Microbubble generation and injection device for transcranial Doppler foaming test

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of medical instruments, in particular to a microbubble generation and injection device for a transcranial Doppler foaming test, which comprises a microbubble generation device, an injector pushing device and a controller, the microbubble generating device comprises two injectors and two three-way switches, each injector comprises a cylinder and a piston movably mounted in the cylinder, and the bottom of each cylinder is connected with the corresponding three-way switch; the injector pushing device comprises a base, a clamping mechanism is fixedly arranged on the base, the clamping mechanism comprises a fixing piece and a limiting block, the clamping mechanism fixes the cylinder in the fixing piece through the limiting block, a driving mechanism is fixedly arranged on the fixing piece, the driving mechanism pushes the piston to reciprocate in the cylinder, and the controller is electrically connected with the driving mechanism. The microbubble foaming device can replace manual foaming, has the operation frequency which can not be reached by a human hand, can generate microbubbles with different sizes and distribution according to requirements, is stable in foaming and high in repeatability, and avoids instability of manual foaming and the risk that an operator suffers from tenosynovitis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical devices, specifically to a microbubble generation and injection device for transcranial Doppler foaming tests. Background Technology

[0002] Clinically, right-to-left shunts are commonly seen in patent foramen ovale (PFO) heart disease caused by incomplete fusion of the primary and secondary septa after birth, accounting for over 95% of cases. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) bubble test is an effective screening method for PFO. It involves injecting "activated saline" into the patient's intravenous system, followed by TCD ultrasound to detect the presence of microbubble signals in specific vessels to assess right-to-left shunt. The procedure involves mixing 9 ml of isotonic saline solution with 1 ml of air to prepare microbubbles as a contrast agent, which are then injected into the patient's antecubital vein. If right-to-left shunt is present, the microbubbles can enter the left ventricular and systemic circulation systems through the abnormal pathway. The examiner can detect the microbubble signals within a specified time using TCD microemboli monitoring software.

[0003] Most existing foaming test devices require two operators: one to generate and inject saline solution, and the other to operate a transcranial Doppler ultrasound to observe the microbubbles. However, the size and distribution of artificially generated microbubbles are not standardized and are not reproducible. During the examination, the size and distribution of microbubbles can affect the results. In addition, existing devices require repeated manual pushing of the syringe to complete the gas-liquid mixing process. Performing the same action repeatedly for a long time can increase the risk of the operator developing tenosynovitis. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the technical problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a microbubble generation and injection device for transcranial Doppler foaming tests. This device can replace manual foaming, generate microbubbles of different sizes and distributions, and the foaming is stable and highly repeatable.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A microbubble generation and injection device for transcranial Doppler foaming tests includes a microbubble generation device, a syringe pushing device, and a controller. The microbubble generation device includes two syringes and two three-way switches. Each syringe includes a barrel and a piston movably installed inside the barrel. The bottom of the barrel is connected to the three-way switch. The syringe pushing device includes a base, on which a clamping mechanism is fixed. The clamping mechanism includes a fixing member and a limiting block. The clamping mechanism fixes the barrel inside the fixing member through the limiting block. A driving mechanism is fixed on the fixing member. The driving mechanism pushes the piston to reciprocate within the barrel. The controller is electrically connected to the driving mechanism.

[0007] Furthermore, the base includes a base plate and a support column, with the support column vertically mounted on the base plate, and the bottom end of the fastener being fixedly connected to the support column.

[0008] Furthermore, the inner walls of both the fixing component and the limiting block are provided with semi-circular grooves corresponding to the cylinder. The semi-circular grooves on the fixing component and the semi-circular grooves on the limiting block form a syringe groove for clamping the cylinder. The clamping mechanism clamps the cylinder in the vertical direction through the syringe groove.

[0009] Furthermore, the clamping mechanism also includes a limit block latch, the limit block is movably connected to the fixing member, and the two ends of the limit block latch are respectively connected to the limit block and the fixing member, and the limit block is locked to the fixing member through the limit block latch.

[0010] Furthermore, one side of the limiting block is hinged to the fixing member, and the other side is hinged to the limiting block latch.

[0011] Furthermore, the side wall of the fastener is provided with a locking hole, and the connecting end of the limiting block latch and the fastener is provided with a locking block that engages with the locking hole.

[0012] Furthermore, the drive mechanism includes an electric push rod with a push block on it. The push block abuts against the top of the piston, and the electric push rod drives the piston to reciprocate through the push block.

[0013] Furthermore, the drive mechanism also includes a guide rail, which is parallel to the electric push rod and slidably mounted on the fixed part. The push block is connected to the guide rail, and the electric push rod moves along the guide rail through the push block.

