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Publication Number
US-8543418-B1
Publication Date
2013-09-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
Some embodiments described herein provide for a number of portable infusion pumps to be distributed to a pump user via a pharmacy system or like.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method of providing a medicine infusion pump device through a pharmacy system that supports repeated delivery workflows while handling prefilled medicine cartridges outside the infusion pump devices. A pharmacy stores multiple infusion pump devices in pharmacy inventory while refrigerating prefilled medicine cartridges in a refrigeration unit of the pharmacy inventory, with the infusion pump devices configured to irreversibly receive the prefilled medicine cartridges therein. In response to an individual user request or prescription, the pharmacy distributes a plurality of infusion pump devices together with at least a portion of the prefilled medicine cartridges and a plurality of infusion sets attachable to the infusion pump devices.
The prefilled medicine cartridges are external to the infusion pump devices when the infusion pump devices are distributed to the individual user. The pharmacy logistics further support maintaining different storage conditions by storing pump devices at ambient temperature and storing refrigerated prefilled medicine cartridges. The approach also includes distributing disposable infusion pump devices and external cartridges configured for irreversible reception by the pump devices upon use.
The invention further defines packaged delivery formats and refill-oriented distribution. In certain embodiments, a set of infusion pump devices is distributed contemporaneously with the corresponding prefilled medicine cartridges and infusion sets in a kit that includes a thermally insulated compartment and, optionally, a cold pack in that compartment. The pharmacy system can also include predetermined kit quantities or ratios and packaging of the infusion pump components into an infusion pump kit for delivery over a period of time.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes two independent claims: clm-00001 and clm-00005. Together, they cover pharmacy inventory storage under refrigeration for external prefilled medicine cartridges, contemporaneous distribution of pump devices with external cartridges and infusion sets for an individual user request or prescription, and pump-device cartridge reception mechanisms.
Refrigerated storage of external prefilled medicine cartridges with irreversible pump reception
Storing multiple infusion pump devices in a pharmacy inventory while refrigerating prefilled medicine cartridges in a refrigeration unit of the pharmacy inventory, wherein the infusion pump devices are configured to irreversibly receive the prefilled medicine cartridges therein, with the prefilled medicine cartridges external to the infusion pump devices when the infusion pump devices are distributed to the individual user.
Contemporaneous pharmacy distribution of pump devices, external prefilled medicine cartridges, and infusion sets for repeated deliveries
In response to an individual user request to a pharmacy for repeated deliveries of infusion pump devices, distributing a plurality of infusion pump devices from the pharmacy inventory to the individual user while contemporaneously distributing at least a portion of the prefilled medicine cartridges from the pharmacy inventory and a plurality of infusion sets attachable to the infusion pump devices, wherein the prefilled medicine cartridges are external to the infusion pump devices when the infusion pump devices are distributed to the individual user.
Sealed external prefilled cartridges with septum and cap-device piercing after cartridge insertion
Storing multiple infusion pump devices in a pharmacy inventory while also storing prefilled medicine cartridges in the pharmacy inventory, each cartridge being sealed by a pierceable septum and being external to the infusion pump devices when stored in the pharmacy inventory, and each infusion pump device including a cap device configured to seal an external opening of a respective infusion pump device and configured to pierce the septum of a respective prefilled medicine cartridge after the respective prefilled medicine cartridge is slidably inserted through said external opening.
Prescription-based contemporaneous distribution of predetermined quantities with external cartridges and attachable infusion sets
In response to receiving a prescription indicative of at least infusion pumps for an individual user, contemporaneously distributing from a pharmacy a set of said infusion pump devices in a predetermined quantity along with the same predetermined quantity of said prefilled medicine cartridges from the pharmacy inventory and a plurality of infusion sets attachable to the cap devices of the infusion pump devices, wherein the prefilled medicine cartridges are external to the infusion pump devices when the infusion pump devices are distributed to the individual user.
The claim coverage focuses on a pharmacy inventory and distribution workflow in which prefilled medicine cartridges remain external to disposable infusion pump devices during distribution, with refrigerated cartridge storage and pump devices configured to irreversibly receive the cartridges. The claims further cover cartridge sealing and septum piercing via a cap device after cartridge insertion, and they support prescription- or user-request-triggered contemporaneous distribution of pumps, external cartridges, and infusion sets, with dependent claims adding thermally insulated kit packaging, predetermined ratios, optional cooling means, removable pump-to-reusable-controller attachment with exposed electrical connectors, and a drive system using a rotational motor and gear system.
Stated Advantages
Reduces user paperwork and insurance preauthorization burdens.
Enables payment as part of a single transaction during distribution.
Documented Applications
Pharmacy-based distribution of portable infusion pump therapy involving repeated deliveries and refill transactions of disposable infusion pump devices with external prefilled medicine cartridges and corresponding infusion sets.
Packaged delivery of infusion pump devices with prefilled medicine cartridges and infusion sets in thermally insulated kits, including embodiments with predetermined kit ratios and cold pack cooling during transport.
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