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Huang Y, Wang J, Guo Y, Shen L, Li Y. Fibrinogen binding to activated platelets and its biomimetic thrombus-targeted thrombolytic strategies. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 274:133286. [PMID: 38908635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Thrombosis is associated with various fatal arteriovenous syndromes including ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary embolism. However, current clinical thrombolytic treatment strategies still have many problems in targeting and safety to meet the thrombolytic therapy needs. Understanding the molecular mechanism that underlies thrombosis is critical in developing effective thrombolytic strategies. It is well known that platelets play a central role in thrombosis and the binding of fibrinogen to activated platelets is a common pathway in the process of clot formation. Based on this, a concept of biomimetic thrombus-targeted thrombolytic strategy inspired from fibrinogen binding to activated platelets in thrombosis was proposed, which could selectively bind to activated platelets at a thrombus site, thus enabling targeted delivery and local release of thrombolytic agents for effective thrombolysis. In this review, we first summarized the main characteristics of platelets and fibrinogen, and then introduced the classical molecular mechanisms of thrombosis, including platelet adhesion, platelet activation and platelet aggregation through the interactions of activated platelets with fibrinogen. In addition, we highlighted the recent advances in biomimetic thrombus-targeted thrombolytic strategies which inspired from fibrinogen binding to activated platelets in thrombosis. The possible future directions and perspectives in this emerging area are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Huang
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, 600 Yi Shan Road, Shanghai 200233, PR China.
| | - Jiahua Wang
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, 600 Yi Shan Road, Shanghai 200233, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Guo
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, 600 Yi Shan Road, Shanghai 200233, PR China
| | - Lingyue Shen
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial-Head & Neck Oncology, Department of Laser and Aesthetic Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stoma-tology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai 200011, PR China.
| | - Yuehua Li
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, 600 Yi Shan Road, Shanghai 200233, PR China.
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Drakos T, Evripidou G, Damianou C. An in vitro Model for Experimental Evaluation of Sonothrombolysis under Tissue-mimicking Material Conditions. J Med Ultrasound 2023; 31:211-217. [PMID: 38025011 PMCID: PMC10668898 DOI: 10.4103/jmu.jmu_52_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The mechanical properties of therapeutic ultrasound (US) have attracted scientific interest for thrombolysis enhancement in combination with thrombolytic agents and microbubbles (MBs). The aim of the study was to develop an in vitro model to observe how the effects of sonothrombolysis change in the case where a tissue-mimicking material (TMM) is placed in the path of the US beam before the clot. Methods Fully retracted blood clots were prepared and pulse sonicated for 1 h under various conditions. The system was in a state of real circulating flow with a branch of an open bypass and an occluded tube containing a blood clot, thus mimicking the case of ischemic stroke. The effectiveness of thrombolysis was quantified in milligrams of clots removed. An agar-based TMM was developed around the occluded tube. Results The clot breakdown in a TMM was found to be more pronounced than in water, presumably due to the retention of the acoustic field. A higher level of acoustic power was required to initiate clot lysis (>76 W acoustic power) using only focused US (FUS). The greatest thrombolysis enhancement was observed with the largest chosen pulse duration (PD) and the use of MBs (150 mg clot mass lysis). The synergistic effect of FUS in combination with MBs on the enzymatic fibrinolysis enhanced thrombolysis efficacy by 260% compared to thrombolysis induced using only FUS. A reduction in the degree of clot lysis was detected due to the attenuation factor of the intervening material (30 mg at 1 and 4 ms PD). Conclusion In vitro thrombolytic models including a TMM can provide a more realistic evaluation of new thrombolytic protocols. However, higher acoustic power should be considered to compensate for the attenuation factor. The rate of clot lysis is slow and the clinical use of this method will be challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgios Evripidou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Christakis Damianou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
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Advanced drug delivery system against ischemic stroke. J Control Release 2022; 344:173-201. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Mei L, Zhang Z. Advances in Biological Application of and Research on Low-Frequency Ultrasound. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2021; 47:2839-2852. [PMID: 34304908 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the in-depth study of low-frequency sonophoresis (LFS) has greatly elucidated its biological effects in various therapeutic applications, including drug delivery, enhanced healing, thrombolytic technology, anti-inflammatory effects and tumor treatment. Specifically, numerous studies have reported its use in drug delivery and synergistic antitumor activity, indicating a new treatment direction for cancer. However, there are significant gaps in the understanding of LFS in terms of frequency and sound intensity safety; these issues are becoming increasingly important in understanding the biological effects of LFS ultrasound. This article reviews the treatment mechanism and current applications of LFS technology and discusses and summarizes its safety and application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Mei
- Department of Ultrasound, Qiqihar Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, China.
