Syringe system, and method for using syringe system

Abstract

Provided is a syringe system having improved safety. The syringe system comprises a first syringe, a first needle guide, and a first holder. The first syringe includes a first needle. The first needle guide has a first hole inside which the first needle is positioned, and which is shorter than the first needle in a longitudinal direction. The first holder secures the first syringe and the first needle guide with a specific spacing. The specific spacing is greater than a difference between a length of the first needle and a length of the first hole.

Description

Syringe system and method of using the syringe system

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to syringe systems and methods of using syringe systems.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a device for fractionating blood (a platelet-rich plasma collection device).

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-161437

[0004] A syringe system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first syringe, a first needle guide, and a first holder. The first syringe has a first needle. The first needle guide has a first hole in which the first needle is located and whose length in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the length of the first needle. The first holder fixes the first syringe and the first needle guide at a specific distance. The specific distance is longer than the difference between the length of the first needle and the length of the first hole.

[0005] A method of using the syringe system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes inserting the first needle guide into a second syringe barrel while the first holder secures the first syringe and the first needle guide at a specific distance, releasing the first syringe and the first needle guide from the first holder while the first needle guide is positioned inside the second syringe barrel, and shortening the distance between the first syringe and the first needle guide to less than the specific distance while the first syringe and the first needle guide are no longer secured to the first holder. The specific distance is greater than the difference between the length of the first hole in the first needle guide and the length of the first needle of the first syringe, and the longitudinal length of the first needle is greater than the longitudinal length of the first hole.

[0006] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a process flow for producing PRP from blood using the syringe system 100. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the syringe system 100 taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the syringe system 100 in a state in which the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 have been moved perpendicular to the longitudinal direction from FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is a front view of the first holder 30 in three directions. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a process flow for producing PRP from blood using the syringe system 100. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the syringe system 100 taken along line A-A in FIG. 11. 13. An overall view of a syringe system 400. A cross-sectional view of the syringe system 400 taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 13. An overall view of a syringe system 500. A cross-sectional view of the syringe system 500 taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 15. A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a syringe system 600. A diagram showing an example of the latter half of the processing flow for producing PRP from blood using the syringe system 600.

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0008] First Embodiment A syringe system 100 according to a first embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The syringe system 100 separates a specific component from multiple components with different specific gravities in a liquid sample. In the following description, the syringe system 100 is used, as an example, to separate platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from blood as a liquid sample by centrifugation. However, the syringe system 100 is not limited to this example, and can also be used to prepare samples using multiple syringes. For example, an operator can extract a specific component from an aqueous solution sample using an organic solvent and then use the syringe system 100 to separate only the specific phase.

[0009] The configuration of the syringe system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an overall view of the syringe system 100. FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the syringe system 100. By using the syringe system 100, an operator can fractionate a liquid by storing a liquid stored in another syringe or the like in the syringe system 100. For example, only a specific layer of a liquid stored in another syringe after centrifugation can be stored in the syringe system 100. Components of the syringe system 100 that use a plastic material can be formed by injection molding, extrusion molding, or compression molding.

[0010] The syringe system 100 includes a first syringe 10, a first needle guide 20, and a first holder 30. The first syringe 10 has a first needle 11. The first needle guide 20 has a first hole 21 in which the first needle is located and which is shorter than the length of the first needle in the longitudinal direction. The first holder 30 fixes the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 at a specific distance L. The specific distance L is longer than the difference between the length L1 of the first needle 11 and the length L2 of the first hole 21.

[0011] 5 and 6, the syringe system 100 may further include a second syringe 40. The second syringe 40 has a second needle 41 and a second sealing 45.

[0012] The first syringe 10 is capable of storing a liquid. The first syringe 10 is capable of storing a predetermined component among the multiple components fractionated in the second syringe 40. The first syringe 10 has a first needle 11 extending in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction is approximately the height direction of the cylindrical shape of the first syringe 10, and corresponds to the direction in which line A-A in FIG. 1 extends. The first syringe 10 may have a first syringe barrel 12 connected to the first needle 11, a first gasket 13 positionable within the first syringe barrel 12, and a first plunger 14.

[0013] The first needle 11 can transfer the liquid stored in the second syringe 40 to the first syringe 10. The first needle 11 may be detachable from the first syringe cylinder 12. The first needle 11 has a cylindrical shape. The first needle may be formed so that a portion thereof forms an acute angle or an obtuse angle. For example, the material of the first needle 11 may be a metal material such as iron or stainless steel. For example, the connection portion of the first needle 11 with the first syringe cylinder 12 may be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polycarbonate, or the like.

[0014] The first syringe cylinder 12 stores therein the liquid that has moved through the first needle 11. The first syringe cylinder 12 can also function as a handle when an operator operates the first syringe 10. The first syringe cylinder 12 has a cylindrical region. The first syringe cylinder 12 can store liquid in the space inside the cylindrical region. The first syringe cylinder 12 may have a convex region protruding from one surface of the cylindrical region. The space inside the convex region is connected to the space inside the cylindrical region. The space inside the convex region is connected to the space inside the first needle 11. The convex region of the first syringe cylinder 12 and the first needle 11 may be detachable. For example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, or the like can be used as the material for each component of the first syringe cylinder 12.

