The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 24, 2001
Filed:
Aug. 16, 1999
Richard Alan Johnson, Nottingham, GB;
Paulus Antonius Van Der Wouw, Breuklen, NL;
Upperton Limited, West Bridgford, GB;
Abstract
A method of obtaining an image of a part of a patient, comprising: (a) providing microcapsules which have been formed by (i) providing a solution of a material in an aqueous solvent containing water and a liquid of greater volatility than water and (ii) spraying the said solution into a gas such that the aqueous solvent evaporates, thereby forming hollow microcapsules suitable for use as an echogenic contrast agent, (b) injecting the microcapsules into a patient, and (c) subjecting the patient to ultrasonic energy to obtain an image based on the ultrasound reflectivity transmissibility or resonance of the microcapsules, characterized in that at least 5 minutes elapse between steps (b) and (c). The patient can be exercised between administration and imaging without having to be reinjected.