Changes in lipid-encapsulated microbubble population during continuous infusion and methods to maintain consistency

Ultrasound Med Biol. 2009 Oct;35(10):1748-55. doi: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2009.04.023. Epub 2009 Jul 26.

Abstract

Stabilized microbubbles are used as ultrasound contrast agents. These micron-sized gas capsules are injected into the bloodstream to provide contrast enhancement during ultrasound imaging. Some contrast imaging strategies, such as destruction-reperfusion, require a continuous injection of microbubbles over several minutes. Most quantitative imaging strategies rely on the ability to administer a consistent dose of contrast agent. Because of the buoyancy of these gas-filled agents, their spatial distribution within a syringe changes over time. The population of microbubbles that is pumped from a horizontal syringe outlet differs from initial population as the microbubbles float to the syringe top. In this manuscript, we study the changes in the population of a contrast agent that is pumped from a syringe caused by microbubble flotation. Results are presented in terms of change in concentration and change in mean diameter, as a function of time, suspension medium and syringe diameter. Data illustrate that the distribution of contrast agents injected from a syringe changes in both concentration and mean diameter over several minutes without mixing. We discuss the application of a mixing system and viscosity agents to keep the contrast solution more evenly distributed in a syringe. These results are significant for researchers using microbubble contrast agents in continuous-infusion applications where it is important to maintain consistent contrast agent delivery rate, or in situations where the injection syringe cannot be mixed immediately before administration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Lipids / administration & dosage*
  • Microbubbles
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Particle Size
  • Rheology
  • Syringes
  • Ultrasonography / methods
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Lipids