Patent Publication Number: US-2021187190-A1

Title: Agent delivery device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/951,426, filed on Dec. 20, 2019, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a medical device that administers an agent. More particularly, at least some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a medical device configured to be loaded with a therapeutic agent, separate the loaded agent into a smaller form, and then deliver that agent via a lumen of the medical device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In certain medical procedures, it may be necessary to stop bleeding internal to the body. For example, an endoscopic medical procedure may require hemostasis of bleeding tissue within the gastrointestinal tract, for example in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. 
     During an endoscopic procedure, a user inserts a sheath of an endoscope into a body lumen of a patient. The user utilizes a handle of the endoscope to control the endoscope during the procedure. Tools are passed through a working channel of the endoscope via, for example, a port in the handle, to deliver treatment at the procedure site near a distal end of the endoscope. The procedure site is remote from the operator. 
     To achieve hemostasis at the remote site, a hemostatic agent may be delivered by a device inserted into the working channel of the endoscope. Agent delivery may be achieved through mechanical systems, for example. Such systems, however, may require numerous steps or actuations to achieve delivery, may not achieve a desired rate of agent delivery or a desired dosage of agent, may result in the agent clogging portions of the delivery device, may result in inconsistent dosing of agent, or may not result in the agent reaching the treatment site deep within the GI tract. The current disclosure may solve one or more of these issues or other issues in the art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to an example, a medical device may include a housing defining at least one enclosure for storing agent in a first form, a force applicator within the housing and adjacent the enclosure, a drive mechanism for moving the agent toward the force applicator. The force applicator may define a surface for applying a force to the agent to separate the agent into particles smaller than a size of the first form. The device may define a lumen for receiving the particles from the force applicator and for receiving a pressurized fluid to propel the particles through the lumen. The force applicator may include a round gear including a plurality of teeth about a circumference of the gear. The drive mechanism may include two rotatable wheels to receive the agent between the two rotatable wheels, and may be connected to a trigger outside the housing. The actuation of the trigger may cause rotation of the two rotatable wheels. 
     In another example, the medical device may further include a fluid source, e.g., gas, for providing the pressurized fluid, wherein the fluid source may be connected to the lumen via a fluid channel, and wherein the fluid channel may be connected to a portion of the lumen distal to the force applicator. The fluid channel may include a valve configured to open or close a flow of pressurized fluid from the fluid source to the lumen. The valve may coupled to the trigger configured to at least open/close the valve. 
     In another example, the medical device may further include a first gear coupled to a surface of the force applicator, wherein the first gear is configured to rotate simultaneously with the force applicator, in a same direction, and a lever coupled to the housing, wherein an end of the lever includes a second gear, and the second gear and the first gear are connected in series via a linking gear positioned in between the first gear and the second gear, wherein actuation of the lever rotates the second gear, which rotates the linking gear, which rotates the first gear and the force applicator. Actuation of the lever may also actuate a trigger to supply a pressurized fluid to the lumen. Each throw, e.g., pivoted rotation, of the lever may rotate the force applicator by a consistent degree to supply a substantially consistent amount of particles to the lumen. 
     In another example, the medical device may further include an electric motor coupled to the force applicator, wherein the electric motor is configured to rotate the force applicator, and a battery electrically connected to the electric motor and a trigger, wherein the trigger is configured to act as an electrical switch that powers the electric motor via the battery. Actuation of the trigger may continuously rotate the force applicator and continuously supply pressurized fluid to the lumen from the fluid source, until the trigger is released. 
     In another example, the housing of the medical device may include a holster defining a plurality of enclosures for storing the agent, wherein the holster is rotatable relative to other portions of the housing and the lumen. The housing may include a chamber below the holster, and a channel between the chamber and the lumen so that there is fluid communication between the chamber and the lumen. The drive mechanism may include a rotation of the holster so that one of the plurality of enclosures aligns with the chamber, thereby delivering the agent from one of the enclosures to the chamber. The force applicator may include a wedge that obtrudes into the chamber, and the wedge may be configured to separate the agent in the chamber into particles. 
