Abstract: Imaging marker embodiments that may be used for marking sites within a patient's body are discussed. Some imaging marker embodiments are particularly useful for imaging with ultrasound imaging modalities and some imaging marker embodiments may be suitable for imaging with multiple modes of imaging modalities. Method embodiments for making and using imaging markers are also discussed herein.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to composite markers that employ a gel carrier to carry two or more contrast materials, each detectable by a detection modality different than one another. Kits and methods for forming these composite markers and methods of marking a target site in a mammalian subject employing these composite markers are also discussed herein.

Abstract: Composite markers employ a gel carrier to carry at least one radiopaque element (e.g., wire or band or clip) and one or more other contrast materials, each detectable by a detection modality different than one another. Methods for forming these composite markers and methods of marking a target site in a mammalian subject employing these composite markers are also discussed herein.

Abstract: Markers for use in bodily tissue take a variety of forms, and may include a plurality of ultrasound reflective elements, for example hollow shells filled with air, and a hydrogel that binds the ultrasound reflective elements. The hydrogel may be natural or artificial and may be cross-linked. An ultrasound system advantageously injects variance in a drive signal, that varies a frequency or phase of an ultrasound interrogation signal from a nominal frequency or nominal phase. The amount of variation is preferable one to six orders of magnitude less than the nominal frequency or phase. The ultrasound system can present or detect a twinkling artifact at least in a Doppler mode of operation, resulting from interaction of the varying interrogation signal with the ultrasound reflective elements.

Abstract: Imaging marker embodiments that may be used for marking sites within a patient's body are discussed. Some imaging marker embodiments are particularly useful for imaging with ultrasound imaging modalities and some imaging marker embodiments may be suitable for imaging with multiple modes of imaging modalities. Method embodiments for making and using imaging markers are also discussed herein.