[0014] Furthermore, the drive mechanism also includes a sliding block, which is fixed on the fixing member and has a sliding groove, and the guide rail is slidably installed in the sliding groove.

[0015] Furthermore, the fixing component is provided with a push rod groove corresponding to the electric push rod, and the electric push rod is installed in the push rod groove.

[0016] In summary, this utility model has the following advantages:

[0017] I. This utility model controls the electric push rod to generate foam through a controller, which can simulate the reciprocating pushing process like a human hand, replacing the manual pushing of the syringe for foaming. It also has an operating frequency that cannot be achieved by hand, and can generate microbubbles of different sizes and distributions according to needs. The foaming is stable and has high repeatability, which can avoid the instability caused by manual foaming and also avoid the risk of the operator developing tenosynovitis.

[0018] Second, this utility model uses a clamping mechanism to make the syringe move vertically. After foaming is completed, the gas that is not fully incorporated will float to the nearest end of the syringe piston, which can prevent this part of the gas from entering the human body.

[0019] Third, this utility model designs the connection between the limiting block and the fixing part and the limiting block buckle as a hinge structure that is easy to open and close, and designs the connection between the limiting block buckle and the fixing part as a snap-fit ​​structure, which can firmly clamp the syringe and also facilitate the picking up and putting away of the syringe.

[0020] IV. This utility model uses a guide rail to support and guide the push block, which uses an electric push rod to drive the piston to move, so that the piston can reciprocate linearly in a given direction, thereby obtaining a high-efficiency feed speed. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the microbubble generation and injection device for transcranial Doppler foaming test according to this utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the microbubble generation device and syringe pushing device of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the microbubble generating device and syringe pushing device of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the clamping mechanism of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the guide rail and slide block of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the microbubble generation device of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a photograph taken using the shadow method of microbubbles generated at low speed according to this utility model;

[0028] Figure 8 This is a photograph taken using the shadow method of microbubbles generated by the high-speed operation of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a bubble particle size distribution diagram under low-speed operation of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 10 This is a bubble particle size distribution diagram under high-speed operation of this utility model;

[0031] Wherein: 1: Syringe, 11: Cylinder, 12: Piston, 13: Piston handle, 2: Three-way switch, 3: Base, 31: Base plate, 32: Support column, 4: Clamping mechanism, 41: Fixing component, 42: Limiting block, 43: Limiting block latch, 44: Locking hole, 45: Locking block, 46: Semicircular groove, 47: Push rod groove, 5: Drive mechanism, 51: Electric push rod, 52: Push block, 53: Guide rail, 54: Sliding block, 6: Controller, 61: Display screen, 62: Control button, 7: Equipment cover. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, a microbubble generation and injection device for transcranial Doppler foaming tests includes a microbubble generation device, a syringe pushing device, and a controller. The microbubble generation device includes two syringes and two three-way switches. Each syringe includes a barrel and a piston movably installed inside the barrel. The bottom of the barrel is connected to the three-way switch. The syringe pushing device includes a base, on which a clamping mechanism is fixed. The clamping mechanism includes a fixing member and a limiting block. The clamping mechanism fixes the barrel inside the fixing member through the limiting block. A driving mechanism is fixed on the fixing member. The driving mechanism pushes the piston to reciprocate within the barrel. The controller is electrically connected to the driving mechanism.

[0034] In this embodiment, the controller is equipped with a display screen and control buttons. By activating the control buttons, the user inputs data on the size and distribution of the generated microbubbles and initiates a command to the drive mechanism. The controller then controls the drive mechanism to push the piston, causing it to reciprocate at a set frequency and number of cycles, thus completing the gas-liquid mixing within the cylinder. This results in microbubbles of uniform size and distribution. The operator obtains the controller's data through the display screen, ensuring that the size and distribution of the generated microbubbles tend to be standardized.

[0035] In this embodiment, a microbubble generation and injection device for transcranial Doppler foaming test further includes a device cover, and the microbubble generation device and the syringe pushing device are both placed inside the device cover.

[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the base includes a base plate and a support column. The support column is vertically mounted on the base plate, and the bottom end of the fastener is fixedly connected to the support column.

[0037] like Figure 4As shown, the inner walls of both the fixing component and the limiting block are provided with semi-circular grooves corresponding to the cylinder. The semi-circular grooves on the fixing component and the limiting block form syringe grooves for clamping the cylinder. The clamping mechanism holds the cylinder vertically through the syringe grooves. Matching syringe grooves are provided on the fixing component and the limiting block. The syringe is clamped vertically by the fixing component and the limiting block, allowing the piston to move vertically. Under the action of gravity and thrust, 1ml of gas flows and mixes rapidly in the two syringes, improving the gas-liquid mixing efficiency. After foaming, any unmixed gas rises to the piston end, preventing this portion of gas from being injected into the human body.

