P4C-4 In Vitro Investigation of Thrombosis Dissolution with Microbubble-Induced Continuous Acoustic Activities

The effectiveness of sustained cavitation in vitro in the presence of a lipid-encapsulated microbubble contrast agent has been investigated in order to maximize sonothrombolysis effect. Sustained cavitation is indicated by broadband scattered signals received continuously by a passive acoustic detector. Percent clot mass loss increased from 1.9% plusmn 3.0% (control) to 13.4% plusmn 4.0% with ultrasound alone. The loss is further increased to 19.5% plusmn 6.7% with the combination of the microbubbles and therapeutic ultrasound. The presence of sustained cavitation appears to play an important role in the enhancement of thrombolysis.