Method for continuous visualization of a body lumen
OwnerJohn Steele Fisherinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
There is disclosed a method for visualizing a body lumen. The method of the invention uses contrast material that preferably adheres to the interior wall of a target body lumen for a period of time sufficient to permit real-time visualization of the lumen and to enable the performance of image-guided diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Lumens from the cardio-vascular, pulmonary, digestive, reproductive, excretory and central nervous systems may conveniently be visualized. Radiography, nuclear medicine, ultrasound and MRI visualizing systems may be used. Contrast materials for use in the invention are non-toxic, especially non-toxic to the kidney, do not produce allergic reactions, do not stimulate atherogenesis, and preferably comprise iodine or a metal.
Claims30
A method for visualizing a body lumen comprising:
- applying a contrast material to said body lumen, wherein said contrast material adheres completely or in part to the interior wall of said body lumen;
- and
- visualizing said body lumen over a period time by a visualizing system.
A contrast material for visualization of a body lumen wherein said contrast material exhibits the following characteristics:
- (i) adheres to the interior wall of a target body lumen for a period of time sufficient to perform invasive image-guided procedures selected from the group consisting of:
- diagnostic procedures, therapeutic procedures and any combinations thereof, wherein said body lumen is selected from the group consisting of:
- the cardio-vascular system, the pulmonary system, the digestive system, the central nervous system, the reproductive system, and the excretory system;
- (ii) provides visibility of said body lumen by a visualizing system sufficient to perform said invasive image-guided procedures, wherein said visualizing system is selected from the group consisting of:
- radiography systems, nuclear medicine systems, ultrasound systems, magnetic resonance systems and any combinations thereof;
- and
- (iii) exits said body without causing either kidney toxicity, allergic reaction, or stimulation of atherogenesis.
A method for selectively binding contrast material to a lumen wall comprising:
- administering an effective amount of a contrast material exhibits the following characteristics:
- (i) adheres to the interior wall of a target body lumen for a period of time sufficient to perform invasive image-guided procedures selected from the group consisting of:
- diagnostic procedures, therapeutic procedures and any combinations thereof, wherein said body lumen is selected from the group consisting of:
- the cardio-vascular system, the pulmonary system, the digestive system, the central nervous system, the reproductive system, and the excretory system;
- (ii) provides visibility of said body lumen by a visualizing system sufficient to perform said invasive image-guided procedures, wherein said visualizing system is selected from the group consisting of:
- radiography systems, nuclear medicine systems, ultrasound systems, magnetic resonance systems and any combinations thereof;
- and (iii) exits said body without causing either kidney toxicity, allergic reaction, or stimulation of atherogenesis;
- and
- visualizing said lumen by a visualizing system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.