Fluid delivery device supporting cartridge replacement with installed cannula

Abstract

The present invention provides a system and method for replacing a fluid cartridge of a fluid delivery device. The system includes a fluid delivery device for ejecting fluid from a fluid cartridge. The device has a reusable unit and a disposable unit. The system also includes a cartridge adapter configured to facilitate a first connection between the reusable unit and the disposable unit, and, additionally, to facilitate an alternative connection between the reusable unit and a priming chamber to prime a substitute fluid cartridge.

Description

FLUID DELIVERY DEVICE SUPPORTING CARTRIDGE REPLACEMENTWITH INSTALLED CANNULAFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of devices for fluid delivery, in particular wearable systems for delivery of medication.BACKGROUND

[0002] Many drug delivery devices include a cannula that is inserted into the body of the user and through which a drug is delivered from a cartridge of the device. Some such devices may be positioned on a belt of the user, with a tube extending from the cartridge to the cannula. Other devices are adhered directly to the body of the user, with the cannula extending from a cartridge of the device directly into a patient’s body.

[0003] Typically, once a fluid cartridge of such a device is empty the device must be removed from the patient’s body to replace the cartridge. Often the cannula is also removed at this point, especially when the operator is not a trained medical professional. However, the cannula often could safely remain in place longer if the cartridge volume were increased, or if the cartridge could be replaced while the cannula remains installed.SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and methods for fluid delivery, particularly for fluid delivery of a medication to a patient, by injection from a wearable device. The wearable device, typically adhered to a patient’s body, includes a disposable unit, in which there is a cannula triggerable for insertion into the patient’s body, and a reusable unit that includes a drive mechanism for driving fluid from a fluid cartridge through the cannula. The reusable unit may include a motor that moves the drive mechanism and a processor for controlling motion of the motor, in particular motion to eject the fluid.

[0005] The system includes elements that permit replacement of a fluid cartridge while the cannula remains inserted in a body of a user, thereby avoiding unnecessary steps of cannula extraction and insertion.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] For a better understanding of various embodiments of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings. Structural details of the invention are shown to provide a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description, taken with the drawings, making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

[0007] In the accompanying drawings:

[0008] Figs. 1A-1B show schematic illustrations of a parts of a fluid delivery system, Fig. 1A showing a reusable part, a fluid cartridge, a cartridge adapter, a disposable part, and a priming chamber, and Fig. IB showing an assembled fluid delivery device of the system, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0009] Figs. 2A-2B show schematic illustrations of two sides of the cartridge adapter;

[0010] Figs. 3A-3D show schematic illustrations of the fluid cartridge with an attached cartridge adapter;

[0011] Figs. 4A-4C show schematic illustrations of a reusable part of the fluid delivery device, Fig. 4A showing the reusable part alone, Fig. 4B showing a fluid cartridge inserted into the reusable part, and Fig. 4C showing a fluid cartridge inserted into the reusable part with a cartridge adapter attached;

[0012] Figs. 5A-5B show schematic illustrations of the priming chamber, from the isometric (5A) and from a cut-away side view (5B); and

[0013] Figs. 6A-6B show a flow diagram of a process for replacing a fluid cartridge of a fluid delivery device, with a schematic illustration of each step accompanying a textual description of the step.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] It is to be understood that the invention and its application are not limited to the system and methods described below or to the arrangement of the components set forth or illustrated in the drawings, but are applicable to embodiments that may be practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0015] Fig. 1A shows schematic illustrations of sections of a system 10 for fluid delivery, including sections that connect together to create an operational fluid deliverydevice. The system typically includes a reusable part 20, a fluid cartridge 22 (which has a cap end 24, also referred to as the septum), a cartridge adapter 26, a disposable part 28, and a priming chamber 32. The disposable part may also be referred to as the “base” as the renewable part typically rests on top of the disposable part when the fluid delivery device is assembled, and the disposable part is attached to a surface, such as a patient’s body. Because the disposable part includes the cannula that injects fluid into the body, the disposable part must be replaced (disposed of) when it is removed from the body, to meet standards for sterile operation.

