Abstract: A system and method is described for determining and graphically displaying oxygenation states of a patient in real time. The system is non-invasive and can display information to a physician that is intuitive. Various display objects are described for illustrating the output of oxygenation values. The display objects reflect the in vivo physiology that they measure, thus making interpretation of the measured values very intuitive.

Abstract: Storage stable fluorocarbon emulsions having a continuous aqueous phase and a discontinuous fluorocarbon phase, in which the fluorocarbon phase comprises a major amount of a first fluorocarbon or fluorocarbon mixture, and a minor amount of a second fluorocarbon or fluorocarbon mixture, in which the second fluorocarbon has a molecular weight greater than that of the first fluorocarbon and the second fluorocarbon includes a lipophilic moiety in its structure, whereby the second fluorocarbon serves to promote particle size stability in the emulsion while simultaneously providing favorably short organ retention times when administered to animals in vivo.

Abstract: A gas emulsion for ultrasound contrast enhancement comprising a plurality of gas bubbles in a liquid medium, the gas bubbles comprising at least one fluoroether selected from the group consisting of CF3OCF2OCF3, CF3(OCF2)2OCF3, CF3(OCF2)3OCF3, and CF3(OCF2)4OCF3.

Abstract: Biocompatible fluorocarbon compositions are provided which may be used for the delivery of bioactive agents to the pulmonary air passages of a patient. Preferred compositions comprise a fluorocarbon liquid carrier having a bioactive agent in a solid or immiscible liquid form distributed therein. The disclosed compositions allow for the selective delivery of bioactive agents in conjunction with liquid lavage and liquid ventilation for the treatment of ARDS and other pulmonary disorders.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for treating a patient in need of facilitated oxygen delivery through the lungs, additional lung surfactant, removal of material from inside the lung, or inflation of collapsed portions of the lung, comprising the step of introducing into the lung of the patient an effective therapeutic amount of a fluorocarbon liquid, the amount not exceeding the functional residual capacity of the lung of the patient upon exhalation taking into account any positive and expiratory pressure applied to the patient's lung. The method may also comprise the additional step of providing an oxygen-containing breathing gas to the patient while the fluorocarbon liquid is in the lung.

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: Fluorocarbon emulsions comprising a stabilizing, particle size controlling fluorophilic/hydrophilic compound which can have the formulaR.sub.F.sup.1 --W--R.sub.H.sup.1 (I)whereinR.sub.F.sup.1 is a linear, branched or cyclic C.sub.2-14 fluorocarbon group;R.sub.H.sup.1 is a linear, branched or cyclic C.sub.2-18 saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group; andW is absent or is a bivalent species chosen from the group consisting of --O--, --S--, or various fluorinated structures. Use of the fluorophilic/lipophilic compound in the dispersions of the invention provides stable particle size and efficient emulsification. The dispersions of the invention can comprise biologically useful additive and can be used for various purposes, as oxygen carriers, contrast agents, or diagnostic agents.

Abstract: A liquid ventilator having a dual loop, single pump configuration is disclosed. The liquid ventilator preferably utilizes two three-way valves for routing liquid from a reservoir in a regeneration apparatus and to a patient's pulmonary system, and back to the reservoir again. A controller controls the configuration of the three-way valves and the pump speed of the motor to allow user control over the parameters of inspiration and expiration.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic harmonic imaging is disclosed, which uses microbubbles particularly selected for their properties of reradiating ultrasound energy at frequencies other than the exciting frequency.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which allow for closed-circuit ventilation for the treatment or diagnosis of disorders. The closed-circuit ventilation apparatus of the present invention provide a closed-circuit respirator that isolates the gas flow path from the ventilator apparatus. This allows the prolonged administration of expensive materials such as fluorochemicals without excessive loss due to evaporation. As such the provided methods an apparatus are particularly applicable to liquid ventilation including partial liquid ventilation and total liquid ventilation.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic harmonic imaging is disclosed, which uses microbubbles particularly selected for their properties of reradiating ultrasound energy at frequencies other than the exciting frequency.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic harmonic imaging is disclosed, which uses microbubbles particularly selected for their properties of reradiating ultrasound energy at frequencies other than the exciting frequency.

Abstract: A method for treating conditions associated with ischemia or infarct is disclosed which includes the steps of administering a biocompatible non-blood oxygen carrier while monitoring one or more oxygenation indices to maintain oxygenation of the patient's tissues at or above a predetermined level.

Abstract: Multiple emulsions comprising a discontinuous emulsified phase incorporating a highly polar liquid, a second component selected from the group consisting of fluorocarbons and hydrocarbons and a continuous hydrophobic phase are disclosed. In preferred embodiments, the hydrophobic phase may comprise a fluorocarbon or hydrocarbon. Additionally, the stable multiple emulsions of the present invention may further incorporate a bioactive agent and are particularly suitable for drug delivery including pulmonary drug delivery.

Abstract: Microstructures formed from fluorinated amphiphiles and mixed fluorinated and non-fluorinated amphiphiles and having the geometry of tubules, helixes and fibers and methods for preparing them. Tubular forms are capable of encapsulating or incorporating bioactive agents or other useful substances for controlled release in vivo.

Abstract: Storage stable fluorocarbon emulsions having a continuous aqueous phase and a discontinuous fluorocarbon phase, in which the fluorocarbon phase comprises a major amount of a first fluorocarbon or fluorocarbon mixture, and a minor amount of a second fluorocarbon or fluorocarbon mixture, in which the second fluorocarbon has a molecular weight greater than that of the first fluorocarbon and the second fluorocarbon includes a lipophilic moiety in its structure, whereby the second fluorocarbon serves to promote particle size stability in the emulsion while simultaneously providing favorably short organ retention times when administered to animals in vivo.

Abstract: Stable reverse water-in-fluorocarbon emulsions and water-in-fluorocarbon-in-water multiple emulsions comprising the reverse fluorocarbon emulsions. The reverse emulsions comprise a continuous phase which is a highly fluorinated or perfluorinated compound, a discontinuous aqueous phase and a fluorinated surfactant or mixture of surfactants. The multiple emulsions comprise an aqueous continuous phase and a discontinuous phase comprising globules formed of aqueous droplets dispersed into a highly fluorinated or perfluorinated compound. The emulsions can contain pharmacologically active agents, and are particularly suitable for pulmonary drug delivery.

Abstract: A thermodynamically stable molecular solution providing enhanced bioavailability for lipophilic pharmaceutical agents, comprising a liquid carrier comprising one or more physiologically acceptable lipophilic fluorochemicals, and a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one lipophilic pharmaceutical agent in said liquid carrier to form a thermodynamically stable molecular solution, optionally also including a co-solvent for facilitating solubilization of the pharmaceutical agent. Methods of making and using the molecular solution are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for hemodiluting a patient is disclosed which includes the steps of administering a biocompatible oxygen carrier in conjunction with surgery or organ ischemia or infarct while assessing the patient's PvO.sub.2 or other oxygenation indices, and administering to the patient additional oxygen carrier or autologous blood in response to the PvO.sub.2 value if necessary to maintain the PvO.sub.2 at or above the desired level.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis and treatment of articular disorders comprising the use of fluorocarbons are disclosed. The methods provide for the introduction of a fluorocarbon into an articular region to replace or augment natural synovial fluid. The introduced fluorocarbons, which may be in various forms including liquids, gels or emulsions, provide articular lubrication and cushioning which is effective for the treatment of disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, the methods of the present invention may be used to provide high resolution articular images, reduce articular inflammation and introduce bioactive agents to the articular region.