U.S. patent application number 17/326373 was filed with the patent office on 2021-09-02 for kit for and method of assembling an applicator for inserting an implant.
The applicant listed for this patent is MERCK SHARP & DOHME B.V.. Invention is credited to Dennis Cornelis Franciscus BEELEN, Robertus Theodoor Maria MOORMANN, Maurice Petrus Wilhelmus TAK, Martin VAN HARMELEN.
Application Number | 20210268249 17/326373 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005599056 |
Filed Date | 2021-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210268249 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BEELEN; Dennis Cornelis Franciscus
; et al. |
September 2, 2021 |
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.
Inventors: |
BEELEN; Dennis Cornelis
Franciscus; (OSS, NL) ; VAN HARMELEN; Martin;
(OSS, NL) ; MOORMANN; Robertus Theodoor Maria;
(OSS, NL) ; TAK; Maurice Petrus Wilhelmus;
(HENGELO, NL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MERCK SHARP & DOHME B.V. |
Haarlem |
|
NL |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005599056 |
Appl. No.: |
17/326373 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16121664 |
Sep 5, 2018 |
11040184 |
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17326373 |
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12174644 |
Jul 17, 2008 |
10092739 |
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16121664 |
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PCT/EP2007/050406 |
Jan 16, 2007 |
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12174644 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 37/00 20130101;
A61M 31/00 20130101; A61M 5/3204 20130101; A61M 5/3202 20130101;
Y10T 29/49826 20150115; A61M 5/3271 20130101; A61M 37/0069
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61M 37/00 20060101
A61M037/00; A61M 31/00 20060101 A61M031/00; A61M 5/32 20060101
A61M005/32 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 19, 2006 |
EP |
06100620.1 |
Claims
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.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of International
Application No. PC T/EP 2007/050406 filed on 16 Jan. 2007 which was
published under PCT Article 21(2) in English, the contents of which
are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates 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 invention further relates to a method of assembling
an applicator.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 4,820,267 relates to a device for subcutaneous
implantation of single and plural elongated medicament pellets
comprising a single dosage where magazine feeding is not applicable
because considerations of sterility and cross-contamination require
a fresh needle and obturator for each patient. The device includes
a cannula supported at a proximal end thereof by a hub which slides
within a tubular barrel, the barrel supporting an obturator which
selectively penetrates the cannula to maintain an implanted pellet
in position as the cannula is withdrawn. For single pellet dosages,
the pellet is carried in the fore part of the cannula, while in the
case of multiple pellet dosages, the additional pellets, prior to
loading, are carried in open-ended cylindrical tubes engageable
with a proximal end of the hub whereby the obturator may be
employed to transfer the pellet to the cannula from the sleeve
which is discarded. Repositioning of the hub within the sleeve is
then accomplished without disengagement of the distal end of the
cannula from the tissues of the patient and additional
implantations may then be performed.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 3,016,895 relates to injectors, and more
particularly to a veterinarian's injector of the type designed for
subcutaneous implantation of solids in animals. U.S. Pat. No.
3,016,895 discloses a device wherein a longitudinally bored pellet
receiving and loading unit is hingedly mounted so that it may be
misaligned with the body of the injector, so that a solid pellet
may be easily inserted therein, for convenient loading of the
injector.
[0005] WO 2004/089458 relates to a device for inserting implantable
objects beneath the skin of a patient, including a handle for
grasping the device and a base connected to the handle. The base
comprises a post, a cannula, and a flexible actuator positioned in
an angled track. The cannula is positioned coaxially around and is
longitudinally slidable over the post from an extended position,
where an implantable object is retained in the cannula, to a
retracted position, where the implantable object is released from
the cannula. In operation the implanting device may be loaded with
an implantable object either manually or with a cartridge. One
embodiment of the device according to WO 2004/089458 is a kit which
may include additional parts along with an implanting device which
may be combined together to implant therapeutics, pharmaceuticals,
or microencapsulated sensors into a patient. The kit may include
the implanter in a first compartment. A second compartment may
include a syringe, needles, scalpel, and any other instruments
needed. A third compartment may include gloves, drapes, wound
dressings and other procedural supplies for maintaining sterility
of the implanting process, as well as an instruction booklet. A
fourth compartment may include additional cannula and posts.