[0016] Fig. IB shows an assembled fluid delivery device 40, which contains a fluid cartridge and comprises the reusable part 20, the cartridge adapter 26, and the disposable part 28. The disposable part typically has an adhesive-backed base 30 for attaching the assembled device to a patient’s body (or to the surface of other objects).

[0017] A typical application of the system 10 is as a wearable device for automated drug injection, such as an insulin pump. A fluid delivery device accepting fluid cartridges is described in International Patent Publication WO2021 / 099992 A2 to Ben David, also the inventor of the present invention. The reusable part of the fluid delivery device typically includes a drive mechanism that has a central longitudinal axis arranged to move forward in an axial direction to press a plunger of a fluid cartridge, thereby ejecting fluid through the cap end of the cartridge. The reusable part also typically includes a controller, i.e., a computer processor, that controls the rate and frequency of fluid ejection. The controller may receive signals from a user device (such as a mobile device) indicating an amount of fluid to eject, or a schedule of injection quantities and frequencies. The controller signals the drive mechanism to eject the scheduled amounts, moving the mechanism an appropriate incremental amount. The controller may also signal the drive mechanism to implement priming, as described further hereinbelow. The drive mechanism may have a bi-directional motor having a motor shaft rotatable in first and second directions. The reusable unit may also include a battery to power the controller and motor, which may be rechargeable.

[0018] The disposable unit has a cannula for transmitting fluid flowing from a fluid cartridge, typically to a patient’s body. When the fluid delivery device is assembled and affixed to a surface, such as a patient’s body, the drive mechanism of the reusable part ejects fluid according to its configurable schedule, the fluid flowing through the cannula of the disposable part. When the device is moved to a different position on a patient’s body, the disposable part is typically replaced with a new, sterile disposable part, together withits associated cannula, while the reusable part, which does not come in direct contact with the ejected fluid, may be reused.

[0019] Safe operation of the fluid delivery device requires initial priming of the fluid cartridge and the cannula before insertion of the cannula into a patient’s body. This initial priming involves ejecting fluid through the cannula. Subsequently, to replace a fluid cartridge after the cannula is inserted in a patient’s body, a replacement cartridge must also be “primed”, that is, the plunger of the replacement fluid cartridge must be moved to ensure that fluid fills the entire volume of the cartridge and to ensure that initial plunger friction is overcome. By “breaking” the initial friction, priming of the replacement cartridge ensures that the device’s ejection of fluid into the cannula does not underdose or overdose.

[0020] Another important reason for priming the replacement fluid cartridge is to ensure proper attachment of the reusable unit and the cartridge, whereby the drive mechanism is placed firmly against the cartridge plunger. The reusable unit is positioned to push the fluid cartridge plunger slightly once the reusable unit is attached. The plunger cannot move forward until the needle in the priming chamber pierces the septum in the fluid cartridge, allowing insulin to flow and thereby prime the cartridge. This priming method thus ensures proper positioning of the reusable unit and cartridge plunger, preventing gaps or preloads that could cause underdosing or overdosing. The priming is typically performed automatically upon attachment, without manual triggering by the user.

[0021] Figs. 2A-2B show schematic illustrations of two sides of a frame 42 of the cartridge adapter 26. One side (side 46 in Fig. 2A) connects to the reusable unit, and the other side (44) is configured to connect both to the disposable unit and, alternatively, to the priming chamber, as described further hereinbelow.

[0022] The cartridge adapter typically has a seal 50 into which the fluid cartridge is inserted, which seals the reusable part from fluid infiltration. The adapter also typically has, on both sides, one or more sensor / actuator contacts 52 that align, on one side, with one or more contacts on the reusable unit, and, on the other side, with one or more contacts that are on both the disposable unit and on the priming chamber. The sensor contacts enable the reusable unit to detect attachment of the combination of the cartridge adapter and the priming chamber, for priming, as well as (subsequent) attachment of the combination of the cartridge adapter with the disposable unit, for regular fluid delivery operation. Typically, the controller in the reusable unit is configured to eject fluid from a fluid cartridge only when these connections are sensed. The process of sensing the connectionsmay be implemented by any of multiple methods known in the art. For example, the contacts on the adapter may provide a conductive path to a resistive circuit in the disposable unit, while a parallel resistance is also present in the adapter itself. Consequently, a voltage applied by the reusable unit to the adapter contacts results in a first current level when only the adapter is attached, and a second current level when the disposable unit is then attached to the adapter. A similar resistive circuit, with a different resistance level, may be configured in the priming chamber, such that the attachment of the priming chamber can be differentiated from the attachment of the disposable unit.

