Medical solution mixture apparatus, medical solution injection system, and medical solution mixture method

Abstract

To provide a medical solution mixture apparatus, a medical solution injection system and a medical solution mixture method capable of uniformly and efficiently mixing a plurality of types of medical solutions in desired concentrations in injection.SOLUTION: The medical solution mixture apparatus comprises: a first vessel for housing a first medical solution; a second vessel for housing a second medical solution; a mixer which is connected with the first vessel through a first channel and connected with the second vessel through a second channel, and mixes the first medical solution and the second medical solution; and a third vessel connected with the mixer through a third channel. The apparatus puts the inside of the third vessel into negative pressure with respect to the inside of the mixer, thereby simultaneously causes the first medical solution to flow from the first vessel and the second medical solution to flow from the second vessel into the mixer to mix them, and introduces the mixed solution into the third vessel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a chemical liquid mixing device that mixes two types of chemical liquids, a chemical liquid injection system that injects the mixed chemical liquid, and a chemical liquid mixing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, medical fluoroscopic imaging devices include CT (Computed Tomography) scanners, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) devices, PET (Positron Emission Tomography) devices, ultrasound diagnostic devices, CT angiography devices, MR angiography devices, angiography devices, etc. When using these devices, a mixture of multiple types of medicinal fluids with different specific gravities and viscosities is injected into the patient's body for the purpose of obtaining clear images, etc. For example, when injecting a mixture of a contrast agent diluted with saline, the two types of medicinal fluids, the contrast agent and saline, are mixed together and then the mixture is injected into the patient's body.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes that a container of contrast medium and a container of saline are connected to a syringe via a cock that switches the flow path, and that a plunger inserted in the syringe and a flow path opening and closing means are operated to sequentially introduce the contrast medium and the saline into the syringe to prepare a mixed liquid. The mixed liquid of contrast medium and saline mixed in the syringe is injected into the patient through an indwelling needle inserted into the patient's blood vessel from a discharge port via the flow path opening and closing means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2008-047699 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used to prepare a mixed liquid and inject it into a patient, there is a risk that the contrast agent and saline will be injected without being sufficiently mixed. In other words, because the contrast agent and saline have different specific gravities and viscosities, there is a risk that the liquid will separate into two layers: a layer of contrast agent with a high specific gravity and a layer of saline with a low specific gravity.

[0006] As a result, the two types of medicinal liquid are mixed in a plane where the layer of the medicinal liquid with a high specific gravity and the layer of the medicinal liquid with a low specific gravity are in contact with each other, that is, in a two-dimensional plane. However, since the contrast agent with a high viscosity and the physiological saline solution with a low viscosity are difficult to mix, there is a risk that the contrast agent and the physiological saline solution will be injected in a state where they are separated into two layers. In the following description, the above-mentioned planar mixing is referred to as two-dimensional mixing.

[0007] If the contrast agent is injected in such a two-layered state, the concentration of the injected contrast agent will vary depending on the location, which may result in unevenness in the images taken by the fluoroscopic imaging device. Such unevenness in the images may make it difficult to identify the affected area and may also make blood vessels less clearly visible.

[0008] To solve this problem, it is possible to mix the contrast agent and saline solution in advance. However, since the amount of contrast agent to be injected varies from patient to patient, the method of mixing in advance requires the contrast agent and saline solution to be mixed separately each time imaging is performed. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the mixed solution may be contaminated when the contrast agent and saline solution are mixed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the chemical liquid mixing device of the present invention has a first container for accommodating a first chemical liquid, a second container for accommodating a second chemical liquid, a mixer connected to the first container via a first flow path and connected to the second container via a second flow path, and for mixing the first chemical liquid and the second chemical liquid, and a third container connected to the mixer via a third flow path, and is characterized in that by creating a negative pressure inside the third container relative to the inside of the mixer, the first chemical liquid from the first container and the second chemical liquid from the second container are simultaneously flowed into the mixer and mixed, and the mixed liquid is introduced into the third container.

[0010] Furthermore, the drug solution injection system according to the present invention is characterized in having the drug solution mixing device according to the present invention, a head to which the syringe is attached, a controller connected to the head, and a mixed solution injection path connected to the third container for injecting the drug solution into a patient.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for mixing chemical liquids in a chemical liquid mixing device having a first container for accommodating a first chemical liquid, a second container for accommodating a second chemical liquid, a mixer connected to the first container and the second container and for mixing the first chemical liquid and the second chemical liquid, and a third container connected to the mixer, characterized in that by creating a negative pressure inside the third container relative to the inside of the mixer, the first chemical liquid from the first container and the second chemical liquid from the second container are simultaneously flowed into the mixer and mixed, and the mixed liquid is introduced into the third container. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, multiple types of medicinal liquids can be uniformly and efficiently mixed at a desired concentration during injection without performing a mixing operation as a separate and independent operation, thereby preventing unevenness in images captured by a fluoroscopic imaging device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a chemical liquid injection system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a head to which a mixing tube and a syringe are connected in a chemical liquid injection system according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mixing tube. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mixer with tubes connected thereto. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a longitudinal cross section of a mixer with tubes connected thereto. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a longitudinal cross section of a mixer. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a longitudinal cross section for explaining a flow in a mixer. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the cross section taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. 10 for explaining the flow in the mixer. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a longitudinal cross section of a mixer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a longitudinal cross section of a mixer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a longitudinal cross section of a mixer according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a longitudinal cross section of a mixer according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a chemical liquid injection system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a head to which a mixing tube and a syringe are connected in a chemical liquid injection system according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, the chemical mixing device, chemical injection system, and chemical mixing method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the configuration according to the claims of the present application. Although multiple features are described in this embodiment, not all of these multiple features are necessarily required, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the device according to this embodiment is drawn at a scale different from the actual scale in order to make it easy to understand, and the same or similar components are given the same reference numbers, and duplicated descriptions are omitted. EXAMPLES

[0015] 1 shows a perspective view of a liquid injection system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. This liquid injection system 100 includes a liquid injector 200 (injector) for injecting a liquid such as a contrast agent into a patient, a syringe 201 attached to the liquid injector 200, and a mixing tube 300 connected to the syringe 201. In addition, a fluoroscopic imaging device (not shown) is connected to a main unit 212 of the liquid injection system 100, and various data are transmitted and received between the fluoroscopic imaging device and the liquid injection system 100 when injecting the liquid and taking images.

[0016] Liquid injector 200 includes a head 210 to which syringe 201 is attached, and a main unit 212 connected to head 210 via a head cable 211. Main unit 212 is connected to a power source (not shown) via a power cable 218. In FIG. 1, syringe 201 is shown housed in a syringe protection case.

[0017] Syringe 201 is filled with a mixed liquid of contrast agent and physiological saline. Syringe (third container) 201 is connected to first container 401 containing contrast agent (first medicinal liquid) 403 and second container 402 containing physiological saline (second medicinal liquid) 404 via mixer 1. Contrast agent 403 in first container 401 and physiological saline 404 in second container 402 are mixed in mixer 1 when sucked into syringe 201, and are introduced into syringe 201 as a mixed liquid. Details will be described later.

