Abstract:
Use of fluorocarbons for the diagnosis and treatment of articular disorders is disclosed. The invention provides for the introduction of a fluorocarbon into an articular region to replace or augment natural synovial fluid. The introduced fluorocarbons, which may be in various forms including liquids, gels or emulsions, provide articular lubrification and cushioning which is effective for the treatment of disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, the present invention may be used to provide high resolution articular images, reduce articular inflammation and introduce bioactive agents to the articular region.
Abstract:
A method for preparing a pharmaceutical microdispersion exhibiting enhanced bioavailability, including the steps of providing a thermodynamically stable pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one pharmaceutical agent incorporated in a physiologically acceptable liquid carrier, the liquid carrier comprising one or more lipophilic solvents such as fluorochemicals and preferably at least one nonfluorinated co-solvent, and combining the stable pharmaceutical composition with an amount of at least one miscible diluent sufficient to initiate phase separation of the pharmaceutical agent from the pharmaceutical composition wherein a microdispersion of the pharmaceutical composition is formed. Also disclosed are microdisperse pharmaceutical compositions and kits for forming such compositions.
Abstract:
A thermodynamically stable molecular solution providing enhanced bioavailability for pharmaceutical agents is disclosed. The solutions preferably comprise a liquid carrier comprising one or more physiologically acceptable lipophilic fluorochemicals and a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one pharmaceutical agent solubilized in said liquid carrier to form a thermodynamically stable molecular solution. Optionally the thermodynamically stable solution comprises a co-solvent for facilitating solubilization of the pharmaceutical agent. Preferably the pharmaceutical agent is a lipophilic compound.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are described for calculating, in real-time, various oxygenation parameters including total oxygen transport (DO 2), mixed venous blood oxygen tension (RO 2) and mixed venous blood oxyhemoglobin saturation (SvO 2) in a patient. The system preferably uses a computer (140), an arterial pressure line (160) and a blood chemistry monitor (150) to assist a physician in accurately determining when to give a patient a blood transfusion or otherwise alter the clinical management of the patient.
Abstract:
Multiple emulsions comprising a discontinuous emulsified phase incorporating a highly polar liquid, a second component selected from the group consisting of fluorocarbons and hydrocarbons and a continuous hydrophobic phase are disclosed. In preferred embodiments, the hydrophobic phase may comprise a fluorocarbon or hydrocarbon. Additionally, the stable multiple emulsions of the present invention may further incorporate a bioactive agent and are particularly suitable for drug delivery including pulmonary drug delivery.
Abstract:
Long lasting gas emulsions for ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging contrast enhancement utilize low Ostwald coefficient fluoromono- and fluoropolyether compounds. Gas emulsions comprising microbubble preparations are disclosed wherein the microbubbles comprise fluoroethers such as perfluorodiglyme (CF3(OCF2CF2)2OCF3), perfluoromonoglyme (CF3OCF2CF2OCF3), perfluorodiethylether C2F5OC2F5, perfluoroethylmethylether CF3OC2F5, perfluorodimethylether CF3OCF3, as well as CF3OCF2OCF3 and fluoropolyethers CF3(OCF2)2OCF3, CF3(OCF2)3OCF3, and CF3(OCF2)4OCF3.
Abstract:
A method for ultrasonic harmonic imaging is disclosed, which uses microbubbles particularly selected for their properties of reradiating ultrasound energy at frequencies other than the exciting frequency. A contrast agent for ultrasonic harmonic imaging having the property of reradiating ultrasound energy at frequencies other than the exciting frequency is also disclosed.
Abstract:
Storage stable fluorocarbon emulsions having a continuous aqueous phase and a discontinuous fluorocarbon phase, in which the fluorocarbon phase comprises a major amount of a first fluorocarbon or fluorocarbon mixture, and a minor amount of a second fluorocarbon or fluorocarbon mixture, in which the second fluorocarbon has a molecular weight greater than that of the first fluorocarbon and the second fluorocarbon includes a lipophilic moiety in its structure, whereby the second fluorocarbon serves to promote particle size stability in the emulsion while simultaneously providing favorably short organ retention times when administered to animals in vivo.
Abstract:
Perfluorocarbon hydrides, either alone or in combination with other perfluorocarbon compounds, may be introduced into a non-vascular animal space as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or conventional x-ray procedures. In the image generated by these systems, the fluorocarbon introduced into the space is contrasted with the remaining body tissues or spaces to distinguish the fluorocarbon-occupied space from other tissues and spaces. Perfluoroctyl hydride vaporizes at body temperature, and its gas phase, which also provides an effective contrast to tissues, is disclosed in imaging areas of comparatively large void volume while using a lower fluorocarbon dose then than required for fluid fluorocarbon. Perfluorocarbon hydrides offer less radiodensity to x-ray imaging and less hydrogen density to MRI imaging, and are disclosed as diluents for perfluorocarbon bromides in applications where concentrated brominated compounds are found to cause imaging artifacts. Perfluorocarbon emulsions comprising a mixture of perfluorocarbon bromide and at least 0.1% perfluorocarbon hydride are disclosed for intravascular use as a contrast agent or for oxygen transport.
Abstract:
A method for hemodiluting a patient is disclosed which includes the steps of administering a biocompatible oxygen carrier in conjunction with surgery or organ ischemia or infarct while assessing the patient's PvO2 or other oxygenation indices, and administering to the patient additional oxygen carrier or autologous blood in response to the PvO2 value if necessary to maintain the PvO2 at or above the desired level.