[0023] The same contacts on the adapter may also be used to convey activation signals to the disposable unit, such as a signal to activate cannula insertion. For example, an insertion actuator in the disposable part may be implemented as a Nitinol wire that has shape memory activated by electric current. A lower level of electrical current may allow presence detection of the disposable unit and priming chamber attachments, while a higher current may activate the Nitinol wire to shift to its activated configuration, which is preset to insert a cannula.

[0024] To facilitate the respective connections of the cartridge adapter to the reusable unit, the disposable unit, and the priming chamber, these connecting parts typically have connecting points at which they interconnect, such as magnets 54. An additional connecting point may be, for example, a grooved channel 56, which can dovetail with corresponding ridged tracks on the disposable unit and on the priming chamber, as described below.

[0025] The cartridge adapter further comprises a clip 60 to hinder removal of the cartridge adapter from the fluid cartridge after attachment. This forces a user to apply a new cartridge adapter and therefore encourages use of the priming chamber for replacement fluid cartridges, as described further hereinbelow.

[0026] Figs. 3A-3D show schematic illustrations, from various angles, of the fluid cartridge 22 with an attached cartridge adapter 26. Also shown is the fluid cartridge cap 24 (the “septum end), and the connecting points 54 of the cartridge adapter, described above. Also shown is the clip 60 of the cartridge adapter, which hinders removal of the fluid cartridge once it is in place, thereby directing a user to use a new cartridge adapter when substituting a fluid cartridge used with a disposable unit by a replacement fluid cartridge.

[0027] Figs. 4A-4B show schematic illustrations of the reusable part 20 of the fluid delivery device, including the connecting points 54 (e.g., magnets). Fig. 4A shows the reusable part without a fluid cartridge. Shown is a sleeve 62 of the reusable unit, into whichthe fluid cartridge is inserted. Also shown are sensors 64, positioned on the reusable unit to sense presence of the cartridge adapter (typically aligned with the sensor contacts on the cartridge adapter).

[0028] Fig. 4B shows a fluid cartridge 22 inserted into the reusable part.

[0029] Fig. 4C shows a fluid cartridge 22 inserted into the reusable part with a cartridge adapter 26 attached. As shown, the septum end 24 of the cartridge typically protrudes from the adapter, so as to be inserted into the disposable part.

[0030] Figs. 5A-5B show schematic illustrations of the priming chamber 32, showing the isometric view of the priming chamber that faces the fluid cartridge, and showing a cutaway side view. In the both views, a needle 70 of the priming chamber is shown, which pierces the septum of the fluid cartridge to allow the ejection of fluid. The ejection of fluid primes the fluid cartridge, ensuring that subsequent movement of the fluid cartridge plunger ejects a corresponding, measured amount of fluid. The priming chamber is not needed to prime an initial fluid cartridge used with a disposable unit, as priming is performed when the initial fluid cartridge is attached to the disposable unit, ejecting fluid through the cannula before the disposable unit is attached to the patient’s body.

[0031] Fluid ejected during priming with the priming chamber may be delivered to a cavity 74 of the priming chamber 32. To ensure sterile use, a priming chamber is typically used only once, for a single replacement fluid cartridge. Usage of the priming chamber is enforced by providing the priming chamber together with a cartridge adapter, as a “priming unit.” Because a cartridge adapter must be mounted onto a fluid cartridge in order to use the fluid cartridge in the delivery device, a user attaches a replacement cartridge to the priming chamber both to perform priming and to attach the cartridge adapter to the fluid cartridge.

[0032] Figs. 6A-6B show a flow diagram of a process 600 for replacing an initial fluid cartridge of a fluid delivery device, while the disposable unit is attached to a patient. A schematic illustration of the device configuration at each step of the process accompanies a textual description of the step.

