Microbubble-generating contrast agents for ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging
AssigneeNycomed Imaging AS
InventorsJo Klaveness, Pal Rongved, Lars Stubberud
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Abstract
The present invention relates to contrast agents comprising microbubble-generating carbohydrate particles having a surfactant admixed within the microparticulate structure, with the proviso that the surfactant is not a saturated C.sub.10-20 fatty acid. The contrast agents exhibit useful levels of contrast efficiency and/or stability and may be used in diagnostic applications such as ultrasound and MR imaging.
Claims35
A contrast agent comprising microbubble-generating carbohydrate microparticles having a surfactant admixed within the microparticulate structures, wherein the contrast agent contains sulphur hexafluoride or low molecular weight fluorinated hydrocarbons optionally together with another biocompatible gas.
A contrast agent as claimed in claim 37 which on formulation for administration generates gas microbubbles on dissolution of the carbohydrate.
A contrast agent comprising microbubble-generating carbohydrate microparticles having a surfactant admixed within the microparticulate structure, wherein the contrast agent contains sulphur hexafluoride or low molecular weight fluorinated hydrocarbons.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.