WO2022008202A1

WO2022008202A1 - Syringe adaptor

Info

Publication number: WO2022008202A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/066521
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rupert CRITCHLEY; Clare Henderson
Original assignee: Alpha Md Global Limited
Priority date: 2020-07-08
Filing date: 2021-06-17
Publication date: 2022-01-13
Also published as: GB2596876A; GB202010505D0; GB202014068D0

Abstract

An adaptor for a syringe 10 comprises a thumb loop 40 that attaches to a plunger 30 of the syringe and a pair of finger loops 50 that attach to the barrel 20 of the syringe. When in position on the syringe, the finger loops 50 receive and encircle the index and middle fingers of a clinician and the thumb loop 40 receives and encircles the thumb of the clinician so that the barrel of the syringe can be drawn back and pushed forward with a single hand.

Description

SYRINGE ADAPTOR

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to adaptors for syringes, particularly dermal filler syringes, enabling them to be operated with a single hand. [0002] Dermal fillers and other injectable products are sometimes provided by the manufacturer in a pre-filled syringe. Such products include Restylane (RTM) from Galderma (RTM), Juvederm (RTM) from Allergan (RTM), Teosyal (RTM) from Teoxane (RTM), and Belotero (RTM) from Merz/Anteis (RTM). [0003] Administering dermal filler involves repeated injections from a syringe at different points and at different angles. However, common syringe designs can be difficult to use, often requiring the use of both hands or other clumsy manipulation between injections.

[0004] One risk of administering dermal filler is accidentally introducing it into a blood vessel. To reduce this risk, it is recommended to aspirate the syringe to ensure that the needle tip is not positioned within a blood vessel. Aspiration prior to injection is not limited to dermal filler, but is a common step in the process of delivering vaccinations or other therapeutic and aesthetic injections and performing diagnostic procedures. [0005] Aspiration is normally performed by first inserting the needle tip into the skin at the desired injection site using their dominant hand. The clinician then uses their other hand to hold the syringe and keep the needle in place whilst they reposition their dominant hand in order to pull back the syringe plunger. If no blood is observed to have been pulled into the syringe, the clinician proceeds to press the plunger with their dominant hand to complete the injection. This is cumbersome and fatiguing on the clinician and can cause discomfort to the patient.

[0006] US Patent Application No. 2019/0030253 describes ergonomic syringes which enable one-handed aspiration and injection. Some embodiments comprise a broken loop thumb grip, which is removably affixed to the syringe plunger and detachable prior to discarding the syringe. Other embodiments comprise a finger flange which is similarly removably affixed to the syringe barrel. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides a syringe adaptor comprising a first part that is attachable to a plunger of a syringe and a second part, separate from the first part, that is attachable to a barrel of the syringe, the first part comprising a thumb loop sized to receive and encircle a thumb, the second part comprising a first finger loop sized to receive and encircle an index finger and a second finger loop sized to receive and encircle a middle finger, the first and second finger loops being located on either side of the barrel when the second part is attached to the syringe.

[0008] Embodiments of the invention therefore provide a two part adaptor that can be attached to a syringe to provide loops encircling the thumb and two fingers. This enables a clinician to use the syringe, and in particular to aspirate the syringe, with a single hand and without having to change their grip on the syringe. [0009] In one arrangement, the second part comprises a conduit, preferably a cylindrical or tubular conduit, for receiving a barrel of a syringe and attachment means preferably a plurality of clips, for attaching the second part to a barrel flange at a top end of the barrel. [0010] Preferably the thumb loop and finger loops are closed loops. In one arrangement, the first and second finger loops do not form closed loops by themselves but are instead sized to form closed loops together with a barrel flange at a top end of a barrel of a syringe when the second part is attached to the syringe. [0011] In one arrangement, the first part has a depression for receiving a plunger flange at a top end of a plunger of a syringe and a plurality of clips around a perimeter of the depression for clipping the first part to the plunger flange.

