Concentric Syringe Mixing for Accurate Hydrogel Spacer Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for mixing filler materials in vitro for prostate cancer radiotherapy are complex, prone to errors, and increase patient risk and procedure costs due to assembly challenges and mixing inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A mixing system with concentric and parallel chambers and a plunger rod configuration that allows for precise mixing of constituents, minimizing errors and simplifying assembly, featuring a plunger rod that advances to mix and deliver a gel composition to displace tissues and reduce radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If current in vitro mixing systems are used to mix filler material, then filler mixing can be achieved, but the system becomes complex with numerous subcomponents, leading to assembly difficulties and mixing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mixing chambers and delivery mechanisms into a single integrated syringe assembly. The first and second cavities are positioned within the same syringe body, with the plunger rod simultaneously controlling both chambers, eliminating the need for separate mixing devices and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining mixing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the second cavity is positioned within the first cavity, and the plunger rod passes through both cavities. This nested arrangement allows compact integration of multiple functional chambers within a single syringe structure, reducing the number of external components while preserving precise mixing capabilities
2Reliability
If current mixing systems with numerous subcomponents are assembled, then filler mixing capability is achieved, but assembly time and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the first and second mixing chambers into a single integrated syringe assembly with a common plunger rod, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps. The unified structure allows for quicker assembly while maintaining the reliable mixing function through the coordinated movement of the single plunger rod that simultaneously controls both chambers
3Ease of manufacture
If current mixing systems are used, then filler material can be mixed, but mixing errors occur prior to delivery, increasing patient risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-contained mixing chambers where the constituents are pre-loaded and sealed within the first and second cavities. The plunger rod automatically controls the mixing process by simultaneously advancing both chambers, eliminating the need for external manipulation or complex assembly procedures that could introduce errors, thereby improving both assembly ease and mixing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the mixing system in advance by pre-loading the constituents into the sealed first and second cavities before use. This preliminary preparation ensures that the components are ready for accurate mixing without requiring complex assembly at the time of use, reducing the risk of mixing errors while simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures accurate mixing and simplified assembly, reducing patient risk and procedure time while effectively displacing tissues to minimize radiation exposure, thereby enhancing treatment safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Advancing the plunger rod causes the first and second constituents to expel from the plurality of ports and mix together to form a mixture (e.g., a gel composition)
Implementation Method 2
The gel composition can be used to displace a tissue, such as to create additional space between the rectum and prostate during treatment
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A system includes a first cavity with an open upper proximal end and a distal end including a plurality of ports. A second cavity can be concentric with and advanceable through the open upper proximal end of the first cavity. The second cavity can include an open upper proximal end. A plunger can be on a distal end of the second cavity. The plunger can be configured to move a first constituent from the first cavity through at least one of the plurality of ports. A plunger rod can be advanceable through the open upper proximal end of the second cavity and configured to move a second constituent from the first cavity through at least one of the plurality of ports.