GB2492986A - Syringe with coarse and fine adjustment - Google Patents

Syringe with coarse and fine adjustment Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2492986A
GB2492986A GB1112347.8A GB201112347A GB2492986A GB 2492986 A GB2492986 A GB 2492986A GB 201112347 A GB201112347 A GB 201112347A GB 2492986 A GB2492986 A GB 2492986A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
plunger
text
barrel
volume
syringe
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1112347.8A
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GB201112347D0 (en
Inventor
Shantal Rajah
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Individual
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Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
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Priority to GB1112347.8A priority Critical patent/GB2492986A/en
Publication of GB201112347D0 publication Critical patent/GB201112347D0/en
Publication of GB2492986A publication Critical patent/GB2492986A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/31—Details
    • A61M5/315—Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
    • A61M5/31533—Dosing mechanisms, i.e. setting a dose
    • A61M5/31545—Setting modes for dosing
    • A61M5/31548—Mechanically operated dose setting member
    • A61M5/3155—Mechanically operated dose setting member by rotational movement of dose setting member, e.g. during setting or filling of a syringe
    • A61M5/31551—Mechanically operated dose setting member by rotational movement of dose setting member, e.g. during setting or filling of a syringe including axial movement of dose setting member
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B17/42—Gynaecological or obstetrical instruments or methods
    • A61B17/425—Gynaecological or obstetrical instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation
    • A61B17/435—Gynaecological or obstetrical instruments or methods for reproduction or fertilisation for embryo or ova transplantation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/31—Details
    • A61M5/315—Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
    • A61M5/31525—Dosing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/31—Details
    • A61M5/315—Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
    • A61M5/31565—Administration mechanisms, i.e. constructional features, modes of administering a dose
    • A61M5/31576—Constructional features or modes of drive mechanisms for piston rods
    • A61M5/31583—Constructional features or modes of drive mechanisms for piston rods based on rotational translation, i.e. movement of piston rod is caused by relative rotation between the user activated actuator and the piston rod
    • A61M5/31586—Constructional features or modes of drive mechanisms for piston rods based on rotational translation, i.e. movement of piston rod is caused by relative rotation between the user activated actuator and the piston rod performed by rotationally moving or pivoted actuator, e.g. an injection lever or handle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/02—Burettes; Pipettes
    • B01L3/021—Pipettes, i.e. with only one conduit for withdrawing and redistributing liquids
    • B01L3/0217—Pipettes, i.e. with only one conduit for withdrawing and redistributing liquids of the plunger pump type
    • B01L3/022—Capillary pipettes, i.e. having very small bore
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/02—Burettes; Pipettes
    • B01L3/021—Pipettes, i.e. with only one conduit for withdrawing and redistributing liquids
    • B01L3/0217—Pipettes, i.e. with only one conduit for withdrawing and redistributing liquids of the plunger pump type
    • B01L3/0231—Pipettes, i.e. with only one conduit for withdrawing and redistributing liquids of the plunger pump type having several coaxial pistons
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/31—Details
    • A61M5/315—Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
    • A61M5/31511—Piston or piston-rod constructions, e.g. connection of piston with piston-rod
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/31—Details
    • A61M5/315—Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
    • A61M5/31525—Dosing
    • A61M5/31528—Dosing by means of rotational movements, e.g. screw-thread mechanisms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/31—Details
    • A61M5/315—Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
    • A61M5/31533—Dosing mechanisms, i.e. setting a dose
    • A61M5/31545—Setting modes for dosing
    • A61M5/31548—Mechanically operated dose setting member
    • A61M5/31555—Mechanically operated dose setting member by purely axial movement of dose setting member, e.g. during setting or filling of a syringe
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/31—Details
    • A61M5/315—Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
    • A61M5/31565—Administration mechanisms, i.e. constructional features, modes of administering a dose
    • A61M5/31576—Constructional features or modes of drive mechanisms for piston rods
    • A61M5/31578—Constructional features or modes of drive mechanisms for piston rods based on axial translation, i.e. components directly operatively associated and axially moved with plunger rod
    • A61M5/3158—Constructional features or modes of drive mechanisms for piston rods based on axial translation, i.e. components directly operatively associated and axially moved with plunger rod performed by axially moving actuator operated by user, e.g. an injection button
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
    • B01L2200/06—Fluid handling related problems
    • B01L2200/0689—Sealing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/12—Specific details about materials
    • B01L2300/123—Flexible; Elastomeric

