We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Ultrasound Technology Helps Dissolve Blood Clots

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 19 Jun 2014
Print article
Image: The EkoSonic IDDC and removable coaxial ultrasound transducer core (Photo courtesy of EKOS Corporation).
Image: The EkoSonic IDDC and removable coaxial ultrasound transducer core (Photo courtesy of EKOS Corporation).
A new system allows controlled and selective infusion of physician-specified fluids, including thrombolytics, for the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE).

The EkoSonic Endovascular System is an ultrasound-facilitated catheter-directed low-dose fibrinolysis device designed to gently accelerate the penetration of thrombolytic agents into a thrombus, providing high levels of lysis to minimize the risk of PE and intracranial hemorrhage. The system is intended for the treatment of patients with a 50% or more clot burden in one or both main pulmonary arteries or lobar pulmonary arteries, as well as evidence of right heart dysfunction, based on a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 25 mmHg or higher, and/or echocardiographic evaluation.

The device consists of a multilumen intelligent drug delivery catheter (IDDC) with a removable coaxial ultrasound transducer core and a microsonic device (MSD). The acoustic energy conditions the clot by thinning fibrin and increasing porosity, creating a pressure gradient which transports the thrombolytic agent deep into the thrombus. As a result, there is no thrombus fracture or breakage, no damage to valves or the vascular wall, and no hemolysis.

An added benefit is that since red blood cells (RBCs) are not fractured during the procedure, there is no adenosine release and no additional compromise to renal function. The EkoSonic Endovascular System is a product of EKOS Corporation (Bothell, WA, USA), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“The EKOS clinical data established that patients stricken with a life-threatening pulmonary embolism can be successfully and safely treated with the EkoSonic system,” said Prof. Samuel Goldhaber, MD, director of the Thrombosis Research Group at Brigham and Woman’s Hospital (Boston, MA, USA). “This is the first FDA cleared treatment option for PE since the approval of the drug tissue plasminogen activator [tPA], in 1990.”

“Interventional radiologists, cardiologists, cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons at leading institutions around the world use our system to provide faster, safer and more complete dissolution of thrombus,” said Matt Stupfel, General Manager of EKOS. “We are proud to have completed the world’s only randomized controlled trial and the largest prospective single-arm trial on the safety and effectiveness of EKOS therapy in the treatment of PE. The positive outcomes of those trials, combined with our expanded indication will allow a better standard of care for thousands of patients who suffer from PE.”

Related Links:

EKOS Corporation


Gold Member
Real-Time Diagnostics Onscreen Viewer
GEMweb Live
Gold Member
Disposable Protective Suit For Medical Use
Disposable Protective Suit For Medical Use
Silver Member
Wireless Mobile ECG Recorder
NR-1207-3/NR-1207-E
New
Breast Imaging Workstation
SecurView

Print article

Channels

Critical Care

view channel
Image: Researchers have developed an advanced shear-thinning hydrogel for aneurysm repair (Photo courtesy of TIBI)

New Hydrogel Features Enhanced Capabilities for Treating Aneurysms and Halting Progression

Aneurysms can develop in blood vessels in different body areas, often as a result of atherosclerosis, infections, inflammatory diseases, and other risk factors. These conditions lead to chronic inflammation,... Read more

Patient Care

view channel
Image: The newly-launched solution can transform operating room scheduling and boost utilization rates (Photo courtesy of Fujitsu)

Surgical Capacity Optimization Solution Helps Hospitals Boost OR Utilization

An innovative solution has the capability to transform surgical capacity utilization by targeting the root cause of surgical block time inefficiencies. Fujitsu Limited’s (Tokyo, Japan) Surgical Capacity... Read more

Health IT

view channel
Image: First ever institution-specific model provides significant performance advantage over current population-derived models (Photo courtesy of Mount Sinai)

Machine Learning Model Improves Mortality Risk Prediction for Cardiac Surgery Patients

Machine learning algorithms have been deployed to create predictive models in various medical fields, with some demonstrating improved outcomes compared to their standard-of-care counterparts.... Read more

Point of Care

view channel
Image: The new eye-safe laser technology can diagnose traumatic brain injury (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Diagnostic Hand-Held Device Detects Known Biomarkers for Traumatic Brain Injury

The growing need for prompt and efficient diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of mortality globally, has spurred the development of innovative diagnostic technologies.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.