US Patent No: 5,393,524

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

Methods for selecting and using gases as ultrasound contrast media

Stats

ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)
 

Importance

Loading Importance Indicators... loading....

Abstract

Disclosed herein are agents for enhancing the contrast in an ultrasound image. These agents are extremely small bubbles, or "microbubbles," comprised of specially selected gases. The microbubbles described herein exhibit long life spans in solution and may be produced at a size small enough to traverse the lungs, thus enabling improved ultrasound imaging of the cardiovascular system and other vital organs. Also disclosed herein is a method for selecting gases from which contrast agents may be produced. The method is based on calculations using inherent physical properties of gases and describes a means to associate the properties of a gas with the time for dissolution of a microbubble comprised of the gas.

Loading the Abstract Image... loading....

First Claim

Related Publications

Loading Related Publications... loading....

Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddressTotal Patents
GE HEALTHCARE ASOSLO264

International Classification(s)

  • [Classification Symbol]
  • [Patents Count]

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Quay, Steven C Edmonds, WA 172 1856

Cited Art

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
SCHERING AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT (7)
4,276,885 Ultrasonic image enhancement 270 1979
4,265,251 Method of determining pressure within liquid containing vessel 133 1979
4,442,843 Microbubble precursors and methods for their production and use 210 1981
4,466,442 Carrier liquid solutions for the production of gas microbubbles, preparation thereof, and use thereof as contrast medium for ultrasonic diagnostics 265 1982
4,657,756 Microbubble precursors and apparatus for their production and use 232 1983
4,681,119 Method of production and use of microbubble precursors 197 1986
5,141,738 Ultrasonic contrast medium comprising gas bubbles and solid lipophilic surfactant-containing microparticles and use thereof 165 1991
 
LANTHEUS MEDICAL IMAGING, INC. (3)
5,088,499 Liposomes as contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging and methods for preparing the same 181 1990
5,205,290 Low density microspheres and their use as contrast agents for computed tomography 116 1991
5,281,408 Low density microspheres and their use as contrast agents for computed tomography 136 1993
 
SLF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (3)
4,572,203 Contact agents for ultrasonic imaging 251 1983
4,718,433 Contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging 238 1985
4,774,958 Ultrasonic imaging agent and method of preparation 227 1987
 
MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS, INC. (2)
4,957,656 Continuous sonication method for preparing protein encapsulated microbubbles 202 1988
5,107,842 Method of ultrasound imaging of the gastrointestinal tract 92 1991
 
PFC THERAPEUTICS, LLC (2)
4,987,154 Biocompatible, stable and concentrated fluorocarbon emulsions for contrast enhancement and oxygen transport in internal animal use 131 1987
5,284,645 Fluorocarbon emulsions containing amino acid based anti-inflamatory agents and buffer systems 21 1989
 
ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (1)
5,155,215 Polychelating agents for image and spectral enhancement (and spectral shift) 114 1990
 
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC. (1)
4,895,876 Concentrated stable fluorochemical aqueous emulsions containing triglycerides 56 1987
 
BRACCO SUISSE SA (1)
5,271,928 Stable microbubbles suspensions injectable into living organisms 164 1991
 
BYK GULDEN LOMBERG CHEMISCHE FABRIK GMBH (1)
4,832,941 Contrast medium for ultrasonic examinations and process for its preparation 81 1986
 
CAVITATION-CONTROL TECHNOLOGY, INC. (1)
4,684,479 Surfactant mixtures, stable gas-in-liquid emulsions, and methods for the production of such emulsions from said mixtures 174 1985
 
DR. F. KOHLER CHEMIE GMBH (1)
5,137,928 Ultrasonic contrast agents, processes for their preparation and the use thereof as diagnostic and therapeutic agents 142 1991
 
GE HEALTHCARE AS (1)
4,844,882 Concentrated stabilized microbubble-type ultrasonic imaging agent 213 1987
 
