Multi-container Drug Mixing Device with Universal Vial Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The preparation and administration of lyophilized and similar liquid drugs are complex and prone to errors due to varying needle requirements and vial closure designs, leading to increased steps, potential needle-stick injuries, and safety concerns for healthcare providers and patients.
Innovation Solution
A multi-container transfer and delivery device with a plurality of flow conduits allows for the mixing and transfer of materials between containers and a delivery device, reducing steps and errors, and incorporating a syringe with a needle safety mechanism to simplify the preparation and administration process while preventing mechanical forces that could break down drugs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple needles are used for drug preparation and administration, then the appropriate needle can be paired with each medicament vial and injection type, but the number of steps increases and needle-stick injuries increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple needle functions into a single integrated system. The universal access device can access different vial closure types (20mm, 13mm, snap-cap) and the syringe can be used for both drug withdrawal and patient injection, eliminating the need to switch between multiple specialized needles and reducing procedural steps
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple needles are used for different drug preparation tasks, then each needle can be optimized for its specific task, but the time for preparation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal access device and syringe are designed to perform multiple functions: accessing different vial closure types (20mm, 13mm, snap-cap), withdrawing diluent, mixing drugs, and administering injections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to switch between multiple specialized needles, significantly reducing preparation time
3Ease of operation
If standard needles are used for drug vial access and patient injection, then the process is simple, but the likelihood of needle-stick injuries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is extracted from the universal access device after use and disposed of separately. The device itself remains needle-free during the mixing and preparation phases, eliminating the risk of needle-stick injuries during these operations. Only the final syringe needle contacts the patient, minimizing overall exposure
4Reliability
If low flow rate needles are used for drug mixing, then the drugs are protected from mechanical forces, but the preparation time becomes significant
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses pressure differential created by the operator's action on the syringe plunger to drive fluid flow through the system. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach allows controlled flow rates that protect drugs from excessive mechanical forces while maintaining efficient mixing and transfer speeds
5Adaptability or versatility
If vials with different closure designs are used, then compatibility with various drugs is improved, but the difficulty of accessing and mixing drugs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal access device is designed with a single mechanism that can access all three common vial closure types (20mm elastomeric, 13mm elastomeric, and snap-cap). This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized access devices, making the system easy to operate across different drug types while maintaining versatility
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device simplifies drug preparation and administration by reducing procedural steps, enhancing safety by minimizing needle-stick risks and protecting drugs from mechanical forces, thus ensuring efficient and effective drug delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The transfer device comprises a plurality of flow conduits for fluid flow between the multiple containers and the delivery device
Implementation Method 2
allow multiple containers to transfer and mix their respective materials
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A multi-container transfer and delivery device configured to allow multiple containers to transfer and mix their respective materials and for receiving of the mixed materials to a delivery device. The transfer device comprises a plurality of flow conduits for fluid flow between the multiple containers and the delivery device. Methods of mixing using the device and methods of sterilizing the device are described. A drug mixing kit comprising a multi-container housing with a plurality of flow conduits and a plurality of compartments for receiving containers and a transfer device is also described.