Patent ID: 9364205
Filing Date: 2016-06-14
CPC Classification: A61B

Claim Text:
1. An apparatus for subcutaneously delivering a material, comprising: an elongate delivery tube comprising first and second elongate tube members configured to move between an engaged closed position and an open position, the tube members forming the delivery tube when in the engaged closed position, the delivery tube having a chamber configured to accommodate a material therewithin, wherein the elongate tube members are flexible; an elongate pusher member having a distal portion configured to slidably extend through at least a portion of the delivery tube so as to push at least a portion of the material out of the delivery tube; an elongate catheter extending through the chamber, wherein at the distal end of the delivery tube, the chamber is just large enough to accommodate the catheter, wherein the elongate catheter comprises a stop member extending radially outwardly from a catheter surface, the stop member comprising an annular ring, wherein a coupling member is movably disposed about the elongate catheter and is configured to mechanically couple to a proximal end of the elongate pusher member, wherein the coupling member is threaded on an inner surface and is configured to engage a threaded proximal end of the elongate pusher member, such that when the coupling member and the elongate pusher member are engaged, the stop member is locked between the proximal end of the elongate pusher member and a proximal wall of the coupling member; and a flexible collar disposed about and slidable over the tube members and having a relaxed diameter less than a diameter of at least most of the delivery tube, the collar being biased to exert an inwardly-directed force on the delivery tube to hold the tube members together in the closed position so as to fit closely about the elongate catheter and to contain the material within the chamber; wherein the delivery tube generally tapers along its length, and as the delivery tube tapers in a proximal direction a diameter of the chamber increases; wherein the distal portion of the elongate pusher member is configured to fit in a proximal portion of the delivery tube; and wherein a diameter of the distal portion of the pusher member is greater than a diameter of the chamber at a point near a distal end of the delivery tube.