Acceleration of thrombolysis with ultrasound through the cranium in a flow model

Real-time tracking of fibrinolysis under constant wall shear and various pulsatile flows in an in-vitro thrombolysis model

A great need exists for the development of a more representative in-vitro model to efficiently screen novel thrombolytic therapies. We herein report the design, validation, and characterization of a highly reproducible, physiological scale, flowing clot lysis platform with real-time fibrinolysis monitoring to screen thrombolytic drugs utilizing a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled clot analog. Using this Real-Time Fluorometric Flowing Fibrinolysis assay (RT-FluFF assay), a tPa-dependent degree of thrombolysis was observed both via clot mass loss as well as fluorometrically monitored release of FITC-labeled fibrin degradation products. Percent clot mass loss ranged from 33.6% to 85.9% with fluorescence release rates of 0.53 to 1.17 RFU/min in 40 and 1000 ng/mL tPa conditions, respectively. The platform is easily adapted to produce pulsatile flows. Hemodynamics of human main pulmonary artery were mimicked through matching dimensionless flow parameters calculated using clinical data. Increasing pressure amplitude range (4-40 mmHg) results in a 20% increase of fibrinolysis at 1000 ng/mL tPA. Increasing shear flow rate (205-913 s-1) significantly increases fibrinolysis and mechanical digestion. These findings suggest pulsatile level affects thrombolytic drug activities and the proposed in-vitro clot model offers a versatile testing platform for thrombolytic drug screening.

CNB-001, a pleiotropic drug is efficacious in embolized agyrencephalic New Zealand white rabbits and ischemic gyrencephalic cynomolgus monkeys

Ischemic stroke is an acute neurodegenerative disease that is extremely devastating to patients, their families and society. Stroke is inadequately treated even with endovascular procedures and reperfusion therapy. Using an extensive translational screening process, we have developed a pleiotropic cytoprotective agent with the potential to positively impact a large population of brain ischemia patients and revolutionize the process used for the development of new drugs to treat complex brain disorders. In this unique translational study article, we document that the novel curcumin-based compound, CNB-001, when administered as a single intravenous dose, has significant efficacy to attenuate clinically relevant behavioral deficits following ischemic events in agyrencephalic rabbits when administered 1 h post-embolization and reduces infarct growth in gyrencephalic non-human primates, when administered 5 min after initiation of middle cerebral artery occlusion. CNB-001 is safe and does not increase morbidity or mortality in either research species. Mechanistically, CNB-001 inhibits human 5- and 15-lipoxygenase in vitro, and can attenuate ischemia-induced inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress markers, while potentially promoting synaptic plasticity mediated by enhanced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Cytoprotective Drug-Tissue Plasminogen Activator Protease Interaction Assays: Screening of Two Novel Cytoprotective Chromones

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is currently used in combination with endovascular procedures to enhance recanalization and cerebral reperfusion and is also currently administered as standard-of-care thrombolytic therapy to patients within 3-4.5 h of an ischemic stroke. Since tPA is not neuroprotective or cytoprotective, adjuvant therapy with a neuroprotective or an optimized cytoprotective compound is required to provide the best care to stroke victims to maximally promote clinical recovery. In this article, we describe the use of a sensitive standardized protease assay with CH3SO2-D-hexahydrotyrosine-Gly-Arg-p-nitroanilide•AcOH, a chromogenic protease substrate that is cleaved to 4-nitroaniline (p-nitroaniline) and measured spectrophotometrically at 405 nm (OD405 nm), and how the assay can be used as an effective screening assay to study drug-tPA interactions. While we focus on two compounds of interest in our drug development pipeline, the assay is broadly applicable to all small molecule neuroprotective or cytoprotective compounds currently being discovered and developed worldwide. In this present study, we found that the specific tPA inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1; 0.25 μM), significantly (p < 0.0001) inhibited 4-nitroaniline release, by 97.74% during the 10-min duration of the assay, which is indicative of tPA protease inhibition. In addition, two lead chromone cytoprotective candidates, 2-(3',4',5'-trihydroxyphenyl)chromen-4-one (3',4',5'-trihydroxyflavone) (CSMC-19) and 3-hydroxy-2-[3-hydroxy-4-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)phenyl]benzo[h]chromen-4-one (CSMC-140), also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced 4-nitroaniline accumulation, but to a lesser extent. The reduction was 68 and 45%, respectively, at 10 μM, and extrapolated IC50 values were 4.37 and >10 μM for CSMC-19 and CSMC-140, respectively. Using bonafide 4-nitroaniline, we then demonstrated that the reduction of 4-nitroaniline detection was not due to drug-4-nitroaniline quenching of signal detection at OD405 nm. In conclusion, the results suggest that high concentrations of both cytoprotectives reduced 4-nitroaniline production in vitro, but the inhibition only occurs with concentrations 104-1025-fold that of EC50 values in an efficacy assay. Thus, CSMC-19 and CSMC-140 should be further developed and evaluated in embolic stroke models in the absence or presence of a thrombolytic. If necessary, they could be administered once effective tPA thrombolysis has been confirmed to avoid the possibility that the chromone will reduce the efficacy of tPA in patients. Stroke investigator developing new cytoprotective small molecules should consider adding this sensitive assay to their development and screening repertoire to assess possible drug-tPA interactions in vitro as a de-risking step.

Microbubble-Based Sonothrombolysis Using a Planar Rectangular Ultrasonic Transducer

BACKGROUND

The aim of the proposed study was to evaluate in an in vitro flow model the ability of small planar rectangular (2 × 10 mm²) ultrasonic transducer to enhance thrombolysis induced by the thrombolytic agent tenecteplase (TNK-tPA).

METHODS

To provide a more realistic clinical environment of stroke, the study was conducted under realistic flow conditions and TNK-tPA concentrations. Fully retracted porcine blood clots were used to determine the thrombolytic efficacy of ultrasound (US) waves as an adjunct to TNK-tPA or in combination with microbubbles (MBs). Two ultrasonic flat rectangular transducers were used in the experiments, operating at 3.7 and 5.2 MHz respectively. A pulsed US protocol that maintained temperature elevation at the target of 1°C was applied. Thrombolysis efficacy was measured in milligrams of mass clot removed.

RESULTS

The effect of experimental parameters, such as power, frequency, and MBs administration, on thrombolysis efficacy was explored.

CONCLUSIONS

The results revealed that thrombolysis efficacy decreases at higher frequency, and therefore, the possibility of using lower frequency to improve efficacy should be further investigated. Additionally, study findings demonstrated that the combination of 3.7 MHz with MBs as an adjunct to TNK-tPA strongly enhanced thrombolysis efficacy, because with 30 minutes of treatment, 700 mg of clot was removed through nonthermal mechanisms. As a final point, this study has shown that MBs dose influences thrombolysis enhancement, because higher thrombolytic efficacy was observed with higher doses of MBs.

