Contrast agent for ultrasonic imaging
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An apparatus for delivering a contrast agent into a vessel comprising:
- a tube having a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the tube; and
a microbubble forming arrangement at the distal end of the lumen having microholes which cause formation of microbubbles when a gas is passed through the microbubble forming arrangement.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is directed to apparatuses and methods for determining blood flow characteristics and imaging interior surface contours within vessel walls. In a preferred embodiment, the method of the invention includes a hollow tubular lumen having a proximal end and distal end wherein the distal end includes a microbubble forming arrangement for forming microbubbles when a gas is passed through the distal end of the hollow tube.
26 Citations
18 Claims
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1. An apparatus for delivering a contrast agent into a vessel comprising:
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a tube having a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the tube; and
a microbubble forming arrangement at the distal end of the lumen having microholes which cause formation of microbubbles when a gas is passed through the microbubble forming arrangement. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for imaging an interior surface of a wall of a vessel, the method comprising a step of:
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inserting an apparatus for delivering a contrast agent into the interior of the vessel, wherein the apparatus comprises;
(i) a tube having a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the tube; and
(ii) a microbubble forming arrangement at the distal end of the lumen having microholes which cause formation of microbubbles when a gas is passed through the microbubble forming arrangement; and
passing a gas through the microbubble forming arrangement at the distal end of the tube to form microbubbles within the interior of the vessel;
imaging the microbubbles passing along the interior surface of the vessel wall using an ultrasound imaging instrument. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for delivering microbubbles to the interior of a vessel, the method comprising a step of:
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inserting an apparatus for delivering a contrast agent into the interior of the vessel, wherein the apparatus comprises;
(i) a tube having a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the tube; and
(ii) a microbubble forming arrangement at the distal end of the lumen having microholes which cause formation of microbubbles when a gas is passed through the cover medium;
passing a gas through the microbubble forming arrangement at the distal end of the tube to form microbubbles within the interior of the vessel. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. An apparatus for delivering a contrast agent into a vessel comprising:
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a tube having a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the tube; and
an arrangement for transmitting ultrasound waves to the proximal end of the tube that can create a vibration which causes formation of microbubbles to pass out the distal end of the tube when ultrasound waves are applied to a gas flowing through the tube.
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Specification