The use of bjerknes forces to manipulate contrast agents

摘要

Microbubbles used for contrast-assisted imaging can be manipulated by taking advantage of both primary and secondary Bjerknes forces. The primary Bjerknes force allows microbubbles to be pushed away from the inducing pressure of the ultrasound. This can be used to push microbubbles against a desired target such as a tissue wall to which they can bind. Advantage is made of the secondary Bjerknes forces which results in microbubbles forming aggregates. The positioning of these aggregates can be manipulated and can result in an improved ultrasound image. Manipulation of drug-filled microbubbles using the primary and secondary forces, especially in combination with a pulse of ultrasound to destroy the microbubbles, allows for targeted drug delivery.