Microbubbles Provide a Better Internal View

May-31-13 By combining ultrasound technology with injectable ‘mirobubbles,’ emergency personnel may soon be able to diagnose internal bleeding or heart attacks on the spot—saving time and lives.

The gas-filled microbubbles, which are the same size as red blood cells, will flow anywhere the blood flows and are very effective at reflecting sound waves. This allows for a much more detailed ultrasound image than was previously possible, letting EMTs begin diagnostic tests as soon as they arrive on the scene. After a few moments, the bubbles will dissolve and the gas will leave the body through exhalation.

GE biologist Jason Castle and his team are also working on ways to use the microbubbles to deliver drugs to specific targets without impacting the surrounding areas, and he envisions a time when the microbubbles could be used to image a heart attack victim’s heart and deliver anti-clotting drugs at the same time.

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[GIZMAG.COM]
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