Patents Assigned to Medi-Physics, Inc.
-
Patent number: 6537825Abstract: Methods of extracting and removing hyperpolarized gas from a container include introducing an extraction fluid into the container to force the hyperpolarized gas out of an exit port. The hyperpolarized gas is forced out of the container separate and apart from the extraction fluid. Alternatively, if the fluid is a gas, a portion of the gas is mixed with the hyperpolarized gas to form a sterile mixed fluid product suitable for introduction to a patient. An additional method includes engaging a gas transfer source such as a syringe to a transport container and pulling a quantity of the hyperpolarized gas out of the container in a controlled manner. Another method includes introducing a quantity of liquid into a container and covering at least one predetermined internal surface or component with the liquid to mask the surfaces and keep the hyperpolarized gas away from the predetermined internal surface, thereby inhibiting any depolarizing affect from same.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2000Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.Inventors: David L. Zollinger, Kenton C. Hasson, Bastiaan Driehuys
-
Patent number: 6526778Abstract: A resilient multi-layer container is configured to receive a quantity of hyperpolarized noble fluid such as gas and includes a wall with at least two layers, a first layer with a surface which minimizes contact-induced spin-relaxation and a first or second layer which is substantially impermeable to oxygen. The container is especially suitable for collecting and transporting 3He. The resilient container can be formed of material layers which are concurrently responsive to pressure such as polymers, deuterated polymers, or metallic films. The container can include a capillary stem and/or a port or valve isolation means to inhibit the flow of gas from the main volume of the container during transport. The resilient container can be configured to directly deliver the hyperpolarized noble gas to a target interface by deflating or collapsing the inflated resilient container.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.Inventors: David L. Zollinger, Daniel M. Deaton, Bastiaan Driehuys, Kenton C. Hasson
-
Patent number: 6523356Abstract: Methods of dispensing meted quantities of hyperpolarized gas to form a hyperpolarized gas mixture include pre-filling a gas syringe with a quantity of non-polarized gas, then introducing the hyperpolarized gas therein while the non-polarized gas is held therein, and expelling both the hyperpolarized gas and non-polarized gas from the syringe. Methods of inhibiting the presence of oxygen in gas flow paths and extraction systems are also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.Inventors: Kenton C. Hasson, Paul L. Bogorad, David L. Zollinger, Geri T. K. Zollinger, John Nouls
-
Patent number: 6491895Abstract: MR spectroscopy and imaging methods for imaging pulmonary and cardiac vasculature and the cardiac region and evaluating blood flow or circulatory deficits use dissolved phase polarized 129Xe gas and large flip angle excitation pulses. Pulmonary and cardiac vasculature MRI images are obtained by delivering gas to a patient via inhalation such as with a breath-hold delivery -procedure, exciting the dissolved phase gas with a large flip angle pulse, and generating a corresponding image. Preferably, the image is obtained using multi-echo imaging techniques. Blood flow is quantified using low field MR spectroscopy and an RF excitation pulse with a frequency which corresponds to the resonance of the dissolved phase 129Xe.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.Inventors: Bastiaan Driehuys, Kenton Christopher Hasson, Paul Lev Bogorad
-
Patent number: 6488910Abstract: Methods for increasing the T1 of injectable microbubble formulations of hyperpolarized 3He include the step of introducing the hyperpolarized 3He to a quantity of microbubbles held in a chamber and increasing the pressure therein to facilitate the movement or loading of the 3He into the microbubbles. Subsequently, a limited quantity of carrier liquid or a carrier liquid solution alone, or pre-mixed with 3He, can be introduced to the microbubble/3He in the chamber to inhibit the tendency of the 3He to leach out of the bubble. Related pharmaceutical products and associated containers as well as an evacuation based method for rapid mixing and delivery of the bubbles and the 3He is also disclosed. An additional method for dissolving 129Xe gas by using bubbles as an accelerant is also described.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.Inventor: Bastiaan Driehuys
-
