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: New fluorinated derivatives useful as surfactants or in the transport of drug or markers, or in drug targeting, and preparations containing the derivatives, for medical, cosmetic and veterinary uses, having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.F is a fluorinated radical, X is a linear or branched alkylene, R.sup.1 is H or CH.sub.3, R.sup.2 is a radical having at least one OH group, R.sup.3 is a radical derived from an amino acid or a peptide, 1.ltoreq.n.ltoreq.50 and 0.ltoreq.m.ltoreq.200 with 0.2.ltoreq.n/n+m.ltoreq.1.These derivatives can be used as prodrugs or in formulating pharmaceutical, cosmetic and veterinary preparations, in biology and medicine, notably in compositions acting as carriers of oxygen and other gases, of contrast agents, or as carriers of substances used in therapy, or as carriers of markers.

Abstract: Methods for preventing or ameliorating the transient adverse physiological response to particulate dispersions (TAPR response) when these dispersions are administered parenterally to a patient. The methods comprise the administration of a prophylactic anti-inflammatory drug prior to administration of the particulate-containing material, and optionally during administration as well. Preferred drugs are cyclooxygenase inhibitors and corticosteroids.

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: Long lasting gas emulsions for ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging contrast enhancement utilize low Ostwald coefficient fluoromono- and fluoropolyether compounds. Gas emulsion preparations are disclosed containing air mixed with perfluorodiglyme (CF.sub.3 (OCF.sub.2 CF.sub.2).sub.2 OCF.sub.3), perfluoromonoglyme (CF.sub.3 OCF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 OCF.sub.3), perfluorodiethylether, C.sub.2 F.sub.5 OC.sub.2 F.sub.5, perfluoroethylmethylether, CF.sub.3 OC.sub.2 F.sub.5, and perfluorodimethylether, CF.sub.3 OCF.sub.3.

Abstract: A gas emulsion forming composition comprising a dry, hollow, particulate, approximately microspherical material permeated with a gas or gas mixture, which upon dissolution in aqueous liquid forms a gas emulsion comprising a plurality of bubbles surrounded by a layer of at least a first and a second surfactant, wherein the first surfactant consists essentially of a phospholipid or mixture of phospholipids having at least one acyl chain which comprises at least 10 carbon atoms, and comprising at least about 5% w/w of total surfactant, and wherein the second surfactant may or may not be a phospholipid and is more water soluble than the first surfactant; kits for preparing such microbubbles; and methods for using such microbubbles as contrast agents.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a uniformly dispersed drug-containing phase within a continuous liquid delivery phase.

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: Novel hydrocarbon oil/fluorochemical preparations and methods for their use are provided. The preparations, which preferably comprise a fluorophilic dispersing agent, may be in the form of hydrocarbon oil-in-fluorochemical dispersions or in the form of a multiple emulsion comprising a polar liquid continuous phase and are particularly useful for administering bioactive agents. In particular the preparations of the present invention may be used to control the bioavailability and improve the efficacy of lipophilic bioactive agents having limited solubility in an aqueous physiological environment.

Abstract: A method for reducing the inflammatory response in tissues of a patient, by contacting the tissue with an effective, inflammation-reducing amount of a liquid or gaseous fluorocarbon.

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: Biocompatible fluorocarbon emulsions are utilized to inhibit the removal of endogenously produced nitric oxide from the bloodstream, and to thereby inhibit vascular stenosis, vasoconstriction, and any other physiological condition or disorder arising in whole or in part from a deficiency of endogenous nitric oxide.

Abstract: A microbubble preparation formed of a plurality of microbubbles comprising a first gas and a second gas surrounded by a membrane such as a surfactant, wherein the first gas and the second gas are present in a molar ratio of from about 1:100 to about 1000:1, and wherein the first gas has a vapor pressure of at least about (760-x) mm Hg at 37.degree. C., where x is the vapor pressure of the second gas at 37.degree. C., and wherein the vapor pressure of each of the first and second gases is greater than about 75 mm Hg at 37.degree. C.; also disclosed are methods for preparing microbubble compositions, including compositions that rapidly shrink from a first average diameter to a second average diameter less than about 75% of the first average diameter and are stabilized at the second average diameter; methods and kits for preparing microbubbles; and methods for using such microbubbles as contrast agents.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a uniformly dispersed drug-containing phase within a continuous liquid delivery phase.

Abstract: Fluorinated derivatives useful as surfactants or in the transport of drug or markers, or in drug targeting, and preparations containing the derivatives, for medical, cosmetic and veterinary uses, having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.F is a fluorinated radical, X is a linear or branched alkylene, R.sup.1 is H or CH.sub.3, R.sup.2 is a radical having at least one OH group, R.sup.3 is a radical derived from an amino acid or a peptide, 1.ltoreq.n.ltoreq.50 and 0.ltoreq.m.ltoreq.200 with 0.2.ltoreq.n/n+m.ltoreq.1.These derivatives can be used as prodrugs or in formulating pharmaceutical, cosmetic and veterinary preparations, in biology and medicine, notably in compositions acting as carriers of oxygen and other gases, of contrast agents, or as carriers of substances used in therapy, or as carriers of markers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new preservation solution useful for the initial flushing and for the storage of organs intended for transplantation using a warm preservation technology, between 18.degree. C. and 37.degree. C. Among the components of the preservation solution are a basal mammalian cell culture medium comprising one or more serum proteins, growth factors, particularly retinal-derived growth factor mucopolysaccharides, and emulsified liquid fluorocarbons, and cyclodextrin.

Abstract: A microbubble preparation formed of a plurality of microbubbles comprising a first gas and a second gas surrounded by a membrane such as a surfactant, wherein the first gas and the second gas are present in a molar ratio of from about 1:100 to about 1000:1, and wherein the first gas has a vapor pressure of at least about (760-x) mm Hg at 37.degree. C., where x is the vapor pressure of the second gas at 37.degree. C., and wherein the vapor pressure of each of the first and second gases is greater than about 75 mm Hg at 37.degree. C.; also disclosed are methods for preparing microbubble compositions, including compositions that rapidly shrink from a first average diameter to a second average diameter less than about 75% of the first average diameter and are stabilized at the second average diameter; methods and kits for preparing microbubbles; and methods for using such microbubbles as contrast agents.

Abstract: Perfluoroalkylated amphiphilic phosphorus compounds, corresponding to the formulae: ##STR1## wherein V is O or S;R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are H or substituted or unsubstituted perfluoroalkylated or hydrocarbon radicals;provided thatR.sup.1, R.sup.2 or R.sup.3 is a perfluoroalkylated radical; and Y and Z are radicals which can bear a part derived from a sugar, a polyol, or a hydrophilic polymer such as polyethyleneglycol, a perfluoroalkylated part or a part derived from a pharmaceutically active molecule, and method for their preparation and use. These compounds can be included in preparations, emulsions, dispersions, gels, microemulsions, notably for biomedical uses.

Abstract: A method for preparing a pharmaceutical microdispersion exhibiting enhanced bioavailability, including the steps of providing a thermodynamically stable pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one lipophilic pharmaceutical agent incorporated in a physiologically acceptable liquid carrier, the liquid carrier comprising one or more lipophilic solvents such as fluorochemicals and preferably at least one nonfluorinated co-solvent, and combining the stable pharmaceutical composition with an amount of at least one miscible diluent sufficient to initiate phase separation of the lipophilic pharmaceutical agent from the pharmaceutical composition wherein a microdispersion of the pharmaceutical composition is formed. Also disclosed are microdisperse pharmaceutical compositions and kits for forming such compositions.

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.