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Studying Cavitation Enhanced Therapy
Published on: April 9, 2021
Platelet-targeted microbubbles inhibit re-occlusion after thrombolysis with transcutaneous ultrasound and
1School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Microbubbles (MBs) can augment the acoustic cavitation' (US), thereby facilitating the thrombolysis of external ultrasound. But we observed re-thrombosis after successful thrombolysis by MBs and transcutaneous ultrasound in an endothelium injury model. This study was designed to explore whether platelet-targeted MBs can prevent the reformation of thrombi. Arterial injury was induced in canine femoral arteries with balloon, and the arteries were completely thrombotically occluded. The arteries were treated with intra-arterial MBs or platelet-targeted MBs (TMB) and transcutaneous low frequency ultrasound (LFUS) to achieve complete thrombolysis. The arterial flow was monitored with angiogram for 4h following treatment. Results showed that both MBs and TMBs produced successful dissolution of clots in the presence of ultrasound. The re-occlusion began to occur 1h after thrombolysis in MB/LFUS treatment, and 7 of 8 arteries were re-occluded within 3h. Most of the arteries (7 of 8) in the TMB/LFUS group remained patent for 4h following treatment. The flow tended to decrease after thrombolysis in MB/LFUS treatment. These results indicated that platelet-targeted microbubbles were beneficial in preventing re-thrombosis in vivo and microbubbles served as good carrier of thrombolytic and anticoagulation drugs.
Insights
Platelet-targeted microbubbles effectively prevent blood clot re-formation after ultrasound-guided thrombolysis. This targeted approach maintains arterial patency longer than standard microbubbles, offering a promising strategy against re-thrombosis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Microbubbles (MBs) enhance ultrasound-mediated thrombolysis but re-thrombosis remains a clinical challenge.
- Endothelial injury models show that conventional MBs can lead to clot recurrence after initial successful lysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if platelet-targeted microbubbles (TMBs) can prevent thrombus reformation post-thrombolysis.
- To evaluate the efficacy of TMBs combined with low-frequency ultrasound (LFUS) in maintaining arterial patency.
Main Methods:
- Canine femoral artery injury model induced by balloon catheter.
- Complete thrombotic occlusion followed by intra-arterial treatment with MBs or TMBs plus LFUS.
- Arterial flow monitoring via angiogram for 4 hours post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Both MBs/LFUS and TMBs/LFUS achieved successful thrombolysis.
- Re-occlusion occurred within 3 hours in 7/8 arteries treated with MBs/LFUS.
- 7/8 arteries remained patent for 4 hours following TMB/LFUS treatment, indicating prevention of re-thrombosis.
Conclusions:
- Platelet-targeted microbubbles significantly inhibit in vivo re-thrombosis after ultrasound-guided thrombolysis.
- MBs show potential as effective carriers for thrombolytic and anticoagulant therapies.
- Targeted delivery of therapeutic agents via microbubbles offers a superior strategy for maintaining vascular patency.
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