MICRONEEDLE INJECTION AND INFUSION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING SAME

摘要

A microneedle injection and infusion apparatus, and a method of using same. The apparatus (100) can include a housing (102), a microneedle array holder (106) for holding a microneedle array (107), and a shuttle (125) that holds a cartridge (e.g., that contains an active agent). The microneedle array holder can be movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The shuttle can be movable between a first position in which the cartridge is not in fluid communication with a fluid path and a second position in which the cartridge is in fluid communication with the fluid path. The apparatus can further include an actuator (104) movable between a first position and a second position. The method can include moving the actuator to its second position to allow the shuttle to move toward its second position, wherein movement of the shuttle toward its second position allows the microneedle array holder to move to its extended position.

主权项

1. A microneedle injection and infusion apparatus comprising:
a housing having a base and a cavity that extends through the base to define an opening in the base, wherein the base of the housing is configured to be positioned toward a skin surface; a microneedle array holder configured to hold a microneedle array and located in the housing, the microneedle array holder movable with respect to the opening in the base of the housing between
a retracted position in which the microneedle array is recessed within the housing such that the microneedle array does not contact the skin surface when the apparatus is positioned on the skin surface and the microneedle array is coupled to the microneedle array holder, andan extended position in which at least a portion of the microneedle array is positioned to contact the skin surface via the opening when the apparatus is positioned on the skin surface and the microneedle array is coupled to the microneedle array holder; a shuttle configured to hold and carry a cartridge, the cartridge defining a reservoir configured to contain an active agent, the shuttle being movable between a first position in which the reservoir of the cartridge is not in fluid communication with a fluid path and a second position in which the reservoir is in fluid communication with the fluid path; and an actuator movable between a first position and a second position, wherein movement of the actuator to the second position releases the shuttle from its first position and allows the shuttle to move toward its second position, and wherein movement of the shuttle toward its second position releases the microneedle array holder from the retracted position and allows the microneedle array holder to move to the extended position.