     According to another example, a medical device may include a housing defining at least one enclosure for storing agent in a first form, a force applicator within the housing and adjacent the enclosure, a drive mechanism for moving the agent toward the force applicator, wherein the force applicator includes a plurality of teeth for applying a force to the agent to separate the agent into particles smaller than a size of the first form, wherein the force applicator includes a first gear, and a lever coupled to the housing. The lever may include a second gear, and the second gear and the first gear may be coupled so that pulling the lever causes the second gear to rotate the first gear and the force applicator, separating the agent into the particles. The device may define a lumen for receiving the particles from the force applicator and for receiving a pressurized fluid to propel the particles through the lumen. The drive mechanism may be connected to a trigger outside the housing, and actuation of the trigger may operate the drive mechanism. 
     In another example, the medical device may further include a fluid source for providing the pressurized fluid, wherein the fluid source is connected to the lumen via a fluid channel, wherein the fluid channel includes a valve configured to open or close a flow of pressurized fluid from the fluid source to the lumen, wherein the valve is coupled to a trigger configured to at least open/close the valve, and wherein the trigger is located outside of the housing. Actuation of the lever may actuate a trigger to supply the pressurized fluid to the lumen. 
     According to an example, a method of administering agent via a medical device may include positioning a lumen of the medical device so that a distal end of the lumen is adjacent to a targeted site, wherein the device further includes a housing defining at least one enclosure storing the agent in a first form, a force applicator within the housing and adjacent the enclosure, and a drive mechanism for moving the agent toward the force applicator, providing a pressurized fluid to the lumen, and delivering the agent towards the force applicator via the drive mechanism, thereby separating the agent into particles smaller than a size of the first form via the force applicator, and feeding the lumen with the particles. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIGS. 1A-1B  are cross-sectional views of a medical device, according to different embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of an enclosure and a feeding mechanism of a medical device, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a medical device, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view of a medical device, according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 4B  is a top view of a holster of the medical device of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIGS. 4C and 4D  are cross-sectional views of a medical device, according to another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to aspects of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference numbers will be used through the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The term “distal” refers to a portion farthest away from a user when introducing a device into a subject (e.g., patient). By contrast, the term “proximal” refers to a portion closest to the user when placing the device into the subject. 
     Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the features, as claimed. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “having,” “including,” or other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. In this disclosure, relative terms, such as, for example, “about,” “substantially,” “generally,” and “approximately” are used to indicate a possible variation of ±10% in a stated value or characteristic. 
     The present disclosure may solve one or more of the limitations in the art. The scope of the disclosure, however, is defined by the attached claims and not the ability to solve a specific problem. The present disclosure is drawn to medical devices configured to be loaded with agent(s), e.g., therapeutic agents, that crush or separate the loaded agent(s) into smaller particles, and administer said particles to a targeted site, among other aspects. The agent may be in any first form, e.g., a rod, a pellet, prior to it being separated or crushed into a smaller form, such as a powder of loose particles, and delivered to a lumen receiving a stream of propellant/pressurized fluid, e.g., CO 2 , nitrogen, air, etc. Said medical devices may help increase the consistency of particle size and particle delivery of agent, e.g., hemostatic powder, and may also help reduce variation that is inherent in conventional fluid-driven powder/particle mixing and delivery systems. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of medical device  1  in further detail. Medical device  1  includes a housing  2  defining at least one enclosure  5  for storing agent  100  in a first form, e.g., a rod or other single-piece shaped form of an agent, a force applicator  11  within housing  2  and adjacent enclosure  5 , and a drive mechanism  13  configured for moving or propelling agent  100  towards force applicator  11 . Enclosure  5  may be pre-loaded with agent  100 , or enclosure  5  may include an opening/mechanism by which it may be loaded with agent  100 . Force applicator  11  defines a surface, e.g., a surface of each of a plurality of teeth  12  along its circumference, for applying a force to agent  100  to separate it into particles  101  smaller than its first form. Instead of teeth  12  about its circumference, force applicator  11  could include serrations, barbs, or any other sharp or roughened surface capable of separating agent into powder/particle form. Drive mechanism  13  includes two wheels  13   a  and  13   b  positioned directly below and above one another, with sufficient space between one another to receive agent  100 . Drive mechanism  13  may be within enclosure  5 , in which agent  100  is stored. Drive mechanism  13  moves agent  100  towards force applicator  11  as wheel  13   a  rotates counter-clockwise and wheel  13   b  rotates clockwise. However, drive mechanism  13  is not limited to wheels  13   a  and  13   b , and may be any suitable mechanism for advancing agent  100 . Similarly, force applicator  11  may be any suitable mechanism for separating/crushing agent  100  into particles  101 , such as, round grinders, worm gears, or augers. In some other embodiments, device  1  may include a plurality of force applicators. 
