Medicinal dosing device

Abstract

Disclosed is a dosage indicator element adapted to be arranged on a syringe for dispensing one or more dosages of a medicaments to a patient and a syringe comprising a dosage indicator element. The dosage indicator element extends along a longitudinal axis from a tip element end to an opposite plunger element end, and is adapted to be attached on the side of a barrel of the syringe, such that the longitudinal axis of the dosage indicator element and the longitudinal axis of the barrel are coinciding and such that the tip element end is arranged towards the tip end of the barrel and such that the plunger element end is arranged towards the plunger end of the barrel. The dosage indicator element comprises a plurality of dosage marks distributed along the longitudinal axis. The plurality of dosage marks includes a baseline dosage mark, a first dosage mark and a second dosage mark.

Description

[0001] MEDICINAL DOSING DEVICE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a device for aiding correct dosing of medicaments, particularly for aiding correct dosing in a stressful medical procedure, such as acute medicine, intensive care, general anaesthesia, paediatrics, trauma reception etc. The present disclosure may be particularly advantageous in situations involving infants, children, adolescents, or young adults. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device and an element to attach to a device for aiding the correct dosing of medicaments. Also, the present disclosure relates to use of the device and / or the element.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Many medicaments are to be administered based on the "size" of the patient, e.g. by body mass, by surface area, by height, by age, by body mass index (BMI) etc. It's important to follow the prescribed dosages precisely, as deviating too much from the prescribed dosage may lead to inefficient effect of the medicaments and / or greater adverse drug reaction or side-effects, which for some medicaments might be severe.

[0005] In addition to physical parameters, age and developmental factors play a pivotal role in determining the appropriate dosage for certain medications. Infants and young children, for instance, may metabolize certain drugs differently than adults, necessitating adjustments in dosage for optimal efficacy and safety.

[0006] In the preparation for medical procedures, such as such as intravenous medical interventions, thorough planning is essential. This includes the accurate preparation of medication dosages intended for use during the procedure. However, reliance on patient information is integral to this process, and in some circumstances, such as emergencies involving trauma patients or acute medical patients, limited available or inaccurate patient data may pose challenges. This may lead to the inadvertent preparation of incorrect medication dosages, potentially resulting in improper administration or requiring medical personnel to discard and redo the medication preparation process, thus resulting in delays in treatment.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a dosage indicator element adapted to be attached to a syringe for dispensing one or more dosages of a medicament to a patient, and a syringe comprising a dosage indicator element. Also, the present disclosure relates to a use of the dosage indicator element and / or the syringe in preparing a syringe for later dispensing one or more dosages of a medicament to a patient.

[0009] It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide improvements or at least alternatives to presently known techniques within the present field.

[0010] The syringe comprises a barrel extending along a longitudinal axis from a tip end to an opposite plunger end. A tip opening is arranged at the tip end of the barrel. The syringe further comprises a stopper arranged in the barrel to form a medicament compartment within the barrel between the stopper and the tip opening. The stopper is movable relative to the barrel along the longitudinal axis to alter the volume of the medicament compartment to draw the medicament into and / or dispense the medicament out of the medicament compartment through the tip opening.

[0011] The dosage indicator element extends along a longitudinal axis from a tip element end to an opposite plunger element end. The dosage indicator element is adapted to be arranged and / or attached on the side of the barrel, such that the longitudinal axis of the dosage indicator element and the longitudinal axis of the barrel are coinciding and such that the tip element end is arranged towards the tip end of the barrel and such that the plunger element end is arranged towards the plunger end of the barrel. Thus, the syringe may comprise the dosage indicator element arranged on the side of the barrel such that the tip element end is arranged towards the tip end of the barrel and such that the plunger element end is arranged towards the plunger end of the barrel.

[0012] The dosage indicator element comprises a plurality of dosage marks distributed along the longitudinal axis. The plurality of dosage marks includes a baseline dosage mark, a first dosage mark and a second dosage mark. The first dosage mark is between the baseline dosage mark and the second dosage mark. The second dosage mark is between the first dosage mark and the tip element end. The baseline dosage mark corresponds to the position of the stopper when the syringe is filled with the medicament. The first dosage mark indicates a first dosage of the medicament administered when advancing the stopper from the baseline dosage mark to the first dosage mark. The second dosage mark indicates a second dosage of the medicament administered when advancing the stopper from the baseline dosage mark to the second dosage mark.

[0013] The present invention is further defined by the appended set of claims.

[0014] The present disclosure provides the advantage that syringes may be prepared with appropriate medication regardless of the accuracy of patient information. Thereby reducing the risk of having to discard already prepared medication and redo the preparation steps after receiving the patient. Furthermore, by the present disclosure risk of erroneous dosage of medication may be reduced, and if a wrong dosage is administered it may be identified more easily and even by assistants to the health care professional performing the procedure.

[0015] The scale is intentionally designed to be inverted, meaning the syringe is ready when fully drawn up. The more medication administered, the larger the patient. The concept of the present disclosure reflects the natural correlation between dose and patient size and ensures easier administration. The inverted scale is a particularly advantageous feature because due to it the syringe and the medication can be prepared prior to receiving the patient. Thus, saving valuable preparation time.

[0016] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides for a device which can be compatible with all standard syringe sizes and can be adapted to fit various syringe types.

[0017] Additional features, which are described herein, provides further advantages in facilitating easier preparation and administration of medicament. Particularly for varying patient sizes, which is of particular importance when administering medicament to children.

[0018] GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0019] Medication errors, particularly in paediatric care, remain a critical concern, particularly in acute and emergency settings where rapid, weight-based dosing is required. Despite the high-risk nature of these scenarios, data on paediatric medication errors is lacking. International studies suggest a high frequency of such errors occur annually, with a significant proportion leading to severe harm - often due to incorrect dosage calculations.

[0020] To address this challenge, the present disclosure is provided to support healthcare professionals by simplifying and standardizing the preparation and administration of medication, particularly intravenous medication, and particularly for children. By reducing or even possibly eliminating complex calculations and integrating intuitive guidance, the present disclosure aims to reduce errors and shorten the time to treatment - especially for clinicians with limited paediatric experience.

[0021] A dosage indicator element is disclosed, and a syringe comprising the dosage indicator element is disclosed. Furthermore, use of the dosage indicator element and / or the syringe is also disclosed.

[0022] The syringe is adapted to dispense one or more dosages of a medicament to a patient. The syringe comprises a barrel extending along a longitudinal axis from a tip end to an opposite plunger end. A tip opening is arranged at the tip end of the barrel. The syringe further comprises a stopper arranged in the barrel to form a medicament compartment within the barrel between the stopper and the tip opening. The stopper is movable relative to the barrel along the longitudinal axis to alter the volume of the medicament compartment. Altering the volume of the medicament compartment may lead to drawing the medicament into the medicament compartment through the tip opening. Alternatively, or additionally, altering the volume of the medicament compartment may lead to dispensing the medicament out the medicament compartment through the tip opening.

[0023] The dosage indicator element may be attached to the syringe, e.g. the dosage indicator element may be arranged on the side of the barrel. Accordingly, the dosage indicator element may be adapted to be attached to a syringe, such as the disclosed syringe. For example, the dosage indicator element may be adapted to be arranged on the side of the barrel of the syringe. In some examples, the syringe may comprise the dosage indicator element. For example, the dosage indicator element may be directly arranged on the syringe. For example, the syringe may be manufactured with the dosage indicator element attached and / or arranged on the side of the barrel.

[0024] The syringe may comprise a plunger. The plunger may comprise the stopper and a plunger rod extending from the stopper, e.g. along the longitudinal axis, in a direction away from the tip end. The plunger rod may comprise a thumb rest, e.g. at the end opposite the stopper. The user may push or pull the plunger rod to, respectively, dispense from or draw in medicament to the medicament compartment through the tip opening.

[0025] The syringe may comprise a finger flange, e.g. at the plunger end of the barrel. The finger flange may be an integral part of the barrel.

[0026] The dosage indicator element extends along a longitudinal axis from a tip element end to an opposite plunger element end. The dosage indicator element is adapted to be attached on the side of the barrel of the syringe, e.g. such that the longitudinal axis of the dosage indicator element and the longitudinal axis of the barrel are coinciding. The dosage indicator element may further be adapted to be attached on the side of the barrel such that the tip element end is arranged towards the tip end of the barrel. The dosage indicator element may further be adapted to be attached on the side of the barrel such that the plunger element end is arranged towards the plunger end of the barrel.

[0027] The dosage indicator element may be made of polymer, such as PMMA or another suitable polymer. The dosage indicator element comprises a plurality of dosage marks distributed along the longitudinal axis. The plurality of dosage marks includes a baseline dosage mark, a first dosage mark and a second dosage mark. The first dosage mark is between the baseline dosage mark and the second dosage mark. The second dosage mark is between the first dosage mark and the tip element end. The dosage indicator element may comprise further dosage marks between each of the baseline dosage mark, the first dosage mark and the second dosage mark.

