MXPA00006009A - Device for delivering liquid containing medicament - Google Patents

Abstract

A delivery means for delivering liquid containing medicament to a posterior region of the nasal cavity, comprising an elongate tubular member (35;151) and a nozzle (37;153) at the free end thereof, which nozzle (37;153) includes at least one opening (39;155) through which liquid is in use delivered.

Description

DEVICE FOR ADMINISTERING LIQUIDS CONTAINING MEDICINE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with a means of administration for and a method of administering liquids containing medicaments to a posterior region of the nasal cavity, in particular the administration of local anesthetic in the nasal cavity. treatment of vascular headache. US Patent 4886493 describes an applicator for the administration of nasal anesthetic to the sphenopalatine ganglion, such applicator comprises a flexible tube, one end of which is open and in service is located adjacent to the sphenopalatine ganglion and through another end of which is passed, a measured volume of local anesthetic in the form of a spray or spray. This applicator, while administering a measured volume of local anesthetic for the sphenopalatine ganglion, still, however, does not effectively and completely administer the local anesthetic. It is a purpose of the present invention to provide a means of administration for administering medication more effectively to a later region, in particular the more posterior region of the nasal cavity. In this way, a more immediate effect will be obtained and REF.120792 will require less frequently that the user re-administer the medication to obtain the effect, such over-administration can lead to side effects. The present invention provides a means of administration for administering medicament-containing liquids to a posterior region of the nasal cavity comprising an elongate tubular member and a nozzle at the free end thereof, such a nozzle includes at least one opening through the which liquid is administered in use. The administration means finds particular application in the administration of local anesthetic, such as Xylocaine®, for the treatment of vascular headache, especially migraine. The present invention also extends to a delivery device incorporating the administration means described above. In one embodiment, the delivery device includes a delivery unit for administering a plurality of measured volumes of medicament-containing liquids to the administration means, said administration unit comprising a main body including a barrel and an axially movable plunger within the barrel. , wherein one of the barrel and plunger includes at least one path and the other barrel and plunger includes at least one projection that is movable along at least one path, at least one path that has an axially forward surface in the direction of movement of the at least one projection through the at least one path in the liquid administration, which defines a plurality of axially spaced tiers, in which at least one projection It is locatable. In another embodiment the device includes a delivery unit for administering one or more measured volumes of a liquid containing medicament to the administration means, such administration unit comprising a pump assembly, in the actuation of which, a measured volume of the liquid that it is administered at an exit from it. Preferably, the pump assembly comprises a main body defining a chamber having a first opening defining an inlet, a second opening defining an outlet and a third opening through which a resilient membrane is disposed, the administration of a Measured volume of liquid at the outlet is obtained by the movement of the membrane. The present invention further provides a method of administering liquid containing medicament to a posterior region of the nasal cavity, comprising the steps of inserting a delivery means comprising an elongate tubular member and a nozzle at the free end thereof., such nozzle includes at least one opening, to one of the nasal passages for positioning the nozzle near a posterior region of the nasal cavity and administering the liquid through at least one opening in the nozzle. In preferred embodiments, the administration means and method of the present invention are used to administer a medicament-containing liquid to the pterygopalatine fossa and the surrounding pharyngeal and nasal area delineated by proximally located orbital bone and maxillary bone distantly. The present invention still further provides a delivery device for administering a plurality of measured volumes of a medicament-containing liquid, comprising means of administration, such as an elongate tubular element through which the medicament-containing liquid in use is administered and a unit of administration attached to the administration means, said administration unit comprises a main body including a barrel and an axially movable plunger within the barrel, wherein one of the barrel and the plunger includes at least one path and the other , the barrel and the plunger includes at least one projection that is movable along at least one path, the at least one path has a surface axially forward, in the direction of movement of the at least one projection through the at least one path in the administration of the liquid, which defines a of axially spaced tiers in which at least one projection is locatable. The present invention still further provides a delivery device for administering one or more measured volumes of liquid containing medicament comprising a delivery means through which the liquid containing the medicament in use is administered and a unit of administration attached. to the administration means, such administration unit comprises a pump assembly, in the activation of which a measured volume of liquid is administered to the administration means and a box in which the delivery means and the pump assembly are arranged slidable wherein the means of administration are movable between a first portion in which the means of administration are substantially within the box and a second portion in which the means of administration extend from the box into a position ready for use . Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described later herein by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first administration device incorporating administration means according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates in enlarged scale the lateral view of a part of the main body and the plunger of the administration unit of the administration device of figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a diametrical sectional view (along section A-A in Figure 2) of the administration device of Figure 1 before use; Figure 4 illustrates a diametrical sectional view (along section B-B in Figure 2) of the administration device of Figure 1 after use; Figure 5 illustrates on an enlarged scale a side view of the distal end of the administration means of the administration device of Figure 1; Figure 6 illustrates a view of the distal end of the administration means of Figure 5; Figure 7 illustrates a diametrical sectional view (along section C-C in Figure 6) of the distal end of the administration means of Figure 5; Figures 8 to 15 illustrate in enlarged end views of the distal ends of the administration means according to the second to ninth embodiments of the present invention. Figure 16 illustrates in enlarged scale a diametral sectional view of the distal end of the administration means according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 illustrates a view of the far end of the administration means of Figure 16; Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a second administration device in the position of use incorporating means of administration according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention; Figure 19 illustrates a plan view of the delivery device of Figure 18 in the position of use; Figure 20 illustrates a vertical sectional view (along section D-D in Figure 19) of the delivery device of Figure 18 in the position of use; Figure 21 illustrates a vertical section view (along section D-D in Figure 19) of the delivery device of Figure 18 in the closed or storage position; Fig. 22 illustrates in enlarged scale a diametrical sectional view (along section E-E in Fig. 23) of the distal end of the administration means of the delivery device of Fig. 18; Figure 23 illustrates a view of the far end of the administration means of Figure 22; Figure 24 illustrates in enlarged scale a diametrical sectional view (along section F-F in Figure 25) of the distal end of administration means according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 25 illustrates a view of the far end of the delivery means of Figure 24. Figure 1 illustrates a first delivery device which comprises a delivery unit 1, in this embodiment a syringe, comprising a main body 2 and a piston 3 which is axially displaceable within the main body 2, and means for administering such liquid which is in use which is administered. The main body 2 comprises a cylindrical barrel 7 and a wall element 9, in this partially spherical shape, at one end thereof. In this embodiment, the main body 2 is formed of a plastic material, preferably polyethylene or polypropylene. The end wall element 9 has an opening 11 therein, which is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the barrel 7. The other end of the barrel 7 is open and receives the plunger 3. The peripheral wall of the barrel 7 includes a path 13 which extends from the end of the opening of the same, in this mode in a counter-clockwise direction. In this mode the path 13 is defined by a through slot. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the path 13 could alternatively be defined by a blind slot in the inner surface of the barrel 7. The path 13 has an axially forward surface 13a defining a plurality of axially spaced tiers 15a-15e . In this embodiment the trajectory 13 also has an axially rearward surface 13b defining a plurality of axially spaced tiers 17b-17e which are symmetrical, but displaced axially, in relation to the tiers 15a-15e defined by the front surface 13a of the trajectory 13. Each of the steps 17b-17e defined by the rear surface 13b of the path 13 has a retainer 19 formed therein at the rear edge relative to the direction of rotation of the plunger 3, in a counter-clockwise direction of the watch in this modality. The detents 19 are configured to prevent backward rotation of the plunger 3, but not to prevent axial movement of the plunger 3 relative to the barrel 7. In another embodiment, wherein the delivery device will be reusable, the detents 19 may be omitted , thereby enabling the extraction of the plunger 3 from the barrel 7. The plunger 3 comprises a first part 20, which is dimensioned to be of a free but not loose fit within the barrel 7 and a second part 21 which is of smaller radial dimension that the first part 20, at the distal end of the plunger 3, as operated by the user. In this embodiment, the plunger 3 is formed of a plastic material, preferably polyethylene or polypropylene. The distal end of the second part 21 is formed as a partially spherical surface 23. The plunger 3 further comprises a projection 25 which extends axially and projects. radially from the first part 20 thereof. The projection 25 is configured to travel in the path 13. The projection has a beveled longitudinal edge 27, such edge 27 is the leading edge in relation to the direction of rotation of the circumscription 3 in use. The beveled edge 27 allows the projection 25 to pass through each respective detent 19, in the rotation of the plunger '3 in the operating direction, in this mode in the counterclockwise direction. The piston 3 is prevented from rotating back in the opposite direction by means of the detents 19 which engage the projection 25.

