Drug – bio-affecting and body treating compositions – In vivo diagnosis or in vivo testing – Ultrasound contrast agent
Reexamination Certificate
2005-04-05
2005-04-05
Hartley, Michael G. (Department: 1616)
Drug, bio-affecting and body treating compositions
In vivo diagnosis or in vivo testing
Ultrasound contrast agent
Reexamination Certificate
active
06875420
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.
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Amersham Health AS
Cai Li
Hartley Michael G.
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