[0033] The process begins at a step 602, with parts that are to be used to assemble a fluid delivery device for attachment to a patient. These parts include a reusable unit 20, which may have been used for previous applications, and a disposable unit 28, which should be new to ensure sterility of the procedure. A new fluid cartridge 22a, referred to herein as an “initial” fluid cartridge, is also provided. Also provided is a new cartridge adapter 26a,typically provided together with the disposable unit for user convenience and to facilitate user adherence to the priming protocol described herein.

[0034] At a step 604, a user inserts the cartridge 22a into the reusable unit 20, and then, at a step 606, the user inserts the reusable unit, with the cartridge, into the disposable unit 28, (the “base”), bringing the elements together so that the fluid delivery device 40a (i.e., the “pump”) is ready to be affixed to a user and operated. As the elements are joined, the cap end 24a of the cartridge fits into the cartridge adapter 26a that is typically provided attached to the disposable unit.

[0035] As described above, the adapter includes a seal for preventing fluid from the environment from getting into the reusable unit. The adapter also includes a clip that snaps into place behind the cap so that when the cartridge is removed from the disposable unit, the adapter detaches together with the cartridge. Subsequently, a replacement cartridge can only fit into the disposable unit when a new adapter is attached to the replacement cartridge.

[0036] Once the fluid delivery device 40a is assembled, the device is primed before attachment to a user, that is, the drive mechanism in the reusable unit is operated to eject a small amount of fluid from the cartridge to ensure that there is no air in the cartridge or in fluid path of the cannula of the disposable unit before the device is affixed to a body. Priming may be performed automatically, when sensors indicate to the controller that the device is assembled, as described above. Alternatively, priming may be performed manually, by the user triggering the action, for example by operated a button on the device or by sending a remote signal that is received by the reuseable unit controller. Priming may also be implemented without a controller action, by designing the reusable device such that the drive mechanism in the reusable unit presses on the plunger in the cartridge when the cartridge is inserted. As a result, when the unit is assembled, not only does the needle (whether of the priming chamber or of the disposable unit) pierce the cartridge septum, but there is a force on the plunger that pushes a small amount of fluid out. This may be referred to as priming “by design.”

[0037] After priming, a liner of an adhesive on the base of the disposable unit is typically removed. The adhesive facilitates adherence of the device to a surface, such as a body surface.

[0038] The controller of the reusable unit may be configured to identify adherence of the device to a surface and to commence operation by which fluid is delivered.

[0039] For an extended period of treatment, such as insulin treatment, medical practicelimits the period of time for maintaining a cannula in the body. Consequently, when that limiting period of time has been reached, the device should be detached from the body, and the disposable unit should be replaced. However, if the cartridge is empty (or must be replaced for some other reason) before the end of the limiting period of time, the disposable unit may be left in place for a longer period, while just the cartridge is replaced.

[0040] Step 608 shows detachment of the reusable unit 20 from the disposable unit 28, with the disposable unit still affixed to a surface. Step 610 shows the fluid cartridge 22a, together with the adapter 26a from the reusable unit being removed from the disposable unit.

[0041] It should be noted that if the battery charge of the reusable unit is low, the user may (at the step 608) replace the reusable unit 20 with another reusable unit that has a charged battery, then affix the charged reusable unit to the cartridge and disposable unit in order to reassemble the device 40a. Subsequently, operation would continue (at step 606) until the cartridge is empty, at which point steps 608 and 610 may be repeated, and the process continued at a step 612.

[0042] At the step 612, the user puts a replacement fluid cartridge 22b into the reusable unit 20, and then, at a step 614, the user positions a priming chamber 32 to be attached to the reusable unit 20. The priming chamber may be provided together with a new adapter 26b, which has an identical form to the first adapter 26a, a form that facilitates (and is required) for attachment of the reusable unit to the priming chamber and for subsequent attachment of the reusable unit to the disposable unit. The unit including the priming chamber with the pre-attached cartridge adapter may be referred to as a “priming unit.”

