Needle-Free Shock Syringe
Researchers at IIT Bombay developed a needle-free "shock syringe" to eliminate the fear of needles.
Working Mechanism
The shock syringe uses high-energy pressure waves (shock waves) instead of a needle to pierce the skin.
The device generates a shockwave, similar to a sonic boom, that delivers the drug via a microjet, faster than the speed of sound.
Pressurized nitrogen gas helps create the jet, which delivers the drug painlessly and rapidly.
Design and Functionality
The syringe is slightly longer than a ballpoint pen and consists of three sections: driver, driven, and drug holder.
The shockwave creates a jet stream that passes through the skin without the need for piercing.
The entire process is quick, gentle, and mostly painless for patients.
Benefits and Applications
The shock syringe is designed for rapid, efficient drug delivery, minimizing tissue damage.
It offers pain-free immunization, reducing the risk of needle-stick injuries and blood-borne diseases.
The device is reliable and cost-effective, having undergone extensive testing (over 1,000 shots), and promises a safer, more efficient alternative to traditional syringes.
The shock syringe could improve vaccination campaigns and be beneficial for both children and adults.
Continuous monitoring of pressure and testing ensures safety and comfort during use.
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