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Pregnancy & Childbirth (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Transplantation (AREA)
  • Gynecology & Obstetrics (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Reproductive Health (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)

Abstract

A syringe 10 has a coarse mechanism and a fine mechanism provided by the plunger 22 for drawing or expressing fluids. In one embodiment, a split yieldable collar (18, figure 2) at the top of the barrel has a thread on its inner surface which engages with a complementary thread 24 on the plunger. Rotation of the plunger results in fine movement of the piston to displace a small quantity of fluid. Axial pressure on the plunger head 20 causes the collar to deform and allows normal longitudinal sliding of the piston, providing rapid filling (or emptying) of the syringe. A second embodiment (figures 4â 7) has two coaxial plungers with different sized pistons, one sitting within the other. Recesses or protrusions on the plunger rod may provide a tactile indicator of volume within the barrel. The fine mechanism may be used for implanting an embryo in an IVF procedure.

Description

An imnroved syrinQe
Field of the Invent ion
This invention relates to an improved syringe, especially for use in embryo transfer during in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Background to the Invention
Existing syringes generally comprise a nozzle connected to, and in fluid communication with, a barrel portion and a plunger within the barrel portion that can be adjusted to change the volume within the barrel. Adjusting the position of the plunger draws in fluid into the barrel through the nozzle when the volume within thc barrel is increased, or expels the contents the barrel when the volume is decreased.
During in vitro fertilization, it is essential that the user can operate an embryo transfer syringe with accuracy and has very precise control over the volume within the barrel.
Whilst broad adjustments are required in some processes, precise control is also required for other processes with the same syringe.
A problem with existing syringes is that although it is often possible to determine the volume within the barrel quite accurately, especially where the barrel has a very narrow diameter, it can be very difficult to move the plunger by precise amounts so as to only alter the volume within the barrel according. The plunger may also not pass smoothly through the barrel, resulting in jerking' movements, which can make the plunger jump' thereby reducing the control the operator has. Over coming the inertia of the plunger may introduce similar jerking' motions.
One approach to overcoming this problem is to introduce a screw thread to a syringe, for example in a micro-syringe. However, one drawback of such an arrangement is that broad movements of the plunger are not possible, thereby leading to the operator having to take a long time to effect a substantial change of volume within the barrel.
Summary of the Invention
Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a syringe comprising a nozzle, a barrel and a plunger, wherein the plunger comprises a first control mechanism for adjusting the volume within the barrel, and a second control mechanism for adjusting the volume within the barrel, wherein one of the control mechanisms allows for coarse adjustment of the volume within the barrel and the other control mechanism allows for fine adjustment of the volume within the barrel. By providing the syringe with both a coarse, or broad, adjustment mechanism and a fine adjustment mechanism, the user has good and accurate control over the volume within the barrel of the syringe, and also the ability to fill the syringe quickly. Therefore, time can be saved in filling the accurately controlled syringe.
Additionally, because the user has the option to first make coarse changes to the volume in the barrel and then refine the volume by making fine adjustments, the risk of the user making mistakes when their fingers get tired from constantly rotating a micro-syringe is reduced.
Preferably, the syringe comprises a first part and a second part, the second part contained within the first and extending the length thereof, and wherein at least the second part can be moved within the barrel to effect a volume change therein. The first part can act as a holder to locate the second part more precisely, or can be used to effect one of the two changes in volume. Having two parts gives more control to the user.
