Thermal dependence of ultrasound contrast agents scattering efficiency for echographic imaging techniques

• DOI: 10.1063/1.4922571
• Publication Date: 2015-06-25T20:44:40Z
• Authors: Angelo Biagioni; Andrea Bettucci; Daniele Passeri; Adriano Alippi
• Keywords: Thermometer; Suspension

Ultrasound contrast agents are used in echographic imaging techniques to enhance image contrast. In addition, they may represent an interesting solution the problem of non-invasive temperature monitoring inside human body, based on some thermal variations their physical properties. Contrast agents, indeed, inserted into blood circulation and reach most important organs body; consequently, any thermometric property that possess, could be exploited for realizing a thermometer. They essentially suspension microbubbles containing gas enclosed phospholipid membrane; induce structural modifications microbubble shell, thus causing dependence agent's elastic characteristics. this paper, acoustic scattering efficiency bulk SonoVue® (Bracco SpA Milan, Italy) has been studied using pulse-echo technique frequency range 1-17 MHz, as it depends upon temperatures between 25 65°C. Experimental data confirm ultrasonic attenuation coefficient 60°C. Chemical composition bubble shell seem support hypothesis phase transition microstructure lipid-coated play key role explaining such effect.