The administration unit 1 further comprises a container 29 which is adjusted, in this cut-out mode, within the main body 2 to the wall element of the end 9 thereof. The container 29 comprises a first, rigid hemispherical part 29a, corresponding in shape to the shape of the end wall element 9, of the main body 2, a second part of the rod 29b, extending axially from the first part 29a through of the opening 11 in the end wall element 9 of the main body 2 and has an elongated hole 31 which is configured to receive the administration means 5 and a deformable hemispherical part 29c, which with the first part 29a defines a spherical chamber 33 which contains a volume of liquid to administer. In a reusable administration device a used container 29 can be removed from the administration unit 1 and replaced by a new container 29. The material of the container 29 is selected according to the contained liquid,. it is necessary that the material is inert to the contained liquid. Typical materials include polyethylene and polypropylene. In this embodiment, before adjustment of the administration means 5, the distal end of the rod part 29b of the container 29 is closed by a film (not shown), preferably of a plastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene, which acts to enclose the liquid in the container 29. The third part 29c of the container 29 is configured to be crushed or collapsed when pressure is applied thereto by the plunger 3, to thereby pass the liquid into and through the administration means. In this regard it will be noted that since the chamber 33 of the container 29 is spherical in shape, the radius of curvature of the partially spherical surface 23 of the second part 21 of the plunger 3 is such that a uniform volume of the liquid is provided in each movement axial of the plunger 3. The administration means 5 comprise an elongate tubular element 35 and a nozzle 37 at the distal end thereof, such nozzle 37 it includes a plurality of openings 39 arranged to eject liquid therefrom in a focused configuration. The other end of the tubular element 35 that fits into the stem or stem portion 29b of the container 29 is angular to provide a cutting edge 40 capable of penetrating the film that closes the distal end of the stem portion 29b. In a preferred embodiment the tubular element 35 is flexible and comprises one of polyethylene or polypropylene. The tubular element 35 preferably has a length of about 40 mm, an outside diameter of 1 to 2 mm and a wall thickness of about 0.1 mm. In this embodiment the nozzle 37 is provided by an insert that is circular in section and has a partially spherical distal end, the openings 39 are located in the periphery in a sector of approximately 90 degrees. In addition, in this embodiment, the nozzle 37 is formed of a plastic material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The outer surface of the tubular element 35 is preferably coated with a hydrophilic material, such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone, which is moistened before use to thereby reduce the frictional resistance to contact with the body tissue. In a preferred embodiment the tubular element 35 is provided with indicator elements (not shown) extending radially thereof in the direction in which the liquid is ejected in service from the openings 39. Such indicating means allow the user to easily determine the direction in which the liquid will be ejected from the administration means 5. The administration device further comprises an enclosure 41 for protecting the administration means 5. The enclosure 41 is tubular, with one end closed and the other end open to fit over the stem part or stem 29b of the container 29. In this embodiment the shell 41 is formed of a plastic material, preferably polyethylene or polypropylene. The open end of the shell 41 is configured to be tightly fitted with the stem or stem portion 29b of the container 29 in order to allow the shell 41 to be easily removed and replaced as necessary during the lifetime of the delivery device . Figures 8 to 15 illustrate the distal ends of the administration means 5 according to ccr. a second to ninth embodiments of the present invention. In Figure 8 the openings 39 are radially directed elongated grooves, located on a circle whose radius is smaller than that of the radius of the nozzle 37, the openings 39 are located on a sector of approximately 90 degrees. In Figure 9, the openings 39 are radially directed elongated slots which are graded, the openings 39 are located on a sector of approximately 90 degrees in circles having different radii smaller than that of the radius of the nozzle 37. In the figure 10, the openings 39 are radially directed elongated slots, which are again staggered and again located on a sector of approximately 90 degrees, but with first openings 39 which are located on the periphery of the nozzle 37 and second openings 39 that are located on a circle whose radius is smaller than the radius of the nozzle 37. In Figure 11, the openings 39 are radially directed elongated slots which are located in radial positions similar to the openings 39 in the nozzle 37 of Figure 10. , but they extend over a sector of approximately 180 degrees. In Figure 12, the openings 39 are elongated slots located on a sector of approximately 90 degrees at radial positions similar to the openings 39 in the nozzle 37 of Figure 9, but are directed circularly rather than radially directed. In Figure 13, the openings 39 are circular and are located in a sector of approximately 120 degrees on a circle whose radius is smaller than that of the radius of the nozzle 37. In Figure 14, the nozzle 37 includes a simple arched opening 39. in the form of a groove located on