WO2021014462A1

WO2021014462A1 - Systems for aspiration of fluids

Info

Publication number: WO2021014462A1
Application number: PCT/IN2020/050612
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sravan Kumar PAYELI; Pavani Srividya MOCHARLA
Original assignee: Payeli Sravan Kumar
Priority date: 2019-07-19
Filing date: 2020-07-17
Publication date: 2021-01-28

Abstract

An aspiration system (100) is provided with a piston unit (102) having a base member (104) and a plurality of arms (106) extending outwards from the base member. The plurality of arms is in a same plane and includes a first arm (106a), a second arm (106b), and a third arm (106c). A cap (108) affixed to a free end of the third arm of the piston unit. A hollow tube (110) having an open end is disposed over the third arm to form a hermetic seal with the cap. A nozzle (114) is positioned opposite to the open end and connectable to a fluid collection tube (116). The piston unit is acted upon by gravity to create a negative pressure inside the hollow tube to cause the aspiration of the biological fluids.

Description

SYSTEMS FOR ASPIRATION OF FLUIDS

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present subject matter relates, in general, to aspiration of fluids, and in particular but not exclusively, to aspiration of follicular fluid.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Medical procedures related to Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) applications, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) involve follicular aspiration, amongst other procedures. During follicular aspiration, aspiration pumps may be involved for aspirating follicular fluid containing oocytes from follicles, for example, by puncturing the follicles in a human ovary with an ovum pick up needle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0003] The detailed descriptions are depicted with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some implementations of the system(s), in accordance with the present subject matter, are described by way of examples, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an aspiration system, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter; [0005] FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic view of an aspiration system in a non-aspiration mode, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter; [0006] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic view of the aspiration system of FIG. 2A in an aspiration mode, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter;

[0007] FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic view of an aspiration system in a non-aspiration mode, according to another example implementation of the present subject matter;

[0008] FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic view of the aspiration system of FIG. 3A in an aspiration mode, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

[0009] FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic view of an aspiration system in a non-aspiration mode, according to another example implementation of the present subject matter; and

[0010] FIG. 4B. illustrates a schematic view of the aspiration system of FIG. 4A in an aspiration mode, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Generally, for aspirating the follicular fluid, a medical practitioner may utilize a syringe connected to the ovum pickup needle. The syringe includes a hollow barrel connected to the ovum pickup needle at one end. Further, the hollow barrel is fitted with a sliding plunger that fits tightly within the hollow barrel. To aspirate the follicular fluid, the medical practitioner may insert the ovum pickup needle into one or more ovarian follicles of a patient and slide the plunger away from the ovum pickup needle. Therefore, a negative pressure may be created within the hollow barrel and the follicular fluid is collected within the hollow barrel.

[0012] However, the negative pressure created within the hollow barrel is dependent on a sliding movement of the plunger. The negative pressure is also dependent on a residual pressure after the sliding movement stops. At different plunger positions, different residual pressure is obtained. As the plunger is operated manually, the negative pressure may vary at each aspiration. This may cause variation in intensity of aspiration, since the intensity of aspiration is proportional to the residual pressure. An undesired increment in the negative pressure may also lead to the aspiration of tissues and blood along with the follicular fluid. On the other hand, variation in the negative pressure due to different plunger positions may result in longer durations of insertion of the ovum pickup needle inside the ovarian follicles. Moreover, the hollow barrel of the syringe may have a limited capacity. Thus, to aspirate larger quantities of the follicular fluid, the hollow barrel is to be emptied periodically. This may make the follicular aspiration time consuming and painful for the patient.

[0013] To aspirate large quantities of the follicular fluid, electrically driven aspiration pumps (hereinafter referred to as electric pumps) are utilized. The electric pumps facilitate in reducing human intervention and provide constant negative pressure for aspiration. However, the medical practitioner has to undergo training to be able to properly operate the electric pumps. As the electric pumps are automatic and operate on electricity, the electric pumps are cost inefficient, which makes them unaffordable for financially deficient medical facilities. It is also required for the medical facilities to have an additional pump as a back-up. In addition, power outage or electricity blackout or in the circumstances of technical error of electric pump during ovum pick up, the electric pumps may prove to be less helping.

[0014] The retrieval of oocyte from the ovarian follicles demands adherence to strict parameters for conducting uninterrupted aspiration of the follicular fluid. However, due to unwanted operational challenges, such as size constraints of the hollow barrels, power outage and technical errors of the electric pump, etc. a continuous aspiration process may not be achieved and may result in poor oocyte yield, further poor pregnancy outcome.

