Ultrasound and Magnetic Dual-Mode Stacked Transducer for High-Frequency Magneto-Sonothrombolysis

Abstract

Thrombosis usually occurs when a blood clot shapes within the blood vessel which may prevent the bloodstream through the body. Earlier microbubbles and tPA-mediated ultrasound thrombolysis usually had a relatively low efficacy for retracted clots owing to the limited penetration of agents into the condensed clot fibrin networks. Here we report the advancement of ultrasound and magnetic dual-mode stacked transducers, which can generate ultrasound wave and high frequency oscillating magnetic field to stimulate the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and microbubbles for enhanced tPA-mediated sonothrombolysis. The results showed that the combined effects of localized hyperthermia from the high-frequency oscillation of SPIONs and mechanical shock waves from ultrasound could effectively enhance the tPA-mediated sonothrombolysis efficacy.