Systems and methods for mixing fluids

Abstract

Improvements are provided for a syringe-to-syringe mixing system to improve the mixing characteristics of the system. In one embodiment, a mixing apparatus includes opposite fittings for mounting to a pair of syringes. The mixing apparatus defines a fluid passageway therethrough and includes a flow modifying element disposed within the passageway. The flow modifying element is configured to increase the flow velocity, disrupt the fluid flow or introduce turbulence into the fluid flow between the two syringes. In another embodiment, a nozzle element is disposed within the tip of the syringe, the element configured to increase the fluid flow therethrough. The nozzle element can be a nozzle insert removably mounted within the tip, or an integrally formed nozzle within the tip.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to systems and methods for mixing fluids, and particularly medical fluids. More specifically, the invention relates to improvements in syringe-to-syringe mixing systems. [0002] Several systems have been developed for on-site mixing and dispensing of multi-part medical and dental compositions. One system uses dual-cartridge syringes with static mix tips. These systems are generally not adequate for mixing polymers with high mix ratios. A further drawback is that a considerable amount of material is wasted in the mix tip, which may not be problematic for low cost fluid compounds but is potentially prohibitive for expensive materials, such as an injectable disc nucleus material. [0003] Another known system, known as continuous flow systems, uses an electromechanical apparatus that drives a mix tip for controlled mixing of the fluids. Continuous flow systems are best suited for “assembly line” production and are excessive and too...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0032] One benefit of the mixing apparatus of the present invention is that it can be used with traditional syringe-to-syringe mixing systems. Another benefit is that it provides complete and rapid mixing with minimal effort on the part of

Problems solved by technology

These systems are generally not adequate for mixing polymers with high mix ratios.

A further drawback is that a considerable amount of material is wasted in the mix tip, which may not be problematic for low cost fluid compounds but is potentially prohibitive for expensive materials, such as an injectable disc nucleus material.

Continuous flow systems are best suited for “assembly line” production and are excessive and too expensive for mixing single batches of fluid compounds.

One drawback of these prior systems is that they require relatively high plunger forces when mixing viscous fluids, which can lead to user fatigue.

Another prob

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