a sector of approximately 90 degrees on a circle whose radius is smaller than that of the radius of the nozzle 37. In figure 15, the nozzle 37 includes an elongated opening 39 directed diametrically in the form of a groove. Figures 16 and 17 illustrate the distal end of administration means 5 according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the nozzle 37 comprises a film adhered to the distal end of the tubular element 35. The nozzle 37 includes a plurality of openings 39 which are in the form of radially directed slots. In this embodiment, as in the embodiment of Figure 8, the openings 39 extend over a sector of approximately 90 degrees. The nozzle 37 is preferably formed of a resilient material, typically plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Where the nozzle 37 is formed of a plastic material the adhesion is preferably obtained by heat fusion. In service, the user takes the administration device typically loaded with a local anesthetic such as Xylocaine®, as illustrated in Figure 3 and removes the envelope 41 from the administration means 5. Then, the user moistens the hydrophilic coating on the tubular element 35 of the administration means 5 and passes it to one of its nasal passages. The distal end of the delivery means 5, which includes the nozzle 37, is normally located adjacent to a posterior region of the nasal cavity. Where the nozzle 37 includes openings 39 of only one side, the user assures that that side of the nozzle 37 in which the openings 39 are located is directed towards the site to which the liquid is to be applied. When the administration means 5 are completely inserted, the user then puts into operation the administration device to eject a measured volume of liquid from the administration means 5. The operation of the administration device requires two distinct stages, these are, first, the rotation of the plunger 3, in a counter-clockwise direction in the described embodiments, in relation to the main body 2 for priming the delivery device and secondly the plunger 3 for expelling the liquid from the delivery means 5. In preferred embodiments the The administration device is configured in such a way that the movement of the piston 3 axially between two adjacent front tiers, for example from the tier 15a to the tier 15b, causes a liquid volume of 100 to 250 microliters to be expelled from the means of administration 5. Then, the user waits a short period of time to determine if the medication has had the effect of wanted. If the effect is not obtained, then the administration means 5 can be repositioned and the administration device can be operated again in the same way. Also, if an insufficient effect of the medicament administered is obtained, then, with the administration means 5 in the same position, the user starts the administration device again. when the desired effect has been obtained, the user removes the administration means 5 and adjusts the envelope 41 to them. Then, the delivery device can be either discarded or stored until it is required again, if unused doses will be reused. Figure 18 illustrates a second delivery device comprising an administration unit 101 and administration means 103 according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, of which the liquid in use is administered. The administration unit 101 comprises an elongated tubular housing 105 and a pump assembly 107 slidably disposed therein. In this modality, the box 105 and pump assembly 107 are formed of plastic materials, preferably polyethylene or polypropylene. The pump assembly 107 comprises a main body 109 defining a chamber 111 having a first opening 113 defining an inlet, a second opening 115 defining an outlet and a third opening 117 through which a membrane is disposed. resilient The resilient membrane 119, in this convexly shaped embodiment, forms part of the wall of the chamber 111 and includes a peripheral cord 121 by which the membrane 119 is attached to the main body 109. The first opening 113 includes a unidirectional valve 123, in this mode a flat valve, which allows liquid to flow into the chamber 111 but not out of the chamber 111 and a hollow needle 125, to which a container 129 is attached in use, as will be described later in FIG. I presented. The second opening 115 includes a one-way valve 129, which allows liquid to flow out of the chamber 111 but not into the chamber 111 and a tubular section 131 to receive one end of the administration means 103 as will be described later in FIG. I presented. The pump assembly 107 further comprises a projection 133, in this embodiment in the form of a knob, which can be operated by a finger or thumb of a user to slide the pump assembly 107 into the case 105, between the extended position in use as illustrated in Figures 18 to 20 and the retracted storage position as illustrated in Figure 21. The case 105 has an end element 135 in which a small opening 137 is formed, through the which means of administration 103 pass in use. The other end 139 of the case 105 is open to allow insertion and removal of the pump assembly 107. The case 105 also includes a side opening 141 near the end member 135 thereof, in which the membrane 119 of the The pump 107 is located when the pump assembly 107 is in the extended position in use, as illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 20. In this extended position the pump assembly 107 can be actuated by depressing the membrane 119 as will be described later in FIG. the present. The housing 105 further includes a longitudinal groove 143 extending from the open end 139 thereof to a position near the side opening 141, in which the projection 133 of the pump assembly 107 is slidably disposed. In this embodiment the