[0038] In this embodiment, the clamping mechanism further includes a limiting block latch. The limiting block is movably connected to the fixing member, and both ends of the limiting block latch are connected to the limiting block and the fixing member, respectively. The limiting block is locked to the fixing member through the limiting block latch. In this embodiment, one side of the limiting block is hinged to the fixing member, and the other side is hinged to the limiting block latch. Specifically, hinge blocks are provided on the hinged sides of the limiting block and the fixing member, as well as on the limiting block latch. A rotating support block is provided on the edge of the hinged side of the fixing member and the limiting block. The limiting block is hinged to the fixing member through a hinge shaft passing through the hinge block and the rotating support body. The end of the limiting block passing through the hinge block and the limiting block latch is hinged to the limiting block latch. A locking hole is provided on the side wall of the fixing member, and a locking block corresponding to the locking hole is provided on the connection end of the limiting block latch and the fixing member. The limiting block latch engages with the locking hole through the locking block, locking the limiting block to the fixing member.

[0039] The connection between the limiting block and the fixing part, and the connection between the limiting block and the fixing part are set to hinged, while the connection between the limiting block and the fixing part is set to snap-fit. This makes the opening and closing operation of the clamping mechanism simple and also provides convenience for the replacement of the syringe. Furthermore, by setting the limiting block and the fixing part, the limiting block and the fixing part can be locked together more stably, making the piston more stable and safer during operation in the cylinder.

[0040] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the drive mechanism includes an electric push rod with a push block on it. The push block abuts against the top of the piston, and the electric push rod drives the piston to reciprocate through the push block. In this embodiment, the top of the piston has a piston handle, and the bottom of the push block abuts against the top of the piston handle. Under the control of the controller, the electric push rod outputs a driving force with a predetermined frequency and number of cycles, causing the push block to move back and forth, thereby driving the piston to reciprocate within the cylinder.

[0041] In this embodiment, the drive mechanism further includes a guide rail, which is parallel to and slidably mounted on a fixed component. A push block is connected to the guide rail, and the electric push rod moves along the guide rail via the push block. When the electric push rod moves, the push block moves along a trajectory under the action of the guide rail, ensuring the piston's movement path and increasing the stability of the foaming process. Figure 5 As shown, the drive mechanism also includes a sliding block, which is fixed to the fixing member. The sliding block has a sliding groove, and the guide rail is slidably installed in the sliding groove. The fixing member has a push rod groove corresponding to the electric push rod, and the electric push rod is installed in the push rod groove. Specifically, the push rod groove is opened on the rear side of the fixing member, the electric push rod is embedded in the push rod groove, the sliding block is fixed to the opening of the push rod groove by bolts, and the guide rail is slidably installed on the fixing member through the sliding block. The electric push rod is connected to the guide rail in parallel through the push block, so that the electric push rod performs reciprocating linear motion along a given trajectory, which can obtain a high-efficiency feed speed; at the same time, the electric push rod is embedded in the fixing member, which can also save space.

[0042] like Figure 6 As shown, the two three-way switches are connected by a threaded connection. In this embodiment, the three-way switch is a three-way valve, which can regulate the flow direction of liquid in the syringe. The interfaces of the two three-way valves are connected by a thread, so that the two syringes are closed and connected, providing good sealing performance.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] First, using a 10ml syringe, draw 9ml of 0.9% saline and 1ml of air according to medical operating standards. Then, connect these to another syringe via two three-way switches, adjusting the switch direction to connect the two syringes and ensure the entire assembly is sealed. Next, open the device cover and the limiting block lock, install the two syringes in the syringe grooves, and then close the limiting block lock and the device cover. Activate the control button, input the operating parameters into the controller, and cycle the reciprocating motion 10 times at a frequency of 7000Hz to start the drive mechanism and begin gas-liquid mixing. The 1ml of air and 9ml of saline are reciprocated through the two syringes. The air shuttles back and forth between the two 10ml syringe channels, and under the action of shear stress, the gas slowly dissolves into the saline, generating microbubbles.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] First, using a 10ml syringe, draw 9ml of 0.9% saline and 1ml of air according to medical operating standards. Then, connect the syringe to another syringe via two three-way switches, adjusting the switch direction to connect the two syringes and ensure the entire assembly is sealed. Next, open the device cover and the limit block latch, install the two syringes in the syringe grooves, and then close the limit block latch and the device cover. Activate the control button, input the operating parameters into the controller, and perform a reciprocating cycle 10 times at a frequency of [frequency missing]. 1 At 7000Hz, the drive mechanism is activated, initiating gas-liquid mixing. 1ml of air and 9ml of saline solution are reciprocated through two syringes. The air shuttles back and forth between the two 10ml syringe channels, and under the action of shear stress, the gas slowly dissolves into the saline solution, generating microbubbles.

