Syringe and kit for administering predetermined specific epinephrine doses

Abstract

The present invention relates to a syringe and medical kit, which allow for doses of epinephrine of 0.15 mg or 0.15 mL, 0.3 mg or 0.3 mL, and 0.5 mg or 0.5 mL, the most commonly prescribed doses which are utilized today in treating anaphylaxis or other allergic reactions. Currently, existing syringes may include many markings of ten or more dosages. Although these prior art syringes are useful, it is difficult to use them for a patient who must quickly identify a correct dose level among many other marks. The above problem can be addressed by a syringe design which has only a few dosage markings, which correspond to commonly used standard dosages for children and adults. When used with a standard concentration of 1:1000 epinephrine solution, such a device can rapidly provide a known quantity of medicine to a patient who is in urgent need of it.

Claims

1-12. (canceled)

13. A single-use device for administering one or more predetermined doses of epinephrine, comprising: a barrel having an internal reservoir configured to contain a volume of epinephrine constituting a single dose according to a manufacturer's or prescriber's recommended dosage of epinephrine, the barrel formed from a translucent material that is configured to transmit light to the reservoir and to provide a visible indication of an amount of epinephrine to be distributed; a plunger configured to be received in the barrel and axially movable relative thereto, the barrel including markings on the barrel indicating volumetric dosage for a predetermined patient characteristic and corresponding dose of epinephrine of concentration 1 mg/mL calibrated to a manufacturer's or prescriber's recommended dosage; a needle configured to attach to a distal end of the barrel and in fluid communication with the barrel; and a luer lock.

14. A device as in claim 13, wherein said markings on the barrel indicating volumetric dosage comprise numerals and decimal points, arranged to form indicators in the numerical forms of 0.15, 0.3, and 0.5.

15. A device as in claim 13, wherein said markings on the barrel indicating volumetric dosage consist of numerals and decimal points, arranged to form indicators in the numerical forms of 0.15, 0.3, and 0.5.

16. A device as in claim 13, wherein said markings on the barrel indicating volumetric dosage comprise numerals, decimal points, and alphanumeric characters arranged to form indicators in the numerical and unit forms of 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg, and 0.5 mg.

17. A device as in claim 13, wherein said markings on the barrel indicating volumetric dosage consist of numerals, decimal points, and alphanumeric characters arranged to form indicators in the numerical and unit forms of 0.15 mg, 0.3 mg, and 0.5 mg.

18. A device as in claim 13, wherein markings on the barrel comprise numerals, decimal points, and alphanumeric characters arranged to form indicators in the numerical and unit forms of 0.15 mL, 0.3 mL, and 0.5 mL.

19. A device as in claim 13, wherein markings on the barrel consist of numerals, decimal points, and alphanumeric characters arranged to form indicators in the numerical and unit forms of 0.15 mL, 0.3 mL, and 0.5 mL.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] The following example embodiments are representative of example techniques and structures designed to carry out the objects of the present general inventive concept, but the present general inventive concept is not limited to these example embodiments. In the accompanying drawings and illustrations, the sizes and relative sizes, shapes, and qualities of lines, entities, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. A wide variety of additional embodiments will be more readily understood and appreciated through the following detailed description of the example embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates The Epinephrine Syringe, a syringe for administering a single dose of epinephrine according to example embodiments of the present general inventive concept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Example embodiments of the present general inventive concept provide a new and improved epinephrine convenience kit, utilizing a single use vial of epinephrine of concentration 1 mg/mL for intramuscular or subcutaneous use, an epinephrine package insert, alcohol prep pads, safety needles, The Epinephrine Syringe syringes, and an EpinephrineSnap instructions for use card. Example embodiments may also incorporate varying dosage amounts based on a body weight of a patient.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present general inventive concept, The Epinephrine Syringe, the syringe may consist of a 1 mL luer lock syringe with specific epinephrine gradients of 0.15 mL, 0.3 mL, and 0.5 mL, in order to assist with accurate and standard dosing for patients weighing equal to or greater than 15 kg or 33 lbs.

[0028] According to example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, to use the epinephrine convenience kit, the administrator may remove the inner tray from the outer packaging and place the contents on a flat surface. The epinephrine vial may be removed and inspected prior to use for particulate matter and discoloration which may indicate contamination of the epinephrine. The lid of the vial may then be snapped off and a rubber stopper wiped with an alcohol prep pad to prevent contamination. The administrator may then remove the safety needles and one or more syringes, attach a safety needle to a syringe and insert the needle through the rubber stopper of the vial, in order to draw out a single dose. Although injection may be performed at various locations on a patient, in one embodiment, the injection is given in the anterolateral aspect of the patient's thigh. A site of the injection may be cleaned with alcohol prior to use, although the injection may also be given directly through clothing.

