Wearable medication administration device
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-9474862-B2
Publication Date
2016-10-25
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 provides a wearable medication administration device comprised of a flexible tube with a medication administration end and an activation end, connected by a lumen. The administration end features an assembly with a retractable hypodermic needle, and the activation end includes an activation assembly. A syringe containing medication is situated within the lumen, with a plunger at its first end and a rupturable seal at its second end, which is adjacent to the administration end.
The plunger is operatively connected to the activation assembly, which, when activated, moves the plunger to break the rupturable seal and establish fluid communication between the syringe and the administration assembly. This allows the medication to be transported from the syringe through the administration end to the subject. The activation assembly can employ a pressurized fluid cartridge or a spring as a force generator, and an activator, such as a button, to control the release of the force.
The problem addressed by the invention is the lack of portable, wearable, easily accessible, and user-friendly devices for rapid administration of medication under emergency conditions. Traditional automatic medication administration devices are usually bulky, not designed to be worn on the person, and may be difficult to use quickly and correctly, leading to non-compliance and adverse outcomes. The proposed wearable device solves these issues by allowing the user to carry the device on their person in an accessible form, thus enabling rapid and correct medication delivery in critical situations.
Claims Coverage
There is one independent claim identifying several inventive features related to a wearable medication administration device.
Wearable medication administration device with retractable needle assembly
The device comprises a flexible tube with a medication administration end and an activation end, defining a lumen between them. The administration assembly attached to the administration end includes a needle in fluid communication with the tube, configured with a first (retracted) and second (extended) position for the needle. A secondary rupturable seal is provided at the distal end of the administration assembly, punctured by the needle upon extension, with the needle spring-biased in the first position.
Activation assembly with selectable force generator
The activation assembly, attached to the activation end, includes a force generator (either a cartridge containing pressurized fluid or a spring) and an activator (such as a button) to control the force generator. When activated, it moves the plunger within the lumen toward the administration end. If a pressurized fluid cartridge is used, the button controls the release of fluid into the lumen.
Integrated syringe with rupturable seal for medication delivery
A syringe containing medication is disposed within the lumen, with a plunger operatively connected at its first end and a rupturable seal at its second end adjacent to the administration end. Activation of the plunger breaks this seal, establishing fluid communication between the syringe and the administration assembly to transport medication through the administration end.
The independent claim sets forth a wearable medication administration device distinguished by a combination of a flexible tube with a retractable needle assembly, an activation assembly with selectable force generation, and an internally disposed syringe with a rupturable seal enabling rapid and controlled medication administration.
Stated Advantages
The device is portable, wearable, and accessible, enabling rapid administration of medication to a subject in need.
The device is easy to use, improving compliance and reducing the likelihood of incorrect use or misuse.
The device allows medication to be administered quickly during emergencies, which can be life-saving in situations such as anaphylaxis.
The device can be worn on the subject’s person, clothing, or equipment, increasing the likelihood it will be available when needed.
Documented Applications
Administering medication under emergency conditions, such as for anaphylaxis or severe allergic reactions.
Administering medications to treat diseases, such as anti-arrhythmic medications and selective thrombolytic agents during a heart attack.
Supplying medication for conditions requiring rapid administration, including but not limited to glucagon, insulin, adrenaline, epinephrine, anti-venom, and other listed medications.
The device is wearable on the wrist, arm, leg, around the neck, or attached to clothing or carried items.
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