[0012] In one arrangement, the thumb loop and first and second fingers loops are all alignable in a single plane when attached to a syringe to enable an adapted syringe to be held comfortable. Furthermore, the first part and second part are preferably symmetrical about the single plane to enable an adapted syringe to be held in either hand.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention provides a syringe comprising a barrel and a plunger, the syringe having a syringe adaptor as described above attached thereto.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of adapting a syringe having a barrel and a plunger to enable single handed aspiration comprising attaching a syringe adaptor as described above to the syringe.

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention provide a disposable clip- on syringe accessory that allows a clinician to aspirate the syringe with a single hand. The aspirator also acts as an injection aid, aiding in balance and force of injection by the clinician's finger grip, allowing for adjustment in injection techniques. Embodiments of the invention are particularly advantageous when used with dermal filler syringes and other aesthetic treatments, but can be used to adapt a wide range of syringes to enable single handed operation, particularly when aspirating the syringe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the invention and other examples to aid understanding of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0017] Figure 1 illustrates a syringe (in dotted outline) and a two-part adaptor;

[0018] Figure 2 illustrates the syringe and adaptor of Figure 1 from below;

[0019] Figure 3 illustrates the syringe and adaptor of Figure 1 when assembled; [0020] Figure 4 illustrates the assembled syringe and adaptor of Figure 3 from below;

[0021] Figure 5 illustrates an alternative syringe and adaptor; [0022] Figure 6 illustrates the alternative syringe and adaptor of Figure 5 when assembled; and

[0023] Figure 7 illustrates another alternative assembled syringe and adaptor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The Figures illustrate a range of adaptors each shaped to fit and connect to a different brand and shape of syringe 10. Each syringe 10 is a known design and is shown in dotted outlines to differentiate it from the adaptors embodying the present invention. [0025] Each syringe 10 comprising a barrel 20 and a plunger 30. The adaptor is easily connected to its associated syringe by means of clips which quickly and easily secure the adaptor in place on the syringe 10 without needing to modify the syringe. The adaptor may be removed with sufficient force or by unlatching the clips, but many syringes are intended for single-use and the adaptor is also conveniently disposed of with the syringe after use. The adaptor is conveniently and cheaply made from any suitable plastics material and may be 3D printed or injection moulded.

[0026] Each adaptor is in two parts. A first part or thumb loop 40, clips onto the top of the plunger 30 and has a depression 45 for receiving and clipping around a top end or flange 70 of the plunger 30. A second part or finger loops 50, has a cylindrical passage or tubular hole 60 for receiving the barrel 20 of the syringe 10 and clips onto a flange 80 at the top of the cylindrical passage 20. The finger loops 50 have two hoops or partial hoops on either side of the passage 60 that, when in place on the syringe 10, are located on either side of the barrel 20.

[0027] Once the adaptor is in place on the syringe 10, the clinician can then aspirate and inject with one hand. The adaptor also helps to balance the syringe for improved control of position, angle and injection force delivered by the clinician. Each adaptor also provides a thumb loop or hoop 40 on the top of the plunger 30, enabling the plunger 30 to be easily drawn back and driven forward with a single hand and without needing to adjust the hand position on the syringe. The finger loops 50 on either side of the barrel 20 allow more even pressure and more control.

[0028] Although the shape and size of the clips and attachment areas of each adaptor necessarily varies depending on the shape and size of the associated syringe 10, all variations of the adaptor have common features providing common handling and control advantages.

[0029] In particular, the adaptor provides two finger loops 50 or hoops on opposite sides of the syringe barrel. For some syringes, such as the Allergan (RTM) brand syringe illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the flange 80 of the syringe barrel 20 provides part of the structure of the finger loops 50 and the adaptor completes a closed loop. In other arrangements, the adaptor provides the entire structure of the finger loops 50 and the barrel's flange 80 merely clips into the adaptor.

[0030] The thumb loop 40 and the finger loops 50 all lie in substantially the same plane. For some syringe brands, the shape of the syringe forces alignment of the loops because each part of the adaptor can only be attached in one position and orientation. Other syringes have, for example, a circular top flange 70 to the plunger 30, meaning that the thumb loop 40 can be oriented in any direction and the clinician must align it manually.

