Abstract: An implantable medical device for implantation in a mammal joint having at least two contacting surfaces is provided. The medical device comprises; an artificial contacting surface adapted to replace at least the surface of at least one of the mammal's joint contacting surfaces, wherein the artificial contacting surface is adapted to be lubricated, when implanted in said joint. Furthermore the medical device comprises at least one inlet adapted to receive a lubricating fluid from a reservoir, at least one channel at least partly integrated in the artificial contacting surface in connection with the at least one inlet for distributing the lubricating fluid to the surface of the artificial contacting surface. The medical device could be adapted to be operable by an operation device to receive the distributed lubricated fluid from a reservoir.

Abstract: A transdermal patch can include a drug source, a porator, and an energy storage device on-board the patch. Conductive contact terminals can extend from the energy storage device for connection to an external source of power. The porator operates free of any concurrent connection to any external source of power. A switch can be used to make the selective electrical connection between the porator and the energy storage device. The switch can be arranged to respond to a manual user action after the patch has been adhered to skin, including separation of the porator from a remainder of the patch. Optionally, a series of switches can make electrical connections between the porator and respective individual energy storage devices. In another aspect, a transdermal patch includes a mechanical bias that applies a displacement force to the porator to thereby better ensure good physical contact between the porator and the skin.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods suitable for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site. The systems generally comprise a container for holding a therapeutic agent, and a pressure source configured to be placed in selective fluid communication with at least a portion of a reservoir of the container. In one embodiment, fluid from the pressure source is directed through a first region of the container in a direction towards a second region of the container. The fluid then is at least partially redirected to urge the therapeutic agent in a direction from the second region of the container towards the first region of the container and subsequently towards the target site. In alternative embodiments, the fluid from the pressure source may be directed through the second region of the container in a direction towards the first region of the container.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to diffusion delivery systems and more particularly to high precision nanoengineered devices for therapeutic applications. The device contains diffusion areas that may be fabricated between bonded substrates, and the device can possess high mechanical strength. The invention further relates to capsules containing a diffusion delivery system. The present invention also relates to methods of fabricating the diffusion delivery systems.

Abstract: An infusion medium delivery system, device and method for delivering an infusion medium to a patient-user, includes a needle inserter device and method for inserting a needle and/or cannula into a patient-user to convey the infusion medium to the patient-user. The needle inserter device and method operate to insert a needle and cannula into a patient-user's skin and automatically withdraw the needle from the patient-user, leaving the cannula in place and in fluid flow communication with a reservoir. The delivery device may include a base portion and a durable portion connectable to the base portion, and wherein the base portion can be separated from the durable portion and disposed of after one or more specified number of uses. The base portion supports the reservoir and the needle inserter device, while the durable portion supports a drive device for selectively driving the infusion medium out of the reservoir and into the needle and/or cannula.

Abstract: A syringe includes a cylindrical body having a distal end and a proximal end, an injection section at the distal end and an expansion section at the proximal end, the injection section and the expansion section being connected by a cylindrical center section of relatively uniform outer diameter. The injection section includes a conical portion and an injection neck, the conical portion including an alignment flange extending outward from at least a portion of the conical portion. The syringe further includes a plunger movably received in the body and having a coupling end with a pair of flexible coupling members defining a slot therebetween for engaging a drive piston of an injector, the slot being substantially aligned with the alignment flange such that the alignment flange provides an indication of the orientation of the slot, the plunger seated for storage in the expansion section.

Abstract: A disposable injector with a housing (10) in which are arranged at least one mechanical spring energy store (50), at least one cylinder-piston unit that can be filled at least temporarily with an active substance, at least one piston actuation plunger (60) and at least one triggering unit (80). The spring energy store comprises at least one pre-loaded spring element. The spring-loaded piston actuation plunger has at least one traction rod (61) which can be moved transversely, at least in certain regions, and by means of a supporting portion supports the tensioned spring energy store on at least one resting surface (37) of the housing. An actuatable triggering slide device (82) unlocks the disposable injector and releases the supporting portion to allow it to move away from the resting surface.