[0018] Specific examples of the contrast agent 403 include a contrast agent with an iodine concentration of 240 mg / mL (for example, a viscosity of 3.3 mPa·s and a specific gravity of 1.268 to 1.296 at 37° C.), a contrast agent with an iodine concentration of 300 mg / mL (for example, a viscosity of 6.1 mPa·s and a specific gravity of 1.335 to 1.371 at 37° C.), a contrast agent with an iodine concentration of 350 mg / mL (for example, a viscosity of 10.6 mPa·s and a specific gravity of 1.392 to 1.433 at 37° C.), etc. Also, a specific example of the saline solution 404 includes saline solution containing 180 mg of sodium chloride in 20 mL of saline solution (for example, a viscosity of 0.9595 mPa·s and a specific gravity of 1.004 to 1.006 at 20° C.), etc.

[0019] Head 210 is rotatably held on the upper part of stand pole 217 on movable stand base 216 placed on the floor surface. This allows head 210 to be rotated between a position where the tip side of head 210 (the side where syringe 201 is attached) faces the floor surface and a position where the rear end side of head 210 (the side where syringe 201 is not attached) faces the floor surface.

[0020] The console 213 includes a touch panel and is connected to a hand switch 214 via a cable. The console 213 also functions as a controller, and is connected to a main unit 212 via a console cable 215, and is also connected to a head 210 via the main unit 212 and cables 215 and 211. The main unit 212 is connected to the head 210 via a head cable 211. When injecting a medicinal liquid into a patient, an operator operates the touch panel to input physical data of the patient, such as injection speed, injection amount, injection time, and weight, as well as data on the type of medicinal liquid, and the like.

[0021] Moreover, data on operation patterns (injection protocols), data on medicinal liquids, etc. are pre-stored in the console 213. The console 213 then calculates optimal injection conditions based on the input data and pre-stored data. After that, the console 213 determines the amount of medicinal liquid to be injected into the patient and the injection protocol based on the calculated injection conditions.

[0022] Once the amount of liquid medicine and the injection protocol have been determined, the console 213 displays predetermined data or graphs on the touch panel. The operator can check the displayed data or graphs, and start the injection using the injection head, hand switch, or start button on the console (including a physical button or touch panel). When injection is started by pressing a button on the hand switch 214, the injection may be continued only while the button on the hand switch 214 is being pressed.

[0023] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of head 210 and mixing tube 300 of chemical liquid injector 200 of chemical liquid injection system 100. Syringe 201 attached to head 210 has conduit parts 202, 203 at its tip. Note that in Fig. 2, syringe 201 is shown in a state where it is housed in a syringe protection case.

[0024] The conduit portion 202 communicates with the catheter 103 via a flexible tube (mixture injection path) 105, a branch tube (not shown), a catheter hub 104, and the like.

[0025] Conduit portion 203 is connected to mixing tube 300 via flexible tube 106. Mixing tube 300 is connected to a first container 401 that contains a contrast medium 403 and a second container 402 that contains physiological saline 404.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the mixing tube 300. The mixing tube 300 includes a mixer 1, a first tube (first flow path) 301, a second tube (second flow path) 302, and a third tube (third flow path) 303. The first tube 301 connects the first container 401 and the mixer 1, the second tube 302 connects the second container 402 and the mixer 1, and the third tube 303 connects the flexible tube 106 and the mixer 1. A medicinal liquid with a high specific gravity (contrast medium, first medicinal liquid) passes through the first tube 301, a medicinal liquid with a low specific gravity (physiological saline, second medicinal liquid) passes through the second tube 302, and a mixed medicinal liquid (first mixed liquid) passes through the third tube 303. In this embodiment, the first tube 301, the second tube 302, and the third tube 303 are flexible tubes. However, the tubes may also be rigid tubes.

[0027] First tube 301 has first connection part 304 connected to first container 401 containing contrast agent 403. Second tube 302 has second connection part 305 connected to second container 402 containing physiological saline 404. Third tube 303 has third connection part 306 connected to flexible tube 106. First connection part 304, second connection part 305 and third connection part 306 are connected by a method such as screw connection or joining.

[0028] Although the configuration in which conduit portion 203 of syringe 201 is connected to mixing tube 300 via flexible tube 106 has been exemplified, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Conduit portion 203 of syringe 201 may be directly connected to third connecting portion 306 of mixing tube 300. The connection between conduit portion 203 of syringe 201 and third connecting portion 306 of mixing tube 300 may be, for example, a detachable configuration using a method such as a screw connection, or may be a fixed connection configuration such as a joint.

[0029] A check valve may be provided in the first tube 301 or the second tube 302. By providing a check valve, it is possible to prevent the mixed chemical solution or the like from flowing back toward the first container 401 and the second container 402. The check valve may be provided in the third tube 303.

[0030] Syringe 201 has a cylinder, a seal member (not shown) that slides inside the cylinder, and a plunger (not shown) that is connected to the seal member and moves the seal member. With the plunger attached, syringe 201 is fixed to a syringe protective case. This syringe protective case is fixed to head 210 by a syringe clamper.

[0031] Furthermore, a syringe presser (not shown) is provided in head 210. This syringe presser engages with an engagement portion of a plunger attached to syringe 201, and operates to move the plunger in and out of the syringe. When aspirating a medicinal liquid, contrast medium 403 from first container 401 and physiological saline solution 404 from second container 402 are filled into syringe 201 via mixer 1 and flexible tube 106 connected to conduit portion 203 at the tip of syringe 201. At this time, the syringe presser advances the plunger in the axial direction of syringe 201 to the tip of the syringe, and then retracts it to the rear end of the syringe.

[0032] By creating a negative pressure inside syringe 201 by the operation of the plunger, the contrast agent and physiological saline are sucked in and flow into mixer 1 of mixing tube 300, and are mixed in this mixer 1. Thereafter, the mixed liquid of contrast agent and physiological saline flows into syringe 201 via third tube 303 and flexible tube 106.

[0033] When injecting a medicinal liquid, a flexible tube 105 is attached to the conduit portion 202 at the tip of the syringe 201, and the flexible tube 105 is connected to the catheter 103 via a branch tube and a catheter hub 104 (not shown), etc. Then, the syringe presser advances the plunger in the axial direction of the syringe 201. This pushes out the mixed liquid in the syringe 201, and the medicinal liquid is injected into the patient's blood vessel via the catheter 103.

[0034] Incidentally, mixing tube 300 is provided with a backflow prevention mechanism, such as a check valve, for preventing flow from syringe 201 side to first container 401 side or second container 402 side. This backflow prevention mechanism prevents the mixed liquid in syringe 201 from flowing into first container 401, second container 402, or mixer 1 even if the inside of syringe 201 is pressurized by the operation of the plunger.

[0035] Conduit 203 of syringe 201 may be provided with a backflow prevention mechanism, such as a check valve, for preventing flow from syringe 201 toward mixing tube 300. This backflow prevention mechanism prevents the mixed liquid in syringe 201 from flowing into mixing tube 300 even if the inside of syringe 201 is pressurized by the operation of the plunger.

