Research progress of needle-free injection technology / 药学学报

Needle-free injection technology (NFIT) refers to the drug delivery systems in which drugs are propelled as high-speed jet streams using any of the pressure source to penetrate the skin to the required depth. NFIT is a promising drug delivery system as it enables the injection of liquids, powders, and depot/projectiles, and has the advantages of preventing needle stick accidents, improving drug bioavailability, eliminating needle-phobia, increasing vaccine immunity, simplifying operations and is convenient for patients to use. NFIT and its research background, the structure and classification of needle-free jet injectors (NFJI), drugs that can be delivered using NFJI and the factors affecting the injection effect are comprehensively reviewed in this paper. The limitations and potential development directions are summarized to provide a theoretical basis for the application and development of NFIT.

A Case of Needleless Jet Injector Induced Bilateral Chorioretinal Injury

PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral chorioretinal injury by needleless jet injector misuse. CASE SUMMARY: In a dermatology department, the patient was diagnosed as having total alopecia and was scheduled to be injected on her eyelash by needleless jet injector for treatment but inexpert doctor injected on the eyelid, not eyelash, by mistake. She then suddenly complained of blurred vision and a floater just after that procedure and was referred to the ophthalmology department. Bilateral vitreous hemorrhage and preretinal hemorrhage were seen during indirect ophthalmoscopic examination and bilateral prophylactic argon laser photocoagulation was done around the suspicious tear site. Then bilateral vitreous hemorrhage and preretinal hemorrhage were absorbed and we found a partial retinal rupture lesion and choroidal rupture lesion in the right eye and a retinal injury lesion in the lefteye. Therefore we observed the lesions of both eyes continuously without further treatment. Her clinical symptoms improved. CONCLUSIONS: Needleless jet injector has many advantages, especially less pain and injury than a normal needle injector and is usually used in clinic as preoperative local anesthesia and steroid injection in many medical fields. In this case, the needleless injector was accidentally misused inducing both direct and indirect choroidal rupture and retinal injury. In general, while a needleless jet injector is used in ophthalmology department, we have to use it with the greatest care.

The Effect of Premedication using a Jet-injector in Pediatric Patients / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of midazolam premedication administered by a jet-injector in pediatric patients. METHODS: Children undergoing outpatient surgery were randomized into three groups: intravenous induction with thiopental sodium (control group, n = 20), oral midazolam premedication (PO-med group, n = 20) or midazolam premedication using a jet-injector (Jet-med group, n = 20). In the PO-med and Jet-med group patients, anesthetic induction was performed by sevoflurane inhalation and an intravenous catheter (IVC) was inserted after the children had been anesthetized by sevoflurane inhalation. For the control group patients, an IVC was placed in the preoperative holding area. Agitation scores were recorded in the preoperative holding area and recovery room. Anesthesia times and the views of the medical staff concerning the technique benefits were also noted. Patients and parents were interviewed on the following day. RESULTS: Maximum agitation scores in the preoperative holding area and during separation with parents were significantly lower in the PO-med and Jet-med groups. The induction time was significantly longer in the PO-med and Jet-med groups. No statistically significant differences were found for the recovery characteristics. Though interviews with patients and parents produced similar results for patients in each group, the medical staff satisfaction levels were significantly higher for patients in the PO-med and Jet-med groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that the application of the jet-injector for midazolam premedication may be clinically useful in children who do not have an IVC. The use of the jet-injector could be a substitute for the oral route for midazolam administration.