Claims for Patent: 9,034,300

Summary for Patent: 9,034,300

Title:	Composition and method for medical imaging of body cavities
Abstract:	A foamed aqueous image enhancing composition containing cellulose and/or cellulose derivative(s), has a pH between 5.5 and 7, wherein the viscosity of the composition is less than 1800 mPasec, and wherein a gas is maintained in the composition for at least 1 minute after preparation. The combination of low viscosity and foam stability makes the composition particularly suitable in patency tests and fallopian tube sterilization checks.
Inventor(s):	Exalto; Niek (Rotterdam, NL), Emanuel; Mark Hans (Aerdenhout, NL)
Assignee:	Giskit B.V. (Delft, NL)
Application Number:	13/502,232
Patent Claims:	1. A method for enhancing contrast of an image of a body cavity, comprising: (a) introducing a foamed aqueous image enhancing composition into a body cavity selected from uterus or fallopian tubes of a patient, said composition comprising cellulose and/or a cellulose derivative, having a pH between 5.5 and 7, and having a viscosity of less than 1800 mPasec, as determined by standard viscosity determination methods, measured at room temperature and under atmospheric pressure, and (b) scanning the patient using imaging technology, wherein a gas is maintained in the composition for at least 1 minute after initiating foaming. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said body cavity is the fallopian tubes. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said method is used in a patency test or in a check on fallopian tube sterilization surgery. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein said surgery involves intratubal devices. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the image enhancing composition has a viscosity of at least 15 mPas. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the image enhancing composition has a viscosity of less than 1000 mPas. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein a 1-10 ml amount of the foamed aqueous image enhancing composition is introduced into the body cavity. 8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: providing an aqueous image enhancing composition, said composition consisting essentially of 1-5 wt % of cellulose and/or cellulose derivative, glycerine and a buffer, and having a viscosity between 2000-4000 mPasec; and foaming said composition with a combination of air and an aqueous solution to produce the foamed aqueous image enhancing composition, said foamed composition having a viscosity of less than 1800 mPasec and a pH between 5.5 and 7.