[0036] Furthermore, conduit 202 at the tip of syringe 201 and / or flexible tube 105 may be provided with a backflow prevention mechanism, such as a check valve, for preventing flow toward syringe 201. This backflow prevention mechanism prevents flow from flexible tube 105 attached to conduit 202 at the tip of syringe 201 to syringe 201 even if the inside of syringe 201 becomes a negative pressure state due to the operation of the plunger. In other words, when contrast medium and physiological saline are sucked into syringe 201 and mixed, it is possible to prevent air, medicinal liquid, patient's blood, etc. from being sucked into syringe 201 from catheter 103 and flowing therein.

[0037] Before the injection of the liquid, priming is performed to remove air. There are several methods for this priming, and mixing tube 300 is filled with either the liquid, which is physiological saline or the contrast agent, or a mixture thereof. Specifically, the inside of syringe 201 is made negative pressure by the operation of the plunger, and contrast agent 403 is sucked from first container 401, and physiological saline 404 is sucked from second container 402. As a result, first tube 301 is filled with the contrast agent, second tube 302 is filled with physiological saline, and mixer 1 and third tube 303 are filled with a mixture of physiological saline and contrast agent.

[0038] Furthermore, when the backward movement of the plunger is continued to create a negative pressure inside the syringe 201, the mixed liquid flows into the syringe 201 via the third tube 303. As a result, the entire flow path inside the mixing tube 300 is filled with the medicinal liquid, and the air is removed.

[0039] Next, head 210 is rotated so that the rear end side of head 210 (the side on which syringe 201 is not attached) faces the floor. In this position, the plunger is operated to pressurize the inside of syringe 201. Since air inside syringe 201 gathers at the upper part of the tip side of syringe 201, the air inside syringe 201 is discharged to the outside of syringe 201 through a gas venting flow path (not shown) provided at that position or through a conduit part at the tip of syringe 201 and flexible tube 105. For example, priming for the purpose of air venting is performed in this manner.

[0040] A mixer such as a T-shaped joint, a Y-shaped joint, or a static mixer can be used as the mixer 1. In the chemical liquid mixing device of this embodiment, a mixer that realizes mixing of chemical liquids by a spiral flow described later is applied.

[0041] Figures 4 and 5 show perspective views of a mixer 1 according to the present invention. Figure 4 shows the mixer 1 to which a first tube 301, a second tube 302 and a third tube 303 are connected, and Figure 5 shows the mixer 1 to which these tubes are not connected.

[0042] The mixer 1 of this embodiment includes a first chamber, which is a swirling flow generating chamber 2 that generates a swirling flow, and a second chamber, which is a narrow chamber 3 that concentrates the swirling flow in the axial direction. The swirling flow generating chamber 2 of this embodiment has a cylindrical outer shape and a columnar inner space. The narrow chamber 3 of this embodiment has a funnel-shaped outer shape and a conical inner space coaxial with the inner space of the swirling flow generating chamber 2.

[0043] The shape of the inner surface of the cross section perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical outer shape of the swirl flow generating chamber 2 may be various shapes formed from a circle, an ellipse, or other curves. The swirl flow generating chamber 2 may also be configured to have a narrowed shape in which the inner diameter becomes smaller as it approaches the narrowed chamber 3. In this case, the inner surface of the swirl flow generating chamber 2 and the inner surface of the narrowed chamber 3 can be configured with a surface that connects with the symmetric axis of the conical space of the swirl flow generating chamber 2 at the same inclination. Furthermore, the narrowed shape of the swirl flow generating chamber 2 can be configured so that the inclination of the inner surface of the narrowed chamber 3 with respect to the symmetric axis of the swirl flow generating chamber 2 is larger than the inclination of the inner surface of the swirl flow generating chamber 2 with respect to the symmetric axis of the swirl flow generating chamber 2.

[0044] In Fig. 5, the flow direction A of the mixed chemical solution is indicated by an arrow. A cylindrical first conduit section 4 connected to a first tube 301 is provided so as to extend along the flow direction A at a position upstream of the center of the swirling flow generating chamber 2 in the flow direction A. Similarly, a cylindrical second conduit section 5 connected to a second tube 302 is also provided at a position upstream of the center of the swirling flow generating chamber 2. Furthermore, a cylindrical third conduit section 6 connected to a third tube 303 is provided at a position downstream of the center of the narrow chamber 3 in the flow direction A.

[0045] The first conduit section 4, into which the chemical solution with a high specific gravity flows, communicates with the first inlet 14 (FIG. 7) of the swirling flow generating chamber 2. Therefore, the first conduit section 4 is provided in the center of the front outer end face 11A of the swirling flow generating chamber 2, on the upstream side in the flow direction A. The third conduit section 6, from which the mixed chemical solution flows out, is provided at the end of the outlet 16 so that the center line of this third conduit section 6 and the center line of the first conduit section 4 coincide with each other, i.e., so that they are coaxial.

[0046] On the other hand, the second conduit section 5, into which the chemical solution with a low specific gravity flows, communicates with the second inlet 15 of the swirl flow generating chamber 2. Therefore, the second conduit section 5 is provided on the curved outer side surface of the swirl flow generating chamber 2, and extends in the tangential direction of the circumference of the swirl flow generating chamber 2, which has a circular cross section. In other words, the second conduit section 5 in this embodiment is provided at a position shifted from the central axis of the cylindrical space of the swirl flow generating chamber 2 toward the periphery of the swirl flow generating chamber 2. As a result, a swirl flow of the chemical solution with a low specific gravity that flows in from the second conduit section 5 is generated.

[0047] In this embodiment, the contrast medium flows in through the first conduit portion 4, and the saline solution flows in through the second conduit portion 5. Then, the contrast medium and the saline solution are mixed in the swirl flow generating chamber 2 and the narrow chamber 3. Thereafter, the mixed liquid of the contrast medium and the saline solution flows out through the third conduit portion 6.

[0048] As long as a vortex is generated in the swirl flow generating chamber 2, the dimensions need only be such that an appropriate volume is formed from the second conduit section 5 to the narrow chamber 3. Therefore, if there is a sufficient volume from the second conduit section 5 to the narrow chamber 3, the second conduit section 5 may be provided near the center of the swirl flow generating chamber 2. However, even in this case, the second conduit section 5 is provided on the side surface of the swirl flow generating chamber 2 and extends in the tangential direction of the circumference of the swirl flow generating chamber 2.

[0049] 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams of a longitudinal cross section of the mixer 1 according to the present invention. Specifically, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 are schematic diagrams of a cross section including the center lines of the first conduit section 4, the swirling flow generating chamber 2, the narrowed chamber 3, and the third conduit section 6, and parallel to the axial direction of the second conduit section 5. In addition, for the sake of convenience, parts that do not appear in the cross section on the center line are shown by dotted lines. Note that Fig. 6 shows the mixer 1 to which the first tube 301, the second tube 302, and the third tube 303 are connected, and Fig. 7 shows the mixer 1 to which these tubes are not connected.

