Novel Ultrasound Technique to Help Improve Survival Rate After Heart Attacks

Researchers combined intravenous microbubbles with transthoracic ultrasound to restore blood flow to the heart muscle in myocardial infarction patients.

An interesting research presented at the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) conference in Boston may improve survival of heart attack victims.

The research study entitled - Safety and Feasibility of Diagnostic Ultrasound High Mechanical Index Impulses in Restoring Epicardial Flow in Acute ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Humans has combined intravenous microbubbles with transthoracic ultrasound to more readily restore blood flow to the surface of the heart muscle in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), potentially preserving heart function in these patients.

Heart Attack - Overview
Heart attack is the death of the heart muscle due to loss of blood supply. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Other names for heart attack include acute myocardial infarction, coronary thrombosis, and coronary occlusion.

Nearly 250,000 people experience STEMI heart attacks annually; one of the most important factors for recovery is quick treatment to reduce blockages and restore blood flow to prevent muscle death.

While this sonothrombolysis technique has previously been studied in animals. This is a breakthrough, first-in-humans study in patients with acute myocardial infarction that has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of these patients and other acute thrombotic diseases such as stroke and deep venous thrombosis, noted senior author Wilson Mathias, Jr., MD.

The research team used a standard diagnostic ultrasound transducer to apply high mechanical index impulses during a continuous infusion of Definity microbubble contrast agent in a large emergency room setting, both immediately prior to and immediately following emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Americans Develop Thermometer-Like Device for Easier Diagnosis of Heart Attacks
The device assesses the levels of troponin, a protein in the blood. The level increases when blood is cut off from the heart and muscle is damaged.

Those patients who were randomized to one of two sonothrombolysis groups showed both higher recanalization rates at initial angiography and improving cardiac function. Most importantly, no patient deaths were experienced and door-to-dilation times were not affected, demonstrating both safety and feasibility for this technique in STEMI patients.

Primary Investigator Dr. Bruno Garcia Tavares will present this research during the prestigious 2015 Arthur E. Weyman Young Investigator Award Competition on Monday, June 15 at the conference.

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Source-Medindia

Tips to Prevent Heart Attacks
Heart Attack occurs when the flow of oxygenated blood to heart muscles is hindered or stopped due to built-up of plaques in coronary arteries. Heart Attack is the No.1 killer among Indians.