Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-9616182-B2
Publication Date
2017-04-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
The invention relates to an injection device. Exemplary embodiments of the invention comprise an application element, an injection needle, an injection needle housing, a drive system for the injection movement, and a retraction system. In exemplary embodiments, a substance is injected during the retraction movement of the injection needle.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an injection device for introducing a substance into the body of a subject. The injection device includes an application element, at least one injection needle, an injection needle housing, a drive system for the injection movement, and a retraction system for the retraction movement, and the substance is injected during the retraction movement of the injection needle.
In one implementation, the application element is a cooling plate. The described concept emphasizes slow constant retraction during injection to reduce cell damage and avoid the need for high pressure or shear, and to inhibit reflux associated with wet injection concerns. The described configuration is also intended to reduce the risk of blood-vessel injury.
Additional implementations include different mechanical and electrical actuation architectures for the drive and retraction systems, including multi-needle operation and defined injection behavior as the needle retracts, such as injection path or depth and a distribution region. Visual and positioning aids may be provided, including lighting and optical devices, and the device may include exchangeable components for the injection needle and related parts.
Claims Coverage
The provided claims identify seven core inventive features. The independent claim centers on injecting a substance during needle retraction with a cooling plate application element and both a drive system and a retraction system for needle movement.
Injection during needle retraction
The substance is injected during the retraction movement of the injection needle, using a drive system for the injection movement and a retraction system for the retraction movement.
Cooling plate application element
The application element is a cooling plate in the injection device for introducing a substance into the body of a subject.
Different injection volumes at different injection depths
Different injectable injection volumes are provided at different injection depths during the retraction movement of the injection needle.
Adjustable needle-to-plate angle
An adjustable angle is provided between the injection needle and the application element.
Injection depth within specified ranges
The injection needle is configured to have an injection depth within specified ranges.
Motor, lead screw, and screw nut actuation
Injection is conducted using an injection system that includes a motor, a lead screw, and a screw nut.
Dermal tissue injection target
The injection device is configured to inject the substance into the subject’s dermal tissue.
Across the provided claims, the coverage centers on injecting a substance during needle retraction with a cooling plate application element, and further refines the injection behavior through needle angle, injection depth, and injection volume or depth relationships, while narrowing the injection target to dermal tissue and optionally specifying a motor, lead screw, and screw nut drive architecture.
Stated Advantages
Reduce cell damage by using slow constant retraction without requiring high pressure or shear.
Inhibit reflux associated with wet injection concerns.
Reduce the risk of blood-vessel injury.
Documented Applications
Injecting into dermal tissue, including dermal layers for hair-loss/alopecia and dermal sheath cup cells (DSC).
Injecting into deeper tissues such as muscle tissue and tendon.
Interested in licensing this patent?