Abstract: An injection device that comprises a chamber configured for containing a substance to be injected and a needle operatively associated with the chamber and having a length sufficient to deliver the substance to an intradermal injection site. A collar surrounds the needle, defining a collar cavity. The collar also has a peripheral forward skin-contacting surface that surrounds and is radially spaced from the needle and injection site by an area that is sufficiently large to allow a patient's skin to move into the collar cavity to properly position the needle for intradermal delivery of the substance to the injection site to allow spread of the injected substance under the skin while inhibiting or preventing backpressure within the skin from forcing the substance out through the injection site.

Abstract: An injection device includes a multi-use drive assembly 10 and a single use disposable syringe assembly 12 releasably connected thereto. The syringe assembly includes a syringe 18 and a shield 26 mounted for telescopic movement. The drive assembly 10 is operable to extend the syringe 18 relative to the shield 26 and then to express a dose. Continued forward drive movement extends the shield 26 to re-cover the syringe needle 22 and then ejects the spent syringe assembly 12 in a safe (shrouded) condition.

Abstract: A cartridge insertion assembly including apparatus with a pathway formed therein, a cartridge insertable into the pathway, the cartridge including a cartridge coupling element connectable to an activation mechanism disposed in the apparatus operative to cause a substance contained in the cartridge to be metered out of the cartridge, and a door pivoted to the apparatus that includes a door coupling element arranged with respect to the cartridge such that when the door is in a fully closed position, the door coupling element couples the cartridge coupling element with a coupling element of the activation mechanism.

Abstract: An auto-injector for injecting a fluid medicament into a patient from a pre-filled syringe requires a disposable cassette that is selectively engageable with the reusable injector. The syringe is latched onto the cassette, and the cassette is then engaged with the injector. Activation of the injector causes a first motor to move the syringe so its needle is extended from a concealed position inside the cassette for injection of the medicament. A second motor on the injector is then activated to expel fluid medicament from the syringe. Then, the first motor is again activated to withdraw the syringe into the cassette for disposal of the cassette/syringe after an injection.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device includes: a pressure chamber; an actuator having a displacement plane that varies the volume of the pressure chamber; a delivery channel pipe communicating with the pressure chamber; a first reflection surface of pressure wave formed as part of a paraboloid of revolution that reflects a plane pressure wave by displacement of the actuator, the plane pressure wave propagating through the pressure chamber; and a second reflection surface of pressure wave formed as part of a paraboloid of revolution or an ellipsoid of revolution which is disposed so as to face the first reflection surface of pressure wave, wherein the first reflection surface of pressure wave and the second reflection surface of pressure wave have a common first focus, and a pressure wave reflected from the second reflection surface of pressure wave propagates through the delivery channel pipe and ejects fluid.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include a construction that is resistant to external contaminants, such as precipitation, water splashes, sweat and the like. In particular embodiments, the infusion pump system can include a pump device that is removably attached to a controller device to provide an electrical connection therebetween. In such circumstances, the infusion pump system can be assembled as a sealed construction that protects the electrical connection between the pump device and the removable controller device.

Abstract: A modular external infusion device that controls the rate a fluid is infused into an individual's body, which includes a first module and a second module. More particularly, the first module may be a pumping module that delivers a fluid, such as a medication, to a patient while the second module may be a programming module that allows a user to select pump flow commands. The second module is removably attachable to the first module.

Abstract: A safety interlock for use in a medical device having a control system for controlling operation of the medical device includes a central tubular portion defining a fluid passage for passing fluid through the safety interlock. An outer ring portion is adapted for mounting the safety interlock in the medical device. A spoked connector portion connects the central tubular portion to the outer ring portion so that the outer ring portion is spaced radially outwardly from the central tubular portion in opposed relation with at least a portion of the central tubular portion. The safety interlock is adapted for mounting in the medical device in a path of electromagnetic radiation from a source of electromagnetic radiation such that the central tubular portion reflects the electromagnetic radiation to a electromagnetic radiation detector when properly loaded on the medical device.

Abstract: A system architecture for closed loop control of infusion devices is described. The architecture provides means to control the flow from an infusion device as well as in some embodiments the pressure of the delivery. A variety of infusion systems are described that use the closed loop control architecture. In some embodiments the closed loop control may be adapted to current commonly used infusion means such as a gravity feed intravenous system. Other embodiments describe infusion pump system that use biasing or drive mechanisms of springs, elastomers, rotary and linear motors.