[0043] At a step 616, the user attaches the reusable unit 20 (with the replacement fluid cartridge 22b) to the priming unit.

[0044] As the adapter 26b and the priming chamber 32 are connected to the reusable unit 20 with the fluid cartridge 22b at step 616, the needle in the priming chamber 32 punctures the septum of the cartridge and allows priming of the cartridge. Attaching the adapter 26b to the reusable unit 20 may cause the drive mechanism in the reusable unit to be automatically triggered to move forward by a preset amount, forcing fluid out of the fluid cartridge 22b and through the needle in the priming chamber 32. Priming may also be done "by design" as described above. One reason for thus priming a replacement cartridge is to overcome initial friction of the cartridge plunger. Note that the main purpose of the initial priming, for a new disposable unit, is to clear air from the cannula fluid path, adifferent from the purpose of priming a replacement cartridge and one that typically requires the ejection of a larger amount of fluid.) Another reason for priming the initial and the replacement fluid cartridge is to ensure proper attachment between the reusable unit and the cartridge plunger, to avoid gaps or preloads between the reusable piston and the cartridge plunger and thereby eliminate the risk of underdose or overdose.

[0045] The main purpose of the cartridge adapter described herein is to help ensure that a user follows the required protocol for priming a replacement cartridge. As noted above, cartridge adapters are typically provided together with both the disposable units and the priming chambers. When a new disposable unit is to be used by a user, the initial fluid cartridge is therefore attached to the cartridge unit that is provided initially with the disposable unit. When the initial fluid cartridge is empty, the user must attach a new cartridge adapter to the replacement fluid cartridge. As the initial cartridge adapter is not available (disposed together with the initial cartridge), the user obtains a new cartridge adapter for the replacement cartridge by attaching the replacement fluid cartridge to the priming chamber that is provided with a new cartridge adapter. This requirement for an adapter thus directs the user to attach the replacement cartridge to a priming chamber and thus proceed to prime the replacement cartridge before attaching the reusable unit with the replacement cartridge (and the new adapter) to the disposable unit.

[0046] At a step 618, the user removes the priming chamber 32 from the reusable unit. The new cartridge adapter 26b is typically removed together with the replacement cartridge 22b and the reusable unit, given that the adapter clip (described above) fixes the adapter to the cartridge.

[0047] At a step 620, the user slides the reusable unit 20, including the fluid cartridge 22b and the adapter 26b, onto the disposable unit 28, in order to reassemble at a step 622, complete fluid delivery device 40b. The needle in the disposable unit 28 enters through the septum of the replacement fluid cartridge 22b so that delivery of the fluid (e.g., a drug such as insulin) may be continued through the cannula of the disposable unit.

[0048] EXAMPLES

[0049] A first example of the system for fluid delivery includes a fluid delivery device for ejecting fluid from a fluid cartridge. The fluid delivery device includes a reusable unit and a disposable unit. The reusable unit includes a drive mechanism for ejecting fluid from the fluid cartridge. The disposable unit has a cannula for transmitting the fluid ejected fromthe fluid cartridge to an external target such as a patient's body. The system also includes a cartridge adapter configured to facilitate a first connection between the reusable unit and the disposable unit, and, additionally, to facilitate an alternative connection between the reusable unit and a priming chamber to prime a substitute fluid cartridge.

[0050] An example 2 of the system includes features of the first example, and the cartridge adapter includes a sleeve through which a septum end of a fluid cartridge passes to attach the cartridge adapter to the fluid cartridge.

[0051] An example 3 of the system includes features of some or all of the above examples, and further includes the priming chamber. The priming chamber includes a needle for priming a fluid cartridge, and the priming chamber is configured to connect to the reusable unit by means of the cartridge adapter.

[0052] An example 4 of the system includes features of some or all of the above examples, and the reusable unit has at least one sensor for sensing the connection of the cartridge adapter and the priming chamber. The reusable unit is configured to eject fluid from the fluid cartridge to prime the fluid cartridge only when receiving a sensor indication that the cartridge adapter and the priming chamber are connected.

[0053] An example 5 of the system includes features of some or all of the above examples, and the reusable unit is configured to initiate priming of the substitute fluid cartridge upon receiving the sensor indication that the cartridge adapter and the priming chamber are connected.

