Chongqing Jiaotong University and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Unveil Novel Ultrasound-Assisted Thrombolytic Catheter in Newly Published Patent

Recently,Chongqing Jiaotong University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityOne additional patent has been published.

This patent is aExtracorporeal Ultrasound-Assisted Thrombolysis Device for Synergistic Pharmacological Intervention. The device consists of a catheter, an ultrasonic transducer, a guidewire, and other components. The team loads thrombolytic agents into the catheter, allowing for controlled release to dissolve blood clots. The guidewire connects the ultrasonic transducer to the catheter, transmitting vibrational energy.This approach not only accelerates drug thrombolysis, but alsoThe extracorporeal ultrasound transducer can also work in synergy with the intracorporeal ultrasound vibrator to directly induce vibrational resonance for thrombus ablation.

This device enhances the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy for thrombi, shortens operative time, and effectively reduces the incidence of postoperative complications.

Thrombus: A thrombus is an abnormal blood clot that forms within the cardiovascular system. Thrombi can obstruct blood vessels, cause embolism, and in more severe cases, lead to valvular deformation and widespread hemorrhage.

Currently, the commonly used clinical thrombolytic methods include oral administration ofThrombolytic Drugs, Ultrasound-Assisted Thrombolysis, Interventional SurgeryAmong these, surgery is the most effective thrombolytic method. In thrombolytic interventional procedures, the role of the catheter is particularly crucial.

Currently, commonly used thrombolytic catheters include:Multi-side-hole thrombolytic catheters, central venous catheters, and ultrasound-assisted thrombolytic catheters, etc.

Multi-side-hole thrombolytic catheters allow for the internal delivery of thrombolytic agents. By advancing the catheter to the site of the thrombus and administering the drug directly, this approach enables targeted, quantified drug release, thereby minimizing systemic adverse effects.

The working principle of a central venous catheter is similar to that of a multi-side-hole thrombolytic catheter; however, it can be inserted via the subclavian vein, internal jugular vein, or femoral vein, enabling more direct and convenient establishment of venous access and demonstrating superior efficacy in the treatment of venous thrombosis.

Ultrasound-Assisted Thrombolytic Catheters: A Prominent Research FocusUltrasound-assisted thrombolytic catheters have emerged as a highly prominent area of research. These catheters not only enable the precise delivery of thrombolytic agents, akin to traditional catheters, but also leverage the three major effects of ultrasound—mechanical, thermal, and physicochemical—to facilitate an efficient thrombolysis therapy that promotes clot dissolution.

From the perspective of the interventional access device market, Medtronic has the highest market share, approaching 60%, with Stryker, MicroPort Scientific, and Boston Scientific closely following, whileMicroPort NeuroTech, HeartCare MedicalDomestic companies are positioned at the rear of the tier.

As the concept of ultrasound-assisted thrombolysis is relatively new, although such catheters have attracted significant attention in the research community, there are currently few commercially available products.

In 2023,Boston ScientificEkosonic Officially Receives FDA Class II Device Clearance and Launches. Ekosonic is a specialized dual-lumen catheter. One lumen houses a wire equipped with multiple ultrasound transducers that emit high-frequency, low-intensity ultrasound waves, while the other lumen features multiple ports for localized thrombolysis.

It is reported that this ultrasound thrombolysis catheter was the world’s first and only ultrasound thrombolysis catheter on the market at that time.

There is also a glimmer of hope for the market launch of domestically produced ultrasound thrombolysis catheters. In 2023,"He Sheng"Ultrasound-Assisted Thrombolysis Catheter Announces Completion of First-in-Human (FIM) Clinical Trial at Nanfang Hospital Ganzhou Hospital. The “Hesheng” technology, developed by Tsinghua University, is China’s first domestically produced interventional multi-frequency ultrasound thrombectomy catheter.

It is reported that this catheter overcomes the limitations of traditional mechanical thrombectomy or catheter-directed thrombolysis regarding thrombus age and composition, effectively enhancing thrombolytic efficiency, reducing thrombolytic drug dosage, and lowering the risk of hemorrhage.

Furthermore,National Tsing Hua University TeamIt is also actively developing ultrasonic thrombolysis catheters. In 2021, National Tsing Hua University launched the VorteSonic ultrasonic vortex thrombolysis catheter, which has not yet been commercialized.

As the volume of interventional thrombectomy procedures continues to rise, the market potential for ultrasonic thrombolysis catheters capable of rapid clot ablation is expanding accordingly. Currently, this sector remains in a phase of rapid development, with domestic manufacturers closing the gap with their overseas counterparts. By seizing opportunities during this critical window, Chinese enterprises are well-positioned to secure a strong foothold in the future market.