Echogenic Encapsulations
OwnerBrian Michael Coyle, Alys Larseninventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Echogenic Encapsulation units, components, and associated systems and methods are described. Echogenic Encapsulations can be incorporated in objects inserted into animal bodies, thereby making the objects detectable with ultrasound tools. Echogenic Encapsulations are sealed cavities with a surface transparent to ultrasound energy, containing pluralities of echogenic microbubbles and/or particles suspended in carrier fluidic substances. The echogenic microbubbles and/or particles are protected from the environment in the sealed cavity, and being so protected do not dissipate but remain functional for extended periods. Echogenic Encapsulations may be attached to object surfaces, or be positioned on subcomponents in objects.
Claims19
An Echogenic Encapsulation for use as part of an object inserted into an animal body, the Echogenic Encapsulation comprising:
- at least one or more surface;
- one or more layers configured to cover the at least one surface;
- wherein the one or more layers form at least one sealed cavity that contains a fluidic substrate;
- a plurality of echogenic microbubbles or particles are stabilized in the fluidic substrate;
- at least one of the one or more layers is transparent to ultrasonic energy.
A method of making an Echogenic Encapsulation to be inserted into an animal body,
- assembling a plurality of layers, including at least one first layer and at least one second layer,
- at least one of the plurality of layers is transparent to ultrasonic energy,
- sealing at least one of the first layers and at least one of the second layers to form a cavity,
- injecting a carrier fluidic substance including a plurality of echogenic microbubbles or particles into the cavity,
- ensuring the plurality of echogenic microbubbles or particles do not dissipate when the Echogenic Encapsulation is inserted in the animal body.
An Echogenic Encapsulation installed in an object inserted into an animal body, the Echogenic Encapsulation comprising:
- at least one sealed cavity;
- the at least one sealed cavity being formed by a first layer and at least a second layer;
- at least one of the first layer and the at least second layer being transparent to ultrasonic energy;
- the at least one sealed cavity being defined by a space between the first layer and the at least second layer;
- the at least one sealed cavity containing a carrier fluidic substance;
- the at least one sealed cavity being protected from an external environment;
- at least one valve in at least one of the first layer and the at least second layer;
- the carrier fluidic substance being introduced through the at least one valve;
- wherein the carrier fluidic substance includes a plurality of echogenic microbubbles, a plurality of echogenic particles, or both;
- and
- wherein the Echogenic Encapsulation enables ultrasound detection of the object.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.