[0015] The above described conventional processes and systems may aspirate the right quantity of the follicular liquid, but the aspiration and the storage of the follicular liquid using the above-mentioned processes is also dependent on the availability and synchronized working of all instruments and containers having proper dimensions, being utilized for executing any of the above process. Constraints with respect to the size of container for storage of the follicular liquid may decide the volume for the follicular liquid to be aspirated.

[0016] The present subject matter describes aspiration systems for being operated without electricity and under the influence of gravity. The aspiration systems of the present subject matter are designed to support continuous aspiration of the biological fluids with an accurate aspiration pressure.

[0017] In the present subject matter, a system for aspiration of biological fluids is described. The system includes a piston unit having a base member and a plurality of arms that extend outwards from the base member. In an example, the plurality of arms includes a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm which is intermediate to the first arm and the second arm. The third arm includes a cap at a free end thereof. Further, the piston unit includes a hollow tube disposed over the third arm to form a hermetic seal between the hollow tube and the cap. The hollow tube has a nozzle for being connected to a fluid collection tube. The fluid collection tube may be connected to an ovum pickup needle for the purpose of collecting fluids in small quantities.

[0018] In operation, a gravitational pull is exerted upon the piston unit by an actuation mechanism. Upon exertion of the gravitational pull, the piston unit slides downwards towards a ground surface. Due to the sliding movement of the piston unit, the cap also gets pulled downwards thereby creating a negative pressure inside the hollow tube. The negative pressure created inside the hollow tube is transmitted to the fluid collection tube which results in initiation of the aspiration by the ovum pickup needle connected to the fluid collection tube.

[0019] The above-mentioned aspiration system functions on a working principle of a syringe with a needle. The above-described system for aspiration of the biological fluids may facilitate in aspirating larger quantities of the follicular fluid as compared to a conventional syringe and needle. In addition, as the present system is independent of electrical power usage, the same may be effectively deployed in remote medical facilities where electrical power supply is limited. The simple construction and operation of the system makes it cost effective and convenient for the medical practitioners to operate the system without any training.

[0020] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in a greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 1 -4B in the following description. The manner in which the aspiration system is implemented and used shall be explained in detail with respect to FIGS. 1 - 4B. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are intended only to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects and implementations of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an aspiration system 100 according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. The aspiration system 100 includes a piston unit 102 having a base member 104 and a plurality of arms 106. In an example, the plurality of arms 106 may include a first arm 106a, a second arm 106b, and a third arm 106c intermediate to the first arm 106a and the second arm 106b. Although the aspiration system 100 is described to have three arms, the number of arms extending from the base member 104 may vary. Further, the aspiration system 100 includes a cap 108 affixed to a free end of the third arm 106c. The cap 108 is mounted on the free end of the third arm 106c. In an example, the cap 108 is formed from an elastomeric material. In another example, the cap 108 is formed from rubber.

[0022] In addition, the aspiration system 100 includes a hollow tube

1 10 having an open end 1 12 disposed over the third arm 106c to form a hermetic seal with the cap 108. In an example, the hollow tube 1 10 may act as a barrel of a syringe. Further, another end of the hollow tube 1 10 is provided with a nozzle 1 14 such that the nozzle 1 14 is positioned opposite to the open end 1 12. In an example, the nozzle 1 14 may be connected to a fluid connection tube 116.

[0023] Further, the aspiration system 100 includes a valve 1 18, such as a three-way valve, mounted on the nozzle 1 14. One channel of the valve 1 18 may be connected to an inlet of the nozzle 1 14 and another channel of the valve 1 18 may be connected to the fluid connection tube 1 16. The fluid connection tube 116 may also be connected to a needle (not shown) through which a medical practitioner may aspirate follicular fluid into the fluid connection tube 116.

[0024] In an example, the aspiration system 100 may include a support structure (not shown) for supporting the piston unit 102. For example, the support structure includes a holder (not shown) for holding the hollow tube 110 through which the piston unit 102 is supported on the supporting structure.

[0025] The piston unit 102 may be actuated for aspirating the follicular fluid into the fluid collection tube 1 16. In an example, the piston unit 102 may be actuated by different mechanisms. Details pertaining to each actuation mechanism will be described in detail in later paragraphs of the description. As a result of the actuation, the piston unit 102 is acted upon by gravity to move the cap 108 away from the nozzle 1 14. As a result, a negative pressure is created inside the hollow tube 1 10. The creation of negative pressure starts the aspiration of the follicular fluid. The amount of the negative pressure created within the hollow tube 1 10 may be controlled by an operator of the aspiration system 100. The actuation may be performed by rotation of the piston unit 102 and may also be performed without rotating the piston unit 102 and in a fixed position depending on the shape of the piston unit 102.