end of the longitudinal slot 143 at the open end 139 of the case 105 includes a restriction 145 which acts as a detent beyond which the projection 133 on the pump assembly 107 can not pass without first extending the opening. of the longitudinal slot 143 at the opening end 139 of the housing 105. In this way, when a user retracts the administration means 103, the pump assembly 107 can not be accidentally removed from the housing 105. The administration unit 101 further comprises a container 127. The container 127 is of the same construction as that employed in the first administration device described above and comprises a first rigid hemispherical part 127a, a second part of carving or stem 127b, extending axially from the first part 127a and has an elongated hole 147 that is configured to receive the hollow needle 125 in the first opening 113 of the assembly of pump 107 and a deformable hemispherical third part 127c, which with the first part 127a defines a spherical chamber 149 that contains a volume of liquid to be dispensed. In a reusable administration device, a used container 127 can be removed and replaced by a new container 127. The material of the container 127 is selected according to the contained liquid; it is necessary that the material is inert to the contained liquid. Typical materials include polyethylene and polypropylene. In this modality before adjustment, the distal end of the part 127b of the container 127 is closed by a film (not shown), preferably of a plastic material such as polyethylene and polypropylene, which acts to enclose the liquid in the container 127. In use, the third part 127c of the container 127 is configured to be squashed or folded as the liquid is removed from the container 127. The administration means 103 comprises an elongate tubular member 151 and a nozzle 153 at the distal end thereof, such nozzle 153 includes a plurality of apertures 155 arranged to eject liquid therefrom in a focused configuration. As illustrated in Figures 22 and 23, in this embodiment the nozzle 153 is formed integrally with the tubular member 151 and the openings 155 are radially directed slots. In practice the nozzle 153 is formed by fusing the end of the tubular element 151 to provide a partially spherical closed surface and then providing a plurality of openings 155 therein. In a preferred embodiment the tubular element 151 is flexible and comprises one of polyethylene and polypropylene. The tubular element 151 preferably has a length of about 40 mm, an outside diameter of 1 to 2 mm and a wall thickness of about 0.1 mm.

Figures 24 and 25 illustrate the distal end of administration means 103 according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the tubular element 151 is of the same general construction as that of the eleventh embodiment described above, but is asymmetrically. This asymmetric shape serves two functions: allowing the tubular element 151 to be attached to the administration unit 101 with a particular angular relationship, which is important where the openings 155 in the nozzle 153 are provided on one side only and also to indicate the direction in which the liquid to be used will be expelled from the openings 155 in the nozzle 153. In service, the user takes the delivery device commonly loaded with a local anesthetic, such as Xylocaine®, as illustrated in Figure 21 and with a finger or thumb act on the projection 133 on the pump assembly 107 to move the administration means 103 to the extended position as illustrated in figures 18 to 20. Then, the user then primes the delivery device to the pressing the membrane 119 of the pump assembly 107 a sufficient number of times to ensure that the chamber 111 of the pump assembly 107 is filled with liquid. Then, the user additionally moistens the hydrophilic coating on the tubular element 151 of the administration means 103 and passes them to one of their nasal passages. The distal end of the administration means 103, which includes the nozzle 153, is commonly located adjacent to a posterior region of the nasal cavity. Where the nozzle 153 includes openings 155 on only one side, the user assures that that side of the nozzle 153 in which the openings 155 are located is directed towards the site to which liquid will be applied. In the embodiment of FIGS. 24 and 25 this is obtained by directing the elongated portion of the asymmetric tubular element 151 of the administration means 103 in the direction in which the liquid will be ejected. Then, when the administration means 103 is fully inserted, the user activates the pump assembly 107 by depressing the membrane 119 to eject a measured volume of liquid from the administration means 103. Pressing the membrane 119 develops a positive pressure on the membrane. the chamber 111 that opens the outlet valve 129, allowing liquid to exit the chamber 111 and closes the inlet valve 123. Upon release of the membrane 119 a reduced pressure is developed in the chamber 111 causing the outer valve 129 to closing and that the inlet valve 123 opens, through which the liquid is withdrawn from the container 127, until the membrane 119 returns to the original position. In this way, the chamber 111 is filled with a measured volume of liquid that would be ejected from the administration means 103 in the further activation of the pump assembly 107. In preferred embodiments, the pump assembly 107 is configured in such a way that in each actuation thereof a liquid volume of 100 to 250 microliters is expelled from the administration means 5. Then, after actuation of the pump assembly 107, the user waits a short period of time to determine whether the medicament has had the effect wanted. Then, if the effect is not obtained, the administration means 103 can be repositioned and the administration device can be put into operation again in the same way, likewise, if an insufficient effect of the medicament administered is obtained, then, with the means of administration 103 in the same position, the user puts the management device into operation again. When the desired effect has been obtained, the user removes the administration means 103 from the nasal passage and once removed act on the projection 133 of the pump assembly 107 to retract the administration means 103 to the box 105. Then, the delivery device can either be withdrawn or stored until it is required again if there are unused doses or if it will be reused. Finally, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and that it can be modified in many ways without departing from the scope of the appended claims. It is noted that, in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant, to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it refers.

Claims (24)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, it is claimed as property, contained in the following claims: 1. An administration device for administering one or more measured volumes of liquid containing medication to a posterior region of the nasal cavity, comprising means of administration, such as an elongated tubular element and a nozzle at the free end thereof, through which the medicament-containing liquid is administered in use and an administration unit coupled to the administration means, the administration unit comprises a pump assembly or assembly, in the activation of which a measured volume of liquid is administered to the administration means, characterized in that the pump assembly comprises a main body defining a chamber having a first opening, which defines a entrance, a second opening that defines an exit and a third opening through the a resilient membrane is arranged, by which the administration of a measured volume of liquid at the outlet is obtained by the movement of the membrane.
2. 2. An administration device according to claim 1, characterized in that the administration unit further comprises a box in which the administration means and the pump assembly are slidably arranged, wherein the administration means are movable between a first position, in which the means of administration are substantially within the box and a second position in which the means of ad-judicature. they extend from the box in a position prepared for use.
3. 3. An administration device according to claim 2, characterized in that the box includes a longitudinal slot and a pump assembly that includes a projection which extends through the slot to provide the user with a means to slidably position the means of administration.
4. 4. An administration device according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the administration unit further comprises a container, at least a part of which is deformable, to retain a volume of liquid, such a container is crushed or folded dur -aibe administration of the liquid.
5. 5. An administration device according to claim 1, characterized in that the nozzle includes at least one opening through which the liquid is administered during use.
6. 6. A delivery device according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one opening is radially directed.
7. 7. An administration device according to claim 5, characterized in that the opening is therefore directed circularly.
8. 8. An administration device according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one opening is located at the periphery of the nozzle.
9. 9. An administration device according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one opening is located in a circle whose radius is smaller than that of the radius of the nozzle.
10. 10. An administration device according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one opening is elongated.
11. 11. A delivery device according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one opening is linear.
12. 12. A device according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one opening is arcuate.
13. A device according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one opening comprises a slit.
14. 14. An administration device according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one opening comprises a groove.
15. 15. A delivery device according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one opening is circular.
16. 16. An administration device according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one opening is polygonal.
17. 17. An administration device according to claims 5 to 16, characterized in that the nozzle comprises a plurality of openings through which the liquid is administered in use.
18. 18. A delivery device according to claim 17, characterized in that the openings are located in at least two circles having different radii.
19. 19. A delivery device according to claim 18, characterized in that the tubular element and the nozzle are integrally formed.
20. 20. The delivery device according to claim 19, characterized in that the distal end of the nozzle is partially spherical.
21. 21. The administration device according to claim 5, characterized in that the tubular element is flexible.
22. 22. A delivery device according to claim 5, characterized in that the tubular element includes a hydrophilic coating.
23. 23. An administration device according to claim 5, characterized in that the tubular element includes indicator means extending radially therefrom to indicate the direction in which the liquid will be expelled in use.
24. 24. An administration device according to claim 5, characterized in that the tubular element is asymmetric in cross section.