[0050] The swirling flow generating chamber 2 has a curved inner surface 17, which is a cylindrical inner surface that forms a cylindrical space. The second inlet 15 is configured so that the axis of the second inlet 15 is perpendicular to the axis of the swirling flow generating chamber 2, and the cylinder that forms the flow path of the second inlet 15 and the curved cylindrical inner surface 17 of the swirling flow generating chamber 2 have a common tangent plane. As a result, the chemical solution that flows in from the second inlet 15 generates a swirling flow. The narrow chamber 3 is provided between the swirling flow generating chamber 2 and the outlet 16, and has a narrowed shape that is continuously narrowed toward the outlet 16. Furthermore, the narrow chamber 3 has an inner surface 18 that is inclined toward the outlet 16 to form a funnel-shaped space, and is connected to the swirling flow generating chamber 2. As a result, the generated swirling flow is concentrated in the direction of the central axis of the vortex.

[0051] The first conduit section 4, into which the contrast medium flows, communicates with the swirling flow generating chamber 2 via the first inlet 14. This allows the drug solution with a high specific gravity that has passed through the first inlet to be introduced into the swirling flow generating chamber 2 in a direction parallel to the central axis of the swirling flow of the drug solution with a low specific gravity. In other words, the drug solution with a high specific gravity is introduced in a direction parallel to the central axis of the cylindrical space of the swirling flow generating chamber 2. The second conduit section 5, into which the saline solution flows, communicates with the swirling flow generating chamber 2 via the second inlet 15. This allows the saline solution to be introduced into the swirling flow generating chamber 2 so that a swirling flow is generated in the swirling flow generating chamber 2.

[0052] The second conduit section 5 extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the swirling flow generating chamber 2. The swirling flow generating chamber 2 communicates with the large diameter side opening 12 of the narrow chamber 3 at the boundary C shown by the dotted line in the figure. The narrow chamber 3 communicates with the outlet 16 via the small diameter side opening 13. In this embodiment, the second conduit section 5 extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the swirling flow generating chamber 2. However, the second conduit section 5 may extend at an angle to the plane perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the swirling flow generating chamber 2.

[0053] In this embodiment, the center line of the first inlet 14, the central axis of the swirling flow generating chamber 2, the central axis of the narrow chamber 3, and the center line of the outlet 16 all overlap with the straight line B (center line of the mixer 1) shown by the dotted line in the figure. By arranging each component part so that they have a common axis in this way, it is possible to increase the isotropy of the vortex generated in the mixer 1. In other words, it is possible to generate vortexes uniformly without stagnation in the space, improving the mixing efficiency.

[0054] The first tube 301 is joined within a first receiving portion 21 formed inside the first conduit portion 4. The third tube 303 is joined within a third receiving portion 23 formed inside the third conduit portion 6. The first tube 301 and the third tube 303 may be connected to the first receiving portion 21 and the third receiving portion 23 by screwing.

[0055] However, when the flow rate of the chemical liquid with a low specific gravity is slow, the flow collides with the chemical liquid with a high specific gravity that remains stagnant in the mixer 1 at the start of injection, and the inertial force of the swirling flow may be weakened. When the inertial force weakens, the swirling strength becomes insufficient, and a vortex cannot be generated in a short time. Or, it takes a long time to grow the generated vortex until the flow rate of the vortex becomes sufficiently fast. As a result, the mixing efficiency of the chemical liquid decreases.

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment, the inner diameter of second inlet 15 shown by the dotted line in the figure is made narrower than the inner diameter of first inlet 14. In other words, second inlet 15, into which a chemical solution with a low specific gravity flows, is narrower than first inlet 14, into which a chemical solution with a high specific gravity flows. Specifically, the inner diameter of second inlet 15 is formed to be about two-thirds to one-third the inner diameter of first inlet 14. For example, when the inner diameter of first inlet 14 is 1.5 mm, the inner diameter of second inlet 15 is 1 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0057] As a result, when the chemical solution is injected at a predetermined pressure, the flow rate of the chemical solution with a low specific gravity flowing in from the second inlet 15 with a smaller cross-sectional area is faster than the flow rate of the chemical solution with a high specific gravity flowing in from the first inlet 14 with a larger cross-sectional area. However, the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which the flow rate of the chemical solution with a low specific gravity is faster than the flow rate of the chemical solution with a high specific gravity, and the flow rates of both can be the same. In this case, for example, the inner diameter of the second inlet 15 is the same as the inner diameter of the first inlet 14.

[0058] In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the swirl flow generating chamber 2 and the inner diameter of the large diameter side opening 12 of the narrow chamber 3 are 7.5 mm, and the inner diameter of the small diameter side opening 13 and the outlet 16 of the narrow chamber 3 are 1.5 mm. The inclined inner surface 18 of the narrow chamber 3 is inclined at 15° with respect to the central axis of the narrow chamber 3. Furthermore, in the flow direction A parallel to the central axis of the swirl flow generating chamber 2 shown by the arrow in Fig. 7, the length of the swirl flow generating chamber 2 is 7.5 mm, and the length of the narrow chamber 3 is 11.2 mm.

[0059] Note that these dimensions are merely examples, and the dimensions of the mixer 1 according to the present invention are not limited to these. For example, the inclined inner surface 18 of the narrow chamber 3 may be configured so that the internal space of the narrow chamber 3 narrows in an axisymmetric manner as it approaches the outlet 16. It is also preferable that the change in angle at the boundary C between the swirl flow generating chamber 2 and the narrow chamber 3 is gradual. This is because if there is a portion where the angle change is large, i.e., a corner, resistance will be generated at that portion.

[0060] In the chemical liquid mixing and injection device of this embodiment, the chemical liquid flows from the first container 401 and the second container 402 into the mixer 1 by creating a negative pressure inside the syringe 201. Therefore, the flow rate of each of the chemical liquids from the first container 401 and the second container 402 flowing into the mixer 1 is determined by the diameter of the first inlet 14, the diameter of the second inlet 15, the pressure difference before and after the first inlet 14, the pressure difference before and after the second inlet 15, the temperature, the viscosity of each chemical liquid, and the like. In order to mix two liquids as a mixed chemical liquid with a constant concentration distribution, it is necessary to maintain a constant flow rate balance of the chemical liquids from the first container 401 and the second container 402. Therefore, the first inlet 14 and the second inlet 15 are designed in consideration of the temperature, the viscosity of each chemical liquid, the level of negative pressure in the syringe 201 to be applied, and the like so that the flow rate balance of the chemical liquids from the first container 401 and the second container 402 can be maintained constant. Parameters relating to the design of the first inlet 14 and the second inlet 15 include the opening diameter, the cross-sectional shape including the flow direction of the orifice portion, and the like.

[0061] In addition to the design of the first inlet 14 and the second inlet 15, a mechanism for adjusting the opening area of ​​the flow path of the drug solution (flow rate adjustment mechanism) may be provided in at least one of the first tube 301 and the second tube 302. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, a flow rate adjustment mechanism 307 is provided in the second tube 302, which is the flow path of the physiological saline solution 404.

