Liquid mixer, mixing tube, and chemical injection system

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid mixer capable of mixing a high-viscosity liquid with a low-viscosity liquid at a desired dilution ratio. [Solution] A liquid mixer 1 for mixing liquids, comprising a housing 3, a first conduit section 4 for the inflow of a contrast agent 403, a second conduit section 5 for the inflow of physiological saline 404 having a different viscosity from the contrast agent 403, a mixing chamber 2 for mixing the contrast agent 403 and physiological saline 404, and a third conduit section 6 from which the mixed liquid of the contrast agent 403 and physiological saline 404 flows out, wherein the mixing chamber 2 is composed of the housing 3 and a stationary mixer 7 disposed inside the housing 3, the first conduit section 4 and the second conduit section 5 are connected to the housing 3 upstream of the mixing chamber 2 at predetermined angles α1 and α2 with respect to the central axis CL in the longitudinal direction of the mixing chamber 2, and the third conduit section 6 is connected to the housing 3 downstream of the mixing chamber 2 along the central axis CL.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid mixer for mixing two types of chemical solutions, a mixing tube, and a chemical solution injection system for injecting the mixed chemical solution.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, as medical fluoroscopic imaging devices, there are devices such as CT (Computed Tomography) scanners, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) devices, PET (Positron Emission Tomography) devices, ultrasonic diagnostic devices, CT angiography devices, MR angiography devices, and angiography devices. When using these devices, for the purpose of obtaining clear images, etc., a mixed solution of multiple types of chemical solutions with different specific gravities and viscosities is injected into the patient's body. For example, when injecting a mixed solution obtained by diluting a contrast agent with physiological saline, after two types of chemical solutions, the contrast agent and physiological saline, are mixed, the mixed solution is injected into the patient's body.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a chemical solution mixing device that uses a spiral flow mixer as a mixer for mixing a first chemical solution and a second chemical solution. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a preservation solution addition system having a blood bag, a preservation solution bag, a mixed solution bag, a first flow path, and a static mixer, in which the blood components in the blood bag and the preservation solution in the preservation solution bag are sent to the static mixer through the first flow path by the centrifugal force of a centrifuge, and the mixed solution mixed by the static mixer is sent to the mixed solution bag.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a method for efficiently mixing a liquid with low specific gravity (viscosity) by generating a swirling flow in a liquid with low specific gravity (viscosity) and then introducing a liquid with high specific gravity (viscosity) into this swirling flow. However, mixing a highly viscous liquid at a low dilution ratio, for example, of around 10%, requires the use of a small amount of the low-viscosity liquid. Depending on the amount of the low-viscosity liquid used, a swirling flow may not be generated, making low-dilution mixing difficult. Patent Document 2 discloses that each liquid merges at a confluence upstream of a static mixer and flows into the static mixer for mixing, but it does not disclose how to mix a highly viscous liquid at a low dilution ratio.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a liquid mixer capable of diluting and mixing a high-viscosity liquid with a low-viscosity liquid. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the liquid mixer for mixing liquids according to the present invention comprises a housing, a first inlet for a first liquid to flow in, a second inlet for a second liquid having a different viscosity from the first liquid to flow in, a liquid mixing section for mixing the first liquid and the second liquid, and an outlet from which the mixed liquid of the first liquid and the second liquid flows out, wherein the liquid mixing section is composed of the housing and a stationary mixer disposed inside the housing, the first inlet and the second inlet are connected to the housing on the upstream side of the liquid mixing section at a predetermined angle with respect to the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the liquid mixing section, and the outlet is connected to the housing on the downstream side of the liquid mixing section along the central axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid mixer that can dilute and mix a high-viscosity liquid with a low-viscosity liquid. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the drug injection system 100 according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the head 210 to which the mixing tube 300 according to the embodiment is connected. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the mixing tube 300 according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of liquid mixer 1 with each tube connected. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the liquid mixer 1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] (A) to (C) show the shape of the stationary mixer 7. [Figure 7] (A) A perspective view of the housing 3. (B) A perspective view showing the stationary mixer 7 assembled into the housing 3. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the drug injection system 101 in a modified form. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the head 260 connected to the mixing tube 300. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, the liquid mixer 1, mixing tube 300, and chemical injection system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not limit the configuration to the claims of this application. While several features are described in this embodiment, not all of these features are essential, and several may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, the attached drawings are drawn to a different scale than actual to facilitate understanding of the apparatus according to this embodiment, and identical or similar components are given the same reference numeral, omitting redundant explanations.

