Noninvasive, transthoracic, low-frequency ultrasound augments thrombolysis in a canine model of acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND

Limitations of coronary thrombolysis include the time to reperfusion, patency rate, and bleeding. We evaluated the use of noninvasive transcutaneous ultrasound to augment coronary thrombolysis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In 24 dogs, a thrombotic occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery was induced and documented by 12-lead ECG and coronary angiography. After >/=60 minutes of occlusion, tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA; 1.42 mg/kg) was given intravenously over 90 minutes. A total of 12 of the 24 dogs had concomitant transcutaneous application of low-frequency ultrasound (27 kHz) over the chest. At 90 minutes, the mean TIMI grade flow in the t-PA alone group was 0.92+/-1.4 compared with 2. 42+/-1.9 in the t-PA plus ultrasound group (P=0.006). TIMI 2 to 3 flow was present in 4 of 12 cases receiving t-PA alone compared with 10 of 12 cases receiving t-PA plus ultrasound (P=0.003). At 180 minutes, mean TIMI grade flow was 0.75+/-1.4 in the t-PA alone group versus 2.58+/-0.9 in the t-PA plus ultrasound group (P=0.001). Pathological examination confirmed the angiographic patency rate and did not reveal injury secondary to ultrasound in the skin, soft tissues, heart, or lungs.

CONCLUSIONS

In vivo, the noninvasive transthoracic application of low-frequency ultrasound (1) greatly augments the efficacy of t-PA-mediated thrombolysis, (2) seems safe, and (3) has substantial potential as a noninvasive adjunct to improve coronary patency without increasing the risk of bleeding.