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 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:
Lyophilized lipid compositions, as well as methods for their preparation, are embodied by the present invention. Gas-filled microspheres prepared using the lyophilized lipid composition are particularly useful, for example, in ultrasonic imaging applications and in therapeutic drug delivery systems.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus (12-102) for performing diagnostic ultrasound simultaneously with the application of therapeutic ultrasonic waves are disclosed. The methods and apparatus (12-102) are particularly advantageous in performing ultrasonic imaging of a region of a patient while simultaneously applying therapeutic ultrasonic waves to the region for the purpose of rupturing vesicles administered to that region for purposes such as enhanced cavitation or the targeted release of a bioactive agent into the region. An operator is able to monitor the rupture of vesicles in real time.
Abstract:
A method for providing an image of an internal region of a patient has been developed. The method reduces imaging artifacts by providing enhanced contrast between tissue and blood during imaging. The method comprises administering to a patient a contrast agent in combination with a renal vasodilator and performing ultrasound imaging of the region. Renal disease, including renal arterial stenosis, may be diagnosed using the method.
Abstract:
Novel gas filled microspheres useful as computed tomography (CT) contrast agents. The microspheres are prepared from a gas and/or a gaseous precursor, and one or more stabilizing compounds.
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:
Compositions comprising, in an aqueous carrier, a lipid and a material which is capable of stabilizing the composition. The stabilizing material is associated non-covalently with said lipid and is present in an amount sufficient to coat the lipid but insufficient to raise the viscosity of the composition. 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:
A container comprising an aqueous lipid suspension and a gaseous phase substantially separate from the aqueous stabilizing phase, useful in diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging and in therapeutic applications, is disclosed.