[0028] The baseline dosage mark corresponds to the position of the stopper when the syringe is filled with the medicament. The first dosage mark indicates a first dosage of the medicament administered when advancing the stopper from the baseline dosage mark to the first dosage mark. The second dosage mark indicates a second dosage of the medicament administered when advancing the stopper from the baseline dosage mark to the second dosage mark.

[0029] The dosage indicator element may comprise a visible medicament indicator. The visible medicament indicator may be indicative of the medicament and / or the concentration of the medicament and / or the required preparation (e.g. mixing ratio) of the medicament. Thus, the visible medicament indicator may comprise information of the medicament and / or the concentration of the medicament and / or the required preparation (e.g. mixing ratio) of the medicament. For example, the visible medicament indicator may be or may comprise text. The visible medicament indicator may follow standards for labels of medicaments (e.g. ISO 26825:2020, ISO 26825:2022, of ASTM D4774).

[0030] The dosage indicator element may comprise a mixing ratio indicator. The mixing ratio indicator may be an arrow or a line, which may be adapted to align with a certain position of the stopper of the syringe to achieve a desired mixing ratio of the medicament. The mixing ratio indicator may be indicative of an amount of non-diluted medicament or an amount of diluent, such as saline, to be drawn up into the medicament compartment of the syringe to achieve the desired mixing ratio. For example, the mixing ratio indicator may indicate a position of the stopper corresponding to the amount of the non-diluted medicament or diluent, when being drawn up into the medicament compartment between the stopper and the tip opening. A complementary amount of non-diluted medicament or diluent may be drawn up into the medicament compartment by withdrawing the stopper from the mixing ratio indicator to the baseline dosage mark.

[0031] In some examples non-diluted medicament may be drawn up into the medicament compartment first, and then afterwards diluent, e.g. saline, may be drawn up into the medicament compartment, e.g. to fill the syringe. Thus, the mixing ratio indicator may be indicative of the intended position of the stopper when initially drawing up non-diluted medicament, to achieve the desired mixing ratio when subsequently filling the medicament compartment with the diluent, e.g. by drawing up diluent until the stopper is positioned at the baseline dosage mark. In another example, diluent, e.g. saline, may be drawn up into the medicament compartment first, and then afterwards the medicament may be drawn up into the medicament compartment, e.g. to fill the syringe. Thus, in such situation the mixing ratio indicator may be indicative of the intended position of the stopper when initially drawing up saline, to achieve the desired mixing ratio when subsequently filling the medicament compartment with the medicament, e.g. by drawing up medicament until the stopper is positioned at the baseline dosage mark.

[0032] The first dosage mark may be indicative of a first patient weight, a first patient age and / or a first patient height corresponding to a first standard patient. The second dosage mark may be indicative of a second patient weight, a second patient age and / or a second patient height corresponding to a second standard patient. The second patient weight may be greater than the first patient weight. The second patient age may be older than the first patient age. The second patient height may be taller than the first patient height. Accordingly, in most situations, the second standard patient should be administered a greater dosage of medicament than the first standard patient.

[0033] The dosage indicator element and / or the dosage marks may be specific for a certain medicament. For example, the dosage marks and / or the information (e.g. concentration, preparation etc.) indicated by the visible medicament indicator may be provided to follow international and / or regional guidelines for the medicament, such as the medicament indicated by the visible medicament indicator. For example, the dosage marks and / or the information (e.g. concentration, preparation etc.) indicated by the visible medicament indicator may follow WHO guidelines, such as WHO model list of essential medicines and / or WHO model list of essential medicines for children. The disclosed dosage indicator element, e.g. as an add-on device to be added to a syringe, may be of particular advantage in situations where regional guidelines differ, to offer an easy way of providing medicament administration guidance to a syringe, which follows regional guidelines.

[0034] The dosage marks, such as the first dosage mark and / or the second dosage mark, may be coloured, such as colour coded, e.g. according to a known standard or de facto standard, for example, according to the well-known Broselow tape. The colours may correlate with patient height (which in turn may correlate with age and / or weight). For example, the first dosage mark may be a first colour (e.g. grey, pink, red, purple, yellow, white, blue, orange, or green) and the second dosage mark may be a second colour (e.g. grey, pink, red, purple, yellow, white, blue, orange, or green). The second colour may be different from the first colour. The dosage indicator element may be adapted to be clipped onto the side of the barrel, e.g. by relative movement substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Thereby, easy attachment of the dosage indicator element may be provided.

[0035] The dosage indicator element may have a substantially cylindrical body. The cylindrical body preferably extends along the longitudinal axis. The cylindrical body may have a sidewall. The cylindrical body may have a tip end opening at the tip element end. The cylindrical body may have a plunger end opening at the plunger element end.

[0036] The cylindrical body may, at the tip end opening and / or at the plunger end opening, form a circular arc, e.g. of more than 180 degrees, around the longitudinal axis. Preferably the circular arc is more than 220 degrees, such as more than 250 degrees.

[0037] The cylindrical body may have a slit along the longitudinal axis, e.g. from the tip end opening to the plunger end opening. The slit may allow insertion of the barrel into the cylindrical body. In other words, the slit may facilitate the attachment of the dosage indicator element to the barrel, e.g. by facilitating the dosage indicator element to be clipped onto the side of the barrel. The slit may extend from a first edge of the sidewall along the longitudinal axis to a second edge of the sidewall along the longitudinal axis. The slit may extend less than 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis. Preferably the slit extends less than 140 degrees around the longitudinal axis, such as less than 110 degrees.

[0038] The cylindrical body may have an aperture. The aperture may facilitate visibility of indications, such as dosage marks or similar, on the syringe. The aperture may form a hole in the sidewall. Alternatively, the aperture may be covered by a transparent material. The aperture may form a window in the sidewall. The aperture may have an aperture length along the longitudinal axis, e.g. between a first aperture end and a second aperture end. The aperture may have an aperture width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, e.g. between a first aperture side and a second aperture side. Preferably, the aperture length is greater than the aperture width.

[0039] The first edge of the sidewall and the first aperture side may be spaced by a first sidewall distance. The second edge of the sidewall and the second aperture side may be spaced by a second sidewall distance. The first sidewall distance may be greater than the second sidewall distance. In other words, the aperture and the slit may be asymmetrically positioned. Such asymmetrical position may provide for an enhanced ability to see the plungers position as well as any label pre-printed on the syringe itself, while maintaining structural integrity of the dosage indicator element. The dosage indicator element may comprise one or more feet, e.g. a first foot and / or a second foot. The one or more feet may extend radially from the cylindrical body. The first foot may be arranged at the plunger element end. The second foot may be arranged at the tip element end. The one or more feet may form a base (e.g. a flat base) adapted to rest on a flat surface, such as a table or a tray. The base may have a base width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The base width may extend at least 40 degrees around the longitudinal axis, such as at least 60 degrees around the longitudinal axis. The one or more feet provides the advantage that the dosage indicator element, with the syringe, may be placed on the flat surface in a position that avoids the tip of the syringe, or a needle attached to the syringe to touch the surface. Thereby, the risk of possible contamination of the syringe may be reduced.

[0040] The dosage indicator element may comprise a tip end alignment feature at the tip end opening. The tip end alignment feature may be adapted to mechanically align the tip end of the barrel of the syringe with the tip end opening of the cylindrical body. For example, the tip end alignment feature may include a radially inward protrusion adapted to abut an end surface of the tip end of the barrel.

[0041] Alternatively, or additionally, the dosage indicator element may comprise a plunger end alignment feature at the plunger end opening. The plunger end alignment feature may be adapted to mechanically align the plunger end of the barrel of the syringe with the plunger end opening of the cylindrical body. For example, the plunger end alignment feature may include a groove adapted to receive the finger flange of the syringe.

[0042] The dosage indicator element may comprise one or more break zones. The one or more break zones may facilitate mechanical breakage upon separation of the dosage indicator element from the barrel of the syringe. Provision of the one or more break zones may facilitate prevention of reuse and thereby reduction of the risk of contaminating a syringe used for a future patient. The one or more break zones may be formed by a reduced material thickness within the one or more break zones, e.g. relative to outside the break zones. Alternatively, or additionally, the one or more break zones may comprise perforations.

[0043] The dosage indicator element may comprise a slider element. The slider element may be arranged on the cylindrical body of the dosage indicator element, such as on the sidewall of the cylindrical body. The slider element may be movable, such as slidable, along the longitudinal axis, e.g. relative to the cylindrical body. The slider element may comprise a dosage selection indicator, e.g. adapted to be visually aligned with a selected dosage mark of the plurality of dosage marks.

[0044] The slider element may be covering (completely or partly) one or more dosage marks of the plurality of dosage marks, e.g. including the selected dosage mark of the plurality of dosage marks. For example, the slider element may be covering the selected dosage mark and one or more dosage marks adjacent to the selected dosage mark.

[0045] The slider element may comprise a window portion, e.g. adapted to facilitate visibility of the selected dosage mark through the window portion of the slider element. The dosage selection indicator may be provided within the window portion.