Abstract: A portable therapeutic apparatus and a method for controlling the apparatus are provided. In one aspect the apparatus and the method can be implemented using a patch unit (100, 200) removably attachable to a cradle unit (20), said cradle unit removably attachable to the body of the patient; a position detector (1000) comprising a patch portion (900) and a cradle portion (800), said patch portion coupled to the patch unit, said cradle portion coupled to the cradle unit; a processor adapted for receiving a position indication signal from the at least one position detector, said position indication signal corresponding to a physical proximity of the patch portion to the cradle portion, and, wherein the portable therapeutic apparatus is adapted for at least one therapeutic function selected from the group consisting of delivering a therapeutic fluid into the body of the patient and sensing a bodily analyte.

Abstract: A patient infusion and imaging system includes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan room shielded from electromagnetic interference and image acquisition equipment positioned within the MRI scan room. The system further includes an IV liquid infusion apparatus configured to be positioned at any location within the MRI scan room without introducing image-degrading RF interference and without being affected by magnetic fields produced by the magnetic source. The IV liquid infusion apparatus includes a pump disposed to receive a liquid conduit and to transfer IV liquid through the liquid conduit from a liquid IV container source, a non-magnetic ultrasonic motor, and a non-magnetic controller configured to selectively actuate the motor to drive the pump, and thereby transfer liquid from the IV container source through the liquid conduit at a controllable volumetric rate.

Abstract: A syringe drive device 1 includes a cylinder holding section 3 configured to detachably hold a cylinder 201, a piston manipulating section 4 detachably coupled with a piston, and a piston drive section 5 including racks 31A and 31B coupled with the piston manipulating section 4 and configured to move the piston manipulating section 4 so that a piston 202 is moved in a push-in direction or a pull-out direction. A cylinder 200A having a given capacity (for example, 50 cc) is directly loaded in the syringe drive device 1 with no adapter therebetween. A syringe 200C having a different capacity (for example, 20 cc) is loaded in the syringe drive device 1 by means of a cylinder adapter 81 and a piston adapter 82.

Abstract: A pump module is provided for use in a medical fluid dispensing system that includes a pump body made of a non-compliant material and first and second pump chambers formed in the body. Each of the chambers has a first, open end and an opposite, closed end. The pump module further includes first and second pistons in the first and second pump chambers, respectively. At least one fluid inlet and a fluid outlet are selectively in fluid communication with the first and second pump chambers. Each of the pistons extends through the open end of a respective one of the pump chambers, with each of the pistons being operably translatable within the pump chamber toward and away from the closed end of the chamber. The pistons are translatable independently of one another.

Abstract: A syringe drive device 1 includes: a syringe holding section 3; a piston manipulating section 4; and a display section 6. An outer tube 202 of a syringe 201 is detachably held by the syringe holding section 3. A piston 203 of the syringe 201 is detachably engaged with the piston manipulating section 4. The piston manipulating section 4 moves in a direction in response to an operation of operation buttons 8A and 8B, and the piston 203 is thereby moved in a direction where the piston is pushed into or pulled out from the outer tube 202. An internal pressure of a medicinal solution container punctured with an injection needle 204 attached to the outer tube 202 of the syringe 201 is measured and displayed on the display section 6.

Abstract: A tracking code is adhered to a syringe label cradle for tracking each activity regarding the syringe label cradle, e.g., drug preparation, drug inventory, drug dispensing, drug administration, drug return, drug charges, etc. The tracking code may be in the form of bar or other machine readable code, as well as human readable indicia. The unique tracking code enables tracking of events pertaining to a specific syringe from the time of being prepared with a prescribed drug to its disposal or return to a hospital pharmacy. A log is created relating the patient to the specific drug used and all information inputted with respect to the tracking code.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods, apparatuses and systems for testing the functionality of the pumping mechanism of a medical device, e.g., an implantable infusion pump, while the medical device is contained within a shipping package. The test apparatus enables such functional verification, without opening the shipping package, when the medical device is still contained within the package that has been appropriately sealed to maintain sterility of the medical device.

Abstract: A delivery device includes a durable housing portion and a separable disposable portion that selectively engage and disengage from each other. The disposable housing portion secures to the patient-user and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient-user or with infusion media are supported by the disposable housing portion for disposal after the prescribed use, while the durable housing portion supports other components such as electronics for controlling delivery of infusion media from the reservoir and a drive device and drive linkage.

