Gas-Liquid Contrast Medium for Reproducible Sonographic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound contrast agents for uterine cavity and Fallopian tube imaging are expensive, unstable, require cumbersome preparation, and lack reproducibility, limiting their clinical effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using a container assembly with separate liquid and gas compartments to create an alternating pattern of gas and fluid, delivered directly to the uterus and Fallopian tubes via a catheter, ensuring stable and reproducible sonographic visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional contrast agents are used for ultrasound imaging, then image quality is improved, but cost increases and stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses air bubbles as a disposable contrast agent that is inexpensive and does not require complex stabilization. The air bubbles are generated fresh during the procedure using a simple mixing device, eliminating the need for stable, expensive contrast agents with complex compositions. This resolves the contradiction by accepting short duration (procedure-specific use) in exchange for cost reduction and compositional simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the contrast agent by using air (gas phase) instead of liquid or solid contrast media. The air bubbles are created with specific size distributions (0.5-5 microns) that optimize ultrasound reflectivity while maintaining stability through physical parameters rather than chemical stabilization. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between image quality and compositional stability.
2Reliability
If conventional contrast agents are prepared and used, then imaging is enabled, but procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex preparation steps from the imaging procedure by using pre-generated air bubble suspensions that require only simple mixing. The air bubbles are prepared separately using a dedicated device and then readily introduced into the patient, separating the preparation function from the imaging function and reducing overall procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The contrast agent preparation system is self-serviceable through automated or semi-automated bubble generation devices that create the contrast medium on-demand without requiring skilled preparation. The device automatically mixes air and liquid to generate appropriate bubble suspensions, eliminating the need for manual preparation expertise and reducing procedural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If microbubbles are made small to pass lung capillaries, then vascular access is achieved, but persistence decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-stabilizing the air bubbles through controlled generation methods before introduction. The bubbles are created with optimal size distributions and stabilized through controlled mixing processes, ensuring they maintain their small size for vascular passage while achieving sufficient persistence for the imaging procedure duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining air bubbles with specific liquid formulations that enhance bubble stability without compromising size. The liquid component acts as a stabilizing matrix that prevents bubble coalescence and dissolution, allowing small bubbles to maintain both vascular accessibility and procedural persistence through composite material properties.
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
Provides stable, cost-effective, and reproducible ultrasound imaging of uterine cavity and Fallopian tubes with reduced procedural complexity and material usage.
Implementation Method 1
use detectable acoustic variations of alternating patterns of a gas phase and a liquid phase traversing a passage
Implementation Method 2
the agent is introduced vascularly. To pass through the lung capillaries and enter into the systemic circulation, microbubbles within a vascular contrast agent should be less than 10 microns in diameter
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises methods and devices for providing contrast medium for sonography of structures such as ducts and cavities. The invention provides for creation of detectable acoustic variations between two generated phases of a gas and a liquid to make a contrast medium. Sonography is the primary means of imaging but other conventional detection means may also be employed with the present invention.