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.

Targeted ultrasound contrast agents provide advantages compared with usual microbubble blood pool agents. The goal of targeted ultrasound contrast agents is to significantly and selectively enhance the detection of a targeted vascular site. Tissue-specific ultrasound contrast agents improve the image contrast resolution through differential uptake. Targeted drug delivery via contrast microbubbles is another contrast media concept and provides the potential for earlier detection and characterization of disease.
Targeted contrast imaging provides a higher sensitivity and specificity than obtained with a nontargeted contrast agent.
The detection of disease-indicative molecular signatures may allow early assessment of pathology on a molecular level.
Molecular imaging should be an efficient and less invasive technique to obtain three-dimensional localization of pathology.
Ultrasound agents typically remain within the vascular space, and therefore possible targets include molecular markers on thrombus, endothelial cells, and leukocytes. Targeted contrast agents permit noninvasive detection of thrombus, cancer, inflammation, or other sites where specific integrins or other adhesion molecules are expressed. Adhesion molecules such as monoclonal antibodies, peptides, asialoglycoproteins, or polysaccharides are incorporated into the shell of the microbubble or liposome. After injection into the bloodstream, the targeted agent accumulates via adhesion receptors at the affected site, enhancing detection with an ultrasound system.

See also Acoustically Active Lipospheres, and Tissue-Specific Ultrasound Contrast Agent.

The first generation ultrasound contrast agents (UCA/USCA) do not pass the pulmonary vascular bed, and are therefore limited to the venous system and the right heart cavities after intravenous injection.

Ultrasound technology with its advancements is vital for delivering high-quality patient care. Innovations including high-frequency ultrasound, 3D//4D imaging, contrast enhanced ultrasound, elastography, and point-of-care ultrasound, have expanded the capabilities of ultrasound imaging and improved diagnostic accuracy.
B-Mode imaging, also known as brightness mode, is the fundamental technique in ultrasound imaging. It produces two-dimensional images based on the echoes received from tissues and organs. Understanding the principles of B-Mode imaging, such as gain adjustment, depth control, and image optimization, is crucial for obtaining diagnostically valuable images. M-Mode imaging, on the other hand, allows for the visualization of motion over time, enabling assessment of cardiac structures and function, as well as fetal heart rate.
High-frequency ultrasound refers to the use of ultrasound waves with frequencies greater than 10 MHz. This technology enables improved resolution, allowing for detailed imaging of superficial structures like skin, tendons, and small organs. High-frequency ultrasound has found applications in dermatology, ophthalmology, and musculoskeletal imaging.
Traditional 2D ultrasound has been augmented by the advent of 3D ultrasound technology. By acquiring multiple 2D images from different angles, this technique construct a volumetric representation of the imaged area. The addition of 4D ultrasound in real-time motion adds further value by capturing dynamic processes.
Doppler imaging employs the Doppler effect to evaluate blood flow within vessels and assess hemodynamics. Color Doppler assigns color to different blood flow velocities, providing a visual representation of blood flow direction and speed. Spectral Doppler displays blood flow velocities as a waveform, allowing for detailed analysis of flow patterns, resistance, and stenosis.
Contrast enhanced ultrasound employs microbubble contrast agents to enhance the visualization of blood flow and tissue perfusion. By injecting these agents intravenously, sonographers can differentiate between vascular structures and lesions. Elastography is a technique that measures tissue elasticity or stiffness. It assists in differentiating between normal and abnormal tissues, aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions such as liver fibrosis, breast lesions, and thyroid nodules.
Fusion imaging combines ultrasound with other imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET). By overlaying or merging ultrasound images with those obtained from other modalities, the user can precisely locate and characterize abnormalities, guide interventions, and improve diagnostic accuracy. Fusion imaging has proven particularly useful in areas such as interventional radiology, oncology, and urology.
See also Equipment Preparation, Environmental Protection, Handheld Ultrasound, Portable Ultrasound and Ultrasound Accessories and Supplies.

Vascular ultrasound obtains images and measures blood flow velocity in the carotids, abdominal aorta, and vessels of kidneys, arms, or legs. Blockages in arteries, blood clots in veins, or abdominal aortic aneurysm can be detected.
These abnormalities in blood flow are usually examined with different Doppler techniques. In addition, the speed and direction of blood flow can be color coded in a color map. Duplex techniques show both, the vessels and the surrounding tissue. The use of ultrasound contrast agents improves the left ventricular opacification in cardiac ultrasound examination. Usually, for a vascular ultrasound no special preparation is needed.

See also Echocardiography, Venous Ultrasound, Adventitia, Intima, Temporal Mean Velocity, and Intravascular Ultrasound.