[0011] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a drug injection system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This drug injection system 100 includes a drug injection device 200 for injecting a drug solution such as a contrast agent into a patient, a first syringe 201 and a second syringe 202 attached to the drug injection device 200, and a mixing tube 300 connected to the first syringe 201 and the second syringe 202. A fluoroscopy imaging device (not shown) is connected to the main unit 212 of the drug injection system 100, and various data are transmitted and received between the fluoroscopy imaging device and the drug injection system 100 during drug injection and image acquisition.

[0012] The drug injection device 200 comprises a head 210 on which the first syringe 201 and the second syringe 202 are mounted, and a main unit 212 connected to the head 210 via a head cable 211. The main unit 212 is connected to a power supply (not shown) via a power cable 218. In Figure 1, both the first syringe 201 and the second syringe 202 are shown housed in syringe protective cases. The tip conduit portion 201a of the first syringe 201 and the tip conduit portion 202a of the second syringe 202 are exposed from these syringe protective cases.

[0013] The first syringe 201 (first container) is filled with a drug solution that has a high specific gravity and high viscosity, while the second syringe 202 (second container) is filled with a drug solution that has a low specific gravity and low viscosity. In this embodiment, the first syringe 201 is filled with contrast agent (first liquid), and the second syringe 202 is filled with physiological saline (second liquid). Furthermore, the first syringe 201 and the second syringe 202 may be pre-filled types with drug solutions already filled in, or they may be aspiration types that draw drug solutions from a drug solution bag.

[0014] Specific examples of the contrast agent, which is a liquid with high viscosity, include a contrast agent with an iodine concentration of 240 mg / mL (for example, having a viscosity of 3.3 mPa·s and a specific gravity of 1.268 - 1.296 at 37°C), a contrast agent with an iodine concentration of 300 mg / mL (for example, having a viscosity of 6.1 mPa·s and a specific gravity of 1.335 - 1.371 at 37°C), a contrast agent with an iodine concentration of 350 mg / mL (for example, having a viscosity of 10.6 mPa·s and a specific gravity of 1.392 - 1.433 at 37°C), etc. Specific examples of the physiological saline, which is a liquid with low viscosity, include physiological saline containing 180 mg of sodium chloride in 20 mL of physiological saline (for example, having a viscosity of 0.9595 mPa·s and a specific gravity of 1.004 - 1.006 at 20°C), etc.

[0015] The head 210 is rotatably held at the upper part of a stand pole 217 on a movable stand base 216 placed on the floor surface. Thereby, the head 210 can be rotated between a posture in which the tip side of the head 210 (the side where the first syringe 201 and the second syringe 202 are mounted) faces the floor surface and a posture in which the rear end side of the head 210 (the side where the first syringe 201 and the second syringe 202 are not mounted) faces the floor surface.

[0016] The console 213 includes a touch panel and is connected to the hand switch 214 via a cable. Also, the console 213 functions as a controller, is connected to the main unit 212 via a console cable 215, and is connected to the head 210 via the main unit 212, the console cable 215, and the head cable 211. And the main unit 212 is connected to the head 210 via the head cable 211. When injecting a chemical solution into a patient, an operator operates the touch panel to input the patient's physical data such as the injection speed, injection volume, injection time, body weight, and data on the type of the chemical solution.

[0017] In addition, the console 213 stores in advance data on operation patterns (injection protocols), data on chemical solutions, and the like. Then, the console 213 calculates optimal injection conditions according to the input data and the data stored in advance. After that, the console 213 determines the amount of the chemical solution to be injected into the patient and the injection protocol based on the calculated injection conditions.

[0018] When the console 213 determines the amount of the chemical solution and the injection protocol, it displays predetermined data, graphs, etc. on the touch panel. The operator checks the displayed data, graphs, etc., and the injection can be started by the injection head, the hand switch 214, or the start button (including physical buttons and touch panels) of the console 213. When the injection is started by pressing the button of the hand switch 214, the injection may be performed only while the button of the hand switch 214 is being pressed.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the head 210 of the chemical solution injection device 200 of the chemical solution injection system 100 and the mixing tube 300 connected to the head 210. The first syringe 201 and the second syringe 202 mounted on the head 210 each have conduit portions 201a and 202a at their respective tips. And a mixing tube 300 including the liquid mixer 1 according to the present invention is connected to these conduit portions 201a and 202a. Further, the mixing tube 300 communicates with the catheter 103 via a flexible tube 105 (mixed liquid injection path), a branch tube not shown, a catheter hub 104, and the like. In FIG. 2, both the first syringe 201 and the second syringe 202 are shown in a state of being housed in a syringe protection case.

[0020] The conduit portions 201a and 202a at the tips of the first syringe 201 and the second syringe 202 are exposed from the syringe protection case. And the conduit portion 201a of the first syringe 201 is connected to the first tube 301 of the mixing tube 300. Also, the conduit portion 202a of the second syringe 202 is connected to the second tube 302 of the mixing tube 300.

