Contrast Agent Delivery via Phase-Shifted Osmolarity Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering contrast media in imaging procedures face challenges with high concentrations leading to increased viscosity and osmolarity, which limit administration rates and tolerability, and result in adverse reactions due to elevated iodine levels throughout the body, including the right heart.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple phases of contrast agent injection, where the osmolarity and concentration are varied to maintain optimal local and temporal X-ray contrast, with initial and subsequent phases having lower osmolarity closer to blood plasma, and a third phase with higher concentration, using a dual syringe injector system to manage fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high concentration contrast media is used to improve image contrast, then X-ray density and contrast enhancement are improved, but viscosity increases limiting administration rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the contrast media delivery into multiple phases: a first phase with lower concentration contrast media followed by a second phase with higher concentration contrast media. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high contrast enhancement in the target area while maintaining lower overall viscosity and administration rates, resolving the contradiction between contrast quality and delivery speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different contrast media concentrations to different temporal phases of the imaging procedure. The higher concentration is applied locally in time (second phase) when maximum contrast is needed, while the lower concentration is used in the first phase, allowing optimized contrast enhancement without sustained high viscosity that would limit administration rate
2Illumination intensity
If high concentration contrast media is used to improve image contrast, then X-ray density is improved, but osmolarity increases reducing tolerability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the contrast media administration into phases with different osmolarities. The first phase uses lower osmolarity contrast media that is better tolerated by the patient, while the second phase introduces higher osmolarity media only when needed for optimal contrast. This temporal segmentation reduces overall adverse reactions while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the osmolarity parameter of the contrast media between phases. By transitioning from lower osmolarity in the first phase to higher osmolarity in the second phase, the system optimizes the balance between tolerability and contrast enhancement, reducing adverse reactions while achieving necessary image quality
3Duration of action of moving object
If high concentration contrast media is used to maintain contrast over time, then contrast duration is improved, but viscosity increases further limiting flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous contrast enhancement by sequencing two phases of contrast media delivery. The first phase establishes initial contrast, and the second phase sustains and enhances it. This continuous action achieves prolonged contrast duration without requiring sustained high viscosity that would limit flow rate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic administration of contrast media in distinct phases. The first phase provides initial contrast, followed by a second phase that replenishes and enhances contrast. This periodic action maintains contrast duration over time while allowing lower overall flow rates compared to continuous high-concentration delivery
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach optimizes local agent concentrations for improved image contrast while minimizing adverse side effects by maintaining critical concentrations within safe limits and allowing higher administration rates, reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
Implementation Method 1
A dual syringe injector system is configured to deliver a first fluid having a first concentration of contrast agent... the first flow rate varying over time
Implementation Method 2
A first source of a first fluid having a first concentration of contrast agent and a second source of a second fluid having a second concentration of contrast agent are provided
Data Source
AI summary
A method for injection of an imaging contrast into a patient, includes: a. in a first phase, injecting a fluid having a first concentration of contrast agent for a first period of time; and b. in a second phase, injecting a fluid having a second concentration of contrast agent for a second period of time. The osmolarity of the second phase is higher than the osmolarity of the first phase. The method can further include: c. in a third phase, subsequent to the second phase, injecting a fluid having a third concentration of contrast agent for a third period of time. The osmolarity of the third phase is lower than the osmolarity of the second phase. In embodiments in which the composition of the contrast agent of the third phase is the same as the composition of the contrast agent of the second phase, the third concentration can be lower than the second concentration.