Liquid mixing set

Abstract

To provide: a liquid mixing device for use with an infusion tubing set configured for use with an automatic liquid injector; and an infusion tube set having the liquid mixing device.SOLUTION: A liquid mixing device for mixing a first injection liquid and a second injection liquid includes a first liquid inlet, a second liquid inlet, a mixing chamber in liquid communication with the first and second liquid inlets, and an outlet port in liquid communication with the mixing chamber. The first liquid inlet is configured to conduct the first injection liquid in a first direction and has a first redirecting surface. The second liquid inlet is configured to conduct the second injection liquid in a second direction along a different axis than the first direction and has a second redirecting surface. The mixing chamber is configured to mix the first injection liquid and the second liquid together. The mixture of the first injection liquid and the second injection liquid exits the liquid mixing device via the outlet port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 982,995, filed on February 28, 2020. The entire disclosure of this provisional application is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Background of the Disclosure The present disclosure relates to a fluid mixing device for use with an infusion tubing set configured to be used with a powered fluid injector. The present disclosure also relates to an infusion tube set having the fluid mixing device.

Background Art

[0003] In many medical diagnostic and treatment procedures, physicians such as internists and radiologists use an automatic fluid injector system to inject one or more fluids into a patient. In recent years, several automatic fluid injector systems for use in pressure injection of fluids have been developed for use in procedures such as angiography (CV), computed tomography (CT), molecular imaging (such as PET imaging), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In these imaging procedures, a first infusion fluid such as a contrast agent may be used to enhance a particular internal organ, a site in the circulatory system, or a body site during the imaging process. On the other hand, a second infusion fluid such as a physiological saline solution or a similar flushing agent may be used to ensure a complete bolus injection of the contrast agent and / or to adjust the concentration of the contrast agent. In some procedures, it may be desirable to infuse a mixture of the first infusion fluid and the second infusion fluid.

[0004] When infusing a mixture of a first infusion fluid and a second infusion fluid, it is desirable that the two fluids be well mixed before being infused into the patient. However, generally the first infusion fluid and the second infusion fluid have different physical properties, such as specific gravity and / or viscosity, so there is a risk that the two fluids will not be completely mixed before flowing into the patient's vasculature, and for this reason, the image quality deteriorates. Therefore, there is a need for a technique for an improved infusion system that promotes the mixing of two or more infusion fluids before being infused into the patient.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The above need and other needs can be met by the non-limiting embodiments described in this application, which are directed to an improved fluid mixing device and an infusion tubing set including the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In some embodiments that do not limit the present disclosure, the liquid mixing device for mixing the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid may include a first liquid inlet configured to direct the first infusion liquid in a first direction. The first liquid inlet may have a first deflection surface. The liquid mixing device may further include a second liquid inlet configured to direct the second infusion liquid in a second direction. The second liquid inlet may have a second deflection surface. The liquid mixing device may further include a mixing chamber that communicates with the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet and has a third deflection surface. The mixing chamber may be configured to mix the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid. The liquid mixing device may further include an outlet that communicates with the mixing chamber and is on the tip side of the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet. The first deflection surface may be configured to deflect the first infusion liquid from the first direction to a first different direction and cause it to flow into the mixing chamber along the first different direction, and the second deflection surface may be configured to deflect the second infusion liquid from the second direction to a second different direction and cause it to flow into the mixing chamber along the second different direction. The first different direction and the second different direction may be selected such that the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid hit the third deflection surface of the mixing chamber and are mixed in a turbulent state in the mixing chamber. The mixed liquid of the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid may flow out of the liquid mixing device through the outlet.

[0007] In some embodiments that do not limit the present disclosure, the liquid mixing device may further include at least one of a first check valve in the first liquid inlet and a second check valve in the second liquid inlet. The cross-sectional shapes of the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet may not be circular, and the cross-sectional shapes of the first check valve and the second check valve may be circular.

[0008] In some embodiments that do not limit the present disclosure, the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet may each have a first inlet and a second inlet. The first deflection surface and the second deflection surface may be respectively arranged on the tip side of the first inlet and the second inlet. The third deflection surface may be arranged on the base end side of the outlet, the first deflection surface, and the second deflection surface.

[0009] In some embodiments, without limiting the present disclosure, the mixing chamber may further include a first inlet portion, and the first inlet portion of the mixing chamber is on the tip side of the third deflection surface. The first deflection surface may be disposed on the tip side of the first liquid inlet portion and at least partially face the first inlet portion leading to the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber may further include a second inlet portion, and the second inlet portion of the mixing chamber is on the tip side of the third deflection surface. The second deflection surface may be disposed on the tip side of the second liquid inlet portion and at least partially face the second inlet portion leading to the mixing chamber.

[0010] In some embodiments, without limiting the present disclosure, at least one of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface may be substantially concave and may have a radian of 90° ( π / 2 ) or more. At least one of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface may be substantially concave and may have a radian of 150° ( 5π / 6 ) or more. The third deflection surface may have a substantially concave surface facing the outlet. The concave surface may have a radian of 90° ( π / 2 ) or more. The concave surface may have a radian of 150° ( 5π / 6 ) or more.

[0011] In some embodiments, without limiting the present disclosure, the first check valve may have a first end portion that contacts the first inlet of the first liquid inlet portion and a second end portion that contacts the first stop element on the base side of the first deflection surface. The second check valve may have a first end portion that contacts the second inlet of the second liquid inlet portion and a second end portion that contacts the second stop element on the base side of the second deflection surface. The first check valve and the second check valve may be valves capable of restoring compression between the first end portion and the second end portion in response to the first liquid pressure of the first injection liquid flowing through the first inlet and the second liquid pressure of the second injection liquid flowing through the second inlet, respectively. The first stop element and the second stop element may have a pointed base end portion. The first inlet and the second inlet may have a tapered end face.

[0012] In some embodiments, without limiting the present disclosure, the outlet may have an axis parallel to the axis of the first liquid inlet and the axis of the second liquid inlet. The axis of the outlet may extend between the axis of the first liquid inlet and the axis of the second liquid inlet. The axis of the first liquid inlet may be parallel to the axis of the second liquid inlet and may be offset from this axis, and the outlet may have an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the first liquid inlet and the axis of the second liquid inlet. The axis of the first liquid inlet may be substantially perpendicular to the axis of the second liquid inlet, and the outlet may have an axis substantially parallel and substantially coincident with one of the axis of the first liquid inlet and the axis of the second liquid inlet. The axis of the first liquid inlet may be at an angle between 130° and 165° with respect to the axis of the second liquid inlet, and the outlet may have an axis at an angle less than 70° with respect to one of the axis of the first liquid inlet and the axis of the second liquid inlet.

[0013] In some embodiments, without limiting the present disclosure, each of the first deflecting surface and the second deflecting surface may be formed in a concave shape and may face the flow directions of the first injection liquid of the first liquid inlet and the second injection liquid of the second liquid inlet, respectively. At least one of the first liquid inlet, the second liquid inlet, and the outlet may be at least partially spiral rifling on at least a part of the inner surface of at least one of the first liquid inlet, the second liquid inlet, and the outlet, and may have at least partially spiral rifling that generates vortices of at least one of the first injection liquid, the second injection liquid, and the mixture of the first injection liquid and the second injection liquid.

[0014] In some embodiments, without limiting the present disclosure, the outlet may have at least one baffle member or mixing member disposed on the inner surface of the outlet.

[0015] In some embodiments, without limiting the present disclosure, the outlet may further include a pressure isolation valve integrated with the outlet.

[0016] The pressure isolation valve may have a first cavity communicating with the outlet, a second cavity configured to be connected to the pressure transducer, and a valve member between the first cavity and the second cavity, and the valve member is configured to isolate the second cavity from the outlet during the liquid injection act.

[0017] In some embodiments, without limiting the present disclosure, a connector element may be provided outside or inside at least one of the first liquid inlet, the second liquid inlet, and the outlet.

[0018] In some embodiments, without limiting the present disclosure, an infusion tube set for infusing a liquid from an injector to a patient may include a first inflow tube configured to infuse a first infusion liquid, a second inflow tube configured to infuse a second infusion liquid, an outflow tube configured to infuse a mixture of the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid to the patient, and a liquid mixing device. The liquid mixing device may include a first liquid inlet configured to direct the first infusion liquid in a first direction. The first liquid inlet may have a first deflection surface. The liquid mixing device may further include a second liquid inlet configured to direct the second infusion liquid in a second direction. The second liquid inlet may have a second deflection surface. The liquid mixing device may further include a mixing chamber communicating with the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet and having a third deflection surface. The mixing chamber may be configured to mix the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid. The liquid mixing device may further include an outlet communicating with the mixing chamber and located on the tip side of the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet. The first deflection surface may be configured to deflect the first infusion liquid from the first direction to a first different direction and cause it to flow into the mixing chamber along the first different direction, and the second deflection surface may be configured to deflect the second infusion liquid from the second direction to a second different direction and cause it to flow into the mixing chamber along the second different direction. The first different direction and the second different direction may be selected such that the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid hit the third deflection surface of the mixing chamber and are mixed in a turbulent state in the mixing chamber. The mixture of the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid may flow out of the liquid mixing device through the outlet.

[0019] In some embodiments, which are not limiting of the present disclosure, a method of mixing a first infusion fluid and a second infusion fluid in a turbulent state to form a substantially uniform mixture of the first infusion fluid and the second infusion fluid may include applying the fluid stream of the first infusion fluid against a concave first deflection surface associated with a first fluid inlet portion. The method may further include deflecting the fluid stream of the first infusion fluid in a first different direction, the first different direction being oriented at an angle ranging from 90° to 175° with respect to the fluid stream direction of the first infusion fluid and towards the concave third deflection surface of the mixing chamber. The method may further include applying the fluid stream of the second infusion fluid against a concave second deflection surface associated with a second fluid inlet portion. The method may further include deflecting the fluid stream of the second infusion fluid in a second different direction, the second different direction being oriented at an angle ranging from 90° to 175° with respect to the fluid stream direction of the second infusion fluid and towards the concave third deflection surface of the mixing chamber. The method may further include mixing the first infusion fluid and the second infusion fluid in a turbulent state in the mixing chamber when the first infusion fluid and the second infusion fluid impinge on the concave third deflection surface to form a mixture of the first infusion fluid and the second infusion fluid, and deflecting the mixture of the first infusion fluid and the second infusion fluid and passing it through the outlet of the mixing chamber.

[0020] Various other embodiments, which are not limiting of the present disclosure, are described in one or more of the following sections.

[0021] Item 1. A liquid mixing device for mixing a first injection liquid and a second injection liquid, the liquid mixing device comprising: a first liquid inlet configured to guide the first injection liquid in a first direction and having a first deflection surface; a second liquid inlet configured to guide the second injection liquid in a second direction and having a second deflection surface; a mixing chamber communicating with the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet, having a third deflection surface, and configured to mix the first injection liquid and the second injection liquid; and an outlet communicating with the mixing chamber and located on the tip side of the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet. The first deflection surface is configured to deflect the first injection liquid from the first direction to a first different direction and allow it to flow into the mixing chamber along the first different direction. The second deflection surface is configured to deflect the second injection liquid from the second direction to a second different direction and allow it to flow into the mixing chamber along the second different direction. The first different direction and the second different direction are selected such that the first injection liquid and the second injection liquid hit the third deflection surface of the mixing chamber and are mixed in a turbulent state in the mixing chamber, and the mixed liquid of the first injection liquid and the second injection liquid flows out of the liquid mixing device through the outlet.