[0054] An example 6 of the system includes features of some or all of the above examples, and the reusable unit is configurable with instructions for ejecting fluid to the cannula. The reusable unit has at least one sensor for sensing connection of the cartridge adapter and the disposable unit. The reusable unit is configured to implement an instruction to eject fluid from the fluid cartridge to the cannula only when receiving a sensor indication that the cartridge adapter and the disposable unit are connected.

[0055] An example 7 of the system includes features of some or all of the above examples, and the reusable unit has at least one sensor for sensing that the disposable unit is attached to a surface such as a patient's body. When the reusable unit senses that it has been attached to a disposable unit that is attached to the surface, the reusable unit ejects fluid from the fluid cartridge only if it has previously primed the fluid cartridge.

[0056] An example 8 of the system includes features of some or all of the above examples, and dimensions of the cartridge adapter, the disposable unit, and the reusable unit are configured to prevent operation of the fluid delivery device unless the disposable unit and the reusable unit are attached with the cartridge.

[0057] An example 9 of the system includes features of some or all of the above examples, and the cartridge adapter has a clip to secure the cartridge adapter to a fluid cartridge, to enforce removal of the cartridge adapter when a fluid cartridge is removed from the disposable unit.

[0058] An example 10 of the system includes features of some or all of the above examples, and further includes an adhesive of the disposable unit for affixing the disposable unit to the body.

[0059] An example 11 includes a cartridge adapter for a fluid delivery device that has1) a reusable unit including a drive mechanism for ejecting fluid from a fluid cartridge, and2) a disposable unit, including a cannula for transmitting fluid from the fluid cartridge to an external target such as a patient's body. The cartridge adapter is configured to facilitate a first connection between the reusable unit and the disposable unit, and additionally to facilitate an alternative connection between the reusable unit and a priming chamber to prime a substitute fluid cartridge.

[0060] An example 12 includes features of example 11, and the cartridge adapter further includes a sleeve for mounting the cartridge adapter over a septum end of the fluid cartridge, and a frame having connection points for facilitating the first connection to the disposable unit and the alternative connection to the priming chamber.

[0061] An example 13 includes features of example 11, and the cartridge adapter is configured to attach to a septum end of a fluid cartridge. The cartridge adapter further includes a clip to hinder removal of the cartridge adapter from the fluid cartridge after attachment.

[0062] An example 14 describes a method for replacing a fluid cartridge of a fluid delivery device, wherein the fluid delivery device includes a reusable unit and a disposable unit. The reusable unit includes a drive mechanism for ejecting fluid from a fluid cartridge. The disposable unit has a cannula for transmitting fluid from the fluid cartridge to a surface, such as a patient's body. The method includes several steps as follows:• after operation of the fluid delivery device with a first fluid cartridge, removing the reusable unit and the first fluid cartridge from the disposable unit, while the disposable unit is attached to the surface, while the fluid cartridge remains attached to a first cartridge adapter;• inserting a replacement fluid cartridge into the reusable unit and connecting the replacement fluid cartridge to a replacement cartridge adapter and to a priming chamber, to prime the replacement fluid cartridge;• detaching the priming chamber from the replacement cartridge adapter, the replacement fluid cartridge, and the reusable unit; and• connecting the reusable unit with the replacement fluid cartridge and the replacement cartridge adapter to the disposable unit still attached to the surface, for subsequent operation of the fluid delivery device with the replacement fluid cartridge.