[0062] According to the configuration of the present invention, contrast medium 403 and saline 404 are introduced into mixer 1 to mix the two liquids and introduce the mixed liquid (mixed medicinal liquid) into syringe 201, and the operation of the plunger inserted into syringe 201 is controlled by head 210. Therefore, compared with a method in which contrast medium 403 and saline 404 are prepared in separate syringes and the drives of the plungers of the two syringes are synchronously controlled, the mixing method of the present invention can efficiently mix the medicinal liquids with simpler control.

[0063] Moreover, the inner surface of the mixer 1 according to the present invention can be subjected to a hydrophilic treatment. By performing the hydrophilic treatment, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from adhering to the inner surface of the mixer 1 when deairing. Methods for this hydrophilic treatment include plasma treatment, ozone treatment, corona discharge treatment, glow discharge treatment, and ultraviolet irradiation treatment. When performing the hydrophilic treatment, the treatment is performed on at least one surface of the curved inner surface 17 of the swirling flow generating chamber 2, the front inner end surface 11B of the swirling flow generating chamber 2, or the inclined inner surface 18 of the narrow chamber 3.

[0064] 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams of a cross section perpendicular to the central axis D of the swirl flow generating chamber 2 and including the axis of the second conduit portion 5. Note that Fig. 8 shows the mixer 1 to which the second tube 302 is connected, and Fig. 9 shows the mixer 1 to which the second tube 302 is not connected.

[0065] The second tube 302 into which the physiological saline flows is joined inside the second receiving portion 22 formed inside the second conduit portion 5. The second conduit portion 5 extends parallel to a tangent to an inner circumference in a cross section perpendicular to the axis of the swirling flow generating chamber 2. The second conduit portion 5 is provided so as to continue from the curved side surface of the outer periphery of the swirling flow generating chamber 2. Therefore, the second inlet 15 opens in a curved shape that follows the shape of the curved inner surface 17 of the swirling flow generating chamber 2. The second tube 302 may be connected to the second receiving portion 22 by screwing.

[0066] Mixing using a swirling flow generated in mixer 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. In the present specification, the mixing process using a swirling flow generated in mixer 1 is referred to as a spiral flow. In Figures 10 and 11, the flow of contrast medium, which is a medicinal liquid with a high specific gravity, is indicated by solid arrows, and the flow of saline, which is a medicinal liquid with a low specific gravity, is indicated by dotted arrows. The dotted circle in Figure 11 diagrammatically indicates the position of the central axis D of swirling flow generating chamber 2.

[0067] The contrast medium flowing from first container 401 into mixer 1 via first tube 301 flows into swirling flow generating chamber 2 from first inlet 14, which has a smaller inner diameter, and becomes a jet as indicated by arrow E. The momentum of the jet is then diffused in the outer periphery of swirling flow generating chamber 2 as indicated by arrow F. That is, the flow of the contrast medium becomes a flow that is diffused in the outer periphery of swirling flow generating chamber 2.

[0068] On the other hand, the saline solution flowing from the second container 402 into the mixer 1 via the second tube 302 is guided from the second inlet 15 to the curved inner surface 17 of the swirling flow generating chamber 2, and becomes a swirling flow that swirls along the curved inner surface 17 as shown by the arrow G. The swirling flow of the saline solution is then guided to the narrow chamber 3 and concentrated in the direction of the central axis of the swirling flow (axis-centered). Such a vortex is known as a Rankine vortex, and the inertial force of the swirling flow can be concentrated in the vicinity of the rotation axis of the vortex.

[0069] 10, the jet of contrast medium collides with the swirling flow of physiological saline in the swirling flow generating chamber 2. The swirling flow then starts to form a swirling motion so as to draw the jet in from the periphery. Thereafter, as the swirling flow moves toward the narrow chamber 3, the peak of the swirling strength of the swirling flow transitions from the outer periphery of the swirling flow generating chamber 2 to approach the central axis of the mixer 1. The jet is then guided to and drawn into the vortex center of the swirling flow whose swirling strength has been focused in this way.

[0070] This applies a strong rotational force to the contrast agent, which is a highly viscous fluid, generating a centrifugal force. As a result, the contrast agent is scattered toward the outer periphery of the swirling flow generating chamber 2. This flow structure is formed continuously during the injection process, and as a result, the entire flow field in the mixer 1 becomes turbulent. After that, the flow of the mixed liquid of the contrast agent and physiological saline is rectified in the narrow chamber 3. Then, the rectified mixed liquid flows out from the outlet 16 into the third tube 303.

[0071] That is, the mixed liquid of the contrast agent and the physiological saline solution is guided into the constricted chamber 3 which is continuously constricted toward the outlet 16, whereby the two fluids with different vectors collide actively. This allows the contrast agent to be drawn into the center of the vortex and continuously scattered toward the outer periphery of the swirling flow generating chamber 2. As a result, the entire flow field is made turbulent, and the contrast agent and the physiological saline solution are efficiently mixed.

[0072] In this way, by introducing a jet of contrast medium in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the swirling flow of physiological saline, the swirling flow and the jet flow collide actively. This makes it possible to make the contrast medium, which is a fluid with a high specific gravity and high viscosity, turbulent and efficiently mix it in three dimensions in the mixer 1. As a result, the mixing efficiency is significantly improved compared to two-dimensional mixing. In the rest of this specification, such three-dimensional mixing is referred to as three-dimensional mixing.

[0073] Furthermore, even with a small amount of contrast agent and saline, a vortex can be generated in several tens of milliseconds. Therefore, the spiral flow using the mixer 1 of the present invention makes it possible to mix the contrast agent and saline in a short time, and also ensures that a small amount of contrast agent and saline are mixed. As a result, it is possible to prevent unevenness in the image.

[0074] Furthermore, mixer 1 of the present invention can exhibit higher mixing efficiency than a T-shaped joint over a wide range of conditions, such as a total flow rate of the contrast medium and saline of 0.6 to 10 mL / sec. Also, high mixing efficiency can be exhibited even under conditions where the flow rate of the contrast medium is greater than the flow rate of the saline, for example, when the flow rate of the contrast medium is four times that of the saline.

[0075] In the case of the spiral flow using mixer 1 according to the present invention, the contrast medium and the physiological saline are almost completely mixed in several tens of milliseconds by three-dimensional mixing. Therefore, the mixed liquid flowing out from outlet 16 is not separated into two layers.

[0076] By using the chemical mixing device of the present invention, chemicals can be mixed with high efficiency.

[0077] Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Note that the same components as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0078] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the curved inner surface 17 of the swirl flow generating chamber 2 and the inner end surface 11B on the first inlet 14 side form a corner 30. Air bubbles are likely to adhere to such corners. In addition, if the angle change at the corner is large, the resistance also increases. Therefore, in the first embodiment of FIG. 12, a tapered portion 31 is formed between the curved inner surface 17 of the swirl flow generating chamber 2 and the inner end surface 11B on the first inlet 14 side. This makes it difficult for air bubbles to adhere to the inner surface of the swirl flow generating chamber 2, and can reduce resistance.

