Apparatus for preparing gas filled liposomes for use as ultrasonic contrast agents
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for preparing contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging by drying liposomes and instilling gas therein comprising:
- (i) a vessel for containing liposomes;
(ii) means for sequentially applying a negative pressure to the vessel for a first pre-determined period of time to draw liquid from liposomes contained in the vessel and then subsequently applying a gas to the vessel to gradually eliminate the negative pressure therein over a second pre-determined period of time, the means for sequentially applying the negative pressure and then the gas to gradually eliminate the negative pressure including (a) a vacuum source, (b) a source of pressurized gas, and (c) a conduit having means for selectively placing the vacuum source and the pressurized gas in flow communication with the vessel.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging comprising gas filled liposomes prepared using vacuum drying gas instillation methods, and gas filled liposomes substantially devoid of liquid in the interior thereof, are described. Methods of and apparatus for preparing such liposomes and methods for employing such liposomes in ultrasonic imaging applications are also disclosed. Also described are diagnostic kits for ultrasonic imaging which include the subject contrast agents.
157 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An apparatus for preparing contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging by drying liposomes and instilling gas therein comprising:
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(i) a vessel for containing liposomes; (ii) means for sequentially applying a negative pressure to the vessel for a first pre-determined period of time to draw liquid from liposomes contained in the vessel and then subsequently applying a gas to the vessel to gradually eliminate the negative pressure therein over a second pre-determined period of time, the means for sequentially applying the negative pressure and then the gas to gradually eliminate the negative pressure including (a) a vacuum source, (b) a source of pressurized gas, and (c) a conduit having means for selectively placing the vacuum source and the pressurized gas in flow communication with the vessel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An apparatus for preparing contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging by drying liposomes and instilling gas therein comprising:
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(i) a vessel for containing liposomes; (ii) means for cooling liposomes contained in the vessel to a temperature at least as low as approximately 0°
C.;(iii) means for applying a negative pressure to the vessel at least as low as approximately 700 mm Hg for a period of time at least as long as approximately 24 hours to draw liquid from the liposomes contained in the vessel; (iv) a conduit connecting the negative pressurizing means to the vessel, the conduit directing the flow of the liquid; (v) means for collecting the liquid flowing in the conduit; and (vi) means for isolating the negative pressurizing means from the vessel and means for thereafter gradually introducing a gas into liposomes contained in the vessel so as to gradually eliminate the negative pressure therein over a period of at least 4 hours. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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12. An apparatus for drying liposomes and instilling gas therein comprising:
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(i) a vessel for containing liposomes; (ii) means for sequentially applying a negative pressure to the vessel for a first pre-determined period of time to draw liquid from liposomes contained in the vessel and then subsequently applying a gas to the vessel to gradually eliminate the negative pressure therein over a second pre-determined period of time, the means for sequentially applying the negative pressure and then the gas to gradually eliminate the negative pressure including (a) a vacuum source, (b) a source of pressurized gas, and (c) a conduit having means for selectively placing the vacuum source and the pressurized gas in flow communication with the vessel.
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13. An apparatus for drying liposomes and instilling gas therein comprising:
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(i) a vessel for containing liposomes; (ii) means for cooling liposomes contained in the vessel to a temperature at least as low as approximately 0°
C.;(iii) means for applying a negative pressure to the vessel of at least approximately 700 mm Hg for a period of at least as long as approximately 24 hours to draw liquid from liposomes contained in the vessel; (iv) a conduit connecting the negative pressurizing means to the vessel, the conduit directing the flow of the liquid; (v) means for collecting the liquid flowing in the conduit; and (vi) means for isolating the negative pressurizing means from said vessel and for thereafter gradually introducing a gas into liposomes contained in said vessel so as to gradually eliminate the negative pressure therein over a period of at least 4 hours. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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Specification