[0026] As the aspiration system 100 of the present subject matter is a mechanical device and works under the influence of gravity, the aspiration system 100 may be used in absence of electrical power. In addition, based on a desired quantity of collection of the follicular fluid during aspiration, a higher capacity of the hollow tube 1 10 may be selected, to control the negative pressure created within the hollow tube 1 10. In another example implementation, the three-way valve may be connected to a pressure sensor to monitor the negative pressure created within the hollow tube.

[0027] FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic view of an aspiration system 200 in a non-aspiration mode according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. In the non-aspiration mode, the aspiration system 200 is disabled to create a negative pressure for suction of follicular fluid. The aspiration system 200 is similar to the aspiration system 100. The aspiration system 200 includes a piston unit 202 having a base member 204 and three arms 206a, 206b, 206c extending away from the base member 204, a hollow tube 206, a nozzle 202a disposed at one end of the hollow tube 206, and a three-way valve 208. The above recited components of the aspiration system 200 are coupled in a manner as described in conjunction with FIG. 1 . Although the base member 204 and the three arms 206a, 206b, and 206c are depicted to form an E-shaped structure of the piston unit 202, the piston unit 202 may have any other shape that carries predefined weight to create defined aspiration pressure, for performing the aspiration under the influence of gravity.

[0028] In an example implementation, the three-way valve 208 includes three channels 208a, 208b, 208c. A first channel 208a is connected to an inlet of the nozzle 202a, a second channel 208b is connected to a first tube 210a to form a pressure connection between the hollow tube 206 and a fluid collection tube 214, and a third channel 208c remains open and is not connected to any other component. The pressure connection between the first tube 210a and the hollow tube 206 is to transmit the negative pressure from the hollow tube 206 to the fluid collection tube 214. In an example, the fluid collection tube 214 is connected to a needle 212, such as an ovum pickup needle, by a second tube 210b. In an example, the volume of the hollow tube 206 is in range from 50 ml to 300 ml.

[0029] In an example implementation, the piston unit 202 may be suspended on a supporting structure (not shown), such that the piston unit 202 is rotatable. The piston unit 202 is rotatable about an axis 226 perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 224 of the third arm 204c. In the non aspiration mode, the longitudinal axis 224 is parallel to the xy-plane. The three arms 206a, 206b, 206c are aligned, such that they are substantially parallel to each other. Although, the first arm 206a is positioned on a left side of the piston unit 202, the third arm 206c is positioned in the middle of the piston unit 202 and the second arm 206b is positioned on a right side of the piston unit 202, the positions of the first arm 206a, the second arm 206b, and the third arm 206c may be different.

[0030] In an example, a length of the second arm 206b is greater than the length of the first arm 206a and the third arm 206c. Further, the length of the third arm 206c is greater or equivalent to the length of the first arm 206a. Thus, the second arm 206b is longest with respect to the first arm 206a and the third arm 206c. As a result, the second arm 206b may weigh more than the other two arms. The excess weight of the second arm 206b ensures that the piston unit 202 is in a resting position (as depicted in FIG. 2A) during the non-aspiration mode.

[0031] In an example implementation, a weight unit 216 is connected to a base member 204 to provide an additional weight to the piston unit 202. The additional weight is to increase a rate of creation of negative pressure in a hollow tube 206 during an aspiration mode. The weight unit 216 and the piston unit 202 may have a mass in the range from 1.5 Kg to 3 Kg. In an example, the mass of the weight unit 216 is about 2 Kg. The mass distribution of the piston unit 202 and the weight unit 216 is such that it balances against the gravitational force acting upon the piston unit 202. Thus, there is no displacement of the piston unit 202 with respect the hollow tube 206 when the longitudinal axis 224 is aligned parallel to the xy-plane. A holder 220, which may be connected to the supporting structure (not shown), holds the hollow tube 206.