[0022] Item 2. The liquid mixing device according to Item 1, further comprising at least one of a first check valve in the first liquid inlet and a second check valve in the second liquid inlet.

[0023] Item 3. The liquid mixing device according to Item 2, wherein the cross-sectional shapes of the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet are not circular, and the cross-sectional shapes of the first check valve and the second check valve are circular.

[0024] Item 4. The liquid mixing device according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet each have a first inlet and a second inlet, the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface are respectively arranged on the tip side of the first inlet and the second inlet, and the third deflection surface is arranged on the base end side of the outlet, the first deflection surface, and the second deflection surface.

[0025] Item 5. The mixing chamber further comprises a first inflow portion. The first inflow portion of the mixing chamber is on the tip side of the third deflection surface. The first deflection surface is disposed on the tip side of the first liquid inflow portion and at least partially faces the first inflow portion leading to the mixing chamber. The liquid mixing device according to any one of Items 1 to 4.

[0026] Item 6. The mixing chamber further comprises a second inflow portion. The second inflow portion of the mixing chamber is on the tip side of the third deflection surface. The second deflection surface is disposed on the tip side of the second liquid inflow portion and at least partially faces the second inflow portion leading to the mixing chamber. The liquid mixing device according to any one of Items 1 to 5.

[0027] Item 7. At least one of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is substantially concave and has a radian of 90° ( π / 2 ) or more. The liquid mixing device according to any one of Items 1 to 6.

[0028] Item 8. At least one of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is substantially concave and has a radian of 150° ( 5π / 6 ) or more. The liquid mixing device according to any one of Items 1 to 6.

[0029] Item 9. The third deflection surface has a substantially concave surface facing the outlet. The liquid mixing device according to any one of Items 1 to 8.

[0030] Item 10. The concave surface has a radian of 90° ( π / 2 ) or more. The liquid mixing device according to Item 9.

[0031] Item 11. The concave surface has a radian of 150° ( 5π / 6 ) or more. The liquid mixing device according to Item 9.

[0032] Item 12. The first check valve has a first end that abuts a first inlet in the first liquid inlet portion and a second end that abuts a first stop element on the proximal side of the first deflection surface. The second check valve has a first end that abuts a second inlet in the second liquid inlet portion and a second end that abuts a second stop element on the proximal side of the second deflection surface. The first check valve and the second check valve are each capable of restoring compression between the first end and the second end in accordance with the first liquid pressure of the first injection liquid flowing through the first inlet and the second liquid pressure of the second injection liquid flowing through the second inlet. The liquid mixing device according to any one of Items 2 to 11.

[0033] Item 13. The first stop element and the second stop element have pointed proximal ends. The liquid mixing device according to Item 12.

[0034] Item 14. The first inlet and the second inlet have tapered end faces. The liquid mixing device according to any one of Items 1 to 13.

[0035] Item 15. The outlet has an axis parallel to the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion. The liquid mixing device according to any one of Items 1 to 14.

[0036] Item 16. The axis of the outlet extends between the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion. The liquid mixing device according to Item 15.

[0037] Item 17. The axis of the first liquid inlet portion is parallel to the axis of the second liquid inlet portion and is offset from this axis, and the outlet has an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion. The liquid mixing device according to any one of Items 1 to 14.

[0038] Item 18. The axis of the first liquid inlet portion is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the outlet has an axis substantially parallel to and substantially coinciding with one of the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion. The liquid mixing device according to any one of Items 1 to 14.

[0039] Item 19. The axis of the first liquid inlet is at an angle between 130° and 165° with respect to the axis of the second liquid inlet, and the outlet has an axis at an angle of less than 70° with respect to one of the axes of the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet. The liquid mixing device according to any one of Items 1 to 14.

[0040] Item 20. Each of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is formed in a concave shape, and faces the flow direction of the first injection liquid of the first liquid inlet and the second injection liquid of the second liquid inlet, respectively. The liquid mixing device according to any one of Items 1 to 19.

[0041] Item 21. At least one of the first liquid inlet, the second liquid inlet, and the outlet is at least partially spiral rifling on at least a part of the inner surface of at least one of the first liquid inlet, the second liquid inlet, and the outlet, and generates a vortex of at least one corresponding liquid among the first injection liquid, the second injection liquid, and the mixed liquid of the first injection liquid and the second injection liquid. The liquid mixing device according to any one of Items 1 to 20 having at least partially spiral rifling.

[0042] Item 22. The outlet has at least one baffle member or mixing member disposed on the inner surface of the outlet. The liquid mixing device according to any one of Items 1 to 21.

[0043] Item 23. The outlet further includes a pressure isolation valve integrated with the outlet. The liquid mixing device according to any one of Items 1 to 22.

[0044] Item 24. The pressure isolation valve includes a housing having a first cavity communicating with the outlet, a second cavity configured to be connected to a pressure transducer, and a valve member between the first cavity and the second cavity, and the valve member is configured to isolate the second cavity from the outlet during the liquid injection act. The liquid mixing device according to Item 23.

[0045] Item 25. The liquid mixing device according to any one of Items 1 to 24, further comprising a connector element on the outer side or the inner side of at least one of the first liquid inlet, the second liquid inlet, and the outlet.

[0046] Item 26. An infusion tube set for infusing a liquid from a liquid injector to a patient, the infusion tube set comprising: a first inflow tube configured to infuse a first infusion liquid; a second inflow tube configured to infuse a second infusion liquid; an outflow tube configured to infuse a mixed liquid of the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid to the patient; and a liquid mixing device including a first liquid inlet connected to the first inflow tube and configured to guide the first infusion liquid in a first direction and having a first deflecting surface, a second liquid inlet connected to the second inflow tube and configured to guide the second infusion liquid in a second direction and having a second deflecting surface, a mixing chamber communicating with the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet and having a third deflecting surface and configured to mix the first infusion liquid and the second liquid, and an outlet connected to the outflow tube and communicating with the mixing chamber, wherein the first deflecting surface is configured to deflect the first infusion liquid from the first direction to a first different direction and cause it to flow into the mixing chamber along the first different direction, the second deflecting surface is configured to deflect the second infusion liquid from the second direction to a second different direction and cause it to flow into the mixing chamber along the second different direction, the first different direction and the second different direction are selected such that the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid hit the third deflecting surface of the mixing chamber and are mixed in a turbulent state in the mixing chamber, and the mixed liquid of the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid flows out of the liquid mixing device through the outlet.

[0047] Item 27. The infusion tube set according to Item 26, further comprising at least one of a first check valve in the first liquid inlet and a second check valve in the second liquid inlet.

[0048] Item 28. The infusion tube set according to Item 26 or Item 27, wherein the cross-sectional shapes of the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet are not circular, and the cross-sectional shapes of the first check valve and the second check valve are circular.

[0049] Item 29. The first liquid inlet part and the second liquid inlet part each have a first inlet and a second inlet. The first deflection surface and the second deflection surface are respectively arranged on the tip side of the first inlet and the second inlet. The third deflection surface is arranged on the base end side of the outlet, the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface. The infusion tube set according to any one of Items 26 to 28.

[0050] Item 30. The mixing chamber further includes a first inlet part. The first inlet part of the mixing chamber is on the tip side of the third deflection surface. The first deflection surface is arranged on the tip side of the first liquid inlet part. The infusion tube set according to any one of Items 26 to 29, which at least partially faces the first inlet part leading to the mixing chamber.

[0051] Item 31. The mixing chamber further includes a second inlet part. The second inlet part of the mixing chamber is on the tip side of the third deflection surface. The second deflection surface is arranged on the tip side of the second liquid inlet part. The infusion tube set according to any one of Items 26 to 30, which at least partially faces the second inlet part leading to the mixing chamber.

[0052] Item 32. At least one of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is substantially concave and has a radian of 90° ( π / 2 ) or more. The infusion tube set according to any one of Items 26 to 31.

[0053] Item 33. At least one of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is substantially concave and has a radian of 150° ( 5π / 6 ) or more. The infusion tube set according to any one of Items 26 to 32.

[0054] Item 34. The third deflection surface has a substantially concave surface facing the outlet. The infusion tube set according to any one of Items 26 to 33.

[0055] Item 35. The concave surface has a radian of 90° ( π / 2 ) or more. The infusion tube set according to Item 34.

[0056] Item 36. The concave surface has a radian of 150° ( 5π / 6 ) or more, and the infusion tube set according to Item 34.

[0057] Item 37. The first check valve has a first end that abuts against a first inlet in a first liquid inlet portion and a second end that abuts against a first stop element on the proximal side of the first deflection surface. The second check valve has a first end that abuts against a second inlet in a second liquid inlet portion and a second end that abuts against a second stop element on the proximal side of the second deflection surface. The first check valve and the second check valve can be restored to compression between the first end and the second end according to the first liquid pressure of the first infusion liquid flowing through the first inlet and the second liquid pressure of the second infusion liquid flowing through the second inlet, respectively. The infusion tube set according to any one of Items 26 to 36.

[0058] Item 38. The first stop element and the second stop element have a pointed proximal end portion, and the infusion tube set according to Item 37.

[0059] Item 39. The first inlet and the second inlet have a tapered end face, and the infusion tube set according to any one of Items 26 to 38.

[0060] Item 40. The outlet has an axis parallel to the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the infusion tube set according to any one of Items 26 to 39.

[0061] Item 44. The axis of the outlet extends between the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the infusion tube set according to Item 40.

[0062] Item 42. The axis of the first liquid inlet portion is parallel to the axis of the second liquid inlet portion and is displaced from this axis, and the outlet has an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the infusion tube set according to any one of Items 26 to 39.

[0063] Item 43. The infusion tube set according to any one of Items 26 to 39, wherein the axis of the first liquid inlet portion is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the outlet has an axis that is substantially parallel and substantially coincident with one of the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion.

[0064] Item 44. The infusion tube set according to any one of Items 22 to 39, wherein the axis of the first liquid inlet portion is at an angle between 130° and 165° with respect to the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the outlet has an axis at an angle less than 70° with respect to one of the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion.

[0065] Item 45. The infusion tube set according to any one of Items 26 to 44, wherein each of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is formed in a concave shape and faces the flow direction of the first infusion liquid of the first liquid inlet portion and the second infusion liquid of the second liquid inlet portion, respectively.

[0066] Item 46. At least one of the first liquid inlet portion, the second liquid inlet portion, and the outlet is at least partially spiral rifling on at least a part of the inner surface of at least one of the first liquid inlet portion, the second liquid inlet portion, and the outlet, and generates a vortex of at least one corresponding liquid among the first infusion liquid, the second infusion liquid, and the mixed liquid of the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid. The infusion tube set according to any one of Items 26 to 45, having at least partially spiral rifling.

[0067] Item 47. The infusion tube set according to any one of Items 26 to 46, wherein the outlet has at least one baffle member or mixing member disposed on the inner surface of the outlet.

[0068] Item 48. The infusion tube set according to any one of Items 26 to 47, wherein the outlet further includes a pressure isolation valve integrated with the outlet.

[0069] Item 49. The infusion tube set according to item 48, wherein the pressure isolation valve includes a first cavity communicating with the outlet, a second cavity configured to be connected to a pressure transducer, and a valve member between the first cavity and the second cavity, and the valve member is configured to isolate the second cavity from the outlet during a liquid injection act.

