Abstract: An ultrasonically visible solid device for inserting into a non-gas target medium comprises an echogenic surface having structures entrapping gas when the device is in the target medium, the entrapped gas causing the device to be ultrasonically visible, wherein the gas-entrapping structures are covered with a flexible overcoat that does not significantly reduce the compressibility of the gas trapped in the structures.

Abstract: An ultrasonic enhanced-contrast imager includes an ultrasonic probe for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to an organism and receiving an ultrasonic wave from the organism, a transmitting section for transmitting an ultrasonic signal to the ultrasonic probe, a receiving section for processing a response signal ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic probe, a filter for extracting a specific frequency component from the processed response signal, a setting control section for setting a pass frequency band of the filter on the basis of a frequency band of the response signal from a contrast medium injected to the organism, and a control section for controlling the operation of the filter in the set pass band.

Abstract: A method of imaging and a system therefore are provided. The imaging system includes an image forming device for generating a first image and a second image and a controller coupled to the image forming device. The controller receives the first image and the second image. The first image is divided into a structure portion and non-structure portion. In the method the controller generates an image ratio of the non-structure portion of the first image and the second image, regularizes the image ratio of the second image with respect to the non-structure portion of the first image to form a regularized image ratio and filters the image ratio to form a filtered ratio. The controller then multiplies the second image by the filtered ratio to form a non-structure contrast matched image. The controller then combines the structure portion to the non-structure contrast matched image to form a desired image.

Abstract: A gas emulsion forming composition comprising a dry, hollow, particulate, approximately microspherical material permeated with a gas or gas mixture, which upon dissolution in aqueous liquid forms a gas emulsion comprising a plurality of bubbles surrounded by a layer of at least a first and a second surfactant, wherein the first surfactant consists essentially of a phospholipid or mixture of phospholipids having at least one acyl chain which comprises at least 10 carbon atoms, and comprising at least about 5% w/w of total surfactant, and wherein the second surfactant may or may not be a phospholipid and is more water soluble than the first surfactant; kits for preparing such microbubbles; and methods for using such microbubbles as contrast agents.

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

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for monitoring and quantifying the movement of fluid in a target region. Generally, an imaging agent is introduced into a target region through fluid flow. The imaging agent in the target region is then disrupted using appropriate methods such as the application of ultrasonic energy. As fluid flow brings undisrupted imaging agent into the target region, the rate of accumulation is monitored and quantified thereby providing the exchange rate and flow rate of the fluid in the target region. The disclosed invention is particularly useful for medical applications such as determining the flow rate of blood in an organ or tissue.

Abstract: A fluid injection arrangement in the context of patient imaging systems, in which phases of contrast medium injection and flushing medium injection can be freely and selectably ordered as to make available to the operator and patient a vast array of possible protocols that has hitherto been essentially unattainable. The arrangement provides a programmable KVO phase and the ability to program a first phase of injection procedure as a flushing medium phase.

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 usefull 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: An apparatus for the detection of extravasation in an imaging procedure includes at least a first source of energy to supply imaging energy to tissue in the vicinity of a site and at least a first sensor to measure a signal resulting from the energy supplied to the tissue by the first imaging energy source. In preferred embodiment, the energy may be one of X-ray, gamma ray or ultrasound energy.