NOR-SASS (Norwegian Sonothrombolysis in Acute Stroke Study): Randomized Controlled Contrast-Enhanced Sonothrombolysis in an Unselected Acute Ischemic Stroke Population

Background and Purpose—

The NOR-SASS (Norwegian Sonothrombolysis in Acute Stroke Study) aimed to assess effect and safety of contrast-enhanced ultrasound treatment in an unselected acute ischemic stroke population.

Methods—

Patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis within 4.5 hours after symptom onset were randomized 1:1 to either contrast-enhanced sonothrombolysis (CEST) or sham CEST. A visible arterial occlusion on baseline computed tomography angiography was not a prerequisite for inclusion. Pulse-wave 2 MHz ultrasound was given for 1 hour and contrast (SonoVue) as an infusion for ≈30 minutes. Magnetic resonance imaging and angiography were performed after 24 to 36 hours. Primary study end points were neurological improvement at 24 hours defined as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 0 or reduction of ≥4 National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale points compared with baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and favorable functional outcome at 90 days defined as modified Rankin scale score 0 to 1.

Results—

A total of 183 patients were randomly assigned to either CEST (93 patient) or sham CEST (90 patients). The rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, asymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, or mortality were not increased in the CEST group. Neurological improvement at 24 hours and functional outcome at 90 days was similar in the 2 groups both in the intention-to-treat analysis and in the per-protocol analysis.

Conclusions—

CEST is safe among unselected ischemic stroke patients with or without a visible occlusion on computed tomography angiography and with varying grades of clinical severity. There was, however, statistically no significant clinical effect of sonothrombolysis in this prematurely stopped trial.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01949961.

Update on the effects of treatment with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in acute ischemic stroke

INTRODUCTION

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) represents a major cause of death and disability all over the world. The recommended therapy aims at dissolving the clot to re-establish quickly the blood flow to the brain and reduce neuronal injury. Intravenous administration of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is clinically used with this goal.

AREAS COVERED

A description of beneficial and detrimental effects of rt-PA treatment is addressed. An overview of new therapies against AIS, such as new thrombolytics, sonolysis and sonothrombolysis, endovascular procedures, and association therapies is provided. Updates on the pathophysiological process leading to intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

rt-PA treatment in AIS patients is beneficial to recovery outcomes. To weaken risks and improve benefits, it might be relevant to consider: i) a definitive identification of risk factors for symptomatic ICH; ii). a better organization of the health care system to reduce time-to-treatment and enhance discharge management. The pharmacological improvement of new thrombolytic drugs (such as tenecteplase and desmoteplase) targeting harmful and maximally exploiting beneficial effects might further reduce mortality and disability in AIS.

Ultrasound Enhanced Thrombolysis for Stroke

In the pivotal clinical trials of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) therapy, a low rate of early arterial recanalization was suspected because only a few stroke patients may have had early dramatic clinical improvement. Tissue plasminogen activator activity can be enhanced with ultrasound, including 2 MHz transcranial Doppler (TCD). Transcranial Doppler identifies residual blood flow signals around thrombi, and, by delivering mechanical pressure waves, exposes more thrombus surface to circulating TPA. For the first time in clinical medicine, the international multicenter CLOTBUST trial showed that ultrasound enhances the thrombolytic activity of a drug in humans, thereby confirming multidisciplinary experimental research conducted worldwide for the past 30 years. In the CLOTBUST trial, the dramatic clinical recovery from stroke coupled with complete recanalization within 2 h after TPA bolus occurred in 25% of patients treated with TPA+TCD compared with 8% who received TPA alone ( P = 0·02). Complete clearance of a thrombus and dramatic recovery of brain functions during treatment are feasible goals for ultrasound-enhanced thrombolysis that can lead to sustained recovery. An early boost in brain perfusion seen in the target CLOTBUST group resulted in a trend of 13% more patients achieving favorable outcome at 3 months. To further enhance the ability of TPA to break up thrombi, current ongoing clinical trials include phase II studies of 2 MHz TCD with ultrasound contrast agents or (microbubbles): TCD+TPA+Levovist; TCD+TPA+MRX nano-platform (C3F8). Intra-arterial TPA delivery can be enhanced with 1·7–2·1 MHz pulsed wave ultrasound (EKOS catheter, IMS trial). Dose escalation studies of microbubbles, ultrasound exposure, and the development of an operator-independent ultrasound device are underway.

In Vitro Evaluation of Focused Ultrasound-Enhanced TNK-Tissue Plasminogen Activator-Mediated Thrombolysis

INTRODUCTION

The low and incomplete recanalization performance of thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke has created the need to use focused ultrasound (FUS) energy as a way to enhance thrombolysis efficiency (sonothrombolysis). Using an in vitro flow model, the role of various parameters involved in FUS-enhanced tenecteplase (TNK-tPA [tissue plasminogen activator])-mediated thrombolysis was evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fully retracted porcine blood clots were used for the proposed parametric studies. A spherically FUS transducer (4 cm diameter), focusing at 10 cm and operating at 1 MHz, was used. Pulsed ultrasound protocols were applied that maintained temperature elevation at the focus that never exceeded 1°C. Thrombolysis efficiency was measured as the relative reduction in the mass of the clot.

RESULTS

The role of various properties on thrombolysis efficacy was examined. These various properties are the acoustic power, the TNK-tPA concentration, the flow rate, the exposure time, the pulse length, the pulse repetition frequency, the duty factor, the formation of standing waves, the acoustic medium, and the administration of microbubbles. Study results have demonstrated that the parameters examined influenced thrombolysis efficacy and the degree of thrombolysis achieved by each parameter was measured.

CONCLUSIONS

Study findings helped us to optimize the treatment protocol for 1 MHz pulsed FUS that maximizes the thrombolytic efficacy of TNK-tPA, which potentially could be applied for therapeutic purposes. The outcome of the study showed poor thrombolysis efficacy, as with 30 minutes of FUS treatment only 370 mg of clot was removed.

