Therapeutic applications of microbubbles

Unger, Evan C.; Matsunaga, Terry O.; McCreery, Thomas P.; Schumann, Patricia A.; Sweitzer, Robert H.; Quigley, Rachel M.

doi:10.1016/s0720-048x(01)00455-7

Cited by 285 publications

(145 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…In this paper, we present two case examples showing that PVA can be innovatively exploited as polymeric material in biomedical fields such as controlled drug release and ultrasound imaging. 14 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tailoring of Physical and Chemical Properties of Macro- and Microhydrogels Based on Telechelic PVA

et al. 2002

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Poly(vinyl alcohol), PVA, is amenable to several structural modifications because of the presence of the hydroxyl moiety in the backbone. The chemical versatility of this polymer can be used for the obtainment of new wall-to-wall pH-responsive PVA chemical hydrogels and for the preparation of air-filled microspheres, for example, microbubbles. Here, we report on the characterization of the physical and chemical properties of these novel networks that can be potentially used in different biomedical applications as controlled drug delivery and as ultrasonic contrast agent.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tailoring of Physical and Chemical Properties of Macro- and Microhydrogels Based on Telechelic PVA

et al. 2002

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“…These authors observed in an in vitro model that the combination of urokinase, low-frequency US (170 kHz) and MBs resulted in an increased rate of fibrinolysis at 60 min compared with urokinase plus US or urokinase alone. The bioeffect of US-mediated MB destruction on clot lysis has been demonstrated, even in the absence of thrombolytic drugs, with the use of a variety of echo contrast agents in combination with low-frequency, high-power US [29,30,31]. In a recent in vitro study, a high rate of declotting was observed with the combination of t-PA, high-frequency commercially available US (2 MHz), and galactose-based air-filled MBs (Levovist) [32].…”

Section: Monitoring Recanalization During Systemic Thrombolysismentioning

confidence: 99%

Transcranial Ultrasound in Acute Stroke: From Diagnosis to Therapy

Molina

Alexandrov²

2007

Cerebrovasc Dis

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In the last few years, several studies have improved our knowledge and understanding of the dynamic nature of the recanalization process during stroke thrombolysis. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound provides a unique opportunity to assess several aspects of clot dissolution by means of continuous monitoring of recanalization during and after administration of tissue plasminogen activator. This approach allows us to evaluate at the patient’s bedside and in real time the beginning, timing, speed and degree of artery reopening, as well as to document reocclusion after successful recanalization. Moreover, the simultaneous clinical assessment during transcranial Doppler monitoring allows correlation of the hemodynamic changes with the clinical course and outcome. Experimental studies have shown that ultrasound (US)-accelerated thrombolysis may be further enhanced by administration of microbubbles (MBs). Low-frequency US with high power has been demonstrated to produce cavitation and fluid motion in the thrombus. The MBs, by acting as cavitation nuclei, lower the amount of energy needed for cavitation. Application of high-acoustic-pressure US has been shown to induce nonlinear oscillations of MBs, leading to a continuous absorption of energy until the bubbles explode, releasing the absorbed energy. A multicenter randomized phase II trial of MB-enhanced thrombolysis in acute stroke is under way.

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“…For association with microbubbles, a drug may also be provided in the form of a pro-drug [225,226]. The various modes of drug association have been discussed in comprehensive reviews [141,143,227,228].…”

Section: Use Of Ultrasound To Trigger Localized Delivery Microbubblementioning

confidence: 99%