[0029] Dosage may be repeated per a prescriber's order, or manufacturer's recommendations as necessary, depending upon severity of an allergic reaction and potential effects of the epinephrine. Each EpinephrineSnap convenience kit is designed to be a single use kit. After treatment has been completed, remaining epinephrine, syringes, and needles may be disposed of.

[0030] In some embodiments the syringe will dispense a single dose of epinephrine to the patient for intramuscular or subcutaneous usage. A medication provided in the kit may be a non-selective alpha and beta adrenergic agonist indicated for emergency treatment of allergic reactions including anaphylaxis.

[0031] In some embodiments, dosage may be based on age or size of the patient. For example, for adults and children 30 kg or 66 lbs. or more, 0.3 to 0.5 mg (0.3 to 0.5 mL) of epinephrine may be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously in an anterolateral aspect of the thigh, up to a maximum of 0.5 mg (0.5 mL) per injection, repeated every 5 to 10 minutes as necessary. Health care providers may monitor clinically for reaction severity and cardiac effects. For Children 30 kg or 66 lbs. or less, 0.01 mg/kg (0.01 mL/kg) of epinephrine may be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously in an anterolateral aspect of the thigh, up to a maximum of 0.3 mg (0.3 mL) every 5 to 10 minutes as necessary. In one embodiment, a maximum single dose may be 0.3 mg (0.3 mL) per injection, repeated every 5 to 10 minutes as necessary. Health care providers may monitor clinically for reaction severity and cardiac effects.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a syringe can include a barrel having an internal reservoir configured to contain a volume of epinephrine constituting a single dose according to a manufacturer's recommended dosage concentration of epinephrine. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the barrel can be formed from a translucent material that is configured to enhance transmitted light to the internal reservoir and to provide a clear, visible indication of an amount of epinephrine to be distributed. For example, said translucent material can be configured to enhance transmission of specific color wavelengths, such as green, to provide high visibility of plunger location. Markings on the barrel of the syringe indicating volumetric dosage for a predetermined patient characteristic and corresponding dose of the epinephrine can be calibrated to the manufacturer's or prescriber's recommended dosage, and the markings can interact with the translucent material and plunger color. According to one embodiment of the invention, the markings on the barrel show 0.15 mg or 0.15 mL, 0.3 mg or 0.3 mL, and 0.5 mg or 0.5 mL readings, which indicate a dosage in milligrams and milliliters of the epinephrine (of concentration 1 mg/mL) to be distributed.

[0033] Also illustrated in FIG. 1 is a plunger received in the barrel and axially movable relative to the barrel. In some embodiments, the plunger may be constructed of a translucent material as illustrated by the barrel shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the plunger may be constructed of an opaque material. Additionally, the plunger may come in a variety of different colors. The barrel and plunger may be made from polypropylene, polyethylene, or other materials known in the art. The materials can be configured to enhance visibility of the plunger and dosage volume. The barrel can be configured to be attached to a needle for administering a dosage of epinephrine to the patient.

[0034] Example embodiments of the present general inventive concept may give a health care provider an ability to administer other injections in addition to epinephrine. Example embodiments of the present general inventive concept possess a compact size, which allows a kit to be stored conveniently and be ready for use. Other features and/or advantages will be recognized in descriptions of example embodiments of the present general inventive concept contained herein. Such a device and system may present enhanced functionality in a host of medical applications such as, for example, hospital visits, EMS operations, mobile medical providers, home health care providers, physician offices, dental practices, etc.

[0035] Additionally, some example embodiments of the present general inventive concept comprise a syringe which is adapted to be used a single time. In other example embodiments, a syringe might be adapted to be reused or used more than once before being discarded. Some example embodiments might comprise a kit which, as a whole, is adapted for a single use.

[0036] Various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept provide a lightweight and economical device, or accessory, or kit, to allow a medical professional to quickly and accurately fill a syringe and give a shot of epinephrine at a life-saving dose for either an adult or a child with high visibility components, and the kit meets the needs of medical professionals to have epinephrine stocked and ready to go in case of anaphylaxis without having to spend large sums on autoinjectors to deliver said shot of epinephrine.

[0037] Such medical procedures can be administered quickly and effectively, eliminating the need to use a costly autoinjector device. Such a device/system increases efficiency while also lowering cost.