Abstract: Methods for providing an image of an internal region of a patient. Embodiments of the methods involve administering to the patient a contrast agent which comprises a vesicle composition comprising, in an aqueous carrier, a gas or gaseous precursor and vesicles comprising lipids, proteins or polymers. The patient is scanned using diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound, to obtain a visible image of the region. The contrast agent is administered to the patient at a rate to substantially eliminate diagnostic artifacts in the image. The methods are particularly useful for diagnosing the presence of any diseased tissue in the patient.

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.

Abstract: A flexible cord-like hollow object for the transportation of media is provided with an inner zone enclosed by a casing. A barrier layer, which is impermeable to volatile molecules of the medium to be transported, is provided on the casing surface facing the inner zone. The barrier layer comprises sub-elements that are arranged in a scale-like manner.

Abstract: Therapeutic delivery systems comprising gaseous precursor-filled microspheres comprising a therapeutic are described. Methods for employing such microspheres in therapeutic delivery applications are also provided. Therapeutic delivery systems comprising gaseous precursor-filled liposomes having encapsulated therein a contrast agent or drug are preferred. Methods of and apparatus for preparing such liposomes and methods for employing such liposomes in therapeutic delivery applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved methods for providing an image of an internal region of a patient. Embodiments of the invention involve the administration to the patient of a contrast agent which comprises, in an aqueous carrier, a lipid, protein, polymer or surfactant, and a gas. The patient is scanned using ultrasound imaging to obtain a visible image of the region. In embodiments of the invention, the scanning step may comprise applying a first quantity of ultrasound energy to the patient to provide a first image, followed by the application substantially immediately thereafter of a second quantity of ultrasound energy to provide a second image. The first and second images are then processed. The methods are particularly useful for obtaining on-line images of the cardiovascular region which may be employed, for example, to diagnose the presence of diseased tissue in the cardiovascular region of a patient.

Abstract: Novel contrast agents which may be used for diagnostic and therapeutic use. The compositions may comprise a lipid, a protein, polymer and/or surfactant, and a gas, in combination with a targeting ligand. In preferred embodiments, the targeting ligand targets coagula, including emboli and/or thrombi, particularly in patients suffering from an arrhythmic disorder. The contrast media can be used in conjunction with diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound, as well as therapeutic applications, such as therapeutic ultrasound.

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.

Abstract: A device for damping the sound emission from oscillatory components of a fluid container of a hydraulic system, primarily in a motor vehicle. At least one vibration damping mass is coupled to the wall of a component subject to sound damping. The mass is adapted to the vibration to be damped by selection of material, shape, and/or position on the wall. For example, the mass is a rib fastened to the wall or a strip adhered to the wall. In an alternate embodiment, the container has an inner and an outer wall with a gap between them. The gap is either evacuated, filled with a sound absorbing material or ribs on the wall extend in the gap or inside the inner wall.

Abstract: Methods for providing an image of an internal region of a patient. Embodiments of the methods involve administering to the patient a contrast agent which comprises a vesicle composition comprising, in an aqueous carrier, a gas or gaseous precursor and vesicles comprising lipids, proteins or polymers. The patient is scanned using diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound, to obtain a visible image of the region. The contrast agent is administered to the patient at a rate to substantially eliminate diagnostic artifacts in the image. The methods are particularly useful for diagnosing the presence of any diseased tissue in the patient.

Abstract: Lyophilized lipid compositions, as well as methods for their preparation, are embodied by the present invention. Gas-filled microspheres prepared using the lyophilized lipid composition are particularly useful, for example, in ultrasonic imaging applications and in therapeutic drug delivery systems.

Abstract: To damp the sound in an air conditioning system, particularly a vehicle air conditioning system, a tubular sound damping body is provided having openings at its opposite ends through which a liquid or gaseous medium flows. A respective connection tube is fitted at at least one and preferably at both of the openings, with the tube being of smaller cross-section than the sound damping body and the openings into the sound damping body. An isolating device in the form of an isolating element is around the inserted portion of each connection tube and also engages the interior of the sound damping body. Isolating element receiving recesses may be defined in the inserted end portion of the connection tube and the ends of the sound damping body for receiving the isolating elements. The isolating elements are comprised of an elastic rubber like material. Alternately, a spacer may be disposed around the elastic isolation device and engages the isolation device on the inside and the sound damping body on the outside.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for preparing gas-filled liposomes are described. Gas-filled liposomes 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.

Abstract: Lyophilized lipid compositions, as well as methods for their preparation, are embodied by the present invention. Gas-filled microspheres prepared using the lyophilized lipid composition are particularly useful, for example, in ultrasonic imaging applications and in therapeutic drug delivery systems.

Abstract: Therapeutic drug delivery systems comprising gas-filled microspheres comprising a therapeutic are described. Methods for employing such microspheres in therapeutic drug delivery applications are also provided. Drug delivery systems comprising gas-filled liposomes having encapsulated therein a drug are preferred. Methods of and apparatus for preparing such liposomes and methods for employing such liposomes in drug delivery applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for preparing gas-filled liposomes are described. Gas-filled liposomes 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.

Abstract: Therapeutic drug delivery systems comprising gas-filled microspheres comprising a therapeutic are described. Methods for employing such microspheres in therapeutic drug delivery applications are also provided. Drug delivery systems comprising gas-filled liposomes having encapsulated therein a drug are preferred. Methods of and apparatus for preparing such liposomes and methods for employing such liposomes in drug delivery applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: Therapeutic delivery systems comprising gaseous precursor-filled microspheres comprising a therapeutic are described. Methods for employing such microspheres in therapeutic delivery applications are also provided. Therapeutic delivery systems comprising gaseous precursor-filled liposomes having encapsulated therein a contrast agent or drug are preferred. Methods of and apparatus for preparing such liposomes and methods for employing such liposomes in therapeutic delivery applications are also disclosed.