[0015] The first gasket 13 is located within the first syringe barrel 12 and moves back and forth within the first syringe barrel 12. For example, the first gasket 13 may be moved back and forth by an operator via the first plunger 14. By moving back and forth within the first syringe barrel 12, the first gasket 13 can introduce liquid into the first syringe barrel 12 via the first needle 11 and discharge the liquid from the first syringe barrel 12. The first gasket 13 may have a recessed region to which the first plunger 14 can be attached. For example, the first gasket 13 can be made of natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile rubber, butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, isoprene rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, or the like.

[0016] First plunger 14 is a rod-shaped member. By operating first plunger 14, an operator can introduce liquid into first syringe cylinder 12 and discharge liquid out of first syringe cylinder 12. By operating first plunger 14, first gasket 13 is moved back and forth, and liquid can be introduced into first syringe cylinder 12 via first needle 11 and discharged out of first syringe cylinder 12.

[0017] The first plunger 14 is attached to the first gasket 13. The first plunger 14 and the first gasket 13 are detachable. When the first plunger 14 and the first gasket 13 are detachable, the tip of the first plunger 14 may have, for example, a structure that can engage with a hole in the first gasket 13 or a screw structure. When the tip of the first plunger 14 has a screw structure, the hole in the first gasket 13 has a screw hole structure. For example, the first plunger 14 can be made of polycarbonate, polypropylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, or the like.

[0018] The syringe system 100 may include a first sealing 15 that can be attached to the port portion of the first syringe barrel 12 after the first needle 11 is removed from the first syringe 10. For example, when the first syringe barrel 12 is used as a centrifugation container, the first sealing 15 is attached to a convex region of the first syringe barrel 12. The first syringe 10 can function as a centrifugation container by attaching the first sealing 15 to the port portion of the first syringe barrel 12. By using the first sealing 15, an operator can centrifuge a liquid while the liquid is contained in the first syringe barrel 12. For example, the first sealing 15 can be made of natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile rubber, butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, isoprene rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, or fluororubber.

[0019] The first needle guide 20 can accommodate the first needle 11 therein. The first needle guide 20 may function as a guide for moving the first needle 11 when the first syringe 10 is operated. The first needle guide 20 is located at a position a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction from the first syringe 10. The first needle guide 20 is located on the first needle 11 side of the first syringe cylinder 12 in the longitudinal direction.

[0020] The first needle guide 20 has a first hole 21 penetrating the first needle guide 20 in the longitudinal direction. The first needle guide 20 is located at the end on the first syringe 10 side and has a first plate 22 extending from its outer surface. The first needle guide 20 is located a predetermined distance longitudinally from the first plate 22 and has a second plate 23 extending from its outer surface. The cross section of the first needle guide 20 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction may be circular, rectangular, or cross-shaped. In this embodiment, the cross section of the first needle guide 20 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is circular. For example, the first needle guide 20 can be made of polycarbonate, polypropylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, or the like.

[0021] The first hole 21 is capable of accommodating the first needle 11 therein. The first hole 21 accommodates the first needle 11 therein. The longitudinal length of the first hole 21 is longer than the longitudinal length of the first needle 11. The diameter of the first hole 21 is larger than the diameter of the first needle 11. The diameter of the first hole 21 is smaller than the diameter of the first syringe cylinder 12. The first hole 21 penetrates the first needle guide 20. The first hole 21 may be located at the center of a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first needle guide 20. The first hole 21 has a first open end 24 located on the first syringe 10 side and a second open end 25 located on the opposite side of the first open end 24. The sizes of the first open end 24 and the second open end 25 may be the same or different. The first hole 21 is cylindrical. In the present embodiment, the first hole 21 has a cylindrical shape. The first open end 24 and the second open end 25 are circular.

[0022] The first plate 22 and the second plate 23 can function as handles when the operator operates the first needle guide 20. In particular, the first plate 22 may function as a handle when the operator simultaneously operates the first syringe and the first needle guide 20. The first plate 22 and the second plate 23 may be plate-shaped. Furthermore, the second plate 23 is not necessarily required.

[0023] The first holder 30 fixes the distance between the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 at a specific distance L. FIG. 3 shows the longitudinal positional relationship of the first holder 30, the first syringe 10, and the first needle guide 20, and the lengths of each part. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 have been moved perpendicular to the longitudinal direction from the states shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The specific distance L is equal to or greater than the difference (L1-L2) between the length L1 of the first needle 11 and the length L2 of the first hole 21, and is equal to or less than the length L1 of the first needle 11. The specific distance L is a length that satisfies the relationship "L1≧L≧(L1-L2)." Here, the distance between the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 refers to the distance between (i) the end of the first syringe barrel 12 on the first needle guide 20 side and (ii) the end of the first needle guide 20 on the first syringe 10 side in the longitudinal direction of the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20. In this embodiment, the first holder 30 fixes the first needle 11. Fixing the first needle 11 by the first holder 30 reduces the risk of the first needle 11 being exposed from the second open end 25 of the first hole 21. The first holder 30 may function as a handle when an operator operates the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4 , the first holder 30 has a first portion 31, a second portion 32 located on the first needle guide 20 side of the first portion 31, and a base 33 located between the first portion 31 and the second portion 32. A length L3 between the longitudinal end of the first portion 31 on the first needle guide 20 side and the longitudinal end of the second portion 32 on the first syringe 10 side is longer than the specific distance L. With this configuration, the first holder 30 can fix the distance between the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 to the specific distance L. As shown in FIG. 4 , the first holder 30 has a recess 34 formed by the first portion 31, the second portion 32, and the base 33. For example, the first holder 30 can be made of polycarbonate, polypropylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, or the like.

