Low frequency and high intensity ultrasound in vascular surgery: theory, instrumentation and possibilities of clinical application

This paper presents a brief review of applications of ultrasound in modern surgery and results of original studies of the authors in the field of application of low frequency (24-36 kHz) high-intensity (up to 20 W/cm2) ultrasonic vibrations for disruption of thrombi and calcified atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels. Application of non-rigid wire ultrasonic waveguides with length up to 980 mm and diameter of working tip down to 0.3 mm enables minimally invasive surgical intervention, since a waveguide can be introduced along curved segments of blood vessels through a small incision situated at substantial distance from occlusion. Ultrasonic angioplasty can be successfully applied in combination with administration of thrombolytic drugs. The paper also considers physical mechanisms of thrombus disruption under influence of ultrasonic vibrations, particularly, effects of cavitation and acoustic streaming. We described design of ultrasonic waveguides for endovascular surgery and their manufacturing technology based on plasma-electrolytic etching. Application of finite element method and transfer matrix approach for design and model of wire waveguides is considered. Description of clinical system for ultrasonic angioplasty with automated resonance tuning of a waveguide is also provided. In addition, we report results of clinical application of ultrasonic angioplasty in patients with occlusion of iliofemoral segment

Low frequency and high intensity ultrasound in vascular surgery: theory, instrumentation and possibilities of clinical application

This paper presents a brief review of applications of ultrasound in modern surgery and results of original studies of the authors in the field of application of low frequency (24-36 kHz) high-intensity (up to 20 W/cm2) ultrasonic vibrations for disruption of thrombi and calcified atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels. Application of non-rigid wire ultrasonic waveguides with length up to 980 mm and diameter of working tip down to 0.3 mm enables minimally invasive surgical intervention, since a waveguide can be introduced along curved segments of blood vessels through a small incision situated at substantial distance from occlusion. Ultrasonic angioplasty can be successfully applied in combination with administration of thrombolytic drugs. The paper also considers physical mechanisms of thrombus disruption under influence of ultrasonic vibrations, particularly, effects of cavitation and acoustic streaming. We described design of ultrasonic waveguides for endovascular surgery and their manufacturing technology based on plasma-electrolytic etching. Application of finite element method and transfer matrix approach for design and model of wire waveguides is considered. Description of clinical system for ultrasonic angioplasty with automated resonance tuning of a waveguide is also provided. In addition, we report results of clinical application of ultrasonic angioplasty in patients with occlusion of iliofemoral segment

Dual antiplatelet therapy duration after coronary stenting in clinical practice: results of an EAPCI survey

Aims: Our aim was to report on a survey initiated by the EuropeanAssociation of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) concerning opinion on the evidence relating to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) duration after coronary stenting.Methods and results: Results from three randomised clinical trials were scheduled to be presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2014 (ARIA 2014). A web-based survey was distributed to all individuals registered in the EuroIntervention mailing list (n=15,200) both before and after ARIA 2014. A total of 1,134 physicians responded to the first (i.e., before AHA 2014) and 542 to the second (i.e., after ARIA 2014) survey. The majority of respondents interpreted trial results consistent with a substantial equipoise regarding the benefits and risks of an extended versus a standard DAPT strategy. Two respondents out of ten believed extended DAFT should be implemented in selected patients. After ARIA 2014, 46.1% of participants expressed uncertainty about the available evidence on DAFT duration, and 40.0% the need for clinical guidance.Conclusions: This EAPCI survey highlights considerable uncertainty within the medical community with regard to the optimal duration of DAFT after coronary stenting in the light of recent reported trial results. Updated recommendations for practising physicians to guide treatment decisions in routine clinical practice should be provided by international societies