HEMAGEN/PFC, 655 MONTGOMERY STREET, SUITE 1710, SAN FRANCISCO, CA. 94111, A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF CA. (1)
5,171,755 Emulsions of highly fluorinated organic compounds 113 1988
 
KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA (1)
5,078,146 Ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus 26 1990
 
KALI-CHEMIE AG (1)
5,260,496 Process for separating mixtures of prefluorinated hydrocarbon compounds 23 1992
 
NANOSCAN IMAGING, LLC (1)
5,114,703 Percutaneous lymphography using particulate fluorocarbon emulsions 135 1990
 
NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION (1)
5,147,631 Porous inorganic ultrasound contrast agents 185 1991
 
PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (1)
4,533,254 Apparatus for forming emulsions 245 1984
 
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS (1)
4,900,540 Lipisomes containing gas for ultrasound detection 179 1983

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cites

Patent Info (Count) # Cites Year
 
LANTHEUS MEDICAL IMAGING, INC. (30)
5,585,112 Method of preparing gas and gaseous precursor-filled microspheres 170 1993
5,769,080 Gas filled liposomes and stabilized gas bubbles and their use as ultrasonic contrast agents 19 1994
5,773,024 Container with multi-phase composition for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications 43 1994
5,830,430 Cationic lipids and the use thereof 82 1995
5,705,187 Compositions of lipids and stabilizing materials 60 1995
5,853,752 Methods of preparing gas and gaseous precursor-filled microspheres 79 1995
5,715,824 Methods of preparing gas-filled liposomes 43 1995
5,571,497 Liposomes as contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging and apparatus and methods for preparing the same 7 1995
5,656,211 Apparatus and method for making gas-filled vesicles of optimal size 15 1995
5,776,429 Method of preparing gas-filled microspheres using a lyophilized lipids 28 1996
6,001,335 Contrasting agents for ultrasonic imaging and methods for preparing the same 7 1996
6,146,657 Gas-filled lipid spheres for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications 38 1996
5,935,553 Methods of preparing gas-filled liposomes 43 1996
5,846,517 Methods for diagnostic imaging using a renal contrast agent and a vasodilator 88 1997
6,039,557 Apparatus for making gas-filled vesicles of optimal size 20 1997
6,528,039 Low density microspheres and their use as contrast agents for computed tomography and in other applications 16 1997
5,985,246 Contrast agents for ultrasonic imaging and methods for preparing the same 2 1997
6,548,047 Thermal preactivation of gaseous precursor filled compositions 36 1997
6,071,495 Targeted gas and gaseous precursor-filled liposomes 76 1997
6,231,834 Methods for ultrasound imaging involving the use of a contrast agent and multiple images and processing of same 76 1997
6,033,646 Method of preparing fluorinated gas microspheres 7 1998
6,551,576 Container with multi-phase composition for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications 26 1998
6,056,938 Cationic lipids and the use thereof 43 1998
6,479,034 Method of preparing gas and gaseous precursor-filled microspheres 12 1998
6,071,494 Methods for diagnostic imaging using a contrast agent and a renal vasodilator 18 1998
6,884,407 Methods for diagnostic imaging involving the use of a contrast agent and a coronary vasodilator 8 2000
6,773,696 Contrast agent comprising low density microspheres 9 2002
8,084,056 Preparation of a lipid blend and a phospholipid suspension containing the lipid blend 0 2003
6,998,107 Composition comprising low density microspheres 2 2004
7,344,705 Composition comprising low density microspheres 1 2005
 