[0025] The first portion 31 secures the first needle guide 20. The first portion 31 is located between the first plate 22 and the second plate 23 of the first needle guide 20. The first portion 31 has an arc shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This configuration of the first portion 31 makes it easier for the operator to release the first holder 30 from its fixed position. The shape of the first portions 431A, 431B in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is not limited to an arc, and may be L-shaped or U-shaped. The central angle of the arc in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first portion 31 is 180° or more and 360° or less. The inner diameter of the first portion 31 is equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the first needle guide 20. This configuration of the first portion 31 enables the first needle guide 20 to be firmly secured.

[0026] The first portion 31 has a first opening 35 consisting of two arc-shaped ends. The width of the first opening 35 is equal to or less than the inner diameter of the first portion 31. This configuration of the first opening 35 reduces the risk of the first needle guide 20 being released from the first holder 30. The inner surface of the first portion 31 abuts against the first needle guide 20. The inner surface of the first portion 31 may be shaped to fit the outer surface of the first needle guide 20.

[0027] The second part 32 fixes the first syringe 10. The second part 32 fixes the first needle 11 of the first syringe 10. The second part 32 is located between the first syringe barrel 12 and the first needle guide 20. The length L4 of the second part 32 in the longitudinal direction is equal to or greater than the specific distance L.

[0028] The second portion 32 has an arc shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This configuration of the second portion 32 makes it easier for the operator to release the second portion 32 from the first holder 30. The central angle of the arc in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second portion 32 is 180° or greater and 360° or less. The inner diameter of the second portion 32 is equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the first syringe 10. This configuration of the second portion 32 allows the inside of the second portion 32 to press against the first syringe 10, thereby firmly fixing the first syringe 10. The inner diameter of the second portion 32 is equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the first syringe barrel 12 and the outer diameter of the first needle guide 20. This configuration of the second portion 32 can inhibit the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 from moving closer together.

[0029] The second portion 32 has a second opening 36 consisting of two arc-shaped ends. The width of the second opening 36 is equal to or less than the inner diameter of the second portion 32. This configuration of the second opening 36 reduces the risk of the first syringe 10 being released from the first holder 30. The inner surface of the second portion 32 abuts against the first syringe 10. The inner surface of the second portion 32 may have a shape that follows the outer surface of the first syringe 10.

[0030] The base 33 connects the first portion 31 and the second portion 32. The base 33 may function as a handle when an operator operates the first holder 30. The base 33 may be formed integrally with the first portion 31 and the second portion 32. The base 33 is plate-shaped. The base 33 may also be rod-shaped.

[0031] The recess 34 includes a space located between the first portion 31 and the second portion 32. The first plate 22 can be located inside the recess 34. By having the first plate 22 located inside the recess 34, the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 can inhibit movement of the first needle guide 20 when the first needle guide 20 attempts to move in the longitudinal direction. The syringe system 100 has the recess 34, thereby improving safety when an operator operates the syringe system 100.

[0032] Here, if the syringe system does not have a first holder, the first syringe and the first needle guide are provided in an unassembled state. The first syringe is provided with a cap attached to the first needle. To assemble the first syringe and the first needle guide, the operator must remove the cap from the first needle and then assemble the first syringe and the first needle guide themselves. This reduces the safety of the operator when operating the syringe system. In particular, there is a risk that the first needle may accidentally prick the operator's hand or finger when removing the cap from the first needle and assembling the first syringe and the first needle guide. On the other hand, even if the first syringe and the first needle guide are provided in an assembled state to solve the above problem, there is a risk that the first needle may be exposed from the second open end of the first needle guide.

[0033] In contrast, as described above, the syringe system 100 has the first holder 30 that fixes the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 at a specific distance L. The specific distance L is equal to or greater than the difference (L1-L2) between the length L1 of the first needle 11 and the length L2 of the first hole 21. This reduces the risk that the first needle 11, which is longer than the first hole 21, will be exposed from the second open end 25 of the first hole 21, improving safety when the operator operates the syringe system 100.

[0034] Furthermore, in syringe system 100, specific distance L is equal to or less than length L1 of first needle 11. This reduces the risk of the first needle being exposed from first open end 24 of first hole 21, improving safety when an operator operates syringe system 100.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the syringe system 100 may further include a second syringe 40. The second syringe 40 can store a liquid sample. The second syringe 40 can fractionate multiple components with different specific gravities in the liquid sample by centrifugation or the like. The second syringe 40 has a second syringe barrel 42. The second syringe 40 may have a second needle 41 that is detachable from the second syringe barrel 42, a second gasket 43 that is positionable within the second syringe barrel 42, a second plunger 44, and a second sealing 45.

[0036] The second syringe barrel 42 stores the liquid that has moved through the second needle 41. The first needle guide 20 can be positioned inside the second syringe barrel 42. The second syringe barrel 42 may have the same structure as the first syringe barrel 12. The second needle 41 may have the same structure and function as the first needle 11. The second gasket 43 may have the same structure and function as the first gasket 13. The second plunger 44 may have the same structure and function as the first plunger 14. The second sealing 45 may have the same structure and function as the first sealing 15.

