Opacity technology

摘要

A catheter device comprising a chamber containing an opacity enhancing substance is disclosed. The opacity enhancing substance is in a dried or semi-dried form within the chamber of the device. Release of a liquid into the chamber suspends the substance and forms an opacity enhancing solution that is released into the lumen of the device in order to enhance the opacity of the device for imaging.

主权项

1. A method of imaging a balloon catheter in a subject in need thereof, comprising the steps of:
introducing into a lumen of the subject a balloon catheter device comprising:
an elongated catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end and a conduit within the catheter body; anda mixing chamber located at the proximal end of the catheter body; anda balloon located at the distal end of the catheter body, wherein the balloon is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber through the conduit within the catheter body; admixing an opacity enhancing material with a liquid in the mixing chamber to form an opacity enhancing liquid, wherein the opacity enhancing material is adhered to an inner surface of the mixing chamber or wherein the mixing chamber is configured to receive a removable and replaceable cartridge containing the opacity enhancing material; advancing the opacity enhancing liquid into the conduit to inflate the balloon; and obtaining an image of the balloon in the subject.