Patent Grant
11376195
The method pertains to syringe devices, piercing structures, medication agent preparation systems, mixing and administration systems, methods of mixing components, and methods of preparing a medication agent for administration to an individual.
Preparation of medicants or medication agents and administration of such agents to an individual often involves mixing of two or more components to form the agent and subsequent delivery of the mixed medicant to the individual. The mixing of components can typically involve extraction of one component in fluid form from a vial or other container and transfer of such components into a separate container which holds another component. In particular instances, only a portion of the contents of a vial or container is to be utilized for preparing a mixture prior to administering. Accordingly, the extraction and transfer can involve precise measuring of one or more components to be mixed.
A variety of problems may occur when utilizing conventional methodology and devices for mixing and/or administering medicants to an individual. For example, where multiple components are to be mixed, extraction and transfer of one component and introduction of such component into another component can potentially expose one or both of the components to a non-sterile or contaminated environment leading to contamination of the resulting medicant. Additionally, incomplete extraction or improper measurement of one or more components can result in preparation and/or administration of an improper dosage. In particular instances, once a medicant is mixed the mixture must again be extracted from a vial or container into a syringe prior to administering to an individual. Such additional transfer can lead to additional opportunities for contamination, incomplete extraction of contents and/or inaccurate measuring of a component or the resulting medicant. In practice, there is limited availability of sterile environments for maintaining sterility during transfer and/or mixing of components, or preparation and transfer of medicants. Additional errors can result from use of the wrong diluent to reconstitute the medication. Finally, preparation of medicants utilizing multiple components can be tedious and time consuming due to factors such as the need to access individually packaged items such as separate vials and/or transfer devices, or to measure one or more components to be combined to form the medicant.
It would be desirable to develop alternative methodology and systems for preparation and administration of medicants.
In one aspect the invention encompasses a syringe device. The device includes a syringe body having a cylindrical housing and a chamber within the housing. The device additionally includes a piston having a stem, a first end and a second end opposing the first end. The first end is external to the chamber comprised by the syringe body. A fluid passageway extends through the first end through the stem and through the second end of the piston. The syringe device further includes a valve which is associated with the fluid passageway through the piston such that the valve controls selective fluid passage through the piston. A cap can be reversibly attached to the syringe body to provide a fluid seal.
In one aspect the invention encompasses a piercing structure having a head segment comprising a tip disposed at a first end of the structure. The head has a front surface and an opposing back surface. The piercing structure additionally includes a body portion comprising a base surface disposed at a second end opposing the first end of the structure. A fluid passageway passes through the second end of the structure through the body portion and through at least one of the front surface and the back surface of the head without passing through the tip.
In one aspect the invention encompasses a medication agent preparation system. The system comprises a syringe having a barrel with an internal chamber, and a piston having a first end, a second end and a fluid passageway passing longitudinally through the piston. At least a portion of the piston comprising the first end is inserted into the chamber. A piercing structure having a fluid channel is associated with the second end of the piston. A vial is disposed proximate and moveable relative to the tip of the piercing structure. A first component of a medication agent is disposed within the internal chamber of the syringe barrel and second component of the medication agent is disposed within the vial. A valve is associated with the fluid passageway which passes through the piston.
In another aspect the invention encompasses a method of preparing a medication agent for administration to an individual. The method includes providing a syringe having a syringe barrel and a piston disposed at an initial position relative to the syringe barrel. A first component is provided within the syringe barrel and a second component is provided within a vial. A valve is associated with a fluid passageway between the vial and the syringe barrel with the valve initially being disposed in a closed position, blocking fluid passage through the passageway. The method includes repositioning the valve to allow fluid passage between the vial and the syringe barrel. After repositioning the valve, the piston is slid in a first direction to join the first component with the second component. The first and second components are mixed to produce the medication agent. Mixing can be facilitated by agitating, inverting the device and/or repeated sliding of the piston in opposing directions. The method further includes drawing the medication agent into the syringe barrel.
In an additional aspect the invention includes a method of preparing a composition. A packaging material is provided containing a mixing device in which the mixing device includes a housing having a chamber therein containing a first material. The device also includes a piston slideable within the chamber with the piston having a length that is greater than the length of the chamber. The mixing device further includes a container holding a second material. A fluid passageway is disposed longitudinally through the piston with a valve being associated with the fluid passageway. Without exposing the device to an environment external to the packaging material the valve is repositioned from a closed position to an open position. With the valve in the open position the piston is slid in a first direction from a first position within the chamber to a second position within the chamber. The sliding of the piston moves one of the first and second components through the piston. The first and second materials are then mixed to form a mixture where the mixing comprises sliding the piston in a second direction and subsequently returning the piston in the first direction. The mixture is then drawn into the chamber through the piston.