Abstract: Embodiments of an injector, syringe, syringe interface, syringe adapter, and piston/plunger assembly for an injector (of contrast medium, for example) are described. Preferably, the syringe is adapted to engage a syringe interface mechanism such that the syringe may be connected to an injector without regard to any particular orientation of the syringe to the injector or to the piston/plunger assembly. The injector piston or drive member includes a sensing pin positioned at a forward end thereof to sense contact with the syringe plunger during advancement of the piston or drive member to contact the plunger. The piston can be advanced automatically upon connection of, for example, the syringe to the injector, or piston advance can be automated to occur after operator initiation. The injector may include or be adapted to accommodate two syringes, which for example provide for simultaneous injection of fluid into separate injection sites on a patient.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a fluid container, two or more pressurizing chambers in fluid connection with the fluid container, a drive mechanism in operative connection with the two or more pressurizing chambers to pump fluid from the fluid container and an outlet in fluid connection with the two or more pressurizing chambers. Each of the two or more pressurizing chambers is formed from a flexible, resilient material that is adapted to be compressed to pressurize fluid therewithin.

Abstract: A medical fluid injector and methods for operation thereof. In certain embodiments, the medical fluid injector includes a medium that is expandable and contractible in response to a thermal gradient, a thermal device coupled to the medium, and a syringe interface coupled to the medium. The thermal device may include a heater, a cooler, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A portable medicament dispensing device having a mechanism which is not susceptible to jamming for dispensing the medication to a user. The device employs a coupling for coupling the relative motion between reciprocating body members housing the ancillary components and a barrel plunger associated with the syringe. One embodiment provides a pivoting coupling whereas an alternate uses a rack and pinion system. The advantage of simplifying such mechanisms results in a structure which has smooth unencumbered motion with fewer parts to avoid mechanical jamming during use.

Abstract: A disposable infusion device comprises a reservoir that holds a liquid medicament, a pump that displaces the liquid medicament from the reservoir to the patient, at least one valve that conducts the displaced medicament from the reservoir, and a fluid conduit that conducts the medicament from the reservoir, to the pump, and to the patient. The device includes a layered structure that defines the reservoir, pump, valve, and fluid conduit.

Abstract: A DC-AC frequency converter type nose cleaner includes an electromagnetic pump, a container storing a cleaning solution, a nose-washing tool and a frequency converter circuit driving the electromagnetic pump. The frequency converter circuit at least includes an oscillator circuit, a bistable circuit and a push-pull circuit. The electromagnetic pump is supplied with AC obtained from the oscillation of DC in the frequency converter circuit. The swing speed, the swing frequency and the swing amplitude of the swing arms vary with the change of the oscillation frequency of the oscillator circuit. Thereby, the discharge pressure and the discharge flow of the electromagnetic pump could further be changed to obtain the most appropriate discharge pressure and discharge flow of the nose cleaner.

Abstract: An ambulatory pump comprising a reservoir (1) for holding the fluid to be pumped and having an outlet (7) through which fluid is expelled in use; a closure (8) device movable relative to the reservoir; and an actuator (14) for moving the closure device relative to the reservoir, wherein the reservoir is arranged in a spiral pattern.

Abstract: In a peristaltic medical infusion pump unit, comprising a peristaltic assembly and a counter surface or anvil facing said peristaltic assembly and provided by the inner surface of a door (30) pivotally mounted on a housing (12) of the unit, the door (30) is readily non-destructively removable and replaceable. In use of the peristaltic pump unit, a flexible resilient tube (36) forming part of a medical fluid delivery line is extended between the peristaltic assembly and the counter surface or anvil provided by the door. The medical is fluid delivery line has first and second colour coded fittings (38, 40) spaced therealong upstream and downstream of the peristaltic assembly (26) and the region of the housing of the pump unit across which the infusion line is extended is provided, correspondingly spaced above and below the peristaltic assembly (26) with correspondingly colour coded support means (22, 24) for these fittings.