     Medical device  1  also includes a lumen  4  within housing  2  for receiving particles  101  from force applicator  11  and for receiving a pressurized fluid from a fluid source  7 , via a channel  14 , to propel particles  101  through lumen  4 . Lumen  4  may be connected with or otherwise be in fluid communication with enclosure  5  storing agent  100 , so that a distal portion of enclosure  5  transitions into lumen  4 , as shown in  FIG. 1A . Channel  14  includes a valve  17  along its length between source  7  and lumen  4 , and is connected to a portion of lumen  4  that is distal to force applicator  11  to feed lumen  4  with pressurized fluid, thereby propelling particles  101  towards a distal end of lumen  4 . Valve  14  is coupled to a trigger  15  located outside of a handle portion  3  of housing  2 . Trigger  15  may be configured to at least open fluid valve  14 , thereby providing a flow of pressurized fluid from fluid source  7  to lumen  4 . Trigger  15  may be any suitable form, e.g., a button, a switch, and its form is not particularly limited. Fluid source  7  is within handle portion  3  of housing  2 , but is not particularly limited to being within handle  3 , and may even be outside housing  2 . It is further noted that lumen  4  is not limited to being within housing  2 , and in other embodiments, may be at least partially outside of housing  2 . A catheter/sheath (not shown) may also be attached to (or otherwise extend from) the distal end of housing  2 . Said catheter/sheath may be long, flexible to traverse tortuous patient anatomy, and any suitable size to insert into a working lumen of a scope (not shown) or another delivery device (not shown). 
     Medical device  1 , shown in  FIG. 1A , further includes a first gear  10  that is coupled to a surface of force applicator  11 , and first gear  10  is configured to rotate simultaneously with force applicator  11 , in the same direction. Medical device  1  also includes a lever  6  coupled to housing  2 , and the coupled end of lever  6  includes a second gear  8 . First gear  10  and second gear  8  are connected in series via a linking gear  9 , positioned in between first gear  10  and second gear  8 . Thus, lever  6  is pivotably coupled to linking gear  9 , via second gear  8 . As a result of such configuration, pulling lever  6  proximally rotates second gear  8  (clockwise as shown in  FIG. 1A ), which in turn rotates linking gear  9  (counter-clockwise), which rotates first gear  10  (clockwise) by a selected or desired degree. Pulling lever  6  proximally may entail translating one end of lever  6  (the end opposite of second gear  8 ) towards handle portion  3 , as indicated by the directional arrow of  FIG. 1A . This translation is a pivoted movement, as the other end of lever  6  (second gear  8 ) is pivotably connected to linking gear  9 . The pulling of lever  6  may be by any suitable action, for example, by hand or by mechanical, electrical, or pneumatic action. The rotation of first gear  10  rotates force applicator  11  by a selected or desired degree, which proceeds to separate/crush a portion of agent  100 , fed via drive wheels  13   a  and  13   b , into particles  101 . It is noted that the rotation of drive wheels  13   a  and  13   b  may be actuated via any suitable mechanism. Such mechanisms may include an automated mechanism that is triggered by the pulling of lever  6  or by the actuation of trigger  15  opening valve  17 . Another mechanism may include an additional gear or a series of gears connecting first gear  10  to drive wheels  13   a  and  13   b , and thus, also rotating said drive wheels by pulling lever  6 . 