Abstract: The invention is directed biopsy site markers and methods of marking a biopsy site, so that the location of the biopsy cavity is readily visible by conventional imaging methods, particularly by ultrasonic imaging. The biopsy site markers of the invention have high ultrasound reflectivity, presenting a substantial acoustic signature from a small marker, so as to avoid obscuring diagnostic tissue features in subsequent imaging studies, and can be readily distinguished from biological features. The several disclosed embodiments of the biopsy site marker of the invention have a high contrast of acoustic impedance as placed in a tissue site, so as to efficiently reflect and scatter ultrasonic energy, and preferably include gas-filled internal pores. The markers may have a non-uniform surface contour to enhance the acoustic signature. The markers have a characteristic form which is recognizably artificial during medical imaging.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus and method wherein both imaging of a contrast effect and imaging of a tissue appearance before and after inflow of a contrast medium can be realized on condition that low-power transmission and a high frame rate are maintained. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes a transmission/reception unit for transmitting subject ultrasonic waves with a band substantially centered at a fundamental frequency and generating a received signal based on an ultrasonic echo from the subject, a harmonic unit for extracting a signal of a harmonic component of the fundamental frequency included in the received signal and extracting a signal of the fundamental component with the band substantially centered the fundamental frequency included in the received signal, and a display unit for generating a display image based on the extracted harmonic and fundamental components.

Abstract: A method for generating colonography images for colorectal screening of a patient. The patient is administered an amount of radiopaque stool marker which will enable stool present in the patient's colon to be distinguished from soft tissue. The patient's colon is imaged after the stool marker has been administered to generate colonography images. Preparation of the colon is simulated by processing the colonography images to remove marked stool before the images are observed during a diagnosis session.

Abstract: A method for non-invasive detection of vascular endothelial dysfunction using ultrasonic imaging is provided.

Abstract: With respect to a scanning plane of a subject having been injected with a contrast agent, an ultrasound transmission section 6 transmits for a plurality of times an ultrasonic pulse of such an intensity capable of collapsing the contrast agent. An ultrasound reception section 5 receives an echo signal cluster from the subject based on the ultrasonic pulses, and generates a plurality of RF data items through addition of the echo signal cluster using an adder 5C. Based on the plurality of RF data items, a TIC/MTT measurement section 25 measures a time intensity curve (TIC), and then measures a mean transit time (MTT) of the blood flow based on the time intensity curve for display on a display section 21.

Abstract: Echogenic devices, and methods of making and using such devices, are disclosed. In one aspect, the devices include a porous polymeric material that is preparable by extracting a phase separated composition. In another aspect, the echogenic devices include a polymeric composition having porous particles therein. Preferably the devices are medical devices.

Abstract: A system and method for enhancing images of ex-vivo or in-vivo tissue produced by confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography, two-photon microscopy, or ultrasound, is provided by applying to the tissue a solution or gel having an effective concentration of citric or other alpha-hydroxy acid which enhances tissue structures, such as cellular nuclei, in such images. Such concentration may be 3–20% acid, and preferably 5% acid.

Abstract: The method of the invention controls an ultrasound system to identify a boundary between a tissue region and a blood-filled region that lies within an ROI. The method initially administers a contrast agent to the region of interest and then transmits first and second ultrasound beams at a different power levels into the ROI. Signal returns from the first and second beams are processed to derive first and second digital values, respectively. It has been determined that, under certain circumstances, a phase change of echo returns occurs at the boundary between tissue and blood-containing contrast agent. Detection of the phase change enables precise identification of the boundary, based upon the time segment in which the phase change is detected. Accordingly, time segment values of the first and second stored digital values are then phase-compared to enable determination of a boundary location between the tissue region and the blood-filled region by detection of the phase change.

Abstract: In transmissions of each frame through intermittent transmissions, by performing ultrasonic wave transmissions while increasing a mechanical function step by step, destructions of bubbles of a contrast medium can be induced step by step according to their different sizes. By generating ultrasonic images using the destructions at the respective steps as the sources of echoes, it is possible to provide new ecological information including, for example, information reflecting the dynamics of substances smaller than the red blood cells, the distribution of predatory cells, new diagnosis information, etc.