In one aspect the invention encompasses a medicant preparation device. The device includes a syringe barrel which has a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis therebetween. A piston is insertable with the syringe barrel through the second end with the piston being slideable within the barrel. The device further includes a vial containing a material and an adapter component. The adapter component includes a vial housing portion configured to reversibly receive a vial. The adapter also has a fitting configured to attach to the syringe at the first end. A first fluid passageway extends through the fitting to a valve, and a second fluid passageway extends from the valve to the vial housing. The medicant preparation device additionally includes packaging which is configured to allow manipulation of the valve and sliding of the piston without opening of the package.
In a general aspect, the invention includes a device comprising a housing around a chamber, a piston having a first end, a second end and a fluid passageway between the first and second end with the piston being insertable into the chamber. The device also includes a valve associated with the fluid passageway such that flow through the fluid passageway is selectively regulated by the valve.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.
This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).
In general, the invention provides methodology for combining and mixing to produce a mixture and encompasses device configurations to allow combination and mixing of components. In particular, methodology of the invention involves combining and mixing components to produce an administration-ready agent such as a medicant and, in particular aspects, includes administering such agent to an individual. Accordingly, device configurations of the invention allow combination of separate components such that the combined and mixed components are administration-ready. In particular aspects the encompassed devices are additionally configured for use during administration of the administration-ready agent. The general concepts and exemplary devices in accordance with the invention are illustrated in the accompanying
Where devices in accordance with the invention are used for preparation of a medicant, the devices are preferably closed-system mixing assemblies. An exemplary mixing assembly 10 in accordance with the invention is illustrated in
Mixing assembly 10 can comprise a container such as a syringe body (or barrel) 100 and a piston 200 which has a fluid passageway passing entirely through the length of the piston (discussed further below). In some instances, a reversibly attached cap (not shown) may be present providing a fluid seal at a forward end of the syringe body. A valve 300 can be associated with piston 200 and can preferably be configured to allow selective fluid passage through the piston passageway. The mixing assembly can have an extension 600 which can comprise a cylindrical or alternatively shaped housing configured to receive a vial 500 or alternative second container within a chamber or opening within the extension. Assembly 10 can further comprise a puncturing device 400 associated with piston 200. Although
As illustrated in
A mixing and administration system comprising mixing assembly 10 as illustrated in
As described in greater detail below, the fluid passageway through piston 200 preferably extends longitudinally and more preferably along the longitudinal axis from a first end of the piston stem through the piston and out a second end such that fluid communication can be established between vial 500 and the chamber of syringe 100. Accordingly, when valve 300 is positioned in an “open configuration” bi-directional fluid flow through the piston passageway is established allowing fluid communication between the syringe barrel (preferably capped) and vial 500.
Referring to
Referring to
Syringe housing 102 can have volume markings such as those illustrated, or can have alternative volume indicators to assist in measuring or verifying volume. Although not specifically illustrated in
Syringe body 100 can be a conventional type syringe barrel or can be manufactured for a particular application in accordance with the invention. The housing can be fabricated to comprise for example medical grade/approved glass or plastic material(s). Exemplary materials which can be utilized for syringe housing formation include but are not limited to polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polycycloolefins, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamides (including aliphatic and aromatic variants), polyesters, polycarbonates, copolymer materials including but not limited to those containing ethylene-diene-propylene monomer (EPDM), polyacrylates, polyurethanes, composites, blends or combinations of such materials, or alternative composite materials.
The volume of the syringe (or alternate container) is not limited to a particular value and the syringe body can be configured to contain a maximum volume of, for example, from 1 ml to greater than 10 ml. Preferably the syringe volume will be less than or equal to 10 ml. For purposes of the present description, the syringe volume refers to the volume of liquid which the syringe housing is configured to retain and not the overall volume within internal region 104.