[0021] Furthermore, plungers (not shown) are attached to both the first syringe 201 and the second syringe 202. With the plungers attached, the first syringe 201 and the second syringe 202 are fixed to a syringe protective case. This syringe protective case is fixed to the head 210 by a syringe clamper.

[0022] Furthermore, the head 210 is equipped with two syringe pressers (not shown). These syringe pressers engage with the locking portions of the plungers attached to the first syringe 201 and the second syringe 202, and drive the plungers to extend and retract. When aspirating drug solution, suction tubes for filling are attached to the conduit portions 201a and 202a at the tips of the first syringe 201 and the second syringe 202, and drug solution is filled from the drug solution bag through these suction tubes. At this time, the syringe pressers advance the plungers in the axial direction of the first syringe 201 and the second syringe 202 to the syringe tip, and then retract them to the rear end of the syringe.

[0023] During drug injection, mixing tubes 300 are attached to the conduit portions 201a and 202a at the tips of the first syringe 201 and the second syringe 202. The syringe presser then advances its plunger in the axial direction of the first syringe 201 and the second syringe 202. This pushes out the contrast agent in the first syringe 201 and the saline solution in the second syringe 202. The two syringe pressers can be driven separately or simultaneously. When driven separately, the two syringe pressers act as a flow rate adjustment mechanism to regulate the flow rates of the contrast agent and saline solution. Therefore, by controlling the syringe presser, a drug injection system 100 that can mix at a desired dilution ratio can be provided.

[0024] The extruded contrast agent and saline solution flow into the liquid mixer 1 of the mixing tube 300, where they are mixed. Subsequently, the mixed contrast agent and saline solution is injected into the patient's blood vessels via the catheter 103.

[0025] Prior to injecting the drug solution, priming is performed to remove air. There are several methods for this priming, and the mixing tube 300 is filled with either saline solution or contrast agent. Specifically, first, contrast agent is squeezed out from the first syringe 201 to fill the first tube 301 up to the liquid mixer 1 with contrast agent. Next, saline solution is squeezed out from the second syringe 202 to fill the second tube 302, liquid mixer 1, the third tube 303, and the section from the third tube 303 to the catheter 103 with saline solution. As a result, the entire drug solution circuit from the mixing tube 300 to the catheter 103 is filled with the drug solution and the air is removed.

[0026] Alternatively, one method involves first dispensing the contrast agent from syringe 201, then the saline solution from syringe 202, and finally dispensing the drug solution simultaneously from both syringes 201 and 202. Another method involves first dispensing the saline solution from syringe 202, and then dispensing the contrast agent from syringe 201 to fill the entire drug solution circuit with the drug solution.

[0027] In addition to these methods, another method involves first dispensing saline solution from syringe 202, then the contrast agent from syringe 1 201, and finally dispensing the drug solution simultaneously from syringes 1 201 and 2 202. Alternatively, one method involves simultaneously dispensing the drug solution from syringes 1 201 and 2 202 from the beginning, filling the entire drug solution circuit with the drug solution.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a mixing tube 300 equipped with a liquid mixer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This mixing tube 300 comprises a first tube 301 connecting a first syringe 201 to the liquid mixer 1, a second tube 302 connecting a second syringe 202 to the liquid mixer 1, and a third tube 303 (tube) connecting a flexible tube 105 to the liquid mixer 1. A drug solution (contrast agent) with a high specific gravity and high viscosity passes through the first tube 301, a drug solution (physiological saline solution) with a low specific gravity and low viscosity passes through the second tube 302, and the mixed drug solution passes through the third tube 303. In this embodiment, the first tube 301, the second tube 302, and the third tube 303 are flexible transparent tubes. However, these tubes may be rigid transparent tubes.

[0029] The first tube 301 has a first connecting portion 304 that is connected to the conduit portion 201a at the tip of the first syringe 201. The second tube 302 has a second connecting portion 305 that is connected to the conduit portion 202a at the tip of the second syringe 202. Furthermore, the third tube 303 has a third connecting portion 306 that is connected to the flexible tube 105. The first connecting portion 304, the second connecting portion 305, and the third connecting portion 306 are connected by screw connection or joining method.

[0030] Furthermore, a check valve may be provided in the first tube 301 or the second tube 302. By providing a check valve, it is possible to prevent the mixed drug solution from flowing back into the first syringe 201 side and the second syringe 202 side. Alternatively, the check valve may be provided in the third tube 303.

[0031] A static mixer 7 can be used as the liquid mixer 1 for mixing liquids. In this embodiment, the liquid mixer 1 uses a mixer that achieves mixing of chemicals by a static mixer, which will be described later.