[0079] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Note that the same components as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, a corner 32 exists at the boundary C between the swirling flow generating chamber 2 and the narrow chamber 3. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the inner surface of the narrow chamber 3 is formed in a streamlined shape, and a gently curved surface 33 is provided at the boundary between the swirling flow generating chamber 2 and the narrow chamber 3. Furthermore, a curved portion 34 is formed at the boundary between the curved inner surface 17 of the swirling flow generating chamber 2 and the inner end surface 11B on the first inlet 14 side. This makes it difficult for air bubbles to adhere and reduces resistance. In the second embodiment of FIG. 13, the boundary between the swirling flow generating chamber 2 and the narrow chamber 3 outside the mixer 1 is also formed with a gently curved surface. However, the boundary outside the swirling flow generating chamber 2 and the narrow chamber 3 may be formed with a corner as in the above embodiment.

[0081] A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Note that the same components as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] In the embodiment of Fig. 7, the narrow chamber 3 has a funnel-shaped outer shape, and the swirling flow generating chamber 2 has a cylindrical outer shape. However, when the outer shapes are different in this way, when manufacturing the mixer 1 using a mold, it is necessary to prepare a mold of a complex shape, which increases the manufacturing cost. Also, when manufacturing the mixer 1 by cutting the base material, a large amount of the base material is cut, which increases the manufacturing time.

[0083] Therefore, in the third embodiment of Fig. 14, the curved outer side surface of the swirl flow generating chamber 2 is extended to the narrow chamber 3 and the third conduit section 6. That is, the swirl flow generating chamber 2, the narrow chamber 3 and the third conduit section 6 have a common curved side surface 35, and the swirl flow generating chamber 2, the narrow chamber 3 and the third conduit section 6 form a cylindrical outer shape. This allows the shape of the die to be simplified when manufacturing the nozzle using a die. Also, when manufacturing the nozzle by cutting the base material, the amount of cutting can be reduced.

[0084] The mixing tube 300 according to the present invention may be provided with an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a capacitance sensor, or the like as an air detector for detecting air bubbles inside the first tube 301, the second tube 302, the third tube 303, or the mixer 1. For example, when the air detector is disposed outside the mixer 1, a mounting portion for mounting the air detector can be formed on the outer surface of the mixer 1.

[0085] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Note that the same components as those in the above-mentioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] In the embodiment of Fig. 7, the swirl flow generating chamber 2, the narrow chamber 3, the first conduit section 4, the second conduit section 5, and the third conduit section 6 are integrally formed from the same member. However, the first inlet 14, the second inlet 15, and the outlet 16, which have narrower inner diameters than the swirl flow generating chamber 2 and the narrow chamber 3, are required to have higher strength than the swirl flow generating chamber 2 and the narrow chamber 3. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment of Fig. 15, the first conduit section 4 having the first inlet 14, the second conduit section 5 having the second inlet 15, and the third conduit section 6 having the outlet 16 are formed from members 36, 37, and 38 separate from the swirl flow generating chamber 2 and the narrow chamber 3.

[0087] That is, the first conduit section 4 is made of a separate member 36, the second conduit section 5 is made of a separate member 37, and the third conduit section 6 is made of a separate member 38. This allows the first conduit section 4, the second conduit section 5, and the third conduit section 6 to be made of a material having a higher strength than the swirl flow generating chamber 2 and the narrow chamber 3. The first conduit section 4, the second conduit section 5, and the third conduit section 6 can be connected to the swirl flow generating chamber 2 and the narrow chamber 3 by a method such as joining or screwing.

[0088] Within the scope of the present invention, various modifications can be made to mixer 1. For example, in order to reduce the resistance to the outflowing mixed chemical solution, the inner diameter of outlet 16 can be made larger than that of first inlet 14. Furthermore, in order to ensure a sufficient volume, the length of swirling flow generating chamber 2 in the direction along the central axis of swirling flow generating chamber 2 can be made longer than the length of narrow chamber 3.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the case where two kinds of medicinal liquids, a contrast agent and a physiological saline solution, are mixed has been described. However, one of the two kinds of medicinal liquids may be a contrast agent of a first concentration filled in the first container 401, and the other of the two kinds of medicinal liquids may be a contrast agent of a second concentration different from the first concentration filled in the second container 402. In that case, the specific gravity and viscosity of the contrast agent of the first concentration are greater than the specific gravity and viscosity of the contrast agent of the second concentration. EXAMPLES

[0090] Second Embodiment FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a chemical liquid injection system 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In liquid injector 250 of liquid injection system 101 of Example 2, head 260 is configured to be able to drive second syringe 205 in addition to first syringe 201, which is different from Example 1. First syringe 201 is configured to introduce contrast medium and saline into mixer 1 by driving a plunger (not shown) to mix them and prepare a mixed liquid (first mixed liquid), which is the same as in Example 1, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Second syringe 205 is filled with a liquid (third liquid) such as saline.

[0091] In addition, a plunger (not shown) is attached to each of the first syringe 201 and the second syringe 205. With the plungers attached, the first syringe 201 and the second syringe 205 are fixed to a syringe protection case. This syringe protection case is fixed to the head 260 by a syringe clamper.

[0092] Furthermore, two syringe pressers (not shown) are provided in head 260. These syringe pressers engage with locking portions of plungers attached to first syringe 201 and second syringe 205, and operate to move the plungers in and out of the respective syringes. Note that the liquid medicine is sucked into first syringe 201 as described in Example 1, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0093] To suck the liquid medicine into the second syringe 205, a suction tube (not shown) for filling is attached to the conduit 206 at the tip, and the liquid medicine (here, physiological saline) is filled from a liquid medicine bag through this suction tube. At this time, the syringe presser advances the plunger in the axial direction of the second syringe 205 to the tip of the syringe, and then retracts it to the rear end of the syringe.

[0094] When injecting a liquid medicine, a mixing tube 310 is attached to conduit parts 202, 206 at the tips of first syringe 201 and second syringe 205. Then, each syringe presser advances its respective plunger in the axial direction of first syringe 201 and second syringe 205. This pushes out the mixture of contrast medium and saline in first syringe 201, and the saline in second syringe 205. The two syringe pressers can be driven separately or simultaneously.

[0095] The pushed out mixed liquid and physiological saline flow into the mixer (second mixer) 110 of the mixing tube 310 and are mixed in this mixer 110. Thereafter, the mixed medicinal liquid (second mixed liquid) of the mixed medicinal liquid and physiological saline mixed in the mixer 110 is injected into the patient's blood vessel through the catheter 103.

[0096] Before the injection of the liquid, priming is performed to remove air. There are several methods for this priming, and the inside of mixing tube 310 is filled with either a liquid mixture of contrast medium and saline or saline. Specifically, the liquid mixture is first pushed out from first syringe 201, and the fourth tube 111 up to mixer 110 is filled with the liquid mixture.

[0097] Next, physiological saline is pushed out from the second syringe 205 to fill the fifth tube 112, the mixer 110, the sixth tube 113, and the section from the sixth tube 113 to the catheter 103 with physiological saline. As a result, the mixing tube 310 and the entire medical fluid circuit from the mixing tube 310 to the catheter 103 are filled with medical fluid, and the air is removed.

