Ultrasonic contrast agents for color Doppler imaging
Patent 5425366 Issued on June 20, 1995. Estimated Expiration Date: June 7, 2013. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
The invention relates to a method for obtaining an ultrasonic image of a patient with ultrasonic color Doppler modality with microparticulate ultrasonic contrast agents in regions where the ultrasonic contrast agents are essentially motionless.
Other References
Becher et al., "Improved Sensitivity of Color Doppler by SH U 454", The American Journal of Cardiology, vol. 64, No. 5 (Aug. 1, 1989), pp. 374-377
R. Omoto et al., "The Development of Real-Time Two-Dimensional Doppler Echocardiography and Its Clinical Significance in Acquired Valvular Diseases With Special Reference to the Evaluation of Valvular Regurgitation", Jpn. Heart J., vol. 25, No. 3, pp. 325-340 (May 1984)
W. J. Bommer et al., "Real.varies.Time Two-Dimensional Color-Flow Doppler: Enhanced Doppler Flow Imaging in the Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disease", Am. J. Cardiol., vol. 49, p. 944 (Mar. 1982), abstr
K. Miyatake et al., "Clinical Applications of a New Type of Real-Time Two-Dimensional Doppler Flow Imaging System", Am. J. Cardiol., vol. 54, pp. 857-868 (Oct. 1, 1984)
J. Roelandt, "Contrast Echocardiography", Ultrasound in Med. & Biol., vol. 8, No. 5, pp. 471-492 (1982)
Gramiak, "Echocardiography of the Aortic Root", Invest. Radiol., vol. 3 (Sep.-Oct. 1968), pp. 356-366
Ophir et al., "Ultrasonic Backscatter From Contrast Producing Collagen Microspheres", Ultrasonic Imaging, vol. 2, pp. 66-67 (1980)
Ophir et al., "Aqueous Solutions as Potential Ultrasonic Contrast Agents", Ultrasonic Imaging, vol. 1, pp. 265-279 (1979)
Tyler et al., "In-vivo Enhancement of Ultrasonic Image Luminance by Aqueous Solutions with High Speed of Sound", Ultrasonic Imaging, vol. 3, pp. 323-329 (1981)
Mattrey et al., "Ultrasonic Enhancement of Myocardial Infarction with Perfluorocarbon Compounds in Dogs", Am. J. Cardiol., vol. 54, pp. 206-210 (Jul. 1, 1984