Provided herein are improved methods for preparing phospholipid formulations including phospholipid UCA formulations.

The present disclosure provides imaging agents that are useful for the detection and evaluation of heart conditions, such as myocardial infarction. Upon activation, the imaging agents of the present disclosure may be detected using an ultrasound imaging device.

Stable perfluorocarbon nanodroplet compositions with properties such as low-boiling points and small particle diameters are provided for improved performance in ultrasound imaging and therapeutic applications. Methods of producing stabilized nanodroplet compositions and methods of using the compositions are further provided to allow for improved performance in ultrasound imaging techniques and/or therapeutic applications.

The invention pertains to a foamed aqueous image enhancing composition containing cellulose and/or cellulose derivative(s), said composition having a pH between 5.5 and 7, wherein the viscosity of the composition is less than 1800 mPa.Math.sec, and wherein a gas is maintained in the composition for at least 1 minute after preparation. The combination of low viscosity and foam stability makes the composition particularly suitable in patency tests and fallopian tube sterilization checks.

Couplers for ultrasound probes can have a solid coupler body and a probe attachment member that is secured to a coupler body. The probe attachment member may extend upwardly from the coupler body. The probe attachment member may frictionally and/or adhesively engage with an ultrasound probe, thereby attaching and/or holding the coupler body to an end of the ultrasound probe. The coupler body may include at least one open channel that that extends through the coupler body to define a fluid path. The at least one open channel may be sized to hold and/or contain a fluid and/or gel in and/or on the coupler body and only release the fluid and/or gel when a force is exerted at a top surface of the coupler body. A coupler may be provided in a package in an orientation and easy to use fashion that may aid in attaching the coupler to an end of an ultrasound probe.

Provided herein are improved methods for preparing phospholipid formulations including phospholipid UCA formulations.

A coupling agent composition is provided and includes a plurality of non-toxic components, a neutralizing agent, and a chelating agent. The plurality of non-toxic components is derived from one or more natural resource materials and is an amount equal to or greater than 97 weight percent (wt %) of the composition. The plurality of non-toxic components includes a carrier, at least one water soluble polyol selected from the group consisting of propanediol, pentylene glycol, and butylene glycol in an amount of from 9.00 to 11.00 wt %, and a thickening agent of 0.10 to 3.00 wt % having a naturally derived soluble polymer additive selected from a group consisting of xanthan gum, carrageenan, guar, locust bean, sodium hyaluronate, sodium alginate, acacia, tara gum, tamarind seed, succinoglycan, scleroglucan, and mannan in an amount of 0.50-3.00 wt %.

The invention provides nanodroplets labeled with targeting ligands that are useful in the detection and treatment of vascular thromboses (e.g., fibrin clots) and vascular plaques, or related diseases and conditions, as well as methods of preparation and use thereof.

The present invention relates to an image enhancing composition for the enhancement of contrast in a body cavity, wherein the viscosity of the composition is between 2000 and 4000 mPa.Math.sec. It also relates to a method for enhancing contrast of an image of a body cavity, which method comprises introducing one single small amounts of an image enhancing composition into the body cavity. In another aspect, the present invention provides a high contrast image of a body cavity obtained by the method of the invention, in particular a 3-dimensional high contrast image.

An aqueous ultrasound contact fluid includes a pharmaceutical grade triglyceride and a pharmaceutically acceptable emulsifier and the use of the ultrasound contact fluid in an intraoperative or interventional ultrasound imaging procedure. A method for intraoperative ultrasound imaging includes filling an aqueous ultrasound contact fluid into a body cavity. The aqueous ultrasound contact fluid is a composition comprising a pharmaceutical grade triglyceride and a pharmaceutically acceptable emulsifier and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable humectant, and the triglyceride content is in the range of 8-240 g/1000 ml composition contact fluid and the amount of emulsifier is 0.4-18 g/1000 ml composition contact fluid, and optionally a humectant in the amount of 1.2-30 g/1000 ml. The method further includes obtaining an ultrasound image of a body region that comprises at least part of the body cavity filled with the aqueous ultrasound contact fluid. The aqueous ultrasound contact fluid reduces image artifacts associated with the body cavity.