     Lever  6  further includes a contact  16 , which may be a protrusion or a tab extending outward from the surface of lever  6  facing handle  3 . Contact  16  may be configured to press or actuate trigger  15  on handle  3 , as lever  6  is pulled proximally towards handle  3 , thereby opening valve  17 . Opening valve  17  permits pressurized fluid to flow into channel  14  past valve  17  and into lumen  4  to propel particles  101  distally. Referring to  FIG. 1A , an example of how medical device  1  may be used is further discussed below. The distal portion of medical device  1  (e.g., a catheter or sheath having the distal portion of lumen  4 ) may be delivered into the body of a subject. Lumen  4  may be positioned so that a distal end of lumen  4  is adjacent to an intended target site for agent  100  administration. Such delivery and positioning may be accomplished via an endoscope having a working channel (not shown). Imaging associated with the endoscope may assist in positioning. A user may then load housing  2  of medical device  1  with agent  100 , if not loaded already, so that wheels  13   a  and  13   b  of driving mechanism  13  may advance agent  100  towards force applicator  11 . The manner in which housing  2  is loaded with agent  100  is not particularly limited. A user may then pull lever  6  proximally, by any suitable manner/mechanism, so that contact  16  presses against trigger  15 , thereby opening valve  14  and providing a pressurized fluid to lumen  4 , and also rotating force applicator  11  via the series of first gear  10 , linking gear  9 , and second gear  8 . This results in force applicator  11  separating/crushing agent  100  into particles  101 , via the force applied by teeth  12  to agent  100 . Lumen  4  is fed with particles  101 , which are propelled toward the distal end of lumen  4  via pressurized fluid and, thus, administered to the intended target site. Pulling lever  6  may also trigger a mechanism by which driving wheels  13   a  and  13   b  are rotated, such as via automated rotation or via a gear or a series of additional gears connecting first gear  10  to driving wheels  13   a  and  13   b.    
     It is further noted that a throw of lever  6  rotates force applicator  11  by a certain degree, as discussed above, and supplies a continuous flow of pressurized fluid, as long as trigger  15  is pressed inward. Thus, a single throw of lever  6  may deliver a consistent, desired dose of agent  100 , separated into particles  101 , into lumen  4 . For example,  FIG. 1A  shows that lever  6  may be rotated about 45 degrees clockwise, causing a set degree of rotation of gears  9 ,  10  and force applicator  11 . This set amount of rotation corresponds to a set amount of agent  100  being separated into particles. For larger doses, a user may repeatedly actuate (push then pull) lever  6  so that force applicator  11  is intermittently rotated and pressurized fluid is supplied. Alternatively, for larger doses, the throw of lever  6  may be increased. 
     Medical device  1 ′, as shown in  FIG. 1B , is similar to device  1  in many respects. Like reference numeral refer to like parts. Differences between device  1  and  1 ′ will be described. Device  1 ′ includes an electric motor  20  coupled to force applicator  11 , configured to rotate force applicator  11  electrically. In some other embodiments, medical device  1 ′ may include a plurality of electric motors  20  and/or a plurality of force applicators  11 . Medical device  1 ′ further includes a battery  18  electrically connected to electric motor  20 , via wires  19   a  and  19   b , to power electric motor  20 . Wire  19   a  connects the cathode of battery  18  to electric motor  20 . Wire  19   b  includes two portions to connect the anode of battery  18  and motor  20  to trigger  15 ′, which serves as both a valve switch and an electrical switch, along its path to electric motor  18 . Therefore, the actuation of trigger  15 ′ may open valve  17  and power electric motor  20  simultaneously in medical device  1 ′. The actuation of trigger  15 ′ may be by any suitable action, for example, by hand or by mechanical, electrical, or pneumatic action. 
     Medical device  1 ′ may be used in the same manner as medical device  1  except a user actuates trigger  15 ′, as opposed to pulling a lever. The actuation of trigger  15 ′ opens valve  14 , thereby providing a pressurized fluid to lumen  4 , and also powers the rotation of force applicator  11  via electric motor  20 , which is electrically wired to battery  18 . Additionally, the actuation of trigger  15 ′ may also automate the rotation of driving wheels  13   a  and  13   b , thereby feeding agent  100  to force applicator  11 . Actuation of trigger  15 ′ may operate the aforementioned functions in a continuous manner, until trigger  15 ′ is released. Thus, a user may hold trigger  15 ′ until a desired amount of agent  100 , separated into particles  101 , is delivered to a targeted site via lumen  4 , and then release trigger  15 ′ to cease the operation of device  1 ′. 
