Systems for harmonic ultrasound imaging
DCFirst Claim
Patent Images
1. A system for ultrasonic harmonic imaging of an object or body comprising:
- a transducer capable of emitting a fundamental frequency;
a receiver capable of detecting at least one frequency other than said fundamental frequency whereby said at least one detected frequency may be used to provide an image of at least a part of said object or body; and
a contrast agent comprising a plurality of microbubbles which, when insonated with the fundamental frequency, radiate ultrasonic energy at frequencies other than the fundamental frequency with an efficiency greater than a free air bubble.
9 Assignments
Litigations
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method for ultrasonic harmonic imaging is disclosed, which uses microbubbles particularly selected for their properties of reradiating ultrasound energy at frequencies other than the exciting frequency.
63 Citations
40 Claims
-
1. A system for ultrasonic harmonic imaging of an object or body comprising:
-
a transducer capable of emitting a fundamental frequency; a receiver capable of detecting at least one frequency other than said fundamental frequency whereby said at least one detected frequency may be used to provide an image of at least a part of said object or body; and a contrast agent comprising a plurality of microbubbles which, when insonated with the fundamental frequency, radiate ultrasonic energy at frequencies other than the fundamental frequency with an efficiency greater than a free air bubble. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
-
-
29. A system for harmonic imaging of an object or body comprising:
-
an ultrasound scanner capable of harmonically imaging said object or body; and a contrast agent comprising a plurality of microbubbles wherein said microbubbles comprise at least one gaseous or vaporous compound selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, fluorocarbons and combinations thereof.
-
-
30. A system for harmonic imaging of an object or body comprising:
-
an ultrasound scanner capable of harmonically imaging said object or body; and a contrast agent comprising an emulsified liquid wherein said emulsified liquid comprises water and perfluoropentane. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34)
-
-
35. A system for harmonic imaging of an object or body comprising:
-
an ultrasound scanner capable of harmonically imaging said object or body; and a contrast agent comprising a plurality of microbubbles wherein said microbubbles comprise perfluoropropane. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37, 38)
-
-
39. A system for harmonic imaging of an object or body comprising:
-
an ultrasound scanner capable of harmonically imaging said object or body; and a contrast agent comprising a plurality of microbubbles wherein said microbubbles comprise perfluorohexane.
-
-
40. A system for harmonic imaging of an object or body comprising:
-
an ultrasound scanner capable of harmonically imaging said object or body; and a contrast agent comprising a plurality of microbubbles wherein said microbubbles comprise sulfur hexafluoride.
-
Specification