Noninvasive thrombolysis using microtripsy: a parameter study

Histotripsy fractionates soft tissue by well-controlled acoustic cavitation using microsecond-long, high-intensity ultrasound pulses. The feasibility of using histotripsy as a noninvasive, drug-free, and image-guided thrombolysis method has been shown previously. A new histotripsy approach, termed microtripsy, has recently been investigated for the thrombolysis application to improve treatment accuracy and avoid potential vessel damage. In this study, we investigated the effects of pulse repetition frequency (PRF) on microtripsy thrombolysis. Microtripsy thrombolysis treatments using different PRFs (5, 50, and 100 Hz) and doses (20, 50, and 100 pulses) were performed on blood clots in an in vitro vessel flow model. To quantitatively evaluate the microtripsy thrombolysis effect, the location of focal cavitation, the incident rate of pre-focal cavitation on the vessel wall, the size and location of the resulting flow channel, and the generated clot debris particles were measured. The results demonstrated that focal cavitation was always well confined in the vessel lumen without contacting the vessel wall for all PRFs. Pre-focal cavitation on the front vessel wall was never observed at 5Hz PRF, but occasionally observed at PRFs of 50 Hz (1.2%) and 100 Hz (5.4%). However, the observed pre-focal cavitation was weak and did not significantly affect the focal cavitation. Results further demonstrated that, although the extent of clot fractionation per pulse was the highest at 5 Hz PRF at the beginning of treatment (<20 pulses), 100 Hz PRF generated the largest flow channels with a much shorter treatment time. Finally, results showed fewer large debris particles were generated at a higher PRF. Overall, the results of this study suggest that a higher PRF (50 or 100 Hz) may be a better choice for microtripsy thrombolysis to use clinically due to the larger resulting flow channel, shorter treatment time, and smaller debris particles.

A pragmatic approach to sonothrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke: the Norwegian randomised controlled sonothrombolysis in acute stroke study (NOR-SASS)

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound accelerates thrombolysis with tPA (sonothrombolysis). Ultrasound in the absence of tPA also accelerates clot break-up (sonolysis). Adding intravenous gaseous microbubbles may potentiate the effect of ultrasound in both sonothrombolysis and sonolysis. The Norwegian Sonothrombolysis in Acute Stroke Study aims in a pragmatic approach to assess the effect and safety of contrast enhanced ultrasound treatment in unselected acute ischaemic stroke patients.

METHODS/DESIGN

Acute ischaemic stroke patients ≥ 18 years, with or without visible arterial occlusion on computed tomography angiography (CTA) and treatable ≤ 4(½) hours after symptom onset, are included in NOR-SASS. NOR-SASS is superimposed on a separate trial randomising patients with acute ischemic stroke to either tenecteplase or alteplase (The Norwegian Tenecteplase Stroke Trial NOR-TEST). The NOR-SASS trial has two arms: 1) the thrombolysis-arms (NOR-SASS A and B) includes patients given intravenous thrombolysis (tenecteplase or alteplase), and 2) the no-thrombolysis-arm (NOR-SASS C) includes patients with contraindications to thrombolysis. First step randomisation of NOR-SASS A is embedded in NOR-TEST as a 1:1 randomisation to either tenecteplase or alteplase. Second step NOR-SASS randomisation is 1:1 to either contrast enhanced sonothrombolysis (CEST) or sham CEST. Randomisation in NOR-SASS B (routine alteplase group) is 1:1 to either CEST or sham CEST. Randomisation of NOR-SASS C is 1:1 to either contrast enhanced sonolysis (CES) or sham CES. Ultrasound is given for one hour using a 2-MHz pulsed-wave diagnostic ultrasound probe. Microbubble contrast (SonoVue®) is given as a continuous infusion for ~30 min. Recanalisation is assessed at 60 min after start of CEST/CES. Magnetic resonance imaging and angiography is performed after 24 h of stroke onset. Primary study endpoints are 1) major neurological improvement measured with NIHSS score at 24 h and 2) favourable functional outcome defined as mRS 0-1 at 90 days.

DISCUSSION

NOR-SASS is the first randomised controlled trial designed to test the superiority of contrast enhanced ultrasound treatment given ≤ 4(½) hours after stroke onset in an unselected acute ischaemic stroke population eligible or not eligible for intravenous thrombolysis, with or without a defined arterial occlusion on CTA. If a positive effect and safety can be proven, contrast enhanced ultrasound treatment will be an option for all acute ischaemic stroke patients. EudraCT No 201200032341; www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT01949961.

Noninvasive thrombolysis using histotripsy beyond the intrinsic threshold (microtripsy)

Histotripsy has been investigated as a noninvasive, drug-free, image-guided thrombolysis method that fractionates blood clots using acoustic cavitation alone. In previous histotripsy-mediated thrombolysis studies, cavitation clouds were generated using multi-cycle pulses and tended to form on vessel wall. To avoid potential cavitational damage to the vessel wall, a new histotripsy approach, termed microtripsy, has been recently discovered in which cavitation is generated via an intrinsic-threshold mechanism using single-cycle pulses. We hypothesize that microtripsy can generate and confine cavitation in vessel lumen without contacting the vessel wall, which results in recanalization within the clot and potentially eliminating vessel damage. To test our hypothesis, microtripsy was investigated for clot recanalization in an in vitro flow model. Clots were formed inside a vessel phantom (6.5 mm inner diameter) in line with a flow system. Microtripsy was applied by a 1-MHz transducer at a pulse repetition frequency of 50 Hz with a peak negative pressure (P-) of 30 MPa or 36 MPa. To create a flow channel through a clot, the cavitation focus was scanned through the clot at an interval of 0.3 or 0.7 mm. The treated clots were 3-D-scanned by a 20-MHz ultrasound probe to quantify the channels. Restored flow rates were measured and clot debris particles generated from the treatments were analyzed. In all treatments, the cavitation cloud was consistently generated in the center of the vessel lumen without contacting the vessel wall. After each treatment, a flow channel was successfully generated through and completely confined inside the clot. The channels had a diameter up to 60% of the vessel diameter, with restored flow up to 500 mL/min. The debris particles were small with more than 99.9% <10 μm and the largest at 153 um. Each clot (2 cm long) was recanalized within 7 min. The size of the flow channels increased by using higher P- and was significantly larger by using the 0.3 mm scan interval than those using 0.7 mm. The results in this study show the potential of this new microtripsy thrombolysis method for fast, precise, and effective clot recanalization, minimizing risks of vessel damage and embolism.

Safety of thrombolytic therapy with rt-PA and transcranial color Doppler ultrasound (TCCS) combined with microbubbles: a histopathologic study on rabbit brain tissues

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate effect of thrombolytic therapy with rt-PA (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator) and transcranial color Doppler ultrasound (TCCS) combined with microbubbles on histology of brain tissue.