[0037] 7, a process for preparing PRP will be described as an example of a fractionation operation of a liquid sample using syringe system 100. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a flow for preparing PRP from blood using syringe system 100 shown in Figs.

[0038] Blood Sampling Step <1a> The operator uses second syringe 40 to collect blood from a patient. The operator removes second needle 41 from second syringe barrel 42 and attaches second sealing 45. The operator removes second plunger 44 from second gasket 43. <1a> shows a state in which the collected blood is stored in second syringe 40 and second sealing 45 is attached to second syringe barrel 42.

[0039] First Centrifugation Process Step <2a> The operator uses the second syringe 40 as a centrifugation container and performs centrifugation using centrifugal force directed from the second gasket 43 side to the second sealing 45 side. The conditions for the centrifugation process can be set by the operator depending on the environment in which the syringe system 100 is used, but may be, for example, a centrifugal acceleration of 600 × g and a processing time of 7 minutes. The liquid in the second syringe barrel 42 is fractionated into a heavy layer P1 containing red blood cells and a light layer P2 containing more platelets than layer P1. <2a> shows the state of the second syringe 40 and the liquid in the second syringe 40 after the centrifugation process.

[0040] First assembly step <3a> With the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 fixed by the first holder 30, the operator inserts the first needle guide 20 into the second syringe barrel 42. The operator attaches the first needle guide 20 to the second gasket 43. <3a> shows the syringe system 100 in a state where the first needle guide 20 is attached to the second gasket 43.

[0041] First release step <4a> The operator removes the first holder 30 from the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20. By removing the first holder 30 from the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20, the first syringe 10 becomes movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the first needle guide 20. <4a> shows a state in which the first holder 30 of the syringe system 100 has been removed from the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20.

[0042] First Insertion Step <5a> The operator moves the first syringe 10 so as to shorten the longitudinal distance between the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20. In the syringe system 100, the length L1 of the first needle 11 is set so that when the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 are brought into contact with each other, the end of the first needle 11 penetrates the bottom of the second gasket 43 and is exposed at layer P2. <5a> shows the syringe system 100 in a state where the first holder 30 has been removed and the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 are in contact with each other.

[0043] First extraction step <6a> The operator moves the first plunger 14 in a direction to pull it out of the first syringe cylinder 12. Alternatively, the operator presses the first syringe cylinder 12 downward toward the second syringe relative to the first plunger 14. As a result, the first gasket 13 moves, and layer P2 is accommodated in the first syringe 10. By this operation, the operator can separate layer P2 fractionated from the blood into the first syringe 10. <6a> shows the state in which layer P2 has been separated into the first syringe 10.

[0044] First Separation Step <7a> In <6a>, the operator removes the first needle 11 from the first syringe barrel 12. This allows the operator to use the first syringe 10 containing layer P2 for subsequent operations without pulling it out of the first needle guide 20. For example, by attaching a first sealing 15 to the tip of the first syringe 10, the operator can perform a centrifugation process using centrifugal force directed from the first gasket 13 side to the first sealing 15 side, using the first syringe 10 as a centrifugation container, for further fractionation of layer P2. <7a> shows the state in which the first needle 11 has been removed from the first syringe barrel 12.

[0045] The above-mentioned fractionation operation is a method of using a syringe system in which, while the first holder 30 fixes the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 at a specific distance L, the first needle guide 20 is inserted into the second syringe barrel 42, and while the first needle guide 20 is positioned inside the second syringe barrel 42, the fixation by the first holder 30 from the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 is released, and while the fixation by the first holder 30 from the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 is released, the distance between the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 is made shorter than the specific distance L. Furthermore, in the syringe system 100, the specific interval L is greater than or equal to the difference between the length L1 of the first needle 11 of the first syringe 10 and the length L2 of the first hole 21 of the first needle guide 20, and the longitudinal length L1 of the first needle 11 is longer than the longitudinal length L2 of the first hole 21.

[0046] In the above-described method of use, the first assembly step described above is an example of a step of inserting the first needle guide 20 into the second syringe cylinder 42 in a state in which the first holder 30 fixes the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 at the specific distance L. The first release step described above is an example of a step of releasing the fixation of the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 by the first holder 30 in a state in which the first needle guide 20 is positioned inside the second syringe cylinder 42. The first insertion step described above is an example of a step of making the distance between the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 shorter than the specific distance L in a state in which the fixation of the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 by the first holder 30 is released.

[0047] By using the above-described method of use, the operator can operate syringe system 100 without exposing first needle 11 to the outside, thereby improving the safety of the operator when using syringe system 100. For example, by using the above-described method of use, the operator can prepare PRP from blood without exposing first needle 11 to the outside.

[0048] A syringe system 200 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 8 is an overall view of the syringe system 200. Fig. 9 shows the internal structure of the syringe system 200.

[0049] For convenience of explanation, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Even if components corresponding to (similar to) components of the previously described embodiments are denoted by reference numerals different from those of the previously described embodiments, unless otherwise specified, the components are the same as or similar to those of the previously described embodiments.

[0050] Syringe system 200 differs from syringe system 100 in the structure and function of first holder 230. First holder 230 fixes first syringe barrel 12 of first syringe 10 and first needle guide 20. By having this configuration, first holder 230 can stabilize first syringe 10 when an operator operates syringe system 200.