TARGESON, INC. (26)
5,605,673 Stabilized microbubble compositions for ultrasound 95 1994
5,540,909 Harmonic ultrasound imaging with microbubbles 139 1994
5,798,091 Stabilized gas emulsion containing phospholipid for ultrasound contrast enhancement 16 1995
5,639,443 Stabilized microbubble compositions 92 1995
5,804,162 Gas emulsions stabilized with fluorinated ethers having low Ostwald coefficients 50 1995
5,720,938 Systems for the formation of microbubbles 7 1995
5,695,741 Stable microbubble precursors 11 1995
5,626,833 Ultrasound imaging method using microbubbles 65 1995
5,733,527 Methods for harmonic imaging with ultrasound 60 1996
6,372,195 Mixed gas microbubble compositions 4 1997
6,287,539 Methods of imaging using osmotically stabilized microbubble preparations 1 1997
6,258,339 Osmotically stabilized microbubble preparations 3 1997
6,019,960 Systems for harmonic ultrasound imaging 3 1997
6,280,704 Ultrasonic imaging system utilizing a long-persistence contrast agent 44 1997
6,280,705 Kits & systems for ultrasonic imaging 1 1998
6,193,952 Stabilized gas emulsions containing phospholipid for ultrasound contrast enhancement 3 1998
6,056,943 Methods of ultrasound imaging using phospholipid stabilized microbubbles 5 1998
6,036,644 Enhanced methods of ultrasound imaging using multiple frequencies 12 1998
6,706,253 Osmotically stabilized microbubble preparations 1 2001
7,141,235 Stabilized gas emulsion containing phospholipid for ultrasound contrast enhancement 0 2001
6,953,569 Mixed gas microbubble compositions 1 2001
7,374,744 Harmonic ultrasound imaging with microbubbles 4 2002
6,802,813 Methods and apparatus for monitoring and quantifying the movement of fluid 7 2003
6,939,531 Ultrasonic imaging system utilizing a long-persistence contrast agent 4 2003
7,005,120 Osmotically stabilized microbubble preparations 0 2004
7,081,092 Methods and apparatus for monitoring and quantifying the movement of fluid 1 2004
 
CEREVAST THERAPEUTICS, INC. (15)
5,922,304 Gaseous precursor filled microspheres as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents 52 1995
6,088,613 Method of magnetic resonance focused surgical and therapeutic ultrasound 43 1995
5,770,222 Therapeutic drug delivery systems 171 1995
6,743,779 Methods for delivering compounds into a cell 15 1997
6,537,246 Oxygen delivery agents and uses for the same 27 1997
6,123,923 Optoacoustic contrast agents and methods for their use 44 1997
6,315,981 Gas filled microspheres as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents 41 1999
6,444,660 Lipid soluble steroid prodrugs 9 2000
6,403,056 Method for delivering bioactive agents using cochleates 14 2000
7,452,551 Targeted compositions for diagnostic and therapeutic use 1 2000
6,638,767 Methods for delivering compounds into a cell 10 2000
6,716,412 Methods of ultrasound treatment using gas or gaseous precursor-filled compositions 21 2001
6,576,220 Non-invasive methods for surgery in the vasculature 11 2001
6,808,720 Charged lipids and uses for the same 6 2002
7,105,151 Oxygen delivery agents and uses for the same 3 2003
 
IMARX THERAPEUTICS, INC. (13)
5,733,572 Gas and gaseous precursor filled microspheres as topical and subcutaneous delivery vehicles 147 1994
5,874,062 Methods of computed tomography using perfluorocarbon gaseous filled microspheres as contrast agents 34 1995
5,736,121 Stabilized homogenous suspensions as computed tomography contrast agents 28 1995
5,997,898 Stabilized compositions of fluorinated amphiphiles for methods of therapeutic delivery 22 1995
6,443,898 Therapeutic delivery systems 34 1995
6,414,139 Silicon amphiphilic compounds and the use thereof 16 1996
6,143,276 Methods for delivering bioactive agents to regions of elevated temperatures 46 1997
6,090,800 Lipid soluble steroid prodrugs 18 1997
6,028,066 Prodrugs comprising fluorinated amphiphiles 79 1997
6,120,751 Charged lipids and uses for the same 71 1997
6,139,819 Targeted contrast agents for diagnostic and therapeutic use 51 1997
6,117,414 Method of computed tomography using fluorinated gas-filled lipid microspheres as contract agents 6 1997
7,078,015 Ultrasound imaging and treatment 19 2004
 