Abstract: The invention is directed biopsy site markers and methods of marking a biopsy site, so that the location of the biopsy cavity is readily visible by conventional imaging methods, particularly by ultrasonic imaging. The biopsy site markers of the invention have high ultrasound reflectivity, presenting a substantial acoustic signature from a small marker, so as to avoid obscuring diagnostic tissue features in subsequent imaging studies, and can be readily distinguished from biological features. The several disclosed embodiments of the biopsy site marker of the invention have a high contrast of acoustic impedance as placed in a tissue site, so as to efficiently reflect and scatter ultrasonic energy, and preferably include gas-filled internal pores. The markers may have a non-uniform surface contour to enhance the acoustic signature. The markers have a characteristic form which is recognizably artificial during medical imaging.

Abstract: A method for determining incipient mechanical failure of an object includes insonifying the object with ultrasonic energy at a selected fundamental frequency. Amplitude data is acquired from the insonified object at the fundamental frequency and at a second harmonic of the fundamental frequency, and a non-linear acoustic image is generated from the amplitude data at the fundamental frequency and the second harmonic frequency.

Abstract: New contrast agents for ultrasound imaging and methods for use of such agents for imaging of human or animal tissue are described, wherein a primary active component of such medicaments is a halogenated xanthene or halogenated xanthene derivative. Preferably, the halogenated xanthene is Rose Bengal or a functional derivative of Rose Bengal.

Abstract: A method for imaging diseased tissue is provided. The method provides delivering to the diseased tissue a liposomal imaging agent comprising liposomes containing an imaging agent. The liposomal imaging agent is bound to an antibody by an antigenic linker so that the antibody binds the liposomal imaging agent to the diseased tissue. The liposomes are broken to release the imaging agent using a catheter, and the imaging agent is viewed using an imaging technique. The tissue can also be treated by delivering a therapeutic agent to the tissue using the catheter, for example, within the liposomes of the liposomal imaging agent.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced color-flow imaging of contrast-agent perfused blood vessels and other tissues within a patient's body are disclosed. The method generally comprises, introducing one or more contrast agents into the body, power-modulating transmit pulses into the body, receiving echoes from the body, processing the received echoes to reduce tissue-generated echoes and echoes from stationary contrast agent, using a color-flow processor to generate a color-encoded display responsive to contrast-agent motion. The method may be implemented by a system with a an excitation-signal source, a transducer, an ultrasound-processing system having multiple image processors including a color-flow processor, as well as, a clutter filter, and an arbiter, and a display-processing system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to remotely determining local physical parameters in a fluid-filled cavity (e.g. heart cavities, blood vessels, industrial container) by means of ultrasound waves and encapsulated or stabilised gas bubbles. A measuring method, a method of diagnostic ultrasound of the same and an apparatus for remotely determining ambient physical local parameters of a fluid-filled cavity are disclosed.

Abstract: Contrast agent imaging uses spread spectrum coding. The contrast-to-tissue ratio and signal-to-noise ratio for contrast agent imaging is improved by transmitting a waveform with pulses at two or more frequencies. In one embodiment, signals received at an intermodulation frequency responsive to the two transmitted frequencies are isolated and used for imaging. As a result of the differences in responses of contrast agent and tissue to the frequency transitions between pulses, information from contrast agent with minimal influence from tissue is identified. In another embodiment, two waveforms with pulses at two or more frequencies are sequentially transmitted.

