Abstract: The present invention describes, inter alia, novel prodrugs comprising fluorinated amphiphiles, compositions comprising the novel prodrugs, and methods of use of the prodrugs and compositions.

Abstract: Novel contrast media for use in ultrasonic imaging are described. Such contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible polymers, wherein said biocompatible polymers are coated with and/or in admixture with at least one silicon containing compound. Alternatively, the contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible synthetic polymers, or an aqueous solution of cellulose. The contrast media may be employed, if desired, with anti-gas agents and/or suspending agents.

Abstract: A device for directing and supporting a laser during laser guided biopsies. The device comprises a track attached to a computed tomography table. A vertically extending post is slidably mounted on the track so that the post can be moved parallel to the axis of the table. A rail is slidably mounted on the post and extends across the width of the table. A first bracket is slidably mounted on the rail and a first rotary stage is attached to the bracket that allows rotation in one vertical plane. A second bracket is attached to the first rotary stage. A second rotary stage that allows rotation in a second vertical plane, which is perpendicular to the first vertical plane, is attached to the second bracket. A laser is mounted on the second rotary stage, thereby allowing the laser's beam to be set at a compound angle by rotation of the two rotary stages.

Abstract: Novel complexes of paramagnetic ions and compounds bearing long acyl chains have been synthesized as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. These novel liposoluble contrast agents may be administered alone, or with lipids, suspending agents or other additives. The lipids may be in the form of liposomes, micelles or lipid emulsions. The contrast agents of the invention have particular use in magnetic resonance imaging of the liver, blood pool and reticuloendothelial system.

Abstract: Liposomes suitable as ultrasound contrast agents which contain media of various types including gases, gaseous precursors activated by pH, temperature or pressure, as well as other solid or liquid contrast enhancing agents, are described. Methods of using the same as ultrasound contrast agents are also disclosed. The present invention also comprises novel methods for synthesizing liposomes having encapsulated therein gases.

Abstract: Stabilized compositions comprising, in combination with a gas, a fluorinated amphiphilic compound. The compositions are particularly suitable for use in diagnostic applications, including ultrasound. The compositions can take the form of vesicular compositions, such as micelles and liposomes.

Abstract: Novel contrast media for use in magnetic resonance imaging are described. Such contrast media are comprised of biocompatible polymers either alone or in admixture with one or more contrast agents such as paramagnetic, superparamagnetic or proton density contrast agents. Additionally, the polymers or polymer and contrast agent admixtures may be mixed with one or more biocompatible gases to increase the relaxivity of the resultant preparation, and/or with other components. In a preferable embodiment, the contrast medium is hypoosmotic.

Abstract: Liposomes suitable as ultrasound contrast agents which contain media of various types including gases, gaseous precursors activated by pH, temperature or pressure, as well as other solid or liquid contrast enhancing agents, are described. Methods of using the same as ultrasound contrast agents are also disclosed. The present invention also comprises novel methods for synthesizing liposomes having encapsulated therein gases.

Abstract: A contrast medium useful for diagnostic imaging is provided. The contrast medium comprises gel particles, preferably of less than about 90.mu. in mean diameter, the gel particles comprising at least one polymer entrapping at least one contrast enhancing metal.

Abstract: An optoacoustic system comprises an optoacoustic transducer including a first array of acoustic transducers and a second array of optical fibers; an acoustic subsystem for controllably exciting at least a first subset of the acoustic transducers to generate acoustic pulses with a prescribed pulse width, and for forming a first image based on return acoustic pulses reflected from a patient; an optical subsystem for controllably generating optical pulses to be transmitted through at least a first subset of the optical fibers toward the patient, and for forming a second image based on light reflected from the patient; and image correlation means for correlating the first and second images. The first and second arrays may take various forms, including the form of an annular array in which the acoustic transducers are arranged coaxially and the optical fibers are disposed around an outer periphery of the first array. The first and second arrays may also take the form of linear arrays.

Abstract: Novel contrast media for use in ultrasonic imaging are described. Such contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible polymers, wherein said biocompatible polymers are coated with and/or in admixture with at least one silicon containing compound. Alternatively, the contrast media may be comprised of an aqueous solution of one or more biocompatible synthetic polymers, or an aqueous solution of cellulose. The contrast media may be employed, if desired, with anti-gas agents and/or suspending agents.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for preparing gas-filled liposomes are described. Gas-filled liposomes prepared by these methods are particularly useful, for example, in ultrasonic imaging applications and in therapeutic drug delivery systems.

Abstract: Novel gas filled microspheres useful as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents are provided.

Abstract: Methods of providing an image of the gastrointestinal region of a patient and diagnosing the presence of any tumorous tissue in that region using contrast media comprising a combination of at least one polyphosphorylated aliphatic or polyphosphorylated alicyclic compound and at least one paramagnetic ion, wherein the aliphatic and alicyclic compounds comprise at least five carbon atoms, is described. Also described are diagnostic kits for gastrointestinal imaging which include the subject contrast media.

Abstract: Novel gas filled microspheres useful as computed tomography (CT) contrast agents. The microspheres are prepared from a gas and/or a gaseous precursor, and one or more stabilizing compounds.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for preparing temperature activated gaseous precursor-filled liposomes are described. Gaseous precursor-filled liposomes prepared by these methods are particularly useful, for example, in ultrasonic imaging applications and in therapeutic drug delivery systems.

Abstract: A method for providing an image of an internal region of a patient has been developed. The method reduces imaging artifacts by providing enhanced contrast between tissue and blood during imaging. The method comprises administering to a patient a contrast agent in combination with a renal vasodilator and performing ultrasound imaging of the region. Renal disease, including renal arterial stenosis, may be diagnosed using the method.

Abstract: Cationic lipid compounds which comprise at least two cationic groups. The cationic lipid compounds are particularly suitable for use as carriers in the intracellular delivery of bioactive agents, including pharmaceuticals and genetic material. Compositions of the present cationic lipid compounds include suspensions, emulsions, micelles and liposomes.

Abstract: Photoabsorptive compounds are disclosed which comprise a purified extract of a plant or plant part, wherein said plant is indigenous to an arid region of the world, especially where said arid region is located between 35.degree. north latitude and 35.degree. south latitude. The photoabsorptive compounds in many cases are capable of absorbing solar radiation from about 190 nm to about 500 nm, comprising ultraviolet A, ultraviolet B, and high energy visible light. In particular embodiments, the plant part is pollen, and the plant is mesquite, Prosopis juliflora; Mexican palo verde, Parkinsonia aculeata; blue palo verde, Cercidium floridum; or foothills palo verde, Cercidium microphyllum.

Abstract: Lyophilized lipid compositions, as well as methods for their preparation, are embodied by the present invention. Gas-filled microspheres prepared using the lyophilized lipid composition are particularly useful, for example, in ultrasonic imaging applications and in therapeutic drug delivery systems.