Method and Device for Ultrasound-Assisted Therapy
Scientists from The University of Pittsburgh have developed a novel method and device for ultrasound (US) contrast assisted therapy.
Description
Combining the use of relatively long acoustic US tone bursts and microbubble-based ultrasound contrast agents (MB) this approach has the potential to treat a variety of conditions. The inclusion of a contrast agent allows for observation of the behavior of the MB both in vivo and in vitro allowing for optimization of parameters needed for novel US-MB mediated therapies. Changes in US frequency, number of cycles in each tone burst, and pulse repetition rate to specifically target certain tissue types allow for delivery of therapeutic agents to selectively target tissue. This novel approach could allow for determination of these optimal conditions leading to new ways of delivering gene vectors or pharmaceuticals directly to disease through sonoporation reducing the risk of other organ damage or possible side effects.Applications
1. Thrombotic conditions2. Tumor targeting
3. Selective tissue targeting
Advantages
Research has shown microbubbles can last much longer than previously reported when subjected to US excitation above cavitation threshold. During this time microbubbles will go through various stages including inertial cavitation and aggregate formation.This novel approach harnesses the prolonged acoustic activity to promote continued micro-streaming, improving delivery of pharmaceutical agents or gene vectors to cells. The approach requires less US energy than traditional methods, reducing the risk of potential side effects such as heating.