Abstract: In order to capture an ultrasonic image of high quality using ultrasound having a low sound pressure that does not break a contrast agent, scanning is performed during a pause period of intermittent scanning, using ultrasound that has a sound pressure insufficient to break the contrast agent and has undergone predetermined modulation; pulse compression is performed on an echo received signal; and an image is produced based on the pulse-compressed echo received signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in an ultrasound imaging system is disclosed that enhances the contrast-to-tissue ratio and signal-to-noise ratio of contrast imaging using stepped-chirp waveforms. The first waveform component is employed with a first frequency optimized to initiate the bubble dynamics and the second waveform component is employed with a second frequency optimized to produce an enhanced bubble nonlinear response. The first waveform component and the at least a second waveform component are transmitted as a single stepped-chirp transmit pulse. At least one of a center frequency, an amplitude, a starting phase, and a bandwidth of the waveform components are adjusted to generate the single stepped-chirp transmit pulse. A relative phase, a switch time, and a time delay between the waveform components are also adjusted for maximal enhancement of bubble nonlinear response.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a medium having ultrasound contrast enhancement agents therein to a patient includes a pressurizing device for pressurizing the medium, a fluid path connecting the pressurizing device to the patient and a concentration sensor in communication with the fluid path. The concentration of the contrast enhancement agents is measured by the concentration sensor during injection of the medium into the patient to assist in controlling the delivery system and/or an imaging procedure.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus for obtaining an ultrasound image of a subject into which an ultrasound contrast agent mainly composed of microbubbles is injected, comprising a probe configured to transmit/receive an ultrasound wave to/from the subject, a transmission circuit configured to drive the probe to transmit an ultrasound wave while sequentially changing a direction of an ultrasound transmission line, a reception circuit configured to generate reception line data of the number of parallel reception from ultrasound echo signals obtained by one ultrasound wave transmission, a transmission/reception control circuit configured to control the transmission and reception circuits to change the number of parallel reception during a scan sequence for generating a 1-frame ultrasound image, and an image processing unit configured to generate an ultrasound image on the basis of the reception line data.

Abstract: Automated determination and setting of an ultrasound system transmit power level is provided for contrast agent imaging. Low mechanical index imaging of contrast agents allows substantially continuous imaging of contrast agents without destruction. By comparing data associated with different transmit power levels, different delays between acquisition or different acquisition sequences, a contrast agent imaging transmit power generally minimizing destruction of contrast agents and maximizing signal-to-noise ratio is automatically determined.

Abstract: A method is provided for site specific delivering therapeutic or diagnostic agents to a region in a fluid-filled cavity, vessel or tissue using an agent-loaded microbubble population. The population has controlled fragility characterized by a uniform wall thickness to diameter ratio which defines the discrete threshold intensity value of ultrasonic power where microbubble rupture occurs in the population. The location of the microbubble population may be monitored by ultrasound to determine its presence at the region prior to application of the ultrasonic power to rupture to microbubbles.

Abstract: In the quantification of bodies, especially bubbles, in ultrasonic diagnosis, the problem exists that the concentration of bodies, especially bubbles, is often so high that the image data that is obtained relative to the visualization becomes saturated, such that a quantification is impossible. To solve this problem, it is proposed that the bodies that are contained in the sectional layers of an object under examination first be excited by means of ultrasound to produce characteristic signals and to pick up these signals, to form data sets from the signals, to convert the data sets into an image of the body arrangement in the object under examination and to determine the number of bodies therefrom, whereby at least two ultrasonic signal sets from overlapping sectional layers in the object under examination are picked up.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling fluid flow or perfusion, wherein gas-filled microbubbles are used as ultrasound contrast-enhancing agents, and wherein the method comprises separating the removal of the contrast agent due to flow from the removal of the contrast agent due to bubble destruction for enhanced imaging processes. By varying exposure of the microbubbles to ultrasound, the method and apparatus apply the changes observed in the images to measure flow and vascularity, to improve visualization of blood flow and blood vessels, and to guide delivery of drugs locally to the site of imaging.

Abstract: An examination program is selected based on an input of an examination method or a region to be inspected on the side of an diagnostic X-ray system, and contrast conditions suitable for contrast examination which is realized by the selected examination protocol are transmitted to a contrast medium injector through a network or the like. The contrast medium injector receives the transmitted contrast conditions and performs control regarding contrast medium dosage based on the contrast conditions.

