Thrombosis in cardiovascular disease is an urgent global issue, but treatment progress
is limited by the risks of current antithrombotic approaches. The cavitation effect
in ultrasound-mediated thrombolysis offers a promising mechanical alternative for
clot lysis. Further addition of microbubble contrast agents introduces artificial
cavitation nuclei that can enhance the mechanical disruption induced by ultrasound.
Recent studies have proposed sub-micron particles as novel sonothrombolysis agents
with increased spatial specificity, safety and stability for thrombus disruption.
In this article, the applications of different sub-micron particles for sonothrombolysis
are discussed. Also reviewed are in vitro and in vivo studies that apply these particles as cavitation agents and as adjuvants to thrombolytic
drugs. Finally, perspectives on future developments in sub-micron agents for cavitation-enhanced
sonothrombolysis are shared.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: March 01, 2023
Accepted:
January 23,
2023
Received in revised form:
January 11,
2023
Received:
October 26,
2022
Identification
Copyright
© 2023 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology.