       FIG. 2  shows an example of another embodiment of drive mechanism  13 ′. Drive mechanism  13 ′ includes a compressed spring  13   a ′ coupled to a platform  13   b ′ on one end, that is positioned adjacent to a proximal end of agent  100 . Platform  13   b ′ defines a surface which pushes against agent  100 , as compressed spring  13   a ′ decompresses, thereby pushing agent  100  towards a force applicator (not shown). The other end of spring  13   a ′ is stationary against an inner surface of enclosure  5  in the housing. Agent  100  may be pre-loaded into enclosure  5 , or enclosure  5  may include an opening/mechanism by which it may be loaded with agent  100 . In this embodiment, a surface of one of the teeth, or any other force applying surface, of a force applicator (not shown) may apply an opposite, greater force against spring  13   a ′, so that spring  13   a ′ remains compressed and agent  100  is not advanced. By such configuration, spring  13   a ′ extends and agent  100  is advanced only when the force applicator is rotated or actuated. 
       FIG. 3  shows an example of another means by which force applicator  11  may be rotated in medical device  1 ″ to apply a force separating/crushing agent  100  into particles  101 . In medical device  1 ″, a torsion spring  22  is coupled to force applicator  11  in a manner so that a torque or a rotary force actuates the rotation of force applicator  11 ″. Medical device  1 ″ further includes a lever  6 ″ configured to pivot about a pivot point  24 . Lever  6 ″ includes a pawl  23  that may catch one of teeth  12 ″ of force applicator  11 ″, thereby inhibiting the rotation of force applicator  11 ″. As lever  6 ″ is pulled proximally (as shown by the arrow A), and pivots clockwise about pivot point  24 , pawl  23  simultaneously rotates in a clockwise direction, and releases from one of teeth  12 ″ of force applicator  11 ″, thereby rotating force applicator  11 ″ via the rotary force exerted by spring  22 . As shown, the rotation of force applicator  11 ″ applies a force to agent  100  via teeth  12 ″, and separates/crushes agent  100  into particles  101 , which are subsequently delivered to lumen  4 . Thus, medical device  1 ″ may be used in a similar manner as medical device  1 . Medical device  1 ″ may also be different in use than device  1 . For example, lever  6 ″ may be pulled (as shown by arrow A) and held in its pulled position to permit continuous rotation of force applicator  11 ′, via the rotary force exerted by spring  22 , and to have a constant supply of pressurized fluid. Thus, unlike device  1 , multiple, sequential throws of lever  6 ″ is not necessary to continually rotate force applicator  1 ″ and supply pressurized fluid for a prolonged duration of time. Lever  6 ″ may also be returned to its original position so that pawl  23  re-engages one of teeth  12 ″ to inhibit further rotation of force applicator  11 ″, and to also cease the supply of pressurized fluid to lumen  4 . Lever  6 ″ may be actuated by any suitable action, for example, by hand or by mechanical, electrical, or pneumatic action. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4D , another embodiment of medical device  1 ′″ is described below. Medical device  1 ′″ includes a housing  36  that includes a holster  30 , which includes a plurality of cavities  31   a - h  for storing agent  100 ′ in a first form, e.g., a pellet. Holster  30  sits within a enclosure of housing  36 .  FIG. 4A  shows a cross-sectional view of holster  30  along line  4 A- 4 A of  FIG. 4B . Medical device  1 ′″ also includes a lumen  4  receiving pressurized fluid, e.g., CO 2 , from a fluid source (not shown) at its proximal end. Housing  36  includes a barrier region  39  positioned between holster  30  and lumen  4 . As indicated by the directional arrow A in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , holster  30  is rotatable relative to a remainder of housing  36  and lumen  4 . Furthermore, housing  36  includes a force applicator in the form of a wedge  37 , which defines a surface for applying a force to agent  100  to separate it into particles smaller than its first form. The form of a force applicator is not particularly limited to wedge  37 , and may be any suitable form. Wedge  37  may be below holster  30 , and may be spring-actuated, via spring  38 . Any other form of biasing or pressing wedge  37  to the left in  FIG. 1A  may be used. In another embodiment, wedge  37  may be actuated via pneumatics. For example, an additional port or channel (not shown) may be branched from lumen  4  at a point that is proximal to a channel  35 , so that said port may feed pressurized fluid directly into housing  36  or specifically towards wedge  37 . The force of the fed pressurized fluid may engage wedge  37  to compress and crush agent  100 ′. In other embodiments, a combination of both a spring and pneumatics may be implemented to actuate wedge  37 . 
