Device for administering a liquid product into an eye
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FPC STUDIO
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-02
Smart Images
Figure EP2025088587_02072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] DEVICE FOR ADMINISTERING A LIQUID PRODUCT INTO AN EYE
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present invention relates to the general technical field of administering a liquid product to ocular tissues.
[0004] More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of devices for administering drops into the eye of a patient for the treatment of a pathology such as glaucoma.
[0005] In particular, the present invention relates to a medical device for administering a liquid ophthalmic composition - such as eye drops - into the eye of a patient.
[0006] PRESENTATION OF PRIOR ART
[0007] We know of administration devices that allow a liquid product - such as eye drops - to be stored and distributed in the form of drops into a patient's eye.
[0008] These devices are used particularly in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.
[0009] Such devices typically include:
[0010] - a container intended to receive the liquid product,
[0011] a dispensing head whose actuation allows the ejection of a drop of liquid product at the level of a nozzle of the dispensing head.
[0012] The principle of using such a device in the case of administering a liquid ocular preparation is as follows.
[0013] When the user wishes to obtain a dose:
[0014] - He positions his head back,
[0015] - he places the administration device above his eye, and
[0016] - it activates the dispensing head which ejects a drop of liquid product. However, applying a liquid product into a patient's eye using an administration device presents considerable difficulties, especially when done by the patient himself.
[0017] Indeed, not all patients find it easy to apply a drop of liquid to their own eye. This is partly due to the fact that they have to tilt their head back and then let the drop fall into their eye from above. This procedure is particularly difficult for children and the elderly.
[0018] It also happens frequently that a patient accidentally inserts the tip of the dispensing head into their eye. This can cause contamination of the liquid product in the container with microorganisms naturally present on the patient's eye.
[0019] Another disadvantage is that the drop of liquid product is initially applied only to a small area of the cornea of the eye, which is perceived as unpleasant due to the local pressure generated on the surface of the eye.
[0020] Another drawback is that the patient cannot tell for themselves whether or not they have successfully administered the prescribed amount of liquid. Generally, a patient only notices if the liquid has reached the target organ when an excessive amount of liquid flows from their eye. However, administering an excessive amount of liquid leads to a medication overdose, which can cause undesirable systemic side effects. This is because the excess liquid is quickly drained through the tear ducts, which open into the nasal passages, and then swallowed. The active ingredients in the eye drops then pass into the bloodstream and can cause adverse effects. Administering an excessive amount of liquid also results in wasted medication.
[0021] Another drawback is that the patient must consciously resist their blinking reflex when administering a drop of the liquid product into their eye. If they fail to do so, the liquid will run onto their eyelid instead of their cornea, which can lead to an under-dosage of the liquid product and potentially reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
[0022] Another drawback of this method is that it can cause short-term eye irritation at the instillation site.
[0023] These problems are becoming particularly critical:
[0024] - in cases, for example, where high intraocular pressures such as those due to glaucoma require the regular application of medication in the form of eye drops to reduce the pressure to normal levels in order to slow or stop the progression of the disease and thus prevent blindness, and / or
[0025] - in cases where medication in the form of eye drops is needed to restore vision after eye surgery.
[0026] Patients may also need to apply multiple eye drop medications, with each eye drop medication having a different shape and size of eye drop dispenser.
[0027] One aim of the present invention is to provide a device for administering a liquid product into a patient's eye, thereby overcoming at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages.
[0028] Indeed, it has been shown that the primary cause of failure in patients undergoing drug treatment for an eye condition requiring daily eye drops is poor patient adherence. Good adherence is based on regularly taking medication at the correct dose. Given the significant number of drawbacks associated with the traditional administration of eye drops, as listed above, patient adherence often deteriorates rapidly. Poor adherence has dramatic consequences both for individuals and the population as a whole. In a patient, it can lead to disease progression without them even realizing it, and in the case of glaucoma, this can result in partial or total vision loss. At the population level, poor adherence is responsible for considerable waste and very high, avoidable expenses.Indeed, if poor adherence leads to disease progression, the physician will often opt for more invasive, costly, and less well-tolerated treatments such as surgery. Globally, this represents very high amounts of avoidable expenses. It also means a significant number of patients whose disease progresses when it could be stabilized. Poor adherence is therefore a major public health issue. In the case of eye drops, the difficulty of administration is the primary reason for patient disengagement. The present invention aims to reduce the impact of poor adherence and thus make a significant contribution to healthcare cost savings and slow the progression of certain eye diseases.
[0029] In particular, one aim of the present invention is to provide a liquid product delivery device to help patients accurately instill an appropriate amount of liquid product.