[0098] There is also a method in which the mixed liquid is first pushed out from first syringe 201, then the physiological saline is pushed out from second syringe 205, and then the medicinal liquid is pushed out simultaneously from first syringe 201 and second syringe 205. There is also a method in which the physiological saline is first pushed out from second syringe 205, and then the mixed liquid is pushed out from first syringe 201, thereby filling the entire circuit of the medicinal liquid with the medicinal liquid.

[0099] In addition to these methods, there is also a method in which physiological saline is first pushed out from second syringe 205, then the mixed liquid is pushed out from first syringe 201, and then the medicinal liquid is pushed out simultaneously from first syringe 201 and second syringe 205. In another method, the medicinal liquid is pushed out simultaneously from first syringe 201 and second syringe 205 from the beginning, filling the entire circuit of the medicinal liquid with the medicinal liquid.

[0100] As in the first embodiment, mixing tube 300 is provided with a backflow prevention mechanism, such as a check valve, for preventing flow from first syringe 201 to first container 401 or second container 402. This backflow prevention mechanism prevents the mixed liquid in first syringe 201 from flowing into first container 401, second container 402, or mixer 1 even if the inside of first syringe 201 is pressurized by the operation of the plunger.

[0101] Conduit 203 of first syringe 201 may be provided with a backflow prevention mechanism, such as a check valve, for preventing flow from first syringe 201 toward mixing tube 300. This backflow prevention mechanism prevents the mixed liquid in first syringe 201 from flowing into mixing tube 300 even if the inside of first syringe 201 is pressurized by the operation of the plunger.

[0102] Furthermore, conduit portion 202 at the tip of first syringe 201, conduit portion 206 at the tip of second syringe 205, and mixing tube 310 may be provided with a backflow prevention mechanism, such as a check valve, for preventing flow toward first syringe 201 and second syringe 205. Note that the backflow prevention mechanism (check valve) of second syringe 205 may be configured to be removed (non-functioning) during suction into second syringe 205 and to be attached (functioning) after suction into second syringe 205.

[0103] This backflow prevention mechanism prevents flow from mixing tube 310 to first syringe 201 or second syringe 205, even if the inside of first syringe 201 or second syringe 205 becomes negative pressure due to the operation of the plunger. That is, when contrast medium and physiological saline are sucked into first syringe 201 and mixed, it is possible to prevent air, medicinal liquid, patient's blood, etc. from being sucked into first syringe 201 or second syringe 205 from catheter 103 or mixing tube 310 and flowing therein.

[0104] Although the configuration in which conduit portion 203 of first syringe 201 is connected to mixing tube 300 via flexible tube 106 has been exemplified, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Conduit portion 203 of first syringe 201 may be directly connected to third connecting portion 306 of mixing tube 300. The connection between conduit portion 203 of first syringe 201 and third connecting portion 306 of mixing tube 300 may be, for example, a detachable configuration using a method such as a screw connection, or may be a fixed connection configuration such as a joint.

[0105] As the mixer 110 of the mixing tube 310, it is preferable to use the mixer that realizes mixing of chemical solutions by spiral flow, as described in the first embodiment with reference to FIGS.

[0106] The mixer 110 is arranged vertically or tilted so that the outlet 16 is located below the first inlet 14. When arranged in this manner, the central axes of the first inlet 14, the swirling flow generating chamber 2, and the narrow chamber 3 are parallel to the direction of gravity or tilted toward the direction of gravity. In other words, the central axes of the first inlet 14, the swirling flow generating chamber 2, and the narrow chamber 3 are perpendicular to the floor surface or tilted toward the floor surface. That is, the flow direction A (FIG. 7) of the mixed chemical solution is oriented to face the direction of gravity.

[0107] In this way, by orienting the flow direction A of the mixed chemical liquid in the mixer 110 in the direction of gravity, the axial symmetry of the mixed chemical liquid system in the mixer 110 is increased. Therefore, even if the effect of the specific gravity of the chemical liquids to be mixed is large, effective mixing of the chemical liquids is achieved. In other words, even if the difference in specific gravity of the chemical liquids to be mixed is large, or the effect of the specific gravity is relatively strong because the force of inertia of the chemical liquids to be mixed is small (the rotation speed is low), effective mixing of the chemical liquids is achieved.

[0108] As a configuration for arranging the mixer 110 in this manner, a configuration in which the mixer 110 is fixed to the liquid injector 250 parallel to the direction of gravity is conceivable. Also, a configuration in which a relay stand is arranged between the liquid injector 250 and the patient, and the mixer 110 is fixed on the relay stand parallel to the direction of gravity is conceivable. Furthermore, a configuration in which the fourth tube 111 and the fifth tube 112 are rigid tubes that are bent toward the floor surface, and the mixer 110 is held parallel to the direction of gravity is conceivable. In addition to these, a configuration in which the fourth tube 111 and the fifth tube 112 are made sufficiently long so that the mixing tube 310 hangs down from the liquid injector 250 toward the floor surface, and the mixer 110 is held parallel to the direction of gravity is conceivable.

[0109] In the configuration of the second embodiment, the medicinal liquid is always mixed with high efficiency in the mixer 110 by the spiral flow of the mixing tube 310 before being injected into the patient.

[0110] According to the configuration of drug solution injection system 101 of Example 2, by controlling the drive of two plunger devices, the contrast medium can be diluted and mixed with physiological saline in two stages by mixer 1 and mixer 110. That is, an effect is achieved that the drug solution can be mixed more efficiently and with a simpler configuration in a single-stage mixing process, and a uniformly mixed drug solution can be obtained.

[0111] In addition, for different amounts (concentrations) of contrast medium for each patient, appropriate mixing of contrast medium and saline immediately before injection and injection can be performed consecutively without having to be performed separately, which reduces the risk of contamination of the mixed solution due to mixing in advance.

[0112] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, a configuration is exemplified in which the mixer 1 mixes the contrast medium and the physiological saline to prepare a first mixed liquid, the mixer 110 mixes the first mixed liquid and the physiological saline to prepare a second mixed liquid, and the second mixed liquid is injected into a patient. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. A configuration may be adopted in which the mixer 1 mixes the contrast medium (first liquid) and the physiological saline (second liquid) to prepare a first mixed liquid, the mixer 110 mixes the first mixed liquid and a third liquid other than the physiological saline to prepare a third mixed liquid, and the third mixed liquid is injected into a patient. This makes it possible to continuously mix different liquids and inject them into a patient, thereby achieving the effect that even mixing of liquids with restrictions on the mixing order can be performed without contamination.

[0113] In the second embodiment, the second syringe 205 is filled with saline or the like (third liquid medicine), but the second syringe 205 may be configured to suck and mix a mixed liquid medicine similar to the first syringe 201. This configuration enables up to four types of liquid medicine to be continuously mixed on-site before being injected, and has the effect of increasing the degree of freedom in mixing the liquid medicines. In this case, the backflow prevention mechanism of the second syringe 205 may be configured to be constantly attached (functioning) like the backflow prevention mechanism of the first syringe 201.

