Ultrasound and microbubbles in ocular diagnostics and therapies
US10188843B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 8, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2203/0658
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present disclosure described methods, systems, and techniques for applying contrast-enhanced ultrasound to locate areas of blockage within retinal vessels and to break up clots that are causing damage. In addition to identifying the damaged area, the researchers anticipate that the initial image may serve as a baseline for monitoring the effect of treatment on the vessel, which may be achieved in multiple ways. The vibration effect of the ultrasound itself may suffice to dislodge clots. The microbubbles may also be coated or filled with medication, with ultrasonic shock waves activating the coating or causing mini explosions to release the medicine. Loading the microbubbles with a therapeutic agent, visualizing their presence at the diseased site using the ultrasound diagnostic mode, and then activating the microbubbles to release their contents at the targeted lesion could be a powerful and effective way to reverse occlusion without harming other areas of the eye or body.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.