[0030] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0031] To this end, the invention proposes a device for administering a liquid product into a patient's eye, remarkable in that the device comprises:
[0032] - a housing including an outlet opening,
[0033] - a nebulizer, housed within the casing, to produce a mist of particles from at least one drop of the liquid product,
[0034] - a blower, housed within the casing, to generate an airflow
[0035] - a traffic channel for traffic:
[0036] o of the mist generated by the nebulizer on the one hand, and
[0037] o of the airflow generated by the blower, on the other hand,
[0038] with the blower positioned upstream of the nebulizer, and the nebulizer positioned upstream of the outlet opening,
[0039] so that when the delivery device is activated, the particle mist produced by the nebulizer is directed, through the circulation channel, towards the outlet opening by the airflow generated by the blower. Preferred but non-limiting aspects of the delivery device according to the invention are as follows:
[0040] - The case may include:
[0041] o a substantially flat background configured to be opposite the upper face of a horizontal support when the device is placed on said support,
[0042] o an upper wall opposite the bottom,
[0043] o an inlet opening, provided in the upper wall, for receiving said and at least one drop of liquid product, the nebulizer being positioned under the inlet opening, and extending in a plane parallel to the bottom, so that when the administration device is placed on the horizontal support, the plane of the nebulizer is substantially horizontal;
[0044] - the inlet opening may include a through hole and a conical flare provided at the level of the through hole, said conical flare allowing to guide said and at least one drop of liquid product towards the nebulizer;
[0045] - the device may further include an eyepiece including at least one side wall open at both ends, one end being connected to the exit opening, and the other opposite end being intended to come into contact with an orbit of the patient;
[0046] - the device may further include a control and processing unit to operate the nebulizer and the blower during the instillation of the liquid product into the patient's eye, said control and processing unit being configured to perform the following operations successively:
[0047] o activate the blower to generate airflow, then
[0048] o activate the nebulizer to produce the particle mist, then o deactivate the nebulizer, then
[0049] to turn off the fan;
[0050] - the control and processing unit can be configured to detect the presence of liquid product on the nebulizer;
[0051] - the blower can be an air pump configured to generate an airflow with a flow rate between 0.05 mL / min and 2.5 L / min, preferably between 0.1 mL / min and 1 L / min, and even more preferably between 0.1 mL / min and 10 mL / min, in particular between 0.1 mL / min and 0.8 mL / min;
[0052] - the nebulizer can be a vibrating sieve nebulizer including a perforated membrane, said perforated membrane being set into oscillation under the constraint of an oscillation means to produce the mist of particles from at least one drop of liquid product;
[0053] - the inner face of the circulation channel may comprise at least one layer of antimicrobial material, said antimicrobial material being selected from copper, silver, or a combination of copper and silver
[0054] - the device may further include an inlet chamber between the nebulizer and the circulation channel, a cross-section of said inlet chamber being at least twice the size of a cross-section of the circulation channel; - the housing may include a compartment for receiving the inlet chamber:
[0055] o the intake chamber comprising a side wall, and
[0056] o the housing comprising a side plate with a shape complementary to the side wall,
[0057] the side wall and side plate being configured so that the administration chamber is able to slide into the housing,
[0058] - the device may also include a disinfection system for the admission chamber, said disinfection system including at least one light-emitting diode positioned and oriented to emit radiation in the ultraviolet range into the admission chamber, said admission chamber being made of a material transparent to radiation in the ultraviolet range; the circulation channel may include a light element, such as a light-emitting diode, forming a fixation point for the patient, the light element being configured to emit light beams in the direction of the exit opening, in the visible range;
[0059] - the device may also include:
[0060] o an activation button to activate the administration device, and o a reporting module including:
[0061] a first light source at the periphery of the entrance opening, ■ a second light source at the level (on or at the periphery) of the actuation button,
[0062] ■ a third light source on the eyepiece; advantageously:
[0063] The control and processing unit can be configured to perform the following operations successively:
[0064] ■ activate the first light source located at the periphery of the entrance opening,
[0065] ■ when the presence of liquid product on the nebulizer is detected:
[0066] • turn off the first light source, and
[0067] • activate the second light source located at the activation button,
[0068] ■ when an actuation of the activation button is detected:
[0069] • turn off the second light source, and
[0070] • activate the third light source located on the eyepiece;
[0071] Alternatively, the control and processing unit can be configured to perform the following operations successively:
[0072] ■ activate the first light source located at the periphery of the entrance opening,
[0073] ■ when the presence of liquid product on the nebulizer is detected:
[0074] • turn off the first light source, and
[0075] • simultaneously activate the second and third light sources located respectively at the activation button and on the eyepiece.
[0076] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0077] Other advantages and characteristics of the administration device will become clear from the following description of several execution variants, given as non-limiting examples, based on the attached drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a device for administering a liquid product into an eye,
[0078] - Figure 2 is a schematic side view representation of the liquid product delivery device,
[0079] - Figure 3 is a schematic exploded view representation of components of the liquid product delivery device,
[0080] - Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a nebulizer, a blower and a circulation channel of the delivery device.
[0081] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0082] We will now describe different examples of liquid product administration devices with reference to the figures. In the different figures, equivalent elements bear the same numerical references.
[0083] 1. General Information
[0084] With reference to Figure 1, an alternative embodiment of the administration device according to the invention has been illustrated.
[0085] The administrative system includes:
[0086] - a case 1 including:
[0087] o an inlet opening 11 for receiving one (or more) drop(s) of liquid product, and
[0088] o an outlet opening 12 for the ejection of a mist of the product to be administered,
[0089] - a nebulizer 2, housed in casing 1, to generate a mist from the drop(s) of liquid product,
[0090] - a blower 3, housed in casing 1, to generate an airflow, and thus accelerate the mist of liquid product generated,
[0091] - a circulation channel 4, housed in casing 1, for circulation:
[0092] o of the mist generated by the nebulizer 2 on the one hand, and
[0093] o of the airflow generated by the blower 3 on the other hand, - a control and processing unit 5, housed in the casing 1, to control the nebulizer 2 and the blower 3,
[0094] - an electrical power supply unit 6, housed in casing 1, to supply electrical power to the nebulizer 2, the blower 3, and the control and processing unit,
[0095] - an eyelet 7 positioned at the level of the exit opening 12 of the housing 1 and intended to come into contact with a user's orbit for the administration of the product into the user's eye.
[0096] The nebulizer 2 atomizes the liquid product to produce a mist of fine particles, specifically particles smaller than 100 micrometers, preferably smaller than 5 micrometers, and even more preferably smaller than 100 nanometers. Producing a mist of product particles smaller than 100 micrometers allows for better distribution of the product onto the user's eye by supersaturation of the air with the product. This results in a more homogeneous distribution of the product on the user's cornea.
[0097] Wind tunnel 3 generates an airflow to direct the particle mist towards the outlet opening.
[0098] Since the particles that make up the mist are fine, the force exerted by the airflow on the mist predominates over the gravitational force, so that the mist moves in essentially the same direction as the airflow.
[0099] At the outlet opening 12, this airflow is advantageously oriented horizontally so that the mist of particles ejected by the combined action of the nebulizer 2 and the blower 3 propagates in a substantially horizontal direction.
[0100] Thus, when instilling eye drops, the user is no longer forced to tilt their head back, which usually causes disorientation and prevents the patient from knowing whether they are positioned in the path of the falling drop. The advantage is that the user remains in a natural position, which represents greater comfort and ease of use. Furthermore, as the mist spreads along a CP propagation cone at the outlet 12, the constituent particles tend to settle over the entire surface of the user's cornea, ensuring that a sufficient dose of the product is instilled (reducing the risk of underdosing).
[0101] In addition, the fineness of the particles forming the mist reduces the local pressure applied to the surface of the user's eye and therefore reduces the feeling of discomfort for the user, unlike the delivery of a drop of product directly onto the user's cornea.
[0102] In addition, the fact that the necessary quantity of product to be delivered is introduced into the device prior to its activation helps to limit the risks of overdose.
[0103] We will now describe in more detail the different elements composing the administration device according to the invention.
[0104] 2. Presentation of the different components of the device
[0105] 2.1. Case
[0106] With reference to figure 2, box 1 includes:
[0107] - a gripping body 13 allowing the user to manipulate the device, - a base 14 allowing the device to be placed on a horizontal support, such as a table,
[0108] - a working head 15 in which the nebulizer 2 is housed.