GE HEALTHCARE AS (10)
5,573,751 Persistent gaseous bubbles as ultrasound contrast media 74 1994
5,558,854 Ultrasound contrast media comprising perfluoropentane and perfluorohexane gas 99 1995
5,558,094 Methods for using persistent gases as ultrasound contrast media 92 1995
6,569,404 Phase shift colloids as ultrasound contrast agents 0 1995
5,827,502 Microparticulate microbubble-generating contrast agents 35 1995
5,976,501 Use of pressure resistant protein microspheres encapsulating gases as ultrasonic imaging agents for vascular perfusion 27 1996
6,156,292 Gaseous ultrasound contrast media and method for selecting gases for use as ultrasound contrast media 10 1996
6,875,420 Method of ultrasound imaging 16 1997
6,054,118 Contrast agents comprising two types of gas-containing microparticles 5 1998
6,620,404 Gaseous ultrasound contrast media and method for selecting gases for use as ultrasound contrast media 0 2000
 
BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA (9)
5,695,740 Perfluorocarbon ultrasound contrast agent comprising microbubbles containing a filmogenic protein and a saccharide 41 1995
5,701,899 Perfluorobutane ultrasound contrast agent and methods for its manufacture and use 76 1995
5,648,098 Thrombolytic agents and methods of treatment for thrombosis 39 1995
5,849,727 Compositions and methods for altering the biodistribution of biological agents 40 1996
5,980,950 Thrombolytic agents and methods of treatment for thrombosis 10 1997
6,245,747 Targeted site specific antisense oligodeoxynucleotide delivery method 10 1998
6,117,858 Compositions and methods for altering the biodistribution of biological agents 7 1998
6,537,814 Compositions and methods for altering the biodistribution of biological agents 2 2000
7,198,949 Compositions and methods for altering the biodistribution of biological agents 0 2003
 
ACUSPHERE, INC. (8)
6,177,062 Agents and methods for enhancing contrast in ultrasound imaging 13 1995
5,611,344 Microencapsulated fluorinated gases for use as imaging agents 42 1996
5,837,221 Polymer-lipid microencapsulated gases for use as imaging agents 31 1996
5,853,698 Method for making porous microparticles by spray drying 32 1996
6,383,470 Microparticle preparations made of biodegradable copolymers 3 1997
6,132,699 Microencapsulated fluorinated gases for use as imaging agents 4 1998
6,284,280 Microparticles containing active ingredients, agents containing these microparticles, their use for ultrasound-controlled release of active ingredients, as well as a process for their production 2 1999
8,012,457 Ultrasound contrast agent dosage formulation 0 2005
 
BRACCO INTERNATIONAL B.V. (7)
5,578,292 Long-lasting aqueous dispersions or suspensions of pressure-resistant gas-filled microvesicles and methods for the preparation thereof 74 1995
6,585,955 Long-lasting aqueous dispersions or suspensions of pressure-resistant gas-filled microvesicles and methods for the preparation thereof 0 1996
6,592,846 Long-lasting aqueous dispersions or suspensions of pressure resistant gas-filled microvesicles and methods for thereof preparation thereof 1 2000
6,881,397 Long-lasting aqueous dispersions or suspensions of pressure-resistant gas-filled microvesicles and methods for the preparation thereof 1 2002
6,989,141 Ultrasound contrast agents and methods of making and using them 0 2002
6,896,875 Mixable combination for generating a suspension of stable microbubbles for ultrasonic imaging 1 2002
7,083,778 Ultrasound contrast agents and methods of making and using them 0 2003
 
THE PENN STATE RESEARCH FOUNDATION (7)
5,985,309 Preparation of particles for inhalation 158 1997
6,136,295 Aerodynamically light particles for pulmonary drug delivery 139 1998
6,652,837 Preparation of novel particles for inhalation 16 1999
6,399,102 Aerodynamically light particles for pulmonary drug delivery 5 2000
7,052,678 Particles for inhalation having sustained release properties 2 2002
7,628,977 Particles for inhalation having sustained release properties 0 2003
6,942,868 Aerodynamically light particles for pulmonary drug delivery 2 2003
 