[0070] Item 50. The infusion tube set according to any one of items 26 to 49, further comprising a connector element on the outside or inside of at least one of the first liquid inlet, the second liquid inlet, and the outlet.

[0071] Item 51. A method of mixing a first infusion liquid and a second infusion liquid in a turbulent state to form a substantially uniform mixture of the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid, the method comprising: applying the liquid flow of the first infusion liquid to a concave first deflection surface associated with the first liquid inlet; deflecting the liquid flow of the first infusion liquid in a first different direction, the first different direction being oriented at an angle ranging from 90° to 175° with respect to the liquid flow direction of the first infusion liquid and towards a concave third deflection surface of the mixing chamber; applying the liquid flow of the second infusion liquid to a concave second deflection surface associated with the second liquid inlet; deflecting the liquid flow of the second infusion liquid in a second different direction, the second different direction being oriented at an angle ranging from 90° to 175° with respect to the liquid flow direction of the second infusion liquid and towards a concave third deflection surface of the mixing chamber; mixing the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid in a turbulent state in the mixing chamber when the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid hit the concave third deflection surface to form a mixture of the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid; and deflecting the mixture of the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid and passing it through the outlet of the mixing chamber.

[0072] Item 52. The method according to item 51, further comprising at least one of a first check valve at the first liquid inlet and a second check valve at the second liquid inlet.

[0073] Item 53. The method according to item 52, wherein the cross-sectional shapes of the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet are not circular, and the cross-sectional shapes of the first check valve and the second check valve are circular.

[0074] Item 54. The first liquid inlet portion and the second liquid inlet portion each have a first inlet and a second inlet, the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface are respectively arranged on the tip side of the first inlet and the second inlet, and the third deflection surface is arranged on the base end side of the outlet, the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface. The method according to any one of Items 51 to 53.

[0075] Item 55. The mixing chamber further includes a first inlet portion, the first inlet portion of the mixing chamber is on the tip side of the third deflection surface, the first deflection surface is arranged on the tip side of the first liquid inlet portion, and at least partially faces the first inlet portion leading to the mixing chamber. The method according to any one of Items 51 to 54.

[0076] Item 56. The mixing chamber further includes a second inlet portion, the second inlet portion of the mixing chamber is on the tip side of the third deflection surface, the second deflection surface is arranged on the tip side of the second liquid inlet portion, and at least partially faces the second inlet portion leading to the mixing chamber. The method according to any one of Items 51 to 55.

[0077] Item 57. At least one of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is substantially concave and has a radian of 90° ( π / 2 ) or more. The method according to any one of Items 51 to 56.

[0078] Item 58. At least one of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is substantially concave and has a radian of 150° ( 5π / 6 ) or more. The method according to any one of Items 51 to 57.

[0079] Item 59. The third deflection surface has a substantially concave surface facing the outlet. The method according to any one of Items 51 to 58.

[0080] Item 60. The concave surface has a radian of 90° ( π / 2 ) or more. The method according to Item 59.

[0081] Item 61. The concave surface has a radian of 150° ( 5π / 6 ) or more, and the method according to Item 59.

[0082] Item 62. The first check valve has a first end that abuts a first inlet in the first liquid inlet portion and a second end that abuts a first stop element on the proximal side of the first deflection surface. The second check valve has a first end that abuts a second inlet in the second liquid inlet portion and a second end that abuts a second stop element on the proximal side of the second deflection surface. The first check valve and the second check valve can be restored to compression between the first end and the second end according to the first liquid pressure of the first injection liquid flowing through the first inlet and the second liquid pressure of the second injection liquid flowing through the second inlet, respectively. The method according to any one of Items 51 to 61.

[0083] Item 63. The first stop element and the second stop element have pointed proximal ends, and the method according to Item 62.

[0084] Item 64. The first inlet and the second inlet have tapered end faces, and the method according to any one of Items 51 to 63.

[0085] Item 65. The outlet has an axis parallel to the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the method according to any one of Items 51 to 64.

[0086] Item 66. The axis of the outlet extends between the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the method according to Item 65.

[0087] Item 67. The axis of the first liquid inlet portion is parallel to the axis of the second liquid inlet portion and is offset from this axis, and the outlet has an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion. The method according to any one of Items 51 to 64.

[0088] Item 68. The method according to any one of Items 51 to 64, wherein the axis of the first liquid inlet is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the second liquid inlet, and the outlet has an axis that is substantially parallel and substantially coincident with one of the axis of the first liquid inlet and the axis of the second liquid inlet.

[0089] Item 69. The method according to any one of Items 51 to 64, wherein the axis of the first liquid inlet is at an angle between 130° and 165° with respect to the axis of the second liquid inlet, and the outlet has an axis at an angle of less than 70° with respect to one of the axis of the first liquid inlet and the axis of the second liquid inlet.

[0090] Item 70. The method according to any one of Items 51 to 69, wherein each of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is formed in a concave shape and faces the flow direction of the first injection liquid of the first liquid inlet and the second injection liquid of the second liquid inlet, respectively.

[0091] Item 71. At least one of the first liquid inlet, the second liquid inlet, and the outlet is at least partially helical rifling on at least a part of the inner surface of at least one of the first liquid inlet, the second liquid inlet, and the outlet, and has at least partially helical rifling that generates a vortex of at least one corresponding liquid among the first injection liquid, the second injection liquid, and the mixed liquid of the first injection liquid and the second injection liquid. The method according to any one of Items 51 to 70.

[0092] Item 72. The method according to any one of Items 51 to 71, wherein the outlet has at least one baffle member or mixing member disposed on the inner surface of the outlet.

[0093] Item 73. The method according to any one of Items 51 to 72, wherein the outlet further includes a pressure isolation valve integrated with the outlet.

[0094] Item 74. The pressure isolation valve includes a first cavity communicating with the outlet, a second cavity configured to be connected to a pressure transducer, and a valve member between the first cavity and the second cavity, and the valve member is configured to isolate the second cavity from the outlet during the liquid injection act, the method according to Item 73.

[0095] Item 75. The method according to any one of Items 51 to 74, further comprising a connector element on the outside or inside of at least one of the first liquid inlet, the second liquid inlet, and the outlet.

[0096] Further details and effects of the various embodiments described in detail herein will become apparent by considering the following detailed description of the various examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0097]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0098] In the following description, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "upper part", "lower part", "lateral", "longitudinal" and their derivatives shall relate to the disclosure whose orientation is determined in the drawings.

[0099] Spatial or directional terms such as "left", "right", "inside", "outside", "upper", "lower", etc. should not be considered as imposing limitations since the disclosure can take various different orientations.

[0100] All numbers used in the specification and claims shall be construed as being modified in all cases by the term "about". The terms "substantially", "about" and "essentially" mean within a range of plus or minus 10 percent of the stated value.

[0101] Unless otherwise specified, all ranges or ratios disclosed in this application shall be construed as including the starting value and the ending value, as well as all partial ranges or partial ratios included in the said range or ratio. For example, the described range or ratio "1 to 10" shall of course be construed as including any partial range or partial ratio between the minimum value 1 and the maximum value 10 (including these), that is, all partial ranges or partial ratios whose minimum value starts from 1 or more and whose maximum value ends at 10 or less. The ranges and / or ratios disclosed in this application represent the average value over the specified range and / or ratio.

[0102] The terms "first", "second", etc. are not intended to refer to a particular order or time series, but rather to different states, characteristics, or elements.

[0103] The entirety of all documents cited in this specification is "incorporated by reference".

[0104] The term "at least" is synonymous with "or more".

[0105] The term "at least one of" as used in this application is synonymous with "one or more of". For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means any one of A, B, and C, or any combination of two or more of A, B, and C. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes one or more of only A, or one or more of only B, or one or more of only C, or one or more of A and one or more of B, or one or more of A and one or more of C, or one or more of B and one or more of C, or one or more of all of A, B, and C. Similarly, the term "at least two of" as used in this application is synonymous with "two or more of". For example, the phrase "at least two of D, E, and F" means any combination of two or more of D, E, and F. For example, "at least two of D, E, and F" includes one or more of D and one or more of E, or one or more of D and one or more of F, or one or more of E and one or more of F, or one or more of all of D, E, and F.

[0106] Terms such as "comprising" and "comprises" do not exclude the existence of elements or steps other than those recited in any claim or the entire specification. In this specification, "comprises" means "includes" and "comprising" means "including".

[0107] As used in this application, the terms "parallel" and "substantially parallel" mean the relative angle between two bodies (including a reference line for two bodies such as elongate objects), when considered by extending to the theoretical intersection point, and the relative angle is 0° to 5° or 0° to 3° or 0° to 2° or 0° to 1° or 0° to 0.5° or 0° to 0.25° or 0° to 0.1° (including the recited values).

[0108] As used in this application, the terms "perpendicular", "intersecting", "substantially perpendicular" or "substantially intersecting" mean that the relative angle between two bodies at the actual intersection point or the theoretical intersection point is 85° to 90° or 87° to 90° or 88° to 90° or 89° to 90° or 89.5° to 90° or 89.75° to 90° or 89.9° to 90° (including the recited values).

[0109] It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the examples disclosed in this application are not to be regarded as limiting.

[0110] When used with respect to components of a liquid injector system such as a liquid reservoir, syringe, or liquid line, the term "tip" refers to the part of the component closest to the patient. When used with respect to components of a liquid injector system such as a liquid reservoir, syringe, or liquid line, the term "proximal end" refers to the part of the component closest to the injector of the liquid injector system (i.e., the part of the component farthest from the patient). When used with respect to components of a liquid injector system such as a liquid reservoir, syringe, or liquid line, the term "upstream" refers to the direction away from the patient and toward the injector of the liquid injector system. For example, if the first component is described as being "upstream" of the second component, the first component is located closer to the injector along the liquid path than the second component. When used with respect to components of a liquid injector system such as a liquid reservoir, syringe, or liquid line, the term "downstream" refers to the direction toward the patient and away from the injector of the liquid injector system. For example, if the first component is described as being "downstream" of the second component, the first component is located closer to the patient along the liquid path than the second component.

[0111] Although the present disclosure has been mainly described with respect to the MEDRAD® Stellant CT injection system, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be applied to various injection systems including disposable devices (e.g., syringes, tubing, etc.) that are accessories designed for CT, CV, MR, PET, ultrasound, etc., and to other medical injectors configured to inject two or more types of medical fluids. In some embodiments, the fluid mixing device may be suitably used with tubing attached to an angiography injector. Examples of such injection systems include the MEDRAD® Salient CT injection system, the MEDRAD® Stellant FLEX CT injection system, the MEDRAD® Centargo CT injection system, the MEDRAD® MRXperion MR injection system, the MEDRAD® Avanta injection system, and the MEDRAD® Mark 7 Arterion injection system provided by Bayer HealthCare (Indianola, Pennsylvania).