Referring next to
A fluid pathway 206 traverses the length of the piston as illustrated by dashed lines. The diameter of fluid pathway 206 is represented in
As illustrated in
Where stopper 208 is formed as an independent structure relative to the piston stem, the stopper can preferably comprise a relatively soft material (with respect to the piston, discussed below). Exemplary materials which can be appropriate for fabrication of the stopper based upon manufacturability, biocompatibility and/or chemical compatibility, and ability to produce a fluid seal include elastomeric materials such as rubber, butyl, silicones, silanes, polypropylene, polypropylene-EPDM, polyurethanes, and other appropriate plastics, as well as various copolymers, blends and combinations thereof.
Referring again to
As additionally illustrated in
As depicted in
Exemplary valve 300 is shown in greater detail in
Valve body 302 is preferably configured to allow insertion of such portion into, and in particular instances entirely through, opening 214 of piston 200 as illustrated in
In addition to the single piece piston stem 201 illustrated in
Although the two part piston stem illustrated depicts an interface between the two parts coinciding with the position of valve receiving opening 214 it is to be understood that the positioning of the interface is not limited to any particular location and can be, for example, anywhere along the longitudinal length of the piston stem. Appropriate positioning of the interface and length of the resulting segments can be adapted as appropriate based on ease of manufacture of an appropriate valve and piston segments. The invention additionally contemplates multi-part piston stems having more than two independently manufactured segments (not shown).
The piston and the syringe housing portions of the devices of the invention can typically comprise standard materials utilized for conventional syringe and piston/plunger formation. Typically, the piston, exclusive of the stopper, will be a relatively hard plastic. In embodiments where the stopper is integral with the piston, the integrated piece may be formed of a common plastic material. Exemplary plastics which can be utilized for piston formation include but are not limited to polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polycycloolefins, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamides (including aliphatic and aromatic variants), polyesters, polycarbonates, polyacrylates, polyurethanes, copolymers, blends, composites, and combinations thereof.
Valve 300 is also not limited to a particular material and can preferably comprise plastic and/or elastomeric materials. In particular applications it can be preferable that valve body portion 302 (as illustrated in
Referring to
The piercing structure 400 shown in 406 illustrates an exemplary shape and form of head segment 401. As illustrated, head portion 401 can have an external surface comprising a front surface 414 (or upper surface as illustrated) and an opposing back surface 415. In a preferred aspect of the invention channel 406 extends less than an entirety of an internal length of head segment 401 such that the channel does not pass through tip 402. Rather, one or more access holes 408 are provided, for example, through one or both of surfaces 414 and 415. Such configuration where the channel does not pass through the tip can advantageously minimize or prevent coring of the septum material or plugging of the channel during a piercing operation.
Access holes 108 can be disposed orthogonal relative to the longitudinal axis of channel 406 as depicted in
To assist in puncturing and passing of head segment 401 through a punctured material such as, for example, a septum, head portion 401 can be configured to have one or more edges 410 and 412 be cutting edges, where the term “cutting edge” refers to an edge having a sharpness sufficient to cut the material being pierced during a piercing operation. As illustrated in
Body portion 403 of piercing structure 400 can be, for example, cylindrical as illustrated in
Base portion 418 is preferably of sufficient length and appropriate shape to be securely seated within a seating opening comprised by the piston (see below). An o-ring or raised portion of base 418 (not shown) can be provided to allow a tight fitting. Accordingly, an appropriate indentation or groove (not shown) can be provided within the seat opening of the piston. In particular instances, a press fit or friction fit will be utilized for providing sufficient retention of the piercing structure. Secure joining may optionally be utilized utilizing for example, an adhesive, welding, or other appropriate joining technique.
With respect to segment 416, such can preferably be of sufficient length to pass entirely through a punctured material to allow fluid passage across the punctured material via access hole 408 and through passageway 406. Accordingly, an appropriate length of segment 416 can be determined by the thickness of a septum or other barrier to be punctured, while positioning access hole 408 as near the punctured material as possible to allow maximum fluid access (discussed above). Further, although the piercing device is not limited to a particular shape, the “arrowhead” shape configuration depicted in
Numerous appropriate materials are available for fabrication of piercing device 400. Such materials include but are not limited to metals, such as stainless steel, and various plastics such as polyamides, polyacrylates, polycarbonates, epoxies, polyurethanes, polysulfones, polytherimides, polypropylenes, copolymers, etc., in either thermoplastic or thermoset varieties.