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Jangjou A, Meisami AH, Jamali K, Niakan MH, Abbasi M, Shafiee M, Salehi M, Hosseinzadeh A, Amani AM, Vaez A. The promising shadow of microbubble over medical sciences: from fighting wide scope of prevalence disease to cancer eradication. J Biomed Sci 2021; 28:49. [PMID: 34154581 PMCID: PMC8215828 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-021-00744-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbubbles are typically 0.5-10 μm in size. Their size tends to make it easier for medication delivery mechanisms to navigate the body by allowing them to be swallowed more easily. The gas included in the microbubble is surrounded by a membrane that may consist of biocompatible biopolymers, polymers, surfactants, proteins, lipids, or a combination thereof. One of the most effective implementation techniques for tiny bubbles is to apply them as a drug carrier that has the potential to activate ultrasound (US); this allows the drug to be released by US. Microbubbles are often designed to preserve and secure medicines or substances before they have reached a certain area of concern and, finally, US is used to disintegrate microbubbles, triggering site-specific leakage/release of biologically active drugs. They have excellent therapeutic potential in a wide range of common diseases. In this article, we discussed microbubbles and their advantageous medicinal uses in the treatment of certain prevalent disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetic condition, renal defects, and finally, their use in the treatment of various forms of cancer as well as their incorporation with nanoparticles. Using microbubble technology as a novel carrier, the ability to prevent and eradicate prevalent diseases has strengthened the promise of effective care to improve patient well-being and life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jangjou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Meisami
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Kazem Jamali
- Trauma Research Center, Shahid Rajaee (Emtiaz) Trauma Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hadi Niakan
- Trauma Research Center, Shahid Rajaee (Emtiaz) Trauma Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Milad Abbasi
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mostafa Shafiee
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Majid Salehi
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Ahmad Hosseinzadeh
- Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Research Center, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammad Amani
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Vaez
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Chen W, Wang H, Feng J, Chen L. Overexpression of circRNA circUCK2 Attenuates Cell Apoptosis in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury via miR-125b-5p/GDF11 Signaling. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 22:673-683. [PMID: 33230465 PMCID: PMC7585838 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are expressed at high levels in the brain and are involved in various central nervous system diseases. However, the potential role of circRNAs in ischemic stroke-associated neuronal injury remains largely unknown. Herein, we uncovered the function and underlying mechanism of the circRNA UCK2 (circUCK2) in ischemia stroke. The oxygen-glucose deprivation model in HT-22 cells was used to mimic ischemia stroke in vitro. Neuronal viability and apoptosis were determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling) staining, respectively. Middle cerebral artery occlusion was conducted to evaluate the function of circUCK2 in mice. The levels of circUCK2 were significantly decreased in brain tissues from a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. Upregulated circUCK2 levels significantly decreased infarct volumes, attenuated neuronal injury, and improved neurological deficits. circUCK2 reduced oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced cell apoptosis by regulating transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3) signaling. Furthermore, circUCK2 functioned as an endogenous miR-125b-5p sponge to inhibit miR-125b-5p activity, resulting in an increase in growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) expression and a subsequent amelioration of neuronal injury. Consequently, these findings showed that the circUCK2/miR-125b-5p/GDF11 axis is an essential signaling pathway during ischemia stroke. Thus, the circRNA circUCK2 may serve as a potential target for novel treatment in patients with ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanghao Chen
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - Hong Wang
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - Jia Feng
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China
| | - Lukui Chen
- Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Center, Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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Therapeutic Potentials of Localized Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption by Noninvasive Transcranial Focused Ultrasound: A Technical Review. J Clin Neurophysiol 2020; 37:104-117. [PMID: 32142021 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The demands for region-specific, noninvasive therapies for neurologic/psychiatric conditions are growing. The rise of transcranial focused ultrasound technology has witnessed temporary and reversible disruptions of the blood-brain barrier in the brain with exceptional control over the spatial precisions and depth, all in a noninvasive manner. Starting with small animal studies about a decade ago, the technique is now being explored in nonhuman primates and humans for the assessment of its efficacy and safety. The ability to transfer exogenous/endogenous therapeutic agents, cells, and biomolecules across the blood-brain barrier opens up new therapeutic avenues for various neurologic conditions, with a possibility to modulate the excitability of regional brain function. This review addresses the technical fundamentals, sonication parameters, experimental protocols, and monitoring techniques to examine the efficacy/safety in focused ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier disruption and discuss its potential translations to clinical use.