Patent number: 6484532Abstract: Hyperpolarizers which produce hyperpolarized noble gases include one or more on-board NMR monitoring coils configured to monitor the polarization level of the hyperpolarized gas at various production points in the polarized gas production cycle. A dual symmetry NMR coil is positioned adjacent the optical pumping cell and is in fluid communication with a secondary reservoir in fluid communication with the polarized gas dispensing or exit flow path. This can measure the post-thaw polarization of the gas “on-board” the polarizer. Alternately or additionally, a NMR monitoring coil is assembled to the exit port portion of the optical pumping cell to give a more reliable indication of the polarization level of the gas as it flows out of the gas optical pumping cell. Another NMR monitoring coil can be positioned in a cryogenic bath adjacent a quantity of frozen polarized 129Xe to determine the polarization level of the frozen gas.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.Inventor: Bastiaan Driehuys
-
Patent number: 6430960Abstract: Hyperpolarizers which produce hyperpolarized noble gases include one or more on-board NMR monitoring coils configured to monitor the polarization level of the hyperpolarized gas at various production points in the polarized gas production cycle. A dual symmetry NMR coil is positioned adjacent the optical pumping cell and is in fluid communication with a secondary reservoir in fluid communication with the polarized gas dispensing or exit flow path. This can measure the post-thaw polarization of the gas “on-board” the polarizer. Alternately or additionally, a NMR monitoring coil is assembled to the exit port portion of the optical pumping cell to give a more reliable indication of the polarization level of the gas as it flows out of the gas optical pumping cell. Another NMR monitoring coil can be positioned in a cryogenic bath adjacent a quantity of frozen polarized 129Xe to determine the polarization level of the frozen gas.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.Inventor: Bastiaan Driehuys
-
Patent number: 6430939Abstract: A compact portable transport unit for shipping hyperpolarized noble gases and shielding same from electromagnetic interference and/or external magnetic fields includes a means for shifting the resonance frequency of the hyperpolarized gas outside the bandwidth of typical frequencies associated with prevalent time-dependent fields produced by electrical sources. Preferably the transport unit includes a magnetic holding field which is generated from a solenoid in the transport unit. The solenoid includes a plurality of coil segments and is sized and configured to receive the gas chamber of a container. The gas container is configured with a valve, a spherical body, and an extending capillary stem between the valve and the body. The gas container or hyperpolarized product container can also be formed as a resilient bag.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.Inventors: Kenton C. Hasson, Geri T. K. Zollinger, David L. Zollinger, Paul L. Bogorad, Bradley A. Wheeler
-
Patent number: 6427452Abstract: Methods of extracting and removing hyperpolarized gas from a container include introducing an extraction fluid into the container to force the hyperpolarized gas out of an exit port. The hyperpolarized gas is forced out of the container separate and apart from the extraction fluid. Alternatively, if the fluid is a gas, a portion of the gas is mixed with the hyperpolarized gas to form a sterile mixed fluid product suitable for introduction to a patient. An additional method includes engaging a gas transfer source such as a syringe to a transport container and pulling a quantity of the hyperpolarized gas out of the container in a controlled manner. Another method includes introducing a quantity of liquid into a container and covering at least one predetermined internal surface or component with the liquid to mask the surfaces and keep the hyperpolarized gas away from the predetermined internal surface, thereby inhibiting any depolarizing affect from same.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.Inventors: David L. Zollinger, Kenton C. Hasson, Paul L. Bogorad, Bastiaan Driehuys
-
Patent number: 6423387Abstract: A resilient multi-layer container is configured to receive a quantity of hyperpolarized noble fluid such as gas and includes a wall with at least two layers, a first layer with a surface which minimizes contact-induced spin-relaxation and a first or second layer which is substantially impermeable to oxygen. The container is especially suitable for collecting and transporting 3He. The resilient container can be formed of material layers which are concurrently responsive to pressure such as polymers, deuterated polymers, or metallic films. The container can include a capillary stem and/or a port or valve isolation means to inhibit the flow of gas from the main volume of the container during transport. The resilient container can be configured to directly deliver the hyperpolarized noble gas to a target interface by deflating or collapsing the inflated resilient container.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1999Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.Inventors: David L. Zollinger, Daniel M. Deaton, Bastiaan Driehuys, Kenton C. Hasson
