Interview with Prof. Dr. Kucher.
Prof. Kucher, what was the reason for developing ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis?
Prof. Dr. Kucher:
Large-scale registries have confirmed that about two-thirds of patients with massive pulmonary embolism do not receive potentially life-saving thrombolysis because of the risk of bleeding. On the other hand, we occasionally observe that patients who are initially stable and treated according to standards die as a result of pulmonary embolism. Better therapy is also necessary because many affected individuals suffer from symptoms of right heart strain for months. Finally, treatment must prevent important late effects such as the chronification of pulmonary hypertension.
What effect do ultrasound waves have on the embolus?
As we know, ultrasound waves alone cannot dissolve the thrombus. The mechanical effect of the ultrasound waves leads on the one hand to destabilization of the thrombus with thinning of the fibrin threads. At the same time, the drug is forced into the thrombus with pressure as a result of “acoustic streaming,” which leads to faster dissolution even at low doses.
The results of the Phase II study are promising. What’s next for ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis?
Future studies will assess whether catheter lysis is safer than systemic lysis, particularly in terms of reducing major bleeding.
Interview: Regina Scharf
