Suspension device and method
First Claim
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1. A method for providing a volume of a suspendable agent using a propellant fluid, the method comprising:
- operably engaging a charging container containing a pressurized propellant fluid to the inlet of the tubular network having a plurality of helices containing a plurality of sub-volumes of a suspendable contrast agent with at least two helices compressibly secured and fastened together, an inlet to the tubular network, and an outlet from the tubular network; and
depressurizing the charging container and providing propellant pressure to the tubular network effective to suspend and deliver the plurality of sub-volumes of the suspendable agent through the outlet.
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Abstract
A device and method for providing a suspended agent such as a contrast agent without mechanical resuspension. A volume of agent is divided into sub-volumes in a network configured to suspend and deliver the sub-volumes of agent to a patient when a propellant fluid flows through the network. The invention reduces sedimentation of agents into one or a few aggregates and eliminates a mechanical mixing step. The invention thus provides a uniformly suspended agent, improving patient health and safety and increasing cost and time savings.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method for providing a volume of a suspendable agent using a propellant fluid, the method comprising:
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operably engaging a charging container containing a pressurized propellant fluid to the inlet of the tubular network having a plurality of helices containing a plurality of sub-volumes of a suspendable contrast agent with at least two helices compressibly secured and fastened together, an inlet to the tubular network, and an outlet from the tubular network; and
depressurizing the charging container and providing propellant pressure to the tubular network effective to suspend and deliver the plurality of sub-volumes of the suspendable agent through the outlet. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A suspension device for a suspendable agent, comprising:
a tubular network for containing a plurality of sub-volumes of the agent, said tubular network including inflow and outflow ports for flow of a fluid to suspend and propel the agent from said tubular network, said tubular network having a first cross-sectional internal geometrical configuration along a first length and a second cross-sectional internal geometrical configuration along a second length, the second cross-sectional internal geometrical configuration differing from the first cross-sectional internal geometrical configuration. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A suspension device for a suspendable agent, comprising:
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a helical tubular network for containing a plurality of sub-volumes of the agent, said helical tubular network having a non-uniform radius of curvature, a columnar arrangement, a non-uniform network density, or a combination thereof; and
inflow and outflow ports in said helical tubular network for flow of a fluid to suspend the suspendable agent and propel the suspended agent from said helical tubular network. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of decreasing escape of a gaseous agent contained within a device for suspending a volume of said agent, the network comprising a network to contain a plurality of sub-volumes of said agent and ports for an inflow and an outflow of a fluid to propel said agent from said network, said method comprising:
providing said device within a container comprising a material having a permeability to said gaseous agent that is less than a permeability of said network to said gaseous agent. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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21. An apparatus to decrease escape of a gaseous agent contained within a suspension device for a volume of said agent, the device comprising a network to contain a plurality of sub-volumes of said agent and ports operatively connected to said network at an inflow site and an outflow site for a fluid to propel said agent from said network, said apparatus comprising:
a container made of a material that is less permeable to said gaseous agent than the permeability of said network and containing at least one of said device. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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24. A method of manufacturing a device for delivering a suspendable agent, comprising:
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forming a tubular network having a plurality of helices, an inlet adapted to receive a pressurized propellant fluid and an outlet;
compressibly securing and fastening together at least two helices; and
filling the tubular network with a plurality of sub-volumes of a suspendable agent.
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Specification