(CHI) Contrast harmonic imaging is an ultrasound technique to improve the measurement of blood perfusion or capillary blood flow. Based on the nonlinear properties of contrast agents, CHI transmits at the fundamental frequency but receives at the second harmonic. Contrast enhanced echo signals contain significant energy components at higher harmonics (bubbles acts as harmonic oscillators), while tissue echoes do not. Caused by that contrast signal can be separated from tissue echoes by the characteristic signal.
In combination with the pulse inversion technique, CHI promises very high contrast agent sensitivity with high spatial resolution.

See also Ultrasound Contrast Agent Safety and Hemoglobin.

(CPS) Contrast pulse sequencing is a technique to exploit contrast agent properties with series of three pulses that differ in phase and amplitude. CPS allows bubble specific imaging with non-linear fundamental and higher order harmonics, low MI, and extremely high microbubble-to-tissue background ratio.

See also Ultrasound Contrast Agent Safety.

From Sonus Pharmaceuticals
QW7437 (SonoGen) is a perfluorocarbon-based ultrasound contrast agent under development. This anionically charge-stabilized emulsion, similar to EchoGen, has been designed for echocardiographic examinations with greater safety and efficacy.

Interventional ultrasound, also known as ultrasonography, encompasses a range of invasive or surgical procedures guided by ultrasound imaging. While its widest application lies in intravascular ultrasound imaging for measuring atherosclerotic plaque, it has proven valuable in various medical fields.
In urology, ultrasound-guided interventions are employed for treatments like high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in prostate conditions. The precise imaging provided by ultrasound aids in targeting the affected area and delivering therapeutic energy effectively.
In intraabdominal conditions, endoscopic ultrasound is frequently utilized. This technique combines ultrasound imaging with an endoscope to visualize and evaluate structures within the gastrointestinal tract, allowing for precise diagnoses and targeted interventions.
Ultrasound-guided procedures play a significant role in several medical specialties, including liver sonography, obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound, and thyroid ultrasound. These procedures involve interventions such as RF thermal ablation or biopsies, which are guided by real-time ultrasound imaging.
For instance, in liver sonography, ultrasound guidance is crucial for performing biopsies or RF thermal ablation, a technique used to treat liver tumors by delivering localized heat to destroy the abnormal tissue. The real-time imaging allows for precise needle placement and monitoring during the procedure.
In obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound, ultrasound-guided procedures, such as biopsies, can be performed to obtain tissue samples for diagnostic purposes. Additionally, ultrasound guidance is valuable during interventions like amniocentesis or fetal blood sampling, enabling accurate and safe procedures.
Thyroid ultrasound procedures often involve ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), which allows for the sampling of thyroid nodules for cytological examination. The ultrasound image helps guide the needle into the targeted area, ensuring accurate sampling and minimizing potential complications.
Overall, ultrasound-guided interventions provide minimally invasive and precise approaches to diagnosis and treatment. The real-time imaging capabilities of ultrasound contribute to enhanced accuracy, safety, and patient outcomes in procedures like biopsies, injections, and drainage.

See also Transurethral Sonography, Endocavitary Echography, and B-Mode Acquisition and Targeting.

SonoGen (QW7437) is an anionically charged 2% perfluorocarbon emulsion under development as a transpulmonary myocardial ultrasound contrast agent (UCA). The SonoGen microbubbles have a reduced adherence to the negatively charged vascular endothelium and reduced coalescence. SonoGen, a second generation USCA has the theoretical potential to provide high safety and efficacy and improved tissue grayscale persistence compared to first generation fluorocarbon contrast agents.