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Goel L, Jiang X. Advances in Sonothrombolysis Techniques Using Piezoelectric Transducers. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20051288. [PMID: 32120902 PMCID: PMC7085655 DOI: 10.3390/s20051288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
One of the great advancements in the applications of piezoelectric materials is the application for therapeutic medical ultrasound for sonothrombolysis. Sonothrombolysis is a promising ultrasound based technique to treat blood clots compared to conventional thrombolytic treatments or mechanical thrombectomy. Recent clinical trials using transcranial Doppler ultrasound, microbubble mediated sonothrombolysis, and catheter directed sonothrombolysis have shown promise. However, these conventional sonothrombolysis techniques still pose clinical safety limitations, preventing their application for standard of care. Recent advances in sonothrombolysis techniques including targeted and drug loaded microbubbles, phase change nanodroplets, high intensity focused ultrasound, histotripsy, and improved intravascular transducers, address some of the limitations of conventional sonothrombolysis treatments. Here, we review the strengths and limitations of these latest pre-clincial advancements for sonothrombolysis and their potential to improve clinical blood clot treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leela Goel
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7910, USA;
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Raleigh, NC 27695-7910, USA
| | - Xiaoning Jiang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7910, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-919-515-5240
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Frühwald T, Gärtner U, Stöckmann N, Marxsen JH, Gramsch C, Roessler FC. In vitro examination of the thrombolytic efficacy of tenecteplase and therapeutic ultrasound compared to rt-PA. BMC Neurol 2019; 19:181. [PMID: 31375069 PMCID: PMC6676584 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-019-1404-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimizing thrombolytic therapy is vital for improving stroke outcomes. We aimed to develop standardized thrombolysis conditions to evaluate the efficacy of tenecteplase (TNK) compared to the current gold standard rt-PA (alteplase), with and without additional ultrasound treatment. We also wanted to introduce a new analytical approach to quantify fibrin fiber density in transmission electron microscopy (TEM). METHODS In vitro clots that are similar to ex vivo clots concerning their histological condition and their durability were generated from whole blood. For five treatment groups we compared relative clot weight loss (each n = 60) and fibrin fiber density in TEM (each n = 5). The control group (A) was treated only with plasma. Two groups were designated for each rt-PA (B + C) and TNK (D + E). Groups C and E were additionally treated with ultrasound. Dosages were 50 μg/ml for rt-PA and 30 μg/ml for TNK. Results were evaluated by using analyses of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc t-tests. RESULTS Weight loss was increased significantly for all groups compared to the control group. Both TNK groups showed significantly increased weight loss compared to their counterpart rt-PA group (p ≤ 0.001). For TEM only group D showed significantly decreased fibrin fiber density (p < 0.05) compared to both rt-PA groups. Ultrasound did not significantly increase dissolution of clots with either method (best p = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS Tenecteplase dissolved clots more effectively than rt-PA with and without ultrasound. A higher sample size could provide more convincing results for TEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Frühwald
- Department of Neurology, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Klinikstraße 33, 35385 Gießen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Gärtner
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Aulweg 123, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Nils Stöckmann
- Department of Neurology, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Klinikstraße 33, 35385 Gießen, Germany
| | | | - Carolin Gramsch
- Department of Neuroradiology, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Klinikstraße 33, 35385 Gießen, Germany
| | - Florian C. Roessler
- Department of Neurology, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Klinikstraße 33, 35385 Gießen, Germany
