34 results about "Mr contrast agent" patented technology

A system and method for using magnetic resonance imaging to increase the accuracy of electrophysiologic procedures is disclosed. The system in its preferred embodiment provides an invasive combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter which includes an RF antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals and diagnostic electrodes for receiving electrical potentials. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter is used in combination with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner to guide and provide visualization during electrophysiologic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. The invention is particularly applicable to catheter ablation, e.g., ablation of atrial fibrillation. In embodiments which are useful for catheter ablation, the combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter may further include an ablation tip, and such embodiment may be used as an intracardiac device to both deliver energy to selected areas of tissue and visualize the resulting ablation lesions, thereby greatly simplifying production of continuous linear lesions. The invention further includes embodiments useful for guiding electrophysiologic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures other than ablation. Imaging of ablation lesions may be further enhanced by use of MR contrast agents. The antenna utilized in the combined electrophysiology and imaging catheter for receiving MR signals is preferably of the coaxial or “loopless” type. High-resolution images from the antenna may be combined with low-resolution images from surface coils of the MR scanner to produce a composite image. The invention further provides a system for eliminating the pickup of RF energy in which intracardiac wires are detuned by filtering so that they become very inefficient antennas. An RF filtering system is provided for suppressing the MR imaging signal while not attenuating the RF ablative current. Steering means may be provided for steering the invasive catheter under MR guidance. Other ablative methods can be used such as laser, ultrasound, and low temperatures.

The present invention includes compositions, methods and methods for using MRI contrast agent that include a generally nanotubular carrier and an MRI contrast agent disposed within the carrier.

This invention relates to biotechnology, more particularly, to water-soluble polymeric delivery systems for the imaging, evaluation and / or treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Using modern MR imaging techniques, the specific accumulation of macromolecules in arthritic joints in adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats is demonstrated. The strong correlation between the uptake and retention of the MR contrast agent labeled polymer with histopathological features of inflammation and local tissue damage demonstrates the practical applications of the macromolecular delivery system of the invention.

Treatment of malignant tumors or other lesions by localized transfer of radio frequency electromagnetic energy into a portion of the body may be achieved by means of spatially localized magnetic resonance (MR). A magnetic field with appropriate spatial distribution and radio frequency tuned to the resonant frequency unique to the tumor treatment volume will cause selective therapeutic energy deposition or heating within the tumor (hyperthermia). The desired magnetic field distribution for the MR treatment volume may be achieved by means of a main static magnetic field with a superimposed magnetic field to define the treatment volume size and shape, positioned by a gradient magnetic field. Treatment may be enhanced by MR contrast agents (such as gadolinium) and pharmacologic agents. The therapy may be achieved by simultaneous resonance throughout an entire selected therapy volume, or successively point by point, or by superimposition of small volumes, including by successively excited points, lines or planes as practiced in prior art magnetic resonance imaging systems, facilitating simultaneous imaging and therapy. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is incorporated in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner wherein the imager modified by the addition of a localizing magnet is used visually or by automated or semi-automated computer image processing to define and localize the treatment volume and the main magnetic field and positioning gradient fields are created by the same magnets used for imaging and the radio frequency apparatus used for Magnetic Resonance Therapy uses the same electronics and probe coil used for MRI.

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the arterial walls and represents a significant health problem in developed nations. Described is a targeted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contrast agent for in vivo imaging of early stage atherosclerosis. Early plaque development is characterized by the influx of macrophages, which express a class of surface receptors known collectively as the scavenger receptors (SR). The macrophage scavenger receptor class A (SRA) is highly expressed during early atherosclerosis. The macrophage SRA therefore presents itself as an ideal target for labeling of lesion formation. By coupling a known ligand for the scavenger receptor, dextran sulfate, to a MRI contrast agent, early plaque formation can be detected in vivo. Targeted MR contrast agents offer a unique opportunity to visualize early plaque development in vivo with high sensitivity and resolution, allowing or early diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Treatment of malignant tumors or other lesions by localized transfer of radio frequency electromagnetic energy into a portion of the body may be achieved by means of spatially localized magnetic resonance (MR). A magnetic field with appropriate spatial distribution and radio frequency tuned to the resonant frequency unique to the tumor treatment volume will cause selective therapeutic energy deposition or heating within the tumor (hyperthermia). The desired magnetic field distribution for the MR treatment volume may be achieved by means of a main static magnetic field with a superimposed magnetic field to define the treatment volume size and shape, positioned by a gradient magnetic field. Treatment may be enhanced by MR contrast agents and pharmacologic agents. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is incorporated in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner modified by the addition of a localizing magnet.

