Liposomes as contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging and methods for preparing the same
First Claim
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1. A method of providing an image of an internal region of a patient comprising:
- (a) administering to the patient a contrast agent selected from the group consisting of (i) a liposome having encapsulated therein a pH-activated gaseous precursor, said liposome having incorporated therein an ionophore, said ionophore being capable of facilitating the transport of hydrogen or hydroxide ions across the liposome membrane, (ii) a liposome having encapsulated therein a photo-activated gaseous precursor, and (iii) a liposome having encapsulated therein a temperature-activated gaseous precursor;
(b) activating the gaseous precursor; and
(c) scanning the patient using ultrasonic imaging to obtain enhanced visible images of the region, due to the resulting gas containing liposomes.
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Abstract
Liposomes suitable as ultrasound contrast agents which contain media of various types including gases, gaseous precursors activated by pH, temperature or pressure, as well as other solid or liquid contrast enhancing agents, are described. Methods of using the same as ultrasound contrast agents are also disclosed. The present invention also comprises novel methods for synthesizing liposomes having encapsulated therein gases.
345 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A method of providing an image of an internal region of a patient comprising:
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(a) administering to the patient a contrast agent selected from the group consisting of (i) a liposome having encapsulated therein a pH-activated gaseous precursor, said liposome having incorporated therein an ionophore, said ionophore being capable of facilitating the transport of hydrogen or hydroxide ions across the liposome membrane, (ii) a liposome having encapsulated therein a photo-activated gaseous precursor, and (iii) a liposome having encapsulated therein a temperature-activated gaseous precursor; (b) activating the gaseous precursor; and (c) scanning the patient using ultrasonic imaging to obtain enhanced visible images of the region, due to the resulting gas containing liposomes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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7. A method for diagnosing the presence of diseased tissue in a patient comprising:
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(a) administering to the patient a contrast agent selected from the group consisting of (i) a liposome having encapsulated therein a pH-activated gaseous precursor, said liposome having incorporated therein an ionophore, said ionophore being capable of facilitating the transport of hydrogen or hydroxide ions across the liposome membrane, (ii) a liposome having encapsulated therein a photo-activated gaseous precursor, and (iii) a liposome having encapsulated therein a temperature-activated gaseous precursor; (b) activating the gaseous precursor; and (c) scanning the patient using ultrasonic imaging to obtain enhanced visible images of any diseased tissue in the patient, due to the resulting gas containing liposomes.
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16. A method of providing an image of an internal region of a patient comprising:
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(a) administering to the patient a contrast agent selected from the group consisting of (i) a liposome having encapsulated therein a pH-activated gas, said liposome having incorporated therein an ionophore, said ionophore being capable of facilitating the transport of hydrogen or hydroxide ions across the liposome membrane, (ii) a liposome having encapsulated therein a photo-activated gas, and (iii) a liposome having encapsulated therein a temperature-activated gas; and (b) scanning the patient using ultrasonic imaging to obtain enhanced visible images of the region, due to the gas containing liposomes. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A method for diagnosing the presence of diseased tissue in a patient comprising:
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(a) administering to the patient a contrast agent selected from the group consisting of (i) a liposome having encapsulated therein a pH-activated gas, said liposome having incorporated therein an ionophore, said ionophore being capable of facilitating the transport of hydrogen or hydroxide ions across the liposome membrane, (ii) a liposome having encapsulated therein a photo-activated gas, and (iii) a liposome having encapsulated therein a temperature-activated gas; and (b) scanning the patient using ultrasonic imaging to obtain enhanced visible images of any diseased tissue in the patient, due to the gas containing liposomes.
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Specification