Sonothrombolysis for Proximal Occlusions

Abstract

Early arterial recanalization with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) is associated with better neurological outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Research has suggested that microspheres — which can reach intracranial occlusions and transmit energy momentum from an ultrasound wave — can enhance recanalization in proximal occlusions, where thrombi are larger than distal thrombi and tend to be less responsive to systemic t-PA. This pilot safety study, funded by the manufacturer of microsphere technology, was a randomized, …