THROMBOLYSIS IN RETINAL VESSELS WITH ULTRASOUND

摘要

Systems and methods are described providing for the use of ultrasound energy to effect the dislodging of one or more blood clots inside blood vessels. Such clots can include those inside retinal vessels, especially in patients with central retinal vein occlusion. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used for any retinal arterial or venous occlusion. In exemplary embodiments, a small probe can be inserted into the eye of a patient and placed over the retinal vessels. Acoustic streaming created by the probe can be directed to an area or region including targeted blood vessels, resulting in increased flow in one or more retinal veins and facilitating or effecting mechanical dislodging of one or more blood clots in the targets blood vessels. Exemplary embodiments can utilize ultrasonic energy produced at a frequency of approximately 44 MHz to 46 MHz with pulse repetition frequencies of approximately 100 Hz to 100 kHz.

主权项

1. An ultrasonic needle transducer system comprising:
an ultrasonic needle transducer for producing an output of ultrasound energy, the transducer including a piezoelectric material and being configured and arranged for intraocular insertion, a control unit connected to the ultrasound transducer and configured and arranged to control the production of ultrasound energy from the transducer.