Vial Adapter and Patch Pump Filling for Precise Subcutaneous Dosing
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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 medicament reservoir, plunger, and cannula insertion mechanism, allowing for easy filling, reduced manual dexterity requirements, and adjustable delivery modes, including bolus and basal delivery, suitable for subcutaneous administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standalone pump unit with remote reservoir is used, then delivery precision and control are improved, but device complexity and patient mobility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reservoir, drive components, and cannula into a single integrated patch pump unit that adheres directly to the patient's skin. This merging eliminates the need for separate pump units and tubing connections, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precise delivery control through integrated motor and controller components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch pump is designed as a self-contained unit that performs multiple functions: it stores medicament in an integrated reservoir, delivers it through a motor-driven mechanism, and maintains skin attachment via adhesive elements. This multi-functionality in a single device reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving delivery precision.
2Device complexity
If manual filling by patient is required, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation is worsened due to dexterity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patch pump incorporates an automatic filling mechanism that eliminates the need for manual filling by the patient. The device autonomously fills its integrated reservoir through a controlled process, removing the dexterity requirements associated with manual operations while maintaining simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch pump is pre-filled with medicament during manufacturing or preparation, before patient application. This preliminary action ensures the device is ready for immediate use without requiring the patient to perform manual filling operations, thereby improving ease of operation while keeping the device structure simple.
3Measurement precision
If infusion pumps are designed for diabetes treatment, then delivery control is improved, but adaptability is worsened for Parkinson's Disease treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patch pump incorporates a programmable controller that allows dynamic adjustment of delivery parameters to accommodate different treatment protocols. The device can be programmed with varying dosing schedules, rates, and patterns to suit both diabetes and Parkinson's Disease treatment requirements, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining precise delivery control through the same motor-driven mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The infusion pump design allows for changing operational parameters such as delivery rate, dosage volume, and timing patterns through software programming. This parameter flexibility enables the same hardware platform to adapt to different therapeutic needs of diabetes and Parkinson's Disease patients, improving versatility without compromising delivery precision.
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 enables precise and controlled delivery of fluid medicaments, such as levodopa/carbidopa, with reduced patient effort, improving treatment efficacy for Parkinson's Disease and other CNS disorders by accommodating varying dosage needs and symptom profiles.
Implementation Method 1
a lead screw attached to the plunger, and a nut operable to displace the lead screw
Data Source
AI summary
The application is directed to a vial adapter for attaching a medicament vial to a medicament delivery device having a reservoir adapted to receive and contain the medicament. The vial adapter can include a housing with two ports (one for attaching the reservoir and the other for attaching to the vial), a hollow needle that pierces septums sealing each of the reservoir and the vial, and a floating part that fixedly holds the hollow needle. Clearance between the floating part and the housing can enable relative movement of the floating part.