Abstract: A hand-held remote for a medical fluid injector includes a syringe and a conduit which may be coupled to a pressure transducer on a control circuit of the injector. Movement of a plunger within a syringe body on the syringe creates a pressure which is sensed by the pressure transducer and the control circuit responds to the sensed pressure by causing fluid to be ejected from, or drawn into, a syringe mounted to the injector. The pressure developed by the remote provides tactile feedback to an operator for improved control over injections.

Abstract: A remotely activated piezoelectric pump for delivery of biological agents to the intervertebral disc and spine in order to achieve spinal fusion. A spinal pump is implanted on the vertebrae of a patient and a spinal cage is inserted in between two adjacent vertebrae after removal of the vertebrae disc. A piezoelectric motor drives the pump and pushes osteogenetic agent through the spinal cage and into a sponge disposed within the cage. The pump is charged by an external removable induction belt worn by the patient. Delivery duration and delivery frequency may be changed before implantation of the spine pump according to the specific needs of the patient. The current device employs a mathematical model that enables the regulation as well as attenuation of the bone fusion process by extending and generalizing the model to enhance and optimize the delivery of osteogenetic agent in a regulated manner.

Abstract: A disposable infusion device comprises a base, a cannula arranged to extend from the base to beneath the patient's skin to deliver a liquid medicament to the patient, and a source arranged to provide the cannula with a liquid medicament. The source comprises a piston pump.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical systems, including systems that can be used in conjunction with medical devices used in endoscopic surgery. Certain embodiments include various material handling devices that can transport materials between the inside and the outside of an endoscopic surgery patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection device (22) equipped with a compartment articulated with reference to the device to receive a syringe (10) with staked needle (18) protected by a protection cap (20) coupled with the syringe, the compartment being susceptible to evolve from a first open position for the insertion and the removal of the syringe, and a second closed position for the realization of the injection. According to the invention, the device includes a detachment system intended to cooperate with the cap of the syringe to decouple it from the syringe, the detachment being conditioned by the passage of the compartment to its second position. Furthermore, the passage of the compartment from the second to the first position is conditioned by the coupling of the cap.

Abstract: A pump system simply and selectably controls the temperature, flow rate, flow volume, and flow pressure of a fluid being infused into a patient's body. The pump system a includes a central controller and user inputs that allow for simple selection and efficient operation of the pump system, which includes manually or automatically priming the pump system to remove air, selectably controlling and rapidly adjusting the flow rate over a wide range, selectably and safely controlling the pump system temperature controls, and selectably controlling the flow pressure during delivery. The pump system includes a pump housing with a central controller and a cartridge with infusion tubing removably coupled to the pump housing.

Abstract: A multi-dose injection system (108) is disclosed that allows for vacuum-assisted removal of air from an interconnected tubing set (110) and syringes (126, 127) and subsequent filling with fluid. The injection system (108) may include a bulk fluid container holder module (116) operable to hold one or more bottles (118, 120) of fluid for administration to a patient. The holder module (116) may include a vacuum source (240) that is selectively fluidly interconnectable to the tubing set (110). Air may be removed from the tubing set (110) and syringes (126, 127) by fluidly interconnecting the vacuum source (240) to the tubing set (110). Then the vacuum source (240) may be fluidly isolated from the tubing set (110) and the bottles (118, 120) fluidly interconnected to the tubing set (110), thereby allowing fluid from the bottles (118, 120) to fill the at least partially evacuated tubing set (110) and syringes (126, 127).

Abstract: A polymer actuator component and a polymer actuator assembly, power supply and method of using the activation are described.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a pump device having a flexible pushrod that can adjust from a curved configuration to a generally straight configuration. The flexible pushrod is part of a drive system of the pump device so that the flexible pushrod can be controllably and incrementally advanced toward a medicine reservoir to incrementally dispense the medicine therein. In particular embodiments, the flexible pushrod may comprise an anti-rotation mechanism, an anti-torsion mechanism, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a medicament container, an actuator, and a biasing member. The actuator is configured to move the medicament container within the housing when the actuator is moved from a first configuration to a second configuration. The actuator includes a gas container and a puncturer. When the actuator is in the first configuration, a portion of the puncturer is disposed apart from the gas container. When the actuator is in the second configuration, the portion of the puncturer is disposed within the gas container. The gas container has a longitudinal axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the medicament container. The biasing member is configured to bias the actuator toward the second configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and systems associated with a disposable dispenser (100, 200) of therapeutic fluid. Preferred embodiments having a small size of less than about 75 mm in length, less than 50 mm in width and less than about 10 mm in thickness and may be releasably attached to the body (B). In one embodiments, the dispenser draws fluid from a flexible volume-conformable reservoir (4) and operates a dosing and metering pump (6, 61, 62, 63) incorporating a motor to deliver fluid through a fluid delivery tool (8, 81, 82). Disposed on the housing bottom (2B) is a peel-off tape (22) that when removed, electrically connects a power supply (18) to power the operative components (3) of the dispenser into operation, exposes an adhesive (28) and a window (21) in the housing (2), and allows the fluid delivery tool (8) to extend for insertion into the skin (S).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions, methods, systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer program products thereof that relate to biological cells for delivery of at least one therapeutic agent to a biological tissue or subject.

