High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) for Dissolution of Clots in a Rabbit Model of Embolic Stroke

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042311
• Publication Date: 2012-08-03T22:48:22Z
• Authors: Alison Burgess; Yuexi Huang; Adam C. Waspe; Milan Ganguly; David E. Goertz; Kullervo Hynynen
• Keywords: Stroke; Thrombolytic drug; High-intensity focused ultrasound

It is estimated that only 2–6% of patients receive thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke suggesting alternative therapies are necessary. In this study, we investigate the potential high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to initiate thrombolysis in an embolic model stroke. Iron-loaded blood clots were injected into middle cerebral artery (MCA) New Zealand White rabbits, through internal carotid and blockages confirmed by angiography. MRI was used localize iron-loaded clot target HIFU beam treatment. pulses (1.5 MHz, 1 ms bursts, Hz pulse repetition frequency, 20 s duration) applied thrombolysis. Repeat angiograms histology assess reperfusion vessel damage. Using 275 W acoustic power, there no evidence post-treatment 3 rabbits tested. a separate group animals, 415 power observed 2 4 (50%) animals treated. last further increased 550 W, which led 5 7 (∼70%) Histological analysis thatthe sonicated vessels remained intact after Hemorrhage detected outside sonication site, likely due proximity with base rabbit skull. These results demonstrate feasibility using HIFU, as stand-alone method, cause effective without immediate damage targeted vessels. combined imaging modalities identify patients, could dramatically reduce time achieve flow restoration thereby significantly increasing number benefit from treatments.