[0047] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the microbubbles generated by this invention were photographed using shadow imaging. The particle size distribution is as follows: the microbubbles are spherical. Under low-speed operation, the bubble size distribution is 10-130 μm in diameter, with an average bubble size of 35 μm; under high-speed operation, the bubble size distribution is 10-60 μm, with an average bubble size of 24 μm. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the device can generate microbubbles with different particle size ranges under different frequency settings, and the device was repeated 10 times at the same frequency. The bubble size distribution curves basically overlapped. The foaming effect of the device is stable and standard, and the repeatability is high.

[0048] In summary, this invention uses a controller to control the electric plunger for foaming, simulating a reciprocating pushing process similar to that of a human hand. This replaces manual syringe foaming and achieves a higher operating frequency than a human hand can. It can generate microbubbles of different sizes and distributions as needed, with stable foaming and high repeatability. This avoids the instability associated with manual foaming and also reduces the risk of tenosynovitis for the operator. The clamping mechanism allows the syringe to move vertically. After foaming, any unintegrated gas rises to the nearest end of the syringe piston, preventing it from entering the body. The connection between the limiting block and the fixing component, and the limiting block latch, is designed as a hinge structure for easy opening and closing. The connection between the limiting block latch and the fixing component is designed as a snap-fit ​​structure, ensuring a secure grip on the syringe and facilitating easy removal and placement. By using a guide rail to support and guide the plunger, the electric plunger drives the piston, causing it to reciprocate linearly in a given direction, achieving a high-efficiency feed rate.

[0049] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A microbubble generation and bolus injection device for transcranial Doppler contrast testing, characterized by: The application relates to a microbubble generating device, an injector pushing device and a controller; the microbubble generating device comprises two injectors and two three-way switches, the injector comprises a barrel and a piston movably arranged in the barrel, and the bottom of the barrel is connected with the three-way switch; the injector pushing device comprises a base, a clamping mechanism is fixedly arranged on the base, the clamping mechanism comprises a fixing piece and a limiting block, the clamping mechanism fixes the barrel in the fixing piece through the limiting block, a driving mechanism is fixedly arranged on the fixing piece, the driving mechanism drives the piston to reciprocate in the barrel, and the controller is electrically connected with the driving mechanism. The base comprises a bottom plate and a supporting column, the supporting column is vertically arranged on the bottom plate, and the bottom end of the fixing piece is fixedly connected with the supporting column.

2. A microbubble generation and bolus injection device for transcranial Doppler contrast testing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner walls of the fixing piece and the limiting block are provided with semicircular grooves corresponding to the barrel, the semicircular grooves on the fixing piece and the semicircular grooves on the limiting block form an injector groove for clamping the barrel, and the clamping mechanism clamps the barrel in the vertical direction through the injector groove.

3. A microbubble generation and bolus injection device for transcranial Doppler contrast testing according to claim 1, wherein: The clamping mechanism further comprises a limiting block lock catch, the limiting block is movably connected with the fixing piece, the two ends of the limiting block lock catch are connected with the limiting block and the fixing piece respectively, and the limiting block is locked with the fixing piece through the limiting block lock catch.

4. A microbubble generation and bolus injection device for transcranial Doppler contrast testing according to claim 3, wherein: One side of the limiting block is hinged with the fixing piece, and the other side is hinged with the limiting block lock catch.

5. A microbubble generation and bolus injection device for transcranial Doppler contrast testing according to claim 3, wherein: The side wall of the fixing piece is provided with a clamping hole, and the connecting end of the limiting block lock catch is provided with a clamping block corresponding to the clamping hole.

6. A microbubble generation and bolus injection device for transcranial Doppler contrast testing according to claim 1, wherein: The driving mechanism comprises an electric push rod, the electric push rod is provided with a push block, the push block abuts against the top of the piston, and the electric push rod drives the piston to reciprocate through the push block.

7. A microbubble generation and bolus injection device for transcranial Doppler contrast testing according to claim 6, wherein: The driving mechanism further comprises a guide rail, the guide rail is arranged in parallel with the electric push rod and is slidably arranged on the fixing piece, the push block is connected with the guide rail, and the electric push rod moves along the guide rail through the push block.

8. A microbubble generation and bolus injection device for transcranial Doppler contrast testing according to claim 7, wherein: The driving mechanism further comprises a sliding groove block, the sliding groove block is fixedly arranged on the fixing piece, the sliding groove block is provided with a sliding groove, and the guide rail is slidably arranged in the sliding groove.

9. A microbubble generation and bolus injection device for transcranial Doppler contrast testing according to claim 6, wherein: The fixing piece is provided with a push rod groove corresponding to the electric push rod, and the electric push rod is arranged in the push rod groove.

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