Abstract: A body-insertable apparatus is introduced in a subject to perform at least one of input and output of a predetermined fluid to and from the subject. The body-insertable apparatus includes a reservoir (2) in which the predetermined fluid is stored; a first communicating channel (4) whose one end is opened to an inside of the reservoir, the first communicating channel (4) being extended in a predetermined direction; a second communicating channel (5) whose one end is opened to an outside space of the body-insertable apparatus, the second communicating channel (5) being extended in a direction substantially parallel to the first communicating channel (4), and the second communicating channel (5) partially running parallel to the first communicating channel (4); and a control mechanism (6) which controls a communication state between the first communicating channel (4) and the second communicating channel (5).

Abstract: An ambulatory medical device for detecting acceleration, temperature, and/or humidity conditions in or around the medical device is provided. The medical device includes one or more acceleration, thermal, and/or humidity sensors which detect acceleration, temperature, and/or humidity conditions in or around the medical device. In response to detected conditions, the medical device may, among other things, alter the operation of the device, provide an alarm or warning to the user, or transmit data about the detected conditions to another device.

Abstract: A syringe drive device drives a syringe including a cylindrical cylinder and a piston. The cylinder includes a solution supply port at one end, and an opening at the other end. The piston is inserted into the cylinder through the opening. The syringe drive device includes a cylinder holder to rotatably hold the cylinder of the syringe, and a piston driver to drive the piston in its axial direction with respect to the cylinder held in the cylinder holder.

Abstract: A drug delivery device includes a housing having an interior space, a needle having retracted and deployed states, an injector to move the needle between retracted and deployed states, and a reservoir disposed within the interior space, the reservoir configured to receive a volume of a drug and to be in fluid communication with the needle. The drug delivery device also includes a controller coupled to the injector and the reservoir, and configured to actuate the injector to move the needle from the retracted state to the deployed state only once, and to actuate the reservoir to deliver the volume of the drug to the patient as a single bolus after a preselected time period has elapsed, the controller disposed within the interior space and configured prior to being disposed within the interior space. The delivery device is wearable, disposable, and single-use.

Abstract: Implantable pressure-actuated systems to deliver a drug and/or other substance in response to a pressure difference between a system cavity and an exterior environment, and methods of fabrication and use. A pressure-rupturable membrane diaphragm may be tuned to rupture at a desired rupture threshold, rupture site, with a desired rupture pattern, and/or within a desired rupture time. Tuning may include material selection, thickness control, surface patterning, substrate support patterning. The cavity may be pressurized above or evacuated below the rupture threshold, and a diaphragm-protective layer may be provided to prevent premature rupture in an ambient environment and to dissipate within an implant environment. A drug delivery system may be implemented within a stent to release a substance upon a decrease in blood pressure. The cavity may include a thrombolytic drug to or other substance to treat a blood clot.

Abstract: A syringe pump including a syringe including a plunger that slides in a body which has a discharge port, a driving mechanism coupled to the syringe, including a cylinder in which a piston slides, and a plurality of biasing devices arranged about the piston operative to apply urging forces on the piston to drive the piston distally in the cylinder and thereby cause the plunger to slide in the body and discharge a substance found in the body through the discharge port, wherein if one of the biasing devices fails another of the biasing devices continues to apply a force on the piston to drive the piston distally in the cylinder, and a safety catch that initially prevents the biasing device from moving the piston, the safety catch being removable to permit the biasing device to move the piston.