[0114] In the second embodiment, in a liquid injector having two syringes including a first syringe 201 filled with a mixed liquid and a second syringe 205 filled with physiological saline, a suction-type liquid mixing mechanism is introduced into the system of the first syringe 201. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a liquid (mixed) injector including three or more syringes. That is, in a liquid (mixed) injector including three or more syringes, the suction-type liquid mixing mechanism of the present invention may be applied to the mixed liquid introduced into each of one or more syringe systems.

[0115] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above examples and embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above examples and embodiments. Modifications of the components of the present invention and configurations equivalent to the components of the present invention within the scope of the invention described in the claims are also included in the present invention. In addition, the above examples and embodiments can be appropriately combined within a range that does not substantially change the content of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1: mixer, 2: swirl flow generating chamber, 3: narrow chamber, 14: first inlet, 15: second inlet, 16: outlet, 100: chemical injection system, 300: mixing tube

Claims

1. A first container for containing a first chemical solution, A second container for containing a second chemical solution, Connected to the first container via a first flow path and to the second container via a second flow path, a mixer for mixing the first chemical solution and the second chemical solution, A third container connected to the mixer via a third flow path, having, By making the inside of the third container have a negative pressure with respect to the inside of the mixer, the first chemical solution is caused to flow into the mixer simultaneously from the first container, the second chemical solution is caused to flow into the mixer simultaneously from the second container, and the mixed solution is introduced into the third container. A chemical solution mixing device characterized by this.

2. The third container is a syringe having a cylinder, a seal member that slides within the cylinder, and a plunger that is connected to the seal member and moves the seal member, The chemical solution mixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that by moving the seal member with the plunger, the inside of the third container is made to have a negative pressure with respect to the inside of the mixer.

3. The mixer, A swirling flow generation chamber for generating a swirling flow, Connected to the first flow path, a first inlet for introducing the first chemical solution into the swirling flow generation chamber in a direction parallel to the central axis of the swirling flow, Connected to the second flow path, a second inlet for introducing the second chemical solution into the swirling flow generation chamber such that a swirling flow of the second chemical solution having a specific gravity smaller than that of the first chemical solution is generated in the swirling flow generation chamber, Connected to the third flow path, an outlet through which the mixed chemical solution of the first chemical solution and the second chemical solution flows out, A narrowing chamber provided between the swirling flow generation chamber and the outlet, having a space that continuously narrows toward the outlet, The chemical solution mixing device according to claim 1, characterized by this.

4. The swirling flow generation chamber has a cylindrical space, The chemical solution mixing device according to claim 3, wherein the narrowing chamber has a conical space.

5. The first inlet is formed on the front end face of the swirling flow generation chamber, The chemical solution mixing device according to claim 3, wherein the second inlet is formed on the side surface of the swirling flow generation chamber.

6. The inner diameter of the second inlet is smaller than the inner diameter of the first inlet. The chemical solution mixing device according to claim 3.

7. Inside the swirling flow generation chamber, a tapered portion is formed at the boundary portion between the inner end face in front of the swirling flow generation chamber and the inner surface of the swirling flow generation chamber. The chemical solution mixing device according to claim 3.

8. The chemical solution mixing device according to claim 3, wherein a curved portion is formed at a boundary portion between an inner end surface in front of the swirling flow generation chamber and an inner surface of the swirling flow generation chamber inside the swirling flow generation chamber.

9. The chemical solution mixing device according to claim 3, wherein an inner surface of the constriction chamber has a streamline shape.

10. The chemical solution mixing device according to claim 1, further comprising a mechanism for preventing a flow from the third container to the mixer.

11. The chemical solution mixing device according to claim 1, further comprising a mechanism for preventing a flow from the mixer to the first container.

12. The chemical solution mixing device according to claim 1, further comprising a mechanism for preventing a flow from the mixer to the second container.

13. The chemical solution mixing device according to claim 1, wherein the first chemical solution is a contrast agent and the second chemical solution is a physiological saline solution.

14. The chemical solution mixing device according to claim 1, wherein the first chemical solution is a contrast agent having a first concentration and the second chemical solution is a contrast agent having a second concentration different from the first concentration.

15. The chemical solution mixing device according to claim 2, a head to which the syringe is attached, a controller connected to the head, and a mixed solution injection path connected to the third container for injecting a chemical solution into a patient. A chemical solution injection system characterized by comprising.

16. a first container for storing a first chemical solution, a second container for storing a second chemical solution, a first mixer connected to the first container and the second container for mixing the first chemical solution and the second chemical solution to form a first mixed solution, a first syringe connected to the first mixer, a second syringe for storing a third chemical solution, a second mixer connected to the first syringe and the second syringe, a controller for controlling the driving of the first syringe and the second syringe, A chemical solution injection system comprising: The second mixer includes a swirling flow generation chamber for generating a swirling flow, a first inlet connected to the first syringe for introducing the first mixed solution into the swirling flow generation chamber in a direction parallel to the central axis of the swirling flow, a second inlet connected to the second syringe for introducing the third chemical solution into the swirling flow generation chamber such that a swirling flow of the third chemical solution having a specific gravity smaller than that of the first mixed solution is generated in the swirling flow generation chamber, and an outlet through which the second mixed solution of the first mixed solution and the third chemical solution flows out. A constriction chamber provided between the swirling flow generation chamber and the outlet, and having a space that continuously narrows toward the outlet. The controller simultaneously causes the first chemical solution to flow from the first container and the second chemical solution to flow from the second container into the first mixer by creating a negative pressure inside the first syringe with respect to the inside of the first mixer, mixes them, introduces the mixed first mixed solution into the first syringe, causes the first mixed solution to flow out from the first syringe and the third chemical solution to flow out from the second syringe into the second mixer, mixes them, and causes the mixed second mixed solution to flow out from the outlet. A chemical solution injection system characterized by this.

17. The chemical solution injection system according to claim 16, wherein the first chemical solution is a contrast agent, and the second chemical solution and the third chemical solution are physiological saline solutions.

18. A method for mixing chemical solutions in a chemical solution mixing device having a first container for containing a first chemical solution, a second container for containing a second chemical solution, a mixer connected to the first container and the second container for mixing the first chemical solution and the second chemical solution, and a third container connected to the mixer, By creating a negative pressure inside the third container with respect to the inside of the mixer, the first chemical solution is caused to flow from the first container and the second chemical solution is caused to flow from the second container into the mixer simultaneously, and the mixed solution is introduced into the third container. A method for mixing chemical solutions, characterized by this.

19. In the mixer, a swirling flow of the second chemical solution is generated, the first chemical solution is introduced in a direction parallel to the central axis of the swirling flow, and the first chemical solution and the second chemical solution are guided into a space that continuously narrows toward the outlet, thereby causing the first chemical solution and the second chemical solution to collide. The method for mixing chemical solutions according to claim 18, characterized in that the mixed chemical solution of the first chemical solution and the second chemical solution is caused to flow out from the outlet and guided to the third container.

20. The method for mixing chemical solutions according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the first chemical solution is a contrast agent and the second chemical solution is physiological saline.

Images