Applicator system for the sterile collection and dispensing of fluid media

Abstract

Applicator system for the sterile collection and dispensing of fluid media, comprising: a) a container for receiving a fluid medium with a neck part, wherein the neck part has an external thread and a locking mechanism in the lower neck region, and wherein the neck region is closed at its upper end and has a Luer-Lock connector for screwing with a Luer-Lock mating connector of a filling device for receiving and dispensing a fluid medium; b) a dispensing part having a pipette attachment on one side and an opening with an internal thread on the other side, which is designed so that the dispensing part can be screwed onto the neck part of the container; wherein after screwing the dispensing part onto the neck part of the container, a fluid connection is established between the Luer-Lock connector of the neck part and the pipette attachment, and by locking the dispensing part with the locking mechanism, the dispensing part is permanently fixed to the container.

Description

The invention relates to an applicator system for sterile intake and discharge of fluid media.The applicator system according to the invention for sterile reception and delivery of fluid media has numerous applications in medicine and cosmetics. It can be used universally, but is to be explained below using the application example "platelet-rich plasma".Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used, for example, for treatment in cosmetic dermatology, skin irritation, hair restoration and other aesthetic purposes. In PRP treatment, PRP is prepared from the patient's own / whole blood, which is then applied or injected into, for example, the skin or scalp to promote healing and excite various regeneration processes. PRP has, for example, the following cosmetic applications and effects: 1. skin tapering (PRP face treatments or Vapper face treatments, e.g., the eye area):• PRP is often used to improve skin texture, tone and general appearance.• In PRP face treatment, the skin is micronedling while applying the PRP which stimulates collagen production and cell turnover.• This method can reduce fine lines, wrinkles and acne scarring as well as improve the elasticity and moisture content of the skin.2. Hair Restoration:• PRP is frequently used to treat hair loss, especially androgenetic alopecia (hair loss) in men and women.• Growth factors in the PRP are believed to stimulate hair follicles, promote new hair growth, and slow the progression of hair thinning.• It can be injected directly into the scalp to improve hair density and thickness.3. Underlid / eye treatment:• PRP is sometimes used to treat eye rings or eye shadows because it stimulates collagen and improves skin structure in the sensitive eye area. For this purpose, a blunt traumatic cannula can be used, for example.• It may also help reduce swelling and improve skin tone.4. Scar treatment:• PRP injections may aid in healing and regeneration of the skin following trauma, surgery or acne scarring.• By stimulating collagen and elastin production, PRP can help mitigate the appearance of scarring and improve skin texture.5. Acne Scar Treatment:• PRP is sometimes combined with micronedling to treat acne embryos. The combination promotes collagen regeneration and may reduce the visibility of indented scarring.6. Treatment of Strain Strips:• PRP can also be used to treat stretch strips (striae) since the growth factors contained in the plasma contribute to regeneration of skin tissue and to improving appearance.To recover PRP, a small amount of 15 ml blood is collected from the patient, which is then centrifuge processed to separate platelets from the other blood components (red and white blood cells). The resulting platelet rich plasma contains growth factors that excite cell growth, tissue repair, and collagen production. By applying to or injecting into the target areas (e.g., face, scalp, body (scar striae), these growth factors can accelerate the natural healing processes of the body.Effects and advantages of PRP in cosmetic applications: 1. collagen production:• The growth factors in the PRP stimulate collagen production, resulting in a tighter, more juvenile skin.2. Improved Skin Texture and Tone:• PRP can help smooth rough skin sites, refine the skin structure, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.3. Cell Regeneration:• PRP accelerates regeneration of skin cells (e.g., acne scarring) and improves the general health and vitality of the skin.4. Hair growth:• In hair restoration, PRP helps activate hair follicles resulting in denser, more sedentier hair.5. Reduced inflammations:• The growth factors in the PRP can reduce inflammation, which can benefit patients with diseases such as acne, rosacea or eczema.6. Minimal risk for allergic reactions:• Since PRP is recovered from the patient's own blood, the risk of allergic reactions or side effects is very low.Possible Problems in Treatment with PRP1. Several treatments are required:• The PRP treatment is usually not a one-time solution. In order to achieve optimum results, several sessions are often required (typically 3-4 treatments spaced several weeks apart).2. Results may take time:• The effect of PRP, especially on skin irritation or hair recovery, is only visible after some time. It may take several weeks to months to see full results, as the processes of collagen production and hair growth must develop.5. Cost:• PRP treatments can be costly, especially as many sessions are required.Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide an applicator system for sterile reception and dispensing of fluid media, with which an individual can use a PRP product in a simple and hygienic or sterile manner.The object according to the invention is achieved by an applicator system for sterile reception and dispensing of fluid media having the features according to claim 1. The description may serve to further specify the features of the claims.The invention will now be described in detail, with the specific embodiments, examples or results disclosed being intended to be illustrative only and not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The person skilled in the art can also refer to the introduction explanations in its entirety.The use of specific or indeterminate articles ("the", "the", "an", "an") is to be understood (in particular in connection with the claims) as including at least one element or component unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly indicated by the context.The conjunction "or" is intended to be inclusive and not exclusive "or", i.e., "and / or" unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly indicated otherwise by the context.The use of terms such as "for example", "e.g., "such" or variations thereof is intended merely to better illustrate the invention and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.Explanation of TermsPlatelets: platelets, also called platelets, are small cell fragments in blood that play a central role in blood clotting. They arise in bone marrow from larger progenitor cells, the megakaryocytes. They are essential for causing hemostasis in the event of injury to the blood vessel.Cream: A cream is a cosmetic or medical product containing a semi-solid emulsion of water and oil. It is mostly used for skin care or treatment and can contain various ingredients such as moisture donors, caring oils, vitamins or healing substances. Creams are generally applied to the skin to wet, protect, smooth or display medicinal effects.Dermatologically compatible in the sense of the invention means that a product (generally a cosmetic or care product) has been classified as safe and well tolerated by the skin in tests. It was tested in such a way that it causes no or only minimal skin irritations and does not cause any harmful reactions such as redness, pruritic irritation, burning or allergies. The term signals that the product is skin-friendly to the majority of people.Dual Chamber Syringe: This is a medical device having two separate chambers that allow two different substances to be injected simultaneously or in a particular order. The use of dual chamber syringes for sterile preparation of platelet-rich plasma has proven advantageous in medical practice. A video for the functioning of a dual chamber syringe can be found here: https: / / www.arthrex.com / de / further-processing information / AN2-00126-EN / acpautological-conditioned-plasmaLuer lock connector: This is a widely used and standardized connection system for medical devices, in particular in injection technology and infusion therapy. It consists of a special screw connection which enables a secure and tight connection between a syringe and a needle or another medical device. The luer lock connector has a "male" part and a "female" mating part, each with threads that can be screwed into one another. This makes it possible to screw a needle or another accessory firmly onto a syringe, for example, and thereby prevent an undesired withdrawal and ensure a safe flow of liquid.Oil: An oil is a fatty liquid obtained from natural or synthetic sources. It is composed of fatty acids (organic compounds composed of long carbon chains and containing a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) at the end of the chain) and has a variety of applications in cosmetics, medicine, nutrition and industry. Oils are non-water soluble.Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous (i.e., collected from the patient's own body) blood product containing a high concentration of platelets.EmbodimentsAccording to the invention there is provided an applicator system for sterile reception and delivery of fluid media comprising: a) a container for receiving a fluid medium having a neck portion, the neck portion having an external thread and a latching mechanism in the lower neck portion, and the neck portion being closed at its upper end and having a luer lock connector for screwing to a luer lock mating connector of a filling device for reception and delivery of a fluid medium; b) a delivery portion having a pipette cap on one side and an opening having an internal thread on the other side, said opening being configured to enable the delivery portion to be screwed onto the neck portion of the container; wherein after screwing the dispensing part onto the neck part of the container a fluid connection is established between the luer lock connector of the neck part and the pipette attachment and by locking the dispensing part with the locking mechanism the dispensing part is non-detachably fixed to the container.According to one embodiment of the invention, the latching mechanism can be formed, for example, by a protruding part (e.g. a locking bar) which extends around the outside of the neck part, wherein the dispensing part is latched by being screwed into a corresponding depression in the dispensing part. However, elastic locking hooks can also be provided in the dispensing part, for example, which hook on a protruding part of the neck part after screwing on. In principle, any of the latching or blocking mechanisms known in the prior art can be used which prevent the release of two screwed-together parts by a user.The filling device used for sterile filling of the applicator system according to the invention (e.g. with PRP) can be, for example, a dual-chamber syringe provided with a Luer lock mating connector. Such syringes are commercially available, for example from Arthrex, Naples, Florida, USA and Munich.In a further embodiment of the invention, the luer lock connector of the neck part can be closed or covered with a film as a contamination protection during transport. The film is not particularly limited as long as it serves its purpose. It can be made of plastic or aluminum, for example. The film is removed before the dispensing part is screwed onto the container neck.In another embodiment of the invention, a seal is located between the luer lock connector of the neck portion and the fluidly connected opening of the threaded delivery portion. I can be, for example, a commercially available O-ring.According to a further embodiment of the invention, the pipette attachment of the dispensing part of the applicator system according to the invention can be closed with a cover cap (which can be plugged on or screwed on) in order to further ensure sterility after use.The material of the fluid medium holding container used is not particularly limited. All materials used in the medical or cosmetic sector, for example glass, plastic, are suitable. Advantageously, a plastic material can be used that is sufficiently elastic that, by pressing the container together with the fingers, the contents of the container can emerge from the pipette attachment.In principle, the applicator system according to the invention is suitable for sterile reception and dispensing of any desired fluid media. For example only, platelet-rich plasma, optionally in a mixture with a dermatologically compatible cream or a dermatologically compatible oil for, for example, cosmetic purposes, eye drops and hyaluronic acid preparations, may be mentioned.Brief description of the FiguresFIG. 1 shows the external view of an applicator system according to the invention screwed together FIG. 2 shows the external view of a container for holding a fluid medium for an applicator system according to the invention FIG. 3 shows a delivery part with pipette attachment for an applicator system according to the invention in cross section FIG. 4 shows the overall view of an applicator system according to the invention in cross sectionList of reference characters1 Container for receiving a fluid medium 5 Dispensing part with pipette attachment 10 Pipette attachment for dispensing / dosing a fluid medium 15 Covering cap for protection against dirt (which can be plugged on or screwed on) 20 Luer lock connector for screw connection with Luer lock mating connector 25 Film for protection against dirt 30 Fluid connection between a Luer lock connector of a neck part and a pipette attachment 35 Internal thread of a dispensing part 40 Locking hooks of a latching mechanism in the interior of a dispensing part 45 Locking bars of a latching mechanism on the neck part of a container 50 Neck part of a container for receiving a fluid medium 55 External thread on the neck part of a containerThe use with platelet-rich plasma is described by way of example below.To produce the individual platelet-rich plasma, the physician takes the subject of eigenblood (e.g., 10-50 ml) from a vein. Advantageously, a double chamber syringe can be used for this purpose (e.g. from Arthrex). The blood is aspirated into the first chamber of the syringe. The syringe is then placed in a centrifuge (e.g., in medical practice or in a pharmacy) and centrifuged at 3,500 rpm / min, for example, for 5 minutes. This separates the collected blood into its components:• Red blood cells (erythrocytes): These settle as a red layer at the bottom of the syringe.• White blood cells (leukocytes): They are located in a layer above the erythrocytes.• Plasma: The plasma contains proteins, nutrients and platelets and forms a yellow upper layer.The platelet-rich plasma can be transferred into the second chamber of the double syringe. This is generally effected by opening a valve which enables transfer from the first chamber to the second chamber without the erythrocytes and leukocytes being drawn up at the same time. The syringe part with the second chamber containing the platelet-rich plasma can then be turned out and connected directly to the luer lock connector of the container (via a luer lock mating connector present on the syringe) in order to fill the container of the applicator system according to the invention.In use, the patient pulls the film provided as a dirt guard off the luer lock connector of the neck portion of the container with the PRP and threads the dispensing portion onto the neck portion of the container of the applicator system. As a result, the dispensing part latches with the container by the provided latching mechanism and can no longer be released therefrom by the patient. This ensures that the sterilely filled fluid medium remains sterile even after application.It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above-described representative embodiments and details of the invention are intended to be illustrative of the present invention only, and that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