METHODS

New Zealand rabbits were subjected to TCCS based thrombolytic therapy, in 8 groups depending on dose of rt-PA, exposure duration of TCCS and presence of attenuation by skull bone window, 2 animals/group: (1) skull+1/2 rt-PA+TCCS+MBs, 10 min, (2) skull+rt-PA+TCCS+MBs, 10 min, (3) skull+1/2 rt-PA+TCCS+MBs, 20 min, (4) skull+rt-PA+TCCS+MBs, 20 min, (5) skull+1/2 rt-PA+TCCS+MBs, 30 min, (6) skull+rt-PA+TCCS+MBs, 30 min, (7) 1/2 rt-PA+TCCS+MBs, 10 min, (8) 1/2 rt-PA+TCCS+MBs, 20 min. The brain tissues were harvested after therapies and submitted for microscopic, electronic microscope and immunohistochemical examination. The histological changes were scored.

RESULTS

TCCS caused exposure duration dependent brain tissue damage. With attenuation by bone window, TCCS based therapies for 10-20 min caused minimal tissue damage. However, significant tissue damage was observed upon TCCS for 30 min in presence of skull bone window, presenting as hemorrhage, misdistribution of organelles, demyelination of nerve fibers, and thinning of basement membrane in blood-brain barrier, which was milder than that after 20 min of exposure to TCCS in absence of bone window. Dose of rt-PA did not affect brain histology in all groups.

CONCLUSION

Short treatment of brain tissue with TCCS through a bone window is relative safe. And skull bone window protected brain tissue from TCCS induced damage.

Interactions between individual ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles and fibrin clots

The use of ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles (USMBs) to promote thrombolysis is well established, but there remains considerable uncertainty about the mechanisms of this process. Here we examine the microscale interactions between individual USMBs and fibrin clots as a function of bubble size, exposure conditions and clot type. Microbubbles (n = 185) were placed adjacent to clot boundaries ("coarse" or "fine") using optical tweezers and exposed to 1-MHz ultrasound as a function of pressure (0.1-0.39 MPa). High-speed (10 kfps) imaging was employed, and clots were subsequently assessed with 2-photon microscopy. For fine clots, 46% of bubbles "embedded" within 10 μm of the clot boundary at pressures of 0.1 and 0.2 MPa, whereas at 0.39 MPa, 53% of bubbles penetrated and transited into the clots with an incidence inversely related to their diameter. A substantial fraction of penetrating bubbles induced fibrin network damage and promoted the uptake of nanobeads. In coarse clots, penetration occurred more readily and at lower pressures than in fine clots. The results therefore provide direct evidence of therapeutically relevant effects of USMBs and indicate their dependence on size, exposure conditions and clot properties.

Sonothrombolysis for the treatment of acute stroke: current concepts and future directions

Achieving rapid reperfusion transcranial color-coded duplex is the critical issue in acute stroke treatment. Ultrasound (US) generates negative pressure waves that are associated with an increase in either intrinsic or intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)-induced fibrinolytic activity. Higher rates of tPA-induced arterial recanalization, associated with a trend towards better functional outcome, have been safely achieved by using high-frequency US. By contrast, the use of low-frequency US and transcranial color-coded duplex has been linked to significant hemorrhagic complications. US-accelerated thrombolysis has been safely enhanced by lowering the amount of energy needed for acoustic cavitation with the administration of microbubbles. Other applications of US are being studied, including its intra-arterial use. Operator-independent devices, which will spread the use of these US techniques further, are also being developed. This article reviews the present status of sonothrombolysis in acute stroke treatment, highlighting both experimental and clinical studies addressing this issue, and discusses its future regarding both efficacy and safety.

Development and characterization of new nanoscaled ultrasound active lipid dispersions as contrast agents

Ultrasound contrast agents are widely used in clinical diagnosis. In recent years, the use of ultrasound contrast agents as therapeutic agents has gained a lot of attention. Of special interest are ultrasound-enhanced gene delivery in various tissues (e.g. cardiac, vascular, skeletal muscle and tumor tissue), ultrasound-enhanced protein delivery (e.g. insulin delivery) and ultrasound-enhanced delivery of small chemicals (e.g. doxorubicin, vancomycin). Commercially available ultrasound contrast agents such as SonoVue® or Optison® are ranged in a size of 2-8 μm. These micronscaled agents show a good ultrasound contrast enhancement and thus they are used for diagnostic imaging. But they are not suitable for targeted drug delivery to tumor tissues or blood clots because for these applications particles smaller than 700 nm are needed. In the present study, we developed new nanoscaled ultrasound contrast agents with a size between 70 and 300 nm. The lipid formulations show excellent contrast intensities using diagnostic ultrasound of about 1.4 MHz. The negatively charged colloidal dispersions are long-time stable under physiological conditions without loss of ultrasound reflectivity. The adjustable supramolecular organization of the carriers depends on the composition and varies from micellar to liposomal structures. The small size and the circulation stability of these systems make them promising for novel diagnostics and controlled drug release applications.

Fibrinolytic effects of transparietal ultrasound associated with intravenous infusion of an ultrasound contrast agent: study of a rat model of acute cerebral stroke

The aim of this study was to evaluate the thrombolytic effect of focused transparietal ultrasound in combination with a specific contrast agent (microbubbles) in acute cerebral ischemia. Acute cerebral ischemia was induced in 10 rats by intra-arterial clots injection. Five rats (group 1) were treated with a combination of transparietal ultrasound (probe 2 MHz, acoustic power 500 mW/cm(2)) and intravenous injection of 0.6 mL of the ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) sulfur hexafluoride. Five rats (group 2) were treated by fibrinolytic intravenous infusion (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator). Cerebral cellular energy production was determined by measuring the cellular phosphorylation using phosphorus magnetic spectroscopy before and during ischemia induction and after treatment. Measures were performed on a dedicated 2.35T magnet. The ratio phosphocreatine (P(Cr)) on inorganic phosphate (P(i)), P(Cr)/P(i), estimation of the oxidative phosphorylation metabolism and the intracellular pH (pHi) were measured in the two groups. Compared with the ischemia induction period, both treatments were associated with an increase of P(Cr)/P(i) and pHi values, respectively, +80% and +100% in group 1 (p=0.07) and +100% and +80% in group 2 (p=0.04). There was no significant difference between the two groups for the response treatment. To conclude, treatment with intravenous fibrinolytic infusion and treatment with focused ultrasound in combination with UCA seems to be equally effective in treating acute cerebral ischemia in rats. (E-mail: j.p.tasu@chu-poitiers.fr).

