# US 10,368,873 B2 · Method and device for producing foam > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,368,873 B2 - Document ID: US10368873B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/641,585 - Filed: 2017-07-05 - Published: 2018-01-11 - Granted: 2019-08-06 - Earliest claimed: 2016-07-06 - Assignees: Provensis Limited - Applicants: Provensis Limited - Inventors: David Dakin Iorwerth Wright - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10368873B2 ## CPC - A61B 17/12181: {formed by fluidized, gelatinous or cellular remodelable materials, e.g. embolic liquids, foams or extracellular matrices} - A61B 17/00008: {Vein tendon strippers (tube strippers A61M1/83)} - A61B 17/12109: {in a blood vessel} - A61K 9/122: {Foams; Dry foams (edible foams A61K9/0056)} - A61K 31/08: acyclic, e.g. paraformaldehyde - A61M 37/00: Other apparatus for introducing media into the body (for reproduction or fertilisation A61B17/425; apparatus for iontophoresis or cataphoresis A61N1/30); Percutany, i.e. introducing medicines into the body by diffusion through the skin (salt baths A61H33/04) - B01F 23/20: Mixing gases with liquids - B01F 23/235: for making foam - B01F 25/4523: {the components being pressed through sieves, screens or meshes which obstruct the whole diameter of the tube} - B01F 25/45231: {the sieves, screens or meshes being cylinders or cones which obstruct the whole diameter of the tube, the flow changing from axial in radial and again in axial} - B01F 25/50: Circulation mixers, e.g. wherein at least part of the mixture is discharged from and reintroduced into a receptacle - B01F 25/51: in which the mixture is circulated through a set of tubes, e.g. with gradual introduction of a component into the circulating flow - B01F 35/513: Flexible receptacles, e.g. bags supported by rigid containers - B01F 35/717611: {Peristaltic pumps} - B05B 7/0025: {with a compressed gas supply} - A61B 2017/00526: {Methods of manufacturing} - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) - A61K: PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES (devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms A61J3/00; chemical aspects of, or use of materials for deodorisation of air, for disinfection or sterilisation, or for bandages, dressings, absorbent pads or surgical articles A61L; soap compositions C11D) - A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)} - B01F: MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING (mixing paints B44D3/06) - B05B: SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES (spray-mixers with nozzles B01F25/72; processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces by spraying B05D) ## Abstract The present invention relates to a device and method for making sclerosing foam, which is useful in the treatment of varicose veins and other venous conditions. The device comprises a continuous pathway that is at least partly formed of flexible or compressible material and that comprises a foam generating structure within the continuous pathway; the foam generating structure being formed of two or more elements, wherein each element defines at least one passageway of cross sectional area 1 μm2 to 10 mm2 and said two or more elements being arranged in series; a port which allows introduction of material into or extraction of material out of the continuous pathway; and a liquid pathway that is at least partly formed of flexible or compressible material and is arranged to deliver liquid into the foam generating structure between a first and second element of the foam generating structure. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A device for mixing gas and liquid to generate therapeutic foam, comprising: a continuous pathway that is at least partly formed of flexible or compressible material and that comprises a foam generating structure within the continuous pathway; the foam generating structure being formed of two or more elements wherein each element defines at least one passageway of cross sectional area 1 μm2 to 10 mm2 and said two or more elements being arranged in series; a port which allows introduction of material into or extraction of material out of the continuous pathway; and a liquid pathway that is at least partly formed of flexible or compressible material and is arranged to deliver liquid into the foam generating structure between a first element and second element of the foam generating structure. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1 wherein the continuous pathway and the liquid pathway are formed by welding together of two or more layers of gas-impermeable plastic. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1 wherein the continuous pathway is charged with physiologically acceptable gas. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1 wherein the liquid pathway is charged with sclerosant liquid prior to use. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) A device according to claim 4 wherein the liquid pathway comprises a sealed container. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1 further comprising a valve that regulates fluid communication between the liquid pathway and the foam generating structure. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1 wherein the continuous pathway and the liquid pathway are located in a common housing. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) A device according to claim 7 wherein the housing is in the form of a disposable cassette, unit or consumable. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) A device according to claim 7 wherein the housing comprises an aperture through which the continuous pathway may be engaged by a pump. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1 further comprising a pump adapted to circulate foam within the continuous pathway. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) A device according to claim 10 wherein the pump is adapted to engage with a part of the continuous pathway and the liquid pathway that are formed of flexible or compressible material. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) A method of generating therapeutic foam using a device according to claim 1. ### Claim 13 A method of generating therapeutic foam, the method comprising circulating gas within a continuous pathway that comprises a foam generating structure and introducing foamable liquid directly to the foam generating structure such that the gas and the liquid meet within the foam generating structure and mix to form foam.