Compounds and Methods for Combined Optical-Ultrasound Imaging

Use of a particle comprising a fluorescence donor and a fluorescence acceptor in the manufacture of a contrast agent for combined optical-ultrasound imaging.

Use of a particle comprising a fluorescence acceptor and/or a fluorescent donor for the modulation of fluorescent light emission after the application of ultrasound.

A combined optical-ultrasound contrast medium characterised in comprising a particle with a fluorescence donor and/or acceptor wherein said donor or and/or acceptor are attached to the particle.

A method for the manufacture of a particle for ultrasound imaging comprising:

• contacting said particle or a compound for said particle subsequently or simultaneously with fluorescence donors and/or acceptors, and
• reacting a fluorescence donor and/or acceptor molecule with said particle or a compound for said particle.

A kit of parts for combined optical-ultrasound imaging comprising an ultrasound source, a monitor for recording fluorescent light and particles having a fluorescence acceptor and/or a fluorescent donor.

A pharmaceutical composition comprising particles characterised by fluorescence acceptor and/or a fluorescence donor, said particles further comprising a pharmaceutically active compound.

A method of providing an image of a body part of an individual having a contrast medium which comprises particles comprising a fluorescence donor and/or a fluorescence acceptor,

• subjecting the body part to ultrasound, and
• recording a modulation in fluorescent light emitted by the contrast medium.

A computer based apparatus for executing a reconstruction algorithm of an image of an object from data received from an ultrasound source and detected emitted fluorescent light from a contrast medium which comprises particles comprising a fluorescence donor and/or a fluorescence acceptor, the reconstruction algorithm for the generation of the image from detected fluorescent light comprising a pressure dependent fluorescence model of the contrast medium.

A computer based method for executing a reconstruction algorithm of an image of an object from data received from an ultrasound source and detected emitted fluorescent light from a contrast medium which comprises particles comprising a fluorescence donor and/or a fluorescence acceptor, the method comprising reconstructing the image from detected fluorescent light using a pressure dependent fluorescence model of the contrast medium.