Abstract:
Novel targeted compositions which may be used for diagnostic and therapeutic use. The compositions may comprise a lipid, a protein or a polymer and a gas, in combination with a targeting ligand. The targeting ligand targets tissues, cells or receptors, including myocardial cells, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, tumor cells and the glycoprotein GPIIbIIIa receptor. The contrast media can be used in conjunction with diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound, as well as therapeutic applications, such as therapeutic ultrasound.
Abstract:
Stabilized compositions comprising, in combination with a gas, a fluorinated amphiphilic compound. The compositions are particularly suitable for use in diagnostic applications, including ultrasound. The compositions can take the form of vesicular compositions, such as micelles and liposomes.
Abstract:
Novel ultrasound methods comprising administering to a patient a targeted vesicle composition which comprises vesicles comprising a lipid, protein or polymer, encapsulating a gas, in combination with a targeting ligand, and scanning the patient using ultrasound. The scanning may comprise exposing the patient to a first type of ultrasound energy and then interrogating the patient using a second type of ultrasound energy. The targeting ligand preferably targets tissus, cells or receptors, including myocardial cells, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, tumor cells and the glycoprotein GPIIbIIIa receptor. The methods may be used to detect a thrombus, enhancement of an old or echogenic thrombus low concentrations of vesicles and vesicles targeted to tissues, cells or receptors.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed, inter alia, to a method for delivering a compound into a cell comprising administering to the cell the compound to be delivered, an organic halide, and/or a carrier. Ultrasound may also be applied, if desired.
Abstract:
A novel method of magnetic resonance focused surgical ultrasound by administering to a patient a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast medium comprising gas filled vesicles, then scanning the patient with MRI techniques, and then applying ultrasound to effect surgery. These methods may also use an MRI contrast medium comprising gaseous precursor filled vesicles which undergo a phase transition from a liquid to gas in vivo after administration. Additionally, the MRI contrast medium may comprise a therapeutic compound.
Abstract:
Novel stabilized suspensions of a gas as diagnostic contrast agents, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents. In preferred embodiments, the suspensions comprise stabilized gas-filled microspheres. Also in some preferred embodiments, at least a portion of the gas is derived from a gaseous precursor.
Abstract:
Novel silicon amphiphilic compounds which comprise a silicon residue. The silicon amphiphilic compounds are particularly suitable for use in compositions for diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound. Compositions of the silicon amphiphilic compounds comprise a gas or gaseous precursor, and may take the form of vesicle compositions, such as micelles or liposomes.
Abstract:
Improved method for providing an image of an internal region of a patient, especially the cardiovascular region. Embodiments of the invention involve the administration to the patient of a contrast agent which comprises a vesicle composition comprising lipid or polymer vesicles and a gas or gaseous precursor, in combinationwith a coronary vasodilator. The patient is scanned using diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound, to obtain a visible image of the region. The methods are particularly useful for diagnosing the presence of diseased tissue in the cardiovascular region of a patient, as well as for measuring blood flow in the cardiovascular region of a patient.
Abstract:
Methods for providing an image of an internal region of a patient. Embodiments of the methods involve administering to the patient a contrast agent which comprises a vesicle composition comprising, in an aqueous carrier, a gas or gaseous precursor and vesicles comprising lipids, proteins or polymers. The patient is scanned using diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound, to obtain a visible image of the region. The contrast agent is administered to the patient at a rate to substantially eliminate diagnostic artifacts in the image. The methods are particularly useful for diagnosing the presence of any diseased tissue in the patient.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for making vesicles suitable for use as contrast agents in which a container containing an aqueous suspension phase and a separate gas phase is shaken using reciprocating motion. The reciprocating motion is produced by a shaker arm that moves the container in two, substantially perpendicular directions, with the motion in the first direction being along an arcuate path. The overall path of the motion occurs in a figure-8 pattern. The frequency of shaking is at least approximately 2800 RPM, the length of the shaker arm is at least approximately 6 cm, and the angle through which the shaker arm rotates in the first direction is at least approximately 3°. The total length of travel around the figure-8 pattern is at least 0.7 cm.