In a first embodiment, the first part is a first plunger and a second part is a second plunger, wherein the second plunger is at least partially contained within the first plunger and extends the length thereof, and wherein the first part can be moved within the barrel to effect coarse changes to thc volume therein and thc second part can be moved within the first part, and independently thereof, to effect smaller changes to the volume in the barrel.
By having two plungers in communication with the barrel, each having a different diameter, the syringe can be provided with a coarse adjustment mechanism and fine adjustment mechanism, at least one of which can be very accurately controlled.
Advantageously, the second plunger is provided with a scale on its circumference to indicate the effective volume change within the barrel upon displacement of the second plunger relative to the first plunger. By providing a second scale, in addition to the usual scale on the barrel, the user can have a good indication of the additional changes to the volume within the barrel that are brought about by adjustment of the positLon of the second plunger.
It is preferable that at least one of the parts is provided with a screw-thread mechanism to allow for fine adjustment of the volume within the barrel of the syringe. Using a screw thread the user is able to accurately control the plunger with a reduced tendency for the plunger to jump' upon applying force to the plunger, especially after a period of non-use.
More preferably, the first part is provided with an internal screw thread and the second part is provided with a complementary screw thread about its circumference, thereby allowing the second plunger to engage the first plunger and pass along the length thereof by rotating. The second plunger, having a diameter less that that of the first, screwing into the first plunger provides an additional piston mechanism, of a different scale from the first and the inter-engaging screw threads help maintain good control over the second plunger. It also reduces the risk of inadvertent pressure being applied to the syringe because only rotation of the second plunger will al low it to move rather than axial force, for example the plunger being knocked.
In a further embodiment, the first part is a split yieldable collar connected to the barrel and the second part is a plunger, the collar being provided with an internal screw thread and at least part of the circumference of the plunger being provided with a complementary screw thread, and wherein when the screw threads engage, rotation of the plunger effects small changes in the volume within the barrel, and wherein, when sufficient force is applied, the yicldablc collar is capable of yielding to allow the plunger to pass axially through the collar without the rotating the plunger, thereby effecting larger changes to the volume within the barrel.
The elastically yicldable collar holds the plunger in place when rotational force is applied, thus allowing for rotation of the plunger through the collar to provide fine adjustment of the volume within the band. Because the collar is split and yieldable, when axial force is applied to the plunger and the screw threads attempt to run axially across one other instead of rotationally, the collar it is able to yield and allow passage of the plunger.
However, when the axial force ceases, due to the elastic properties of the collar it resumes its original position and engage the threads of the plunger. This allows for the coarse and fine adjustment to be undertaken using only one moveable plunger.
It is advantageous that the band, and/or at least one part of the plunger comprises contours its circumference at predetermined locations to provide a tactile indicator of the volume within the band. By providing a tactile indicator of the change in volume within the band, the user can watch a needle attached to the nozzle and know the change in volume without having to look to the barrel directly. The indication may be applied to one or both of the plungers. Where a rotational plunger is used, the indicator might be a mechanism that provides an audible sound separately, or in addition to the tactile indicator.
Preferably, the contours comprise at least one recesses or protrusions along the length of the plunger which relcasably engages with a concsponding protrusion or recess in the band when aligned. The usc of recesses and/or protrusions that readily and releasably engage to provide a vety slight movement of the barrel or plunger that can be felt by the user.
