Use of pressure resistant protein microspheres encapsulating gases as ultrasonic imaging agents for vascular perfusion
US5976501A · kind A · utility
40Cited by
7References
60Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61K49/223
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Conventional ultrasonic imaging methods are described which involve the use of aqueous suspension of microspheres. These microspheres are further characterized as consisting of gas cores encapsulated by a protein shell which are formed in the presence of perfluoroalkane vapors. The presence of the vapor during formation changes the shell characteristics and thus protects the gas from being solubilized in the surrounding aqueous environment. In addition, the presence of the perfluoroalkane vapor during formation may also provide improved echogenic properties for vascular imaging applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.