In addition to the piercing structure depicted in
An exemplary vial 500 which can be utilized as part of a mixing assembly in accordance with the invention is illustrated in
Referring to
An exemplary association of puncturing device 400 and a piston 200 in accordance with the invention is shown in
Interior area 207 can be of sufficient size to allow a portion of a vial or container, such as cap portion 504 illustrated in
Referring again to
In the initial state, syringe 100 is preferably capped or otherwise sealed (not shown) to prohibit passage of material into or out of syringe barrel 100 through the second end of the syringe. Piston 200 is initially disposed in an inserted position through the first end of syringe barrel 100 and positioned to allow containment of the second component within the syringe barrel. Stopper 208 (illustrated in
While valve 300 is in the off position, vial 500 is positioned by partial insertion within extension housing 600. It is to be noted that such insertion can, in alternate aspects, be performed by an end user of the mixing assembly or can be performed prior to packaging of the assembly (discussed below). Regardless, the vial cap/septum is initially provided to be intact and preferably to be spaced from puncture device 400 such that the tip of the puncture device is not in physical contact with any portion of vial 500 as initially provided.
Once combination and mixing of the separate components is desired, vial 500 can be repositioned by, for example, sliding vial 500 farther within extension 600 to allow device 400 to puncture and be partially inserted through the septum or alternate barrier portion of the vial.
Once puncturing has occurred, valve 300 can be rotated or otherwise repositioned into an open position allowing fluid passage through the piston. Such repositioning establishes fluid communication between the interior of vial 500 and the interior of syringe barrel 100 without exposing either of the two components to an environment external to the mixing assembly. One or both of the first component and second component can preferably be in liquid form. Typically, at least the component within the syringe barrel will be in liquid form. Often, the component within vial 500 will be in a dry, powdered or lyophilized form, but may alternatively be in the form of a liquid, solution, suspension or other mixture.
Where vial 500 contains a non-fluid component, a liquid component contained within syringe 100 can be introduced into vial 500 and can be combined with the component within vial 500 by, for example, sliding piston 200 from an initial position to a second position such that stopper 208 is repositioned to be nearer the second end of syringe body 100. Such sliding motion allows fluid to flow from within the syringe chamber through piston 200 and into vial 500 via valve 300. During the passage the fluid additionally passes through puncturing device 400.
Mixing of the combined components can be performed by, for example, a forward and reverse sliding motion of piston 200 relative to the syringe barrel in a “pumping” type motion. The pumping motion is conducted with the valve 300 in the open position allowing fluid communication between the syringe barrel and vial 500, typically with the vial being in an inverted position. Alternatively, mixing can be conducted by shaking or agitation of vial 500 and/or the entire mixing assembly, or by a combination of pumping action and shaking, agitating, etc. Once the components have been mixed, the assembly can be prepared for transfer of the mixed agent or, where the mixture is an administration-ready agent the device can be prepared for administrating the agent to an individual. Alternatively, if additional components are to be combined with the mixture, such can be introduced by, for example, flowing into the syringe via the second end, and mixing as described above.
In order to prepare for transfer and/or administration of the agent, the mixture can be drawn into syringe body 100 by, for example, sliding piston 200 in a rearward motion, typically with the vial in an inverted position. In other words, piston 200 is partially extracted moving stopper 208 toward the first end of the syringe housing. Upon drawing of all or an appropriate measured amount of the mixture into the syringe barrel, valve 300 can be rotated or otherwise repositioned into the closed position blocking fluid passageway from the syringe barrel through the piston. The syringe barrel can then be uncapped by, for example, removal of a cap such as Luer-lok cap fitting. It is to be understood that the invention also contemplates performing the mixing/preparation of the medicant with a needle fitted to the Luer-lok fitting during the preparation stage. However, the needle is preferably capped and sealed during such operation or otherwise prevented from allowing passage or exposure of material from the syringe barrel to an environment external to the assembly.