[0046] The window portion may be adapted to visually magnify the selected dosage mark. For example, the window portion may comprise a lens, such as a convex lens, adapted to visually magnify the selected dosage mark.

[0047] The slider element may comprise a plunger interface. The plunger interface may be adapted to engage with the plunger of the syringe. For example, the plunger interface may be adapted to engage with the plunger rod and / or the thumb rest of the plunger. The plunger interface may be adapted to restrict movement of the plunger along the longitudinal axis towards the tip element end. For example, the plunger interface may be adapted to restrict movement of the plunger along the longitudinal axis towards the tip element end, beyond a position corresponding to the stopper being aligned with the dosage selection indicator of the slider element. The plunger interface may be positioned a fixed distance from the dosage selection indicator.

[0048] The cylindrical body of the dosage indicator element may comprise a plurality of slide restriction elements, e.g. including a first slide restriction element and a second slide restriction element. The plurality of slide restriction elements may, for example, be protrusions, teeth or holes. The plurality of slide restriction elements may be distributed, such as evenly distributed, along the longitudinal axis. The plurality of slide restriction elements may define a plurality of discrete positions for the slider element to be positioned along the longitudinal axis.

[0049] The slider element may comprise an engagement element, e.g. adapted to engage with the plurality of slide restriction elements. The engagement element may be engaged with the first slide restriction element when the slider element is in a first position relative to the cylindrical body along the longitudinal axis. The engagement element may be engaged with the second slide restriction element when the slider element is in a second position relative to the cylindrical body along the longitudinal axis.

[0050] The plurality of slide restriction elements may be adapted to restrict movement of the engagement element, and thereby of the slider element, along the longitudinal axis, e.g. from the first slide restriction element to the second slide restriction element. The plurality of slide restriction elements may restrict movement of the engagement element by increasing the friction of movement of the engagement element between adjacent slide restriction elements, such as between the first slide restriction element to the second slide restriction element.

[0051] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that any one or more of the above aspects of this disclosure and embodiments thereof may be combined with any one or more of the other aspects of this disclosure and embodiments thereof.

[0052] A small-scale open-label pilot study has previously indicated favourable outcomes with the use of the present device with the inverted scale, including faster preparation times, fewer medication errors, and positive user feedback from healthcare professionals. These preliminary findings suggest that the present disclosure has the potential to significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of medication administration, particularly in high-stress, time-critical environments. While promising, these early results now require validation in a more structured and comparative setting. This upcoming study aims to build on the pilot's insights by systematically evaluating the device's performance across a broader group of users and clinical scenarios. The goal is to provide robust evidence that could support wider implementation and ultimately improve patient safety on a national scale.

[0053] Accordingly, a study is planned to evaluate the effectiveness of the present disclosure, with particular focus on the inverted scale providing for the syringe to be ready when fully drawn up, compared to conventional methods. Key focus areas include preparation time, time to administration, usability, and medication error rates across various clinical scenarios involving both junior and senior healthcare providers.

[0054] It is expected that participants using the present disclosure with the inverted scale to administer medication faster than those using conventional methods.

[0055] It is further expected to see a significant reduction in time required for medication preparation when using the device of the present disclosure compared to conventional methods. Traditional preparation often involves manual weight-based calculations, cross-referencing dosages, and multiple verification steps - all of which can delay treatment in time-sensitive emergencies, and in particular paediatric emergencies. The present disclosure streamlines this process, and may be even further improved by providing immediate, weight-adjusted dosing information, allowing clinicians to prepare medications faster and more accurately. This reduction in preparation time is particularly critical in high-pressure scenarios, where every second can influence clinical outcomes.

[0056] It is further expected to see an improved accuracy of administration and fewer medication errors, because of the present disclosure eliminating or at least reducing the need for on-the-spot calculations. Thereby, the rate of dosage errors is expected to decrease significantly when using the device in accordance with the present disclosure. This expected improvement is further highly relevant in resuscitation and critical care situations where weight / age estimation under pressure is prone to mistakes.

[0057] Using the device of the present disclosure is further expected to be rated more user-friendly, particularly by junior doctors and nurses, helping bridge the experience gap. Usability may be measured using a Likert scale, and it is expected that the device in accordance with the present disclosure, particularly with the inverted scale, is rated favourably due to its simplified and guided process.

[0058] The device according to the present disclosure may standardize performance, reducing the discrepancy between junior and senior clinicians in emergency care, such as in particular emergency paediatric care. Thus, facilitating consistency in clinical performance across experience levels.

[0059] Accordingly, the present disclosure also includes use of the disclosed dosage indicator element and / or the disclosed syringe in preparing a syringe (e.g. the disclosed syringe and / or a syringe comprising the disclosed dosage indicator element) with a predetermined amount of a medicament for later dispensing one or more dosages of the medicament to the patient. The present disclosure may be of particular relevance if the medicament is one of adrenalin, adenosine, atropine, fentanyl, suxamethonium, zemuron / esmeron and propofol. However, the present disclosure may also be relevant for other medicaments.

[0060] Particularly, the present invention may be beneficial when the patient is a child, because children logically vary much more in terms of height and weight than adults. Thus, the patient may be a child. For example, the patient may have an age of less than 18 years of age, such as less than 15 years of age, such as less than 12 years of age. As already described, the present invention is particularly useful when preparation of the syringe is done while the patient is not present, e.g. before the patient arrives. Thus, the patient may be not present while preparing the syringe with the predetermined amount of the medicament.

[0061] Preparing the syringe with the predetermined amount of the medicament may include drawing the medicament into the medicament compartment. Preparing the syringe with the predetermined amount of the medicament may include positioning the stopper at the baseline dosage mark. For example, preparing the syringe with the predetermined amount of the medicament may include drawing the medicament into the medicament compartment till the stopper is positioned at the baseline dosage mark.

[0062] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0063] Embodiments of the disclosure will be described in more detail in the following with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show one way of implementing the present invention and are not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.

[0064] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary syringe,

[0065] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary dosage indicator element,

[0066] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates the dosage indicator element attached to a syringe,

[0067] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates the exemplary dosage indicator element from various positions,

[0068] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates an exemplary syringe with an exemplary dosage indicator element,

[0069] Fig. 6a schematically illustrates the exemplary dosage indicator element comprising an exemplary slider element,

[0070] Fig. 6b schematically illustrates the dosage indicator element with the slider element being attached to a syringe.

[0071] Fig. 7a schematically illustrates an exemplary slider element,

[0072] Fig. 7b schematically illustrates the dosage indicator element with the exemplary slider element,

[0073] Fig. 7c schematically illustrates a plurality of exemplary slide restriction elements, Fig. 8a schematically illustrates an exemplary dosage indicator element comprising an exemplary slider element with an exemplary plunger interface, and

[0074] Fig. 8b schematically illustrates the dosage indicator element with the slider element being attached to a syringe.

[0075] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] Various exemplary embodiments and details are described hereinafter, with reference to the figures when relevant. It should be noted that the figures may or may not be drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention or as a limitation on the scope of the invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

[0077] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary syringe 10. The syringe 10 is for dispensing one or more dosages of a medicament, e.g. contained by the syringe, to a patient. The syringe 10 comprises a barrel 12 extending along a longitudinal axis L from a tip end 14 to an opposite plunger end 16. A tip opening 18 is arranged at the tip end 14 of the barrel 12. A hypodermic needle 20 may be attached at the tip opening 18. In some examples, the hypodermic needle may form part of the syringe 10, in other examples, the hypodermic needle 20 may be attached by a user, such as a healthcare provider. The syringe 10 may be a 10 mL syringe. However, the present disclosure may be embodied by other syringe sizes as well.

[0078] The syringe 10 further comprises a stopper 22. The stopper 22 is arranged in the barrel 12 to form a medicament compartment 24 within the barrel 12 between the stopper 22 and the tip opening 18. The stopper 22 is movable relative to the barrel 12 along the longitudinal axis L to alter the volume of the medicament compartment 24 to draw the medicament into and / or dispense the medicament out of the medicament compartment 24 through the tip opening 18. The syringe 10 may comprise finger flange 30 at the plunger end 16 of the barrel 12. The finger flange 30 may be an integral part of the barrel 12.

[0079] The syringe 10 may further, as also illustrated, comprise a plunger 26. The plunger 26 may comprise the stopper 22 and a plunger rod 28. The plunger rod 28 may extend from the stopper along the longitudinal axis L in a direction away from the tip end 14. The plunger rod 28 may comprise a thumb rest 32 at the end opposite the stopper 22. The user may push or pull the plunger rod 28 to, respectively, dispense from or draw in medicament to the medicament compartment 24 through the tip opening 18.