[0051] With the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 fixed, the first holder 230 can shorten the distance between the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 from a specific distance L. Furthermore, when the distance between the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 is shorter than the specific distance L, the first holder 230 can apply a force to the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 in a direction that increases the distance between them.

[0052] The second part 232 secures the first syringe barrel 12. The second part 232 secures a convex region protruding from one surface of the cylindrical region of the first syringe barrel 12. When the second part 232 secures the convex region of the first syringe barrel 12, the second part 232 comes into contact with the bottom of the first syringe barrel 12 when the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 move toward each other. Therefore, by having this configuration, the first holder 230 can reduce the risk of the first needle 11 being exposed. The second part 232 may secure the cylindrical portion of the first syringe barrel 12. When the second part 232 secures the cylindrical portion of the first syringe barrel 12, wobbling of the first syringe 10 when the operator operates the syringe system 200 can be further reduced.

[0053] The base 233 is extendable in the longitudinal direction. The base 233 can elastically apply a force to the first portion 231 and the second portion 232 in the longitudinal direction. This configuration of the syringe system 200 reduces the risk of the operator unintentionally exposing the first needle 11, and allows the syringe system 200 to be used for fractionation operations without releasing the first holder 230. This reduces the operator's effort and reduces the risk of injury caused by the first needle 11 when the operator releases the first holder 230. In particular, when the distance between the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 is shorter than the specific distance L, the base 233 may apply a force to the first portion 231 and the second portion 232 in the longitudinal direction to increase the distance between them. When the distance between the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 is shorter than the specific distance L, the base 233 may apply a force to the first part 231 and the second part 232 in a direction that brings the distance between the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 closer to the specific distance L. The base 233 may be formed of a coil spring, a leaf spring, or the like.

[0054] Hereinafter, a process for preparing PRP will be described with reference to FIG. 10 as an example of a fractionation operation of a liquid sample using syringe system 200. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a flow for preparing PRP from blood using syringe system 200 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Blood collection step <1b> to first assembly step <3b> are the same as or similar to steps <1a> to <3a> in syringe system 100, and therefore their description will be omitted. First extraction step <5b> is the same as or similar to first extraction step <6a> in syringe system 100, except for the fact that first holder 230 is attached, and therefore its description will be omitted.

[0055] First Insertion Step <4b> The operator moves the first syringe 10 so as to shorten the longitudinal distance between the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20, while the first holder 230 holds the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 in a fixed state. <4b> shows a state in which the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 are in contact with the first holder 230 of the syringe system 200.

[0056] First separation step <6b> The operator returns the distance between the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 to the specific distance L while keeping the first holder 230 fixing the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20. <6b> shows the state after the distance between the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20 has been returned to the specific distance L.

[0057] After the first separation step <6b>, the operator can remove the first holder 230 from the first syringe 10 and the first needle guide 20, and use the first syringe 10 containing the layer P2 for a subsequent operation. For example, the operator can use the first syringe 10 to administer the layer P2 to a subject. The operator may also replace the first needle 11 with another needle before administering the layer P2. When discarding the layer P2, the operator can discard the layer P2 without removing the first needle guide 20 from the first syringe 10 after the first separation step <6b>. This operation allows the first syringe 10 to be discarded without exposing the first needle 11, thereby improving the safety of the operator when using the syringe system 200.

[0058] A syringe system 300 according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. Fig. 11 is an overall view of the syringe system 300. Fig. 12 shows the internal structure of the syringe system 300.

[0059] For convenience of explanation, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Even if components corresponding to (similar to) components of the previously described embodiments are denoted by reference numerals different from those of the previously described embodiments, unless otherwise specified, the components are the same as or similar to those of the previously described embodiments.

[0060] Syringe system 300 differs from syringe system 100 in the structure and function of first holder 330. First holder 330 secures first syringe barrel 12 of first syringe 10, as well as first needle 11 and first needle guide 320. By having this configuration, first holder 230 can reduce wobbling of first syringe 10 when an operator operates syringe system 300, and can also strengthen fixation by first holder 330.

[0061] The second portion 332 of the first holder 330 secures the first needle 11. The first holder 330 has a third portion 337 that secures the first syringe cylinder 12. The third portion 337 has an arc shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The central angle of the arc in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the third portion 337 is 180° or more and 360° or less. The inner diameter of the third portion 337 is equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the first syringe cylinder 12.

[0062] Third portion 337 has third opening 338 made up of two arc-shaped ends. The width of third opening 338 is equal to or less than the inner diameter of third portion 337. The inner surface of third portion 337 abuts against first syringe barrel 12. The inner surface of third portion 337 may have a shape that follows the outer surface of first syringe barrel 12.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 11 , the first holder 330 has a grip portion 339 that can be gripped by an operator. The grip portion 339 extends from a base portion 333 of the first holder 330. The grip portion 339 may extend from a portion other than the base portion 333 of the first holder 330. The grip portion 339 extends from the base portion 333 on the opposite side of the first syringe 10. The grip portion 339 may be detachable from the base portion 333. The first holder 330 may have a plurality of grip portions 339. With this configuration, the syringe system 300 can be released from fixation by the first holder 30 by gripping the grip portion 339. With this configuration, the syringe system 300 improves operability when the operator uses the syringe system 300.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 12 , the inner surface of the first portion 331 is a contact surface with the first needle guide 320. The inner surface of the first portion 331 has a first protrusion 331A that abuts against the outer surface of the first needle guide 320. The first protrusion 331A may be located only on a portion of the inner surface of the first portion 331. The first protrusion 331A may be located along the inner circumferential surface of the first portion 331. The first protrusion 331A may be located parallel to the end of the first portion 331 on the first syringe 310 side. The first needle guide 320 has a first recess 320B that can engage with the first protrusion 331A. This configuration of the syringe system 300 enables the first holder 330 and the first needle guide 320 to be firmly fixed together. The first needle guide 20 may have a first convex portion 331A, and the first portion 331 may have a first concave portion 320B.