Advantageously, the syringe is a medical or scientific syringe and, more preferably, an in vitro fertilisation syringe for embryo transfer. Various medical fields, including cardiology, neuroscience, eye surgery and IVF, may employ syringes according to the present invention. Additionally, they may be used in scientific and laboratory applications or any other situation where good control of the syringe and accurate measurement of fluids is required. The syr[ngcs might need to be sterilised prior to usc or can be steriliscd using know techniques. Therefore, where the syringes arc madc from plastics materials they can be disposable and so cost-effective. Alternatively, the may be constructed from glass or another appropriate material, especially where they may be in contact with corrosive substances.
The invention extends to a method of using a syringe according to the present invention, especially in 1VF applications for embryo transfer.
Brief Description of the Drawings
An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a first syringe according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a view from the end of the syringe of Figure 1 with the plunger removed; Figure 3 shows a sequence of movements in the operation of the syringe of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a second syringe according to the present invention; Figure 5 shows a view of the syringe of Figure 4 during use; Figure 6 shows a third syringe according to the present invention; and Figure 7 shows a view of the syringe of Figure 6 during use.
Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments
Figures ito 3 show a syringe 10 having a nozzle 12 in fluid communication with a barrel 14, and a plunger 16 inserted into the barrel 14. The end of the barrel 14 is provided with an elastically yieldable collar 18, which comprises two arcuate portions 1 Sa and I 8b positioned opposite one another. The plunger i6 comprises a circular top piece 20 and a stem 22, which is provided with a screw-threaded portion 24 and markers 26a and 26b along its length.
The plunger 16 is positioned within the barrel 14, and the screw threaded portion 24 of the plunger 16 engages with corresponding screw thread portions (not shown) on the internal surface of the yieldable collar 18, thereby holding thc plunger 16 in place. Whcn the plunger 16 is rotated, thc engaged screw thrcads 24 of the plunger 22 and thc collar 18 pass over one another and effect axial movement of the plunger 16. Due to the pitch of the screw threads 22 of the plunger 16 and the collar 18, one full 360 degree rotation of the plunger results in a 0.01 change in the volume within the barrel. Clearly, the pitch of the screw threads 22 may be adjusted to obtain a desired axial movement for a single rotation of the plunger 16. The markers 26a and 26b indicate predetermined and known volume changes.
When sufficient force is applied to the end of the plunger 16, the two arcuate portions I 8a and I 8b of the yieldable collar 18 are forced apart by the screw threads 24 pushing axially against the corresponding screw threads of the collar 18. The collar 18 thus yields and allows the plunger 16 to pass axially through, thereby reducing the volume within the barrel 14. In this way, large, or coarse, changes to the volume within the barrel can be effected. When the force is no longer applied to the plunger 16, the screw threads then re-engage due to the elastic nature f the collar 18, and allow for rotation of the plunger to provide small, or fine, adjustments to the volume within the barrel.
Figures 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein a syringe 10' comprises a nozzle 12' in fluid communication with a barrel 14', a first plunger 16' and inserted into the barrel 14' and a second plunger 17' within the first plunger 16'.
The first plunger 16' is provided with a central bore (not shown) through which the second plunger 17' passes, thereby creating a two-part plunger mechanism comprising a first plunger 16' and a second coaxial plunger 17'. The second plunger 17' passes through the whole length of the first plunger 16'. The first plunger 16' is provided with markers 26a' and 26b' along its length in the form of recesses, or notches, at predetermined positions. The second plunger 17' is provided with markers 28' along its length to indicate the distance that it is inserted into, or withdrawn from, the fir st plunger 16', thereby indicating the volume change within the first plunger 16' introduced by withdrawal of the second plunger 17'.
Broad changes to the volume within the balTel 14' can be effected by changing the position of the first plunger 16', and fine changes to the volume within the barrel 14' by adjusting the position of the second plunger 17' relative to the first plunger 16'. The second plunger 17' can move independently from the first plunger 16'.
Figures 6 and 7 show a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein a syringe 10" comprises a nozzle 12" in fluid communication with a barrel 14", having a first plunger 16" therein and a second plunger 17" contained within the fir st.