[0032] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic view of the aspiration system 200 in an aspiration mode, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. In the aspiration mode, the aspiration system 200 is in a working state and is aspirating the biological fluids. In the aspiration mode, the three-way valve 208 is adjusted in a manner that the first channel 208a and the second channel 208b allow flow of air from the fluid collection tube 214 into the hollow tube 206, and the third channel 208c is closed. In this way, the hollow tube 206 is enabled to form a pressure connection with the fluid collection tube 214. To operate the aspiration system 200 in the aspiration mode, the piston unit 202 is actuated. In an example implementation, the actuation of the piston unit 202 may be indicative of a rotation of the piston unit 202 about an axis 226 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 224 of the third arm 206c. The actuation causes the piston unit 202 to rotate (as depicted in FIG. 2B) and the piston unit 202 is acted upon by gravity to move the cap 218 away from the nozzle 202a to create a negative pressure inside the hollow tube 206 and in turn inside the fluid collection tube 214.

[0033] In the aspiration mode, the gravitational force is exerted on the piston unit 202 and the weight unit 216. In an example, a total force exerted on the piston unit 202 and the weight unit 216 depends on the mass of the piston unit 202 and the adjustable weight of the unit 216. For example, the mass of the piston unit 202 and the weight unit 216 may be so adjusted that when acted upon by the gravitational force, the piston unit 202 is pulled down at a substantially constant speed. The downward movement of the piston unit 202 leads to an automatic displacement of the third arm 206c with respect to the hollow tube 206. As the holder 220 secures the hollow tube 206 with the support structure, the hollow tube 206 remains fixed at its position and the cap 218 is displaced along with the third arm 206c. The displacement of the cap 218 with respect to the hollow tube 206 leads to the suction of the air from the first channel 208a of the three-way valve 208.

[0034] The suction of the air from the first channel 208a creates a negative pressure in the range from 100 mmHg to 200 mmHg inside the first tube 210a for follicular fluid aspiration event. It may be understood that the oocyte retrieval procedure at a negative pressure of 100 mmHg to 200 mmHg provides significantly higher oocyte yield and increased positive outcomes for pregnancy with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) applications. In addition, the medical practitioner may choose to add more weight to increase or adjust the suction pressure. The creation of the negative pressure inside the first tube 210a further creates a negative pressure inside the fluid collection tube 214 and the second tube 210b. The negative pressure is further created in the needle 212 connected to the second tube 210b. Thus, the needle 212 aspirates the follicular liquid from an ovary 222 in a female reproductive organ at a negative pressure in the range from 100 mmHg to 200 mmHg. In an example, the negative pressure is in the range from 1 10 mmHg to 190 mmHg. In another example, the negative pressure is in the range from 120 mmHg to 180 mmHg. In another example, the negative pressure is in the range from 130 mmHg to 170 mmHg. In another example, the negative pressure is in the range from 140 mmHg to 160 mmHg. In another example, the negative pressure is 150 mmHg. The pulling down of the weight unit 216 at the constant speed brings in a desired accuracy in terms of total pressure exerted in a required amount of time for the purpose of aspiration of the follicular fluid from an ovary in a female reproductive organ.

[0035] Upon completion of the aspiration process, the aspiration system 200 is switched back to the non-aspiration mode by rotating the piston unit 202 in a manner as depicted in FIG. 2A. during which, the first tube 210a is disconnected or pulled out from the fluid collection tube 214. The three-way valve 208 is switched, such that the second channel 208b of the three-way valve 208 is closed and the first channel 208a and the third channel 208c of the three-way valve 208 are in a fluid communication. The piston unit 202 is thereafter pushed inside the hollow tube 206, which leads to the movement of the third arm 206c inside the hollow tube 206 in the direction of the nozzle 202a. The movement of the third arm 206c creates a positive pressure inside the hollow tube 206. The pressurized air is vented to the environment by the passage created between the first channel 208a and the third channel 208c of the three-way valve 208.

[0036] FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic view of an aspiration system 300 in a non-aspiration mode according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. The aspiration system 300 is similar to the aspiration system 100. As depicted in FIG. 3, the aspiration system 300, includes a piston unit 302 with three arms 302a, 302b, 302c connected on a base member 304, a cap 306, a hollow tube 308 with a nozzle 308a, a three-way valve 310 having three channels 310a, 310b, and 310c. The above-recited components are connected to each other in a manner similar to the aspiration system 100. Although, the three arms 302a, 302b, and 302c are depicted to have similar lengths, the three arms may have lengths different from each other.

[0037] As mentioned earlier, the aspiration system 300 may include a support structure 312 to support the piston unit 302. In an example, the support structure 312 may include a holder 314 to grip the hollow tube 308 from outside. As the cap 306 forms an airtight seal with the hollow tube 308, the holder 314 may indirectly hold the piston unit 302. In an example implementation, the piston unit 302 may be fixedly supported on the support structure 312 such that a reciprocating motion for the piston unit 302 towards and away from a ground surface may be achieved.

