A microbubble generator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a microbubble generator, comprising a syringe, an injection needle, a microbubble generating component and a mixer, wherein the mixer and the microbubble generating component are both arranged between the syringe and the injection needle, and a surfactant is arranged in a fluid channel of the mixer; a main body is respectively provided with connectors at both ends of the corresponding fluid channel, the fluid channel comprises a first straight section, a first frustum section and a second straight section, the diameter of the first straight section is greater than the diameter of the second straight section, and the first frustum section is arranged between the first straight section and the second straight section; by combining the microbubble generating component and the mixer, and arranging a surfactant coating on the inner wall of the mixer, the surfactant can be conveniently dissolved into the foaming liquid during a foaming experiment, thereby increasing the stability of bubbles in the liquid; and by designing the mixer, the dosage of the surfactant can be prepared in advance, thereby improving the efficiency of the foaming experiment and increasing the convenience of use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of medical devices, and in particular relates to a microbubble generator. Background Art

[0002] Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a congenital heart disease, which refers to the failure of the oval foramen of the left and right atria to completely close during the development of young children, resulting in an abnormal channel between the left and right atria. PFO exists in 1 / 4 of the general population and is associated with various diseases, especially migraine and cryptogenic stroke. Currently, patent foramen ovale is usually diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography or transcranial Doppler ultrasound angiography. Ultrasound contrast agents are injected into the body through intravenous injection and reach the right atrium with the blood circulation. When PFO is present, ultrasound contrast agents (microbubbles) will enter the left atrium, left ventricle, aorta and intracranial arteries through the unclosed foramen ovale. These microbubbles will strongly reflect ultrasound waves, which can be detected by the probe of echocardiography or transcranial Doppler to confirm the presence and size of PFO.

[0003] At present, the ultrasound contrast agent for diagnosing PFO is mainly a mixture of air and saline, which relies on manual oscillation to generate microbubbles. The stability of the bubbles is poor. Surfactants are usually added to the mixture to reduce the merging rate of microbubbles in the liquid and increase the stability during use. The surfactants used include polysorbate, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, lecithin, poloxamer, glycerol, hypertonic saline, etc. The amount of the above surfactants injected into human blood is strictly limited. Too much injection often produces other adverse reactions. Too little surfactant is added, and the bubbles generated have no effect. It will be cumbersome for the operator to mix the ratio on site, and the error is very large, which will eventually result in poor contrast agent mixing effect or cause new complications.

[0004] Therefore, in view of the problems existing in the prior art, a mixer and a microbubble generating device for foaming experiments are urgently needed. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a microbubble generator, which combines a microbubble generating component with a mixer and provides a surfactant coating on the inner wall of the mixer. It is convenient to dissolve the surfactant into the foaming liquid during the foaming experiment, thereby increasing the stability of the bubbles in the liquid. Moreover, through the design of the mixer, the dosage of the surfactant can be prepared in advance, thereby improving the efficiency of the foaming experiment and increasing the convenience of use.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0007] A mixer for foaming experiments comprises: a body, wherein a fluid channel is arranged in the body, and a surfactant coating is arranged on the inner wall of the fluid channel; and connectors are respectively arranged at two ends of the body corresponding to the fluid channel.

[0008] According to a further optimization of the technical solution of the present invention, the fluid channel comprises a first straight section, a first frustum section and a second straight section, the diameter of the first straight section is greater than the diameter of the second straight section, and the first frustum section is arranged between the first straight section and the second straight section.

[0009] In a further optimization of the technical solution of the present invention, the surfactant coating is arranged on the inner wall of the frustum segment and / or the inner wall of the second straight segment.

[0010] In a further optimization of the technical solution of the present invention, the fluid channel also includes a third straight section and a second frustum section, one end of the third straight section is connected to the first straight section through the first frustum section, and the other end is connected to the second straight section through the second frustum section, and the diameter of the third straight section is smaller than the diameter of the second straight section.

[0011] According to a further optimization of the technical solution of the present invention, the surfactant coating is arranged on the inner wall of the third straight section, or a surfactant placement cavity is arranged in the third straight section; a vent hole is opened on the side wall of the third straight section, and the diameter of the vent hole is 0.05-0.35 mm.

[0012] According to a further optimization of the technical solution of the present invention, the main body comprises a first connector and a second connector, the first connector and the second connector are connected by threads or snap-fitting, and a bubble-breaking membrane is provided on the fluid channel corresponding to the connection.

