A "Watch" called EpiWear has an integrated epinephrine plug



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If you are subject to harmful allergic reactions, injecting epinephrine, such as an EpiPen, could save your life. Unfortunately, these shots are not easy to carry. There are chances of losing or maybe hard to find when they are in bags. It can make a big difference between life and death if you lose it just before you need it.

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Why not put these EpiPen injections on your wrist? The Rice University students had the same idea: they developed a portable device with an integrated epinephrine syringe, no bigger than a watch.

This epinephrine delivery device called "EpiWear" should be worn on the wrist, as a watch, or elsewhere on the body by a person at risk of allergic reaction requiring immediate response.

The tri-fold device, presented in a larger version here, will allow people to stay with them more easily if needed. (Credit: Brandon Martin / Rice University)
The tri-fold device, presented in a larger version here, will allow people to stay with them more easily if needed. (Credit: Brandon Martin / Rice University)

In case of emergency, the user can easily unfold it to administer quickly a shot or someone could do it for him by accessing it by the wrist. The user simply has to press a safety lever and press a button when he is ready to inject the drug into his thigh.

According to Tang (one of the team members), "The idea came from me because I suffer from peanut allergies. I am very conscious of myself and I am worried about my life, but I have always struggled to bring something so big and intrusive when I went out for dinner with friends or just going out at night."

EpiWear should be able to deliver a 0.3 milliliter dose of epinephrine. Once unfolded, the device will be about the same length as the currently available epinephrine pens on the market. The dose will be placed in the central part and a strong spring at the top.

An badysis shows the internal mechanism of an epinephrine administration device designed by engineering students from Rice University. (Credit: Jeff Fitlow / Rice University)
An badysis shows the internal mechanism of an epinephrine administration device designed by engineering students from Rice University. (Credit: Jeff Fitlow / Rice University)

With regard to safety, the three-piece folding device effectively makes it impossible to accidentally trigger the needle. In addition, the team anticipates a case that would prevent the button from touching anything until the shot is needed.

The rice team also hopes that its creation will result in a less expensive, more elegant delivery device and therefore more likely to be worn by users. At the moment, the prototype is quite big, but the team says that this is due to the process of 3D printing.

They even plan to add standby features so they do not just sit on their wrists in ordinary situations. If that happens, EpiWear will undoubtedly be an excellent solution, elegant enough to be carried everywhere with you.

Now, do not feel embarrbaded about making an injection that will save your life and do not worry about leaving it behind.

– Publicity –

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