Abstract: A method for improved detection and imaging of ultrasound contrast agents using dual-band transmitted pulses, is described. The method is based on transmitting a pulse consisting of two frequency bands, a low frequency band which purpose is to manipulate the high frequency scattering properties of the contrast agent, and a high frequency band from which the image reconstruction is based. In addition, a general form of pulse subtraction is used to significantly suppress the received tissue signal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosing device which irradiates and scans an object to be examined with ultrasound beams produced by driving a plurality of vibrators (23), and produces and displays the tomographic image of the object based on an ultrasonic wave reflected off this object, wherein a sound pressure regulating means for regulating the sound pressure of ultrasound beams during ultrasound beam scanning is provided so as to be above to make equal the sound pressures of ultrasound beams (53, 55, 57) in respective regions of interest (47, 49, 51). Therefore, the sound pressures of ultrasound beams (53, 55, 57) applied to contrast media in respective regions of interest (47, 49, 51) are made constant even when the regions (47, 49, 51) are at different depths to allow contrast media to give the same behavior, whereby uniform contrast effects are provided in the regions of interest (47, 49, 51).

Abstract: A method for improved detection and imaging of ultrasound contrast agents using dual-band transmitted pulses, is described. The method is based on transmitting a pulse consisting of two frequency bands, a low frequency band which purpose is to manipulate the high frequency scattering properties of the contrast agent, and a high frequency band from which the image reconstruction is based. In addition, a general form of pulse subtraction is used to significantly suppress the received tissue signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving transducer response sensitivity in an ultrasound-imaging system are disclosed. One method includes selecting a desired transmit spectrum, quantifying the transmit channel impulse response, calculating a drive signal that when applied to the transmit channel will produce the desired transmit spectrum and applying the drive signal to the transducer. The method may be applied in principle to the receive channels. An improved ultrasound-imaging system in accordance with the invention includes a transducer and a switch controlled to apply an excitation signal to the transducer in a transmit mode of the ultrasound-imaging system. A signal shaper is configured to generate an excitation signal in response to the impulse response of the transmit channel such that a desired ultrasound energy waveform is generated by the transducer. An adaptable filter responsive to a desired echo spectrum and the impulse response of the receive channel of the system may be included.

Abstract: Contrast agent imaging uses spread spectrum coding. The contrast-to-tissue ratio and signal-to-noise ratio for contrast agent imaging is improved by transmitting a waveform with pulses at two or more frequencies. In one embodiment, signals received at an intermodulation frequency responsive to the two transmitted frequencies are isolated and used for imaging. As a result of the differences in responses of contrast agent and tissue to the frequency transitions between pulses, information from contrast agent with minimal influence from tissue is identified. In another embodiment, two waveforms with pulses at two or more frequencies are sequentially transmitted.

Abstract: A method for improved imaging of ultrasound contrast agent using dual frequency band transmitted pulses is described. The method is based on transmitting a dualband pulse consisting of two frequency bands, preferably a fundamental band and its second harmonic band. In addition, a general pulse inversion method is applied to reduce or cancel first order nonlinear harmonic tissue signal components introduced due to the transmission of dualband pulses.

Abstract: A combined preparation comprising:

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and method are disclosed that use a contrast echo method, which can obtain an ultrasonic image indicating proper blood flow directions and distinguishably showing blood flow, enhancement in parenchyma and tissues with no enhancement. A method is performed with low mechanical index transmission to create B-mode, velocity and power signals and these signals are compared to determine a value for each pixel. Thus, tissues with no contrast-enhancement can be displayed with the B signal value in gray scale, parenchyma with contrast-enhancement with P and/or V values in dark green, slow blood flow (such as a vein) with P and/or V values in bright green and fast blood flow (such as an artery) with P and/or V values in red or blue according to the direction of the flow.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving transducer response sensitivity in an ultrasound-imaging system are disclosed. One method includes selecting a desired transmit spectrum, quantifying the transmit channel impulse response, calculating a drive signal that when applied to the transmit channel will produce the desired transmit spectrum and applying the drive signal to the transducer. The method may be applied in principle to the receive channels. An improved ultrasound-imaging system in accordance with the invention includes a transducer and a switch controlled to apply an excitation signal to the transducer in a transmit mode of the ultrasound-imaging system. A signal shaper is configured to generate an excitation signal in response to the impulse response of the transmit channel such that a desired ultrasound energy waveform is generated by the transducer. An adaptable filter responsive to a desired echo spectrum and the impulse response of the receive channel of the system may be included.