[0013] In a further optimization of the technical solution of the present invention, the inner wall of the fluid channel is a frosted surface or is provided with grooves on the inner wall for facilitating the attachment of the surfactant.

[0014] In a further optimization of the technical solution of the present invention, a microporous structure is provided in the third straight section.

[0015] In a further optimization of the technical solution of the present invention, the surfactant includes a liquid surfactant, a powdered surfactant and a surfactant with a capsule structure.

[0016] The present invention also provides a microbubble generator, comprising a syringe, an injection needle, a microbubble generating component and the above-mentioned mixer for foaming experiment, wherein the mixer for foaming experiment and the microbubble generating component are both arranged between the syringe and the injection needle.

[0017] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0018] Through the mixer structure, the surfactant can be quantitatively set on the inner surface of the fluid channel before the foaming experiment, which can save the operator's preparation time during the foaming experiment. Moreover, through the structural design of the mixer, it can be directly connected to the syringe and injection needle respectively through the connector, which makes clinical operation convenient and quick.

[0019] By designing the fluid channel in the relaxation period into flow segments with different diameters and utilizing the flow velocity difference of the liquid in the fluid channel, the dissolution rate of the surfactant can be increased, especially when a Venturi structure is used. In addition, in order to accelerate the dissolution rate of the surfactant and the liquid, the middle part of the fluid channel is also designed as a microporous structure to increase the contact area between the liquid and the surfactant. Similarly, the design of the microporous structure can also cut the bubbles in the liquid, making the number of bubbles larger and the volume smaller, thereby improving the detection effect of the contrast agent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent through the following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the mixer for foaming experiment embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the mixer for foaming experiment embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the mixer for foaming experiment embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the local enlarged structure of part B;

[0025] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the mixer for foaming experiment embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the partially enlarged structure of part A;

[0027] Figure 7 It is a structural schematic diagram of the microbubble generator of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the middle line AA.

[0029] In the figure: 1. syringe; 3. injection needle; 5. mixer; 6. bubble rupture membrane;

[0030] 51. Connector; 52. First straight section; 53. First frustum section; 54. Second straight section; 55. Third straight section; 56. Second frustum section; 57. First connector; 58. Second connector; 59. Microporous structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present invention is described below based on embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In the following detailed description of the present invention, some specific details are described in detail. In order to avoid confusing the essence of the present invention, known methods, processes, procedures, and components are not described in detail.

[0032] In addition, persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the drawings provided herein are for illustration purposes and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0033] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the words "include", "comprising" and similar words should be interpreted in an inclusive sense rather than an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, in the sense of "including but not limited to".

[0034] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0035] Combined with the following Figure 1-Figure 7 The technical solution of this application is described in detail.

[0036] <Example 1>

[0037] In the process of foaming experiment, bubbles in the solution will collide and automatically merge with the flow of liquid in a natural state, thereby changing the volume and number of bubbles in the solution, affecting the detection effect of patent foramen ovale during the imaging process. In view of this problem, the present invention provides a mixer 5 for foaming experiment. By setting a surfactant in the mixer 5, the stability of bubbles in the liquid can be improved, and the collision rate of bubbles can be reduced, so that the microbubbles produced in the liquid can smoothly enter the detection area of ​​patent foramen ovale, thereby increasing the detection effect of imaging. Specifically, the mixer 5 includes a main body, and a fluid channel is set in the main body, through which the liquid in the syringe can flow smoothly, and the inner wall of the fluid channel is provided with a surfactant coating, and during the flow When the body flows through, the liquid contacts with the surfactant, thereby dissolving the surfactant into the liquid. The specific surfactant is polysorbate, glucose, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, lecithin, poloxamer, glycerol, hypertonic saline, etc.; the body is provided with connectors 51 at both ends corresponding to the fluid channel, so that it is convenient to connect the mixer 5 with the injection needle 3 and the syringe respectively. When using, the medical staff can directly take the mixer 5 and connect it for use. The two connectors 51 can be provided with an inner Luer connector and an outer Luer connector respectively; at the same time, by controlling the amount of the surfactant attached to the inner wall of the mixer 5, the time for preparing the surfactant and the foaming liquid in a certain proportion is also saved, and the use is more efficient and convenient.