CIVITAS THERAPEUTICS, INC. (6)
6,956,021 Stable spray-dried protein formulations 5 1999
6,749,835 Formulation for spray-drying large porous particles 3 2000
7,678,364 Particles for inhalation having sustained release properties 1 2001
7,048,908 Particles for inhalation having sustained release properties 5 2002
7,182,961 Particulate compositions for pulmonary delivery 0 2002
7,384,649 Particulate compositions for pulmonary delivery 0 2006
 
MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS, INC. (6)
5,716,597 Emulsions as contrast agents and method of use 60 1993
5,552,133 Method of making encapsulated gas microspheres useful as an ultrasonic imaging agent 116 1994
5,536,489 Emulsions as contrast agents and method of use 123 1995
5,674,469 Gas-exchange method of making gas-filled microspheres 2 1995
5,855,865 Method for making encapsulated gas microspheres from heat denatured protein in the absence of oxygen gas 56 1997
6,030,603 Emulsions as contrast agents and method of use 2 1997
 
BRACCO SUISSE SA (2)
RE39146 Long-lasting aqueous dispersions or suspensions of pressure-resistant gas-filled microvesicles and methods for the preparation thereof 0 1998
6,613,306 Ultrasound contrast agents and methods of making and using them 1 1999
 
BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB MEDICAL IMAGING, INC. (2)
6,416,740 Acoustically active drug delivery systems 76 1998
7,083,572 Therapeutic delivery systems 6 2002
 
IMARX PHARMACEUTICAL CORP. (2)
7,329,402 Methods of imaging and treatment 19 2003
7,612,033 Methods for delivering compounds into a cell 0 2004
 
THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK (2)
5,869,538 Method for enhancing transport of gases to tissues 8 1996
6,127,428 Method for enhancing transport of gases to tissues 8 1999
 
AMERSHAM HEALTH AS (1)
5,897,851 Nucleation and activation of a liquid-in-liquid emulsion for use in ultrasound imaging 27 1996
 
APFEL ENTERPRISES, INC. (1)
5,840,276 Activatable infusable dispersions containing drops of a superheated liquid for methods of therapy and diagnosis 4 1997
 
BARNES-JEWISH HOSPITAL (1)
6,676,963 Ligand-targeted emulsions carrying bioactive agents 14 2000
 
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC. (1)
6,746,401 Tissue ablation visualization 3 2002
 
DUPONT PHARMACEUTICALS COMPANY (1)
6,521,211 Methods of imaging and treatment with targeted compositions 56 1999
 
E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY (1)
6,013,194 Azeotrope(like) compositions including a hexafluoropropane and butane 5 1997
 
IMAR+ PHARMACEUTICAL CORP. (1)
6,033,645 Methods for diagnostic imaging by regulating the administration rate of a contrast agent 42 1996
 
IMARX PHARMACEUTICAL (1)
6,461,586 Method of magnetic resonance focused surgical and therapeutic ultrasound 15 2000
 
KEREOS, INC. (1)
7,504,088 Lipophilic derivatives of chelate monoamides 2 2005
 
SCHARING AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT (1)
6,071,496 Polyalkylcyanoacrylate agents and methods for enhancing contrast in ultrasound imaging 18 1995
 
SONUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (1)
6,245,319 Colloidal dispersions of perfluoropentane 7 2000
 
THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA (1)
6,444,192 Diagnostic imaging of lymph structures 15 1999
 
UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER (1)
5,776,496 Ultrasmall porous particles for enhancing ultrasound back scatter 61 1995
 
OTHER [CHECK PATENT PROFILE FOR ASSIGNMENT INFORMATION] (1)
6,635,283 Aerodynamically light particles for pulmonary drug delivery 14 2001