Emulsions as contrast agents and method of use
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A site-specific liquid-liquid emulsion useful as an imaging agent for ultrasonic imaging of an animal, comprising:
- (a) water;
(b) at least one water-insoluble gas-forming biocompatable chemical having a boiling point below 37°
C., wherein the chemical in said emulsion is in the liquid state at 37°
C. and at atmospheric pressure in the absence of exposure to ultrasonic energy and is present in said emulsion in an amount sufficient to form microbubbles upon exposure to ultrasonic energy; and
(c) at least one stabilizer comprising a hydrophobic or amphipathic compound in an amount sufficient to keep the gas-forming chemical in the liquid state at 37°
C., at atmospheric pressure, and prior to exposure to ultrasonic energy.
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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.
118 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A site-specific liquid-liquid emulsion useful as an imaging agent for ultrasonic imaging of an animal, comprising:
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(a) water; (b) at least one water-insoluble gas-forming biocompatable chemical having a boiling point below 37°
C., wherein the chemical in said emulsion is in the liquid state at 37°
C. and at atmospheric pressure in the absence of exposure to ultrasonic energy and is present in said emulsion in an amount sufficient to form microbubbles upon exposure to ultrasonic energy; and(c) at least one stabilizer comprising a hydrophobic or amphipathic compound in an amount sufficient to keep the gas-forming chemical in the liquid state at 37°
C., at atmospheric pressure, and prior to exposure to ultrasonic energy. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A site-specific liquid-liquid emulsion useful as an imaging agent for ultrasonic imaging of an animal, comprising:
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(a) water; (b) at least one perfluorocarbon having a boiling point below 37°
C., wherein the perfluorocarbon in said emulsion is in the liquid state at 37°
C. and at atmospheric pressure in the absence of exposure to ultrasonic energy and is present in said emulsion in an amount sufficient to form microbubbles upon exposure to ultrasonic energy; and(c) at least one stabilizer comprising a hydrophobic or amphipathic compound in an amount sufficient to keep the perfluorocarbon in the liquid state at 37°
C., at atmospheric pressure, and prior to exposure to ultrasonic energy.
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Specification