[0109] As illustrated in Figure 3, the housing 1 may also include a support frame 16 on which the various components of the device (nebulizer 2, blower 3, circulation channel 4, etc.) are mounted.
[0110] 2.1.1. Grasping Body
[0111] The gripping body 13 extends longitudinally along the axis A-A'. It allows the user to manipulate the administration device. With reference to Figure 2, the gripping body may include one (or more) partition(s) whose shape is adapted to the shape of the user's hand.
[0112] The gripping body 13 also includes an actuation button B for activating the nebulizer 2 (for example with the thumb of the hand), the blower 3 and the control and processing unit 5.
[0113] Advantageously, the blower 3 can be contained within the gripping body 13. This improves the ergonomics of the administration device.
[0114] 2.1.2. Base
[0115] The base 14 is located at one end of the gripping body 21 and extends substantially along an axis B-B' which has an angle α between 45 and 125° with the axis A-A'. This ensures the stability of the device when it is placed on a horizontal support.
[0116] With reference to Figure 2, the base 14 may include:
[0117] - a 141-plane base designed to come into contact with the horizontal support,
[0118] - an upper panel opposite the bottom and connected to the gripping body 13, - as well as one (or more) lateral panel(s) between the bottom and the upper panel.
[0119] Advantageously, the control / processing unit and the electrical power supply unit can be contained in the base 14. This allows, on the one hand, for optimization of the size of the administration device, and on the other hand for an increase in the weight of the base, which improves the stability of the administration device when it is placed on a horizontal plane such as a table.
[0120] 2.1.3. Working Head
[0121] The working head 15 is arranged at another end of the gripping body 13 opposite the base 14. The working head 15 includes the inlet opening 11 and the outlet opening 12 of the housing 1. These inlet openings 11 and outlet openings 12 each have a through hole.
[0122] Advantageously, the inlet opening 11 may include a conical flare (or countersink) formed at the entrance of the through hole. This facilitates the introduction of the drop of liquid product into the administration device, the conical flare guiding the drop towards the nebulizer 2 located below the inlet opening 11. Advantageously, the nebulizer is positioned horizontally, which makes it very easy to collect a drop of liquid on its surface, and when the nebulizer is activated, the drop of liquid is immediately absorbed by the nebulizer.
[0123] With reference to Figure 2, the working head 15 may include:
[0124] - an upper wall 151 in which the entrance opening 11 is provided, - a lower wall opposite the upper wall and connected to the gripping body 13, and
[0125] - one (or more) side wall(s) between the upper and lower walls.
[0126] Advantageously, the nebulizer 2 can be contained in the working head 15. This improves the ergonomics of the administration device.
[0127] 2.2. Nebulizer
[0128] With reference to figure 1, the nebulizer 2 allows the liquid product PL introduced into the inlet opening 11 to be transformed, at a cold temperature, into a cloud of extremely fine particles, or mist B of particles.
[0129] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the nebulizer 2 is housed within the working head 15 of the casing 1. More specifically, the upper wall of the working head 15 has the inlet opening 11. The nebulizer 2 is positioned below the inlet opening 11, directly above it, and extends in a plane parallel to the bottom of the casing so that the nebulizer 2 extends horizontally when the administration device is placed on a horizontal surface (e.g., a table). Thus, when the user introduces a drop of liquid product PL into the inlet opening 11, the drop is deposited onto the nebulizer 2.
[0130] The nebulizer 2 is in aerodynamic communication with the circulation channel 4 so that the mist of particles produced by the nebulizer 2 propagates in the circulation channel 4.
[0131] Nebulizer 2 can be of any type known to a person skilled in the art. For example, nebulizer 2 can be:
[0132] - a pneumatic nebulizer,
[0133] - an ultrasonic nebulizer, or
[0134] - a vibrating sieve nebulizer.
[0135] Advantageously, the nebulizer 2 can be disassembled to allow for its replacement, particularly if it gradually loses its effectiveness over time. Since the nebulizer is intended for regular use, its aging can compromise its operation. Therefore, the nebulizer can be mounted removably in the administration device to facilitate its eventual replacement. For example, the nebulizer may include a support frame designed to cooperate with slides formed in the housing (for example, two slides), said slides extending below the inlet opening 11, in a direction perpendicular to a plane containing said inlet opening 11 (corresponding to the plane containing the upper wall 151 of the working head 15 in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2).In this case, electrical contacts may be provided at the ends of the slides opposite the inlet opening 11. These electrical contacts are intended to cooperate with connection terminals of the removable nebulizer to ensure the supply of electricity to the removable nebulizer.
[0136] As will become clear later, nebulizer 2 is preferably a vibrating mesh nebulizer. Indeed, this type of nebulizer offers the following advantages:
[0137] - it is compact,
[0138] - it is quiet, and - it helps to limit the heating of the liquid product during its nebulization, which reduces the risk of deterioration of the properties of the liquid product during its nebulization.
[0139] 2.2.1. Pneumatic nebulizer
[0140] In the case of a pneumatic nebulizer, the transformation of the liquid product into mist is achieved by introducing a gas into the liquid product to be nebulized.
[0141] In particular, in the medical field, pneumatic nebulizers use compressed air to perform nebulization.
[0142] Compressed air creates a vacuum that tends to "draw in" the liquid product via the Venturi effect. The drawn-in liquid then strikes an impactor, which nebulizes it.
[0143] Compatible with all medications, this type of nebulizer is noisy and bulky.
[0144] 2.2.2. Ultrasonic Nebulizer
[0145] In the case of an ultrasonic nebulizer, the transformation of the liquid product into mist is achieved through a vibrating surface powered by ultrasound.
[0146] In particular, the ultrasonic nebulizer uses a high-frequency vibrating element (on the order of MHz). Under the effect of the vibrations, the product is nebulized.
[0147] Ultrasonic nebulizers have the advantage of being relatively quiet and compact.
[0148] However, a drawback of ultrasonic nebulizers is that they can heat the liquid product during nebulization. Such heating can denature the liquid product, particularly if it is heat-sensitive. 2.2.3. Vibrating screen nebulizer
[0149] In the case of a vibrating screen nebulizer, the transformation of the liquid product into mist is achieved by passing the liquid product through a vibrating perforated surface.
