Measurement of Thrombolysis Enhanced by EkoSonic Catheter-Based Endovascular Therapy

Abstract

To date, there have been no studies that use ultrasound imaging tools to measure the spatial extent of thrombolysis from catheter-based treatments. This study uses contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging to measure and visualize plasma clot lysis by either an EkoSonic endovascular system or a conventional side-hole drug delivery catheter. Ultrasound enhances drug-mediated thrombolytic therapy by 80-350%; the degree of enhancement depends on the drug delivery strategy, and the presence or absence of plasma flow through the system during therapy. The measurements and visualizations give a more detailed picture of the lysis process and may inform future strategies for ultrasound-assisted catheter-based intervention.