Methods for ultrasound imaging involving the use of a contrast agent and multiple images and processing of same

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.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.