[0150] More specifically, a vibrating sieve nebulizer comprises a perforated membrane forming the sieve, said membrane being set into oscillation under the constraint of an oscillation-setting means such as a piezoelectric crystal.
[0151] When a drop of liquid product is deposited on the perforated membrane, the vibration of the perforated membrane at its resonant frequency (approximately 110kHz) causes, by capillary action through said membrane, the formation of a mist of fine particles under the membrane.
[0152] The advantages of vibrating screen nebulizers are that they are compact, quiet, and do not cause heating of the liquid product, making them compatible with all types of liquid products, including heat-sensitive liquids.
[0153] 2.3. Wind tunnel
[0154] As previously stated, the blower 3 produces an airflow to direct the particle mist generated by the nebulizer 2 towards the outlet opening of the feeding device.
[0155] With reference to figure 1, the wind tunnel 3 is in aerodynamic communication with the circulation channel 4, upstream of the nebulizer 2.
[0156] The blower 3 is configured to emit, in the circulation channel 4, an airflow in an emission direction from the blower 3 towards the outlet opening 12. Thus, the particle mist produced by the nebulizer 2 is directed by the airflow generated by the blower 3 towards the outlet opening 12.
[0157] The blower is necessary to: • Reduce administration time and increase user comfort; the mist flow is considerably accelerated, so it takes less time to settle on the surface of the eye.
[0158] • Prevent the mist produced from partially settling in the ducts, given that it is sufficiently accelerated
[0159] • Allow more product to be deposited on the eye by directing the flow; otherwise, some of the mist could diffuse outside the patient's eye.
[0160] The blower 3 can be of any type known to a person skilled in the art and may consist, for example, of:
[0161] - a blower bulb, or
[0162] - a fan including a propeller with blades mounted on the shaft of an electric motor, or
[0163] - an air pump, etc.
[0164] Advantageously, the blower 3 is configured to generate an airflow with a flow rate between 0.05 mL / min and 2.5 L / min, preferably between 0.1 mL / min and 1 L / min, and even more preferably between 0.1 mL / min and 10 mL / min, especially between 0.1 mL / min and 0.8 mL / min.
[0165] This airflow allows:
[0166] - not only to direct the mist of particles produced by the nebulizer towards the outlet opening 12,
[0167] - but also to reduce mist deposition on the inner face of circulation channel 4 (which reduces liquid product losses and therefore ensures that a sufficient amount of product is administered to the user).
[0168] The reader will appreciate that the airflow generated by the blower 3 also helps to cool the nebulized product, which limits the risks of denaturing the nebulized product.
[0169] 2.4. Circulation channel The circulation channel 4 allows the blower 3, the nebulizer 2 and the outlet opening 12 to be put into aerodynamic communication.
[0170] Especially :
[0171] - The blower 3 is connected to one end of the circulation channel 4, - the nebulizer 2 is connected to the circulation channel 4 downstream of the blower 3, and
[0172] - outlet opening 12 is connected to the circulation channel downstream of nebulizer 2.
[0173] With reference to Figures 1 and 4, circulation channel 4 comprises:
[0174] - a first tube 41, one end of which is connected to the blower 3, for example via a connection terminal 44, the other end of the first tube 41 being connected to a first branch of a "T" fitting 45, - a second tube 42, one end of which is connected to the nebulizer 2, the other end being connected to a second branch of the "T" fitting 45,
[0175] - a third tube 43, one end of which is connected to the outlet opening 12, the other end of the tube being connected to a third branch of the "T" fitting 45.
[0176] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 and 4, the circulation channel 4 is made of several pieces fitted together to form said channel 4. Alternatively, the circulation channel 4 can be monobloc (i.e. made in one piece).
[0177] In all cases, the circulation channel 4 allows the circulation of fluid between the blower 3, the nebulizer 2 and the outlet opening 12, the blower 3 being located upstream of the outlet opening 12, and the nebulizer 2 being located between the blower 3 and the outlet opening 12.
[0178] In particular, the airflow F generated by the blower 3 propagates under the nebulizer 2 in a direction perpendicular to an axis of symmetry S-S' of the nebulizer 2 (i.e. parallel to the plane P in which the nebulizer 2 extends). The various parts constituting the circulation channel 4 (connection terminal 44, "T" fitting 45, tubing 41-43, etc.) can be made of any material known to those skilled in the art compatible with the intended application, such as polyethylene or polycarbonate, etc.
[0179] Preferably, the first, second and third tubes 41, 42, 43 can be made of several (at least two) layers of materials.
[0180] Specifically, the inner surfaces of the end portions of each tube 41, 42, 43 may include a layer of ethylene-vinyl acetate (or EVA). This EVA layer melts when subjected to high temperatures. This increases the adhesion between the connectors (connection terminal / T-fitting, etc.) and the tubes once they are connected, particularly during sterilization of the administration device, as this sterilization process welds the connectors to the tubes. This avoids the use of an external adhesive that could cause biocompatibility problems when in contact with liquid pharmaceutical products.
[0181] Furthermore, the inner surface of each tubing 41, 42, 43 of the circulation channel 4 may include a layer of antimicrobial material, such as a copper (Cu) coating, a silver (Ag) coating, or a bimetallic (AgCu) coating. This ensures the cleanliness of the administration device.
[0182] In one embodiment, the length of the third tube 43 downstream of the nebulizer 2 is less than the length of the first tube 41 upstream of the nebulizer. More precisely, the length of the third tube 43 downstream of the nebulizer 2 is minimal, i.e., between 0.5 mm and 40 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 10 mm, and even more preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm. Minimizing the length of the third tube 43 downstream of the nebulizer 2 reduces pressure losses between the nebulizer 2 and the outlet opening 12. Furthermore, the cross-section of each of the first, second and third tubes 41, 42, 43 can be between 1 millimeter and 15 millimeters, preferably between 2 millimeters and 10 millimeters, and even more preferably between 4 millimeters and 7 millimeters, especially between 5 and 6 millimeters.
[0183] In some embodiment variants, the inner diameter of the first tube 41 upstream of the nebulizer 2 may be greater than the inner diameter of the third tube 43 downstream of the nebulizer 2. This helps to limit the pressure losses between the nebulizer 2 and the outlet opening 12.
[0184] Advantageously, the administration device may include a luminous element (such as a light-emitting diode) housed in the circulation channel 4 and configured to emit light beams in the visible range (e.g., red radiation).
[0185] This light element is positioned and oriented to emit light beams towards the eyepiece. This creates a point of light that helps the user keep their eye open while administering the liquid product.
