Use of pressure resistant protein microspheres encapsulating gases as ultrasonic imaging agents for vascular perfusion

摘要

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.