Abstract: The present invention provides methods and combinations for reducing the infarct volume in a tissue of a subject undergoing ischemia or at risk of developing ischemia.

Abstract: Low density microspheres, methods for preparing same, and use of same as contrast agents are described. The microspheres have a void which contains a gas or the vapor of a volatile liquid selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons, tetraalkyl silanes and perfluorocarbons.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to prepare a microsphere-forming composition. The method provides a carbon-containing first solvent, where that first solvent is water soluble but does not comprise water The method further provides a second solvent comprising water, and (N) phosphorus-containing compounds, where (N) is greater or equal to than 1. The method forms a first mixture by mixing each of the (N) phosphorus-containing compound with the first solvent, and forms a second mixture comprising the second solvent and sodium chloride. The method then combines the first mixture and the second mixture to form the microsphere-forming composition.

Abstract: A neuromuscular blocking preparation for blocking and/or alleviating a vasospasm is provided, the preparation comprising a plurality of gas-or a gas precursor-filled microspheres, and a neuromuscular blocking agent. Methods for using such a preparation for blocking and/or alleviating a vasospasm are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are coated medical devices. More specifically, at least a portion of the device (e.g., catheter) is coated with an active component, wherein the active component prevents or treats occlusions and the formation(s) thereof.

Abstract: A nanodroplet composition is provided, the nanodroplets include a lipid encapsulating a biologically compatible oil, a fluorocarbon composition including one or more fluorinated hydrocarbons, and a therapeutically active compound, where the fluorocarbon composition is in a liquid state at a temperature that is equal to, or lower than, the body temperature of a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical liquid compositions, comprising a liquid, a prodrug, and a large quantity of microbubbles formed by a gas dispersed in the liquid, the microbubbles having a diameter between about 0.1 ?m and 100 ?m, wherein a majority of the prodrug is present outside the microbubbles. The compositions can be used for an ultrasound therapy or for enhancing effects of an ultrasound therapy. The compositions are also useful for enhancing the therapeutic effect of a prodrug, and for enhancing the therapeutic effect of ultrasound.

Abstract: An ultrasound emitting device is disclosed. The ultrasound emitting device includes a sound head matrix comprising a first planar member, and a second planar member, wherein the first planar member is attached to the second planar member to form a V-shaped assembly comprising a first interior dihedral angle, where that first interior dihedral angle is between about 155 degrees and about 175 degrees. The ultrasound emitting device further comprises a first plurality of ultrasound transducers disposed on the first planar member, and a second plurality of ultrasound transducers disposed on the second planar member.

Abstract: The present invention describes, inter alia, oxygen delivery agents or blood substitutes comprising a fluorinated gas and a stabilizing material, uses for the oxygen delivery agents or blood substitutes, and apparatus for making and delivering the oxygen delivery agents or blood substitutes.

Abstract: Low density microspheres, methods for preparing same, and use of same as contrast agents are described. The microspheres have a void which contains a gas or the vapor of a volatile liquid selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons, tetraalkyl silanes and perfluorocarbons.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for preparing gas-filled microspheres are described. Gas-filled microspheres prepared by these methods are particularly useful, for example, in ultrasonic imaging applications and in therapeutic drug delivery systems.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for preparing temperature activated gaseous precursor-filled liposomes are described. Gaseous precursor-filled liposomes prepared by these methods are particularly useful, for example, in ultrasonic imaging applications and in therapeutic drug delivery systems. Gas, gaseous precursors and perfluorocarbons are presented as novel potentiators for ultrasonic hyper-thermia. The gas, gaseous precursors and perfluorocarbons which may be administered into the vasculature, interstitially or into any body cavity are designed to accumulate in cancerous and diseased tissues. When therapeutic ultrasonic energy is applied to the diseased region heating is increased because of the greater effectiveness of sound energy absorption caused by these agents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, inter alia, to a method for delivering a compound into a cell comprising administering to the cell the compound to be delivered, an organic halide, and/or a carrier. Ultrasound may also be applied, if desired.

Abstract: Novel targeted compositions which may be used for diagnostic and therapeutic use. The compositions can be used in conjunction with diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound, as well as therapeutic applications, such as therapeutic ultrasound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making vesicles suitable for use as contrast agents in which a container containing an aqueous suspension phase and a separate gas phase is shaken using reciprocating motion. The reciprocating motion is produced by a shaker arm that moves the container in two, substantially perpendicular directions, with the motion in the first direction being along an arcuate path. The overall path of the motion occurs in a figure-8 eight pattern. The frequency of shaking is at least approximately 2800 RPM, the length of the shaker arm is at least approximately 6 cm, and the angle through which the shaker arm rotates in the first direction is at least approximately 3.degree.. The total length of travel around the figure-8 pattern is at least 0.7 cm.

Abstract: A leveling device capable of adjusting the inclination of a member, such as a vertical support post of a laser beam guidance apparatus for use in performing biopsies, in orthogonal first and second planes. The device has a fixed base plate upon which an intermediate tilt plate is rotatably supported so as to allow rotation of the intermediate tilt plate in the first plane. An upper tilt plate is rotatably supported on the intermediate tilt plate so as to allow rotation of the upper tilt plate in the second plane. A first adjusting screw provides adjustment of the rotation of the intermediate tilt plate in the first plane by imparting a force that counterbalances a spring force that also acts on the intermediate tilt plate. A second adjusting screw provides adjustment of the rotation of the upper tilt plate in the second plane by imparting a force that counterbalances a spring force that also acts on the upper tilt plate.

Abstract: A device for directing and supporting a laser during laser guided biopsies. The device comprises a track attached to a computed tomography table. A vertically extending post is slidably mounted on the track so that the post can be moved parallel to the axis of the table. A rail is slidably mounted on the post and extends across the width of the table. A first bracket is slidably mounted on the rail and a first rotary stage is attached to the bracket that allows rotation in one vertical plane. A second bracket is attached to the first rotary stage. A second rotary stage that allows rotation in a second vertical plane, which is perpendicular to the first vertical plane, is attached to the second bracket. A laser is mounted on the second rotary stage, thereby allowing the laser's beam to be set at a compound angle by rotation of the two rotary stages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making vesicles suitable for use as contrast agents in which a container containing an aqueous suspension phase and a separate gas phase is shaken using reciprocating motion. The reciprocating motion is produced by a shaker arm that moves the container in two, substantially perpendicular directions, with the motion in the first direction being along an arcuate path. The overall path of the motion occurs in a figure-8 eight pattern. The frequency of shaking is at least approximately 2800 RPM, the length of the shaker arm is at least approximately 6 cm, and the angle through which the shaker arm rotates in the first direction is at least approximately 3.degree.. The total length of travel around the figure-8 pattern is at least 0.7 cm.

Abstract: A device for directing and supporting a laser during laser guided biopsies. The device comprises a track attached to a computed tomography table. A vertically extending post is slidably mounted on the track so that the post can be moved parallel to the axis of the table. A rail is slidably mounted on the post and extends across the width of the table. A first bracket is slidably mounted on the rail and a first rotary stage is attached to the bracket that allows rotation in one vertical plane. A second bracket is attached to the first rotary stage. A second rotary stage that allows rotation in a second vertical plane, which is perpendicular to the first vertical plane, is attached to the second bracket. A laser is mounted on the second rotary stage, thereby allowing the laser's beam to be set at a compound angle by rotation of the two rotary stages.