[0112] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1, a non-limiting example of the liquid injector system 100 according to the present disclosure includes at least one liquid reservoir such as at least one syringe 12 having a reciprocating plunger 14, at least one piston connectable to the plunger 14, and a liquid control module (not shown). The liquid injector system 100 may be configured as a computed tomography (CT) contrast agent injector system, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent injector system, or an angiography (CV) contrast agent injector system. The at least one syringe 12 typically corresponds to a connection of the system to at least one component, such as a syringe port 13. The liquid injector system 100 is typically configured to infuse at least one type of liquid F from the at least one syringe 12 to a patient during an injection act. The liquid injector system 100 is configured to removably accommodate the at least one syringe 12, and the at least one syringe 12 is filled with at least one type of liquid F such as a contrast agent, a physiological saline solution, a Ringer's lactate solution, or any desired medical liquid. The system may be a multi-syringe injector, in which the orientations of several syringes may be aligned side by side or set in another spatial relationship, and several syringes may be individually actuated by corresponding pistons attached to the injector. The orientation of the at least one syringe 12 may be set in any manner, such as upright, straight, or arranged at any angle.

[0113] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, the injector system 100 may be a dual-syringe liquid injector system used in a medical procedure for injecting at least two types of injection fluids F1 and F2 into a patient's vascular system by driving the plunger 14 of each syringe 12 using a driving member such as a piston (not shown). Alternatively, one or both of the syringes of the dual-headed liquid injector system may be replaced with a pump such as a peristaltic pump without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The first and second injection fluids F1 and F2 may be a suitable contrast imaging agent and a flushing fluid, respectively. The piston may be configured to engage with the plunger 14. When engaged, at least one piston can move the plunger 14 towards the distal end 19 of at least one syringe 12, for example, during an infusion operation, and can retract the plunger 14 towards the proximal end 11 of at least one syringe 12, for example, during a filling operation for filling the syringe 12.

[0114] According to various embodiments, the tubing set 17 (e.g., the first and second liquid conduits 17a and 17b configured to connect to the respective first and second syringes 12 and the common administration line 20) can communicate with the outlet of each syringe 12 so as to communicate each syringe with a catheter or other infusion device that infuses the liquid F from each syringe 12 to the vascular access site. The first and second liquid conduits 17a and 17b can be connected to the common administration line 20 by a liquid mixing device 40 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The liquid injector system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an open system since there is no valve configured to isolate the syringes 12 from each other and from at least a portion of the tubing set 17. However, it can be seen that a valve can be added to the distal end side of the syringe 12 to modify the liquid injector system 100 of FIG. 1 into a closed system.

[0115] In order to accurately and effectively administer a substantial amount of contrast agent during an imaging act, in many injection protocols, dual-stream administration (i.e., administration when a mixture of both the contrast agent and saline solution is simultaneously administered to the patient) is required. However, generally, the contrast agent and the flushing solution (saline solution) have different physical properties, such as specific gravity properties, viscosity properties, and / or surface tension properties. Therefore, there is a risk that the two types of solutions may not be completely mixed before flowing into the patient's vasculature, and for this reason, the image quality deteriorates. For example, in some cases where inefficient mixing occurs, a laminar flow of a liquid with low viscosity and high flow rate may occur after the passage of a liquid with high viscosity and low flow rate. Y-connectors and T-connectors for connecting two liquid conduits to a common administration line are known, but there is a risk that sufficient mixing of the two types of liquids may not be achieved with conventional Y-connectors and T-connectors. The mixing efficiency of a high-viscosity contrast agent and a low-viscosity saline solution can be improved by turbulent mixing. An example of a connector having a turbulent mixing chamber is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,555,379. The disclosure of this U.S. Patent is incorporated herein by reference. The present disclosure describes a novel liquid mixing device that realizes an improvement in the mixing of a high-viscosity liquid and a low-viscosity liquid used in contrast-enhanced imaging acts.

[0116] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a part of an infusion tube set 202, which is an alternative to the tubing set 17, such as the dual-head injector of the liquid injector system 100 of FIG. 1, and can be used with the dual-head injector according to some embodiments that do not limit the present disclosure. As shown, the infusion tube set 202 includes a first inflow line 217a, a second inflow line 217b, an outflow line 220, and a liquid mixing device 240. The first and second inflow lines 217a and 217b are configured to convey the first and second injection liquids to the liquid mixing device 240, respectively. In one embodiment, the first and second injection liquids are a contrast agent solution and a saline solution, respectively. Further, the outflow line 220 is configured to convey the mixture of the first and second injection liquids from the liquid mixing device 240 to the patient or other downstream liquid path components (e.g., a priming tube).

[0117] As can be seen from the above, the liquid mixing device 240 is configured to mix the first injection liquid and the second injection liquid. FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6 respectively show a top view, a right side view, a left side view, and a cross-sectional view of the liquid mixing device 240. As shown in FIG. 6, the liquid mixing device 240 has a main body forming first and second liquid inlets 242 and 244, and each of the first and second liquid inlets 242 and 244 is configured to guide the corresponding one of the first and second injection liquids in corresponding first and second directions 248 and 250. As shown, the second direction 250 is a direction along an axis 276 different from the first direction 248. In some embodiments, the axis of the first direction 248 and the axis of the second direction 250 may be substantially parallel. In other embodiments, the angle of the axis of the first direction 248 with respect to the axis of the second direction 250 may be an acute angle or an obtuse angle.

[0118] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, the first and second liquid inlets 242 and 244 have corresponding first and second deflection surfaces 252 and 254. In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second deflection surfaces 252 and 254 are formed in a concave shape so as to face the first and second liquid inlets 242 and 244 respectively and deflect the liquid flow. Further, the liquid mixing device 240 further has a mixing chamber 256 communicating with the first and second liquid inlets 242 and 244 through first and second mixing chamber inlets 270 and 272, and an outlet 246 communicating with the mixing chamber 256. The mixing chamber 256 is configured to mix the deflected first and second injection liquids in a turbulent state, for example, by causing them to collide with a third deflection surface 262 in the mixing chamber 256 and mixing them in a turbulent state.

[0119] In particular, the first and second deflection surfaces 252 and 254 deflect the first liquid and the second liquid flowing into the first and second liquid inlets 242 and 244 respectively, and cause them to flow into the mixing chamber 256 through the first and second mixing chamber inlets 270 and 272, and then the first and second injected liquids can be mixed in a turbulent state. Before flowing into the mixing chamber 256, the first and second injected liquids flow separately through the first and second liquid inlets 242 and 244 respectively. When the first and second liquids flow through the first and second liquid inlets 242 and 244 respectively, the first and second liquids hit the corresponding first and second deflection surfaces 252 and 254 at the tips of the first and second liquid inlets 242 and 244 respectively. The first and second deflection surfaces 252 and 254 are configured to deflect the first and second injected liquids in corresponding first and second different directions 258 and 260 that are different from the corresponding first and second directions 248 and 250. Due to this deflection, the first and second injected liquids flow into the mixing chamber 256 through the first and second mixing chamber inlets 270 and 272 along the corresponding first and second different directions 258 and 260, and the two types of liquids hit each other in a turbulent state in the mixing chamber 256. The first and second different directions 258 and 260 are selected such that the first and second injected liquids hit the third deflection surface 262 at the base end of the mixing chamber 256 and are mixed in a turbulent state in the mixing chamber 256. In some embodiments, the third deflection surface 262 may have a concave end facing the outlet 246.

[0120] After mixing, the mixed liquid of the first injected liquid and the second injected liquid flows out of the liquid mixing device 240 through the outlet 246 at the tip of the liquid mixing device 240 in the direction along the third axis 278. In some embodiments, the third axis 278 may be parallel to one or both of the first and second axes 274 and 276. In other embodiments, the third axis 278 may be arranged at an acute angle or an obtuse angle with respect to both of the first and second axes 274 and 276.

[0121] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, each of the first and second liquid inlet portions 242 and 244 has corresponding first and second inlets 264 and 266, and is configured to be respectively attached to the first liquid pipe and the second liquid pipe (shown in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the first liquid pipe and the second liquid pipe may be detachably connectable or non-detachably connectable to the first and second inlets 264, 266. In embodiments where the first liquid pipe and the second liquid pipe are non-detachably connectable to the first and second inlets 264, 266, the first liquid pipe and the second liquid pipe may be connected to the first and second inlets 264, 266 by solvent adhesion, laser welding or other attachment means.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 6, the first and second deflection surfaces 252 and 254 are respectively disposed on the tip side of the first and second inlets 264 and 266, and the third deflection surface 262 is disposed on the base end side of the outlet 246 and the first and second deflection surfaces 252 and 254. In one embodiment, the first and second deflection surfaces 252 and 254 are disposed closer to the outlet 246 as compared with the position of the third deflection surface 262. Further, the first and second deflection surfaces 252 and 254 may be formed at the tip portions of the corresponding first and second liquid inlet portions 242 and 244, and each of the first and second deflection surfaces 252 and 254 at least partially faces the corresponding first and second mixing chamber inlet portions 270 and 272 leading to the mixing chamber 256.

[0123] Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, at least one of the first and second deflection surfaces 252 and 254 may have a concave surface. The concave surface configuration can improve the deflection of the surface along with the turbulent flow while removing corners where bubbles may gather or temporarily stay during the priming operation. In some embodiments, each of the first and second deflection surfaces 252 and 254 may have a radian of 90° ( π / 2 ) or more, and in other embodiments may have a radian of 150° ( 5π / 6 ) or more. For example, in a specific embodiment, each of the first and second deflection surfaces 252 and 254 is 80° ( 4π / 9 ) - 160° ( 8π / 9) may have a curvature. In some embodiments, each of the first and second deflection surfaces 252 and 254 may have a curvature between 90° ( π / 2 ) and 180° ( π ). Thus, the injection liquid from each of the inflow lines 217a and 217b hits the curved deflection surfaces 252 and 254, whereby the first and second injection liquids change the liquid flow direction. In some embodiments, the curved deflection surfaces 252 and 254 change the liquid flow directions of the first and second injection liquids by an angle ranging from 90° ( π / 2 ) to 150° ( 5π / 6 ) in different directions 258 and 260 respectively and cause them to flow into the mixing chamber 256. Thus, in the mixing chamber 256, the liquids turn back and mix together, and for example, further deflection by a third deflection surface 262 is also used in combination to mix them in a turbulent state. After the liquids are mixed into a uniform solution, the mixed liquid is deflected again in the liquid flow direction of the third axis 278 by the curvature of the third deflection surface 262, whereby the mixed liquid of the first injection liquid and the second injection liquid flows down one outflow line 220. In some embodiments, the third deflection surface 262 may have a curvature of 90° ( π / 2 ) or more, more preferably 150 ( 5π / 6 )° or more. In some embodiments, the third deflection surface 262 may have a curvature between 90° ( π / 2 ) and 180° ( π ). Known mixing devices (not shown) include some vortex generation steps for the injection liquid, but in various conventional mixing devices, problems such as density separation, for example, the high-density liquid swirling towards the outside of the low-density liquid, may still exist, thereby preventing complete mixing of the first liquid and the second liquid. In contrast, in the liquid mixing device 240, a substantially uniform mixed liquid of the first injection liquid and the second injection liquid is generated during the turbulent mixing process.

