator to translate first and second translation screws coupled to the needle and plunger, respectively.
The document also describes a mechanically driven indicator for dosage assurance, where an indicator having indicia is mechanically coupled to the device actuator so that actuation causes the indicia to physically move without input of electricity. In addition, venting and containment structures are described for the needle, including a vent spaced from the delivery end and controlling fluid communication via plunger positions, a constant diameter throughout the needle lumen, and a therapeutic substance entirely contained within the needle lumen.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claims define multiple inventive features across actuation-driven simultaneous needle retraction and plunger deployment, kinematic distance relationships between needle and plunger, actuator-driven vent control, dose-indicating mechanical coupling without electricity, and structural lumen and containment constraints. The set includes five independent claims, each emphasizing different construction and actuation relationships.
Simultaneous opposite-direction needle retraction and plunger deployment
Actuation of the device actuator causes the needle to move in a retraction direction and causes the plunger to move through the needle lumen in a deployment direction, the retraction direction being opposite to the deployment direction, and movement of the needle occurs simultaneously with movement of the plunger.
Needle and plunger move different relative distances where needle distance is smaller
Actuation of the device actuator causes the needle to move a first distance relative to the outer shaft and causes the plunger to move a second distance relative to the outer shaft, the first distance being different from the second distance, wherein the first distance is smaller than the second distance.
Plunger distal end provides a seal via outer diameter and is moved by actuator rotation
An outer diameter of a distal end portion of the plunger is set to provide a seal against the needle lumen, and rotation of the device actuator causes the distal end portion of the plunger to move through the needle lumen.
Needle shaft vent spaced from the delivery end
The needle further includes a vent in the shaft, the vent being spaced from the delivery end.
Actuator-driven vent control via plunger position and structural vent as a through-hole
A vent being spaced from the delivery end, wherein the vent is a through-hole extending through a wall of the shaft.
Needle lumen diameter and plunger travel relative to the outer shaft with different first and second distances
The needle lumen having a diameter of between 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm, inclusive, and the plunger having a travel distance relative to the outer shaft of at least 100 mm, wherein actuation of the device actuator causes the needle to move a first distance relative to the outer shaft and causes the plunger to move a second distance relative to the outer shaft, the first distance being different from the second distance, and wherein the first distance is smaller than the second distance.
Mechanically coupled dosage indicator with indicia physically moving without electricity
An indicator having indicia indicating dosage delivered, the indicator being mechanically coupled to the device actuator such that actuation of the device actuator causes the indicia of the indicator to physically move without input of electricity.
Constant-diameter needle lumen containing therapeutic substance entirely within the lumen
The needle lumen having a constant diameter throughout its length, the plunger being configured to move through the needle lumen, and a therapeutic substance that is entirely contained within the needle lumen.
Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage centers on actuator-driven simultaneous needle and plunger movement with opposed directions, specific relationships between needle and plunger travel distances relative to an outer shaft, sealing and rotational actuation of a plunger distal end, a vent in the needle shaft spaced from the delivery end, a needle lumen with specified diameter and plunger travel, mechanically actuated dosage indication without electrical input, and structural lumen and containment constraints including constant-diameter needle lumen and therapeutic substance entirely contained within the needle lumen.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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