[0186] In particular, the light element can be positioned at the end of the third tube 43 opposite the eyepiece 7, and oriented so that the fixation point extends along an axis of symmetry of the eyepiece 7. The presence of a light fixation point reassures the patient (because when the device is activated, their eye will be plunged into darkness) and provides an indication of the direction in which they should look to improve the administration of the product. Indeed, the fixation point is a simple way to verify that the eye is correctly oriented, along the axis of the airflow that will carry the mist of fine particles produced by the nebulizer (nebulized).
[0187] 2.5. Control and Processing Unit
[0188] The control and processing unit 5 is configured to activate / deactivate the nebulizer 2 and the blower 3 of the administration device. The control and processing unit 5 can be of any type known to those skilled in the art; it includes, for example:
[0189] - one or more processors, one or more microcontrollers, one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs), one or more application-specific integrated circuits, and / or other programmable circuits,
[0190] - one (or more) memory(ies) which can be a ROM / RAM memory, a USB key (etc).
[0191] This / these memory(ies) allows the storage of instructions related to the control of the nebulizer 2 and the blower 3 when the user presses the activation button. In particular, when the user presses the activation button B, the control and processing unit 5 can be configured to successively implement the following steps:
[0192] - activate blower 3 to generate an airflow, then,
[0193] - activate nebulizer 2 to produce a mist, then
[0194] - wait a predetermined amount of time (for example 2 to 5 seconds), then
[0195] - deactivate nebulizer 2, then
[0196] - turn off the blower 3.
[0197] The fact that the blower 3 is activated prior to the activation of the nebulizer 2 helps to limit the risk of particle deposition in the circulation channel 4.
[0198] Furthermore, the fact that the blower 3 is deactivated after the deactivation of the nebulizer 2 allows all the nebulized product contained in the circulation channel 4 to be expelled in order to limit the risks of product deposition in said circulation channel 4.
[0199] In certain embodiments of the invention, the control and processing unit 5 can also be configured to detect the presence (or absence) of liquid product at the nebulizer 2, for example, by comparing a threshold value to a measured resistivity of the nebulizer 2. Indeed, in the case of a sieve nebulizer, for example, the resistivity of the sieve varies depending on the presence or absence of liquid product on it. In particular, when liquid product is deposited on the sieve, its resistivity decreases. By comparing the measured resistivity of the nebulizer 2 to a judiciously chosen threshold value, it is thus possible to determine whether or not liquid product is present on it.
[0200] In this case, when the user presses the actuation button B, the control and processing unit 5 can be configured to successively implement the following steps:
[0201] - determine if liquid product is present on nebulizer 2,
[0202] - if no liquid product is detected:
[0203] o to warn the user, for example by activating signaling means (visual and / or audible) of the administration device,
[0204] - if liquid product is detected:
[0205] o activate blower 3 to generate an airflow, then,
[0206] o activate nebulizer 2 to produce a mist, then
[0207] o wait a predetermined time (for example 2 to 5 seconds), then o deactivate nebulizer 2, then
[0208] o deactivate the blower 3.
[0209] 2.6. Electrical power supply unit
[0210] The power supply unit 6 provides electrical energy to various components of the administration device (nebulizer 2, blower 3, control and processing unit 5, possible sensor, possible display means, possible signaling means (speaker, LED, etc.)).
[0211] The power supply unit 6 can be of any type known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in further detail hereafter. It includes, for example:
[0212] - a connection terminal for electrically connecting the power supply device to an external power source (mains connection), and
[0213] - a rechargeable battery.
[0214] 2.7. Eyecup The eyecup 7 allows the user to position the administration device on their eye.
[0215] With reference to figure 2, the eyelet 7 comprises a frustoconical wall with an opening at both ends:
[0216] - the small base 71 of the truncated conical wall is configured to be connected to the outlet opening 12, while
[0217] - the large base 72 of the truncated conical wall is configured to come into contact with the user's eye socket.
[0218] Preferably, the diameter of the large base 71 of the eyepiece 7 is sized to match the user's eye socket. This allows the eyepiece 7 to be adapted to the user's anatomy.
[0219] Furthermore, the edge of the side wall intended to come into contact with the user's eye (i.e., the large base of the truncated conical wall) can be rounded to limit the risk of injury.
[0220] In some embodiment variants, the eyelet 7 is made of a deformable material, which improves user comfort.
[0221] The eyepiece 7 can be made from a moldable elastomer or plastic material that is biocompatible, cleanable, sterilizable, and of low hardness. A preferred material for the eyepiece is silicone.
[0222] Advantageously, the eyecup 7 can be opaque to prevent ambient light rays from reaching the user's eye when the delivery device is positioned on the user's orbit. External sources of glare are thus eliminated during use of the delivery device.
[0223] 2.8. Admission Room
[0224] Optionally, the intake device may also include an intake chamber 8 between the nebulizer 2 and the circulation channel 4. This venturi-type intake chamber 8 creates a vacuum under the nebulizer 2, in order to promote the suction of the mist produced by the nebulizer 2 into the circulation channel 4 and direct it towards the outlet opening 12.
[0225] Such an inlet chamber 8, of venturi type, is illustrated in figure 3. This inlet chamber 8 is defined by a side wall and a bottom wall including a through orifice.
[0226] The intake chamber 8 is open at its top. More specifically, the upper edge of the side wall is designed to receive the nebulizer 2.
[0227] The through opening in the lower wall is intended to be connected to the second tube 42 of the circulation channel 4.
[0228] Advantageously, the section of the intake chamber 8 (i.e., the diameter of the side wall) is at least twice as large as the section of the through orifice (whose diameter is substantially equal to the diameter of the second tube 42), so as to induce a depression under the nebulizer 2 (venturi effect) under the effect of the airflow F generated by the blower 3.
[0229] The generation of such a depression promotes the evacuation of the mist B produced by the nebulizer 2 towards the outlet opening 12 via the circulation channel 4.
[0230] Advantageously, the inlet chamber 8 can be disassembled. This facilitates its cleaning. To this end, the housing can include a recess for the inlet chamber 8. For example, the recess can be complementary in shape to the inlet chamber 8, into which the inlet chamber 8 can be slid. In particular, the recess can consist of a substantially flat lower plate and a cylindrical side plate whose inner face is designed to contact the outer face of the side wall of the inlet chamber 8. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the inlet chamber 8 can include a disinfection system, such as one or more light-emitting diodes (UV LEDs) configured to emit radiation in the ultraviolet range.
