Mixing system and valve assembly

摘要

A mixing system is disclosed in which the system comprises a source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material, a liquid source, and a vacuum source, at least one of the source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material and the liquid source being in communication with the vacuum source. A valve assembly also forms part of the system, the valve assembly having a valve movable between a first position in which a first fluid passageway is created between the source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material and the vacuum, and a second position in which a second fluid passageway is created between the source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material and the liquid source, wherein, in the second position, the valve seals off the first fluid passageway, the vacuum source being adapted to generate a negative-pressure environment, relative to atmospheric pressure, within the valve assembly while the valve is in the first position. Methods of utilizing the aforementioned system are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A method of mixing bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material with one or more other components, the method comprising:
providing a source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material, and a source of liquid, at least one of the source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material and the liquid source being in communication with a vacuum source; engaging a syringe with a valve assembly containing a valve to automatically move the valve to a position in which a first fluid passageway between the vacuum source and the source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material is open, wherein the valve automatically moves to a position in which the first fluid passageway is closed once the syringe is retracted proximally along the valve assembly; using the vacuum source to create a vacuum between the source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material and the vacuum source, the vacuum generating negative pressure, relative to atmospheric pressure, within the first fluid passageway; sealing the first fluid passageway to maintain the vacuum within the source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material; and moving the valve so that a second fluid passageway between the source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material and the liquid source is opened, wherein liquid from the liquid source is drawn into the second fluid passageway and to the source of bone-graft or bone-graft-substitute material via the negative pressure generated during the using step.