Kit for and method of assembling an applicator for inserting an implant

Abstract

The invention pertains to a kit for assembling a disposable applicator for inserting an implant, in particular a rod-like implant containing an active substance, under the skin of a human or animal, the kit comprising a first component, in turn comprising a main housing part providing a handle for grasping and maneuvering the applicator, a cannula, and a cannula holder mounted in the main housing part, the main housing part having an opening which allows introduction of an implant into the proximal end of the cannula or the cannula holder, and, a second component for closing said opening, in turn comprising a second housing part and a rod attached to or forming an integral whole with the second housing part and mountable inside the cannula or the cannula holder.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . Kit for assembling a disposable applicator for inserting an implant under the skin of a human or animal, the kit comprising:
 a first component, in turn comprising a main housing part providing a handle for grasping and maneuvering the applicator, a cannula, and a cannula holder slideably mounted in the main housing part, the main housing part having an opening which allows introduction of an implant into a proximal end of the cannula or the cannula holder, and   a second component for closing said opening, in turn comprising a second housing part at least partially complementary in shape to the main housing part and attachable thereto to form a housing, and a rod attached to or forming an integral whole with the second housing part and mountable inside the cannula or the cannula holder.   
     
     
         2 . Kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second components are provided with complementary-features for irreversibly attaching one housing part to the other. 
     
     
         3 . Kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the distance between the opening and the proximal end of the lumen of the cannula or the cannula holder is less than 20 mm. 
     
     
         4 . Kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the lumen of the cannula or the cannula holder is provided with a funnel-shaped entrance. 
     
     
         5 . Kit according to  claim 4 , wherein the diameter of the narrowest portion of the funnel-shaped entrance is equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the cannula. 
     
     
         6 . Kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the main housing part comprises two half-shells and the second housing part comprises a further shell, the shells forming, once assembled, a hollow and substantially closed housing. 
     
     
         7 . Kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the first component comprises an actuator connected to the cannula holder so as to enable, once assembled, retracting the cannula and the cannula holder over the rod. 
     
     
         8 . Kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the cannula extends forwardly from the first component and the handle extends above at least 50% of the length of the cannula extending forwardly from the first component. 
     
     
         9 . Kit according to  claim 8 , wherein the handle extends above substantially all of the length of the cannula extending forwardly from the first component. 
     
     
         10 . Kit according to  claim 1 , wherein the first component comprises a mechanism having a lever extending along at least part of the cannula, which lever is rotatable or slidable or flexible between a first position, wherein the implant is secured inside the cannula or the cannula holder, and a second position, wherein the implant is disengaged. 
     
     
         11 . Method of assembling a disposable applicator comprising:
 providing a first component comprising a main housing part having a handle for grasping and maneuvering the applicator, a cannula, and a cannula holder slideably mounted in the main housing part, the main housing part having an opening which allows introduction of an implant into a proximal end of the cannula or the cannula holder;   providing a second component for closing said opening, in turn comprising a second housing part at least partially complementary in shape to the main housing part and a rod attached to or forming an integral whole with the second housing part;   introducing an implant through the opening and into the proximal end of the cannula or the cannula holder; and   mounting the rod inside the cannula or the cannula holder and closing the opening by attaching one housing part to the other.   
     
     
         12 . Method according to  claim 11 , wherein the implant is taken from a reel and cut to size prior to introducing the implant into the proximal end of the cannula or the cannula holder. 
     
     
         13 . Method according to  claim 11 , wherein the cannula holder is manufactured by introducing at least the proximal end of the cannula into a mold and molding the cannula holder about the proximal end. 
     
     
         14 . Method according to  claim 11 , wherein at least the first component is inspected for compliance with production specifications prior to introduction of the implant. 
     
     
         15 . Method according to  claim 11 , further comprising sealing the assembled applicator inside a sterile package. 
     
     
         16 . A disposable applicator for inserting an implant under the skin of a human or animal, the kit comprising:
 a first component comprising a main housing part providing a handle for grasping and maneuvering the applicator, a cannula assembly slideably mounted in the main housing part, the main housing part having an opening which allows introduction of an implant into a proximal end of the cannula assembly, and   a second component comprising a second housing part complementary in shape to the main housing part and mechanically attached thereto to form a housing; and   a pharmaceutical implant, received within the cannula assembly.   
     
     
         17 . The disposable applicator according to  claim 16 , wherein the second housing part is irreversibly mechanically attached to the main housing part. 
     
     
         18 . The disposable applicator according to  claim 16 , wherein the cannula assembly comprises a cannula and a cannula holder. 
     
     
         19 . The disposable applicator according to  claim 18 , wherein the first component comprises an actuator connected to the cannula holder for retracting the cannula into the housing. 
     
     
         20 . The disposable applicator according to  claim 16 , enclosed within a sterile package.