Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp.

W Dean Kirkland

Mark A Walters

Ernest George Schutt

Mark H Wyzgala

John K Hoffman

Steven S Eilenberg

Jack DeFranco

This invention relates to a non-aqueous fluorocarbon composition for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or radiographic imaging (X-ray or computed tomography), particularly imaging of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract; an improved fluorocarbon composition with enhanced contrast effects in the GI tract; a fluorocarbon composition having improved palatability; a fluorocarbon composition for delivering drugs or bioactive agents; improved preparations for radiographic imaging or MRI; methods for producing and using such preparations; methods for improving the palatability of non-aqueous liquids; and methods for improving imaging.

Imaging contrast media and methods of use

Methods and apparatus for the conservation of respiratory promoters following their pulmonary introduction are disclosed. In preferred embodiments the present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing the loss of respiratory promoter, and particularly fluorochemcials, during medical procedures such as liquid ventilation. The disclosed methods comprise the use of vapor retention assemblies, which may be conventional heat and moisture exchangers, to passively retain the respiratory promoter and return it to the lungs in subsequent breaths. Novel vapor retention assemblies comprising fluorophilic exchange elements are also disclosed.

Vapor retention assembly

Methods and apparatus for reducing the loss of respiratory promoters

Composition and method for delivering active agents

This invention relates to a non-aqueous fluorocarbon composition for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or radiographic imaging (X-ray or computed tomography), particularly imaging of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The invention also relates to an improved fluorocarbon composition with enhanced contrast effects in the GI tract. This invention further discloses an improved fluorocarbon composition having improved palatability. The invention further provides improved preparations for radiographic imaging or MRI. Methods for producing and using such preparations are disclosed, as are methods for improving the palatability of non-aqueous liquids. Finally, methods for improving imaging are disclosed.

Fluorocarbon contrast media for use with MRI and radiographic imaging

A method for improving fat saturation during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by placing a fat saturation enhancing material such as a fluorocarbon, preferably perfluorooctylbromide, perfluorodecylbromide, FC-77, or FC-43, on or around a part of the body of a patient to be scanned with MRI, thereby eliminating the skin-air interface and reducing anatomical imaging problems, wherein the placement of the fat saturation enhancing material may be accomplished by enclosing the fat saturation enhancing material in a container which may also contain the MRI coil.

Method of improving fat saturation during MRI

A method for improving fat saturation during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by placing a fat saturation enhancing material such as a fluorocarbon, preferably perfluorooctylbromide, perfluorodecylbromide, FC-77, or FC-43, on or around a part of the body of a patient to be scanned with MRI, thereby eliminating the skin-air interface and reducing anatomical imaging problems, wherein the placement of the fat saturation enhancing material is accomplished by containing the fat saturation enhancing material in a bag.

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El Cajon, CA, United States of America

W Dean Kirkland