[0006] WO 01/68168 relates to a disposable device for inserting one
or several implants, said device comprising a tubular cannula (10)
provided with a tip (11), said cannula also serving as a container
for the implants, a plunger (20) and a handle (30) having a first
end (31) directed towards the cannula (10), and a second end (32)
directed away from the cannula. The plunger (20) and the handle
(30) are attached or attachable to each other in a fixed manner,
and the cannula (10) is arranged to be movable in the longitudinal
direction, so that the plunger (20) is placed therein. The device
in WO 01/68168 is characterized in that i) the cannula (10) can,
after inserting the implant or implants, be drawn on top of the
plunger (20) so far, that the tip (11) of the cannula (10) becomes
covered by the handle (30) or by a piece connected to the handle
(30), and/or that ii) the cannula (10) is, when drawn to its
extreme position, towards the second end (32) of the handle (30),
arranged to be irretrievably locked in relation to the plunger
(20).
[0007] EP 1 300 173 relates to a hand held implanter for containing
and depositing a subcutaneous implant beneath the skin of a
patient. FIGS. 11 to 13 illustrate one preferred method for loading
the implant (18) into the implanter (110) in the case where the
implanter is not preloaded by employing an implant containing vial
(90). The vial (90) maintains the implant in a sterile condition
during transportation, storage, and loading.
[0008] US 2001/0031940 relates to a device for administering
implants. The device is a syringe-like device having a plunger, an
injection cannula, and an active substance container there-between.
The active substance container includes two retaining elements for
preventing inadvertent dispensing of an implant. The retaining
elements are flexible, and may be O-rings.
[0009] WO 98/58698 discloses an implantation device (1) comprising
a hollow needle (2), preferably of the type having a chamfered tip
profile, and a body (3) adjoining the needle part comprising a
plunger (5), preferably having a chamfered tip profile capable of
blending with the needle tip profile. The device is made
preloadable by being provided with a chamber (7) capable of holding
an implant (8), which chamber is positioned radially outside the
periphery of the plunger (5) and has a directly or indirectly open
connection to a channel (6) surrounding the plunger. The plunger is
capable of closing off and opening up the chamber by being
displaced.
[0010] In light of the above prior art, there is a particular need
for a kit which can serve to reduce the risk of damaging the, often
delicate, implant during (automated) introduction of the implant
into a cannula and/or a cannula holder and which facilitates such
introduction at a late stage of assembly of the applicator. This is
particularly important in cases where the applicator comprises
intricate design features to enhance e.g. ergonomics and/or
operation safety.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] To this end, the kit according to the present invention
comprises a first component, in turn comprising a main housing part
providing a handle for grasping and maneuvering the applicator, a
cannula, preferably extending from the housing, and a cannula
holder mounted, preferably slidably, 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 and/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 a rod attached to or forming
an integral whole with the second housing part and mountable inside
the cannula and/or the cannula holder.
[0012] Thus, the implant can be introduced into the proximal end of
the cannula and/or the cannula holder avoiding contact with the tip
of the cannula and such introduction can be postponed until just
before the applicator is completed.
[0013] It is preferred that the first and second components are
provided with complementary features for irreversibly attaching,
e.g. snap fitting, one part to the other.
[0014] To facilitate proper alignment between the cannula and the
implant during introduction, even if the implant is slightly curved
due to storage on a reel, it is preferred that the distance between
the opening in the main housing part, in particular the edge of the
opening, and the proximal end of the lumen of the cannula and/or
the cannula holder is less than the length of the implant to be
used, preferably less than 20 mm, more preferably less than 10 mm
or even less than 5 mm.