[0065] The inner surface of second portion 332 or the inner surface of third portion 337 has second convex portion 332B or third convex portion 337A, which is the same as or similar to first portion 331. First needle 311 or first syringe cylinder 312 may have second recess 311B or third recess 312B, which is the same as or similar to first needle guide 320. By having this configuration, syringe system 300 can firmly fix first holder 330 and first syringe 310.

[0066] A syringe system 400 according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. Fig. 13 is an overall view of the syringe system 400. Fig. 14 shows the internal structure of the syringe system 400.

[0067] For convenience of explanation, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Even if components corresponding to (similar to) components of the previously described embodiments are denoted by reference numerals different from those of the previously described embodiments, unless otherwise specified, the components are the same as or similar to those of the previously described embodiments.

[0068] The syringe system 400 differs from the syringe system 100 in the structure and function of the first holder 430. The syringe system 400 has a first member 430A and a second member 430B as the first holder 430. The first member 430A and the second member 430B each have first portions 431A and 431B, second portions 432A and 432B, and bases 433A and 433B. The first portions 431A and 431B can fit together. The second portions 432A and 432B can fit together. This configuration of the syringe system 300 allows for stronger fixation by the first holder 430. This configuration of the syringe system 400 makes it easier for the operator to release the fixation by the first holder 430.

[0069] The first portions 431A and 431B can be fitted together at their respective ends. The first portion 431A has a convex shape at its end. The first portion 431B has a concave shape at its end. The convex shape of the first portion 431A and the concave shape of the first portion 431B can be fitted together. The ends of the first portions 431A and 431B are not limited to being convex and concave, and may have, for example, a structure in which a claw interlocks with a hole, or a structure in which holes are formed and fastened with screws or the like. The central angle of the arc of the first portions 431A and 431B in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is 180°. The central angle of the arc of the first portions 431A and 431B in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is not limited to 180°. For example, the central angle of the first portion 431A may be 270° and the central angle of the first portion 431B may be 90°.

[0070] The second portions 432A and 432B have the same structure and function as the first portions 431A and 431B, respectively. The structure of the second portions 432A and 432B may differ from the structure of the first portions 431A and 431B. For example, only the second portions 432A and 432B may be interlocked with each other. Alternatively, the second portions 432A and 432B may not be interlocked with each other, and only the first portions 431A and 431B may be interlocked with each other.

[0071] A syringe system 500 according to the fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 15 and Fig. 16. Fig. 15 is an overall view of the syringe system 500. Fig. 16 shows the internal structure of the syringe system 500.

[0072] For convenience of explanation, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Even if components corresponding to (similar to) components of the previously described embodiments are denoted by reference numerals different from those of the previously described embodiments, unless otherwise specified, the components are the same as or similar to those of the previously described embodiments.

[0073] The syringe system 500 differs from the syringe system 100 in that it includes a cap 50 and a connecting member 60. The cap 50 can cover the second open end 25 of the first needle guide 20. The cap 50 is detachable from the first needle guide 20. By including the cap 50, the syringe system 500 reduces the risk of the end of the first needle 11 being exposed from the first hole 21, improving safety when an operator operates the syringe system 500. By including the cap 50, the syringe system 500 can reduce the risk of the end of the first needle 11 being exposed from the second open end 25 of the first hole 21, for example, even if fixation by the first holder 30 is unintentionally released.

[0074] The cap 50 has a protrusion 51 that extends from the second open end 25 and is received inside the first hole 21. For example, the cap 50 can be made of a material such as butyl rubber, urethane rubber, fluororubber, silicone rubber, butadiene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, or acrylic rubber. Using such a material for the cap 50 makes the cap 50 stretchable, thereby reducing the risk of the cap 50 coming off when the first needle 11 attempts to move toward the second open end 25. Therefore, using such a material for the cap 50 improves safety when the operator operates the syringe system 500.

[0075] The protrusion 51 is accommodated inside the first hole 21 from the second open end 25 and can fill a portion of the first hole 21. When the first needle 11 moves toward the second open end 25, the protrusion 51 comes into contact with the first needle 11. When the first needle 11 moves toward the second open end 25 while in contact with the protrusion 51, the protrusion 51 may be deformable. Furthermore, when the first needle 11 moves toward the second open end 25 while in contact with the protrusion 51, the protrusion 51 may be able to apply force to the first needle 11 toward the first open end 24. By including the protrusion 51, the cap 50 can reduce the risk of the first needle 11 coming off the first needle guide 20 as the first needle 11 moves toward the second open end 25. By including the protrusion 51, the cap 50 can reduce the risk of the first needle 11 penetrating the cap 50 as the first needle 11 moves toward the second open end 25. Therefore, by providing the protrusion 51 on the cap 50 , safety is improved when an operator operates the syringe system 500 .

