Release date: 2017-06-22

Researchers have developed the first ultrasound "bit" that allows doctors to better target blood clots. The tool also includes a syringe that allows the user to inject microbubbles into the clot to make the ultrasound more effective (Source: medGadget)

Blood clots are a very annoying thing for people with cardiovascular disease. However, now we have a new weapon against blood clots. Researchers from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed a new surgical tool, an ultrasound "bit" that uses low-frequency intravascular ultrasound to break the formation of deep-venous blood clots. Blood clots. This is the first ultrasonic “bit” that can be longitudinally aligned to allow the doctor to better target blood clots and significantly reduce treatment time. Currently, this technology has been tested in artificial blood vessels. The study was published in the Nature issue of Scientific Reports.

Existing intravascular ultrasound tools for removing blood clots emit transverse ultrasound. This makes it difficult to target clots, and lateral means that ultrasound can also damage surrounding blood vessels. However, ultrasound breaks up the blood clot into small pieces, and the doctor does not need to use a large dose of blood thinner to dissolve the debris of the blood clot.

Another technique uses a diamond tip to effectively break through a blood clot. This is clearly more targeted and poses less risk to blood vessels. However, this technique can only break up blood clots into larger pieces and require higher doses of blood to dilute the drug, which can also be a risk.

Professor Xiaoning Jiang, Corresponding author of this study (Source: ncsu.edu)

Obviously, the existing methods have certain limitations, and the ultrasonic drill we introduced today is undoubtedly a better choice. “Our new ultrasound tool works on the front, like a drill, but it can still break down blood clots into very fine particles,” said Xiaoning Jiang, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at North Carolina State University. Our approach improves accuracy and does not rely on high doses of blood thinner, which we hope will reduce risk overall."

The tool also incorporates a spray tube that allows the user to inject microbubbles into the clot so that the ultrasound is more effective at breaking the clot.

The principle of microbubble-mediated intravascular thrombolysis. Image source: ScientificReports

The researchers tested it through a prototype device using synthetic blood vessels and bovine blood.

The research has achieved gratifying results. First author PhD student Jinwook Kim pointed out, "We found that we can dissolve 90% clots in 3.5 to 4 hours without using any blood thinner, compared to conventional ultrasound tools and blood thinners. The combination takes 10 hours."

Microbubble-mediated ultrasound in vitro thrombolysis test. Image source: ScientificReports

The feasibility of in vitro experiments has made researchers more confident. “This is a testament to the success of the concept, and we are getting funding to advance the process of animal model testing,” said Professor Jiang.

Researchers have applied for patents for this technology and are interested in working with industry partners to develop the device.

Reference material

[1] New Ultrasound 'Drill' Targets DeepVein Blood Clots

[2] Tiny Forward Facing Ultrasound Drill toBust Through Blood Clots

[3] Intravascular forward-lookingultrasound transducers for microbubble-mediated sonothrombolysis

Source: Health New Vision (Micro Signal HealthHorizon)

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