[0015] In a further embodiment the handle extends above at least
30%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 80% or all
of the length of the cannula extending from the first
component.
[0016] The invention further pertains to a method of assembling a
disposable applicator comprising the steps of sequentially:
providing a first component comprising a main housing part;
providing a handle for grasping and maneuvering the applicator, a
cannula, preferably extending from the housing, and a cannula
holder mounted, preferably slidably, 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 and/or the cannula
holder, and, separate from the first component, a second component
for closing the opening in the main housing part, 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 and/or the cannula holder; mounting the rod inside the
cannula and/or the cannula holder and closing the opening by
attaching, preferably irreversibly, one housing part to the
other.
[0017] Finally, the invention relates to a disposable applicator
obtained with this method, which applicator is contained inside a
sterile package.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The invention will now be explained in more detail with
reference to the drawings, which schematically show a preferred
embodiment according to the present invention.
[0019] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a kit in accordance
with the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an applicator.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the applicator of
FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the applicator of FIG. 3.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0023] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a kit 1 in accordance with the present
invention for assembling a disposable applicator 2 (shown in
assembled condition in FIGS. 3 and 4) for inserting an implant 3,
in particular a rod-like implant containing an active substance,
such as a contraceptive, under the skin of a human. The applicator
2 may be of the type as described in co-pending U.S. application
Ser. Nos. 11/795,796 and 11/795,805, the contents of both of which
are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0024] The kit 1 comprises a first component 4, in turn comprising
a main housing part consisting of two half-shells 5, 6, welded
together ultrasonically, and providing a handle 7 for grasping and
maneuvering the applicator 2 (once assembled) and an open rear
(proximal) section, and a second component 8, in turn comprising a
second housing part consisting of a rear shell 9, complementary in
shape to the main housing part 5, 6 and spanning at least 20% of
the surface of the applicator 1 (once assembled), and a rod 10
attached to or forming an integral whole with the second housing
part 9.
[0025] With reference also to FIGS. 3 to 5, which show the
assembled applicator (respectively an exploded view of the
applicator), the first component 4 comprises a metal cannula 11
accommodating the implant 3, a protective cover 12 comprising a pin
13 extending into the tip of the cannula 11 to restrict the freedom
of movement of the implant 3, and an actuator 14 for retracting the
cannula 11 into the housing 5, 6, 9. The cannula 11 is fixed to a
cannula holder 15 to form a cannula assembly, which is slidably
received inside the housing 5, 6. To this end, the inner walls of
the half-shells 5, 6 and the rear shell 9 are provided with
parallel and longitudinal guides 16 and the cannula holder 15 is
provided with corresponding longitudinal grooves 17 (FIG. 5). The
cannula holder 15 is connected to the actuator 14 by means of a
flexible element 18, which, in this example, forms an integral
whole with the cannula holder 15 and the actuator 14. Depending on
the configuration of the applicator, it may be more advantageous to
employ a rigid element and/or a separate actuator, flexible
element, and cannula holder, which are connected upon assembly of
the applicator. The flexible element 18 comprises, on either side
and preferably just below the actuator 14, lateral protrusions 19
(FIG. 5). The inner wall of the main housing part 5, 6 in turn
comprises two corresponding stops 20 (FIG. 4), which prevent the
protrusions 19 from passing and hence the actuator 14 from being
pulled rearwards unintentionally. The lateral protrusions 19 and
stops 20 also prevent the cannula holder 15 and the cannula 11 from
being pushed rearwards during insertion.
[0026] On top of the handle 17, a track 21 is provided for guiding
the actuator 14. A guide 22 is included just below the track 21,
which is shaped to provide sufficient room below the actuator 14 to
enable it to flex sufficiently far downwards to allow the lateral
protrusions 19 to pass the stops 20, upon pushing the actuator 14
down. Retracting the cannula 11 thus can be performed in one
flowing movement, i.e. upon applying pressure to the actuator 14,
typically with an index finger, the actuator 14 flexes downwards,
clearing the stops 20, and subsequently rearwards to the retracted
position.