[0076] The connecting member 60 connects the first holder 30 and the cap 50. The connecting member 60 is connected to the base 33 of the first holder 30. The connecting member 60 is connected to the cap 50. The connecting member 60 may be detachable from the first holder 30 or the cap 50. The connecting member 60 may be stretchable. For example, the connecting member 60 may be made of a material such as silicone rubber or natural rubber. By including the connecting member 60, the syringe system 500 can reduce the risk of an operator losing the first holder 30 or the cap 50 when operating the syringe system 500. For example, the operator needs to remove the first holder 30 or the cap 50 from the first syringe 10 or the first needle guide 20 during a liquid sample fractionation operation using the syringe system 500.

[0077] A syringe system 600 according to the sixth embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 17 and Fig. 18. Fig. 17 shows an example of the configuration of the syringe system 600. Fig. 18 shows an example of a fractionation operation of a liquid sample using the syringe system 600.

[0078] For convenience of explanation, components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Even if components corresponding to (similar to) components of the previously described embodiments are denoted by reference numerals different from those of the previously described embodiments, unless otherwise specified, the components are the same as or similar to those of the previously described embodiments.

[0079] Syringe system 600 differs from syringe system 100 in that it includes a third syringe 70, a second needle guide 80, and a second holder 90. The third syringe 70 has the same structure and function as the first syringe 10. The second needle guide 80 has the same structure and function as the first needle guide 20. The second holder 90 has the same structure and function as the first holder 230. The second holder 90 may have the same structure and function as the first holders 30, 330, and 430.

[0080] 18, a process for preparing PRP will be described below as an example of a fractionation operation of a liquid sample using the syringe system 600. The blood collection step <1c> to the first separation step <7c> are the same as or similar to the blood collection step <1a> to the first separation step <7a> in the syringe system 100, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] First attachment step <8c> The operator attaches the first sealing 15 to the first syringe 10 in which the layer P2 is stored. The operator removes the first plunger 14 from the first gasket 13. <8c> shows a state in which the collected layer P2 is stored in the first syringe 10 and the first sealing 15 is attached to the first syringe barrel 12.

[0082] Second Centrifugation Step <9c> The operator uses the first syringe 10 as a centrifugation container and performs a centrifugation process utilizing centrifugal force directed from the first gasket 13 side to the first sealing 15 side. The conditions for the centrifugation process can be set by the operator depending on the environment in which the syringe system 100 is used, but may be, for example, a centrifugal acceleration of 2000 × g and a processing time of 5 minutes. The liquid in the first syringe barrel 12 is fractionated into a layer P3 containing a higher platelet concentration than layer P2, and a layer P4 containing a lower platelet concentration than layer P2. <9c> shows the state of the first syringe 10 and the liquid in the first syringe 10 after the centrifugation process.

[0083] Second assembly step <10c> With the third syringe 70 and the second needle guide 80 fixed by the second holder 90, the operator inserts the second needle guide 80 into the first syringe barrel 12. The operator attaches the second needle guide 80 to the first gasket 13. <10c> shows the syringe system 600 in a state where the second needle guide 80 is attached to the first gasket 13.

[0084] Second Insertion Step <11c> to Second Separation Step <13c> The second insertion step <11c> to second separation step <13c> are the same as or similar to the first insertion step <4b> to first separation step <6b> in the syringe system 200, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. The first syringe 10 in the syringe system 600 corresponds to the syringe that stores the patient's blood and undergoes centrifugation processing in the blood fractionation operation using the syringe system 200 (see FIG. 10 ). The third syringe 70 in the syringe system 600 corresponds to the first syringe 10 in the syringe system 200. The second needle guide 80 in the syringe system 600 corresponds to the first needle guide 20 in the syringe system 200. The second holder 90 in the syringe system 600 corresponds to the first holder 230 in the syringe system 200. The layer P4 in the second insertion step <11c> to the second separation step <13c> corresponds to the layer P2 in the first insertion step <4b> to the first separation step <6b>.

[0085] First Disassembly Step <14c> The operator removes the second needle guide 80 from the second gasket 43 while the third syringe 70 and the second needle guide 80 are fixed to the second holder 90. Layer P3 is contained in the first syringe 10, and layer P4 is contained in the third syringe 70. <14c> shows the state after the second needle guide 80 has been removed from the first gasket 13.

[0086] The operator can perform a wider variety of fractionation operations on liquid samples by using the syringe system 600. For example, in the production of PRP using the syringe system 600 described above, it is possible to obtain a layer P3 in which platelets are further concentrated from the layer P2 separated in the blood collection step <1c> to the first separation step <7c>.