[0038] Further, the aspiration system 300 may include a switching element 316 connected to the three-way valve 310. The switching element 316 is pivotably coupled to the three-way valve 310. In an example, the switching element 316 may be a handle connected to the three-way valve 310 such that movement of the handle may open and close the three-way valve 310, thereby connecting and disconnecting the hollow tube 308 with a fluid connection tube (not shown). In an example, the switching element 316 is a clip. In another example, the switching element 316 is a handle bar.

[0039] In the non-aspiration mode, the switching element 316 is set, in a manner that the three-way valve 310 is adjusted to block an airflow from the second channel 310b to the first channel 310a and to enable the airflow between the first channel 310a and the third channel 310c.

[0040] FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic view of the aspiration system 300 in an aspiration mode, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. To operate the aspiration system 300 in the aspiration mode, the piston unit 302 is actuated by a user. In an example implementation, the actuation is indicative of a movement or rotation of the switching element 316 to open the three-way valve 310 to connect the hollow tube 308 with the fluid connection tube. For example, the switching element 316 may be rotated in a manner that the first channel 31 Oa and the second channel 310b of the three-way valve 310 get aligned to allow creation of a fluid connection between the hollow tube 308 and the fluid collection tube. The fluid connection may allow air to ingress into the hollow tube 308, thereby causing the piston unit 302 to slide downwards under the influence of gravity. The movement of the piston unit 302 may in turn move the cap 306 away from the nozzle 308a to create a negative pressure inside the hollow tube 308. This may facilitate in aspiration of the follicular fluid in the fluid collection tube. Thus, the switching element 316 may provide a convenient mechanism to a medical practitioner for operating the aspiration system 300 between the aspiration mode and the non-aspiration mode.

[0041] FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic view of an aspiration system 400 in a non-aspiration mode, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. The aspiration system 400 is similar to the aspiration system 100. As depicted in FIG. 4A, the aspiration system 400, includes a piston unit 402 with three arms 402a, 402b, 402c connected on a base member 404, a cap 406, a hollow tube 408, a nozzle 408a, a three- way valve 410 having three channels 410a, 410b, and 410c, and a holder 412. The above-recited components are connected to each other in a manner similar to the aspiration system 300. Although, the three arms 402a, 402b, and 402c are depicted to have similar lengths, the three arms may have lengths different from each other that contains a predefined weight in order to create a predefined pressure at the nozzle 408a.

[0042] The aspiration system 400 includes a triggering element 414 operably coupled to the three-way valve 410. The triggering element 414 may operate the three-way valve 410 to enable the inflow of air through the nozzle 408a into the hollow tube 408. In an example, the triggering element 414 may be a foot pedal that may be coupled to the three-way valve 410. For example, the triggering element 414 may be coupled to the three-way valve 410 through a traction cable 416 to open and close the three-way valve 410 for connecting and disconnecting the hollow tube 408 with the fluid collection tube (not shown). In an example, the triggering element is a foot pedal. In the example of the foot pedal, pressing or releasing the foot pedal may facilitate in shifting between a discontinuous aspiration mode and the non-aspiration mode. The triggering element 414 may therefore facilitate an ovum pick up physician to operate the aspiration system 400 without any assistance.

[0043] In an example, the triggering element 414 may be electrically driven or mechanically driven. In another example, the triggering element 414 may be a pneumatic triggering element or a hydraulic triggering element. In an example implementation, the triggering element 414 may be operably coupled to a switching element (not shown) to open and close the three-way valve 410. In an example, the piston unit 402 is connected to a lifting element 418 to load the piston unit 402 in the hollow tube 408 against gravitational pull acting upon the piston unit 402.

[0044] FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic view of the aspiration system 400 in an aspiration mode, according to an example implementation of the present subject matter. To operate the aspiration system 400 in the aspiration mode, the piston unit 402 is actuated. In an example implementation the actuation is indicative of operating the triggering element 414 to open the three-way valve 410 to connect the hollow tube 408 with the fluid connection tube. Upon actuation the piston unit 402 is acted upon by gravity to move the cap 406 away from the nozzle 408a to create a negative pressure inside the hollow tube 408. In the example, the actuation occurs when the operator of the aspiration system 400, presses or releasing the foot pedal. The foot pedal stress the traction cable 416 to open the three-way valve 410 to connect the hollow tube 408 with the fluid connection tube. The simple operation of the foot pedal enables the operator to easily switch the system from the non-aspiration mode to the aspiration mode. To bring the aspiration system 400 back in a non- aspiration mode, the lifting element 418 is utilized. The lifting element 418 loads the piston unit 402 in the hollow tube 408 against gravitational pull acting upon the piston unit 402.