[0038] In order to increase the adhesion of the surfactant in the fluid channel, the inner wall of the fluid channel is made into a frosted surface or provided with grooves on the inner wall for convenient adhesion of the surfactant, so that the surfactant can be attached to the inner surface of the fluid channel by smearing or spraying. In addition, in order to ensure that the surfactant can be dissolved in the fluid channel, the fluid channel is provided with three parts including a first straight section 52, a first frustum section 53 and a second straight section 54. The diameter of the first straight section 52 is greater than the diameter of the second straight section 54. The first frustum section 53 is provided between the first straight section 52 and the second straight section 54. The surfactant coating is provided on the inner wall of the first frustum section 53 or / and the second straight section 54. Because the velocity of the fluid in the first frustum section 53 is variable and the friction with the inner wall of the first frustum section 53 is relatively large, the surfactant is more easily dissolved in the liquid. Similarly, the flow rate of the liquid in the second straight section 54 is the largest, and the surfactant on the inner wall is also dissolved faster.

[0039] <Example 2>

[0040] Based on the above embodiment 1, in a preferred embodiment, the fluid channel is further provided with a third straight section 55 and a second frustum section 56, one end of the third straight section 55 is connected to the first straight section 52 through the first frustum section 53, and the other end is connected to the second straight section 54 through the second frustum section 56, and the diameter of the third straight section 55 is smaller than the diameter of the second straight section 54. In this embodiment, a Venturi structure is formed between the first frustum section 53, the third straight section 55 and the second frustum section 56, which can first increase the flow rate of the liquid and then reduce the flow rate. In this process, turbulence can be formed, and the bubbles in the liquid are sheared, so that the number of bubbles in the foaming liquid is larger and the volume is smaller, providing a contrast detection effect. In addition, the staggered arrangement of the diameters of the first straight section 52, the third straight section 55 and the second straight section 54 in the technical solution, even if the overall diameter of the fluid channel is first large to small and then appropriately increased, this design has two beneficial effects: first, when the mixer 5 flows through the liquid in the reverse direction (the liquid flows from the second straight section 54 to the first straight section 52), the flow rate of the liquid first increases from the initial speed, and then decreases to less than the initial speed to flow out, so that the surfactant can be fully dissolved in the liquid through the differential change, so that the surfactant is first washed away from the inner wall of the fluid channel, and then differentially "stirred" to achieve the effect of rapid dissolution. Second, when the liquid in the mixer 5 flows forward (the liquid flows from the first straight section 52 to the second straight section 54), the liquid is first accelerated and then decelerated, and the flow rate is initially increased to the maximum. By using the Venturi structure, a good turbulent shearing effect can be formed at the second cone section 56, cutting the bubbles in the liquid into smaller and more. Thereby increasing the experimental effect. In this embodiment, preferably, the surfactant coating is disposed on the inner wall of the third straight section 55 , or the surfactant coating is disposed in the third straight section 55 , the second frustum section 56 and the second straight section 54 at the same time.

[0041] On the basis of the Venturi structure, a surfactant placement cavity can be set in the third straight section 55. Specifically, the third straight section 55 is divided into two parallel fluid channels by a partition. A dialysis membrane is set at the entrance of the fluid channel on one side. The dialysis membrane can allow small molecules such as physiological saline to flow through, while large molecules such as surfactants are not easy to flow through. Powdered or granular surfactants can be placed in the dialysis membrane, so that the liquid can be vertically absorbed during use, so that the surfactant is dissolved in the liquid and backflow will not occur. Of course, the disadvantage of this embodiment is that the mixer 5 must be placed in the correct way before use, that is, the end close to the dialysis membrane should be kept at the bottom as much as possible. As an alternative technical solution, a polyvinyl alcohol water-soluble film can be set at the entrance and exit of the third straight section to form a placement cavity. By setting the film structure, the mixer can be compatible with capsule-type surfactants or powder-type surfactants.

[0042] In order to achieve a better microbubble manufacturing effect, an air vent can be opened on the third straight section, and the air vent is connected to a sterile air chamber. The sterile air chamber can be arranged on the outside of the mixer or connected to the outside through a pipe. The diameter of the air vent is 0.05-0.35 mm. Because the flow rate of the liquid is the largest at the third straight section, the pressure on the inner wall of the fluid channel is relatively small, thereby forming a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the air vent, so that the external air enters the liquid for mixing, increasing the number of bubbles in the liquid. Similarly, with the help of the first frustum section and the second frustum section structure at both ends of the third straight section, the gas in the liquid can be cut under different circumstances to further reduce the volume of the gas and increase the number of bubbles.