Where a cap is removed in preparation for transfer or administration of the agent, an appropriate transfer device such as a needle, cannula, transfer tube and/or other appropriate fitting can be attached to the Luer-lok connection and transfer/administration can occur by sliding forward of the piston within the barrel, thereby expelling the contents of the barrel through the needle or alternate transfer structure at the Luer-lok end of the syringe. Such transfer is performed with valve 300 remaining in the closed position throughout. Alternatively, transfer can be accomplished by providing assembly 10 into an appropriate syringe pump, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
Referring next to
As shown in
Mixing assembly 10a as shown in
The length of the groove(s) 602 can be configured to allow positioning and stabilization of vial 500 within the housing in a position which disposes a septum or cap of vial 500 in a spaced relationship relative to puncture device 400 (discussed below). The spaced relationship can allow packaging and/or shipping of an assembly as a linearly assembled device where the cap of vial 500 remains intact prior to removal of some or all of packaging materials and/or intentional engagement. Accordingly, the length of grooves 602 and the relative length of the grooves and the overall length of housing 600 can vary with appropriate lengths and length ratios depending upon the relative length and positioning of device 400 within such housing and the relative size of vial 500.
An additional alternative aspect of the invention is described with reference to
Valve 300b as depicted in
The extension 600b shown in
The features of extension 600b are described and more fully illustrated with reference to
Referring to
Although
Although housing configurations having segments of non-equivalent circumference are illustrated in
In addition to the embodiments described above wherein vial 500 is provided independently of the piston portion of the assembly the invention additionally encompasses configurations where a container is integral with the piston portion as exemplified in
The alternate aspects of the invention depicted in
Alternative integral vial-piston configurations contemplated by the invention include, for example, providing an opening through the vial portion, for example through base surface 652c (not shown), which can be utilized during providing of a medicant component into the vial and/or during drying or lyophilization of the component. Such opening can be subsequently capped or otherwise sealed.
The material utilized for construction of container 650c is not limited to a particular or class of materials. Container 650c can in particular instances be formed of a plastic material which can be either a rigid material or a collapsible material.
A component of a medicant or other mixture to be formed can be provided within container 650c and can be isolated from an associated syringe barrel (not shown) by providing a valve into valve receiving opening 214c. An appropriate valve can be, for example, any of the valves described above. The component provided in container 650c can be provided within the container prior to attachment of the container or alternatively can be provided into the integral or attached container via fluid pathway 206 through the piston and stopper opening 210c. The associated valve can then be closed to prevent the contained component from flowing outward through the piston.
Where container 650c is formed independently and is attached to the piston either reversibly or permanently, an o-ring 230c can be provided in association with fitting 203c to provide a fluid seal between the piston and internal surfaces of container 650c. Alternatively, other appropriate sealing techniques can be utilized. It is noted that piston 200c lacks an associated piercing structure. Accordingly, first end 204c of the piston can be modified from earlier discussed configurations to lack accommodation features for the piercing device. Further, the illustrated attachment of container 650c to piston 200c is an exemplary configuration and alternative shapes and attachment methods are contemplated.
Although the integral container/piston structure illustrated is shown to have rings and ribs 220c it is to be understood that the ribs and rings are optional as is the number of such ribs and/or rings, as set for above with respect to earlier described aspects. Additionally, piston stem 201c, which is shown as a single piece, can alternatively comprise multiple segments as described above (and/or the rotational valve type configuration described below).
Another alternate piston configuration involving a rotational-valve type piston is exemplified and described with reference to
Referring next to
Fluid passageway 206d is shown as extending partially through frustoconical protrusion 226 in a discontinuous manner such that direct longitudinal fluid passage is prevented. Fluid passage 206d resumes its longitudinal progress on an opposite side of a solid block of material 223. One or more grooves 229 can be disposed within an interior sidewall of second segment 232d which, when aligned with openings 228 can allow fluid passage from fluid passageway 206d of first portion 230d into the portion of such fluid passageway passing through second portion 232d. Alignment of openings 228 with grooves 229 can be achieved by opposing rotation of portion 230d relative to portion 232d. Such valve/piston configuration is further described with reference to
Referring to second segment 232d of piston 200d, a pair of grooves 229 is illustrated as being arc shaped grooves formed in the sidewall material of the piston. It is to be understood that alternative shaped grooves are contemplated and the arc shaped grooves are but one exemplary configuration. Referring next to
Although fluid access openings 228 are shown as extending entirely through protrusion 226 (see
In addition to the features shown and described above, in particular instances one or more filters may be utilized for removal of particulates prior to administration. Appropriate filter(s) may be incorporated within any of the devices above for example within the fluid passageway through the piston. Additionally or alternatively, one or more filters may be provided in association with the syringe outlet, either internally or externally to the syringe barrel.