Described are drug carriers useful in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided drug release comprising a shell capable of releasing an enclosed biologically active agent as a result of a local stimulus, e.g. energy input, such as heat, wherein the shell encloses a 19F MR contrast agent. Preferably, the carrier also acts as a contrast enhancement agent for MRI based on the principle of Chemical Exchange-dependent Saturation Transfer (CEST). To this end the shell encloses a cavity that comprises a paramagnetic chemical shift reagent, a pool of proton analytes, and the 19F contrast agent, and wherein the shell allows diffusion of the proton analytes.

This invention relates to biotechnology, more particularly, to water-soluble polymeric delivery systems for the imaging, evaluation and / or treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Using modern MR imaging techniques, the specific accumulation of macromolecules in arthritic joints in adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats is demonstrated. The strong correlation between the uptake and retention of the MR contrast agent labeled polymer with histopathological features of inflammation and local tissue damage demonstrates the practical applications of the macromolecular delivery system of the invention.

Off-resonance imaging uses two complementary contrast agents with the first agent (iron-oxide) particles transfected into cells which provide localized signals. The second agent is detected from a change in the off-resonance signal when present in the cells labeled by the first agent.

A method for producing multiple temporal frames of a time-resolved contrast enhanced magnetic resonance angiogram from a subject using an MR contrast agent by repeatedly applying RF pulses and sampling data in the corresponding image k-space along spiral trajectories that start at the k-space center and spiral outward toward the k-space edge.

In a method and apparatus for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) angiography of the right coronary artery of a patient, a bolus of MR contrast agent is selected to have a size that will cause the bolus, after injection into the patient, to wash out of right coronary chambers of the heart while still enhancing MR signals from the right coronary artery. The bolus of MR contrast agent is injected into the patient, and MR signals are generated in, and MR signals are obtained from, the patient in a time window after the bolus has washed out of the right coronary chambers and still enhances MR signals in the right coronary artery. An MR image of the right coronary artery is generated using only the MR signals obtained in the time window.

The invention provides a single-cylinder double-chamber injector needle cylinder; the needle cylinder is provided with two pistons which divide the needle cylinder into a front chamber and a back chamber; the two pistons are connected with each other by a flexible connecting piece; the front chamber piston is provided with a through hole and a sealing device, thus realizing double drug administration of CT and MR contrast agent and physiological saline; remaining contrast agent in the cylinder is injected into human body by a physiological saline washing pipe and enters vein after being driven, so that the contrast agent reaches the target organ rapidly, thus increasing contrast of pathological changes with surrounding tissues and improving checkout of the pathological changes; meanwhile, blood supply information of nidus is increased, which facilitates diagnosis and differential diagnosis and increases certainty factor of diagnosis by the doctors; when CT and MR angiogram is carried out, contrast between the blood vessel and surrounding tissues is increased, which improves the angiogram effect; perfusion imaging is carried out on CT and MR, so that the contrast agent which enters the targeted organ has more constant rate and more accurate data is obtained; on the basis, more abundant information is expected to be obtained with the same amount of contrast agent used or the use amount of the contrast agent is expected to be reduced.

A compound comprising a chemical combination of a photodynamic tetra-pyrrolic compound with a plurality of radionuclide element atoms such that the compound may be used to enhance MR imaging and also be used as a photodynamic compound for use in photodynamic therapy to treat hyperproliferative tissue. The preferred compounds have the structural formula:where R1, R2, R2a R3, R3a R4, R5, R5a R6, R7, R7a, and R8 cumulatively contain at least two functional groups that will complex or combine with an MR imaging enhancing element or ion. The compound is intended to include such complexes and combinations and includes the use of such compounds for MR imaging and photodynamic therapy treatment of tumors and other hyperproliferative tissue.