[0080] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary dosage indicator element 100. The dosage indicator element is adapted to be attached to a syringe, such as the syringe 10 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 schematically illustrates the dosage indicator element 100 being attached to the syringe 10. The dosage indicator element 100 may be made of a suitable polymer, e.g. PMMA. The dosage indicator element 100 may be partly transparent to allow visibility of the position of stopper 22 in the barrel 12 through the dosage indicator element 100. As illustrated, the dosage indicator element 100 may be attached by being clipped onto the side of the barrel 12 of the syringe 10, e.g. by relative movement substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

[0081] The dosage indicator element 100 extends along a longitudinal axis L from a tip element end 104 to an opposite plunger element end 106. The dosage indicator element 100 is adapted to be attached on the side of the barrel 12 of the syringe 10, as illustrated in Fig. 3, such that the longitudinal axis L of the dosage indicator element 100 and the longitudinal axis L of the barrel 12 are coinciding. When being attached to the syringe 10, the dosage indicator element is arranged such that the tip element end 104 is arranged towards the tip end 14 of the barrel, and such that the plunger element end 106 is arranged towards the plunger end 16 of the barrel 12.

[0082] The dosage indicator element 100 comprises a plurality of dosage marks 108 distributed along the longitudinal axis L. The plurality of dosage marks 108 includes a baseline dosage mark 110, a first dosage mark 111 and a second dosage mark 112. The baseline dosage mark 110 corresponds to the position of the stopper 22 of the syringe, when the syringe is filled with the medicament.

[0083] The first dosage mark 111 is between the baseline dosage mark 110 and the second dosage mark 112. The second dosage mark 112 is between the first dosage 111 mark and the tip element end 104. The first dosage mark 111 indicates a first dosage 114 of the medicament administered when advancing the stopper 22 from the baseline dosage mark 110 to the first dosage mark 111. The second dosage mark 112 indicates a second dosage 116 of the medicament administered when advancing the stopper 22 from the baseline dosage mark 110 to the second dosage mark 112. As can be seen, the second dosage 116 will be bigger than the first dosage 114. Thus, when using the dosage indicator element 100, it is intended that before administering the medicament, e.g. during preparation of a medical procedure, the syringe is completely (or near completely) filled with the applicable medicament, such that the stopper 22 is aligned with the baseline dosage mark 110. Then, when administering the medicament to the patient, the medical professional advances the stopper to the appropriate dosage mark on the dosage indicator element, whereby the correct amount of medicament is administered. The remaining amount of medicament may either be used for a subsequent administration to the same patient or may be disposed of after the end of the procedure.

[0084] The dosage indicator element 100, such as in the illustrated examples, may be provided in an open configuration, e.g. by way of the slit in the body and / or by way of an aperture (described later), to facilitate the visual identification of the stopper position within the barrel, and in effect to facilitate visual identification of the volume of medicament in the syringe.

[0085] The first dosage mark 111 may be indicative of a first patient weight, a first patient age, a first patient height or another conventional measure, corresponding to a first standard patient. Thus, for example, the first dosage mark 111 may correspond to a first standard patient having a weight between 10-11 kg, having a height between 73,5-84 cm or being between 12-24 months of age.

[0086] The second dosage mark 112 may be indicative of a second patient weight, a second patient age, a second patient height or another conventional measure, corresponding to a second standard patient. The second patient weight may be greater than the first patient weight. The second patient age may be older than the first patient age. The second patient height may be taller than the first patient height. Thus, for example, the second dosage mark 112 may correspond to a second standard patient having a weight between 24-29 kg, having a height between 107,5-120,5 cm or being between 5-6 years of age. Accordingly, a greater dose of medicament should be administered to the second standard patient than to the first standard patient.

[0087] While Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate the dosage indicator element 100 as being an attachable element, it should be appreciated that the syringe 10 may be provided with a dosage indicator element 100 arranged on the side of the barrel 12, e.g. as an integrated part of the syringe 10. Such dosage indicator element being arranged on the side of the barrel 12 of the syringe, may be the dosage indicator element 100 as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. However, alternatively, a dosage indicator element comprising the dosage marks 108 may be provided directly on the barrel 12. Fig. 4 schematically illustrates the exemplary dosage indicator element 100, from different positions. Fig. 4A illustrates the exemplary dosage indicator element 100 in perspective view, Fig. 4B illustrates a cross sectional view of the exemplary dosage indicator element 100 towards its tip element end 104 as indicated by the line B-B in Fig. 4A. Figs. 4C-4E illustrate the exemplary dosage indicator element 100 in a top view, a first side view, and an opposite second side view, respectively.

[0088] As mentioned previously, and as illustrated in Fig. 3, the dosage indicator element 100 may be adapted to be clipped onto the side of the barrel, e.g. by relative movement substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0089] The dosage indicator element 100, in the illustrated example, has a substantially cylindrical body 120 extending along the longitudinal axis L. The body 120 has a sidewall 122. The body 120 has a tip end opening 124 at the tip element end 104, and a plunger end opening 126 at the plunger element end 106.

[0090] As seen in Fig. 4B the body 120, at the tip end opening and at the plunger end opening, the body 120 forms a circular arc of more than 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis L. In the illustrated example the circular arc has an angle al of approximately 260 degrees.

[0091] The body 120 has a slit 128. The slit 128 extends along the longitudinal axis L from the tip end opening 124 to the plunger end opening 126. The slit 128 extends from a first edge 130 of the sidewall 122 to a second edge 132 of the sidewall 122. The first edge 130 and the second edge 132 extends along the longitudinal axis L. The slit 128 extends less than 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis L. In the illustrated example, the slit extends an angle a2 of approximately 100 degrees.

[0092] The body 120 has an aperture 134. The aperture 134 extends along the longitudinal axis L between a first aperture end 134a and a second aperture end 134b. The aperture has an aperture length La along the longitudinal axis L between the first aperture end 134a and the second aperture end 134b. The aperture 134 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L between a first aperture side 134c and a second aperture side 134d. The aperture has an aperture width Wa perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L between the first aperture side 134c and the second aperture side 134d. The aperture length La is greater than the aperture width Wa.

[0093] The first edge 130 of the sidewall 122 and the first aperture side 134c is spaced by a first sidewall distance dl. The second edge 132 of the sidewall 122 and the second aperture side 134d is spaced by a second sidewall distance d2. The first sidewall distance dl is greater than the second sidewall distance d2. In other words, and as seen, e.g. in Figs. 4B and 4C, the aperture 134 may be offset relative to the slit 128.

[0094] The aperture 134 may facilitate visibility of indications on the syringe, such as dosage marks or similar. The aperture 134 may form a hole in the sidewall 122. However, alternatively, the aperture 134 may be covered by a transparent material, such as to form a window in the sidewall 122.

[0095] The dosage indicator element 100 comprises feet 136. In some examples, the dosage indicator element 100 may comprise one foot, e.g. the two feet 136 as illustrated may be combined into one foot, e.g. extending along the length of the dosage indicator element 100. The feet 136 are extending radially from the body 120. The feet 136 are forming a base 138, such as a flat base adapted to rest on a flat surface 140, such as a flat surface parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The base has a base width Wb perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The base width Wb is longer than 40 degrees around the longitudinal axis, such as more than 60 degrees around the longitudinal axis L. The feet 136, by forming the base 138, facilitates that the dosage indicator element 100 may be placed on the flat surface 140, while avoiding the tip of the syringe or a needle attached to the syringe to touch the surface 140. Thereby, the risk of possible contamination of the syringe may be reduced.

[0096] The dosage indicator element 100 comprises a tip end alignment feature 142 at the tip end opening 124. The tip end alignment feature 142 is adapted to mechanically align the tip end of the barrel of the syringe with the tip end opening 124 of the body 120. The tip end alignment feature 142 may include a radially inward protrusion adapted to abut an end surface of the tip end of the barrel. Thus, the tip end alignment feature 142 may form an edge to engage with the tip end of the barrel.

[0097] The dosage indicator element 100 comprises a plunger end alignment feature 144 at the plunger end openingl26. The plunger end alignment feature 144 is adapted to mechanically align the plunger end of the barrel of the syringe with the plunger end opening 126 of the body 120. The plunger end alignment feature 144 may include a groove adapted to receive a finger flange of the syringe.

[0098] In some examples, the dosage indicator element need not comprise both of the tip end alignment feature 142 and the plunger end alignment feature 144. For example, the dosage indicator element 100 may comprise the tip end alignment feature 142 without the plunger end alignment feature 144, and / or the dosage indicator element 100 may comprise the plunger end alignment feature 144 without the tip end alignment feature 142. In some examples, such as the example illustrated, the tip end alignment feature 142 and / or the plunger end alignment feature 144 may form part of the feet 136.

[0099] The dosage indicator element 100 may comprise one or more break zones 146. In the illustrated example, the dosage indicator element 100 comprises two break zones 146. In some examples, the break zones may be dispensed with. The break zones 146 facilitates mechanical breakage of the dosage indicator element 100 (e.g. along the one or more break zones 146) upon separation of the dosage indicator element 100 from the barrel of the syringe. Such breakage of the dosage indicator element 100 after use may prevent reuse and thereby reduce the risk of contaminating a syringe used for a future patient if reusing the same dosage indicator element 100. In some examples, break zones may be provided as illustrated. However, alternatively or additionally, one or more break zones may be provided at other positions. The break zones 146 may be provided by a reduced material thickness within the break zones 146 (relative to outside the break zones 146), and / or by providing perforations of the material.