[0027] Also, two resilient lips 23 are provided on the rear
(proximal) end of the cannula holder 15. The inner sidewalls of the
main housing part 5, 6 in turn comprise two corresponding stops
(not shown) that block rearward motion of the lips 23 and hence
define the longitudinal position of the cannula holder 15 in
rearward direction. It is preferred that this mechanism urges the
cannula holder 15 into its most forward position, so as to prevent
the implant 3 from extending from the cannula 11. Upon actuation,
the lips 23 will flex inwards and past the stops.
[0028] A lever 24 is pivotally connected to the front end of the
handle 7. The lever 24 is gently biased towards the cannula 11 by
means of a spring 25 extending between the lever 24 and an inner
wall of the handle 7. In the present example, the lever 24
interacts with the protective cover 12 and the implant 3. To this
end, the lever 24 comprises a first protrusion 26 (FIG. 4) on its
lower wall and a pair of lateral protrusions 27 (FIG. 5) on its
upper rim.
[0029] The protective cover 12 (see in particular FIG. 5) on its
inner walls comprises a pair of ridges 28 which, in combination
with corresponding slots 29 on the outside of the half-shells 5, 6,
impose sliding engagement between the cover 12 and the main housing
part. The cover 12 further comprises, on its upper rim, a pair of
keys 30, each interrupted by a notch 31.
[0030] The cannula 11 in turn comprises an opening 32 which allows
the protrusion 26 to engage the implant 3 and thus to gently urge
the implant 3 against the inner wall of the cannula 11.
[0031] With the protective cover 12 in place, the lateral
protrusions 27 of the lever 24 are supported by the keys 30 and the
first protrusion 26 is just clear of the implant 3.
[0032] If the protective cover 12 is removed, i.e. slid in
longitudinal direction and away from the main housing part, the
keys 30 will slide under the lateral protrusions 27. If no implant
3 is present inside the cannula 11, the protrusion 26 on the lever
24 is free to enter the cannula 11 through the opening 32 i.e. the
lever 24 will drop when the lateral protrusions 27 reach the
notches 31, thus blocking further movement of the cover 12,
preventing the same from being removed and preventing the
applicator from being used any further. If an implant 3 is present,
the lever 24 will be lowered only very slightly, with the lateral
protrusions 27 still clear of the notches 31, and yet causing the
first protrusion 26 to rest, through the opening 32, on the implant
3, thus, on the one hand, allowing the cover 12 to be removed and,
on the other, gently urging the implant 3 towards the inner wall of
the cannula 11, i.e. securing the implant 3 inside the cannula
11.
[0033] The cover 12 further comprises, on its inner bottom wall, a
stay 33 preferably having, in its top surface, a V-shaped groove
extending in the longitudinal direction of the applicator 2. Upon
placing the protective cover 12 onto the main housing part 5, 6,
the stay 33 slightly lifts the cannula 11 and reproducibly defines
the lateral position and height of the tip of the cannula 11 with
respect to the pin 13, thus preventing contact between the tip of
the cannula and the inner walls of the cover 12.
[0034] Finally, the main housing part 5, 6 comprises, preferably at
the rear, at least one, e.g. two guides 34, and/or at least one,
e.g. two resilient hooks 34A, for cooperation with corresponding
features of the second housing part.
[0035] The second component 8 of the kit comprises a bracket 35,
which has been inserted in and snap-fitted to the rear shell 9 by
means of two resilient fingers 36, 37, each provided with a
protrusion 36A, 37A. The lower finger 37 comprises, near its end, a
second, preferably wedge-shaped, protrusion 38, which serves to
lock the cannula holder 15 in its retracted position. The bracket
35 carries the aforementioned rod 10.
