Waving at Thrombosis

Clots in arteries and veins are the main cause of heart attack, stroke, and pulmonary embolisms. The occurrence of thrombosis is rising and potential methods to treat the condition fast and effectively are pouring in. Yet not all are as successful as hoped. Although, researchers at Emory University say that using ultrasound waves in combination with clot-dissolving drugs aid in rapid treatment for both acute in-situ arterial thrombosis and deep vein thrombosis. Using this method, the researchers we able to break up and dissolve blood clots, restore flow, and prevent valve damage just as traditional methods used today. The significance of the treatment is the speed at which the clots are removed and the efficiency of removing the clots relative to previous treatments. The addition of ultrasonic waves to the treatment loosens the proteins in the blood clot. This causes the clot to become more permeable to the drugs and allows them to enter the clot easier and faster. This is especially useful in deep vein thrombosis due to the necessity for quick treatment upon diagnosis. In DVT, the clot rests deep in the lower leg or thigh and has high probability to cause fatal pulmonary embolisms. This treatment is an effective way to reduce the possibility of these embolisms. The study at Emory showed 100% percent of patients with acute in-situ arterial thrombosis had their clots dissolved and 87% of DVT patients had their clots dissolved.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081123150253.htm