Methodology for mixing components to prepare a mixture utilizing the rotational piston type valve configuration illustrated in FIGS. 15A-D can be conducted in a manner similar to methodology described with reference to
Another alternate embodiment of a mixing device in accordance with the invention is described with reference to
As illustrated in
Adapter 700 can be formed of any appropriate material and in particular instances will comprise a plastic material such as any of the plastic materials discussed above with respect to syringe housings and pistons. Valve 800 can be any of the valve types discussed above with respect to exemplary valve 300 and can accordingly comprise any of the materials described with reference to such exemplary valve. Alternatively, adapter 700 can be configured to have a rotating type valve system as discussed with reference to
Methodology for mixing independent components to prepare a mixture or administration-ready agent utilizing the assembly illustrated in
Upon assembly, valve 800 can be rotated or otherwise repositioned into an open position to establish fluid communication between first pathway segment 702 and second pathway segment 707 allowing fluid passage through the adaptor. Accordingly, fluid communication is established between vial 500 and syringe 100.
Combining of the first and second components can comprise drawing first component from vial 500 into the syringe (typically with the vial in an inverted position), or can comprise expelling the second component from the syringe into vial 500. Mixture of the components can comprise a pumping action as described above with earlier embodiments independently or in combination with shaking or otherwise agitating the combined components. The resulting mixture can be drawn internally within syringe housing 102e typically while the vial is inverted, and valve 800 can be closed. Where the mixture is to be subsequently transferred or administered to an individual, adapter 700 can be removed from attachment to Luer-lok fitting 108e and a transfer device such as a needle, cannula, transfer tube or other transfer structure can be attached to Luer-lok device 108e. Transfer or administration of the mixture can then be achieved by expelling the mixture from the internal chamber within syringe housing 102e.
An alternative configuration of an adaptor comprised by an assembly is illustrated in
The triple-port adaptor configuration illustrated in
Transfer of material from the assembly via port 713e′ can be useful for applications such as IV administration. Alternative administration such as intramuscular injection, can utilize syringe 100e′ independently after removal from the assembly. In either instance, piston depression during injection can be performed manually or utilizing a syringe pump.
Where a material such as a liquid material for example, is to be introduced into assembly 10e′ such introduction can be accomplished by passage through port 713e′ and adaptor segment 712e′. The fluid introduced can be directed into vial 500 or into syringe 100e′ as appropriate, by manipulation and positioning of valve 800e′. Introduction of a fluid into the assembly may be appropriate for example where each of first and second components (within the vial and syringe respectively) is provided in a dry or concentrated form.
The configuration of adaptor 700e′ illustrated in
An additional alternative device configuration in accordance with the invention is described with reference to
Upon insertion of valve portion 226f of the piston into receiving opening 557 of cap 550, the lid/piston combination can function as a rotational valve as described above with respect to the rotational valve depicted in
Referring next to
The invention also contemplates utilization of features of the device shown in
Methodology for utilization of the assembly configuration depicted in
Although various devices of the invention are described as utilizing a single vial 500, it is to be understood that the invention encompasses aspects where multiple vials are utilized. In such instances, a first vial can be removed from the assembly after withdrawing all or a desired portion of the original vial content, and can be replaced by a second vial comprising additional or differing material. Accordingly, the mixing systems of the invention can be utilized for preparing medicants which are made up of three or more components. Mixing of the additional component can be achieved in a manner analogous to the mixing methodology discussed above for a corresponding assembly configuration.
Mixing/administration assemblies in accordance with the invention can be shipped as a singular unit including a linear arrangement of the syringe device and vial. Where an assembly utilizes an independent vial the vial can be provided in or out of alignment with respect to the mixing/administration device. Alternatively, where a vial is independent, such can be packaged separately from the mixing device. Exemplary packaging in accordance with the invention which can be utilized for a linearly aligned vial and mixing device combination is described with reference to
As illustrated in
In most circumstances it can be preferable that vial 500 be only partially inserted with housing 600. In particular instances it can be highly preferred to avoid contact between the piercing structure comprised by the assembly and the cap or septum comprised by vial 500. Accordingly, a projection 904 can be provided within cavity portion 903 which can be insertable within groove 602 of extension housing 600. Projection 904 can be positioned within the groove to stabilize a spaced relationship between vial 500 and the puncturing device to avoid contact with the piercing structure prior to removal of the assembly from the packaging cavity.
