Abstract:
Compositions and methods for providing an image of an internal region of a patient. Embodiments of the invention involve vesicle compositions comprising, in an aqueous carrier, a perfluorinated ether compound and vesicles comprising one or more stabilizing compounds. The compositions may be administered to a patient, and the patient may be scanned using diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound, to obtain a visible image of an internal region.
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:
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 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:
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:
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.