The MediDome Drug Injector is a new device that makes the administering of drugs much simpler and safer, doing away with the traditional needle and syringe.
The device aims to eliminate needle stick injuries, speed up patient treatment and also reduce the fear of needles with packaging that is friendlier and less threatening.
During subcutaneous or intra-muscular injections, the MediDome can ensure that a vein is not ruptured via a unique tester integrated into the unit.
Self-adhesive antiseptic and anesthetic wings stick the MediDome to the required area on the patient after the removal of a sterile cover. This cover also acts as a tamper alarm that changes colour if ruptured.
The MediDome stores a pre-filled, measured drug dose within a soft plastic housing which is manufactured in a single factory which should result in lower cost production.
The single-use mechanism prevents syringes from being shared as it can never be used twice. This would help to prevent the spread of blood-born diseases or viruses such as HIV from being passed on.
The device is thought to be especially useful for natural disaster situations, military use or mass immunisation of developing countries.
The process for using the device is straightforward.
1. Remove the blister cap to adhere the device to the patient.
2. Apply pressure until resistance is felt.
3. Check bubble on one of the wings for blood. If the bubble fills up then abort injection.
4. If no blood is present, give a firm press until a click is heard.
5. Softly compress and hold the dome.
6. Discard dome for incineration.
Chris Holden is the man behind the invention, a 21 year old student at Northumbria University who has recently won a prestigious national award (NPSA) for the device. Northumbria University has filed a patent application to protect his work and is seeking external funding to commercialise and develop the device.
There is also a companion product that works in much the same way as the MediDome drug injector but without the needle. It is called the Absorption MediDome and is designed to administer painkillers and certain antibiotics.
Sources:
News-Medical.net
MedGadget
GizmoWatch
Product Exhibition