Microbubble contrast agents for improved ultrasound imaging of blood vessels

Exploiting the understanding of the behaviour of microbubble contrast agents for improved microvascular imaging

Heart and circulatory disease is Britain’s biggest killer. New methods are urgently needed to quickly and accurately diagnose problems with the heart and circulatory system so that they can be treated or monitored before they become more serious. Ultrasound imaging may be a safe and low-cost way to do this. Dr Vassilis Sboros and his team based at the University of Edinburgh and Imperial College London will investigate how ultrasound images can be enhanced by injecting a dye into the blood vessels. Their findings may lead to more accurate diagnosis of disease and may reveal new ways to monitor whether treatments for heart disease are working.