[0063] An example 15 includes features of example 14, and the subsequent operation of the fluid delivery device includes ejecting fluid from the replacement fluid cartridge to the cannula of the disposable unit according to instructions configurable in the reusable unit.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for fluid delivery, comprising: a fluid delivery device for ejecting fluid from a fluid cartridge, the fluid delivery device comprising a reusable unit and a disposable unit, the reusable unit comprising a drive mechanism for ejecting fluid from the fluid cartridge, the disposable unit having a cannula for transmitting the fluid ejected from the fluid cartridge; and a cartridge adapter configured to facilitate a first connection between the reusable unit and the disposable unit, and, additionally, to facilitate an alternative connection between the reusable unit and a priming chamber to prime a substitute fluid cartridge.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge adapter comprises a sleeve through which a septum end of a fluid cartridge passes to attach the cartridge adapter to the fluid cartridge.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising the priming chamber, wherein the priming chamber includes a needle for priming a fluid cartridge, and wherein the priming chamber is configured to connect to the reusable unit by means of the cartridge adapter.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the reusable unit has at least one sensor for sensing the connection of the cartridge adapter and the priming chamber, and wherein the reusable unit is configured to eject fluid from the fluid cartridge to prime the fluid cartridge only when receiving a sensor indication that the cartridge adapter and the priming chamber are connected.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the reusable unit is configured to initiate priming of the substitute fluid cartridge upon receiving the sensor indication that the cartridge adapter and the priming chamber are connected.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the reusable unit is configurable with instructions for ejecting fluid to the cannula, wherein the reusable unit has at least one sensor for sensing connection of the cartridge adapter and the disposable unit, and wherein the reusable unit is configured to implement an instruction to eject fluid from the fluid cartridge to the cannula only when receiving a sensor indication that the cartridge adapter and the disposable unit are connected.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein the reusable unit has at least one sensor for sensing that the disposable unit is attached to a surface, and, wherein, when the reusable unit senses that it has been attached to a disposable unit that is attached to a surface, the reusable unit ejects fluid from the fluid cartridge only if it has previously primed the fluid cartridge.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein dimensions of the cartridge adapter, the disposable unit, and the reusable unit are configured to prevent operation of the fluid delivery device unless the disposable unit and the reusable unit are attached with the cartridge.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge adapter has a clip to secure the cartridge adapter to a fluid cartridge, to enforce removal of the cartridge adapter when a fluid cartridge is removed from the disposable unit.

10. The system for fluid delivery of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive of the disposable unit for affixing the disposable unit to a surface.

11. A cartridge adapter for a fluid delivery device that has 1) a reusable unit including a drive mechanism for ejecting fluid from a fluid cartridge, and 2) a disposable unit, including a cannula for transmitting fluid from the fluid cartridge, wherein the cartridge adapter is configured to facilitate a first connection between the reusable unit and the disposable unit, and additionally to facilitate an alternative connection between the reusable unit and a priming chamber to prime a substitute fluid cartridge.

12. The cartridge adapter of claim 11, further comprising: a sleeve, for mounting the cartridge adapter over a septum end of the fluid cartridge, and a frame having connection points for facilitating the first connection of the reusable unit to the disposable unit and the alternative connection of the reusable unit to the priming chamber.

13. The cartridge adapter of claim 11, wherein the cartridge adapter is configured to attach to a septum end of a fluid cartridge and wherein the cartridge adapter further comprises a clip to hinder removal of the cartridge adapter from the fluid cartridge after attachment.

14. A method for replacing a fluid cartridge of a fluid delivery device, wherein the fluid delivery device includes a reusable unit and a disposable unit, the reusable unit including a drive mechanism for ejecting fluid from a fluid cartridge, the disposable unit having a cannula for transmitting fluid from the fluid cartridge to a patient’s body, the method comprising: after operation of the fluid delivery device with a first fluid cartridge, removing the reusable unit and the first fluid cartridge from the disposable unit, while the disposable unit is affixed to a patient’s body, while the fluid cartridge remains attached to a first cartridge adapter; inserting a replacement fluid cartridge into the reusable unit and connecting the replacement fluid cartridge to a replacement cartridge adapter and to a priming chamber, to prime the replacement fluid cartridge; detaching the priming chamber from the replacement cartridge adapter, the replacement fluid cartridge, and the reusable unit; and connecting the reusable unit with the replacement fluid cartridge and the replacement cartridge adapter to the disposable unit still attached to the patient’s body, for subsequent operation of the fluid delivery device with the replacement fluid cartridge.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the subsequent operation of the fluid delivery device comprises ejecting fluid from the replacement fluid cartridge to the cannula of the disposable unit according to instructions configurable in the reusable unit.

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