Cavity 901, 902, 903 can be configured to be shaped closely to the shape of the assembly to provide stability to the assembly, preferably stabilizing the position of the piston relative to the syringe barrel. Although the cavities depicted in
Packaging component 900 can be formed by, for example, molding. Appropriate materials for packaging component 900 include plastic materials, preferably plastics which have suitable strength for providing positioning and stability of the packaged assembly.
A cover 905 can optionally be provided which can be associated with packaging component 900. Cover 905 can be provided to cover at least the upper portion/opening of the tray to protect the assembly within the packaging. In particular instances, cover 900 can be utilized to seal the packaging and can allow a sterile environment to be created and maintained within the packaging. The cover can comprise a translucent or opaque material. It can be preferable that at least a portion of the cover be transparent to allow visual inspection of the contents (device and/or labels).
As depicted, cover 905 is a sheet of material which may be affixed to component 900. Alternatively, the cover can be a lid type cover which can be configured either to fit insertably within the tray opening or to have at least an upper portion of the tray fit insertably into a lid cavity (not shown).
As illustrated in
The type of label(s) utilized in association with mixing device 10 and/or associated via 500 is not limited to a particular label type. Exemplary labels can include bar codes as illustrated. Alternatively or additionally, one or both of labels 910 and 912 can be a radio frequency identification (RFID) label (not shown). Appropriate bar code and/or RFID labeling can be particularly useful for identifying and tracking lots, for record keeping purposes regarding the medicants and/or patient specific information. Such labeling can provide an additional safety measure. For example, in the event of an adverse reaction upon administering the prepared medicant, information provided on the label can be utilized to identify source, lot number, etc., which can in turn be utilized to track other assembly devices or device component containing material from the identified lot. Such labeling can additionally be utilized to identify others who may be at risk and/or provide information regarding the particular reaction, etc.
In the event of adverse reaction or identification of defect, analysis of any material retained within the device after administration can be analyzed by, for example, analysis techniques including but not limited to mass spectrometry and/or gas-liquid chromatography. Appropriate reporting to the FDA can then be performed.
Referring to
Packaging component 920 can preferably be translucent and can be formed from an appropriate translucent plastic material. The particular material utilized can preferably be selected to provide flexibility to allow manipulation of assembly 10 without opening of packaging component 920. In particular, it can be preferable that component 920 be provided to have sufficient internal volume and material flexibility to allow the vial to be manipulated for engagement and puncturing of the cap/septum. Component 920 can preferably also be retained in the sealed condition while manipulating the valve and piston during combining and mixing of the medicant components (described above). The ability to prepare the medicant for administration without opening of packaging component 920 can minimize or prevent contamination by avoiding exposure to an environment external to the packaging component. Upon preparation of an administration ready medicant, package component 920 can be opened, the protective cap over the forward end of the syringe can be removed, and transfer and/or administration can be performed utilizing methods described above.
Although each can be utilized independently, packaging components 920 and 900 depicted in
Although
Each of
An additional packaging aspect in accordance with the invention is illustrated in
Where preparation of a medicant involves addition of material into assembly 10 (described above), such material can be added by, for example, opening of tear strip 921 and connection of an appropriate transfer device to the available (non-occupied) port and positioning of the valve to allow introduction of the material into the syringe or vial as appropriate. Additional mixing and preparation steps can be performed as described above with or without removal of assembly 10 from packaging 920. Transfer or administration of a prepared medicant from the assembly can comprise placement of the entire assembly into a syringe pump, can comprise removal of the vial and/or the adaptor from the assembly prior to placement of the syringe into a syringe pump, or can comprise manual manipulation of the syringe piston.
An alternative tray-type packaging component 900a is illustrated in
Packaging component 900a can comprise a lid portion 905a analogous to that shown and described with reference to
Where an additional material is to be added into the exemplary assembly depicted in
In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.
This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/549,380 which was filed on Jul. 13, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/751,410 which was filed on May 21, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,231,567 issued Jul. 31, 2012, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/238,880, which was filed on Sep. 28, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,731,678 issued Jun. 8, 2010, which claimed priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/670,413, which was filed Apr. 11, 2005, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/618,639, which was filed Oct. 13, 2004, the entirety of each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
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| 20180235842 A1 | Aug 2018 | US |
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| Parent | 11238880 | Sep 2005 | US |
| Child | 11751410 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 13549380 | Jul 2012 | US |
| Child | 15862572 | US | |
| Parent | 11751410 | May 2007 | US |
| Child | 13549380 | US |
