Photoacoustic Fibrinolysis: Pulsed-Wave, Mid-Infrared Laser-Clot Interaction

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a mid-infrared laser can induce selective fibrinolysis and to analyze the effect of altered fibrin structure (thin vs. thick fibers) on laser-clot interaction. Background: Mechanical disruption of thrombus can be achieved with balloon angioplasty, sonication, and thermal energy. Thrombi avidly absorb light in the mid-infrared optical spectrum due to their high water content. This phenomenon provides a potential for mid-infrared lasers as a source for selective thrombolysis. As fibrin is the essential component of clot, a study of mid-infrared laser-fibrin interaction is warranted. Methods: Clots of varying fibrin structure were lased in cuvettes with a solid-state, pulsed-wave, mid-infrared laser (2.1 micron, 500 mJ/pulse, 250 msec pulse length). Total pulse energies of 5 Joules (J), 10 J, 37.5 J, 75 J, and 112.5 J were tested. Protein content of the extruded fluid was measured by optical density absorbance at 280 nm. Th e amount of released material was studied as a function of lasing energy and clot structure. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was applied for analysis of protein bands in order to identify unique protein bands released by the selective effect of laser fibrinolysis. Results: A threshold for mid-infrared laser induced fibrinolysis was found; application of up to 20 J of energy did not result in dissolution. As lasing energy was increased above 37.5 J, the structure of these gels was mechanically destroyed and 12.4 +/- 6.7% (mean +/- SEM) of the original content of protein was released. Electrophoresis revealed that lased gels did not release any unique protein band. Lased, thin fibers released significantly less protein than thick fibers, indicating that they are more resistant to the effect of this wavelength of energy. Conclusions: Mid-infrared laser can induce in-vitro photoacoustic dissolution of fibrin clots. However, this wavelength laser achieves fibrinolysis by me chanical destruction of the target clot rather than by a selective effect, as induced by the pulsed-dye laser. A threshold exists for energy levels required. Thin fibrin fibers, with their high elastic modulus (i.e., gel rigidity) appear more resistant than thick fibers to the effect of lasing at this wavelength.