FLOW IMPROVEMENTS FOR DELIVERY OF BIOMATERIALS

摘要

A delivery system for an aqueous solution of a biomaterial or a mixture of a biomaterial and a biocompatible fluid lubricant includes a syringe and a needle or a needle and catheter combination. A contoured nozzle connects the syringe to the needle and reduces the required plunger force to expel the solution from the needle. An ultrasonic transducer generates acoustic pressure pulses and waves in the solution. The acoustic radiation force of the acoustic field aligns the particles within the solution in the direction of the syringe axis and facilitates expulsion. Also, the acoustic radiation force changes the shape of the biomaterial into oblong shapes, thereby reducing the required expulsion force. Further, the vibratory excitation of the biomaterial by the ultrasonic field facilitates expulsion of the solution. Large pressure pulses may deliver droplets of the solution from the needle opening.