Overview

Our design solution, the multiple needle injection head, features a luer lock needle head featuring two rows of needles, ten needles per row that is able to fit on any standard syringe

Our prototype was designed using SolidWorks and rapid prototyping services. Below is the blueprint of our device (in mm) and figure 2 shows an isometric view of the SolidWorks model.

Figure 1. Multiple needle head blueprint (mm)

Figure 2. Isometric view of multiple needle head device feature a luer lock top that fits in any standard device.

Our prototype addresses several needs necessary to facilitate the therapeutic delivery of Histogen's Hair Stimulating Complex (HSC). First, a chamber with several needles mounted, as shown in Figure 3, was designed to facilitate the treatment procedure.

Figure 3. Prototype of multiple needle head device by Interpro, Inc using WaterShedXC.

In current clinical trials of HSC, the treatment is individually injected in parts of the scalp. As a result, a full treatment would encompass close to 400 injections, which would be very time- consuming. Because we are able to make 20 injections at a time with our device with our 20 needles head, we were able to reduce the amount of labor required for the treatment. There was also concern that the treatment should be relatively painless and not intimidating for the patient. The mounted needles are 31G and have been shown to provide minimal pain and bleeding.

To standardize and provide depth control to the injections, select needles have a threaded stop. This ensures that the injection distances of each needle will be the same. For optimal therapeutic delivery, the injections should reach a depth between 1-2mm.

Figure 4. Syringe fitted with multiple needle head.

Prototype operation is straightforward. A 5mL syringe is used to withdraw a set volume of solution. In order to stay within budget, a more precise method of volume dispense could not be implemented. By taking into account the volume of the chamber and the amount of solution injected through each needle (0.1mL), the total volume is first withdrawn into the syringe. Next, the chamber was designed with a luer lock fitting such that it can be mounted onto the syringe. After fastening the chamber, the device is ready for use. Figure 4 show a 5mL syringe fitted onto our multiple needle head device with testing liquid. Figure 5 shows the SolidWorks model with the device including the syringe.

Figure 5. Front (left) and side (right) view of the device connected to a standard syringe. Featuring two rows of needles, ten needles per row.