[0043] <Example 3>

[0044] Because the mixer 5 of the present technical solution is used in a foaming experimental device, in order to better facilitate the foaming effect, the main body is arranged to be a first connector 57 and a second connector 58 which are separated. The first connector 57 and the second connector 58 are connected by threads or snap-fitting, and a bubble-breaking membrane 6 is arranged on the fluid channel corresponding to the connection. In this way, when the liquid flows through the position of the bubble-breaking membrane 6, the bubbles in the liquid can be further divided into more and smaller bubbles, thereby improving the foaming efficiency. The diameter of the micropores on the bubble-breaking membrane 6 is between 0.1 microns and 10 microns.

[0045] <Example 4>

[0046] Compared with the bubble-breaking membrane 6 structure in the above-mentioned embodiment 3, an alternative embodiment is to set the fluid channel of the third straight section 55 to a microporous structure 59, and the diameter of the micropores is the same as the diameter of the bubble-breaking membrane 6. This can not only increase the contact area between the third straight section 55 and the liquid, but also break the bubbles in the liquid when the liquid flows through, forming smaller and more microbubbles.

[0047] <Example 5>

[0048] Further Figure 7 and Figure 8The present invention also provides a microbubble generator, including a syringe 1, an injection needle 3, a microbubble generating component and the above-mentioned mixer 5 for foaming experiment, wherein the mixer 5 for foaming experiment and the microbubble generating component are both arranged between the syringe and the injection needle 3. The microbubble generating component in this embodiment can use the microbubble generating scheme with patent publication number CN 117241846 A. This embodiment can efficiently achieve the mixing of gas and liquid through the microbubble generating component, and the mixer 5 with a surfactant is provided, which can make the gas-liquid mixed phase more stable. An alternative technical solution is that the microbubble generating component can be arranged as a jet-type Venturi structure, and the gas is integrated into the jet gap where the contraction section of the Venturi structure is connected with the throat (in this embodiment, the size of the gas suction gap should be controlled, preferably controlled between 0.05mm-0.1mm), and the vent structure of the third straight section in Example 2 is matched, and the external sterile air chamber gas is mixed with the gas in the fluid channel, so as to achieve a better microbubble manufacturing effect.

[0049] It should be understood that the above-mentioned embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Without departing from the basic principles of the present invention, various obvious or equivalent modifications or substitutions that can be made by those skilled in the art to the above-mentioned details will all be included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microbubble generator, characterized in that: It comprises a syringe, an injection needle, a microbubble generating component and a mixer, wherein the mixer and the microbubble generating component are both arranged between the syringe and the injection needle, and a surfactant is arranged in the fluid channel of the mixer; The fluid channel comprises a first straight section, a first frustum section and a second straight section, the diameter of the first straight section is greater than the diameter of the second straight section, and the first frustum section is arranged between the first straight section and the second straight section; The fluid channel also includes a third straight section and a second frustum section, one end of the third straight section is connected to the first straight section through the first frustum section, and the other end is connected to the second straight section through the second frustum section, and the diameter of the third straight section is smaller than the diameter of the second straight section.

2. The microbubble generator according to claim 1, characterized in that The inner wall of the mixer is provided with a surfactant coating; and the mixer is provided with connectors at both ends corresponding to the fluid channel.

3. The microbubble generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The surfactant coating is arranged on the inner wall of the frustum segment and / or the inner wall of the second straight segment.

4. The microbubble generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The surfactant coating is arranged on the inner wall of the third straight section, or a surfactant placement cavity is arranged in the third straight section; a vent hole is opened on the side wall of the third straight section, and the diameter of the vent hole is 0.05-0.35mm.

5. The microbubble generator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The mixer comprises a first connector and a second connector which are separately arranged. The first connector and the second connector are connected by threading or snapping, and a bubble breaking membrane is arranged on the fluid channel corresponding to the connection.

6. The microbubble generator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner wall of the fluid channel is a frosted surface or is provided with grooves for facilitating the attachment of the surfactant.

7. The microbubble generator according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: A microporous structure is arranged in the third straight section.

8. The microbubble generator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The surfactants include liquid surfactants, powdered surfactants and capsule-structured surfactants.

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