[0100] As described in relation to Fig. 2, the dosage indicator element 100 comprises a plurality of dosage marks 108 distributed along the longitudinal axis L. The plurality of dosage marks 108 may be provided on a first external side of the sidewall 122 of the body 120.

[0101] The dosage indicator element 100 comprises a visible medicament indicator 148, such as a text, indicative of the medicament for which the dosage marks 108 applies and / or the concentration of the medicament for which the dosage marks 108 applies. In the illustrated example the visible medicament indicator 148 indicates that the present dosage indicator element 100 is applicable for Adrenalin in a concentration of 33 pg / mL, or as formulated in the drawing as 0.33 mg dissolved in 9.67 mL NaCI (it should be understood that this refers to a NaCI solution, e.g. an isotonic IV fluid), thereby specifying the applicable mixing ratio to use. In other examples, the dosage indicator element 100 may be applicable for other medicaments (e.g. adenosine, atropine, fentanyl, suxamethonium, zemuron / esmeron, propofol, etc.) and / or in other concentrations, and the visible medicament indicator 148 may indicate correspondingly. The visible medicament indicator 148 may be provided on a second external side (e.g. opposite the first external side) of the sidewall 122 of the body 120. In the present example, the visible medicament indicator 148 is illustrated to be provided along the length of the dosage indicator element. However, it should be understood that the visible medicament indicator 148 may alternatively be provided along the width of the dosage indicator element, i.e. perpendicular to the shown example. For example, towards the plunger element end 106 of the dosage indicator element. The dosage indicator element 100 comprises an exemplary mixing ratio indicator 150. The mixing ratio indicator 150 in the illustrated example is an arrow. The mixing ratio indicator 150 is aligned with a position of the stopper corresponding to when the desired amount of the medicament, such as 0.33 mg. has been drawn up into the medicament compartment. The operator may then afterwards draw up the desired amount of NaCI, e.g. 9.67 mL, by further retracting the stopper to the position corresponding to the baseline dosage mark. Thereby, the operator is aided to achieve the desired concentration of the medicament in the syringe.

[0102] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates an exemplary syringe 10 with an exemplary dosage indicator element 100, such as the syringe 10 and dosage indicator element 100 as described above. However, it is emphasised, as already previously mentioned, that although the illustrated example illustrates the dosage indicator element 100 as an attachable element, it should be appreciated that the syringe 10 may be provided with an exemplary dosage indicator element 100 being an integrated part of the syringe 10, e.g. the dosage indicator element 100 may be pre-printed on the syringe 10, or an exemplary dosage indicator element 100 may be formed by a label being adhesively attached to the syringe 10.

[0103] Fig. 5 further illustrates an example of the dosage marks 108 provided by the dosage indicator element 100. As exemplified, the dosage indicator element 100 may comprise a plurality of dosage marks 108, such as 16 different dosage marks 201-216, as illustrated in Fig. 5. As mentioned previously, a dosage mark closer to the tip element end 104 of the dosage indicator element 100 corresponds to a greater dose of medicament than a dosage mark respectively further away from the tip element end 104, such that administering medicament from a full syringe will deliver the appropriate amount of medicament indicated by where the user stops advancement of the stopper.

[0104] The dosage marks 108 may each comprise information of patient age, patient weight and / or patient height and / or the amount of medicament administered when advancing the stopper to the respective dosage mark. Thus, for example, a first dosage mark 201 may comprise information corresponding to a new born patient, which corresponds to a patient weight of 3 kg and a patient height of up to 52 cm, and advancing the stopper from the baseline dosage mark 110 to the first dosage mark 201 corresponds to administration of an amount of the medicament appropriate for a dose to a patient corresponding to the information provided by the first dosage mark 201, i.e. a new born, a patient weight of 3 kg and / or a patient height of up to 52 cm, which in the present example may be 30 pg. This latter information may also be provided as part of the first dosage mark 201. Healthcare guidelines may dictate the preference of information to use for administering the medicament. For example, it may be preferred that medicament be administered according to the weight of the patient, while patient age is to be used in the absence of knowledge of the weight, and patient height is to be used only in the absence of both weight and height.

[0105] Similar to the first dosage mark 201, a second dosage mark 202 may comprise information corresponding to a 1-month-old patient, which corresponds to a patient weight of 4 kg and a patient height between 52-55 cm. A third dosage mark 203 may comprise information corresponding to a 2-month-old patient, which corresponds to a patient weight of 5 kg and a patient height between 55-59 cm. A fourth dosage mark 204 may comprise information corresponding to a 3-month-old patient, which corresponds to a patient weight of 6 kg and a patient height between 59-62 cm. A fifth dosage mark 205 may comprise information corresponding to a 4-month-old patient, which corresponds to a patient weight of 7 kg and a patient height between 62-66 cm. A sixth dosage mark 206 may comprise information corresponding to a 6-month-old patient, which corresponds to a patient weight of 8 kg and a patient height between 66-70 cm. A seventh dosage mark 207 may comprise information corresponding to a 9-month-old patient, which corresponds to a patient weight of 9 kg and a patient height of 70-74 cm. An eighth dosage mark 208 may comprise information corresponding to a 1 -year-old patient, which corresponds to a patient weight of 10kg and a patient height of 74-83 cm. A nineth dosage mark 209 may comprise information corresponding to a 2-year- old patient, which corresponds to a patient weight of 12 kg and a patient height of 83-94 cm. A tenth dosage mark 210 may comprise information corresponding to a 3-year-old patient, which corresponds to a patient weight of 15 kg and a patient height of 94-102 cm. An eleventh dosage mark 211 may comprise information corresponding to a 4-year-old patient, which corresponds to a patient weight of 18 kg and a patient height of 102-107 cm. A twelfth dosage mark 212 may comprise information corresponding to a 5-year-old patient, which corresponds to a patient weight of 20 kg and a patient height of 107-115 cm. A thirteenth dosage mark 213 may comprise information corresponding to a 6-year-old patient, which corresponds to a patient weight of 23 kg. and a patient height of 115-121 cm. A fourteenth dosage mark 214 may comprise information corresponding to a 7-year-old patient, which corresponds to a patient weight of 26 kg and a patient height of 121-124 cm. A fifteenth dosage mark 215 may comprise information corresponding to an 8-year-old patient, which corresponds to a patient weight of 29 kg and a patient height of 124-127. A sixteenth dosage mark 216 may comprise information corresponding to a 9-year-old patient, which corresponds to a patient weight of 32 kg and a patient height of 127-130. As also mentioned above, each of the dosage marks 201-216 may each comprise information of the amount of medicament administered when advancing the stopper to the respective dosage mark.

[0106] The dosage marks 201-216 may be coloured according to a known standard or de facto standard, for example, according to the well-known Broselow tape. In some examples, the colour code may be directly correlated to the height, accordingly, the patient height may be omitted from the dosage marks, and one may rely on the colours when administering the medicament according to the height. However, in other examples, both colours and height may be provided to facilitate flexibility of use. Thus, in the present example, the first to third dosage marks 201-203 may be grey, the fourth and fifth dosage marks 204, 205 may be pink, the sixth and seventh dosage marks 206, 207 may be red, the eighth dosage mark 208 may be purple, the nineth dosage mark 209 may be yellow, the eleventh dosage mark 211 may be white. The tenth dosage mark 210 may be half yellow and half white, as weight / age / height of the tenth dosage mark 210 falls between two colour codes. The twelfth and thirteenth dosage marks 212, 213 may be blue, the fourteenth and fifteenth dosage marks 214, 215 may be orange, and the sixteenth dosage mark 216 may be green. It should be clear that depending on the medicament as well as the size of the syringe, the individual dosage marks 108 may be differently sized, and while the order of the dosage marks 108 preferably is maintained, the number of dosage marks may be increased or decreased.

[0107] Fig. 6a schematically illustrates the exemplary dosage indicator element 100, wherein the dosage indicator element comprises an exemplary slider element 300. Fig. 6b schematically illustrates the dosage indicator element 100 with the slider element 300 being attached to the syringe 10.

[0108] The slider element 300 may be arranged on the body 120, such as on the sidewall 122 of the body 120. As will be described in more detail below, the slider element 300 may be formed by an open circular element partly surrounding the body 120.