An applicator system for sterile reception and delivery of fluid media, comprising: a) a container for receiving a fluid medium having a neck portion, wherein the neck portion has an external thread and a latching mechanism in the lower neck portion, and wherein the neck portion is closed at its upper end and has a luer lock connector for screwing to a luer lock mating connector of a filling device for reception and delivery of a fluid medium; b) a delivery portion having a pipette attachment on one side and an opening having an internal thread on the other side, which is configured such that the delivery portion can be screwed onto the neck portion of the container; wherein after screwing the dispensing part onto the neck part of the container a fluid connection is established between the luer lock connector of the neck part and the pipette attachment and by locking the dispensing part with the locking mechanism the dispensing part is non-detachably fixed to the container.Applicator system according to Claim 1, wherein the latching mechanism is formed by a protruding part which extends circumferentially around the neck part of the container, and the dispensing part is latched by screwing it into a corresponding depression in the dispensing part.Applicator system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filling device used is a dual chamber syringe provided with a luer lock mating connector to the luer lock connector of the neck part of the container.The applicator system of any preceding claim, wherein the container contains, as the fluid medium, platelet-rich plasma and optionally a dermatologically acceptable serum, cream or oil.Applicator system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container contains eye drops and / or hyaluronic acid preparations as the fluid medium

Images