-
Publication number: 20020043267Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting regional variations in oxygen uptake from the lungs of an air-breathing animal subject, said method comprising administering into the lungs of said subject a diagnostically effective amount of a gaseous hyperpolarized magnetic resonance imaging agent, detecting the magnetic resonance signal from said agent in said lungs, determining the temporal variation in relaxation rate for said signal for at least one region of interest within said lungs, and from said variation generating a qualitative or quantitative value or image indicative of the oxygen uptake from the alveolar space in said at least one region of interest.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Applicant: Medi-Physics Inc.Inventors: Norbert Weiler, Balthasar Eberle, Wolfgang Schreiber, Klaus Markstaller, Hans-Ulrich Kauczor, Timothy P.L. Roberts, Werner Heil, Reinhard Surkau, Anselm Deninger, Lars Lauer, Tino Grossmann, Michael Ebert
-
Patent number: 6370415Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting regional variations in oxygen uptake from the lungs of an air-breathing animal subject, said method comprising administering into the lungs of said subject a diagnostically effective amount of a gaseous hyperpolarized magnetic resonance imaging agent, detecting the magnetic resonance signal from said agent in said lungs, determining the temporal variation in relaxation rate for said signal for at least one region of interest within said lungs, and from said variation generating a qualitative or quantitative value or image indicative of the oxygen uptake from the alveolar space in said at least one region of interest.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1998Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Medi-Physics Inc.Inventors: Norbert Weiler, Balthasar Eberle, Wolfgang Schreiber, Klaus Markstaller, Hans-Ulrich Kauczor, Timothy P. L. Roberts, Werner Heil, Reinhard Surkau, Anselm Deninger, Lars Lauer, Tino Grossmann, Michael Ebert
-
Patent number: 6346229Abstract: MR spectroscopy and imaging method for imaging pulmonary and cardiac vasculature and the cardiac region and evaluating blood flow or circulatory deficits use dissolved phase polarized 129Xe gas and large flip angle excitation pulses. Pulmonary and cardiac vasculature MRI images are obtained by delivering gas to a patient via inhalation such as with a breath-hold delivery-procedure, exciting the dissolved phase gas with a large flip angle pulse, and generating a corresponding image. Preferably, the image is obtained using multi-echo imaging techniques. Blood flow is quantified using low field MR spectroscopy and an RF excitation pulse with a frequency which corresponds to the resonance of the dissolved phase 129Xe.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1999Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.Inventors: Bastiaan Driehuys, Kenton Christopher Hasson, Paul Lev Bogorad
-
Patent number: 6305190Abstract: Methods of collecting, thawing, and extending the useful polarized life of frozen polarized gases include heating a portion of the flow path and/or directly liquefying the frozen gas during thawing. A polarized noble gas product with an extended polarized life product is also included. Associated apparatus such as an accumulator and heating jacket for collecting, storing, and transporting polarized noble gases include a secondary flow channel which provides heat to a portion of the collection path during accumulation and during thawing.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.Inventors: Bastiaan Driehuys, David Zollinger, Daniel Deaton, K. C. Hasson, Alan Langhorn
-
Patent number: 6295834Abstract: Hyperpolarizers which produce hyperpolarized noble gases include one or more on-board NMR monitoring coils configured to monitor the polarization level of the hyperpolarized gas at various production points in the polarized gas production cycle. A dual symmetry NMR coil is positioned adjacent the optical pumping cell and is in fluid communication with a secondary reservoir in fluid communication with the polarized gas dispensing or exit flow path. This can measure the post-thaw polarization of the gas “on-board” the polarizer. Alternately or additionally, a NMR monitoring coil is assembled to the exit port portion of the optical pumping cell to give a more reliable indication of the polarization level of the gas as it flows out of the gas optical pumping cell. Another NMR monitoring coil can be positioned in a cryogenic bath adjacent a quantity of frozen polarized 129Xe to determine the polarization level of the frozen gas.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.Inventor: Bastiaan Driehuys
-
Patent number: 6286319Abstract: Methods of extracting and removing hyperpolarized gas from a container include introducing an extraction fluid into the container to force the hyperpolarized gas out of an exit port. The hyperpolarized gas is forced out of the container separate and apart from the extraction fluid. Alternatively, if the fluid is a gas, a portion of the gas is mixed with the hyperpolarized gas to form a sterile mixed fluid product suitable for introduction to a patient. An additional method includes engaging a gas transfer source such as a syringe to a transport container and pulling a quantity of the hyperpolarized gas out of the container in a controlled manner. Alternatively, one or more gas syringes can be employed to mete out predictable quantities of hyperpolarized gas or gas mixtures including quantities of buffer gases.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.Inventors: Kenton C. Hasson, Paul L. Bogorad, David L. Zollinger, Geri T. K. Zollinger
-
Patent number: 6284222Abstract: Methods for increasing the T1 of injectable microbubble formulations of hyperpolarized 3He include the step of introducing the hyperpolarized 3He to a quantity of microbubbles held in a chamber and increasing the pressure therein to facilitate the movement or loading of the 3He into the microbubbles. Subsequently, a limited quantity of carrier liquid or a carrier liquid solution alone, or pre-mixed with 3He, can be introduced to the microbubble/3He in the chamber to inhibit the tendency of the 3He to leach out of the bubble. Related pharmaceutical products and associated containers as well as an evacuation based method for rapid mixing and delivery of the bubbles and the 3He is also disclosed. An additional method for dissolving 129Xe gas by using bubbles as an accelerant is also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Medi--Physics, Inc.Inventor: Bastiaan Driehuys
-
Patent number: 6269648Abstract: A compact portable transport unit for shipping hyperpolarized noble gases and shielding same from electromagnetic interference and/or external magnetic fields includes a means for shifting the resonance frequency of the hyperpolarized gas outside the bandwidth of typical frequencies associated with prevalent time-dependent fields produced by electrical sources. Preferably the transport unit includes a magnetic holding field which is generated from a solenoid in the transport unit. The solenoid includes a plurality of coil segments and is sized and configured to receive the gas chamber of a container. The gas container is configured with a valve, a spherical body, and an extending capillary stem between the valve and the body. The gas container or hyperpolarized product container can also be formed as a resilient bag.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1999Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.Inventors: Kenton C. Hasson, Geri T. K. Zollinger, David L. Zollinger, Paul L. Bogorad, Bradley A. Wheeler
-
Patent number: 6237363Abstract: Methods of extracting and removing hyperpolarized gas from a container include introducing an extraction fluid into the container to force the hyperpolarized gas out of an exit port. The hyperpolarized gas is forced out of the container separate and apart from the extraction fluid. Alternatively, if the fluid is a gas, a portion of the gas is mixed with the hyperpolarized gas to form a sterile mixed fluid product suitable for introduction to a patient. An additional method includes engaging a gas transfer source such as a syringe to a transport container and pulling a quantity of the hyperpolarized gas out of the container in a controlled manner. Another method includes introducing a quantity of liquid into a container and covering at least one predetermined internal surface or component with the liquid to mask the surfaces and keep the hyperpolarized gas away from the predetermined internal surface, thereby inhibiting any depolarizing affect from same.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1998Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.Inventors: David L. Zollinger, Geri T. K. Zollinger, Kenton C. Hasson, Paul L. Bogorad, Bastiaan Driehuys
-
Patent number: 6199385Abstract: Methods of collecting, thawing, and extending the useful polarized life of frozen polarized gases include heating a portion of the flow path and/or directly liquefying the frozen gas during thawing. A polarized noble gas product with an extended polarized life product is also included. Associated apparatus such as an accumulator and heating jacket for collecting, storing, and transporting polarized noble gases include a secondary flow channel which provides heat to a portion of the collection path during accumulation and during thawing.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1998Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.Inventors: Bastiaan Driehuys, David Zollinger, Daniel Deaton, K. C. Hasson, Alan Langhorn