Sonothrombolysis: an emerging modality for the management of stroke

OBJECTIVE

Ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage remain a persistent scourge in Western civilization. Therefore, novel therapeutic modalities are desperately needed to expand the current limitations of treatment. Sonothrombolysis possesses the potential to fill this void because it has experienced a dramatic evolution from the time of early conceptualization in the 1960s. This process began in the realm of peripheral and cardiovascular disease and has since progressed to encompass intracranial pathologies. Our purpose is to provide a comprehensive review of the historical progression and existing state of knowledge, including underlying mechanisms as well as evidence for clinical application of ultrasound thrombolysis.

METHODS

Using MEDLINE, in addition to cross-referencing existing publications, a meticulous appraisal of the literature was conducted. Additionally, personal communications were used as appropriate.

RESULTS

This appraisal revealed several different technologies close to broad clinical use. However, fundamental questions remain, especially in regard to transcranial high-intensity focused ultrasound. Currently, the evidence supporting low intensity ultrasound's potential in isolation, without tissue plasminogen, remains uncertain; however, possibilities exist in the form of microbubbles to allow for focal augmentation with minimal systemic consequences. Alternatively, the literature clearly demonstrates, the efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound for independent thrombolysis.

CONCLUSION

Sonothrombolysis exists as a promising modality for the noninvasive or minimally invasive management of stroke, both ischemic and hemorrhagic. Further research facilitating clinical application is warranted.

Recanalization therapies in acute ischemic stroke: pharmacological agents, devices, and combinations

The primary aim of thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke is recanalization of an occluded intracranial artery. Recanalization is an important predictor of stroke outcome as timely restoration of regional cerebral perfusion helps salvage threatened ischemic tissue. At present, intravenously administered tissue plasminogen activator (IV-TPA) remains the only FDA-approved therapeutic agent for the treatment of ischemic stroke within 3 hours of symptom onset. Recent studies have demonstrated safety as well as efficacy of IV-TPA even in an extended therapeutic window. However, the short therapeutic window, low rates of recanalization, and only modest benefits with IV-TPA have prompted a quest for alternative approaches to restore blood flow in an occluded artery in acute ischemic stroke. Although intra-arterial delivery of the thrombolytic agent seems effective, various logistic constraints limit its routine use and as yet no lytic agent have not received full regulatory approval for intra-arterial therapy. Mechanical devices and approaches can achieve higher rates of recanalization but their safety and efficacy still need to be established in larger clinical trials. The field of acute revascularization is rapidly evolving, and various combinations of pharmacologic agents, mechanical devices, and novel microbubble/ultrasound technologies are being tested in multiple clinical trials.

Safety and dose-escalation study design of Transcranial Ultrasound in Clinical SONolysis for acute ischemic stroke: the TUCSON Trial

Rationale Transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring during intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (i.v.-tPA) infusion increases recanalization rates in acute ischemic stroke. Addition of perflutren-lipid microspheres MRX-801 (microS) may further enhance the process of recanalization. This article describes the design of the Transcranial Ultrasound in Clinical SONolysis (TUCSON) trial. Aims and Design TUCSON is a phase I-II, randomized, placebo-controlled, open-label, safety, dose-escalation clinical trial of microS+TCD ultrasound (sonolysis). Patients with acute ischemic stroke and arterial intracranial occlusions are enrolled within 3 h of symptom onset. All patients receive standard i.v.-tPA and will be randomized to 90 min of continuous 2-MHz TCD+microS or 90 min of saline+brief TCD vessel assessments. The safety profile of four escalating dose tiers will be assessed. Arterial occlusions and recanalization are defined with the Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia flow grades. Study Outcomes Safety is determined by the rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage within 36 h. Neurological deficits and outcomes are measured with the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The signal-of-efficacy is determined by rates of recanalization, dramatic or early clinical recovery within 2 h, clinical recovery at 24-36 h and independent outcome (mRS 0-2) at 90 days.

Enhanced clot dissolution in vitro by 1.8-MHz pulsed ultrasound

Clinical studies of acute stroke patients have shown that the use of high frequency, low energy transcranial "diagnostic" ultrasound (US) enhances thrombolysis (sonothrombolysis). In contrast, a previous in vitro study using a clot preparation with coagulation induced by recalcification failed to reproduce an effect of "diagnostic" transcranial US on thrombolysis. We sought to evaluate this contradiction in an in vitro model with modified clot preparation. The efficacy of 1.8-MHz pulsed-wave (PW) ultrasound (US) emitted by a commercial probe on thrombolysis was tested. Whole blood clots from 0.5-mL venous blood samples were insonated for 1 h through a human temporal bone, using 1.8-MHz PW US emitted by a diagnostic device. The experiment was performed with or without recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) at a concentration of 10 microg/mL. Thrombolysis was measured by means of clot weight loss after 1 h of insonation. A reduction in thrombus weight occurred when US was used in combination with rt-PA, compared with rt-PA alone (78.7% +/- 2.1% versus 70.8% +/- 4.1%, p <or= 0.0001). Repetition of the experiment produced identical results (76.9% +/- 2.5%, compared with control, p = 0.001). Even without rt-PA, US was effective (41.0% +/- 1.7% versus 36.7% +/- 3.7%, p = 0.04). The results of this in vitro study support the clinical observation that diagnostic transcranial US, with or without rt-PA, enhances thrombolysis.

Safety and efficacy of the sonographic acceleration of the middle cerebral artery recanalization: results of the pilot thrombotripsy study

The aim was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of continuous ultrasound monitoring of the artery occlusion area (sonothrombotripsy) in patients with acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. A total of 52 consecutive patients with acute MCA occlusion were included in the thrombotripsy group. Doppler monitoring of the region of occlusion was performed for up to 45 min. The control group was created from the NAIS study database. Patients were matched for their vascular status, age, sex, artery occlusion, NIHSS at admission, rt-PA treatment and time to the first ultrasound examination. The number of recanalized arteries at 6 and 24 h after the onset of symptoms, the number of independent patients (mRS 0-2 versus 3-6) after 90 d, and the number of serious adverse events were statistically evaluated. In the thrombotripsy group, 19 patients (36.5%) had complete recanalization and 27 (51.9%) patients had partial recanalization at 1 h after the start of the TCCS monitoring. Higher recanalization rates at 6 and 24 h after stoke onset were also seen compared with controls (69.2% versus 7.7% and 92.3% versus 61.5% complete recanalizations, respectively, p < 0.05). Independence (mRS 0-2) at day 90 was achieved by 61.5% of the thrombotripsy patients and 32.7% controls, p < 0.05, odds ratio 1.88 (95% confidence interval = 1.23 - 2.90). In both groups, two symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages and one symptomatic brain edema occurred. Sonothrombotripsy with diagnostic transcranial duplex technology is safe and may offer benefit in addition to standard of care stroke treatment.

