Fluid extraction device, applicator device and associated methods

Abstract

A device for removing fluid from a body, the device comprising an array of microneedles and a housing; the array of microneedles being disposed within the housing and the housing defining a chamber. The microneedles are moveable between a disengaged position and an engaged position where, in use in the engaged position, the microneedles penetrate the surface of a body. The chamber is adapted to surround the surface of the body through which the microneedles penetrate when in the engaged position. The chamber is configured for connection to a vacuum device such that negative pressure can be applied to the chamber.

1 . A device for removing fluid from a body, the device comprising:
 i) an array of microneedles; and   ii) a housing, the array of microneedles being disposed within the housing, and the housing defining a chamber;   wherein the microneedles are moveable between a disengaged position and an engaged position where, in use in the engaged position, the microneedles penetrate the surface of a body;   the chamber is adapted to surround the surface of the body through which the microneedles penetrate when in the engaged position; and   the chamber is configured for connection to a vacuum device, such that negative pressure can be applied to the chamber.   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the microneedle array is biased towards the disengaged position. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 2  wherein the device further comprises one or more resilient members which bias the microneedle array towards the disengaged position. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 2  or  3  wherein the microneedle array is biased towards the disengaged position after a force has been exerted on the operating means and the microneedles have moved to the engaged position. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 4  wherein the microneedle array is coupled to the resilient member following movement to the engaged position. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 5  wherein the microneedle array is coupled to the resilient member via engagement of a connector associated with the microneedle array with a complementary connector associated with or operably linked to the resilient member. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the height of the microneedles is up to around 1000 μm or less, preferably around 700 μm or less, preferably around 500 μm or 350 μm. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the housing further comprises a sealing means to enable the housing to be sealed to the surface of the body. 
     
     
         9 . A method for removing fluid from a body, the method comprising:
 puncturing a surface of the body; and   applying a negative pressure to the surface of the body in the region of the punctures to remove fluid from the body via the punctured surface.   
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 9  wherein puncturing the surface of the body is achieved by application of a microneedle array, microneedle roller, by electroporation, hydraulic jet, laser, sonic energy, gas jet or projectile. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10  wherein the height of microneedles in the microneedle array or microneedle rollers is up to around 1000 μm or less. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 9  wherein said puncturing of the surface of the body is effected to expose at least 300 mm 2  of tissue. 
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 9  wherein the method further comprises attaching a vacuum device to the region of the body which has been punctured. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 9  wherein said negative pressure is around 25 to around 500 mmHg. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 9  wherein the method further comprises removing up to around 2000 ml/day of fluid. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 9  wherein the method further comprises removing at least around 10 ml/day of fluid, more preferably around 100 ml/day, more preferably at least around 220 ml/day. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 9  wherein the method further comprises applying a layer of material onto the punctured body surface prior to application of negative pressure. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the material is gauze or foam. 
     
     
         19 . A method of treating fluid overload or oedema comprising the method of  claim 9 . 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19  wherein the fluid overload or oedema results from kidney/renal failure, heart failure, lymphoedema, cancer or deep vein thrombosis. 
     
     
         21 - 38 . (canceled)