[0124] According to various embodiments, the first and second deflection surfaces 252 and 254 may each include concave deflection surfaces facing the direction of the liquid flow in the first liquid inlet 242 and the second liquid inlet 244. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, all of the first liquid inlet 242, the second liquid inlet 244, and the outlet 246 have corresponding axes 274, 276, and 278. In some embodiments, the third axis 278 of the outlet 246 may be disposed between the first and second axes 274 and 276 corresponding to the first and second liquid inlets 242 and 244, respectively. In other embodiments, the third axis 278 of the outlet 246 may be disposed above or below the first and second axes 274 and 276 corresponding to the first and second liquid inlets 242 and 244, respectively. In other embodiments, the third axis 278 of the outlet 246 may be coaxial with one of the first and second axes 274 and 276 of the first and second liquid inlets 242 and 244. In other embodiments, the first and second different directions 258 and 260 of the liquid flowing into the mixing chamber 256 may be bent towards each other so that the first liquid and the second liquid directly collide with each other and are mixed in a turbulent state, and the angle may be an angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0125] During operation, the first infusion fluid flows into the first fluid inlet portion 242, and the second infusion fluid flows into the second fluid inlet portion 244. Each infusion fluid flows in from the corresponding one of the first and second inlet lines 217a and 217b (shown in FIG. 2). Thereafter, the first and second infusion fluids reach the first and second deflection surfaces 252 and 254 after passing through the corresponding first and second fluid inlet portions 242 and 244. When the first infusion fluid hits the first deflection surface 252, the first fluid is deflected in the direction 258 and flows into the mixing chamber 256. Similarly, when the second infusion fluid hits the second deflection surface 254, the second fluid is deflected in the direction 260 and flows into the mixing chamber 256. At this time, by flowing into the mixing chamber 256 through the deflected first mixing chamber inlet portion 270 and the second mixing chamber inlet portion 272, the first infusion fluid and the second infusion fluid are mixed in a turbulent state by the collision of the fluid flows of the first and second fluids with each other and the third deflection surface 262 of the mixing chamber 256. The mixed solution of the first infusion fluid and the second infusion fluid is simultaneously applied to the third deflection surface 262, and at this time, it is deflected for infusion to a patient or other downstream fluid path components, passes through the outlet 246, and flows into the outlet line 220. According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the first and second fluids can be deflected so as to flow in opposite directions, such that the fluid flows of the first and second fluids merge, collide head-on, and turbulent mixing occurs, for example, one flows in the clockwise direction and the other flows in the counterclockwise direction within the mixing chamber 256. As a result of the change in inertia associated with the collision between one fluid flowing in the clockwise fluid flow direction and the other fluid flowing in the counterclockwise fluid flow direction, a solution of the first and second fluids mixed in a turbulent state is obtained when the two types of fluids intersect within the mixing chamber 256. Depending on the mixing ratio and flow rate of the first infusion fluid and the second infusion fluid, the first and second infusion fluids may be mixed only in the mixing chamber 256, or may be mixed with at least one of the mixing chamber 256, the first deflection surface 252, and the second deflection surface 254.

[0126] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a liquid mixing device 340 according to another embodiment of another example of the present disclosure, in which at least one of a first liquid inlet 342, a second liquid inlet 344, and an outlet 346 includes an inner spiral "rifling" pattern to further optimize the respective liquid flow directions at the inlet and / or outlet and further rotate the respective liquid flows to improve the turbulent mixing of the first and second liquids. The pattern may include at least one or more partially spiral protrusions or depressions that sink into or protrude from the inner surface of at least one of the first liquid inlet 342, the second liquid inlet 344, and the outlet 346. The pattern provides rotation of the liquid flow within the corresponding liquid path. In the example of FIG. 7, each of the first liquid inlet 342, the second liquid inlet 344, and the outlet 346 has at least partially spiral portions 343, 345, and 347 that generate at least one corresponding liquid vortex of at least one of the first infusion liquid, the second infusion liquid, and the mixed liquid of the first and second infusion liquids as the respective liquids flow through the liquid path. The spiral portion in one of the inlet or outlet may have the same or opposite directionality (clockwise or counterclockwise) and different dimensions and pitches compared to the spiral portions of other parts of the mixing device 340. Although each of the first and second liquid inlets 342 and 344 and the outlet 346 has spiral portions 343, 345, and 347, it can be seen that spiral portions may be provided in any number of the above-described regions without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. By having the spiral portions 343, 345, and 347, there is an effect that mixing can be further improved. Otherwise, it can be seen that the liquid mixing device 340 operates in the same manner as the above-described liquid mixing device 240.

[0127] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the liquid mixing device 440 may have one or more baffle members or mixing members 447 located inside the outlet 446 of the liquid mixing device 440 as shown in FIG. 8. The baffle member 447 has the effect of further improving the mixing of the first injection liquid and the second injection liquid. Except for this, it can be seen that the liquid mixing device 440 operates in the same manner as the above-described liquid mixing device 240. In other embodiments, the liquid mixing device may include one or more baffle members or mixing members in one or both of the first and second liquid inlets.

[0128] FIG. 9 shows yet another example of a liquid mixing device 540 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the liquid mixing device 540 may include a first valve 543 of the first liquid inlet 542 configured to prevent the second injection liquid from flowing back into the first liquid inlet 542 and the liquid line 217a. Further, the liquid mixing device 540 may include a second valve 545 of the second liquid inlet 544 configured to prevent the first injection liquid from flowing back into the second liquid inlet 544 and the liquid line 217b. When the pressure of the liquid in the upstream liquid path and the liquid inlet exceeds the pressure of another liquid in the upstream other liquid path and the other liquid inlet under the state where the standard injection pressure of the liquid injection act is applied, the liquid is subjected to the high pressure reaching the low-pressure liquid path and the liquid flows back, resulting in undesirable mixing of the liquid in the upstream liquid path and other upstream components of the liquid injection system. There is a risk. As a result, there is a risk that the contrast agent may not be accurately administered due to the undesirable mixing of the two types of liquids before the mixing is controlled by the liquid mixing device, the image quality may be degraded, and the patient may be exposed to excessive contrast agent. Except for this, the liquid mixing device 540 operates in the same manner as the liquid mixing device 240.

[0129] In a liquid mixing device 640 which is another embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, a first direction 648 (FIG. 12) is parallel to a second direction 650 (FIG. 12), is in the opposite direction of the second direction 650, and is shifted from the second direction 650. Further, as shown in the drawing, an outlet 646 of the liquid mixing device 640 has an axis 678 that is substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions 648 and 650. Therefore, in the liquid mixing device 640, non-frontal mixing rather than frontal facing mixing of two types of liquids is realized. For example, the first direction 648 and the second direction 650 promote direct collision of streamlines of half of the diameter of the pipe cross-section and indirect mixing of the other half of the streamlines. That is, since the two opposing liquid directions 648 and 650 are shifted, half direct mixing and half indirect mixing occur in the liquid mixing region.

[0130] In a liquid mixing device 740 which is still another embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, a first direction 748 is substantially perpendicular to a second direction 750. Further, an outlet 746 of the liquid mixing device 740 may have an axis 778 that is substantially parallel and substantially coincident with an axis 774 of a first liquid inlet 742. In another embodiment, the liquid mixing device 740 (not shown) may have an axis 778 of the outlet 746 that is substantially parallel and substantially coincident with an axis of a second liquid inlet 744. At least one notch 745 may be provided between two of the first liquid inlet 742, the second liquid inlet 744, and the outlet 746. By providing the notch 745, the material in the transition region between two of the first liquid inlet 742, the second liquid inlet 744, and the outlet 746 can be saved and the molding of the liquid mixing device 740 can be facilitated. According to these embodiments, due to the perpendicular collision of the flow paths of the first liquid and the second liquid in the liquid mixing device 740, turbulent mixing of the two types of liquids can be performed, and the laminar flow of one liquid with respect to the other liquid can be restricted and / or disrupted.

[0131] In yet another embodiment of the liquid mixing device 840 of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the first direction 848 may be at an angle between 130° and 165° with respect to the second direction 850. In addition to this, the outlet 846 of the liquid mixing device 840 may have an axis 878 at an angle of less than 70° with respect to the first direction 848. In another embodiment (liquid mixing device 840 (not shown)), the outlet 846 may have an axis 878 at an angle of less than 70° with respect to the second direction 850. According to these embodiments, although the liquid flows in the flow paths of the first liquid and the second liquid in the liquid mixing device 840 have different directions, by substantially opposing each other, turbulent mixing of the two liquids can be performed, and laminar flow of one liquid with respect to the other liquid can be restricted and / or disrupted.

[0132] Liquid mixing devices 940A, 940B, and 940C, which are other examples according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, are shown in FIGS. 19 to 21. According to these embodiments, the liquid mixing devices 940A, 940B, and 940C have a T-shaped 90-degree connector design with one or more offset liquid paths to improve the mixing of the first liquid and the second liquid. First, referring to FIG. 19, the liquid mixing device 940A includes a first liquid inlet 942A and a second liquid inlet 944A used for the first liquid and the second liquid, respectively, and a liquid outlet 946A. As can be seen from FIG. 19, the first liquid flow axis 948A is offset from both the second liquid flow axis 950A and the liquid outlet flow axis 978A. The mixing of the liquids occurs at least in the liquid mixing region 980A, where the offset liquid flow lines of the first liquid along the axis 948A intersect the liquid flow lines of the second liquid line along the axis 950A, and turbulent mixing is performed in the liquid mixing region 980A. This turbulent mixing can be further improved by the offset of the outlet flow axis 978A that faces the liquid outlet 946A.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 20, the liquid mixing device 940B includes a first liquid inlet portion 942B and a second liquid inlet portion 944B respectively used for the first liquid and the second liquid, and a liquid outlet portion 946B. The liquid mixing device 940B further includes a turbulent liquid mixing chamber 956B where another turbulent mixing can occur. As can be seen from FIG. 20, the first liquid flow axis 948B is displaced from both the second liquid flow axis 950B and the liquid outlet flow axis 978B. The mixing of the liquids occurs at least in the liquid mixing region 980B. In the liquid mixing region 980B, the liquid mixing chamber 956B and the displaced liquid streamline of the first liquid along the axis 948B intersect with the liquid streamline of the second liquid line along the axis 950B, and turbulent mixing is performed in the liquid mixing region 980B. This turbulent mixing can be further improved by the displacement of the outlet flow axis 978B facing the liquid outlet portion 946B.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 21, the liquid mixing device 940C includes a first liquid inlet portion 942C and a second liquid inlet portion 944C respectively used for the first liquid and the second liquid, and a liquid outlet portion 946C. The liquid mixing device 940C further includes a turbulent liquid mixing chamber 956C where another turbulent mixing can occur. As can be seen from FIG. 21, the first liquid flow axis 948C is displaced from the liquid outlet flow axis 978C, and in particular, it is on the side of the path on the opposite side across the second liquid inlet portion 944C. The mixing of the liquids occurs at least in the liquid mixing region 980C. In the liquid mixing region 980C, the liquid mixing chamber 956C and the liquid streamline of the first liquid along the axis 948C intersect with the liquid streamline of the second liquid line along the axis 950C, and turbulent mixing is performed in the liquid mixing region 980C. This turbulent mixing can be further improved by the displacement of the outlet flow axis 978C facing the liquid outlet portion 946C.

[0135] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a liquid mixing device 1040 according to some embodiments that do not impose limitations on the present disclosure. The liquid mixing device 1040 may be used as part of an infusion tube set such as the infusion tube set 202 shown in FIG. 2, and the liquid mixing device 1040 is connected to a pair of liquid inflow lines and an outflow line. As shown in FIG. 22, the liquid mixing device 1040 has a body that forms first and second liquid inlets 1042 and 1044, and each of the first and second liquid inlets 1042 and 1044 is configured to direct the corresponding one of the first and second infusion liquids. The liquid mixing device 1040 further has an outlet 1046 configured to infuse a mixture of the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid from the liquid mixing device 1040 to a patient or other downstream liquid path components.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 23, this figure is an exploded perspective view of the liquid mixing device 1040 shown in FIG. 22, and the liquid mixing device 1040 has a body 1041 having a first portion 1043 and a second portion 1045. In some embodiments, the first portion 1043 and the second portion 1045 may be manufactured separately and joined together to form the body 1041 of the liquid mixing device 1040. It is desirable to join the first portion 1043 and the second portion 1045 in a non-detachable manner such as by adhesion, welding (e.g., laser welding or ultrasonic welding), interference fitting, solvent adhesion, or other non-detachable connection mechanisms. In some embodiments, the first portion 1043 and the second portion 1045 may be detachably joined together.

[0137] Continuing to refer to FIG. 23, the first portion 1043 forms part of the first and second liquid inflow portions 1042 and 1044 and has an accommodation chamber 1047 that houses a check valve 1049 in each of the first and second liquid inflow portions 1042 and 1044. The second portion 1045 has a corresponding internal cavity 1051 (shown in FIG. 24A) configured to accommodate the first portion 1043 in which the check valve 1049 is placed. Another portion of the first and second liquid inflow portions 1042 and 1044 is formed by the internal cavity 1051 of the second portion 1045 (shown in FIGS. 24A-24B). After the first portion 1043 in which the check valve 1049 is placed is inserted into the second portion 1045, the first portion 1043 and the second portion 1045 may be joined at one or more abutting locations between the first portion 1043 and the second portion 1045.

[0138] Each check valve 1049 may be configured to prevent backflow of the first and second infusion fluids during an infusion act when the hydraulic pressures of the respective first and second tubes that deliver the first and second infusion fluids to the liquid mixing device 1040 are not equal. The check valve 1049 may be made of a compressible material such as an elastic polymer that can be compressed from an extended state to a compressed state under the influence of a pressurized liquid flow. The compressible material may be appropriately selected to provide an appropriate rigidity so that the check valve opens at a determined hydraulic pressure. Using the check valve 1049, the liquid injector system can also be disconnected from the blood dynamic blood pressure signal described in the present application with reference to FIGS. 28-30. In some embodiments, when the liquid mixing device 1040 is configured to be used for multiple patients, the check valve 1049 may be used to isolate cross-contamination between patients. Further, the check valve 1049 prevents "dripping" of the first and second infusion fluids toward the outflow portion after the injection of the first and second infusion fluids, which is caused by, for example, the release of an expanded volume, i.e., the "expansion" of the liquid injector components due to pressure.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 24A - 24B, this figure shows a cross - sectional view of the liquid mixing device 1040 cut along the line F - F shown in FIG. 22, showing the check valves 1049 disposed in the receiving chambers 1047 of each of the first and second liquid inlets 1042 and 1044 of the first part 1043. The alignment of the receiving chambers 1047 of each valve 1049 is determined in accordance with the direction of the liquid flow through each of the first and second liquid inlets 1042 and 1044. Each check valve 1049 is configured to abut against the corresponding sealing surfaces 1055 of the first and second liquid inlets 1042 and 1044 of the first part 1043 when the check valve 1049 is in the closed position (FIG. 24A), and has a base end portion 1053 configured to be spaced apart from the sealing surfaces 1055 of the first and second liquid inlets 1042 and 1044 of the first part 1043 when the check valve 1049 is in the open position (FIG. 24B). Each check valve 1049 further has a tip portion 1057 that abuts against a stop element 1059 disposed within each of the first and second liquid inlets 1042 and 1044. In some embodiments, each stop element 1059 may be a support structure connected to the inner sidewalls of the respective first and second liquid inlets 1042, 1044 downstream of the check valve 1049 and configured to prevent movement of the tip portion 1057 of the check valve 1049, thereby enabling the check valve 1049 to be compressed when receiving a pressure - induced force at the base end portion 1053. In some embodiments, each stop element 1059 may have a pointed - end shaped base end portion 1071 configured to reduce the contact area with the check valve 1049, thereby enabling the compression of the check valve 1049 between its base end portion 1053 and tip portion 1057 to be increased even at low liquid pressures. For example, during pressurization, the tip portion 1057 can be compressed and wrapped around the pointed - end shaped base end portion 1071 of the stop element 1059, thereby enabling the outer edge of the base end portion 1053 to more easily move away from the sealing surface 1055. In this way, by using the pointed - end shaped stop element 1059, it is possible to suppress the pressure drop by enabling easier opening during injection compared to a stop element with a flat support surface. In some embodiments, the stop element 1059 is made of a silicone material.

[0140] During the injection operation, the first and second injection liquids are pressurized so that the first and second liquids hit the respective base ends 1053 of the check valves 1049, and are pumped through the first and second liquid inlets 1042 and 1044. At the start, the base end 1053 abuts against the sealing surface 1055 of the first part 1043 so as to prevent the first and second injection liquids from passing through the check valve 1049 (FIG. 24A). When the liquid pressure increases, the force on the base end 1053 of the check valve 1049 increases. Due to the compressible nature of each check valve 1049, the base end 1053 is biased in the tip direction, whereby a gap is created between the base end 1053 of the check valve 1049 and the sealing surface 1055 of the first part 1043. As shown in FIG. 24B, such a gap is formed only when a sufficient liquid pressure P is applied to the base end 1053, for example, during a standard injection operation. Thereafter, the pressurized first and second injection liquids proceed around their respective check valves 1049 as described herein and pass through the liquid mixing device 1040. During the injection operation, if the pressure of one of the first and second injection liquids exceeds the pressure of the other of the first and second injection liquids, for example, due to the back pressure of the high-pressure liquid on the tip 1057 of the low-pressure check valve 1049, the check valve 1049 in the low-pressure liquid inlet can close to prevent the backflow of the liquid in the upstream direction. After the injection operation is completed, due to the elasticity of each check valve 1049, the check valve 1049 extends in the axial direction so that the base end 1053 abuts against the sealing surface 1055 of the first part 1043 to prevent any further liquid from flowing past the check valve 1049. In this way, any excess liquid from flowing through the liquid mixing device 1040 after the completion of the injection operation is completely prevented. Furthermore, any backflow of one liquid into the path of the other liquid is prevented.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 25 and continuing to refer to FIGS. 24A - 24B, the dimensions of each check valve 1049 are determined such that its outer diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the liquid passage 1060 formed by the accommodation chamber 1047 (shown in FIGS. 23 - 24B) of the first portion 1043 of the main body 1041 and the corresponding internal cavity 1051 (shown in FIG. 26) of the second portion 1045. In this way, the liquid can pass around the body of each check valve 1049 and through the liquid passage 1060. In some embodiments, the cross - section of the liquid passage 1060 may not be circular, and the cross - section of the check valve 1049 may be circular. In this way, when the check valve 1049 is in the open position, the flow paths of the first and second injection liquids flowing around each check valve 1049 are formed by the liquid passage 1060.

[0142] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 26, the cross - section of the liquid passage 1060 may be a grooved cross - section having one or more grooves 1061. In embodiments where the liquid passage 1060 has a plurality of grooves 1061, the grooves 1061 may be equally spaced from each other around the liquid passage 1060 or spaced at different intervals. The number of grooves 1061, the radial depth and / or the circumferential width of the grooves 1061 may be selected based on the desired flow rate of the first and second liquids passing through the liquid passage 1060 when each check valve 1049 is in the open position.

[0143] Each check valve 1049 is preferably an elastic component that is at least partially compressible longitudinally when subjected to the action of liquid pressure. The check valve 1049 of the first liquid inlet portion 1042 may be the same as or different from the check valve 1049 of the second liquid inlet portion 1044. In some embodiments, the opening pressure of each check valve 1049 may be selected based on the characteristics of the liquid injector and / or the properties of the liquid viscosity, and the temperature range, flow rate range, and pressure range in which the first and second injection liquids are injected, etc., of the first and second injection liquids.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 27, the inflow opening 1065 around the sealing surface 1055 (shown in FIG. 24A) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the liquid passage 1060 (shown in FIG. 25). The inflow opening 1065 may have a taper 1067 that narrows radially inward as it proceeds in the direction from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion of the liquid mixing device 1040. The cross-sectional shape of the inflow opening 1065 is selected so as to suppress the pressure drop and realize lowering the opening pressure of the check valve 1049.

[0145] Referring to FIGS. 24A to 24B, it can be seen that the liquid mixing device 1040 performs turbulent mixing of the above-described first and second liquids in the same manner as the liquid mixing device 240. As shown in FIGS. 24A to 24B, the first and second liquid inflow portions 1042 and 1044 have corresponding first and second deflection surfaces 1052 and 1054. Further, the liquid mixing device 1040 further has a mixing chamber 1056 communicating with the first and second liquid inflow portions 1042 and 1044, and an outflow port 1046 communicating with the mixing chamber 1056. The mixing chamber 1056 is configured to mix the first and second injected liquids in a turbulent state.

[0146] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 24A to 24B, the first and second deflection surfaces 1052 and 1054 deflect the first liquid and the second liquid flowing into the first and second liquid inflow portions 1042 and 1044, respectively, and cause them to flow into the mixing chamber 1056. Then, the first and second injected liquids can be mixed in a turbulent state. As described above with reference to FIG. 6, the first and second deflection surfaces 1052 and 1054 are configured to deflect the first and second injected liquids in corresponding first and second different directions different from the corresponding first and second directions in which the first and second injected liquids flow before hitting the first and second deflection surfaces 1052 and 1054. Due to this deflection, the first and second injected liquids flow into the mixing chamber 1056 along the corresponding first and second different directions, hit the third deflection surface 1062 at the proximal end portion of the mixing chamber 1056, and the first and second injected liquids are mixed in a turbulent state in the mixing chamber 1056. After mixing, the mixed liquid of the first and second injected liquids flows out of the liquid mixing device 1040 through the outflow port 1046 at the distal end portion of the liquid mixing device 1040.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 25, the outlet 1046 may have a connection element 1070 configured to enable a detachable connection of the outlet 1046 to an outlet pipe such as the outlet line 220 shown in FIG. 2. The connection element 1070 may be a male luer lock configured to be detachably connected to a corresponding female luer lock at the proximal end of the outlet line 220. In some embodiments, the connection element 1070 may be a female luer lock configured to be detachably connected to a corresponding male luer lock at the proximal end of the outlet line 220. In other embodiments, it may be a liquid path connector as described in International PCT Application No. PCT / US2021 / 018523 and International PCT Application No. PCT / US2016 / 063448. The disclosures of these applications are incorporated herein by reference. In this way, the liquid mixing device 1040 can be detachably connected to the outlet line 220, whereby, for example, if one or more check valves are attached to the outlet 1046 upstream of the connector, the liquid mixing device 1040 can be used for multiple patients.

[0148] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 28 to 30, the liquid mixing device 1140 has a main body 1141 forming first and second liquid inlets 1142 and 1144, and each of the first and second liquid inlets 1142 and 1144 is configured to direct the corresponding one of the first and second infusion liquids. The main body of the liquid mixing device 1140 further includes an outlet 1146 configured to deliver the mixed liquid of the first and second infusion liquids to an outflow pipe (not shown). The main body 1141 has a first portion 1143 and a second portion 1145, which are non-removably or removably joined together. A check valve 1149 is disposed in each of the liquid paths 1155 of the first and second liquid inlets 1142 and 1144 (shown in FIG. 29), and the check valve 1149 is configured to open upon pressurization to allow the first and second infusion liquids to flow toward the outlet 1146. The configuration and operation of the liquid mixing device 1140 shown in FIGS. 28 to 30 are substantially the same as the configuration and operation of the liquid mixing device 1040 described above with reference to FIGS. 22 to 27. Therefore, only the relative differences between the two embodiments will be described below.

[0149] Referring to FIGS. 28 to 30, the outlet 1146 may have a pressure isolation valve 1150 configured to allow a pressure transducer to be connected to the liquid path so as to be able to obtain a hemodynamic blood pressure signal reading value during infusion. The pressure isolation valve 1150 disconnects the high-pressure liquid injector system so as not to interfere with the low-pressure measurement of the hemodynamic blood pressure signal.

[0150] The pressure isolation valve 1150 includes a housing 1152, which may be of unitary construction or preferably of the multi-piece construction shown in FIG. 29. For example, the housing 1152 is a two-piece housing including a first portion 1152a and a second portion 1152b, which are configured to be joined together to form the housing 1152. The first and second portions 1152a, 1152b are preferably formed to engage with each other in a non-detachable manner. Non-limiting examples of suitable pressure isolation valves are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,866,654, U.S. Patent No. 7,611,503, U.S. Patent No. 8,919,384, and U.S. Patent No. 8,992,489. The disclosures of these U.S. patents are incorporated by reference.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 30, a high-pressure cavity 1154 is formed by the first portion 1152a of the housing 1152, and the high-pressure side of the pressure isolation valve 1150 is formed by the high-pressure cavity 1154. The high-pressure cavity 1154 communicates with the outlet 1146. A low-pressure cavity 1156 is formed by the second portion 1152b of the housing 1152, and the low-pressure side of the pressure isolation valve 1150 is substantially formed by the low-pressure cavity 1156. The second portion 1152b of the housing 1152 further includes a pressure isolation port 1158 to which a pressure transducer (not shown) can be connected. The end of the structure forming the pressure isolation port 1158 may be a luer connector or other suitable medical connector for connecting a pressure transducer to the pressure isolation port 1158.

[0152] In the first and second portions 1152a, 1152b of the housing 1152, an internal cavity 1160 may be formed which, when viewed from a wide perspective, communicates with the high-pressure cavity 1154 and the low-pressure cavity 1156. A built-in valve member 1162 is built into the internal cavity 1160, and this is normally biased to an open position where the high-pressure cavity 1154 communicates with the low-pressure cavity 1156. Normally, the valve member 1162 is further configured to isolate the low-pressure cavity 1156 after the hydraulic pressure in the high-pressure cavity 1154 reaches a predetermined pressure. The low-pressure cavity 1156 further includes a flow start port 1164 having a flow start valve 1166, and normally, the flow start valve 1166 is configured to initiate a slight flow around the valve member 1162 such that the valve member 1162 moves towards the closed position substantially simultaneously with the start of the flow.

[0153] Although various embodiments of a liquid mixing device for mixing two types of infusion liquids have been described above, similar liquid mixing devices may have a total of three liquid inlets or a total of four liquid inlets, and each of the liquid inlets has a corresponding deflection surface, and the liquid inlets communicate with a mixing chamber similar to those described above. Such liquid mixing devices are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0154] Although various embodiments of a liquid mixing device and a patient infusion tube set have been shown in the above description, those skilled in the art can make modifications and changes to these examples without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. The disclosure described above is defined by the appended claims, and all changes to the disclosure that are within the equivalent spirit and scope of the claims are included within that scope.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0155] 11 Base end 12 Syringe 13 Syringe port 14 Plunger 17 Pipe set 17a First liquid conduit 17b Second liquid conduit 19 Tip 20 Common administration line 40 Liquid mixing device 100 Liquid injector system 202 Infusion tube set 217a Inflow line, liquid line 217b Inflow line, liquid line 220 Outflow line 240 Liquid mixing device 242 First liquid inlet 244 Second liquid inlet 246 Outlet 248 First direction 250 Second direction 252 Deflection surface 254 Deflection surface 256 Mixing chamber 258 First different direction 260 Second different direction 262 Deflection surface 264 First inlet 266 Second inlet 270 Mixing chamber inlet 272 Mixing chamber inlet 274 First axis 276 Second axis 278 Third axis 340 Liquid mixing device 342 First liquid inlet 343 Spiral part 344 Second liquid inlet 346 Outlet 440 Liquid mixing device 446 Outlet 447 Baffle member, mixing member 447 Mixing member 540 Liquid mixing device 542 First liquid inlet 543 First valve 544 Second liquid inlet 545 Second valve 640 Liquid mixing device 646 Outlet 648 First direction 650 Second direction 678 Axis 740 Liquid mixing device 742 First liquid inlet 744 Second liquid inlet 745 Notch 746 Outlet 748 First direction 750 Second direction 774 Axis 778 Axis 840 Liquid mixing device 846 Outlet 848 First direction 850 Second direction 878 Axis 940A Liquid mixing device 940B Liquid mixing device 940C Liquid mixing device 942A First liquid inlet 942B First liquid inlet 942C First liquid inlet 944A Second liquid inlet 944B Second liquid inlet 944C Second liquid inlet 946A Liquid outlet 946B Liquid outlet 946C Liquid outlet 948A Liquid flow axis 948B Liquid flow axis 948C Liquid flow axis 950A Liquid flow axis 950B Liquid flow axis 950C Axis 956B Turbulent liquid mixing chamber 956C Turbulent liquid mixing chamber 978A Liquid outflow axis 978B Liquid outflow axis 978C Liquid outflow axis 980A Liquid mixing region 980B Liquid mixing region 980C Liquid mixing region 1040 Liquid mixing device 1041 Body 1042 First liquid inlet 1043 First part 1044 Second liquid inlet 1045 Second part 1046 Outlet 1047 Storage chamber 1049 Check valve 1051 Internal void 1052 Deflection surface 1053 Base end portion 1055 Sealing surface 1056 Mixing chamber 1057 Tip end portion 1059 Stop element 1060 Liquid path 1061 Groove 1062 Deflection surface 1065 Inlet opening 1067 Taper 1070 Connection element 1071 Base end portion 1140 Liquid mixing device 1141 Body 1142 First liquid inlet 1143 First part 1144 Second liquid inlet 1145 Second part 1146 Outlet 1149 Check valve 1150 Pressure isolation valve 1152 Housing 1152a First part 1152b Second part 1154 High-pressure void 1155 Liquid path 1156 Low-pressure void 1158 Pressure isolation port 1160 Internal void 1162 Built-in valve member 1164 Flow start port 1166 Flow start valve F1 Injection liquid F2 Injection liquid

Claims

1. A liquid mixing device for mixing a first infusion liquid and a second infusion liquid, the liquid mixing device comprising: a first liquid inlet configured to direct the first infusion liquid in a first direction and having a first deflection surface; a second liquid inlet configured to direct the second infusion liquid in a second direction and having a second deflection surface; a mixing chamber communicating with the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet, having a third deflection surface, and configured to mix the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid; a liquid outlet communicating with the mixing chamber and located on the tip side of the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet; and comprising; the first deflection surface is configured to deflect the first infusion liquid from the first direction to a first different direction and cause it to flow into the mixing chamber along the first different direction, the second deflection surface is configured to deflect the second infusion liquid from the second direction to a second different direction and cause it to flow into the mixing chamber along the second different direction, and the first different direction and the second different direction are selected such that the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid hit the third deflection surface of the mixing chamber and are mixed in a turbulent state in the mixing chamber; a mixed liquid of the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid flows out of the liquid mixing device through the liquid outlet. Liquid mixing device.

2. The liquid mixing device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a first check valve in the first liquid inlet and a second check valve in the second liquid inlet.

3. The liquid mixing device according to claim 2, wherein cross-sectional shapes of the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet are not circular, and cross-sectional shapes of the first check valve and the second check valve are circular.

4. The first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet each have a first inlet and a second inlet, the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface are respectively arranged on the tip side of the first inlet and the second inlet, and the third deflection surface is arranged on the base end side of the liquid outlet, the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface. The liquid mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The mixing chamber further includes a first inflow portion, the first inflow portion of the mixing chamber is on the tip side of the third deflection surface, the first deflection surface is disposed on the tip side of the first liquid inflow portion, and the liquid mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which at least partially faces the first inflow portion leading to the mixing chamber.

6. The mixing chamber further includes a second inflow portion, the second inflow portion of the mixing chamber is closer to the tip than the third deflection surface, the second deflection surface is disposed on the tip side of the second liquid inflow portion, and the liquid mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which at least partially faces the second inflow portion leading to the mixing chamber.

7. The liquid mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is substantially concave and has a radian of 90° or more.

8. The liquid mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is substantially concave and has a radian of 150° or more.

9. The liquid mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the third deflection surface has a substantially concave surface facing the outflow port.

10. The liquid mixing device according to claim 9, wherein the concave surface has a radian of 90° or more.

11. The liquid mixing device according to claim 9, wherein the concave surface has a radian of 150° or more.

12. The first check valve has a first end portion that contacts a first inlet at the first liquid inflow portion and a second end portion that contacts a first stop element on the proximal side of the first deflection surface. The second check valve has a first end portion that contacts a second inlet at the second liquid inflow portion and a second end portion that contacts a second stop element on the proximal side of the second deflection surface. The first check valve and the second check valve can be restored to compression between the first end portion and the second end portion according to the first liquid pressure of the first injection liquid flowing through the first inlet and the second liquid pressure of the second injection liquid flowing through the second inlet, respectively. The liquid mixing device according to any one of claims 2 to 11.

13. The liquid mixing device according to claim 12, wherein the first stop element and the second stop element have a pointed base end portion.

14. The first inlet and the second inlet have end faces with a taper, and the liquid mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The outlet has an axis parallel to the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the liquid mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The axis of the outlet extends between the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the liquid mixing device according to claim 15.

17. The axis of the first liquid inlet portion is parallel to the axis of the second liquid inlet portion and is offset from this axis, and the outlet has an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the liquid mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

18. The axis of the first liquid inlet portion is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the outlet has an axis substantially parallel and substantially coincident with one of the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the liquid mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

19. The axis of the first liquid inlet portion is at an angle between 130° and 165° with respect to the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the outlet has an axis at an angle of less than 70° with respect to one of the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the liquid mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

20. Each of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is formed in a concave shape, and faces the flow direction of the first injection liquid of the first liquid inlet portion and the second injection liquid of the second liquid inlet portion, respectively, and the liquid mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

21. At least one of the first liquid inlet portion, the second liquid inlet portion, and the outlet is at least partially spiral rifling on at least a part of the inner surface of at least one of the first liquid inlet portion, the second liquid inlet portion, and the outlet, and has at least partially spiral rifling that generates a vortex of at least one of the first injection liquid, the second injection liquid, and the mixed liquid of the first injection liquid and the second injection liquid, and the liquid mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

22. The liquid mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the outlet has at least one baffle member or mixing member disposed on the inner surface of the outlet.

23. The liquid mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the outlet further comprises a pressure isolation valve integrated with the outlet.

24. The pressure isolation valve includes a housing having a first cavity communicating with the outlet, a second cavity configured to be connected to a pressure transducer, and a valve member between the first cavity and the second cavity, and the valve member is configured to isolate the second cavity from the outlet during a liquid injection act. The liquid mixing device according to claim 23.

