Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of the proposed study was to conduct a feasibility study using a flat rectangular (3 × 10 mm2) transducer operating at 5 MHz for removing atherosclerotic plaque in an in vivo model. The proposed method can be used in the future for treating atherosclerotic plaques in humans.Methods and resultsThe plaque in the rabbits was created using high cholesterol diet for 4 months. The amount of plaque removed was studied as a function of intensity, with a fixed pulse repetition frequency (PRF), and duty factor (DF).ConclusionsThe amount of plaque removed is directly related to the acoustic intensity. It was found that the presence of bubbles accelerates the removal of plaque. In order to ensure that pure mechanical mode ultrasound was used, the intensity used does not produce temperatures that exceed 1°C.
Highlights
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty material collects along the walls of arteries
The amount of plaque removed is directly related to the acoustic intensity
It was found that the presence of bubbles accelerates the removal of plaque
Summary
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty material collects along the walls of arteries. This fatty material thickens and may eventually block the arteries [1]. The plaque is composed of distinctly morphological features including a fibrous cap comprised of smooth muscle cells, fibrotic tissue, and lipid core containing fat-laden macrophages and extracellular lipids [1]. Atherosclerotic plaque contains large amounts of calcium salt [2], which significantly increases the mechanical properties of the plaque. A plaque with a thin fibrous cap and a large lipid core is more prone to rupture [3]. The proposed method can be used in the future for treating atherosclerotic plaques in humans
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