Subcutaneous Infusion Pump With Reusable Drive and Easy Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infusion pumps are inadequate for delivering liquid formulations of levodopa/carbidopa, which are necessary for treating Parkinson's Disease and other CNS disorders, due to differences in drug dosage and symptom profiles compared to diabetes treatment, requiring a specialized device for effective subcutaneous delivery.
Innovation Solution
A medicament delivery device with a reusable part containing a drive component and control unit, and a disposable part with a reservoir and cannula insertion mechanism, allowing for easy filling, reduced manual dexterity requirements, and adjustable delivery modes, including bolus and basal delivery, to accommodate various medical conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing infusion pumps designed for diabetes treatment are used, then continuous flow delivery is achieved, but the device is inappropriate for Parkinson's Disease due to different dosage volumes and symptom profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system provides dynamic control of medicament delivery, allowing adjustment between continuous basal flow and intermittent bolus doses. The drive mechanism can be programmed to vary delivery rates and patterns based on patient needs, making it adaptable to different medical conditions while maintaining reliable delivery for each specific condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows change of delivery parameters including flow rate, dosage volume, and delivery timing. The control system can be programmed with different parameter sets for basal maintenance dosing versus bolus supplemental dosing, enabling the same device to effectively treat different medical conditions with condition-specific parameters.
2Ease of operation
If manual filling by patient is required, then device complexity is reduced, but manual dexterity requirements become excessive for patients with Parkinson's Disease
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the patient can independently load medicament reservoirs and program delivery schedules without requiring manual dexterity for complex manual filling procedures. The automated drive mechanism and electronic controls allow patients with Parkinson's Disease to manage their own treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical filling operations are replaced with automated electronic controls and pre-filled reservoirs. The drive mechanism uses electronic motors and control circuits instead of manual cranking or syringe-based filling, eliminating the need for fine motor skills while maintaining device functionality.
3Measurement precision
If precise and controlled delivery is achieved, then treatment efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases compared to simple infusion pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit monitors delivery parameters and adjusts the drive mechanism accordingly. Sensors detect reservoir level, flow rate, and delivery timing to ensure precise medicament administration. This closed-loop control achieves high delivery precision while managing complexity through integrated electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions: programming delivery schedules, monitoring reservoir levels, controlling drive mechanism, and providing user interface. By consolidating these functions into a single microcontroller-based system, the patent achieves precise controlled delivery without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved device delivers a fluid medicament to the subcutaneous tissue of a user. The device is better suited for patients with Parkinson's Disease and other central nervous system disorders, than conventional infusion devices. The device can include a reusable part including a drive component (e.g., motor) and control electronics and a disposable part including a medicament reservoir. Medicament can be evacuated from the medicament reservoir by a plunger assembly that includes a plunger attached to a lead screw that is rotated by a nut, all within the disposable part. The device can be fluidically coupled with the tissue via a flexible cannula. Various embodiments relate to an improved cannula insertion mechanism that delivers the cannula under a force applied by a spring. Various embodiments relate to improved filling of the device, for example, using a vial adapter and an automated filling station.