[0032] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid mixer 1 according to the present invention, showing the liquid mixer 1 with the first tube 301, second tube 302, and third tube 303 connected. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the liquid mixer 1 without these tubes connected, and a stationary mixer 7 is shown in a partially cross-sectional view for easier understanding.

[0033] The liquid mixer 1 of this embodiment includes a housing 3 equipped with a mixing chamber 2 (liquid mixing section) for mixing two liquids, a cylindrical first conduit section 4 (first inlet) communicating with the first tube 301, a cylindrical second conduit section 5 (second inlet) communicating with the second tube 302, and a cylindrical third conduit section 6 (outlet) communicating with the third tube 303. The housing 3 has a cylindrical outer shape and a cylindrical inner space, in which a stationary mixer 7 for mixing the two liquids is arranged, and the inner space is configured as the mixing chamber 2. As shown in Figure 3, the mixing tube 300 of this embodiment includes a first tube 301 connected to the first conduit section 4, a second tube 302 connected to the second conduit section 5, a third tube 303 connected to the third conduit section 6, and the liquid mixer 1. The liquid mixer 1 and the first tubes 301 to 303 are made of a transparent resin material. Furthermore, the liquid mixer 1 and the first tube 301 to the third tube 303 are disposable.

[0034] Furthermore, the shape of the inner surface of the mixing chamber 2 in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis (central axis CL) of its cylindrical outer shape is circular. The diameter of the static mixer 7 is smaller than the diameter of the mixing chamber 2 so that it can be easily inserted into the mixing chamber 2. Since the housing 3 and the static mixer 7 are made of transparent resin material, the liquid mixer 1 is transparent. The static mixer 7 inside can be seen from the outside of the liquid mixer 1. On the other hand, in conventional static mixers, it is not specified that the static mixer is transparent, so it was not possible to confirm whether or not air bubbles were contained in the mixed liquid. On the other hand, since the liquid mixer 1 of this embodiment is transparent, it is possible to clearly confirm whether or not air has been mixed in when the liquid is mixed.

[0035] Figure 5 shows the flow direction D of the mixed chemical solution with an arrow. The first conduit section 4 and the second conduit section 5 are located upstream of the flow direction D of the mixing chamber 2. Furthermore, a third conduit section 6 is provided downstream of the flow direction D of the mixing chamber 2. The first conduit section 4 and the second conduit section 5 are connected to the housing 3 upstream of the mixing chamber 2 at predetermined angles α1 and α2, respectively, with respect to the central axis CL in the longitudinal direction of the mixing chamber 2. It is preferable that angles α1 and α2 are each approximately 20 degrees. Preferably, angles α1 and α2 are each 22.5 degrees. Alternatively, angles α1 and α2 may each be approximately 0 degrees, i.e., the first conduit section 4 and the second conduit section 5 may be arranged almost parallel to each other. Or, angles α1 and α2 may each be in an angle range of approximately 0 degrees to 45 degrees, or the sum of angles α1 and α2 may be in an angle range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees. The third conduit section 6 is connected to the housing 3 downstream of the mixing chamber 2 along the central axis CL. In contrast, in conventional static mixers, the liquids merge at the confluence upstream of the static mixer. However, high-viscosity liquids have difficulty moving through the conduit, while low-viscosity liquids move through it easily. As a result, the amount of low-viscosity liquid increases, making it difficult to completely mix at a low dilution ratio using a static mixer. In contrast, the liquid mixer 1 of this embodiment has a roughly Y-shape, allowing the contrast agent, which is a high-viscosity liquid, to easily flow into the mixing chamber 2 via the first conduit section 4.

[0036] Figures 6(A) to 6(C) show the shape of the stationary mixer 7. The stationary mixer 7 is located inside the mixing chamber 2 and does not rotate. The stationary mixer 7 has a front end 7f (one end) and a rear end 7r (the other end), and between the front end 7f and the rear end 7r, counter-clockwise elements 7a and clockwise elements 7b are alternately arranged around the longitudinal axis of the stationary mixer 7. The counter-clockwise elements 7a have a shape like a plate-shaped member twisted 180° to the right. Similarly, the clockwise elements 7b have a shape like a plate-shaped member twisted 180° to the left. The clockwise elements 7b have a projection 7c, which protrudes in a direction approximately perpendicular to the flow direction D. Three counter-clockwise elements 7a and two clockwise elements 7b are combined to form a total of five elements.

