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Shock-wave thrombus ablation, a new method for noninvasive mechanical thrombolysis
U Rosenschein1, S J Yakubov, D Guberinich
1Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
The American Journal of Cardiology
|November 15, 1992
Summary
Focused high-power acoustic energy noninvasively ablated thrombus in human arteries. This shock wave therapy demonstrated significant thrombus mass reduction without damaging arterial walls.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
- Acoustic Technology
Background:
- Catheter-based thrombus ablation using high-power acoustic energy has shown success.
- Noninvasive methods for thrombus removal are highly sought after in cardiovascular medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of noninvasive thrombus ablation using focused high-power acoustic energy.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of this novel acoustic approach.
Main Methods:
- A shock-wave generator with an acoustic lens focused energy to a specific point.
- In vitro thrombus models in human femoral artery segments were used.
- X-ray and ultrasound imaging guided positioning and monitored the ablation process.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in thrombus mass was observed in the test group (0.25 +/- 0.15 g to 0.07 +/- 0.003 g, p = 0.0001).
- No gross or microscopic damage to arterial segments was detected.
- Localized, transient cavitation fields were observed during treatment.
Conclusions:
- Focused high-power acoustic energy can effectively ablate thrombus noninvasively.
- This method shows promise for treating vascular occlusions without causing arterial damage.