25. The liquid mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising a connector element on at least one of the outer or inner sides of the first liquid inlet, the second liquid inlet, and the outlet.

26. An infusion tube set for infusing a liquid from an injector to a patient, the infusion tube set comprising: A first inflow tube configured to infuse a first infusion liquid; A second inflow tube configured to infuse a second infusion liquid; An outflow tube configured to infuse a mixture of the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid to the patient; A liquid mixing device, A first liquid inlet connected to the first inflow tube, configured to guide the first infusion liquid in a first direction, and having a first deflection surface; A second liquid inlet connected to the second inflow tube, configured to guide the second infusion liquid in a second direction, and having a second deflection surface; A mixing chamber communicating with the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet, having a third deflection surface, and configured to mix the first infusion liquid and the second liquid; An outlet connected to the outflow tube and communicating with the mixing chamber A liquid mixing device comprising And comprising The first deflecting surface is configured to deflect the first infusion liquid from the first direction to a first different direction and cause it to flow into the mixing chamber along the first different direction. The second deflecting surface is configured to deflect the second infusion liquid from the second direction to a second different direction and cause it to flow into the mixing chamber along the second different direction. The first different direction and the second different direction are selected such that the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid hit the third deflecting surface of the mixing chamber and are mixed in a turbulent state in the mixing chamber. A mixed liquid of the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid flows out of the liquid mixing device through the outflow port. Infusion tube set.

27. The infusion tube set according to claim 26, further comprising at least one of a first check valve in the first liquid inlet portion and a second check valve in the second liquid inlet portion.

28. The infusion tube set according to claim 27, wherein the cross-sectional shapes of the first liquid inlet portion and the second liquid inlet portion are not circular, and the cross-sectional shapes of the first check valve and the second check valve are circular.

29. The first liquid inlet portion and the second liquid inlet portion each have a first inlet and a second inlet. The first deflecting surface and the second deflecting surface are respectively arranged on the tip side of the first inlet and the second inlet. The third deflecting surface is arranged on the base end side of the outflow port, the first deflecting surface and the second deflecting surface. The infusion tube set according to any one of claims 26 to 28.

30. The mixing chamber further comprises a first inflow portion. The first inflow portion of the mixing chamber is on the tip side of the third deflecting surface. The first deflecting surface is arranged on the tip side of the first liquid inlet portion and at least partially faces the first inflow portion leading to the mixing chamber. The infusion tube set according to any one of claims 26 to 29.

31. The mixing chamber further comprises a second inflow portion. The second inflow portion of the mixing chamber is on the tip side of the third deflecting surface. The second deflecting surface is arranged on the tip side of the second liquid inlet portion and at least partially faces the second inflow portion leading to the mixing chamber. The infusion tube set according to any one of claims 26 to 30.

32. The infusion tube set according to any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein at least one of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is substantially concave and has a radian of 90° or more.

33. The infusion tube set according to any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein at least one of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is substantially concave and has a radian of 150° or more.

34. The infusion tube set according to any one of claims 26 to 33, wherein the third deflection surface has a substantially concave surface facing the outflow port.

35. The infusion tube set according to claim 34, wherein the concave surface has a radian of 90° or more.

36. The infusion tube set according to claim 34, wherein the concave surface has a radian of 150° or more.

37. The first check valve has a first end portion that contacts a first inlet at the first liquid inlet portion and a second end portion that contacts a first stop element on the proximal side of the first deflection surface. The second check valve has a first end portion that contacts a second inlet at the second liquid inlet portion and a second end portion that contacts a second stop element on the proximal side of the second deflection surface. The first check valve and the second check valve can be restored to compression between the first end portion and the second end portion according to the first liquid pressure of the first infusion liquid flowing through the first inlet and the second liquid pressure of the second infusion liquid flowing through the second inlet, respectively. The infusion tube set according to any one of claims 26 to 36.

38. The infusion tube set according to claim 37, wherein the first stop element and the second stop element have pointed proximal end portions.

39. The infusion tube set according to any one of claims 26 to 38, wherein the first inlet and the second inlet have tapered end faces.

40. The infusion tube set according to any one of claims 26 to 39, wherein the outflow port has an axis parallel to the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion.

41. The infusion tube set according to claim 40, wherein the axis of the outflow port extends between the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion.

42. The axis of the first liquid inlet portion is parallel to the axis of the second liquid inlet portion and is offset from this axis, and the outlet has an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion. The infusion tube set according to any one of claims 26 to 39.

43. The axis of the first liquid inlet portion is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the outlet has an axis substantially parallel and substantially coincident with one of the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion. The infusion tube set according to any one of claims 26 to 39.

44. The axis of the first liquid inlet portion is at an angle between 130° and 165° with respect to the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the outlet has an axis at an angle of less than 70° with respect to one of the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion. The infusion tube set according to any one of claims 26 to 39.

45. Each of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is formed in a concave shape, and faces the flow direction of the first infusion liquid of the first liquid inlet portion and the second infusion liquid of the second liquid inlet portion, respectively. The infusion tube set according to any one of claims 26 to 44.

46. At least one of the first liquid inlet portion, the second liquid inlet portion, and the outlet has at least partially spiral rifling on at least a part of the inner surface of at least one of the first liquid inlet portion, the second liquid inlet portion, and the outlet, and generates a vortex of at least one corresponding liquid among the first infusion liquid, the second infusion liquid, and the mixed liquid of the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid. The infusion tube set according to any one of claims 26 to 45 having at least partially spiral rifling.

47. The outlet has at least one baffle member or mixing member disposed on the inner surface of the outlet. The infusion tube set according to any one of claims 26 to 46.

48. The outlet further includes a pressure isolation valve integrated with the outlet. The infusion tube set according to any one of claims 26 to 47.

49. The pressure isolation valve includes a housing having a first cavity communicating with the outlet, a second cavity configured to be connected to a pressure transducer, and a valve member between the first cavity and the second cavity, wherein the valve member is configured to isolate the second cavity from the outlet during a liquid injection act. The infusion tube set according to claim 48.

50. The infusion tube set according to any one of claims 26 to 49, further comprising a connector element on at least one of the outer or inner sides of the first liquid inlet, the second liquid inlet, and the outlet.

51. A method of mixing a first infusion liquid and a second infusion liquid in a turbulent state to form a substantially uniform mixture of the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid, the method comprising: applying a liquid flow of the first infusion liquid to a concave first deflection surface associated with a first liquid inlet; deflecting the liquid flow of the first infusion liquid in a first different direction, the first different direction being oriented at an angle ranging from 90 to 175° with respect to the liquid flow direction of the first infusion liquid and facing a concave third deflection surface of a mixing chamber; applying a liquid flow of the second infusion liquid to a concave second deflection surface associated with a second liquid inlet; deflecting the liquid flow of the second infusion liquid in a second different direction, the second different direction being oriented at an angle ranging from 90 to 175° with respect to the liquid flow direction of the second infusion liquid and facing the concave third deflection surface of the mixing chamber; mixing the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid in a turbulent state in the mixing chamber when the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid hit the concave third deflection surface to form a mixture of the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid; deflecting the mixture of the first infusion liquid and the second infusion liquid and passing it through an outlet of the mixing chamber and the method comprising.

52. The method according to claim 51, further comprising at least one of a first check valve in the first liquid inlet and a second check valve in the second liquid inlet.

53. The method according to claim 52, wherein cross-sectional shapes of the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet are not circular, and cross-sectional shapes of the first check valve and the second check valve are circular.

54. The first liquid inlet portion and the second liquid inlet portion each have a first inlet and a second inlet, the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface are respectively arranged on the tip side of the first inlet and the second inlet, and the third deflection surface is arranged on the base end side of the outlet, the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface, according to any one of claims 51 to 53.

55. The mixing chamber further includes a first inlet portion, the first inlet portion of the mixing chamber is on the tip side of the third deflection surface, the first deflection surface is arranged on the tip side of the first liquid inlet portion, and at least partially faces the first inlet portion leading to the mixing chamber, according to any one of claims 51 to 54.

56. The mixing chamber further includes a second inlet portion, the second inlet portion of the mixing chamber is on the tip side of the third deflection surface, the second deflection surface is arranged on the tip side of the second liquid inlet portion, and at least partially faces the second inlet portion leading to the mixing chamber, according to any one of claims 51 to 55.

57. At least one of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is substantially concave and has a radian of 90° or more, according to any one of claims 51 to 56.

58. At least one of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is substantially concave and has a radian of 150° or more, according to any one of claims 51 to 57.

59. The third deflection surface has a substantially concave surface facing the outlet, according to any one of claims 51 to 58.

60. The concave surface has a radian of 90° or more, according to the method described in claim 59.

61. The concave surface has a radian of 150° or more, according to the method described in claim 59.

62. The first check valve has a first end that abuts against a first inlet in the first liquid inlet portion and a second end that abuts against a first stop element on the proximal side of the first deflection surface. The second check valve has a first end that abuts against a second inlet in the second liquid inlet portion and a second end that abuts against a second stop element on the proximal side of the second deflection surface. The first check valve and the second check valve can perform compression restoration between the first end and the second end according to the first liquid pressure of the first injection liquid flowing through the first inlet and the second liquid pressure of the second injection liquid flowing through the second inlet, respectively. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 61.

63. The method according to claim 62, wherein the first stop element and the second stop element have pointed proximal ends.

64. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 63, wherein the first inlet and the second inlet have tapered end faces.

65. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 64, wherein the outlet has an axis parallel to the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion.

66. The method according to claim 65, wherein the axis of the outlet extends between the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion.

67. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 64, wherein the axis of the first liquid inlet portion is parallel to the axis of the second liquid inlet portion and is offset from this axis, and the outlet has an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion.

68. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 64, wherein the axis of the first liquid inlet portion is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the outlet has an axis substantially parallel and substantially coincident with one of the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion.

69. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 64, wherein the axis of the first liquid inlet portion is at an angle between 130° and 165° with respect to the axis of the second liquid inlet portion, and the outlet has an axis at an angle of less than 70° with respect to one of the axis of the first liquid inlet portion and the axis of the second liquid inlet portion.

70. Each of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is formed in a concave shape, and faces the flow direction of the first injection liquid in the first liquid inlet portion and the second injection liquid in the second liquid inlet portion, respectively. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 69.

71. At least one of the first liquid inlet portion, the second liquid inlet portion, and the outlet has at least partially spiral rifling on at least a part of the inner surface of at least one of the first liquid inlet portion, the second liquid inlet portion, and the outlet, generating vortices of at least one of the first injection liquid, the second injection liquid, and the mixture of the first injection liquid and the second injection liquid. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 70, having at least partially spiral rifling.

72. The outlet has at least one baffle member or mixing member disposed on the inner surface of the outlet. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 71.

73. The outlet further includes a pressure isolation valve integrated with the outlet. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 72.

74. The pressure isolation valve includes a housing having a first cavity communicating with the outlet, a second cavity configured to be connected to a pressure transducer, and a valve member between the first cavity and the second cavity. The valve member is configured to isolate the second cavity from the outlet during the liquid injection act. The method according to claim 73.

75. The method according to any one of claims 51 to 74, further comprising a connector element on the outside or inside of at least one of the first liquid inlet portion, the second liquid inlet portion, and the outlet.

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