[0036] In this example, the length of the rod 10 is adjusted to the
length of the lumen of the cannula holder 15 and the cannula 11 and
the length of the implant 3, such that when the applicator is
assembled and the cannula 11 is in the extended position, the
implant 3 is fully contained inside the cannula 11 and typically
abuts the distal end of the rod 10. When the cannula 11 is in the
retracted position, the implant 3 is completely expelled from the
cannula 11 and the distal end of the rod 10 extends from the distal
end of the (retracted) cannula 11.
[0037] Finally, the rear shell 9 comprises at least one, e.g. two
guides 39 for slidingly mounting the rear shell 9 onto the main
housing part 5, 6 (in particular guides 34), and/or at least one
feature, e.g. two ridges 39A, for snap-fitting the shell to the
main housing 5, 6.
[0038] As will be clear from the explanations above, the main
housing part comprises several sophisticated features that enhance
ergonomics and/or safety of operation. Accordingly, it may occur,
more frequently than in the case of more straightforward designs,
that during production some applicators do not pass quality tests
and are rejected. In such cases, the relatively expensive implant
contained in the applicator is also lost.
[0039] With the kit according to the present invention, the implant
can be introduced into the proximal end of the cannula and/or
cannula holder after the first and second components have been
approved and only just before the applicator is completed. Further,
contact with the tip of the cannula during introduction of the
implant can be avoided effectively.
[0040] To facilitate automated introduction of an implant, the
proximal end of the lumen of the cannula 11 and/or cannula holder
15 is provided with a funnel-shaped entrance 40. To prevent the
implant from contacting the upper rim of the cannula and hence to
further reduce the risk of damaging the implant during insertion
into the cannula, the diameter of the narrowest portion of the
funnel-shaped entrance is equal to or smaller than the inner
diameter of the cannula.
[0041] Also, the first component 4, in particular the main housing
parts, can comprise features to enhance interaction with one or
more tools. In this example, the main housing part 5, 6 comprises,
in the edge of the open rear section, notches 41 to provide
sufficient room for proper alignment of a tool for introducing the
implant 3 into the cannula holder 15.
[0042] In this example, the kit 2 is produced by means of the
following steps: introducing at least the proximal end of the
cannula 11 in a mould and molding the cannula holder 15 about the
proximal end, thus providing accurate alignment of entrance 40 of
the cannula holder 15 and the cannula 11; positioning the cannula
holder 15, the cannula 11, the actuator 14, the lever 24, and the
spring 25 inside the half-shells 5, 6, and welding the same
together ultrasonically; placing the cover 12 onto the main housing
part 5, 6; attaching the rod 10 to the rear shell 9 and inspecting
the thus obtained first and second components for compliance with
production specifications.
[0043] The kit is now ready to receive an implant, either at the
same facilities or elsewhere e.g. at the facilities where the
implant is produced. The implant 3, which, in this example, is
supplied in the form of a fiber wound on a large diameter reel, is
introduced into the applicator 2 by means of the following steps:
taking the end of the fiber from a reel and cutting the implant 3
to size; inspecting the implant 3; introducing the implant 3
through the open rear section of the first component 4 into the
proximal end of the cannula 11 and/or the cannula holder 15;
mounting the rod 10 inside the cannula 11 and/or the cannula holder
15 and closing the opening by snap fitting the second component 8
to the first component 4; and sterilizing and packaging the
applicator 2.
[0044] The kit according to the present invention is especially
suitable for use with delicate implants, in particular implants
that slowly release an active substance over an extended period of
time. A preferred example of such an implant is a single-rod
contraceptive implant that provides protection against pregnancy
for an extended period of time, e.g. 3 years. It consists of a
non-biodegradable rod measuring 40 mm in length and 2 mm in
diameter. After insertion, the rod slowly releases a progestogenic
hormone, viz. etonogestrel.
[0045] The invention is not restricted to the above-described
embodiments, which can be varied in a number of ways within the
scope of the claims. For instance, in one embodiment at least the
main and second housing parts, the cannula holder, and the rod are
made of a synthetic material, for instance by means of injection
molding. Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been
described, these are examples only and are not limiting upon the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *