Abstract: This invention relates to a non-aqueous fluorocarbon composition for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or radiographic imaging (X-ray or computed tomography), particularly imaging of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract; an improved fluorocarbon composition with enhanced contrast effects in the GI tract; a fluorocarbon composition having improved palatability; a fluorocarbon composition for delivering drugs or bioactive agents; improved preparations for radiographic imaging or MRI; methods for producing and using such preparations; methods for improving the palatability of non-aqueous liquids; and methods for improving imaging.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-aqueous fluorocarbon composition for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or radiographic imaging (X-ray or computed tomography), particularly imaging of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract; an improved fluorocarbon composition with enhanced contrast effects in the GI tract; a fluorocarbon composition having improved palatability; a fluorocarbon composition for delivering drugs or bioactive agents; improved preparations for radiographic imaging or MRI; methods for producing and using such preparations; methods for improving the palatability of non-aqueous liquids; and methods for improving imaging.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the conservation of respiratory promoters following their pulmonary introduction are disclosed. In preferred embodiments the present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing the loss of respiratory promoter, and particularly fluorochemcials, during medical procedures such as liquid ventilation. The disclosed methods comprise the use of vapor retention assemblies, which may be conventional heat and moisture exchangers, to passively retain the respiratory promoter and return it to the lungs in subsequent breaths. Novel vapor retention assemblies comprising fluorophilic exchange elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the conservation of respiratory promoters following their pulmonary introduction are disclosed. In preferred embodiments the present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing the loss of respiratory promoter, and particularly fluorochemcials, during medical procedures such as liquid ventilation. The disclosed methods comprise the use of vapor retention assemblies, which may be conventional heat and moisture exchangers, to passively retain the respiratory promoter and return it to the lungs in subsequent breaths. Novel vapor retention assemblies comprising fluorophilic exchange elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-aqueous fluorocarbon composition for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or radiographic imaging (X-ray or computed tomography), particularly imaging of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract; an improved fluorocarbon composition with enhanced contrast effects in the GI tract; a fluorocarbon composition having improved palatability; a fluorocarbon composition for delivering drugs or bioactive agents; improved preparations for radiographic imaging or MRI; methods for producing and using such preparations; methods for improving the palatability of non-aqueous liquids; and methods for improving imaging.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-aqueous fluorocarbon composition for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or radiographic imaging (X-ray or computed tomography), particularly imaging of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The invention also relates to an improved fluorocarbon composition with enhanced contrast effects in the GI tract. This invention further discloses an improved fluorocarbon composition having improved palatability. The invention further provides improved preparations for radiographic imaging or MRI. Methods for producing and using such preparations are disclosed, as are methods for improving the palatability of non-aqueous liquids. Finally, methods for improving imaging are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for improving fat saturation during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by placing a fat saturation enhancing material such as a fluorocarbon, preferably perfluorooctylbromide, perfluorodecylbromide, FC-77, or FC-43, on or around a part of the body of a patient to be scanned with MRI, thereby eliminating the skin-air interface and reducing anatomical imaging problems, wherein the placement of the fat saturation enhancing material may be accomplished by enclosing the fat saturation enhancing material in a container which may also contain the MRI coil.

Abstract: A method for improving fat saturation during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by placing a fat saturation enhancing material such as a fluorocarbon, preferably perfluorooctylbromide, perfluorodecylbromide, FC-77, or FC-43, on or around a part of the body of a patient to be scanned with MRI, thereby eliminating the skin-air interface and reducing anatomical imaging problems, wherein the placement of the fat saturation enhancing material is accomplished by containing the fat saturation enhancing material in a bag.

Abstract: Apparatus for administering medical liquids comprising a combination of a calibrated flexible bag and a liquid level indicating device for increasing the accuracy of measuring the level of liquids within the bag. The liquid level indicating device consists of a pair of spaced-apart elongated rollers which form a slot into which the upper part of the bag can be inserted. The rollers rest on the outside of the bag at about the upper level of liquid within the bag.

Abstract: A two-way ball valve including a housing having an open interior chamber or space with opposed inlet and outlet openings, apertured ball seats operatively positioned in the housing at the junctures of the inlet and outlet openings, a ball in the chamber floatingly seated between the ball seats and in liquid sealing engagement therewith, an axial flow bore through the ball, the ball being rotatably positionable to open and closed positions, and a large bore or opening in the body of the ball in the nature of a side channel intercommunicating the axial flow bore and the interior space in the housing, and with the valve in open position permitting fluid to circulate freely within the housing to flush the housing space and thereby prevent formation of contaminated dead spaces in the valve.