[0037] Liquids A and B, indicated by the arrows, introduced from the first conduit section 4 and the second conduit section 5, are rectified by the tip 7f of the stationary mixer 7 and introduced into the mixing chamber 2. Liquids A and B then flow in the flow direction D along the curved surface of the first counter-clockwise element 7a. Liquids A and B are given a counter-clockwise twisting motion by the counter-clockwise element 7a. After passing through the first counter-clockwise element 7a, liquids A and B enter the subsequent clockwise element 7b, where their motion is reversed and they are mixed while being divided into two. The partially mixed liquids A and B, indicated by the white arrows, are then given a clockwise twisting motion by the clockwise element 7a. Similarly, liquids A and B enter the subsequent counter-clockwise element 7a, where their motion is reversed and they are further divided into two, i.e., four, while being mixed. Liquids A and B are divided four times, so they are divided 2 to the power of 4, or 16 times in total, and mixed while being inverted. Furthermore, the projection 7c provided on the clockwise element 7b generates turbulence in liquids A and B, so liquids A and B are mixed even more thoroughly.

[0038] As described above, the stationary mixer 7 is positioned inside the mixing chamber 2. The tip 7f of the stationary mixer 7 is located near where the first conduit section 4 and the second conduit section 5 are connected, and it rectifies the flow of liquids A and B so that they can easily enter the element 7a. More specifically, the tip 7f is a convex portion that protrudes in the opposite direction to the liquid flow direction D, and has a rectangular shape in the XY plane. The convex portion is fitted into the housing 3 so that the rectangular shape is parallel to the XY plane in which the first conduit section 4 and the second conduit section 5 are arranged, and the stationary mixer 7 is positioned inside the mixing chamber 2. With this configuration, liquids A and B flowing in from the first conduit section 4 and the second conduit section 5 can easily enter the counterclockwise element 7a in a aligned manner, achieving efficient mixing of liquids A and B.

[0039] Figure 7(A) is a perspective view of the housing 3. Figure 7(B) is a perspective view showing the stationary mixer 7 assembled into the housing 3. Note that the internal structure is shown transparently for easier understanding. On the upstream side of the inside of the housing 3, a roughly inverted U-shaped recess 3a is formed for fitting the tip 7f of the stationary mixer 7. The stationary mixer 7 is fixed to the housing 3 by fitting the tip 7f of the stationary mixer 7 into the recess 3a.

[0040] Referring to Figure 4, the first tube 301 is joined to the first receiving portion 4a formed inside the first conduit section 4. The second tube 302 is joined to the second receiving portion 5a formed inside the second conduit section 5. The third tube 303 is joined to the third receiving portion 6a formed inside the third conduit section 6. The first tubes 301 to the third tubes 303 may be screwed into the first receiving portion 4a to the third receiving portion 6a, or they may be fixed with adhesive.

[0041] Since the inner diameter of the third receiving portion 6a of the third conduit portion 6 is larger than the inner diameter of the mixing chamber 2, the stationary mixer 7 can be inserted from the third conduit portion 6 into the mixing chamber 2. A flexible third tube 303 is fitted into the third conduit portion 6, so that one end face 303a of the third tube 303 abuts against the rear end portion 7r of the stationary mixer 7, and the stationary mixer 7 is fixed inside the housing 3. More specifically, the rear end portion 7r has two angular portions that extend along the flow direction D, and the end face 303a of the third tube 303 abuts against the two angular portions, so that the third tube 303 prevents the stationary mixer 7 from moving. In addition, the end portion 7r is a notch cut out in the direction opposite to the flow direction D, and the notch has a roughly C-shape, which acts to guide the mixed liquid into the third conduit portion 6.

[0042] The liquid mixer 1 of this embodiment comprises a housing 3, a first conduit section 4 for the inflow of contrast agent, a second conduit section 5 for the inflow of saline solution with a different viscosity from the contrast agent, a mixing chamber 2 for mixing the contrast agent and saline solution, and a third conduit section 6 from which the mixed liquid of contrast agent and saline solution flows out. The mixing chamber 2 is composed of the housing 3 and a stationary mixer 7 located inside the housing 3. The first conduit section 4 and the second conduit section 5 are connected to the housing 3 upstream of the mixing chamber 2 at predetermined angles α1 and α2, respectively, with respect to the central axis CL in the longitudinal direction of the mixing chamber 2, and the third conduit section 6 is connected to the housing 3 downstream of the mixing chamber 2 along the central axis Cl. In the liquid mixer 1 of this embodiment, the contrast agent flows in from the first conduit section 4, and saline solution with a different viscosity from the contrast agent flows in from the second conduit section 5. The contrast agent and saline solution are mixed in the mixing chamber 2. Subsequently, the mixed solution of contrast agent and physiological saline (mixed liquid) flows out from the third conduit section 6. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a liquid mixer that can dilute and mix a high-viscosity liquid with a low-viscosity liquid.

