Abstract: A composition is provided accompanying nonoparticles having diameters in the range of about 100 to 800 nanometers with hollow cores and outer shells with mechanical properties such that they rupture on exposure to predetermined ultrasound energy. The composition is useful for identifying sentinel lymph nodes.

Abstract: Methods and suspensions are provided that are useful for preparing readily reconstitutable, dry compositions of micro- or nanospheres. The dry compositions find use in diagnostic applications such as ultrasonic imaging. The suspension includes as key ingredients one or both of t-butyl alcohol and/or an amorphous sugar (or mixture of amorphous sugars) in specified amounts that reduce aggregation of the particles comprising the suspension.

Abstract: In some aspects, there are provided compositions and kits including annexin coupled to ultrasound contrast particles as well as methods utilizing these particles for diagnosis and treatment of pathological conditions characterized by apoptosis.

Abstract: Microparticles are provided comprising a shell of an outer layer of a biologically compatible material and an inner layer of biodegradable polymer. The core of the microparticles contain a gas, liquid or solid for use in drug delivery or as a contrast agent for ultrasonic contrast imaging. The microparticles are capable of passing through the capillary systems of a subject.

Abstract: A composition is provided accompanying nanoparticles having diameters in the range of about 100 to 800 nanometers with hollow cores and outer shells with mechanical properties such that they rupture on exposure to predetermined ultrasound energy. The composition is useful for identifying sentinel lymph nodes.

Abstract: A composition is provided accompanying nanoparticles having diameters in the range of about 100 to 800 nanometers with hollow cores and outer shells with mechanical properties such that they rupture on exposure to predetermined ultrasound energy. The composition is useful for identifying sentinel lymph nodes.

Abstract: A composition for ultrasonic imaging is described having a microparticle population of controlled fragility. A method of using such composition for imaging a fluid filled cavity, vessel or tissue is described.

Abstract: A method is provided to prepare gas-filled, porous microparticles having a polymer matrix interior which are useful as ultrasound echogenic contrast agents. An oil-in-water suspension is formed, both phases are frozen, then the aqueous and nonaqueous frozen phases are removed by sublimation. The resulting porous microparticles can receive a gas and be used as an ultrasound contrast agent.

Abstract: A method is provided to prepare gas-filled, porous microparticles having a polymer matrix interior which are useful as ultrasound echogenic contrast agents. An oil-in-water suspension is formed, both phases are frozen, then the aqueous and nonaqueous frozen phases are removed by sublimation. The resulting porous microparticles can receive a gas and be used as an ultrasound contrast agent.

Abstract: A method is provided for site specific delivering therapeutic or diagnostic agents to a region in a fluid-filled cavity, vessel or tissue using an agent-loaded microbubble population. The population has controlled fragility characterized by a uniform wall thickness to diameter ratio which defines the discrete threshold intensity value of ultrasonic power where microbubble rupture occurs in the population. The location of the microbubble population may be monitored by ultrasound to determine its presence at the region prior to application of the ultrasonic power to rupture to microbubbles.

Abstract: A composition for ultrasonic imaging is described having a microbubble population of controlled fragility. The microbubbles comprise an outer shell and a hollow core. The ratio of shell thickness to microbubble diameter is substantially similar across the population of microbubbles. A method of using such composition for imaging a fluid filled cavity, vessel or tissue is described.

Abstract: Bioerodible, sustained release preparations are provided for placement into the bladder through the urethra which provided sustained release of drugs. Configurations are provided which are insertable through a catheter, such as a coiled filament, patch or a flowable gel. The device is bioeroded during or after the sustained release of the drug such that there is no blockage of the urinary tract while the device is in place within the bladder.

Abstract: An excipient for lyophilizing a suspension of microparticles is provided comprising an oil-in-water emulsion of an aqueous phase and an organic phase where the organic phase has a freezing point of about or higher than the freezing point of the aqueous phase. When frozen and dried with a suspension of microparticles, the organic phase is substantially removed and a dry formulation is formed of discrete microparticles substantially free of aggregates.

Abstract: A local and site-specific drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug to a specific site is characterized by the combination of a carrier material which reflects or absorbs or emits electromagnetic or mechanical (e.g. ultrasonic) vibrations enabling the monitoring of the material, a drug associated with the carrier material, and a local-delivery mechanism for delivering the carrier material and the drug to a specific site. The local-delivery mechanism may comprise a local-delivery catheter, such as a balloon-type catheter, and the drug delivery apparatus may additionally include a monitor for monitoring the delivery of the drug to the specific site, such as an ultrasonic imaging system. The drug delivery apparatus may also include a vibration generator for inducing release of the drug from the carrier material when the carrier material is at the specific site, such as a generator of ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: Bioerodible, sustained release preparations are provided for placement into the bladder through the urethra which provide sustained release of drugs. Configurations are provided which are insertable through a catheter, such as a coiled filament, patch or a flowable gel. The device is bioeroded during or after the sustained release of the drug such that there is no blockage of the urinary tract while the device is in place within the bladder.

Abstract: Flowable polymeric microparticulate surgical adhesive formulations are provided which can be activated at the site of the repair to produce cohesive material with tissue bonding properties to adjacent tissues. The formulation may be activated at the site of repair by mechanical shear forces, heat, ultrasound, UV, or other site.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring real time ambient pressure at a region of interest in a fluid-filled body cavity by introducing into the cavity a composition of gas-containing microbubbles having a predetermined fragility threshold correlating to the rupture response of their capsules to the ambient fluid pressure and/or applied acoustic pressure. An ultrasonic signal is applied at the region of interest at a power level sufficient to destroy the microbubble population having a fragility threshold below the applied power level. The ultrasound backscatter response is detected from the population of intact and disintegrating microbubbles remaining at the region of interest and this backscatter signal is correlated to predetermined acoustic response properties to determine the ambient pressure at the region of interest.

Abstract: Microparticles are provided comprising a shell of an outer layer of a biologically compatible material and an inner layer of biodegradable polymer. The core of the microparticles contain a gas, liquid or solid for use in drug delivery or as a contrast agent for ultrasonic contrast imaging. The microparticles are capable of passing through the capillary systems of a subject.

Abstract: Bioerodible, sustained release preparations are provided for placement into the bladder through the urethra which provide sustained release of drugs. Configurations are provided which are insertable through a catheter, such as a coiled filament, patch or a flowable gel. The device is bioeroded during or after the sustained release of the drug such that there is no blockage of the urinary tract while the device is in place within the bladder.