Abstract: Methods for high resolution imaging of a suspected target tissue are encompassed by the invention. Such methods include administering low resolution and high resolution contrast agents specific to targeted cells or tissues. The contrast agents are allowed to bind to the target cells or accumulate in a target tissue. A low resolution imaging technique is used to localize an accumulation of the low resolution contrast agent in a target tissue. A high resolution image of the target tissue is then obtained to localize an accumulation of the higher resolution contrast agent, allowing the generation of a higher resolution image than that obtained by the use of the low resolution contrast agent alone. These methods may utilize nanoparticles optionally in an emulsion as a contrast agent.

Abstract: Methods and devices for enhanced ultrasound detection based upon changing temperature and ultrasound reflectivity of a temperature-dependent contrast agent bound to an ultrasound target are disclosed. The methods and devices can be used for enhanced imaging alone or in conjunction with drug delivery, with therapeutic approaches such as hyperthermia or cryotherapy or with other imaging modalities.

Abstract: MRI contrast agents that employ paramagnetic agents and chemical exchange saturation transfer (paraCEST) and which are coupled to targeted particulate delivery vehicles provide sufficient concentration of the paraCEST contrast agents to obtain useful images of target tissues or organs. In addition, the image contrast may be switched on or off with a presaturation radio frequency pulse, avoiding the necessity obtaining pre-injection and post-injection images.

Abstract: Compounds useful for associating with nanoparticle or microparticle emulsions to obtain magnetic resonance images permit control of the relaxivity of the signal and readily associate with the particulate components.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a technique for performing medical imaging on a region of interest (ROI) wherein information theoretic signal receivers are used to enhance the detection and monitoring of pathologies such as angiogenesis and muscular dystrophy. Examples of information theoretic signal receivers that can be used in the practice of the invention include Shannon entropy signal receivers, continuous limit Shannon entropy signal receivers, Renyi entropy signal receivers, specific heat analog signal receivers, and thermodynamic energy analog signal receivers. The contrast enhancement provided by contrast agents, either targeted contrast agents or bubble-based contrast agents, is enhanced through the use of such information theoretic signal receivers. Further still, the contrast agents can be heated to further enhance visualization with information theoretic signal receivers.

Abstract: Emulsions comprising nanoparticles formed from high boiling perfluorochemical substances, said particles coated with a lipid/surfactant coating are made target-specific by directly coupling said nanoparticles to a targeting ligand. The nanoparticles may further include biologically active agents, radionuclides, and/or other imaging agents.

Abstract: Emulsions preferably of nanoparticles formed from high boiling liquid perfluorochemical substances, said particles coated with a lipid/surfactant coating are made specific to regions of activated endothelial cells by coupling said nanoparticles to a ligand specific for ?v?3 integrin, other than an antibody. The nanoparticles may further include biologically active agents, radionuclides, or other imaging agents.

Abstract: An improved contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging comprises particles to each of which is coupled a multiplicity of chelating agents containing paramagnetic ions. In the improved agent, the position of the ion is offset from the surface of the particle so as to improve the relaxivity imparted by the contrast agent. A tether offsetting the chelate from the surface of the particle may optionally contain cleavage sites permitting more facile excretion of the chelated paramagnetic ion.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting restenosis in blood vessels expanded by angioplasty are described. The method comprises administering blood vessel wall-targeted emulsion containing an anti-restenotic agent.

Abstract: Emulsions comprising nanoparticles formed from high boiling perfluorochemical substances, said particles coated with a lipid/surfactant coating are made target-specific by directly coupling said nanoparticles to a targeting ligand. The nanoparticles may further include biologically active agents, radionuclides, and/or other imaging agents.

Abstract: A method for ligand-based binding of lipid encapsulated particles to molecular epitopes on a surface in vivo or in vitro comprises sequentially administering (a) a site specific ligand activated with a biotin activating agent; (b) an avidin activating agent; and (c) lipid encapsulated particles activated with a biotin activating agent, whereby the ligand is conjugated to the particles through an avidin-biotin interaction and the resulting conjugate is bound to the molecular epitopes on such surface. The conjugate is effective for imaging by x-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance or positron emission tomography. Compositions for use in ultrasonic imaging of natural or synthetic surfaces and for enhancing the acoustic reflectivity thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for enhanced ultrasound detection based upon changing temperature and ultrasound reflectivity of a temperature-dependent contrast agent bound to an ultrasound target are disclosed. The methods and devices can be used for enhanced imaging alone or in conjunction with drug delivery, with therapeutic approaches such as hyperthermia or cryotherapy or with other imaging modalities.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods for ameliorating at least one symptom or aspect of atherosclerosis. The methods include administration of targeted carrier compositions comprising a therapeutic agent effective in ameliorating at least one aspect of atherosclerosis coupled to a targeting ligand effective is targeting the therapeutic agent to tissue associated with atherosclerotic plaque.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a medical imaging technique that uses a fluorinated nanoparticle contrast agent for imaging of an interior portion of a body. The fluorinated nanoparticles preferably comprise nontargeted intravascular fluorocarbon or perfluorocarbon nanoparticles. The interior body portion may be a patient's vasculature, and the medical imaging is preferably noninvasive MR angiography, which may encompass (either for 2D imaging or 3D imaging) MR coronary angiography, MR carotid angiography, MR peripheral angiography, MR cerebral angiography, MR arterial angiography, and MR venous angiography. Coils tuned to match to the 19F signal can be used, or dual tuned coils for 19F and 1H imaging can be used. Clinical field strengths (e.g. 1.5 T) and clinical doses may be used while still providing effective images.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an RF probe for use with a medical imaging apparatus, the probe comprising an intracorporeal self-tuned resonator coil for receiving a signal indicative of an image of an interior portion of a body. The resonator coil is preferably coupled to a transmission medium having a characteristic impedance such that the resonator coil is substantially self-matching with the transmission medium's characteristic impedance. Preferably the resonator coil comprises an open wound conductor having a plurality of turns. The length of the resonator coil can be used to tune the resonator coil to a desired frequency, such as the Larmour frequency. Further, a return lead of the transmission medium is preferably coupled to an end of the conductor, and a signal lead of the transmission medium is preferably coupled to a point on the winding, thereby defining a turns ratio for the resonator coil.

Abstract: Emulsions preferably of nanoparticles formed from high boiling liquid perfluorochemical substances, said particles coated with a lipid/surfactant coating are made specific to regions of activated endothelial cells by coupling said nanoparticles to a ligand specific for ?v?3 integrin, other than an antibody. The nanoparticles may further include biologically active agents, radionuclides, or other imaging agents.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for the delivery of a therapeutic agent using lipid-encapsulated particles containing the therapeutic agent and ultrasound energy. For example, it particularly relates to the use of ultrasound with a lipid-encapsulated emulsion comprising an oil where the emulsion is coupled a targeting ligand and comprises a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Emulsions preferably of nanoparticles formed from oil compounds coupled to a high Z number atom, said particles coated with a lipid/surfactant coating. The nanoparticles are made specific to targeted cells or tissues by coupling said nanoparticles to a ligand specific for the target cells or tissues. The nanoparticles may further include biologically active agents, radionuclides and/or other imaging agents.

Abstract: An improved contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging comprises particles to each of which is coupled a multiplicity of chelating agents containing paramagnetic ions. In the improved agent, the position of the ion is offset from the surface of the particle so as to improve the relaxivity imparted by the contrast agent.

Abstract: Compounds useful for associating with nanoparticle or microparticle emulsions to obtain magnetic resonance images permit control of the relaxivity of the signal and readily associate with the particulate components.