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Updated: May 17, 2026

An In vitro System to Gauge the Thrombolytic Efficacy of Histotripsy and a Lytic Drug
Published on: June 4, 2021
[Orthogonal analysis of physical parameters optimization of microbubble-enhanced sono-thrombolysis]
Xiang Zhou1, Qinmei Yu, Ting Liu
1Department of Ultrasound, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu Sichuan 610041, PR China. zhou.xiang@yeah.net
Objective:
To investigate the main influence factors of microbubble-enhanced sono-thrombolysis by an orthogonal array experimental design (OAD) and to confirm the optimal parameters of microbubble-enhanced sono-thrombolysis in vitro.
Methods:
The peripheral blood was collected from 50 female Sprague Dawley rats to prepare the standard plasma, and then 100 microL standard plasma and 25 microL thrombin (0.15 U/microL) were mixed and incubated in 37 degrees C water bath for 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours respectively to prepare corresponding standardized thrombus. The physical parameters for the designed experiments included transmit powers of ultrasound (factor A: 5%, 25%, 50%, and 100%), microbubble volume (factor B: 50, 100, 200, and 400 microL), urokinase (UK) concentration (factor C: 100, 200, 400, and 800 U/mL), and thrombolysis time (factor D: 10, 20, 30, and 40 minutes), respectively. Then an OAD based on four parameters and four levels [L16(4(5))] was employed to optimize the thrombolysis conditions. The ultrasound frequency was 1.82 MHz. HE staining and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to observe the clots before and after thrombolysis. The thrombolysis rate was measured.
Results:
HE staining and SEM observation showed that the fibrin was dissolved after thrombolysis. According to the OAD, the optimal parameter combination was C4-D4-A1-B4, indicating UK concentration 800 U/mL, thrombolysis time 40 minutes, transmit power of ultrasound 5%, and microbubble volume 400 microL, respectively. The four factors above had significant influence on thrombolysis (P < 0.05), and UK concentration was the most significant. There were significant differences in thrombolysis between different thrombolysis time (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Under the condition of fixed ultrasound frequency, microbubble-enhanced sono-thrombolysis efficiency is better in lower transmit power of ultrasound, higher UK concentration, longer thrombolysis time, higher microbubble volume, and shorter thrombolysis time.

