The well-known use of tPA for thrombolysis can be improved with therapeutic ultrasound administration and at the specific clot.  Likewise, our new combination of therapeutic ultrasound and microbubbles can destroy clots without the use of thrombolytic drugs.  In this case, it is thought that the microbubble adheres to the surface of all clots but can be activated in specific areas by ultrasound.  With the administration of low frequency ultrasound, the bubble begins to vibrate and eventually pop like a balloon.  These bubbles are about 3 microns in size and result in micro jets and thrombus clot collisions, which in turn erode the adjacent clot, producing clot fragments about 3 microns in size, the same size produced by traditional thrombolytic drugs.  This work has been proven in dogs with dialysis grafts and pigs with intracranial clots in a stroke model situation.  Currently, Dr. Culp is the principal investigator for a funded multicenter study on declotting thrombosed dialysis grafts in humans.  Additionally, Dr. Culp is currently involved in a funded study on a pig stroke model and a funded study to develop approved ultrasound delivery systems.

Presentations on these subjects have been given at the Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Society of Interventional Radiology, and the American Heart Association meetings over the past three years.  Several abstracts and major papers have been published or are In Press.

• Publications
• Ultrasound Treatment for Strokes
• Other Interests
• Research with Dr. Bill Culp

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