[0087] The invention according to the present disclosure has been described above based on the drawings and examples. However, the invention according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. In other words, the invention according to the present disclosure can be modified in various ways within the scope of the present disclosure, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the invention according to the present disclosure. In other words, it should be noted that a person skilled in the art could easily make various modifications or corrections based on the present disclosure. It should also be noted that these modifications or corrections are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0088] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 Syringe system 10, 310 First syringe 11, 311 First needle 311B Second recess 12, 312 First syringe barrel 312B Third recess 13 First gasket 14 First plunger 15 First sealing 20, 320 First needle guide 320B First recess 21 First hole 22 First plate 23 Second plate 24 First open end 25 Second open end 30, 230, 330, 430 First holder 430A First member 430B Second member 31, 231, 331, 431A, 431B First part 331A First protrusion 32, 232, 332, 432A, 432B Second part 332B Second convex portion 33, 233, 333, 433A, 433B Base portion 34 Concave portion 35 First opening 36 Second opening 337 Third portion 337A Third convex portion 338 Third opening 339 Grip portion 40 Second syringe 41 Second needle 42 Second syringe barrel 43 Second gasket 44 Second plunger 45 Second sealing 50 Cap 51 Protrusion 60 Connecting member 70 Third syringe 80 Second needle guide 90 Second holder

Claims

1. a first syringe having a first needle; a first needle guide having a first hole in which the first needle is located and which is shorter in a longitudinal direction than a length of the first needle; a first holder for fixing the first syringe and the first needle guide at a specific interval; A syringe system, wherein the specific interval is longer than a difference between a length of the first needle and a length of the first hole.

2. The syringe system of claim 1 , wherein the first holder secures the first needle.

3. The syringe system of claim 1 , wherein the specified interval is less than a length of the first needle.

4. the first holder having a first portion and a second portion; the first portion secures the first needle guide; the second portion secures the first syringe; The syringe system according to claim 1 , wherein a length between an end of the first needle guide on the first syringe side and an end of the second portion on the first syringe side is longer than the specified interval.

5. an inner diameter of the first portion is equal to or smaller than an outer diameter of the first needle guide; The syringe system of claim 4 , wherein an inner diameter of the second portion is equal to or smaller than an outer diameter of the first syringe.

6. the first syringe has a first syringe barrel connected to the first needle; The syringe system according to claim 4 , wherein an inner diameter of the second portion is smaller than an outer diameter of the first syringe barrel and an outer diameter of the first needle guide.

7. the first portion has a first opening having a width less than an inner diameter of the first portion; The syringe system of claim 4 , wherein the second portion has a second opening having a width less than an inner diameter of the second portion.

8. the first needle guide has a first plate at an end portion on the first syringe side; The syringe system of claim 4 , wherein the first holder is located between the first portion and the second portion and has a recess within which the first plate is located.

9. The syringe system according to claim 4 , wherein a surface of the first portion that abuts against the first needle guide is shaped to conform to an outer surface of the first needle guide.

10. The syringe system according to claim 4 , wherein a surface of the second portion that abuts against the first syringe is shaped to conform to an outer surface of the first syringe.

11. The syringe system of claim 4 , wherein the first holder has a base located between the first portion and the second portion.

12. The syringe system of claim 11 , wherein the base is capable of elastically applying a force in a longitudinal direction to the first portion and the second portion.

13. The syringe system of claim 4 , wherein the first portion and the second portion have an arcuate shape.

14. The syringe system according to claim 13 , wherein a central angle of the arc of the first portion and the second portion is greater than or equal to 180° and less than or equal to 360°.

15. the syringe system includes two of the first holders; The syringe system according to claim 4 , wherein the two first holders have first portions and / or second portions that fit together.

16. the first syringe has a first syringe barrel connected to a first needle; The first holder is a third portion for fixing the first syringe barrel; The syringe system of claim 4 , wherein the second portion secures the first needle.

17. the first portion has a first convex portion or a first concave portion on a contact surface with the first needle guide, The syringe system according to claim 4 , wherein the first needle guide has a first protrusion or a first recess that can be fitted with a first protrusion or a first recess of the first portion.

18. the second portion has a second convex portion or a second concave portion on a surface that contacts the first syringe, The syringe system according to claim 4 , wherein the first syringe has a second protrusion or a second recess that can be fitted with a second protrusion or a second recess of the second portion.

19. the first syringe has a first syringe barrel connected to the first needle; The syringe system according to claim 1 , wherein the first holder fixes the first syringe barrel.

20. The syringe system of claim 1 , wherein the first holder has a gripping portion extending opposite the first syringe.

21. The first hole has a first open end located on the first syringe side and a second open end located on the opposite side to the first open end, The syringe system of claim 1 , further comprising a cap attachable to the first needle guide while covering the second open end.

22. The syringe system of claim 21 , wherein the cap has a protrusion received within the first hole from the second open end.

23. The syringe system according to claim 21 , wherein the cap is made of butyl rubber, urethane rubber, fluororubber, silicone rubber, butadiene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, or acrylic rubber.

24. The syringe system according to claim 21 , further comprising a connecting member connecting the cap and the first holder.

25. The first syringe cylinder and the first needle are detachable, The syringe system according to claim 19 , wherein the first holder fixes only the first needle of the first syringe and the first needle guide.

26. The syringe system of any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising a second syringe having a second syringe barrel within which the first needle guide is positionable.

27. a first holder for fixing the first syringe and the first needle guide at a specific distance, the first needle guide being inserted into the second syringe barrel; releasing the first syringe and the first needle guide from the first holder while the first needle guide is positioned inside the second syringe cylinder; a method of using the syringe system, the method comprising: making a distance between the first syringe and the first needle guide shorter than the specific distance in a state in which the first syringe and the first needle guide are released from the first holder; the specific interval is greater than a difference between a length of the first hole of the first needle guide and a length of the first needle of the first syringe; A method of using a syringe system, wherein a longitudinal length of the first needle is greater than a longitudinal length of the first hole.