[0043] In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the mixing chamber 2 is approximately 2.5 mm. Furthermore, in the flow direction D parallel to the central axis of the mixing chamber 2, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 5, the length of the mixing chamber 2 is approximately 15 mm. These dimensions are merely examples, and the dimensions of the liquid mixer 1 according to the present invention are not limited to these.

[0044] The drug injection system 100 of this embodiment includes a first syringe 201 for containing a contrast agent, a second syringe 202 for containing saline solution, and a liquid mixer 1 for mixing the contrast agent and saline solution. The first syringe 201 is connected to a first conduit section 4 via a first tube 301, the second syringe 202 is connected to a second conduit section 5 via a second tube 302, and the third conduit section 6 is connected to a flexible tube 105 for injecting the drug solution into the patient via a third tube. Furthermore, the system includes a head 210 to which the first syringe 201 and the second syringe 202 are mounted, and a controller connected to the head 210. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a drug injection system having a liquid mixer capable of diluting and mixing a high-viscosity liquid with a low-viscosity liquid.

[0045] Furthermore, the inner surface of the liquid mixer 1 according to the present invention can be subjected to a hydrophilic treatment. By performing a hydrophilic treatment, it is possible to prevent air bubbles from adhering to the inner surface of the liquid mixer 1 when air is bleed out. Methods for this hydrophilic treatment include plasma treatment, ozone treatment, corona discharge treatment, glow discharge treatment, and ultraviolet irradiation treatment.

[0046] (Transformed form) Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a modified drug injection system 101 according to this embodiment. The modified drug injection system 101 includes a drug injection device 250 for injecting contrast agents and other drug solutions into the patient, a syringe 201 attached to the drug injection device 250, and a mixing tube 300 connected to the syringe 201. A fluoroscopy imaging device (not shown) is connected to the main unit 212 of the drug injection system 101, and various data are transmitted and received between the fluoroscopy imaging device and the drug injection system 101 during drug injection and image acquisition.

[0047] The drug injection device 250 comprises a head 260 to which a syringe 201 is attached, and a main unit 212 connected to the head 260 via a head cable 211. The main unit 212 is connected to a power supply (not shown) via a power cable 218. In Figure 8, the syringe 201 is shown housed in a syringe protective case.

[0048] Syringe 201 (third container) is connected via a liquid mixer 1 to a first container 401 containing contrast agent 403 (first liquid) and a second container 402 containing physiological saline 404 (second liquid). The contrast agent 403 in the first container 401 and the physiological saline 404 in the second container 402 are mixed in the liquid mixer 1 when drawn into syringe 201, and the mixed solution is introduced into syringe 201. Syringe 201 is then filled with the mixed solution of contrast agent 403 and physiological saline 404. Further details will be described later.

[0049] The head 260 is rotatably held on the upper part of a stand pole 217 on a movable stand base 216 placed on the floor. This allows the head 260 to be rotated to face either the front end (the side to which the syringe 201 is attached) or the rear end (the side to which the syringe 201 is not attached) facing the floor.

[0050] The configurations of syringe 201 and console 213 are the same as in the embodiment, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0051] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the head 260 of the drug injection device 250 of the drug injection system 101 and the mixing tube 300 connected to the head 260. The syringe 201 attached to the head 260 has a conduit section 201b for inflow and a conduit section 201a for outflow at its tip. In Figure 9, the syringe 201 is shown housed in a syringe protective case.

[0052] The conduit section 201a communicates with the catheter 103 via a flexible tube 105, a branch pipe (not shown), and a catheter hub 104, etc.

[0053] The conduit section 201b is connected to the mixing tube 300 via a flexible tube 106. The mixing tube 300 is connected to a first container 401 containing contrast agent 403 and a second container 402 containing physiological saline solution 404.

[0054] Furthermore, the head 260 is equipped with a syringe presser (not shown). This syringe presser engages with the locking portion of the plunger attached to the syringe 201 and operates to move the plunger in and out of the syringe 201. When aspirating the drug solution, contrast agent 403 from the first container 401 and physiological saline solution 404 from the second container 402 are filled into the syringe 201 via a flexible tube 106 and liquid mixer 1 connected to the conduit portion 201b at the tip of the syringe 201. At this time, the syringe presser advances the plunger in the axial direction of the syringe 201 to the tip of the syringe, and then retracts it to the rear end of the syringe.

[0055] The plunger creates negative pressure inside syringe 201, drawing in the contrast agent 403 and saline solution 404, which then flow into the liquid mixer 1 of mixing tube 300, where they are mixed. Subsequently, the mixed solution of contrast agent 403 and saline solution 404 flows back into syringe 201 via the third tube 303 and the flexible tube 106.

