Sonothrombolysis for treatment of acute ischemic stroke: Current evidence and new developments

Abstract

Sonothrombolysis is a novel therapy for recanalization of acute intracranial arterial occlusion. So far, safety and efficacy has been shown for transcranial ultrasound with diagnostic probes in combination with standard thrombolysis treatment. However, there are several new developments including special designed ultrasound probes, microspheres for enhancement of the thrombolytic effect of ultrasound and other new approaches. This review provides an overview of current evidence from randomized controlled trials and perspectives on this topic.