Syringe-based microbubble generator with an aerator

A method for generating microbubbles, comprising:

• providing a microbubble generator having:
• (a) a syringe having a barrel and a syringe tip and being characterized by a longitudinal axis, wherein the barrel is filled with saline and polysorbate;
• (b) an aerator having (i) a generally cylindrical exterior body that is also characterized by a longitudinal axis;
• (ii) an inlet end;
• (iii) an outlet end;
• (iv) a tapered outlet port at the outlet end;
• and (v) an interior cavity comprising (A) an input port section, (B) a converging section, (C) a throat section, (D) a diverging section, (E) an outlet section, (F) a first vent that fluidly couples at least one of the throat section or the diverging section to an area outside and adjacent to the exterior body, and (G) a second vent that fluidly couples the outlet section to the area;
• and
• (c) a housing that (x) circumferentially surrounds an end of the barrel and the aerator, (y) is characterized by a longitudinal axis, (z) has an interior surface, (aa) forms a circumferential gas pocket between the interior surface and the exterior body, and (bb) has a housing discharge tip;
• wherein the input port section is configured to accommodate the syringe tip, and the housing discharge tip is configured to accommodate the tapered outlet port, such that the syringe tip, the aerator, and the housing can be coupled together in a coaxial manner relative to their respective longitudinal axes;
• coupling the housing discharge tip to a venous system of a patient undergoing a procedure;
• and
• generating microbubbles by forcing the saline and polysorbate out of the syringe, through the interior cavity, and through the housing discharge tip.