Enhanced methods of ultrasound imaging using multiple frequencies
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system for ultrasonic imaging of an object or body comprising:
- a transducer capable of emitting a fundamental frequency;
a receiver capable of detecting more than one frequency other than said fundamental frequency whereby the detected frequencies may be used to provide an image of at least a part of said object or body; and
a kit capable of producing a stabilized microbubble preparation wherein said preparation comprises an aqueous medium having dispersed therein 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.
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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.
85 Citations
82 Claims
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1. A system for ultrasonic imaging of an object or body comprising:
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a transducer capable of emitting a fundamental frequency; a receiver capable of detecting more than one frequency other than said fundamental frequency whereby the detected frequencies may be used to provide an image of at least a part of said object or body; and a kit capable of producing a stabilized microbubble preparation wherein said preparation comprises an aqueous medium having dispersed therein 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, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A method for ultrasonic imaging of an object or body comprising the steps of:
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introducing a contrast agent into said object or body wherein said contrast agent comprises a plurality of microbubbles which, when insonated with a fundamental frequency, radiate ultrasonic energy at frequencies other than the fundamental frequency with an efficiency greater than a free air bubble; and imaging at least a portion of said object or body using a plurality of frequencies other than said fundamental frequency. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60)
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61. A method for ultrasonic imaging of an object or body comprising the steps of:
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introducing a contrast agent into said object or body wherein said contrast agent comprises a plurality of microbubbles which, when insonated with a fundamental frequency, radiate ultrasonic energy at frequencies other than the fundamental frequency with an efficiency greater than a free air bubble; insonating at least a portion of said object or body at said fundamental frequency; detecting ultrasonic energy reflected by said microbubbles at a plurality of frequencies other than said fundamental frequency; and creating an image of at least a portion of said object or body utilizing said plurality of frequencies. - View Dependent Claims (62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82)
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Specification