[0109] The slider element 300 is movable along the longitudinal axis L, e.g. relative to the body 120. The slider element comprises a dosage selection indicator 302, such as an indent, a line, a crosshair, or a similar indicator. The dosage selection indicator 302 is adapted to be visually aligned with a selected dosage mark 113 of the plurality of dosage marks 108. Thereby, the slider element 300 may be slid to a position corresponding to the dosage to be administered to the patient, and the operator thereby is provided a visual indication and reminder of where to stop advancement of the plunger 26 and / or the stopper 22of the syringe 10. The slider element 300 may be covering (completely or partly) one or more dosage marks including the selected dosage mark 113 of the plurality of dosage marks 108. In some examples, the slider element 300 may cover one or more dosage marks adjacent to the selected dosage mark 113. As illustrated, in the present example, the slider element 300 may comprise a window portion 304. The window portion 304 is adapted to facilitate visibility of the selected dosage mark 113 through the window portion 304, and thereby through the slider element 300. The window portion 304 may be formed by a transparent material, such as a transparent plastic material or glass. In some examples, the window portion 304 may be formed by an opening in the slider element. As illustrated, the dosage selection indicator 302 may be provided within the window portion 302. Alternatively, or additionally, the dosage selection indicator 302 may be provided outside of the window portion 302. For example, the dosage selection indicator 302 may be provided on the outside of the slider element 300, and / or the dosage selection indicator 302 may be formed by an indent in the edge of the slider element 300.

[0110] The window portion 304 may be adapted to visually magnify the dosage mark, such as the selected dosage mark 113, located under the window portion 304. For example, the window portion 304 may comprise or may form a lens, such as a convex lens, adapted to visually magnify the dosage mark, such as the selected dosage mark 113, located under the window portion 304.

[0111] Fig. 7a schematically illustrates the exemplary slider element 300. Fig. 7b schematically illustrates the dosage indicator element 100 with the exemplary slider element 300.

[0112] As illustrated in Figs. 7a and 7b, the slider element 300 may be formed of a part circle, e.g. a circular arc, spanning an angle of more than 180 degrees, such as more than 210 degrees, such as more than 240 degrees. Thus, the slider element 300 may be slid or clasped onto the body 120, and because of the slider element 300 spanning an angle of more than 180 degrees it is retained on the body 120.

[0113] The body 120 may comprise one or more anti-rotation elements 150, which may restrict rotation around the longitudinal axis L of the slider element 300 relative to the body. In some examples, only a single anti-rotation element 150 may be provided. For example, such single anti-rotation element 150 may restrict rotation in both directions around the longitudinal axis L.

[0114] The dosage indicator element 100 may comprise features to restrict the movement of the slider element 300 along the longitudinal axis L. For example, such that the risk of unintentional movement of the slider element 300, e.g. due to gravity or simple handling of the dosage indicator element 100, is reduced. However, the dosage indicator element 100 should still be movable along the longitudinal axis when indented. Thus, the dosage indicator element 100 may be adapted such that a certain force is needed to move the slider element along the longitudinal axis L.

[0115] For example, the body 120 may comprise a plurality of slide restriction elements 152, e.g. as illustrated in Fig. 7c. In the illustrated example, the slide restriction elements 152 are provided on the inside of one of the anti-rotation elements 150. However, it is emphasized that that slide restriction elements 152 equally could be formed on other parts of the body 120 which is in contact with the slider element 300. In the illustrated example, the slide restriction elements 152 are formed by a plurality of indents, essentially forming a toothed rack. The plurality of slide restriction elements 152 may be distributed, such as equally distributed, along the longitudinal axis L. The slide restriction elements 152 may define a plurality of discrete positions for the slider element along the longitudinal axis L. The slide restriction elements 152 includes a first slide restriction element 152a and a second slide restriction element 152b.

[0116] The slider element 300, as illustrated in Fig. 7a, may comprise an engagement element 306 adapted to engage with the slide restriction elements 152 of the body 120. The engagement element 306 may be adapted to cooperate with the slide restriction elements 152. Thus, the engagement element 306 may be formed according to the type of slide restriction elements 152. For example, as illustrated, the engagement element 306 may be a protruding portion adapted to engage with the indents forming the slide restriction elements 152 in the present example. However, alternatively, the slide restriction elements 152 may be formed by holes, and the engagement element 306 may be formed by a pin adapted to protrude into one of the holes forming the slide restriction elements 152. Other alternative slide restriction elements 152 and engagement elements 306 known to the skilled person may alternatively be used.

[0117] When the engagement element 306 is engaged with one slide restriction element 152, the slider element 300 is in a corresponding position relative to the body 120 along the longitudinal axis L. For example, when the engagement element 306 is engaged with the first slide restriction element 152a, the slider element 300 is in a first position relative to the body 120 along the longitudinal axis L, and when the engagement element 306 is engaged with the second slide restriction element 152b, the slider element 300 is in a second position relative to the body 120 along the longitudinal axis L.

[0118] The plurality of slide restriction elements 152 restricts movement of the engagement element 306 along the longitudinal axis L, e.g. by increasing friction. For example, as may be realised from the illustrated example, the engagement element 306 has to be forced over an edge of a respective slide restriction element 152 to be moved to an adjacent slide restriction element 152, e.g. from the first slide restriction element 152a to the second slide restriction element 152b, or vice versa. Thereby, movement of the slider element 300 along the longitudinal axis is restricted. In another alternative embodiments, a pin (i.e. an alternative engagement element 306) may need to be disengaged from a hole (i.e. an alternative slide restriction element 152) to allow movement of the slider element 300 along the longitudinal axis.

[0119] Fig. 8a schematically illustrates the exemplary dosage indicator element 100 with an exemplary slider element 300'. The exemplary slider element 300' comprises the same features as the slider element 300 as illustrated in Figs. 6a and 6b and may comprise the features also described in relation to Figs. 7a-7c. However, additionally, the slider element 300' as illustrated in Fig. 8a comprises a plunger interface 308. Fig. 8b schematically illustrates the dosage indicator element 100 with the slider element 300' being attached to the syringe 10.

[0120] The plunger interface may be adapted to engage with the plunger 26 of the syringe 10. For example, the plunger interface may be adapted to engage with the plunger rod 28 and / or the thumb rest 32 of the syringe 10. The plunger interface 308 is adapted to restrict movement of the plunger 26 along the longitudinal axis L towards the tip element end 104. For example, the plunger interface 308 may be adapted to restrict movement of the plunger 26 beyond a position corresponding to the stopper being at the position of the dosage selection indicator 302.

[0121] The plunger interface 308 may be positioned a fixed distance from the dosage selection indicator 302. The fixed distance may correspond to the length of the plunger rod 28, thereby, when the stopper 22 reaches the position corresponding to the dosage selection indicator 302, and thereby to the position where the desired amount of medicament has been expelled from the syringe 10, the plunger interface 308 restricts, or even prevents, further movement of the plunger 26 and thereby of the stopper 22 along the longitudinal axis L. Effectively restricting and / or preventing expelling further medicament from the syringe 10, thereby reducing the risk of overdosing the medicament.

[0122] It may be particularly advantageous to provide the slider element 300' having the plunger interface 308, with the features described in relation to Figs. 7a-7c, restricting the movement of the slider element 300' along the longitudinal axis L, to thereby provide an enhanced tactile indication for the healthcare provider when further advancement of the plunger is restricted by the plunger interface 308. ITEMS

[0123] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are set out in the following items:

[0124] 1. A dosage indicator element adapted to be attached to a syringe for dispensing one or more dosages of a medicaments to a patient, wherein the syringe comprises a barrel extending along a longitudinal axis from a tip end to an opposite plunger end, wherein a tip opening is arranged at the tip end of the barrel, and wherein the syringe comprises a stopper arranged in the barrel to form a medicament compartment within the barrel between the stopper and the tip opening, the stopper being movable relative to the barrel along the longitudinal axis to alter the volume of the medicament compartment to draw the medicament into and / or dispense the medicament out of the medicament compartment through the tip opening, wherein the dosage indicator element extends along a longitudinal axis from a tip element end to an opposite plunger element end, and is adapted to be attached and / or arranged on the side of the barrel, such that the longitudinal axis of the dosage indicator element and the longitudinal axis of the barrel are coinciding and such that the tip element end is arranged towards the tip end of the barrel and such that the plunger element end is arranged towards the plunger end of the barrel, and wherein the dosage indicator element comprises a plurality of dosage marks distributed along the longitudinal axis, the plurality of dosage marks including a baseline dosage mark, a first dosage mark and a second dosage mark, wherein the first dosage mark is between the baseline dosage mark and the second dosage mark, and wherein the second dosage mark is between the first dosage mark and the tip element end, wherein the baseline dosage mark corresponds to the position of the stopper when the syringe is filled with the medicament, wherein the first dosage mark indicates a first dosage of the medicament administered when advancing the stopper from the baseline dosage mark to the first dosage mark, and wherein the second dosage mark indicates a second dosage of the medicament administered when advancing the stopper from the baseline dosage mark to the second dosage mark.

[0125] 2. Dosage indicator element according to item 1 comprising a visible medicament indicator indicative of the medicament and / or the concentration of the medicament. 3. Dosage indicator element according to any of the preceding items wherein the first dosage mark is indicative of a first patient weight, a first patient age and / or a first patient height corresponding to a first standard patient.

