Sonothrombolysis – Mechanisms of Action and its Use 
in the Treatment of Stroke

Summary

Sonothrombolysis is one of the novel therapeutic methods in acute stroke patients. It is based on acceleration of clot lysis by ultrasound. Mechanisms of therapeutic ultrasound effect include heating, cavitation and micromotion of sonificated medium. In particular, cavitation and micromotion of sonificated medium are responsible for acceleration of clot lysis. Experiments with sonothrombolysis have been performed since 1950s, especially during the last 20 years. Many in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated efficacy of sonothrombolysis in clot lysis. Sonothrombolysis can be used in combination with thrombolytic agents, echocontrast agents or even separately for activation of fibrinolytic system. Apart from the external application of ultrasound through the temporal bone window, endovascular application can also be used.

Key words:
ischemia – thrombus – arterial occlusion – thrombolysis – sonothrombolysis

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