[0056] During drug injection, a flexible tube 105 is attached to the conduit portion 201a at the tip of the syringe 201, and connected to the catheter 103 via a branch pipe and catheter hub 104 (not shown). The syringe presser then advances the plunger in the axial direction of the syringe 201. This pushes out the mixed solution inside the syringe 201, and the drug solution is injected into the patient's blood vessels via the catheter 103.

[0057] Furthermore, the mixing tube 300 is equipped with a backflow prevention mechanism, such as a check valve, to prevent flow from the syringe 201 side to the first container 401 side and the second container 402 side. Due to this backflow prevention mechanism, even if the inside of the syringe 201 becomes pressurized due to the operation of the plunger, the mixed liquid inside the syringe 201 will not flow into the first container 401, the second container 402, or the liquid mixer 1.

[0058] Furthermore, the conduit portion of the syringe 201 may be equipped with a backflow prevention mechanism, such as a check valve, to prevent flow from the syringe 201 to the mixing tube 300. This backflow prevention mechanism prevents the mixed liquid inside the syringe 201 from flowing into the mixing tube 300 even when the plunger operation creates a pressurized state inside the syringe 201.

[0059] Furthermore, the conduit portion 201a at the tip of the syringe 201, and / or the flexible tube 105, may be equipped with a backflow prevention mechanism, such as a check valve, to prevent flow toward the syringe 201. This backflow prevention mechanism prevents flow from the flexible tube 105 attached to the conduit portion 201a at the tip of the syringe 201 toward the syringe 201, even if a negative pressure state is created inside the syringe 201 due to the operation of the plunger. In other words, when aspirating contrast agent and saline solution into the syringe 201 and mixing them, it is possible to prevent air, drug solution, patient's blood, etc. from being aspirated into the syringe 201 from the catheter 103 side.

[0060] Prior to the injection of the drug solution, priming is performed to remove air. There are several methods for this priming, and the mixing tube 300 is filled with either saline solution, contrast agent, or a mixture thereof. Specifically, the plunger is used to create negative pressure inside the syringe 201, drawing in contrast agent 403 from the first container 401 and saline solution 404 from the second container 402. As a result, the first tube 301 is filled with contrast agent 403, the second tube 302 is filled with saline solution 404, and the liquid mixer 1 and the third tube 303 are filled with a mixture of saline solution 404 and contrast agent 403.

[0061] Furthermore, by continuing the plunger's backward movement to create negative pressure inside syringe 201, the mixed liquid flows into syringe 201 via the third tube 303. This fills the entire flow path within mixing tube 300 with the drug solution, and the air is removed.

[0062] Next, the head 210 is rotated so that the rear end of the head 210 (the side to which the syringe 201 is not attached) faces the floor. In this position, the plunger is operated to pressurize the inside of the syringe 201. Since air has accumulated in the upper part of the tip of the syringe 201, the air inside the syringe 201 is discharged to the outside of the syringe 201 through the flexible tube 105 via a gas venting channel (not shown) located at that position or through the conduit at the tip of the syringe 201. For example, priming for the purpose of air removal is performed in this manner.

[0063] Furthermore, at least one of the first tube 301 and the second tube 302 may be provided with a flow rate adjustment mechanism 307 for adjusting the opening area of ​​the flow path for the drug solution. In the modified form shown in Figures 8 and 9, an example is shown in which the flow rate adjustment mechanism 307 is provided in the second tube 302, which is the flow path for physiological saline, to adjust the flow rate of physiological saline flowing into the second conduit section 5. Therefore, according to this modified form, by using the flow rate adjustment mechanism 307, it is possible to provide a liquid mixer that can mix a high-viscosity liquid with a low-viscosity liquid at a desired dilution ratio.

[0064] This modified drug injection system 101 includes a first container 401 for containing contrast agent 403, a second container 402 for containing physiological saline 404, and a liquid mixer 1 connected to a first conduit section 4 via the first container 401 and a first tube 301, and connected to a second conduit section 5 via the second container 402 and a second tube 302, for mixing the contrast agent 403 and physiological saline 404. Furthermore, it includes a syringe 201 connected to a third conduit section 6 of the liquid mixer 1 via a third tube 303, a head 210 to which the syringe 201 is attached, a controller connected to the head 210, and a flexible tube 105 connected to the syringe 201 for injecting the drug solution into the patient.

[0065] Furthermore, the above modified form described the case in which two types of drug solutions, a contrast agent and physiological saline, are mixed. However, one of the two drug solutions may be a contrast agent of a first concentration filled into the first container 401, and the other of the two drug solutions may be a contrast agent of a second concentration different from the first concentration filled into the second container 402. In that case, the specific gravity and viscosity of the contrast agent of the first concentration are greater than those of the contrast agent of the second concentration.

