| [ Summary ] |
In September, 1999 the ultrasound contrast agent, Levovist(R) was introduced to clinical practice in Japan. It has been 7 years since the third phase of clinical trials have been completed. However, during that period drastic innovations have been achieved in ultrasound technology. These innovations are known as harmonic imaging. The harmonic technique is an imaging technique, which produced images through harmonic signals, which are produced by reflected signals from intravenously injected microbubbles, produced by Levovist. Contrast harmonic imaging is extremely useful, not only in the characterization of hepatic tumors, but also in the evaluation and treatment of responses to local ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, this technique is useful in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma for real-time needle insertion guidance. It is expected that further progress in ultrasound technology and contrast mediums will provide much easier performance of this technique in clinical settings. |