Functional magnetic stimulation: a new modality for enhancing systemic fibrinolysis
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|May 18, 1999
Summary
Functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) of leg muscles significantly improved systemic fibrinolysis, reducing clot lysis time. This enhancement persisted for at least 60 minutes post-stimulation, suggesting potential for deep-vein thrombosis prophylaxis.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Systemic fibrinolysis is crucial for preventing blood clots.
- Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) remains a significant clinical challenge.
- Non-invasive methods to enhance fibrinolysis are actively sought.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) of leg muscles can enhance systemic fibrinolysis.
- To assess the duration of any fibrinolytic enhancement induced by FMS.
Main Methods:
- A within-subject design was employed, measuring systemic fibrinolysis before and after 60 minutes of FMS in 20 healthy volunteers.
- Whole blood clot lysis time (WBCLT) and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) antigen levels were measured at baseline, 10 minutes, and 60 minutes post-FMS.
- Exclusion criteria included history of thrombosis or arrhythmias, current medication use, and presence of metallic implants or pacemakers.
Main Results:
- Functional magnetic stimulation (FMS) significantly reduced mean WBCLT from 17+/-1.3 hours at baseline to 12+/-1.0 hours at 10 minutes and 11+/-0.8 hours at 60 minutes post-FMS.
- Mean t-PA antigen levels did not show a significant change throughout the study.
- Individual responses varied, with different patterns of fibrinolytic enhancement observed.
Conclusions:
- FMS-induced leg muscle contractions enhance systemic fibrinolysis ex vivo.
- The improvement in fibrinolysis is immediate and sustained for at least 60 minutes post-FMS.
- FMS shows promise as a potential prophylactic measure against deep-vein thrombosis.