Ultrasound enhanced thrombolysis in acute arterial ischemia

In vitro and animal studies have shown that thrombolysis with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can be enhanced with ultrasound. Ultrasound delivers mechanical pressure waves to the clot, thus exposing more thrombus surface to circulating drug. Moreover, intravenous gaseous microspheres with ultrasound have been shown to be a potential alternative to fibrinolytic agents to recanalize discrete peripheral thrombotic arterial occlusions or acute arteriovenous graft thromboses. Small phase I-II randomized and non-randomized clinical trials have shown promising results concerning the potential applications of ultrasound-enhanced thrombolysis in the setting of acute cerebral ischemia. CLOTBUST was an international four-center phase II trial, which demonstrated that, in patients with acute ischemic stroke, transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring augments tPA-induced arterial recanalization (sustained complete recanalization rates: 38% vs. 13%) with a non-significant trend toward an increased rate of clinical recovery from stroke, as compared with placebo. The rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) were similar in the active and placebo group (4.8% vs. 4.8%). Smaller single-center clinical trials using transcranial color-coded sonography (TCCD) reported recanalization rates ranging from 27% to 64% and sICH rates of 0-18%. A separate clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of therapeutic low-frequency ultrasound was discontinued because of a concerning sICH rate of 36% in the active group. To further enhance the ability of tPA to break up thrombi, current ongoing clinical trials include phase II studies of a single beam 2 MHz TCD with perflutren-lipid microspheres. Moreover, potential enhancement of intra-arterial tPA delivery is being clinically tested with 1.7-2.1 MHz pulsed wave ultrasound (EKOS catheter) in ongoing phase II-III clinical trials. Intravenous platelet-targeted microbubbles with low-frequency ultrasound are currently investigated as a rapid noninvasive technique to identify thrombosed intracranial and peripheral vessels. Multi-national dose escalation studies of microspheres and the development of an operator independent ultrasound device are underway.

Sonothrombolysis With Transcranial Color-Coded Sonography and Recombinant Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator in Acute Middle Cerebral Artery Main Stem Occlusion

Background and Purpose— Sonothrombolysis is a new treatment approach in acute ischemic stroke. The results of a monocenter, randomized clinical study are presented.

Methods— Subjects with acute middle cerebral artery main stem occlusion were randomized into a target group receiving 1-hour transcranial continuous insonation using a 1.8-MHz Doppler ultrasound (US) probe or a control group. All underwent standard thrombolysis with intravenous recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator.

Results— Thirty-seven subjects were included; 19 subjects were treated in the target (US) group and 18 in the control (no-US) group, all with no residual flow in the middle cerebral artery main stem occlusion (Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia recanalization grade 0). Compared with the no-US group, the US group showed greater improvement in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale values at days 1 and 4 and a higher median Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia grade 1 hour after recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator initiation. Recanalization (complete or partial) after 1 hour occurred in 57.9% of the US group and 22.2% of the no-US group ( P =0.045). After 90 days, 4 subjects from the US group had a modified Rankin Score ≤1 (none from the no-US group) and 8 had a Barthel Index ≥95 (none from the no US group; P =0.106 and P =0.003, respectively). Three subjects from the US group (15.8%) developed a symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage as did one (5.6%) in the no-US group ( P =0.60).

Conclusions— This small randomized study indicates a beneficial impact of transcranial ultrasound on recanalization and short-term outcome in subjects with middle cerebral artery main stem occlusion and recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator treatment.

In vitro evaluation of dual mode ultrasonic thrombolysis method for transcranial application with an occlusive thrombosis model

A recent clinical trial of transcranial low-frequency ultrasound-mediated tPA thrombolysis (LFUT) showed cerebral hemorrhages associated with high spatial peak pulse average intensity (I(SPPA)), wide beam and long pulse duration. We developed an alternative approach to LFUT wherein diagnostic power M-mode Doppler (PMD) ultrasound is combined with LFUT, with a goal of increased safety. The effectiveness of such a dual mode ultrasonic thrombolysis (DMUT) was explored in vitro. The DMUT system emitted PMD (2 MHz) and LFUT (550 kHz) beams in alternating fashion from a small 12 mm diameter probe. The LFUT had a low I(SPPA) (2 W/cm(2)) and a short pulse duration (55 micros). Occlusive clots made in plastic tips from bovine plasma and thrombin were placed in flow models pressurized to 800 mH(2)O, with 600 IU/mL monteplase injected upstream. Recanalization times were then compared among three groups: the control (monteplase alone), PMD (monteplase + PMD) and DMUT (monteplase + PMD + LFUT). The capability of the DMUT device to monitor recanalization was demonstrated by observing with Doppler the degree of flow of a blood-mimicking fluid in the vicinity of the clot. Recanalization times were 37.9 +/- 22.9, 38.9 +/- 12.4 and 18.5 +/- 8.0 min, respectively, for the control, PMD and DMUT. There were significant differences between DMUT and the control (p = 0.0004) and between DMUT and PMD (p = 0.0004). Recanalization flows were clearly detected. It is anticipated that this DMUT method presents a safer and more efficient approach than normal LFUT.

Beyond intravenous thrombolysis

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke trial of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator has been considered a landmark study in the acute treatment of ischemic stroke. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of all ischemic stroke patients presents to the hospital in time to receive the drug. Moreover, the recannalization rate of a major artery occlusion, such as the proximal middle cerebral artery or top of the internal carotid artery occlusion, after intravenous (IV) thrombolytic therapy has been disappointingly low. Since the Food and Drug Administration's approval of IV plasminogen activator, there have been numerous randomized clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of different thrombolytics administered in various time frames. In addition to the IV administration, efforts have been made in order to study the radiographic as well as clinical effects of intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis. The combination of IV and IA thrombolysis has been studied. For patients who do not qualify for receiving chemical thrombolysis, new devices have been developed for mechanical thrombectomy. Angioplasty and stenting procedures are being performed more frequently than in the past as one of the treatment modalities for acute ischemic stroke patients. Relentless research effort is being made internationally in order to fight the devastating disease which now goes beyond the conventional IV thrombolysis.