Abstract: A combined preparation comprising: i) an ultrasound contrast agent capable of accumulation in tissue microvasculature; and ii) a pharamacologically effective amount of a vasodilator drug may be used in perfusion imaging, especially of the myocardium. The contrast agent accumulates in tissue in concentrations related to the regional rate of tissue perfusion, and the vasodilator drug enhances distinction between normally perfused and underperfused tissue.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for monitoring and quantifying the movement of fluid in a target region. Generally, an imaging agent is introduced into a target region through fluid flow. The imaging agent in the target region is then disrupted using appropriate methods such as the application of ultrasonic energy. As fluid flow brings undisrupted imaging agent into the target region, the rate of accumulation is monitored and quantified thereby providing the exchange rate and flow rate of the fluid in the target region. The disclosed invention is particularly useful for medical applications such as determining the flow rate of blood in an organ or tissue.

Abstract: An embryo transfer catheter or other medical device has a shaft extruded with two layers. The outer layer is relatively thick and contains gas bubbles sufficient to increase the visibility of the catheter under ultrasound observation but with a density that allows material within the catheter to be viewed by the eye. The inner layer is relatively thin and is free of bubbles so that it provides a smooth bore to the catheter.

Abstract: What is described is an echographic examination method, in which an echographic contrast medium or agent, injected into a blood vessel and comprising a plurality of microbubbles, is sent by means of the blood circulation to a part of a living body under investigation and said part is struck by an ultrasonic excitation signal at an excitation frequency (f0), and in which the microbubbles struck by the ultrasonic excitation signal generate an echo signal at a frequency different from the excitation frequency, said signal being used to, generate an image. The excitation signal exerts a pressure of 30 kPa to 1 MPa on said microbubbles, the microbubbles emitting a stable signal at not less than one subharmonic of the excitation frequency, said stable signal being processed to generate images.

Abstract: The ultrasonic scatterer of the invention comprises gas-containing particles having an average particle size of 0.01 &mgr;m to 10 &mgr;m, the ultrasonic imaging method of the invention comprises transmitting an ultrasonic wave continuing for ten cycles or more; transmitting an ultrasonic wave continuing for four cycles or more and less than ten cycles after a predetermined period passes, and the ultrasonic imaging apparatus of the invention comprises transmitting means for sending a driving signal to the ultrasonic probe so as to transmit, to a subject, an ultrasonic wave continuing for four cycles or more and less than ten cycles after a predetermined period passes subsequently to transmitting, to the subject, of an ultrasonic wave continuing for ten cycles or more.

Abstract: According to an ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, a cross section of an examining human body having bubbles implanted as ultrasonic shadowing agent is scanned by an ultrasound so as to obtain an echo signal. Image data is repeatedly generated based on the echo signal. Then, image data is displayed as a motion image. Power of the ultrasound to be transmitted is changed from first power to second power, which is stronger than first power. The ultrasound of first power breaks a first amount of bubbles. The ultrasound of second power, which is stronger than first power, breaks a second amount of bubbles, which is larger than the first amount of bubbles. Though the image generated by use of first power is unclear, the amount of breakage of bubbles can be extremely retrained. Since the image is used to examine the state of the bubble flow to the region of interest, unclearness can be allowed.

Abstract: One can impart outstanding resistance against collapse under pressure to gas-filled microvesicle used as contrast agents in ultrasonic echography by using as fillers gases whose solubility in water, expressed in liter of gas by liter of water under standard conditions, divided by the square root of the molecular weight does not exceed 0.003.