Tom Matula, Ph.D.
Applied Physics Laboratory
E-mail: matula@apl.washington.edu


TITLE:

"Ultrasound Contrast Microbubbles for Ultrasound Imaging and Therapy"


ABSTRACT:

Microbubbles are used in diagnostic ultrasound to improve image visualization. They average
only a couple of microns in diameter, so they must be coated with a shell to prevent
dissolution. The most popular shell is a lipid monolayer. Injected into the bloodstream, they
travel through the vasculature, and are imaged as hyperechoic signals on the diagnostic
ultrasound system. Current research is focused on using these microbubbles as targeting and
drug delivery vehicles. This talk will describe ultrasound contrast agents, how these agents
are characterized, and how they mechanically interact with blood vessels, especially when
insonified by ultrasound pulses.