Three dimensional imaging ultrasound with microbubbles to enhance reflow in ST elevation myocardial infarction

摘要

The present invention relates to an improved method for accelerating restoration of blood flow in treatment of an acutely thrombosed coronary artery by employing real time transthoracic 3D ultrasonic volume imaging at or near the base of the heart, and/or proximate the basal aspect of the associated left ventricular regional wall motion abnormality. Ultrasonic pulses provided by 3D imaging uniquely and necessarily deliver ultrasound to a broad target volume to stimulate the coronary arteries (which are difficult to image with ultrasound, and comprise tortious three dimensional structures), in view to providing an agitative and clot disruptive effect to a hidden, culprit, thrombosed, coronary vessel. In the preferred embodiment an intravenous microbubble solution is concurrently administered with 3D ultrasound which creates a dramatic synergy in disrupting the culprit thrombosis. Further incorporation of intravenously administered thrombolytics and co-use of transthoracic low frequency sonic vibration massage along with 3D ultrasonic imaging and microbubbles (including whereby thrombolytics are contained within microbubbles) to expedite initial reflow and facilitate microvascular flow (in avoidance of the no-reflow phenomenon following epicardial vessel recanalization) are also discussed.