     Housing  36  also includes a chamber  33  defined by a first opening  32  that is adjacent to holster  30 , and a narrower, second opening  34  leading to a channel  35 , which leads to lumen  4 . First opening  32  may be aligned with any of the plurality of enclosures  31   a - h  of holster  30 , depending on the rotational position of holster  30  relative to barrier  39 . Thus, as holster  30  rotates, agent  100 ′ may drop into chamber  33  from one of the plurality of enclosures  31   a - h . The rotation of holster  30  may be by any suitable action, for example, by hand or by mechanical, electrical, or pneumatic action. For example, in some other embodiments, the rotation of holster  30  may be operated by a trigger that causes rotation or measured rotation of holster  30 , e.g., rotation such that adjacent enclosures  31   a - 31   h  may be aligned with chamber  33  sequentially. In  FIGS. 4A-4B , holster  30  includes eight enclosures  31   a - h  distributed evenly about the perimeter/circumference of holster  30 . Actuation of a trigger may cause rotation of holster by 45 degrees to align a subsequent enclosure with opening  32 . Although eight equally sized and spaced enclosures are shown, it is understood that there may be more or less number of enclosures, varied spacing, and varied size to accommodate different sizes/doses of agent  100 ′. 
     A portion of wedge  37 , which may be spring-actuated via spring  38 , obtrudes the enclosure defined by chamber  33 , and after holster  30  releases agent  100 ′ into chamber  33 , wedge  37  separates/crushes agent  100 ′ into particles (not shown). Because there is fluid communication between chamber  33  and lumen  4 , via channel  35 , the particles of agent  100 ′ are delivered to lumen  4 , and are propelled towards a distal end of lumen  4  via pressurized fluid. It is noted that agent  100 ′, prior to being separated into particles, is inhibited from falling into channel  35  and being delivered to lumen  4  because second opening  34  and channel  35  are narrower than a width, or cross-sectional size, of agent  100 ′, in whichever first form. A size of opening  34  and channel  35 , and a force exerted by wedge  37 , may control the size of particles delivered. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4D , an example of how medical device  1 ′″ may be used is further discussed below. Similar to the aforementioned exemplary medical devices, a distal portion of medical device  1 ′″ (e.g., a catheter or sheath having the distal portion of lumen  4 ) may be delivered into the body of a subject. Lumen  4  may be positioned/directed so that a distal end of lumen  4  is adjacent an intended target site for agent  100  administration. As previously discussed, such delivery and positioning may be accomplished via an endoscope having a working channel (not shown). Imaging associated with the endoscope may assist in positioning. A user may then load one or more of the plurality of enclosures  31   a - h  of holster  30  with agent  100 ′, if not loaded already. The user may then rotate holster  30  relative a remainder of housing  36  and lumen  4  so that one of enclosures  31   a - 31   h  aligns with first opening  32 , thereby dropping agent  100 ′ into chamber  33 . Wedge  37  proceeds to apply a force onto agent  100 ′, thereby separating/crushing agent  100 ′ into particles (not shown). Rotation of holster  30  may be by any suitable manner or mechanism, e.g., by hand or by mechanical, electrical, or pneumatic action. Said rotation may also be a measured rotation or a continuous rotation via a mechanical or electrical means. Because there is fluid communication between chamber  33  and lumen  4 , via channel  35 , said particles are delivered to lumen  4 , and are propelled towards a distal end of lumen  4  via pressurized fluid. It is noted that pressurized fluid may be supplied to lumen  4 , by a fluid source, at any time prior to, during, and after the rotation of holster  30 . 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed device without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.