Enhancement of ultrasound thrombolysis
First Claim
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1. A method for removing a thrombosis, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) radiating a thrombosis, disposed in a vessel within a body, with ultrasound in order to effect removal of the thrombosis by dissolution thereof, said ultrasound being introduced at a frequency of less than about 100 kHz; and
(b) introducing a selected dose of an echo contrast agent proximate the thrombosis in order to enhance the effectiveness of the ultrasound in removing the thrombosis by dissolution thereof.
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods are provided for utilizing a combination of ultrasonic energy and an echo contrast agent containing microbubbles, for substantially dissolving blood clots or other vascular obstructions. One embodiment of the present invention utilizes a selected dose of thrombolytic agent in combination with an echo contrast agent, for enhancing the thrombolytic action of a thrombolytic agent and removing a thrombosis from a vascular system in less time than the time required by activity of the selected dose of thrombolytic agent without the ultrasonic radiation of the thrombosis.
308 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for removing a thrombosis, said method comprising the steps of:
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(a) radiating a thrombosis, disposed in a vessel within a body, with ultrasound in order to effect removal of the thrombosis by dissolution thereof, said ultrasound being introduced at a frequency of less than about 100 kHz; and (b) introducing a selected dose of an echo contrast agent proximate the thrombosis in order to enhance the effectiveness of the ultrasound in removing the thrombosis by dissolution thereof. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for enhancing thrombolytic action of a thrombolytic agent, said method comprising the steps of:
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(a) radiating a thrombosis, disposed in a vessel within a body, with ultrasound in order to effect removal of the thrombosis, said ultrasound having a frequency of less than about 100 kHz; (b) introducing a selected dose of a thrombolytic agent proximate the thrombosis; and (c) introducing a selected dose of an echo contrast agent proximate the thrombosis in order to enhance the effectiveness of both the ultrasound and the thrombolytic agent in removing the thrombosis. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. Apparatus for removal of a cardiovascular blockage, said apparatus comprising, in combination:
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ultrasonic means for radiating a cardiovascular blockage with ultrasound, having a frequency of less than about 100 kHz; and means for introducing a selected dose of an echo contrast agent proximate the cardiovascular blockage in order to enhance the effect of the ultrasound in removing the cardiovascular blockage. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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Specification