[0126] 4. Dosage indicator element according to item 3 wherein the second dosage mark is indicative of a second patient weight, a second patient age and / or a second patient height corresponding to a second standard patient, wherein the second patient weight is greater than the first patient weight, the second patient age is older than the first patient age and the second patient height is taller than the first patient height.

[0127] 5. Dosage indicator element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the dosage indicator element is adapted to be clipped onto the side of the barrel by relative movement substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0128] 6. Dosage indicator element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the dosage indicator element has a substantially cylindrical body extending along the longitudinal axis, the cylindrical body having a sidewall, a tip end opening at the tip element end, and a plunger end opening at the plunger element end.

[0129] 7. Dosage indicator element according to item 6, wherein the cylindrical body at the tip end opening and / or at the plunger end opening forms a circular arc of more than 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis, preferably the circular arc is more than 220 degrees, such as more than 250 degrees.

[0130] 8. Dosage indicator element according to any of items 6-7, wherein the cylindrical body has a slit along the longitudinal axis from the tip end opening to the plunger end opening, the slit extends from a first edge of the sidewall along the longitudinal axis to a second edge of the sidewall along the longitudinal axis, the slit extends less than 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis, preferably the slit extends less than 140 degrees around the longitudinal axis, such as less than 110 degrees.

[0131] 9. Dosage indicator element according to any of items 6-8, wherein the cylindrical body has an aperture having an aperture length along the longitudinal axis between a first aperture end and a second aperture end and an aperture width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between a first aperture side and a second aperture side, and wherein the aperture length is greater than the aperture width. 1

[0132] 10. Dosage indicator element according to item 9 as dependent on item 8, wherein the first edge of the sidewall and the first aperture side is spaced by a first sidewall distance, and the second edge of the sidewall and the second aperture side is spaced by a second sidewall distance, and wherein the first sidewall distance is greater than the second sidewall distance.

[0133] 11. Dosage indicator element according to any of items 6-10, wherein the dosage indicator element comprises one or more feet extending radially from the cylindrical body, the one or more feet forming a base (e.g. a flat base) adapted to rest on a flat surface, the base having a base width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and extending at least 40 degrees around the longitudinal axis, such as at least 60 degrees around the longitudinal axis.

[0134] 12. Dosage indicator element according to any of items 6-11, wherein the dosage indicator element comprises a tip end alignment feature at the tip end opening, the tip end alignment feature being adapted to mechanically align the tip end of the barrel of the syringe with the tip end opening of the cylindrical body.

[0135] 13. Dosage indicator element according to item 12, wherein the tip end alignment feature includes a radially inward protrusion adapted to abut an end surface of the tip end of the barrel.

[0136] 14. Dosage indicator element according to any of items 6-13, wherein the dosage indicator element comprises a plunger end alignment feature at the plunger end opening, the plunger end alignment feature being adapted to mechanically align the plunger end of the barrel of the syringe with the plunger end opening of the cylindrical body.

[0137] 15. Dosage indicator element according to item 14, wherein the plunger end alignment feature includes a groove adapted to receive a finger flange of the syringe.

[0138] 16. Dosage indicator element according to any of the preceding items comprising one or more break zones facilitating mechanical breakage upon separation of the dosage indicator element from the barrel of the syringe.

[0139] 17. Dosage indicator element according to any of the preceding items, wherein the dosage indicator element is made of PMMA.

[0140] 18. Dosage indicator element according to any of the preceding items comprising a slider element movable along the longitudinal axis, the slider element comprising a dosage selection indicator adapted to be visually aligned with a selected dosage mark of the plurality of dosage marks.

[0141] 19. Dosage indicator element according to item 18, wherein the slider element is covering one or more dosage marks including the selected dosage mark of the plurality of dosage marks, and wherein the slider element comprises a window portion adapted to facilitate visibility of the selected dosage mark through the window portion of the slider element.

[0142] 20. Dosage indicator element according to item 19, wherein the dosage selection indicator is provided within the window portion.

[0143] 21. Dosage indicator element according to any of items 19-20, wherein the window portion comprises a lens adapted to visually magnify the selected dosage mark.

[0144] 22. Dosage indicator element according to any of items 18-21, wherein the slider element comprises a plunger interface adapted to engage with a plunger of the syringe, and wherein the plunger interface is adapted to restrict movement of the plunger along the longitudinal axis towards the tip element end.

[0145] 23. Dosage indicator element according to item 22, wherein the plunger interface is positioned a fixed distance from the dosage selection indicator.

[0146] 24. Dosage indicator element according to any of items 18-23, wherein the cylindrical body comprises a plurality of slide restriction elements including a first slide restriction element and a second slide restriction element, the plurality of slide restriction elements being distributed along the longitudinal axis, and wherein the slider element comprises an engagement element adapted to engage with the plurality of slide restriction elements, such that when the engagement element is engaged with the first slide restriction element the slider element is in a first position relative to the cylindrical body along the longitudinal axis, and when the engagement element is engaged with the second slide restriction element the slider element is in a second position relative to the cylindrical body along the longitudinal axis.

[0147] 25. Dosage indicator element according to item 23, wherein the plurality of slide restriction elements are adapted to restrict movement of the engagement element along the longitudinal axis. 26. Dosage indicator element according to any of the preceding items comprising a mixing ratio indicator adapted to align with a position of the stopper to achieve a desired mixing ration of the medicament.

[0148] 27. A syringe for dispensing one or more dosages of a medicament to a patient, the syringe comprises a barrel extending along a longitudinal axis from a tip end to an opposite plunger end, wherein a tip opening is arranged at the tip end of the barrel, the syringe further comprising a stopper arranged in the barrel to form a medicament compartment within the barrel between the stopper and the tip opening, the stopper being movable relative to the barrel along the longitudinal axis to alter the volume of the medicament compartment to draw the medicament into and / or dispense the medicament out of the medicament compartment through the tip opening, wherein the syringe comprises a dosage indicator element according to any of the preceding items being arranged on the side of the barrel.

[0149] 28. A syringe for dispensing one or more dosages of a medicament to a patient, the syringe comprises a barrel extending along a longitudinal axis from a tip end to an opposite plunger end, wherein a tip opening is arranged at the tip end of the barrel, the syringe further comprising a stopper arranged in the barrel to form a medicament compartment within the barrel between the stopper and the tip opening, the stopper being movable relative to the barrel along the longitudinal axis to alter the volume of the medicament compartment to draw the medicament into and / or dispense the medicament out of the medicament compartment through the tip opening, wherein the syringe comprises a dosage indicator element extending along the longitudinal axis from a tip element end to an opposite plunger element end, the dosage indicator element being arranged on the side of the barrel such that the tip element end is arranged towards the tip end of the barrel and such that the plunger element end is arranged towards the plunger end of the barrel, and the dosage indicator element comprising a plurality of dosage marks distributed along the longitudinal axis, the plurality of dosage marks including a baseline dosage mark, a first dosage mark and a second dosage mark, wherein the first dosage mark is between the baseline dosage mark and the second dosage mark, and wherein the second dosage mark is between the first dosage mark and the tip element end, wherein the baseline dosage mark corresponds to the position of the stopper when the syringe is filled with the medicament, wherein the first dosage mark indicates a first dosage of the medicament administered when advancing the stopper from the baseline dosage mark to the first dosage mark, and wherein the second dosage mark indicates a second dosage of the medicament administered when advancing the stopper from the baseline dosage mark to the second dosage mark.

[0150] 29. Syringe according to any of items 27-28 comprising a plunger, the plunger comprising the stopper and a plunger rod extending from the stopper along the longitudinal axis in a direction away from the tip end.

[0151] 30. Syringe according to any of items 27-29 comprising a finger flange at the plunger end of the barrel.

[0152] 31. Use of the dosage indicator element according to any of items 1-26 in preparing the syringe with a predetermined amount of the medicament for later dispensing the one or more dosages of the medicament to the patient.

[0153] 32. Use of the syringe according to any of items 27-30 in preparing the syringe with a predetermined amount of the medicament for later dispensing the one or more dosages of the medicament to the patient.

[0154] 33. Use according to any of items 31-32, wherein the patient is a child, e.g. has an age of less than 18 years of age, such as less than 15 years of age, such as less than 12 years of age.

[0155] 34. Use according to any of items 31-33, wherein the patient is not present while preparing the syringe.

[0156] 35. Use according to any of items 31-34, wherein preparing the syringe with the predetermined amount of the medicament includes drawing the medicament into the medicament compartment and positioning the stopper at the baseline dosage mark.

[0157] 35. Use according to any of items 30-34, wherein the medicament is one of adrenalin, adenosine, atropine, fentanyl, suxamethonium, zemuron / esmeron and propofol. The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, and alterations and modifications can be carried out without deviating from the scope of the invention.

[0158] Throughout the description, the use of the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary" etc. does not imply any particular order of importance, but are included to identify individual elements. Furthermore, the labelling of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element and vice versa.