The invention relates to a magnetic resonance liver targeting contrast medium and a preparation method thereof, belonging to the technical field of medicine. The magnetic resonance liver targeting contrast medium is a superparamagnetism contrast medium which takes magnetic nanometer iron oxide granules as main components, the surface of a superparamagnetism iron oxide nanoparticle is modified by phospholipids or sugar anhydrides, wherein the phospholipids are taken as a nanometer reactor, the sugar anhydrides are taken as surface modifying materials, and the ratio of the magnetic nanometer iron oxides to the phospholipids is 1-40 to 1-50; besides, the magnetic resonance liver targeting contrast medium also comprises penetration regulators, such as the sugar anhydrides, a stabilizing agent, and the like, and a PH regulator and is prepared by a coprecipitation method under normal temperature and pressure. The invention takes biodegradable and metabolizable superparamagnetism metal oxides used inside bodies as the MR contrast medium, and the metabolizable superparamagnetism metal oxides exist in a dispersing medium which is physiologically accepted in a superparamagnetism granule dispersoid or a superparamagnetism fluid way and can be accumulated on a special targeting organ to be imaged.

The present invention relates to in vivo imaging and in particular to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Provided by the present invention is a pharmaceutical formulation suitable for use in an MRI procedure and which offers advantages over known such formulations. A particular dose of the pharmaceutical formulation of the invention is also envisioned as well as the use of said dose in a method of in vivo imaging. This present invention provides for simultaneous administration of a liver specific agent and a second MR contrast agent that is capable of better / further enhancing the dynamic vascular phase in a patient. The method of the invention has the advantage of simplicity and patient comfort, compared to sequential injections. Furthermore, the method of the invention provides the advantage that it can enable a lower cumulative dose of contrast agents.

The invention relates to the technical field of medicine. At present, a USPIO (Ultra-small Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide) preparation which has high in-vivo target tissue selectivity, high target tissue distribution concentration and high MR (Magnetic Resonance) imaging sensitivity is not reported. A stable and effective invisible nano-liposome preparation is prepared by taking an invisible nano-liposome as a vector, combining MR diagnosis with treatment and carrying USPIO and an anti-tumor medicament simultaneously. Due to the adoption of the invisible nano-liposome injection preparation serving as an MR contrast agent, the in-vivo tissue selectivity of the USPIO can be increased, the sensitivity is increased, and early diagnosis of diseases is facilitated; meanwhile, the invisible nano-liposome injection preparation is taken as a means for evaluating the curative effect of tumor therapy, so that the curative effect of tumor chemotherapy is monitored in real time, overtreatment of a patient is reduced, toxic and side effects are reduced, and the curative effect of tumor chemotherapy is improved.

What is described is a process for producing high-purity gadobutrol in a purity (according to HPLC) of more than 99.7 or 99.8 or 99.9% and the use for preparing a pharmaceutical formulation for parenteral administration. The process is carried out using specifically controlled crystallization conditions. The more recent developments in the field of the gadolinium-containing MR contrast agents (EP 0448191 B1, CA Patent 1341176, EP 0643705 B1, EP 0986548 B1, EP 0596586 B1) include the MRT contrast agent gadobutrol (Gadovist® 1.0) which has been approved for a relatively long time in Europe and more recently also in the USA under the name Gadavist®.

The invention provides tumor targeting MRI contrast agent and a preparation method thereof. The contrast agent is characterized by comprising a micromolecule gadolinium chelate part and a targeting carrier part, wherein the micromolecule gadolinium chelate part and the targeting carrier part are coupled through a covalent bond, the micromolecule gadolinium chelate part is Gd-DO3A, and the targeting carrier part contains EBP molecules. The contrast agent is good in relaxation enhancement ability, can be combined with EGFR of tumor cells in a targeting mode, has a strong targeting radiography effect and has strong practicability. Furthermore, the imaging time of the contrast agent in a body is prolonged, and the adding amount of the contrast agent is reduced.

This invention relates to biotechnology, more particularly, to water-soluble polymeric delivery systems for the imaging, evaluation and / or treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Using modern MR imaging techniques, the specific accumulation of macromolecules in arthritic joints in adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats is demonstrated. The strong correlation between the uptake and retention of the MR contrast agent labeled polymer with histopathological features of inflammation and local tissue damage demonstrates the practical applications of the macromolecular delivery system of the invention.

The present invention provides a method of contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of a sample, said method comprising: a) administering a hyperpolarised MR contrast agent comprising non-zero nuclear spin nuclei into said sample for fluid dynamic investigations of the vasculature, b) exposing said sample or part of the sample to radiation of a frequency selected to excite nuclear spin transitions in said non-zero nuclear spin nuclei, c) detecting MR signals from said sample using any suitable manipulation method including pulse sequences. The invention also provides novel compounds.

