Emulsions as contrast agents and method of use
First Claim
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1. A method to enhance the contrast of tissues and organs in an ultrasonic image comprising:
- (a) injecting an emulsion comprising at least one water-insoluble gas-forming chemical and at least one stabilizer into a patient, said emulsion being capable of forming microbubbles of gas upon application of ultrasonic energy (b) applying a sufficient amount of ultrasonic energy to volatilize said chemicals to release microbubbles; and
(c) detecting an ultrasonic image.
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Abstract
This invention relates to an oil-in-water emulsion that is of a water-insoluble gas-forming chemical and a stabilizer. The emulsion being capable of forming microbubbles of gas upon application of ultrasonic energy. This composition allows for site specific imaging as the image enhancing microbubbles can be released upon the application of ultrasonic energy at the specific location where the image is desired.
198 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method to enhance the contrast of tissues and organs in an ultrasonic image comprising:
- (a) injecting an emulsion comprising at least one water-insoluble gas-forming chemical and at least one stabilizer into a patient, said emulsion being capable of forming microbubbles of gas upon application of ultrasonic energy (b) applying a sufficient amount of ultrasonic energy to volatilize said chemicals to release microbubbles; and
(c) detecting an ultrasonic image. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
- (a) injecting an emulsion comprising at least one water-insoluble gas-forming chemical and at least one stabilizer into a patient, said emulsion being capable of forming microbubbles of gas upon application of ultrasonic energy (b) applying a sufficient amount of ultrasonic energy to volatilize said chemicals to release microbubbles; and
Specification