Nova Patents
EP0605477A4

Gaseous ultrasound contrast media and method for selecting gases for use as ultrasound contrast media.

Abstract

Disclosed herein are agents for enhancing the contrast in an ultrasound image. These agents are extremely small bubbles, or "microbubbles," comprised of specially selected gases. The microbubbles described herein exhibit long life spans in solution and may be produced at a size small enough to traverse the lungs, thus enabling improved ultrasound imaging of the cardiovascular system and other vital organs. Also disclosed herein is a method for selecting gases from which contrast agents may be produced. The method is based on calculations using inherent physical properties of gases and describes a means to associate the properties of a gas with the time for dissolution of microbubbles comprised of the gas.

Term

Term ended

Projected expiry passed 2 September 2012, 14.1 years ago.

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Every citation, both ways

Citations
DocumentRelationOfficeCategoryCited duringRelevant claims
EP0324938A1CitesEuropean Patent Office (EPO)XSearch report1,5,6,10,11,15-18,24,25
EP0359246A2CitesEuropean Patent Office (EPO)XSearch report1,5,6,10,11,15-18,24,25
US4684479ACitesUnited States of America–Search report–
EP0324938ACitesEuropean Patent Office (EPO)–––
EP0359246ACitesEuropean Patent Office (EPO)–––
SCHLIEF R: "Ultrasound contrast agents.", CURR OPIN RADIOL, vol. 3, no. 2, April 1991 (1991-04-01), pages 198 - 207, XP002966009Non-patent––Search report–
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OHTA T. ET AL: "Effect of the contrast agent and the agitation method on the size, number and stability of microbubbles: A basic experiment for the myocardial contrast study", JPN. J. MED. ULTRASON., vol. 18, no. 4, pages 318 - 326, XP002966011Non-patent––Search report–
BLEEKER H.J. ET AL: "Ultrasonic characterization of Albunex (R), a new contrast agent", J. ACOUST. SOC. AM., vol. 87, no. 4, 1990, pages 1792 - 1797, XP000121319Non-patent––Search report–
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CHEMICAL ABSTRACTS, vol. 100, no. 9, 27 February 1984, Columbus, Ohio, US; abstract no. 64270D, FEINSTEIN S.B. ET AL: "Two-dimensional contrast echocardiography. I. In vitro development and quantitative analysis of echo contrast agents." page 270; XP002966014Non-patent––Search report–
DAVIS P.L. ET AL: "Echogenicity caused by stable microbubbles in a protein-lipid emulsion", J. CLIN. ULTRASOUND, vol. 9, no. 5, 1981, pages 249 - 252, XP002966012Non-patent––Search report–
FOBBE F. ET AL: "Color-coded duplex sonography and ultrasound contrast media - Demonstration of peripheral renal perfusion defects in an animal experiment", RÖFO FORTSCHR. GEB. RÖNTGENSTR. NEUEN BILDGEBENDEN VERFAHREN, vol. 154, no. 3, March 1991 (1991-03-01), pages 242 - 245, XP002966013Non-patent––Search report–
DE JONG N. ET AL: "Principles and recent developments in ultrasound contrast agents", ULTRASONICS, vol. 29, no. 4, July 1991 (1991-07-01), GUILDFORD GB, pages 324 - 330, XP000208299Non-patent––Search report–
VIOLANTE M.R. ET AL: "Particle-stabilized bubbles for enhanced organ ultrasound imaging.", INVEST. RADIOL., vol. 26, no. 1, November 1991 (1991-11-01), pages S194 - S197, XP000541913Non-patent––Search report–
See also references of WO 9305819A1Non-patent––Search report–