[0031] The finger loops 50 and thumb loops 40 are smoothly curved and ergonomically shaped to ensure a comfortable grip on the adaptor. Preferably, therefore, the thumb loops and finger loops form closed or substantially closed loops (either alone or in combination with flanges or other structures of the barrel and plunger of the syringe as illustrated in Figure 3) to avoid openings or gaps that could catch or cause discomfort. Nevertheless, the loops may be broken over a small section of their perimeter where this does not interfere with the overall ergonomic shape. Additionally, the adaptor is symmetrical about a plane passing through all the loops so that it can be held and used in either hand, depending on the clinician's preference.

[0032] Current syringe models have no or inadequate finger placement and it is therefore easy for the clinician's fingers to slide down the barrel 20 of the syringe 10, particularly when drawing the plunger 30, promoting poor technique and loss of control. The adaptor provides an effective grip on the barrel 20 of the syringe 10, with finger loops 50 that encircle the clinician's fingers and ensures that they remain in place relative to the barrel 20.

[0033] In use, the index and middle finger are used to hold the syringe via the finger loops 50 and the plunger 30 is able to be pushed forward or drawn back using the thumb via the thumb loop 40 and without using the second hand. The fingers and thumbs are surrounded by the ring structures attached to the syringe 10 to enable the digits of a single hand to both push and pull the plunger 30 as required while keeping the syringe securely and safely held. The clinician does not need to change their grip to aspirate or inject or to move the syringe between injection points. This makes the injection process more time efficient, less tiring for the clinician, and more comfortable for the patient. It also reduces the risk of pain or discomfort due to mispositioning the needle tip or jolting the needle while it is inserted into the patient. [0034] In the event that the injection or a procedure involving multiple injections is interrupted, the finger loops 50 can be used to hold the syringe safely and securely. It is not necessary to put the syringe down or adjust the grip on the syringe.

[0035] The parts of the adaptor are sized and shaped to ensure that the clinician's hand remains close to the syringe 10 and the patient to ensure good control of the needle tip. An overly large adaptor or one that spaces the clinician's digits away from the syringe would feel unnatural and make accurate placement of the needle more difficult.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A syringe adaptor comprising a first part that is attachable to a plunger of a syringe and a second part, separate from the first part, that is attachable to a barrel of the syringe, the first part comprising a thumb loop sized to receive and encircle a thumb, the second part comprising a first finger loop sized to receive and encircle an index finger and a second finger loop sized to receive and encircle a middle finger, the first and second finger loops being located on either side of the barrel when the second part is attached to the syringe.

2. The syringe adaptor of claim 1 wherein the second part comprises a conduit for receiving a barrel of a syringe and attachment means for attaching the second part to a barrel flange at a top end of the barrel.

3. The syringe adaptor of claim 2 wherein the attachment means comprises a plurality of clips for clipping the second part to the barrel flange.

4. The syringe adaptor of any preceding claim wherein the first and second finger loops do not form closed loops by themselves and are sized to form a closed loop together with a barrel flange at a top end of a barrel of a syringe when the second part is attached to the syringe.

5. The syringe adaptor of any preceding claim wherein the first part has a depression for receiving a plunger flange at a top end of a plunger of a syringe and attachment means for attaching the first part to the plunger flange.

6. The syringe adaptor of claim 5 wherein the attachments means comprises a plurality of clips around a perimeter of the depression for clipping the first part to the plunger flange.

7. The syringe adaptor of any preceding claim wherein the thumb loop and first and second fingers loops are all alignable in a single plane when attached to a syringe.

8. The syringe adaptor of claim 7 wherein the first part and second part are symmetrical about the single plane.

9. A syringe comprising a barrel and a plunger, the syringe having a syringe adaptor as claimed in any preceding claim attached thereto.

10. A method of adapting a syringe having a barrel and a plunger to enable single handed aspiration comprising attaching a syringe adaptor as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 to the syringe.