Ultrasound-enhanced thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke: potential, failures, and safety

Experimental and pilot clinical evidence shows that thrombolysis with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) can be enhanced with ultrasound. Ultrasound delivers mechanical pressure waves to the clot, thus exposing more thrombus surface to circulating drug. The international multicenter phase II CLOTBUST trial showed that, in patients with acute ischemic stroke, transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring augments TPA-induced arterial recanalization, with a nonsignificant trend toward an increased rate of recovery from stroke, compared with placebo. In the CLOTBUST trial, the dramatic clinical recovery from stroke coupled with complete recanalization within 2 hours after TPA bolus occurred in 25% of patients treated with TPA + TCD (n = 63), compared with 8% of those who received TPA alone (n = 63, P = 0.02). Different results were achieved in smaller studies that used transcranial color-coded duplex sonography (TCCD) and a nonimaging therapeutic ultrasound system. The findings of the TRUMBI trial (26 patients) underscored the adverse bioeffects of mid-kilohertz (300 kHz) ultrasound, such as promotion of bleeding in brain areas both affected and unaffected by ischemia. Exposure to multifrequency, multielement duplex ultrasound resulted in a trend toward a higher risk of hemorrhagic transformation. To further enhance the ability of TPA to break up thrombi, current ongoing clinical trials include phase II studies of a single-beam, 2-MHz TCD with perflutren lipid microspheres. Enhancement of intra-arterial TPA delivery is being clinically tested with 1.7-2.1 MHz pulsed-wave ultrasound (EKOS catheter). Multinational dose escalation studies of microspheres and the development of an operator-independent ultrasound device are underway.

Ultrasound enhanced thrombolysis: applications in acute cerebral ischemia

Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) improves patient chances to recover from stroke by inducing mostly partial recanalization of large intracranial thrombi. TPA activity can be enhanced with ultrasound including 2 MHz transcranial Doppler (TCD). TCD identifies residual blood flow signals around thrombi, and, by delivering mechanical pressure waves, exposes more thrombus surface to circulating TPA. The international multi-center CLOTBUST trial showed that ultrasound enhances thrombolytic activity of a drug in humans thereby confirming multi-disciplinary experimental research conducted worldwide for the past 30 years.

In the CLOTBUST trial, the dramatic clinical recovery from stroke coupled with complete recanalization within 2 hours after TPA bolus occurred in 25% of patients treated with TPA+TCD compared to 8% who received TPA alone (p=0.02). Complete clearance of a thrombus and dramatic recovery of brain functions during treatment are feasible goals for ultrasound-enhanced thrombolysis that can lead to sustained recovery. An early boost in brain perfusion seen in the Target CLOTBUST group resulted in a trend of 13% more patients achieving favorable outcome at 3 months, subject for a pivotal trial. However, different results were achieved in a small TRUMBI trial and another study that used Transcranial Color-Coded Duplex Sonography (TCCD). Adverse bio-effects of mid-KHz (300) ultrasound promote bleeding, including brain areas not-affected by ischemia while exposure to multi-frequency / multi-element duplex ultrasound resulted in a trend towards higher risk of hemorrhagic transformations.

To further enhance the ability of TPA to break up thrombi, current ongoing clinical trials include phase II studies of a single beam 2 MHz TCD with perflutren-lipid microspheres. Enhancement of intra-arterial TPA delivery is being clinically tested with 1.7-2.1 MHz pulsed wave ultrasound (EKOS catheter). Multi-national dose escalation studies of microspheres and the development of an operator independent ultrasound device are underway.

Brain temperature during 340-kHz pulsed ultrasound insonation: a safety study for sonothrombolysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Because ultrasound is used for improving thrombolysis of cerebral infarction but continuous ultrasound insonation also has significant thermal effects, we evaluated brain temperature increase and tissue destruction during pulsed ultrasound emission.

METHODS

We examined 340-kHz pulsed ultrasound effects in male Wistar rats. Ultrasound was applied transcranially for 30 minutes on different power levels (1 to 7 W/cm2). Temperature was measured at different locations (brain, in the focus of ultrasound beam, inner ear, temporalis muscle, and rectum). The cooling time after 30-minute insonation for every power level was recorded, and animals were examined by postmortem brain histology (TUNEL and hematoxylin/eosin).

RESULTS

Brain temperature increased within 2 to 5 minutes of insonation. Brain temperature increase and cooling time were in proportion to power level, and even with the highest intensity of 7 W/cm2 for 30 minutes, the maximum elevation of mean brain temperature was 0.9 degrees C, with the highest cooling time of 40 minutes. No deleterious side effects of this treatment could be found in histological examination.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a pulsed ultrasound design, only a moderate temperature increase could be observed with no histopathological abnormalities. Deleterious side effects of mid-kilohertz ultrasound (eg, intracerebral hemorrhage) are therefore not a consequence of local brain temperature increase.

Hyperoxia potentiated sonothrombolysis as a method of acute ischemic stroke therapy

The main goal in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke is prompt arterial recanalization. Thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is efficient in humans, but shows significant problems including slow and incomplete recanalization and frequent bleeding complications. Limited therapeutic window (the first three hours after onset) is the major limitation resulting in reach too few patients. Therefore, adjunctive therapies extending the reperfusion time window, increasing efficacy and reducing side effects of rtPA are needed. Ultrasound augmentation of rtPA-mediated thrombolysis is suggested to overcome some of these problems, but low-frequency ultrasound (less than 1 MHz) is not safe and high frequency ultrasound (2 MHz) is not much effective. We suggest that normobaric hyperoxia (NBO) may increase the efficacy of ultrasound and rtPA combination in addition to its own efficacy in acute ischemic stroke. Briefly, NBO increases arterial partial oxygen pressure (pO(2)) significantly up to 6-fold. Increase of pO(2) results in an increase of dissolved oxygen in the blood according to Henry's law. Enhanced dissolved oxygen increases gas nuclei formation around and inside of the clot, and decreases the Blake threshold. Under ultrasound field, these small gas nuclei form nano bubbles which fuel inertial cavitation as substrates, and therefore increase the clot fragmentation and lysis. This hypothesis has not been tested so far. The combination of rtPA, therapeutic ultrasound and NBO may be more efficacious than rtPA alone or its combination with ultrasound as acute stroke treatment modality, because each has different and probably additive mechanism of action.

Transcranial Doppler in Acute Stroke

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is an evolving neurovascular ultrasound technique that has an established diagnostic and potential therapeutic role in acute stroke management. Angiographically validated criteria for circle-of-Willis occlusion and thrombolysis in brain ischemia classification of residual flow have set the stage for the further development of this technique. TCD has shown its clinical value in thrombolysis monitoring and early emboli detection. The therapeutic effect requires confirmation and may be enhanced further by nanobubble technologies.

Transcranial Low-Frequency Ultrasound-Mediated Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia

Background— Clinical studies using ultrasound at diagnostic frequencies in transcranial Doppler devices provided encouraging results in enhancing thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in acute stroke. Low-frequency ultrasound does not require complex positioning procedures, penetrates through the skull better, and has been demonstrated to accelerate thrombolysis with tPA in animal experiments in wide cerebrovascular territories without hemorrhagic side effects. We therefore conducted the first multicenter clinical trial to investigate safety of tPA plus low-frequency ultrasound (300 kHz).

