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Interventional Removal of Travelling Microthrombi Using Targeted Magnetic Microbubble
Yongjian Li1, Zujie Gao1, Xiaobing Zheng1
1The State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Microthrombus is one of the major causes of the sequelae of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19 and leads to subsequent embolism and necrosis. Due to their small size and irregular movements, the early detection and efficient removal of microthrombi in vivo remain a great challenge. In this work, an interventional method is developed to identify and remove the traveling microthrombi using targeted-magnetic-microbubbles (TMMBs) and an interventional magnetic catheter. The thrombus-targeted drugs are coated on the TMMBs and magnetic nanoparticles are shelled inside, which allow not only targeted adhesion onto the traveling microthrombi, but also the effective capture by the magnetic catheter in the vessel. In the proof-of-concept experiments in the rat models, the concentration of microthrombus is reduced by more than 60% in 3 min, without damaging the organs. It is a promising method for treating microthrombus issues.
Insights
A novel interventional method uses targeted-magnetic-microbubbles to detect and remove microthrombi, a complication of COVID-19. This technique successfully reduced microthrombus concentration by over 60% in animal models within minutes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Microthrombi contribute significantly to the severe complications of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), leading to embolism and necrosis.
- The small size and erratic movement of microthrombi pose challenges for in vivo detection and removal.
- Current treatments for microthrombi are limited, necessitating innovative approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an interventional method for the targeted identification and removal of traveling microthrombi.
- To utilize targeted-magnetic-microbubbles (TMMBs) for both drug delivery and magnetic capture of microthrombi.
- To assess the efficacy and safety of this method in preclinical animal models.
Main Methods:
- Development of TMMBs coated with thrombus-targeting drugs and containing magnetic nanoparticles.
- Utilization of an interventional magnetic catheter for capturing TMMB-microthrombus complexes.
- Proof-of-concept experiments conducted in rat models to evaluate microthrombus reduction.
Main Results:
- The TMMB-based method demonstrated targeted adhesion to microthrombi.
- The interventional magnetic catheter effectively captured the TMMB-microthrombi.
- Microthrombus concentration was reduced by over 60% within 3 minutes in rat models.
- No significant organ damage was observed during the procedure.
Conclusions:
- The developed interventional method using TMMBs and a magnetic catheter shows promise for treating microthrombus-related issues.
- This approach offers a potential solution for the early detection and efficient removal of traveling microthrombi.
- Further research may validate this technique for clinical application in managing COVID-19 sequelae and other thrombotic conditions.
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