[0231] This (or these) UV LED(s) can be positioned under the lower wall of the intake chamber 8, or at the periphery of the side wall of the intake chamber. In these cases:
[0232] - the UV LED(s) is / are positioned and oriented to emit UV radiation into the inlet chamber 8, and
[0233] - the side wall and / or the bottom wall of the inlet chamber 8 is / are made of UV-transparent plastic material, such as poly methyl methacrylate acrylic (or "PMMA", also known as polymethyl methacrylate, which is a medical-grade colorless plexiglass).
[0234] This allows the UV radiation from the UV LED(s) placed at the periphery of (respectively under) the intake chamber 8, to pass through the plastic material constituting the side wall (and / or the bottom wall), and to diffuse throughout the volume of the intake chamber 8, thus ensuring total sterilization of the volume defined by the side and bottom walls.
[0235] 3. Operating principle of the administration system
[0236] We will now describe the operating principle of the administration device according to the invention. In the following, nebulizer 2 is assumed to be a sieve nebulizer.
[0237] As a first step, the user must place a drop of liquid product into the administration device. To do this, the user places the device on a horizontal surface such as a table. The bottom of the base 14 is then facing the top surface of the work surface.
[0238] The user places a drop of liquid product into the inlet opening 11 provided in the upper wall of the working head 15 (opposite the bottom of the base 14). This drop falls onto the nebulizer 2, possibly being guided by the conical flare provided at the level of the through hole forming the inlet opening 11.
[0239] The nebulizer 2 extends in a plane P parallel to the bottom of the base 14, which is positioned horizontally. This configuration (nebulizer 2 extending horizontally when the device is placed on a horizontal support) facilitates the drop dispensing procedure since the user does not need to hold the device. The user can therefore focus their attention on dispensing the drop of liquid product.
[0240] Once the drop is applied, the user grasps the device and positions the large base of the eyepiece 7 on their eye socket, maintaining the device's orientation (the base of the opening 14 extending approximately horizontally). The user does not need to tilt their head back during this step.
[0241] To ensure the user's eye is correctly positioned to receive the generated mist stream, a variation of the device allows for the placement of a red light source at the bottom of the outlet channel. If the user sees the red light, they are correctly positioned in front of the outlet; otherwise, their position is incorrect and they must adjust it before activating the mist.
[0242] The user then activates the actuation button B on the administration device.
[0243] The control and processing unit 5 checks the presence of liquid product at the nebulizer 2, for example by measuring the resistivity of the sieve and comparing it to a threshold value, or by any other means known to a person skilled in the art.
[0244] If no liquid product is detected, the control and processing unit 5 emits an alarm (audible or visual signal) to the user to warn them that no product is present in the administration device. If the presence of liquid product is detected, the control and processing unit 5 activates the blower 3 which generates the airflow F through the circulation channel 4, between the blower 3 and the outlet opening 12.
[0245] Then the control and processing unit 5 activates the nebulizer 2 which produces a mist B of particles from the drop of liquid product PL deposited by the user.
[0246] The mist B of particles spreads into the inlet chamber 8 and is drawn into the circulation channel 4 by the airflow F flowing under the nebulizer 2. This mist B:
[0247] - propagates until the opening of exit 12,
[0248] - is ejected into the internal volume of the eyelet 7, and
[0249] - is deposited on the user's cornea.
[0250] Simultaneously with the activation of the blower or nebulizer 2, the control and processing unit 5 triggers a timer to count down the time required for the administration of the product.
[0251] When the required time is reached, the control and processing unit 5 deactivates the nebulizer 2, then deactivates the blower 3. Advantageously, the control and processing unit 5 can control the generation of an audible or visual signal to warn the user that the procedure of administering the product to the cornea is complete.
[0252] The previous steps can then be repeated for product application to the user's second eye.
[0253] In some embodiments, the delivery device allows both eyes of the user to be treated with a single drop of product. This limits the amount of product consumed to treat both eyes. Indeed, it is known that a drop of eye drops represents a much larger volume of liquid than necessary, and that during traditional administration, the excess is drained through the tear ducts into the nasal cavities and then swallowed.
[0254] Administering only half the volume of a drop in nebulized form is therefore sufficient and avoids wasting too much product, as well as preventing the user from swallowing a product whose active ingredient could have undesirable systemic effects. Thus, one advantage of this invention is the ability to treat both eyes with a single drop of eye drops dispensed into the device.
[0255] In this case, when treating the first eye, only half a drop of product is nebulized, the control and processing unit 5 successively deactivating the nebulizer 2 and the blower 3 after half of the quantity of product deposited on the nebulizer 2 has been nebulized. The user can then position the administration device on their second eye and press the actuation button B again to treat their second eye, without having to redeposit a drop of product on the nebulizer 2 via the inlet opening 11.
[0256] 4. Remarks
[0257] The purpose of the administration device described above is to improve patient compliance when administering eye drops once or several times a day to treat a long-term (over several days / weeks) or chronic (for the patient's entire life) condition.
[0258] Indeed, according to the literature, poor patient compliance and lack of diligence in the necessary instillation of their eye drops inevitably leads to a collapse in the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment and therefore to therapeutic failure, which results in disease progression, an increase in lesions and the need for a change in therapeutic strategy, often more invasive such as surgery, costly, less well tolerated and often ineffective.
[0259] The equation is simple: if patient adherence to eye drop treatment is improved, the treatment failure rate is reduced, patients' quality of life is improved, their vision is preserved, and significant savings are achieved for the healthcare system. According to the literature, the main cause of decreased patient motivation (and therefore reduced adherence to prescribed treatment) is difficulty of administration.
[0260] Indeed, for 100 years since eye drops have existed, the method of administration has not changed: it is necessary to drop a drop of eye drops into an eye, without touching it, which requires tilting the head back and aiming carefully so that the drop falls properly into the eye.
[0261] Needless to say, for many patients, especially the elderly, this procedure is complicated, or even impossible to perform, especially when it is done daily.
[0262] The only way to increase compliance is therefore to simplify the process.
[0263] Prior art administration devices do not allow for such simplification. All these administration devices, particularly those described in documents CN113558857, US6062212, and US20090212133, suffer from the same problem: they are far too complicated and cumbersome to use. Therefore, they do not simplify the procedure in any way, and thus cannot resolve the issue of declining patient adherence.
