Contrast agent generation and injection system for sonographic imaging

Abstract

The present invention comprises methods and devices for generating and providing contrast medium for sonography of structures such as ducts or cavities. The invention provides for creation of a contrast medium comprising detectable acoustic variations between two phases, for example, a gas and a liquid. Sonography is the primary means of imaging but other conventional detection means may also be employed with the present invention.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A contrast medium generating and delivery device, comprising,
 a container assembly comprising and first and second syringe, the first syringe configured for containing saline and the second syringe configured for containing air or gas; a contrast medium generating chamber; a first connection for fluid connection between the first syringe and the contrast medium generating chamber, and a second connection for fluid connection between the second syringe and the contrast medium generating chamber; an air port positioned between the second syringe and the contrast medium generating chamber in the connection for fluid connection between the second syringe and the contrast medium generating chamber, that is in fluid connection with the second syringe; and a third connection for fluid connection between the contrast medium generating chamber and an exit port distal to the contrast medium generating chamber;   first and second syringe plungers, respectively disposed within the first and second syringes for simultaneously moving saline or air or gas into the respective syringe, and for simultaneously moving the contained saline or air from the respective syringe, through the respective first and second connection for fluid connection, to the contrast medium generating chamber to form a contrast medium comprising saline and air that exits through the exit port.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a component for actuating both syringe plunger simultaneously. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one check valve is in fluid connection with the container in fluid connection with the air port. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least two check valves are in fluid connection with the container in fluid connection with the air port. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a stop cock positioned between the contrast generating chamber and the exit port. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a catheter attached to the exit port. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 3 , further comprising at least two check valves in fluid connection with the container in fluid connection with the air port. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , further comprising a stop cock positioned between the contrast generating chamber and the exit port. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , further comprising a stop cock positioned between the contrast generating chamber and the exit port. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , further comprising a catheter attached to the exit port. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 3 , further comprising a stop cock positioned between the contrast generating chamber and the exit port. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , further comprising a catheter attached to the exit port. 
     
     
         13 . A method of sonographic visualization of a body structure, comprising,
 a) providing a contrast medium composition made by the device of  claim 1  to a body structure via a catheter, attached to the device of  claim 1 , comprising a catheter delivery end positioned in the same or a different body structure; and   b) viewing the contrast medium composition in one or more body structures.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the contrast medium composition is provided to more than one body structure. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein viewing is by sonography. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein viewing is by sonography. 
     
     
         17 . A method of diagnosing the patency of at least one fallopian tube, comprising, a) providing a contrast medium composition made by the device of  claim 1  to a uterus or at least one cornua of a fallopian tube via a catheter, attached to the device of  claim 1 , comprising a catheter delivery end positioned in the uterus or at least at one cornua of a fallopian tube; and
 b) viewing the contrast medium composition in the uterus or at least one fallopian tube and determining the patency of at least one fallopian tube. 
 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein viewing is by sonography. 
     
     
         19 . A method of diagnosing the interior structure of a uterus and optionally, the patency of at least one fallopian tube, comprising, a) providing a contrast medium composition made by the device of  claim 1  to a uterus, or optionally, to at least one cornua of a fallopian tube, via a catheter, attached to the device of  claim 1 , comprising a catheter delivery end positioned in the uterus, or optionally, at least at one cornua of a fallopian tube; and
 b) viewing the contrast medium composition in in the uterus or optionally, in at least one fallopian tube, and determining the interior structure of the uterus and optionally, the patency of at least one fallopian tube. 
 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein viewing is by sonography.