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In Vitro Ultrasound Augmented Clot Dissolution—What is the Optimal Timing of Ultrasound Application?

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Abstract

The mechanism of ultrasound augmentation of pharmacological thrombolysis is yet unknown. The goal of this study is to find the best timing regimen for in-vitro ultrasound augmented clot dissolution by streptokinase, heparin and their combination. Blood clots from 4 donors were cut into 200–400 mg sections and randomized to no treatment with ultrasound; pre-treatment with ultrasound (before immersion); early treatment with ultrasound; or late treatment with ultrasound. Clots were placed in tubes containing either saline; heparin; streptokinase or streptokinase +heparin. All groups showed significant weight reduction (p < 0.001). Using the one way ANOVA test, we showed that ultrasound application resulted in a significantly higher rate of clots dissolution (p < 0.05) than without ultrasound in all of the solutions tested. We found no statistically significant difference between the three ultrasound regimens tested. In conclusion, in our in-vitro model, no single ultrasound timing schedule was found to provide better clot dissolution than the other schedules. This finding may suggest an additive effect between the ultrasound and the different solutions rather than a synergistic effect.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The laboratory of Cardiovascular Biology, Felsenstein Research Institute and the Department of Cardiology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tiqva, Israel

    Gil Zvi Shlamovitz, Zaza Iakobishvili, Israel Matz, Gregori Golovchiner, Eli Lev & Yochai Birnbaum

  2. The Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Robert J. Siegel

Authors
  1. Gil Zvi Shlamovitz
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  2. Zaza Iakobishvili
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  3. Israel Matz
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  4. Gregori Golovchiner
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  5. Eli Lev
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  6. Robert J. Siegel
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  7. Yochai Birnbaum
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Shlamovitz, G.Z., Iakobishvili, Z., Matz, I. et al. In Vitro Ultrasound Augmented Clot Dissolution—What is the Optimal Timing of Ultrasound Application?. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 16, 521–526 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022946600280

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022946600280

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