Intradermal delivery device including a needle assembly

Abstract

A drug delivery device including a needle assembly facilitates making intradermal injections using a variety of drug container types such as a syringe. A hub supports the needle while a limiter surrounds the needle. The limiter includes a skin engaging surface that is adapted to be received against the skin of an animal to be intradermally injected. A forward end of the needle extends beyond the skin engaging surface a selected distance to limit a depth that the needle penetrates into the animal's skin.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 11 / 871,012, filed Oct. 11, 2007 which is a continuation of Ser. No. 09 / 825,017, filed Apr. 3, 2001, which is a divisional application of Ser. No. 09 / 417,671 filed Oct. 14, 1999, now Patented as U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,865.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to delivery devices for delivering substances such as drugs, vaccines and the like, and more specifically relates to a drug delivery device for injecting such substances intradermally, i.e., into the skin. In addition, the present invention relates to a needle assembly that is adaptable for use with a variety of drug containers such as syringes for making intradermal injections.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]A wide variety of hypodermic injection devices are commercially available. Most hypodermic injections are intended to be intramuscular so that the hypodermic needle penetrates through an individual's skin ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention concerns a drug delivery device that is particularly suitable for injecting substances like drugs and vaccines into the skin, particularly in the intradermal space. The device includes a needle assembly with an adapter for attaching to prefillable containers and a limiter that surrounds the needle to control the depth of penetration through the skin. The method involves pressing the needle perpendicularly to the skin and injecting the substance by either moving a plunger or using thermoplastic material. The technical effects include improved accuracy and safety in delivering substances to the skin and reduced risk of complications such as injection into the muscle or blood.

Problems solved by technology

Under some circumstances, however, limited needle penetration is desired.

A Mantoux procedure is relatively complicated and requires technical skill from the medical professional or individual administering the injection.

Additionally, the Mantoux procedure can prove painful for the individual receiving the injection, especially when somebody without experience is administering the injection.

The proposed devices, however are not without shortcomings and drawbacks.

The designs for these injectors include relatively complex arrangements of components that cannot be economically manufactured on a mass production scale.

Therefore, such devices have limited applicability and use.

Similarly, the device shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,483 requires a specially designed injector and, therefore, it is not readily adapted to be used with a variety of syringe types.

Additionally, the assembly of that patent is not conducive to economical mass production.

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