[0264] The administration device according to the invention is the only device that has been designed to drastically simplify the method of instilling eye drops: two simple steps are sufficient, and this invention differs from the prior art in that it is the only one to allow the patient to place a drop of eye drops in the receptacle of the device, and then to activate it, once the device is directed towards his eye in order to allow immediate administration.
[0265] Unlike the devices described in the prior art, the administration device according to the invention is unique in that it does not have a liquid reservoir. Therefore, with the administration device according to the invention, there are no refilling requirements for the patient, no remaining quantity checks, no adjustments, no interactions with complex human-machine interfaces, etc. The great simplicity of the administration device according to the invention is the only way to guarantee high adherence. Without changing the container, the patient always uses the same eye drop bottle: they unscrew the cap and, in an extremely simple manner, let a drop of eye drops fall through the inlet opening 11 provided in the upper wall 151.
[0266] Once this action is completed, the device is immediately ready for use. Simply apply the eyecup 7 to the skin around the eye, and press the activation button B.
[0267] The eye drops are applied evenly and painlessly to the eye in less than a second. Then simply switch eyes, without adding more drops, and press the activation button B again to treat the second eye.
[0268] The main advantage of the administration device therefore lies in the extreme simplification of use, so that the procedure is absolutely non-binding for the patient, and allows him to maintain his motivation and a good level of compliance.
[0269] This ease of use is linked to the various technical features of the administration device according to the invention. In particular, the fact that the nebulizer (for example, a vibrating sieve) is positioned horizontally makes it possible to deposit a drop of eye drops onto its surface without unnecessary complexity. With this arrangement of the device according to the invention, the need for a liquid reservoir has been eliminated, unlike the devices described in the prior art.
[0270] Thus, with the administration device according to the invention, a single drop of eye drops is sufficient to treat the patient's eyes (depending on the regulatory requirements of each country, it will also be possible to introduce two drops into the device to treat both eyes). This drop is very easily applied by the patient at the inlet opening 11 – which can advantageously be equipped with a conical flare (funnel) to guide the eye drop into the nebulizer without any loss of liquid. As soon as the liquid is deposited on the surface of the nebulizer, the device can be switched on. This drastically simplifies the procedure and, unlike prior art devices, helps maintain patient motivation and adherence.
[0271] When the nebulizer consists of a vibrating sieve, it generates a nebulized cloud, which is produced through its perforations and directed downwards where it enters the intake chamber.
[0272] One of the innovations of the administration device according to the invention is that this intake chamber has an orifice at its base connected to a powerful air pump. From this orifice, a powerful flow of air emerges, passes through the intake chamber, and propels the nebulized powder in a horizontal trajectory towards the eye to be treated.
[0273] Thus, the nebulized solution does not settle in the delivery chamber and is sufficiently accelerated by the air jet to be deposited on the surface of the patient's cornea. In vivo tests on human patients demonstrate that the eye drops are indeed uniformly distributed over the entire corneal surface, ensuring perfectly effective treatment, while at the same time the carefully calculated airflow is not considered unpleasant and does not cause reflex blinking.
[0274] The nebulized material is accelerated by means of an airflow directed and calibrated at the correct speed (between 0.3 and 1 m / s), with the appropriate air flow rate (between 0.2 and 1 cm 3 / s, preferably between 0.3 and 0.8 cm 3 / s, even more preferentially between 0.3 and 0.5 m / s cm 3 / s) and the correct fluidic geometry (nebulized cone having an angle between 30 and 60°, i.e. a solid angle between 0.21 sr and 0.84 sr) allows for efficient deposition of the nebulized product on the cornea.
[0275] It should be noted that the administration device described in US 2009 / 0212133 was not designed for use by the patient themselves, but rather by a physician, and therefore presents a different challenge than that of the present invention, namely the need for it to be used on different patients between administrations, which considerably complicates the device according to US 2009 / 0212133. In summary, the administration device according to the invention is the only and first eye drop administration device requiring only three steps to instill eye drops into an eye:
[0276] - place a drop through the inlet opening 11,
[0277] - Position the eyepiece 7 around the eye to be treated,
[0278] - press the activation button B.
[0279] To facilitate the patient's use of the administration device, the device may include a signaling module comprising first, second, and third light sources (e.g., blue LEDs) positioned respectively at the periphery of the inlet opening 11, at (i.e., "on or at the periphery") of the actuating button B, and on the eyecup 7 (e.g., at the large base of the eyecup 7). These light sources are intended to be activated (according to different activation patterns described below) to guide the patient through the three steps required to instill the liquid product into the patient's eye.
[0280] For example, in some embodiment variants, the control and processing unit is configured to implement successively - and in this order - the following steps:
[0281] - activate the first light source located at the periphery of the entrance opening 11,
[0282] This encourages the patient to introduce a drop of the liquid product into the administration device.
[0283] - when the presence of liquid product on nebulizer 2 is detected:
[0284] to turn off the first light source, and
[0285] o activate the second light source located at the activation button B,
[0286] This encourages the patient to press the activation button to activate nebulizer 2 and blower 3.
[0287] - when an actuation of the actuation button B is detected:
[0288] to deactivate the second light source, and to activate the third light source located on the eyepiece 7, this encourages the patient to position the administration device on their eye for the instillation of the liquid product.
[0289] Once the liquid product has been instilled into the patient's eye(s), or after a predetermined time, the third light source is deactivated by the control and processing unit.
[0290] In other embodiments, the control and processing unit is configured to implement the following steps in this order:
[0291] - activation of the first light source located at the periphery of the entrance opening 11,
[0292] - when the presence of liquid product on nebulizer 2 is detected:
[0293] o deactivation of the first light source, and
[0294] o simultaneous activation:
[0295] ■ of the second light source located at the activation button B, and
[0296] ■ of the third light source arranged on the eyepiece 7.
[0297] Just as in the previous variant, once the liquid product has been instilled into the patient's eye (or eyes), or after a predetermined time, the second and third light sources are deactivated by the control and processing unit.
[0298] 5. Conclusions
[0299] In conclusion, the technical advantages associated with the administration system described above are numerous, as it allows for:
[0300] - to avoid the position of head tilted backwards (complicated for the elderly, imprecise treatment),
[0301] - to avoid dropping the drop outside the target area and thus guarantee the effectiveness of the treatment
[0302] - to instill a liquid product (eye drops for example) in less than one minute (unscrew the cap, put 1 drop in the device, get into position, trigger), - to use only the amount of liquid product necessary for the treatment (saving product, fewer systemic side effects),
[0303] - To avoid any contact between the eye drop bottle and the user's eye. - Ultimately, to significantly increase patient adherence to daily eye drop treatment and thus maximize the chances of the treatment being effective and the disease being treated effectively.