As with the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second plunger 17" passes coaxially through the first plunger 16". The second plunger 17" passes through the length of the first plunger 16" in way that movement of the second phinger 17" will adjust the volume within the barrel 14" by a smaller amount that movement of the first plunger 16".
The first plunger 16", which can be moved axially to coarsely adjust the volume within the barrel 16", is provided with a collar portion 18" at its end furthest from the nozzle 12".
The collar portion 18" is provided with internal screw threads. The second plunger 17" is provided with a screw threaded portion 24" about its circumference, the screw threads being complementary to those of the collar 18". Again, markers 26a" and 26b" are provided along the length of the first plunger 16".
The first plunger 16" can be moved axially to effect coarse changes in the volume within the barrel 14". Additionally, the second plunger 17" can be rotated so that it moves axially into, or out of, the first plunger 16". Again, as with the first embodiments shown in Figures Ito 3, the pitch of the screw thread 24" dictates the change of volume within the barrel 14" for one rotation of the plunger 17".
When used for IVF, known techniques may be more reliably performed using a syringe according to the present invention. As an example, and as shown in Figure 3, a method of controlling a syringe to deliver an embryo into an IVF catheter may be undertaken, involving the following steps: * a medium is drawn into the syringe 10 using the broad control, that is, pulling the plunger 16 back in the barrel 14 (A); * thc medium is then flushcd back through the nozzle 12 using thc coarse control on the plunger 16 (B); * a small amount of air is drawn into the bane] 14 of the syringe 10 using the coarse plunger control (C); * the embryo is drawn into the syringe 10 using the fine control to ensure that it is not taken too far into the syringe 10 and that an appropriate amount of medium is also drawn in (D); * more air is drawn in using the fine control to create an air-lock with the embryo and medium within the barrel 14 of the syringe 10 with air each side -the fine control is used to reduce the risk of damage to the embryo (E); and * the syringe 10 is loaded into the catheter and delivered using the coarse control on the plunger 16(F).
The markers 26 provide a guide as to the level to which the medium should be drawn.
The markers 26 may be lines on the barrel rather than on the plunger, advantageously numbered according to the steps of the above method so that a user knows where to position the plunger(s) for each step. Alternatively, the markings may be coloured rather than numbered to indicate where to position the plunger(s) in order to perform the necessary steps. The markers, or indicators, may be on one or more plunger, and/or on the barrel of the syringe.
The same method can be undertaken with other embodiments according to the present invention.
It is intended that the present invention is used with existing equipment and/or catheters and it may be desirable to provide a connection member for such a purpose. Whilst controlled aspiration of human embryos is one intended purpose of the syringe, it may be used in other situations. The syringe may be provided with an integral embryo transfer catheter.
Where second plungers are contained within first plungers, a sealing mechanism may be provided to ensure that the seal between the two parts in order to draw fluid into the syringe is maintained. In such situations, 0' rings may be employed, or other sealing means or materials. Alternatively, the material chosen for at least one of the plunger parts, especially where the material is a plastics material, may have inherent properties to provide such a seal but still allow the second plunger to move smoothly within the first.
Where two, or more, plungers are used, they might be positioned so as not to be coaxial.
This may be more convenient to a user according to the purpose of the syringe.
Alternatively, it may be desiraNe to have more than one smaller plungers contained within a larger plungers. Additionally, there might be more than one larger plunger, wherein at least one might contain at least one smaller plunger.
A variation on the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 is to provide both plunger portions 16" and 17" with screw threads. In such a configuration, one of the screw threads, preferably that provided on 16", will have a large pitch, or lead, to effect coarse changes in axial movement with a single rotation.
Where adjustment of the pitch has been discussed in relation to the screw threads, the lead may equally be altered.