[0066] Furthermore, by utilizing the liquid mixer 1 of this embodiment, a liquid mixing device can be provided that simultaneously introduces and mixes contrast agent 403 from the first container 401 and physiological saline 404 from the second container 402 into the liquid mixer 1 by creating a negative pressure inside the syringe 201 relative to the inside of the liquid mixer 1, and then introduces the mixed solution into the syringe 201.

[0067] Furthermore, the syringe 201 has a cylinder, a sealing member that slides within the cylinder, and a plunger connected to the sealing member and used to move the sealing member. By moving the sealing member with the plunger, the inside of the syringe 201 is made negatively pressurized relative to the inside of the liquid mixer 1.

[0068] According to this modified form, a liquid injection system can be provided that includes the above-mentioned liquid mixing device, a head 210 to which a syringe 201 is attached, a controller connected to the head 210, and a flexible tube 105 connected to the syringe 201 for injecting the drug solution into the patient.

[0069] Although the present invention has been described using the above embodiments and variations, the present invention is not limited to the above-described configurations. Variations of the components of the present invention within the scope of the claims, and configurations equivalent to the components of the present invention, are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, the above embodiments and variations can be combined as appropriate without substantially changing the content of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1:Liquid mixer 2: Mixing chamber (liquid mixing section) 3: Housing 4: First conduit section (first inlet) 5:Second conduit section (second inlet) 6: Third conduit section (outlet) 7:Static mixer 7f: Tip (one end) 7r: Rear end (the other end) 100: Drug injection system 105: Flexible tube (mixture injection channel) 201: First syringe (first container) 202: Second syringe (second container) 210: Head 300: Mixing tube 301: First tube 302: Second tube 303: Third tube (pipe) 303a: End face 307:Flow rate adjustment mechanism 401: 1st container 402:Second container 403: Contrast agent (first liquid) 404: Physiological saline (second liquid) α1, α2: Angle CL: Central axis D: Flow direction

Claims

1. A liquid mixer for mixing liquids, Housing and A first inlet for the first liquid to flow in, A second inlet for a second liquid having a different viscosity from the first liquid to flow into, A liquid mixing unit for mixing the first liquid and the second liquid, It comprises an outlet from which a mixed liquid of the first liquid and the second liquid flows out, The liquid mixing unit is composed of the housing and a stationary mixer located inside the housing. The first inlet and the second inlet are connected to the housing upstream of the liquid mixing section at a predetermined angle with respect to the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the liquid mixing section, A liquid mixer characterized in that the outlet is connected to the housing downstream of the liquid mixing section along the central axis.

2. The liquid mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid mixer has a substantially Y-shape.

3. The liquid mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle is within the range of approximately 0 degrees to 45 degrees.

4. The liquid mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that the static mixer is a static mixer.

5. One end of the stationary mixer is a protrusion that extends in the opposite direction to the liquid flow direction, The other end of the stationary mixer is a notch cut out in the opposite direction to the flow direction, The liquid mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that the protrusion fits into the housing and the notch guides the mixed liquid to the outlet.

6. The aforementioned notch has two angular portions that extend in the flow direction, A flexible pipe is fitted into the outlet. The liquid mixer according to claim 5, characterized in that one end face of the pipe abuts against the angular portion of the notch, and the stationary mixer is fixed inside the housing.

7. The liquid mixer according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid mixer is made of a transparent resin material.

8. A first tube connected to the first inlet, A second tube connected to the second inlet, A third tube connected to the outlet, A mixing tube comprising a liquid mixer according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The second tube is provided with a flow rate adjustment mechanism. The mixing tube according to claim 8, characterized in that the flow rate adjustment mechanism adjusts the flow rate of the second liquid flowing into the second inlet by adjusting the opening area of ​​the second tube.

10. The mixing tube according to claim 9, characterized in that the first liquid is a contrast agent and the second liquid is physiological saline.

11. The mixing tube according to claim 8, characterized in that the liquid mixer and the first to third tubes are made of a transparent resin material.

12. The mixing tube according to claim 8, characterized in that the liquid mixer and the first to third tubes are disposable.

13. A first container for containing the first liquid, A second container for containing the second liquid, A liquid mixer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first container and the first inlet are connected via a first tube, the second container and the second inlet are connected via a second tube, and the outlet and the mixed liquid injection path for injecting a drug solution into a patient are connected via a third tube, and the first liquid and the second liquid are mixed, The head on which the first container and the second container are attached, A controller connected to the head, A drug injection system characterized by having the following features.

14. The first container and the second container are, respectively, a first syringe and a second syringe. The first syringe and the second syringe are each driven by a presser, The drug injection system according to claim 13, characterized in that the presser is a flow rate adjustment mechanism for adjusting the flow rates of the first liquid and the second liquid.

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