[0304] The reader will have understood that many modifications can be made to the present invention without materially departing from the new teachings presented here.
[0305] For example, the administration device may include a display screen and an input keyboard, or alternatively, a touch screen allowing both the display of information and the entry of data.
[0306] Furthermore, the administration system may include wireless communication means to enable its control, for example by using a remote terminal such as a Smartphone or any other communicating electronic equipment known to the person skilled in the art, for example to keep a history of eye drop administrations received by the user and thus assess their compliance.
[0307] Also, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the administration device may include a switch (or any other similar component known to those skilled in the art) to turn on the administration device, independently of the actuation button B whose function is to trigger the activation of the control and processing unit which controls, in particular, the nebulizer 2 and the blower 3.
[0308] Furthermore, the activation by the control and processing unit 5 of the blower and then the nebulizer in response to a user action on the actuation button can be implemented after a waiting period (for example, from 1 to 5 seconds) following the user's manipulation of said actuation button. Obviously, the actuation button can be any type of actuation means known to those skilled in the art, such as a trigger, a push button, a virtual button displayed on a touch screen, etc.
[0309] Therefore, all such modifications are contained within the scope of the attached claims.
Claims
35 DEMANDS 1. A device for administering a liquid product into a patient's eye, characterized in that the device comprises: - a housing (1) including an outlet opening (12), - a nebulizer (2), housed in the casing (1), to produce a mist (B) of particles from at least one drop of the liquid product (PL), - a blower (3), housed in the casing (1), to generate an airflow (F) - a circulation channel (4) for circulation: o of the mist generated by the nebulizer (2) on the one hand, and o of the airflow generated by the blower (3) on the other hand, the blower (3) being positioned upstream of the nebulizer (2), and the nebulizer (2) being positioned upstream of the outlet opening (12), so that when the delivery device is activated, the mist of particles produced by the nebulizer (2) is directed, through the circulation channel (4), towards the outlet opening (12) by the airflow (F) generated by the blower (3).
2. A delivery device according to claim 1, wherein the housing (1) comprises: - a substantially flat background (141) configured to be opposite an upper face of a horizontal support when the device is placed on said support, - an upper wall (151) opposite the bottom, - an inlet opening (11), provided in the upper wall (151), for receiving said and at least one drop of liquid product, the nebulizer (2) being positioned under the inlet opening (11 ), and extending in a plane (P) parallel to the bottom (141), so that when the administration device is placed on the horizontal support, the plane (P) of the nebulizer (2) is substantially horizontal.
3. A delivery device according to claim 2, wherein the inlet opening comprises a through hole and a conical flare formed at the through hole, said conical flare allowing said product and at least one drop of liquid product to be guided to the nebulizer (2).36 4. A delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an eyelet (7) including at least one side wall open at both ends, one end (71) being connected to the outlet opening (12), and the opposite end (72) being intended to come into contact with an orbit of the patient.
5. A delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a control and processing unit (5) for driving the nebulizer (2) and the blower (3) during the instillation of the liquid product into the patient's eye.
6. Administration device according to claim 5, wherein the control and processing unit (5) is configured to perform the following operations successively: - activate the blower (3) to generate the airflow (F), then - activate the nebulizer (2) to produce the mist (B) of particles, then - deactivate the nebulizer (2), then - turn off the blower (3).
7. A delivery device according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the control and processing unit (5) is configured to detect the presence of liquid product on the nebulizer.
8. A delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the blower (3) is an air pump configured to generate an airflow having a flow rate between 0.05 mL / min and 2.5 L / min, preferably between 0.1 mL / min and 1 L / min, and even more preferably between 0.1 mL / min and 10 mL / min, in particular between 0.1 mL / min and 0.8 mL / min.
9. A delivery device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the nebulizer (2) is a vibrating sieve nebulizer including a perforated membrane, said perforated membrane being set into oscillation under the constraint of an oscillation means to produce the mist (B) of particles from at least one drop of liquid product (PL).
10. A delivery device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner face of the circulation channel comprises at least one layer of antimicrobial material, said antimicrobial material being selected from copper (Cu), silver (Ag), or a combination of copper and silver (AgCu).
11. Administration device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an admission chamber (8) between the nebulizer (2) and the circulation channel (4), a section of said admission chamber (8) being at least twice greater than a section of the circulation channel (4).
12. Administration device according to claim 11, in which the housing comprises a compartment for receiving the admission chamber (8): - the intake chamber (8) comprising a side wall, and - the housing comprising a side plate with a shape complementary to the side wall, the side wall and side plate being configured so that the administration chamber (8) can be inserted and extracted from the housing by sliding.
13. A delivery device according to any one of claims 11 or 12, further comprising a disinfection system for the intake chamber (8), said disinfection system including at least one light-emitting diode positioned and oriented to emit radiation in the ultraviolet range into the intake chamber (8), said intake chamber (8) being made of a material transparent to radiation in the ultraviolet range.
14. A delivery device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the circulation channel (4) comprises a light element, such as a light-emitting diode, forming a fixation point for the patient, the light element being configured to emit light beams in the direction of the outlet opening, in the visible range.
15. Administration device according to claims 4, 5 and 7, further comprising: - an actuation button (B) for activating the administration device, and - a signaling module including: o a first light source at the periphery of the entrance opening (11), o a second light source at the activation button (B), a third light source on the eyepiece (7), and and in which the control and processing unit (5) is configured to perform the following operations successively: to activate the first light source located at the periphery of the entrance opening (11), o when the presence of liquid product on the nebulizer (2) is detected: ■ turn off the first light source, and ■ activate the second light source located at the activation button (B), o when an actuation of the activation button is detected: ■ turn off the second light source, and ■ activate the third light source located on the eyepiece (7).
16. Administration device according to claims 4, 5 and 7, which further comprises: - an actuation button (B) to activate the administration device, and - a reporting module including: o a first light source at the periphery of the entrance opening (11), o a second light source at the activation button (B), a third light source on the eyepiece (7), and and in which the control and processing unit (5) is configured to perform the following operations successively: to activate the first light source located at the periphery of the entrance opening (11), o when the presence of liquid product on the nebulizer (2) is detected: ■ turn off the first light source, and 39 ■ activate simultaneously the second and third light sources located respectively at the activation button (B) and on the eyepiece (7).