Enhanced ultrasound detection with temperature-dependent contrast agents
First Claim
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1. A method for comparing acoustic reflectivity of a target for ultrasound imaging at a lower and a higher temperature, the method comprising(a) measuring reflectivity prior to raising the temperature of liquid nanoparticles bound to a target;
- (b) raising the temperature of the liquid nanoparticles bound to said target sufficiently to produce a measurable enhancement in acoustic reflectivity of the target;
(c) measuring reflectivity after raising the temperature of the bound liquid nanoparticles; and
(d) determining the change in reflectivity of the bound liquid nanoparticles after raising the temperature compared to reflectivity prior to raising the temperature,wherein said nanoparticles comprise at least one fluorocarbon,said nanoparticles having been administered to said target in a non-gaseous emulsion, and wherein said nanoparticles are maintained in the liquid state during all of steps (a)–
(c).
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Abstract
Methods and devices for enhanced ultrasound detection based upon changing temperature and ultrasound reflectivity of a temperature-dependent contrast agent bound to an ultrasound target are disclosed. The methods and devices can be used for enhanced imaging alone or in conjunction with drug delivery, with therapeutic approaches such as hyperthermia or cryotherapy or with other imaging modalities.
51 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for comparing acoustic reflectivity of a target for ultrasound imaging at a lower and a higher temperature, the method comprising
(a) measuring reflectivity prior to raising the temperature of liquid nanoparticles bound to a target; -
(b) raising the temperature of the liquid nanoparticles bound to said target sufficiently to produce a measurable enhancement in acoustic reflectivity of the target; (c) measuring reflectivity after raising the temperature of the bound liquid nanoparticles; and (d) determining the change in reflectivity of the bound liquid nanoparticles after raising the temperature compared to reflectivity prior to raising the temperature, wherein said nanoparticles comprise at least one fluorocarbon, said nanoparticles having been administered to said target in a non-gaseous emulsion, and wherein said nanoparticles are maintained in the liquid state during all of steps (a)–
(c). - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for obtaining an image resulting from enhanced acoustic reflectivity of a target for ultrasound imaging, the method comprising
(a) changing the temperature of liquid nanoparticles bound to said target sufficiently to produce a measurable enhancement of acoustic reflectivity of the target, and (b) obtaining an ultrasound image of said target, bound to said liquid nanoparticles, wherein said nanoparticles comprise at least one fluorocarbon, said nanoparticles having been administered to said target in a non-gaseous emulsion; - and
wherein said nanoparticles are maintained in the liquid state during both of steps (a) and (b). - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification