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Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Multi-timescale Microscopy Methods for the Characterization of Fluorescently-labeled Microbubbles for Ultrasound-Triggered Drug Release
Published on: June 12, 2021
A novel technique to measure splanchnic transit time using microbubble ultrasound
Michele Marshall1, Steve Halligan, Robert J Eckersley
1Intestinal Imaging Centre, St. Mark's Hospital, London, UK.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to measure splanchnic transit time by intravenous injection of a microbubble.
Materials And Methods:
Ten volunteers were examined before and after eating. After Doppler indices of splanchnic circulation were obtained, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and vein (SMV) were simultaneously interrogated using power Doppler ultrasound after intravenous injection of a microbubble. Contrast arrival in the SMA and subsequently the SMV was recorded and splanchnic transit time calculated from differences in the time-intensity curves.
Results:
Splanchnic transit time decreased significantly after eating (mean 11 vs. 6.9 seconds; P = 0.007), reflecting splanchnic hemodynamics. Between-subject variability attributable to repeated measurements was least for the SMA resistive index (17%) but 56% for the new index, suggesting poor reproducibility.
Conclusion:
Splanchnic transit time may be measured by microbubble injection but is subject to considerable measurement error. Newer microbubbles and imaging methods may allow more reproducible measurements.
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