[0045] In an example, the aspiration systems 100, 300, and 400 of the present subject matter may also be provided with an audio generation unit. Upon actuation, when the piston unit is acted upon by gravity to move the cap away from the nozzle to create a negative pressure inside the hollow tube, the audio generation unit acts as an indicator for an operator of the aspiration system. The indicator is to indicate creation of the negative pressure inside the hollow tube and for the aspiration of the biological fluids in the fluid collection tube.

[0046] In an example, the aspiration systems 100, 300, 400 of the present subject matter may also be used to create positive pressure for injecting a fluid. Although, in example implementations described herein, the weight unit of 2 Kg is used to yield a pressure of 100 mmHg to 140 mmHg for the aspiration of follicular liquid, the mass of the weight unit may be varied as per the requirement of the negative pressure of aspiration of other body fluids and the friction of the cap and atmospheric pressure or sea levels. The other body fluids may include, but are not limited to, plasma, lymph, synovial fluid, vitreous fluid, endolymph fluid, perilymph fluid, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid, and peritoneal fluid or any to be tested body fluid for aspiration and any washing solutions for flushing.

[0047] Although the present subject matter has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the subject matter, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the subject matter.

Claims

I claim:

1 . A system (100) for aspiration of biological fluids, the system (100) comprising:

a piston unit (102) comprising:

a base member (104); and

a plurality of arms (106) extending outwards from the base member (104), wherein the plurality of arms (106) is in a same plane and includes a first arm (106a), a second arm (106b), and a third arm (106c) intermediate to the first arm (106a) and the second arm (106b); a cap (108) affixed to a free end of the third arm (106c) of the piston unit (102); and

a hollow tube (1 10) having an open end (1 12) disposed over the third arm (106c) to form a hermetic seal with the cap (108), the hollow tube (1 10) comprising a nozzle (1 14), positioned opposite to the open end and connectable to a fluid collection tube (1 16),

wherein upon actuation, the piston unit (102) is acted upon by gravity to move the cap (108) away from the nozzle (1 14) to create a negative pressure inside the hollow tube (1 10), the negative pressure is to cause the aspiration of the biological fluids in the fluid collection tube (1 16).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first arm (106a), the second arm (106b), and the third arm (106c) are extended outwards from the base member (104) to form an E-shaped structure of the piston unit (102).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the actuation is indicative of a rotation of the piston unit (102) about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the third arm (106c).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a length of one of the first and second arms of the plurality of arms is greater than a length of the third arm. 5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the piston unit (102) has a total mass in a range of about 1.

5 Kg to about 3 Kg.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the hollow tube (1 10) comprises a three-way valve (1 18) mounted on the nozzle (1 14), wherein the three-way valve (1 18) is to control an inflow and an outflow of air through the nozzle (1 14) of the hollow tube (1 10).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the system (100) comprises a switching element (316) pivotably coupled to the three-way valve (1 18), wherein the switching element (316) is to open and close the three-way valve (1 18) to connect and disconnect the hollow tube (110) with the fluid collection tube (1 16).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the actuation is indicative of a movement of the switching element (316) to open the three- way valve (1 18) to connect the hollow tube (110) with the fluid connection tube (1 16).

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the system (100) comprises a triggering element (414) operably coupled to the three-way valve (1 18) via a traction cable (416), wherein the triggering element (414) is to operate the three-way valve (1 18) to enable an inflow of air through the nozzle (1 14).

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the actuation is indicative of operating the triggering element (414) to open the three-way valve (1 18) to connect the hollow tube (110) with the fluid connection tube (1 16).

1 1. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the triggering element (414) is one of an electrically driven triggering element and a mechanically driven triggering element.

12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the triggering element (414) is one of a pneumatic triggering element and a hydraulic triggering element.

13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the hollow tube (408) has a volume in a range of about 50 ml to about 300 ml.

14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the negative pressure is created within a range of about 100 mmHg to about 200 mmHg.

15. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the three-way valve (1 18) is connected to a pressure sensor to monitor the negative pressure created within the hollow tube (1 10).

16. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the base member (104) is connected to a lifting element (418) to load the piston unit (102) in the hollow tube (1 10) against gravitational pull acting upon the piston unit (102).