Ultrasound imaging and treatment

Abstract

Methods of and apparatus for preparing temperature activated gaseous precursor-filled liposomes are described. Gaseous precursor-filled liposomes prepared by these methods are particularly useful, for example, in ultrasonic imaging applications and in therapeutic drug delivery systems. Gas, gaseous precursors and perfluorocarbons are presented as novel potentiators for ultrasonic hyper-thermia. The gas, gaseous precursors and perfluorocarbons which may be administered into the vasculature, interstitially or into any body cavity are designed to accumulate in cancerous and diseased tissues. When therapeutic ultrasonic energy is applied to the diseased region heating is increased because of the greater effectiveness of sound energy absorption caused by these agents.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An ultrasound method comprising (i) administering to a patient a composition which comprises a gaseous precursor, and (ii) applying ultrasound to the patient, wherein said gaseous precursor forms a gas as a result of a change in temperature or pressure.