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Standort Gießen, Klinikstraße 33, 35385 Gießen, Germany
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Auboire L, Escoffre JM. Comment on “The Enhancing Effect of Focused Ultrasound on TNK-Tissue Plasminogen Activator-Induced Thrombolysis using an In Vitro Circulating Flow Model”. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2019; 28:2052. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2019.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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In-vitro assessment of the thrombolytic efficacy of therapeutic ultrasound. Thromb Res 2019; 178:63-68. [PMID: 30981974 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasound is mainly used as a diagnostic tool. Several studies demonstrated that therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) can enhance thrombolysis, but the optimal mechanical parameters to achieve this biological effect are still unknown. METHODS We assembled 46 blood clots in a closed in-vitro circulatory model. Clots were randomly divided into 7 groups, control group and six TUS groups of three frequencies (0.3, 0.5, 0.7 MHz) and six intensities (0.75, 1.5, 3, 237.7, 475, 950 W/cm2). Treatment was composed of 12 repetitions, 5 min US application and 3 min pause, lasting 93 min in total. Clots' weight and flow rate were measured before and after the treatment. RESULTS Mean initial clot weight (0.318 ± 0.129 g) and flow (0.53 ± 0.31 ml/min) were comparable among the experimental groups. We found a final clot weights reduction (0.15 ± 0.05, 0.16 ± 0.06, 0.09 ± 0.07, 0.21 ± 0.09, 0.17 ± 0.09, 0.17 ± 0.07 and 0.18 ± 0.02 g in groups 1 through 6, respectively) and a flow increase (30.61 ± 19.76, 52.1 ± 25.44, 28.78 ± 8.15, 43.93 ± 20.03, 40.86 ± 18.25 and 45.10 ± 22.20 ml/min in groups 1-6, respectively) in all TUS groups. Clot weight change (%) and flow increase reveals that the TUS profile f = 0.5 MHz I = 1.5 W/cm2 was most efficacious. In the control group, clot weight change was +6.3% of baseline and flow increase of 4.4% of baseline, whereas -75.4% of baseline and 209.3% of baseline in the f = 0.5 MHz I = 1.5 W/cm2 profile were noted, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our study proved that TUS at low frequency (0.5 MHz) is most effective, whereas changing the intensity of TUS has only a minor effect on clot lysis magnitude.
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Papadopoulos N, Menikou G, Yiannakou M, Yiallouras C, Ioannides K, Damianou C. Evaluation of a small flat rectangular therapeutic ultrasonic transducer intended for intravascular use. ULTRASONICS 2017; 74:196-203. [PMID: 27835808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2016.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the proposed study was to evaluate the performance of a flat rectangular (2×10mm2) transducer operating at 4MHz. The intended application of this transducer is intravascular treatment of thrombosis and atherosclerosis. METHODS The transducer's thermal capabilities were tested in two different gel phantoms. MR thermometry was used to demonstrate the thermal capabilities of this type of transducer. RESULTS Temperature measurements demonstrated that this simple and small transducer adequately produced high temperatures, which can be utilized for therapeutic purposes. These high temperatures were confirmed using thermocouple and MR measurements. Pulsed ultrasound in combination with thrombolytic drugs and microbubbles was utilized to eliminate porcine thrombi. CONCLUSIONS The proposed transducer has the potentials to treat atherosclerotic lesions using the thermal properties of ultrasound, since high temperatures can be achieved in less than 5s. The results revealed that the destruction of thrombi using pulsed ultrasound requires long exposure time and high microbubble dosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Papadopoulos
- Department of Bioengineering, City University, London, UK
| | - G Menikou
- Department of Bioengineering, City University, London, UK
| | - M Yiannakou
- Electrical Engineering Department, Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus
| | - C Yiallouras
- Electrical Engineering Department, Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus; R&D, MEDSONIC LTD, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - K Ioannides
- Radiology, Ygia Polyclinic, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - C Damianou
- Electrical Engineering Department, Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus.
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