Perfusion imaging method
First Claim
1. Method of ultrasound investigation of a human or non-human animal subject comprising i) administering a gas-microbubble containing ultrasound contrast agent to said subject ii) administering at least two gases or gas mixtures to said subject, said gases or gas mixtures having different partial pressure of inert gas, said gases or gas mixtures being administered either prior to, during and/or after the administration of said ultrasound contrast agent iii) detecting ultrasound signals from said subject iv) optionally, generating an image from said detected signals
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Accused Products
Abstract
This invention relates to ultrasound imaging, more specifically to a method of ultrasound investigation involving the use of an ultrasound contrast agent and administration of at least two gases or gas mixtures having different partial pressure of inert gas. The method may be used in assessing blood perfusion in tissue. A timed change of administered gases gives a subsequent change in contrast echogenicity. The gases are preferably administered by inhalation. The invention further relates to gas-microbubble containing ultrasound contrast agents used according to the method, and to kits to be used in assessments of tissue perfusion.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. Method of ultrasound investigation of a human or non-human animal subject comprising
i) administering a gas-microbubble containing ultrasound contrast agent to said subject ii) administering at least two gases or gas mixtures to said subject, said gases or gas mixtures having different partial pressure of inert gas, said gases or gas mixtures being administered either prior to, during and/or after the administration of said ultrasound contrast agent iii) detecting ultrasound signals from said subject iv) optionally, generating an image from said detected signals
- 20. Use of a gas-microbubble containing ultrasound contrast agent and at least two gases having different partial pressure of inert gas for the manufacturing of an ultrasound imaging agent for detecting ultrasound signals from a subject.
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23. Ultrasound imaging agent comprising a gas-microbubble containing ultrasound contrast agent and at least two gases or gas mixtures having different partial pressure of inert gas.
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24. Kit comprising a gas-microbubble containing ultrasound contrast agent and at least two gases or gas mixtures having different partial pressure of inert gas.
Specification