Automated Drug Delivery Systems And Methods

Abstract

Automated drug delivery systems and related methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, these systems can reduce or eliminate infusion inconsistencies. An exemplary system can include a syringe actuator which can be controlled via electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic means to precisely infuse and/or withdraw material from a patient.

1 . A drug delivery system, comprising:
 a drug delivery device; and   an actuator having a syringe disposed therein, the syringe in fluid communication with the drug delivery device;   wherein the actuator is configured to exert an actuation force on the syringe to expel material from the drug delivery device;   wherein the actuator includes:
 a first cup; and 
 a second cup rotatably coupled to the first cup; 
 wherein rotation of the first cup relative to the second cup exerts the actuation force on the syringe. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator includes a plurality of syringes disposed therein. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first cup is threadably connected to the second cup. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein rotation of the first cup relative to the second cup in a first direction exerts the actuation force on the syringe to expel material from the drug delivery device and wherein rotation of the first cup relative to the second cup in a second, opposite direction exerts a second actuation force on the syringe to draw material into the drug delivery device. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator includes a motor configured to rotate the first cup relative to the second cup. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the delivery device comprises a catheter or a needle. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein a barrel of the syringe extends through a central opening of the first cup. 
     
     
         8 . A syringe actuator, comprising:
 a main body;   a plurality of syringes, each having a respective plunger;   a cap rotatably coupled to the main body; and   a force coupling disposed in the cap;   wherein rotation of the cap relative to the main body is effective to select which of the syringe plungers is operably connected to the force coupling.   
     
     
         9 . The actuator of  claim 8 , wherein the force coupling comprises a fluid line and wherein rotation of the cap places the fluid line in fluid communication with a selected one of the syringe plungers. 
     
     
         10 . The actuator of  claim 8 , wherein the force coupling comprises a solenoid and rotation of the cap aligns the solenoid with a selected one of the syringe plungers. 
     
     
         11 . The actuator of  claim 8 , wherein the main body is defined by the plurality of syringes. 
     
     
         12 . The actuator of  claim 8 , wherein the plurality of syringes are disposed within one or more cavities formed in the main body. 
     
     
         13 . The actuator of  claim 8 , wherein the actuator includes a motor configured to rotate the cap relative to the main body. 
     
     
         14 . A syringe actuator, comprising:
 a main body having a proximal portion, an intermediate portion, and a distal portion and defining a cavity having a syringe received therein; and   a power cartridge disposed in the main body and operably coupled to a plunger of the syringe such that the power cartridge can advance the plunger distally.   
     
     
         15 . The actuator of  claim 14 , wherein the power cartridge is operably coupled to the plunger of the syringe such that the power cartridge can retract the plunger proximally. 
     
     
         16 . The actuator of  claim 14 , wherein the power cartridge comprises a vessel of compressed gas. 
     
     
         17 . The actuator of  claim 14 , wherein the syringe is captured between the intermediate and distal portions of the main body. 
     
     
         18 . The actuator of  claim 14 , wherein the actuator includes a control system configured to selectively direct force generated by the power cartridge against the plunger. 
     
     
         19 . The actuator of  claim 14 , wherein the power cartridge is disposed within a cavity defined by the proximal and intermediate portions of the main body. 
     
     
         20 . The actuator of  claim 14 , wherein the actuator includes an exhaust module 
     
     
         21 .- 30 . (canceled)