Abstract: A medical or surgical device or tool that is designed to be implanted or inserted inside the human or mammalian body, having at least part of its surface coated whereby the ultrasound visibility of said device or tool in vivo is enhanced, wherein the coating comprises one or more of the following: (i) a matrix material containing a plurality of contrast enhancing elements; (ii) magnesium; (iii) a liquid or polymer which alters its ultrasound imaging properties upon elevating the temperature from ambient to physiological temperature; (iv) a liquid or polymer which alters its ultrasound imaging properties as a result of a change in pH; (v) an essentially non-polymeric bio-compatible compound which forms a discontinuous coating. Preferably the device or tool is a radioactive source for use in brachytherapy, and in particular a radioactive seed.

Abstract: Chelating agents, in particular dipyridoxyl and aminopolycarboxylic acid based chelating agents, and their metal chelates, when linked directly or indirectly to at least one nitric oxide releasing moiety, or when use in combination with nitric oxide or a nitric oxide releasing moiety have been found to be effective in treating a variety of disorders. In particular, such compounds may be used in treating conditions associated with the presence of free radicals in the body, e.g. reperfusion injuries, and in reducing the cardiotoxicity of anti-tumor agents, e.g. anthracyclines and/or paclitaxel.