Ophthalmic Dispenser With Replaceable Ampoule

Abstract

Fluid delivery devices and methods are described where the device may comprise a piezoelectric actuator having a piezoelectric chip that is operatively coupled to a drug package under a preloading force. The actuator is configured to generate an acoustic pressure within the drug package to dispense droplets or a continuous stream of an agent from an aperture, e.g., to the corneal surface of the eye. The piezoelectric actuator can be coupled or decoupled from the drug package via a coupling mechanism which enables the quick release and consistent securement of the drug package to the actuator and housing.

1 . A handheld device for emitting a fluid onto the surface of an eye, the device comprising:
 an actuator configured to vibrate at a selected frequency;   a sealed ampoule containing the fluid to be dispensed and an aperture; and   an attachment mechanism configured to removably couple the sealed ampoule into vibrational conduction with the actuator so that the actuator touches an external surface of the sealed ampoule;   wherein the sealed ampoule is aligned in a predetermined orientation relative to the actuator such that the fluid is emitted through the aperture when the actuator provides an acoustic excitation to the external surface of the sealed ampoule; and   wherein fluid emitted through the aperture can be directed onto the surface of the eye.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid reservoir comprises an ophthalmic composition. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid reservoir has a volume of about 3000 μL. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a shut-off valve which is configured to seal the aperture. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid is emitted from the device as a collimated stream. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein a fluid volume between 4 μL and 10 μL is delivered to the surface of the eye in 250 ms or less. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the sealed ampoule is made of a thermoplastic polymer. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the sealed ampoule comprises a single aperture.