Patent · US Expired

Ultrasound system for continuous imaging and delivery of an encapsulated agent

US6527718B1 · kind B1 · utility

51Cited by
18References
20Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 28, 2000
Grant dateMar 4, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 28, 2020

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B5/4839
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An ultrasound system for continuous imaging and for controlling release of an encapsulated agent from a carrier comprises a housing secured to a patient's body, a transducer mounted within the housing, means for controlling the transducer to insonify the drug carrier with an ultrasonic signal and to thereby cause the release of the agent, and means for processing an ultrasonic echo signal to produce an image. Also, a method for controlling release of an encapsulated agent from a carrier comprises the steps of measuring a physiological parameter of a patient based on an ultrasonic echo signal, comparing the physiological parameter to a threshold, and transmitting an ultrasonic signal to insonify the carrier and thereby cause the release of the agent from the carrier in accord with the measured physiological parameter.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.