Methods— Acute stroke patients within a 6-hour time window were included (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores >4). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to document vascular occlusion and to rule out cerebral hemorrhage. Patients were allocated to combination therapy alternately; the first patient received tPA only, the second patient received tPA plus ultrasound, etc. Follow-up included serial MRI directly thereafter and 24 hours later to confirm recanalization and tissue imaging. Clinical recovery was measured after treatment and 3 months later.

Results— 26 patients (70.4±9.7 years) entered the trial (12 tPA, 14 tPA plus ultrasound). The study was prematurely stopped because 5 of 12 patients from the tPA only group but 13 of 14 patients treated with the tPA plus ultrasound showed signs of bleeding in MRI ( P <0.01). Within 3 days of treatment, 5 symptomatic hemorrhages occurred within the tPA plus ultrasound group. At 3 months, neither morbidity nor treatment-related mortality or recanalization rates differed between both groups.

Conclusions— This study demonstrated bioeffects from low-frequency ultrasound that caused an increased rate of cerebral hemorrhages in patients concomitantly treated with intravenous tPA.

Can a Commercial Diagnostic Ultrasound Device Accelerate Thrombolysis?

Background and Purpose— Recently, 3 clinical trials revealed encouraging results in recanalization and clinical outcome in acute stroke patients when 2-MHz transcranial Doppler monitoring was applied. This study investigated whether a 1.8-MHz commercial diagnostic ultrasound device has the potential to facilitate thrombolysis using an in vitro stroke model.

Methods— Duplex-Doppler, continuous wave-Doppler, and pulsed wave (PW)-Doppler were compared on their impact on recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA)–mediated thrombolysis. Blood clots were transtemporally sonicated in a human stroke model. Furthermore, ultrasound attenuation of 5 temporal bones of different thickness was determined.

Results— In comparison, only PW-Doppler accelerated rtPA–mediated thrombolysis significantly. Without temporal bone, PW-Doppler plus rtPA showed a significant enhancement in relative clot weight loss of 23.7% when compared with clots treated with rtPA only (33.9±5.5% versus 27.4±5.2%; P <0.0005). Ultrasound attenuation measurements revealed decreases of the output intensity of 86.8% (8.8 dB) up to 99.2% (21.2 dB), depending on temporal bone thickness (1.91 to 5.01 mm).

Conclusion— Without temporal bone, PW-Doppler significantly enhanced thrombolysis. However, because of a high attenuation of ultrasound by temporal bone, no thrombolytic effect was observed in our in vitro model, although Doppler imaging through the same temporal bone was still possible.

Ultrasound Identification and Lysis of Clots

Poor recovery after systemic tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy could result from the initial severity of ischemic insult and slow and incomplete thrombolysis. Persisting arterial occlusions can be identified at bedside using portable diagnostic ultrasound by detecting residual flow signals around the thrombus (thrombolysis in brain ischemia [TIBI] flow grades). A narrow pulsed ultrasound beam can be steadily aimed at the thrombus/residual flow interface, exposing more thrombus surface and structures to tPA, and tPA activity can be enhanced with 2 MHz transcranial Doppler (TCD). A randomized, multicenter, clinical trial called CLOTBUST (Combined Lysis of Thrombus in Brain ischemia using transcranial Ultrasound and Systemic tPA) trial showed a 49% rate of complete recanalization or dramatic clinical recovery from stroke within 2 hours after tPA bolus when tPA infusion was continuously monitored with TCD, compared with 30% among patients who received tPA without ultrasound monitoring (P=0.03, number needed to treat, 5). Early complete recanalization was sustained at 2 hours by 38% of monitored patients compared with 12.7% controls. The CLOTBUST Trial showed a trend toward sustaining complete recovery at 3 months (41.5% versus 28%, modified Rankin Scale scores 0 to 1), subject for a pivotal phase III trial. Ultrasound is an inexpensive, noninvasive, real-time monitoring tool to identify nonresponders to systemic tPA and select patients with persisting occlusions for intraarterial interventions. Early brain perfusion augmentation, complete recanalization, and dramatic clinical recovery are feasible goals for ultrasound-enhanced thrombolysis.

Efficacy of sonothrombolysis in a rat model of embolic ischemic stroke

The key goal in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke is fast vessel recanalization. Thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is efficient in humans but mean time for recanalization is within hours. Ultrasound bio-effects has been shown to facilitate rt-PA mediated thrombolysis in peripheral arteries. We used an embolic stroke model in the rat. In all rats we induced an ischemic stroke by a selective occlusion of the middle cerebral artery with whole blood clots. From an entire collective of 54 rats 47 completed the protocol (n = 7 died early). Four different groups (no treatment n = 6; full dose rt-PA treatment only [10 mg/kg per body weight] n = 14, half dose rt-PA treatment plus ultrasound n = 10, and full dose rt-PA treatment plus ultrasound n = 17) were investigated. We found a significant reduction of absolute as well as relative infarct volume in the full dose rt-PA plus ultrasound group (81+/-72 mm(3); P< 0.05) in comparison to untreated rats (253+/-159 mm(3); P < 0.05) as well as in comparison to rats treated with full dose rt-PA only (167+/-91 mm(3); P < 0.05). There were five intracranial bleedings giving a bleeding rate of 9.3%. In summary: ultrasound treatment in addition to rt-PA is more effective than single rt-PA treatment in reducing infarct volume and safe with regard to bleeding.

Le Doppler pulsé transcrânien à la phase aiguë de l’infarctus cérébral

INTRODUCTION

Transcranial pulsed Doppler sonography with or without imagery is used in the acute phase of ischemic stroke in order to define stroke mechanism and intracranial hemodynamic consequences.

STATE OF ART

This non-invasive low-cost investigation can be undertaken rapidly, within 10 minutes if guided by focal symptomatology. It detects middle cerebral artery stenosis in >or=50 p. cent of cases with a sensitivity between 75 and 90 p. cent, comparatively with conventional angiography, and middle cerebral artery occlusion with 90 p. cent sensitivity. When a temporal acoustic window is lacking, intravenous injection of a contrast agent allows good visualization of the intracranial vessels and the circle of Willis, in two-third of cases. Moreover, transcranial Doppler data have good prognostic value and facilitate analysis of recanalization after thrombolytic therapy.

CONCLUSION

Beside its diagnostic and prognostic interest, transcranial Doppler sonography using a 2 MHz frequency appears to have therapeutic impact by favoring the thrombolysis process. Future developments may include early and prolonged insonation of patients suffering from stroke.