Catheter-based ultrasound thrombolysis--a new promising thrombus-debulking device for the treatment of intracoronary thrombosis.

Angiographic suggestion of intercoronary thrombus is often seen in patients sustaining acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Even in the era of stenting and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists, the presence of thrombus-rich lesion during percutaneous coronary interventions portends an increased risk of adverse events. It has been hypothesized that reduction of clot-burden prior to PCI may reduce complications and enhance efficacy. Experimental and clinical data have shown that catheter-based ultrasound thrombolysis is capable of inducing an efficacious and safe thrombus-debulking. This article reviews the collective experience with this promising device solution for the treatment of thrombotic lesions in the setting of ACS.