Claims (1)

  1. <claim-text>Claims 1. A syringe comprising a nozzle, a barrel and a plunger, wherein the plunger comprises a first control mechanism for adjusting the volume within the barrel, and a second control mechanism for adjusting the volume within the barrel, wherein one of thc control mechanisms allows for coarse adjustment of the volume within the barrel and the other control mechanism allows for fine adjustment of the volume within the barrel.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A syringe according to claim 1, wherein the syringe comprises a first part and a second part, the second part contained within the first and extending the length thereof, and wherein at least the second part can be moved within the barrel to effect a volume change therein.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A syringe according to claim I or claim 2, wherein the first part is a first plunger and a second part is a second plunger, wherein the second plunger is contained within the first plunger and extends the length thereof, and wherein the first part can be moved within the barrel to effect coarse changes to the volume therein and the second part can be moved within the first part, and independently thereof, to effect smaller changes to the volume in the barrel.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A syringe according to claim 3, wherein the second plunger is provided with a scale on its circumference to indicate the effective volume change within the barrel upon displacement of the second plunger relative to the first plunger.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A syringe according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein at least one of the parts is provided with a screw-thread mechanism to allow for fine adjushnent of the volume within the barrel of the syringe.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A syringe according to claim 5, wherein the first part is provided with an internal screw thread and the second part is provided with a complementary screw thread about its circumference, thereby allowing the second plunger to engage the first plunger and pass along the length thereof by rotating.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A syringe according to claim I or claim 2, wherein the first part is a split yieldable collar connected to the barrel and the second part is a plunger, the collar being provided with an internal screw thread and at least part of the circumference of the plunger being provided with a complementary screw thread, and wherein when the screw threads engage, rotation of the plunger effects small changes in the volume within the barrel, and wherein, when sufficient force is applied, the yieldable collar is capable of yielding to allow the plunger to pass axially through the collar without the rotating the plunger, thereby effecting larger changes to the volume within the barrel.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A syringe according to any preceding claim, wherein the barrel, and/or at least one part of the plunger comprises contours its circumference at predetermined locations to provide a tactile indicator of the volume within the barrel.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A syringe according to claim 8, wherein the contours comprise at least one recesses or protrusions along the length of the plunger which releasably engages with a corresponding protrusion or recess in the barrel when aligned.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A medical or scientific syringe according to any preceding claim.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. An in vitro ferti lisation syringe for embryo transfer according to any preceding claim.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A syringe substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or drawings.</claim-text>
GB1112347.8A 2011-07-18 2011-07-18 Syringe with coarse and fine adjustment Withdrawn GB2492986A (en)

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GB2492986A true GB2492986A (en) 2013-01-23

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2495240A1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2014-09-16 Universidad De Extremadura Embryo transfer device with precise volume (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
CN106344131A (en) * 2016-08-31 2017-01-25 郑州大学第附属医院 Ovarian tissue section pushing device
RU176780U1 (en) * 2017-05-24 2018-01-29 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "БИОНЕТ-ПЛЮС" A medical device for obtaining blood plasma with a high platelet content

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107179219A (en) * 2017-07-13 2017-09-19 海南聚能科技创新研究院有限公司 A kind of two-stage metered shot device
CN108772112A (en) * 2018-06-06 2018-11-09 南京大树生物医疗技术股份有限公司 A kind of capillary device of fixed quantity drain

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0115931A1 (en) * 1983-01-23 1984-08-15 Amir Porat Syringe
US5354285A (en) * 1991-11-29 1994-10-11 Sergej Mikhailovich Masurik Injection syringe
US5383372A (en) * 1990-08-22 1995-01-24 Drd Diluter Corp. Pipette
EP1197264A2 (en) * 2000-10-11 2002-04-17 Thermo Labsystems Oy Pipette with adjustable volume
US20020095065A1 (en) * 2001-01-12 2002-07-18 Michael Kamrava Method and apparatus for assisted embryo implantation

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0115931A1 (en) * 1983-01-23 1984-08-15 Amir Porat Syringe
US5383372A (en) * 1990-08-22 1995-01-24 Drd Diluter Corp. Pipette
US5354285A (en) * 1991-11-29 1994-10-11 Sergej Mikhailovich Masurik Injection syringe
EP1197264A2 (en) * 2000-10-11 2002-04-17 Thermo Labsystems Oy Pipette with adjustable volume
US20020095065A1 (en) * 2001-01-12 2002-07-18 Michael Kamrava Method and apparatus for assisted embryo implantation

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2495240A1 (en) * 2013-03-14 2014-09-16 Universidad De Extremadura Embryo transfer device with precise volume (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
CN106344131A (en) * 2016-08-31 2017-01-25 郑州大学第附属医院 Ovarian tissue section pushing device
CN106344131B (en) * 2016-08-31 2019-06-28 郑州大学第一附属医院 A kind of ovary tissue slice driving means
RU176780U1 (en) * 2017-05-24 2018-01-29 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "БИОНЕТ-ПЛЮС" A medical device for obtaining blood plasma with a high platelet content

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