Multivalent CT or MR contrast agents and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. The agents contain a moiety, such as a polymer, that provides multivalent attachment of CT or MR contrast agents. Examples include, but are not limited to, multivalent linear polymers, branched polymers, or hyperbranched polymers, such as dendrimers, and combinations thereof. The dendrimer is functionalized with one or more high Z-elements, such as iodine. The high Z-elements can be covalently or non-covalently bound to the dendrimer. The dendrimers are confined in order to enhance CT contrast. In some embodiments, the moiety is confined by encapsulating the dendrimers in a material to form particles, such as nanoparticles. In other embodiments, the dendrimer is confined by conjugating the moiety to a material, such as a polymer, which forms a gel upon contact with bodily fluids.

A dual-targeting polymer magnetic nanoparticle for pancreatic cancer, the magnetic nanoparticle is made of the following components and methods: CKAAKN-hyaluronic acid-vitamin E succinate polymer micelles, ferroferric oxide magnetic nanoparticle solution , deionized water, hyaluronic acid-tocopherol succinate copolymer modified by CKAAKN polypeptide is encapsulated with ultra-small paramagnetic Fe 3 o 4 Made of magnetic nanoparticles, the present invention designs polymer magnetic nanoparticles modified by CKAAKN polypeptides to mimic Wnt protein to specifically bind to pancreatic cancer cell membrane receptors through the Wnt signaling pathway, and at the same time, the surface of tumor cells can also highly express hyaluronic acid Acid receptors——CD44 and hyaluronic acid-mediated automaticity receptors (RHAMM), so they can specifically target pancreatic cancer cells in the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, thus providing a specific and imaging method for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer Dual-targeting MRI contrast agents with enhanced capabilities.

The invention relates to the technical field of medicine. At present, a USPIO (Ultra-small Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide) preparation which has high in-vivo target tissue selectivity, high target tissue distribution concentration and high MR (Magnetic Resonance) imaging sensitivity is not reported. A stable and effective invisible nano-liposome preparation is prepared by taking an invisible nano-liposome as a vector, combining MR diagnosis with treatment and carrying USPIO and an anti-tumor medicament simultaneously. Due to the adoption of the invisible nano-liposome injection preparation serving as an MR contrast agent, the in-vivo tissue selectivity of the USPIO can be increased, the sensitivity is increased, and early diagnosis of diseases is facilitated; meanwhile, the invisible nano-liposome injection preparation is taken as a means for evaluating the curative effect of tumor therapy, so that the curative effect of tumor chemotherapy is monitored in real time, overtreatment of a patient is reduced, toxic and side effects are reduced, and the curative effect of tumor chemotherapy is improved.

Disclosed is CT or MR contrast agent which comprises a base or carrier scaffold formed of a polyhydroxol compound having a linker to which a Gd-DOTA is covalently bonded. Also disclosed is a method of screening a patient for colon cancer using a CT or MR contrast, which method comprises administering to a patient undergoing screening a compound as above described.

The invention provides a single-cylinder double-chamber injector needle cylinder; the needle cylinder is provided with two pistons which divide the needle cylinder into a front chamber and a back chamber; the two pistons are connected with each other by a flexible connecting piece; the front chamber piston is provided with a through hole and a sealing device, thus realizing double drug administration of CT and MR contrast agent and physiological saline; remaining contrast agent in the cylinder is injected into human body by a physiological saline washing pipe and enters vein after being driven, so that the contrast agent reaches the target organ rapidly, thus increasing contrast of pathological changes with surrounding tissues and improving checkout of the pathological changes; meanwhile,blood supply information of nidus is increased, which facilitates diagnosis and differential diagnosis and increases certainty factor of diagnosis by the doctors; when CT and MR angiogram is carried out, contrast between the blood vessel and surrounding tissues is increased, which improves the angiogram effect; perfusion imaging is carried out on CT and MR, so that the contrast agent which entersthe targeted organ has more constant rate and more accurate data is obtained; on the basis, more abundant information is expected to be obtained with the same amount of contrast agent used or the useamount of the contrast agent is expected to be reduced.

Disclosed is CT or MR contrast agent which comprises a base or carrier scaffold formed of a polyhydroxol compound having a linker to which a Gd-DOTA is covalently bonded. Also disclosed is a method of screening a patient for colon cancer using a CT or MR contrast, which method comprises administering to a patient undergoing screening a compound as above described.