[0159] LIST OF REFERENCES

[0160] 10 syringe

[0161] 12 barrel

[0162] 14 tip end

[0163] 16 plunger end

[0164] 18 tip end opening

[0165] 20 needle

[0166] 22 stopper

[0167] 24 medicament compartment

[0168] 26 plunger

[0169] 28 plunger rod

[0170] 30 finger flange

[0171] 32 thumb rest

[0172] 100 dosage indicator element

[0173] 104 tip element end

[0174] 106 plunger element end

[0175] 108 dosage marks

[0176] 110 baseline dosage mark

[0177] 111 first dosage mark

[0178] 112 second dosage mark

[0179] 113 selected dosage mark

[0180] 114 first dosage

[0181] 116 second dosage

[0182] 120 body

[0183] 122 sidewall

[0184] 124 tip end opening

[0185] 126 plunger end opening

[0186] 128 slit

[0187] 130 first edge

[0188] 132 second edge

[0189] 134 aperture

[0190] 136 feet

[0191] 138 base

[0192] 140 flat surface 142 tip end alignment feature

[0193] 144 plunger end alignment feature

[0194] 146 break zone

[0195] 148 medicament indicator 150 mixing ratio indicator

[0196] 201-216 dosage mark

[0197] 300 slider element

[0198] 302 dosage selection indicator

[0199] 304 window portion 306 engagement element

[0200] 308 plunger interface

[0201] L longitudinal axis

Claims

CLAIMS1. A dosage indicator element adapted to be attached to a syringe for dispensing one or more dosages of a medicaments to a patient, wherein the syringe comprises a barrel extending along a longitudinal axis from a tip end to an opposite plunger end, wherein a tip opening is arranged at the tip end of the barrel, and wherein the syringe comprises a stopper arranged in the barrel to form a medicament compartment within the barrel between the stopper and the tip opening, the stopper being movable relative to the barrel along the longitudinal axis to alter the volume of the medicament compartment to draw the medicament into and / or dispense the medicament out of the medicament compartment through the tip opening, wherein the dosage indicator element extends along a longitudinal axis from a tip element end to an opposite plunger element end, and is adapted to be attached on the side of the barrel, such that the longitudinal axis of the dosage indicator element and the longitudinal axis of the barrel are coinciding and such that the tip element end is arranged towards the tip end of the barrel and such that the plunger element end is arranged towards the plunger end of the barrel, and wherein the dosage indicator element comprises a plurality of dosage marks distributed along the longitudinal axis, the plurality of dosage marks including a baseline dosage mark, a first dosage mark and a second dosage mark, wherein the first dosage mark is between the baseline dosage mark and the second dosage mark, and wherein the second dosage mark is between the first dosage mark and the tip element end, wherein the baseline dosage mark corresponds to the position of the stopper when the syringe is filled with the medicament, wherein the first dosage mark indicates a first dosage of the medicament administered when advancing the stopper from the baseline dosage mark to the first dosage mark, and wherein the second dosage mark indicates a second dosage of the medicament administered when advancing the stopper from the baseline dosage mark to the second dosage mark.

2. Dosage indicator element according to claim 1 comprising a visible medicament indicator indicative of the medicament and / or the concentration of the medicament.

3. Dosage indicator element according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first dosage mark is indicative of a first patient weight, a first patient age and / or a first patient height corresponding to a first standard patient.

4. Dosage indicator element according to claim 3 wherein the second dosage mark is indicative of a second patient weight, a second patient age and / or a second patient height corresponding to a second standard patient, wherein the second patient weight is greater than the first patient weight, the second patient age is older than the first patient age and the second patient height is taller than the first patient height.

5. Dosage indicator element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dosage indicator element is adapted to be clipped onto the side of the barrel by relative movement substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

6. Dosage indicator element according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dosage indicator element has a substantially cylindrical body extending along the longitudinal axis, the cylindrical body having a sidewall, a tip end opening at the tip element end, and a plunger end opening at the plunger element end.

7. Dosage indicator element according to claim 6, wherein the cylindrical body at the tip end opening and / or at the plunger end opening forms a circular arc of more than 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis, preferably the circular arc is more than 220 degrees, such as more than 250 degrees.

8. Dosage indicator element according to any of claims 6-7, wherein the cylindrical body has a slit along the longitudinal axis from the tip end opening to the plunger end opening, the slit extends from a first edge of the sidewall along the longitudinal axis to a second edge of the sidewall along the longitudinal axis, the slit extends less than 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis, preferably the slit extends less than 140 degrees around the longitudinal axis, such as less than 110 degrees.

9. Dosage indicator element according to any of claims 6-8, wherein the cylindrical body has an aperture having an aperture length along the longitudinal axis between a first aperture end and a second aperture end and an aperture width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between a first aperture side and a second aperture side, and wherein the aperture length is greater than the aperture width.

10. Dosage indicator element according to claim 9 as dependent on claim 8, wherein the first edge of the sidewall and the first aperture side is spaced by a first sidewall distance, and the second edge of the sidewall and the second aperture side is spaced by a second sidewall distance, and wherein the first sidewall distance is greater than the second sidewall distance.

11. Dosage indicator element according to any of claims 6-10, wherein the dosage indicator element comprises one or more feet extending radially from the cylindrical body, the one or more feet forming a base (e.g. a flat base) adapted to rest on a flat surface, the base having a base width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and extending at least 40 degrees around the longitudinal axis, such as at least 60 degrees around the longitudinal axis.

12. Dosage indicator element according to any of claims 6-11, wherein the dosage indicator element comprises a tip end alignment feature at the tip end opening, the tip end alignment feature being adapted to mechanically align the tip end of the barrel of the syringe with the tip end opening of the cylindrical body, and optionally wherein the tip end alignment feature includes a radially inward protrusion adapted to abut an end surface of the tip end of the barrel.

13. Dosage indicator element according to any of claims 6-12, wherein the dosage indicator element comprises a plunger end alignment feature at the plunger end opening, the plunger end alignment feature being adapted to mechanically align the plunger end of the barrel of the syringe with the plunger end opening of the cylindrical body, and optionally wherein the plunger end alignment feature includes a groove adapted to receive a finger flange of the syringe.

14. Dosage indicator element according to any of the preceding claims comprising one or more break zones facilitating mechanical breakage upon separation of the dosage indicator element from the barrel of the syringe.

15. Dosage indicator element according to any of the preceding claims comprising a slider element movable along the longitudinal axis, the slider element comprising a dosage selection indicator adapted to be visually aligned with a selected dosage mark of the plurality of dosage marks.

16. Dosage indicator element according to claim 15, wherein the slider element is covering one or more dosage marks including the selected dosage mark of the plurality of dosage marks, and wherein the slider element comprises a window portion adapted to facilitate visibility of the selected dosage mark through the window portion of the slider element.

17. Dosage indicator element according to claim 16, wherein the dosage selection indicator is provided within the window portion.

18. Dosage indicator element according to any of claims 16-17, wherein the window portion comprises a lens adapted to visually magnify the selected dosage mark.

19. Dosage indicator element according to any of claims 15-18, wherein the slider element comprises a plunger interface adapted to engage with a plunger of the syringe, and wherein the plunger interface is adapted to restrict movement of the plunger along the longitudinal axis towards the tip element end.

20. Dosage indicator element according to claim 19, wherein the plunger interface is positioned a fixed distance from the dosage selection indicator.

21. Dosage indicator element according to any of claims 15-20, wherein the cylindrical body comprises a plurality of slide restriction elements including a first slide restriction element and a second slide restriction element, the plurality of slide restriction elements being distributed along the longitudinal axis, and wherein the slider element comprises an engagement element adapted to engage with the plurality of slide restriction elements, such that when the engagement element is engaged with the first slide restriction element the slider element is in a first position relative to the cylindrical body along the longitudinal axis, and when the engagement element is engaged with the second slide restriction element the slider element is in a second position relative to the cylindrical body along the longitudinal axis.

22. Dosage indicator element according to claim 21, wherein the plurality of slide restriction elements are adapted to restrict movement of the engagement element along the longitudinal axis.

23. Dosage indicator element according to any of the preceding claims comprising a mixing ratio indicator adapted to align with a position of the stopper to achieve a desired mixing ration of the medicament.

24. Use of the dosage indicator element according to any of the preceding claims in preparing the syringe with the medicament for later dispensing the one or more dosages of the medicament to the patient.

25. Use according to claim 24, wherein the patient is not present while preparing the syringe.

26. A syringe for dispensing one or more dosages of a medicament to a patient, the syringe comprises a barrel extending along a longitudinal axis from a tip end to an opposite plunger end, wherein a tip opening is arranged at the tip end of the barrel, the syringe further comprising a stopper arranged in the barrel to form a medicament compartment within the barrel between the stopper and the tip opening, the stopper being movable relative to the barrel along the longitudinal axis to alter the volume of the medicament compartment to draw the medicament into and / or dispense the medicament out of the medicament compartment through the tip opening, wherein the syringe comprises a dosage indicator element according to any of claims 1-23 being arranged on the side of the barrel.

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