Feasibility examination of isolated zonal thrombolysis using Raman spectroscopy

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2015 Aug:2015:1353-6. doi: 10.1109/EMBC.2015.7318619.

Abstract

Intravenous thrombolysis for the treatment of ischemic stroke requires long treatment time and high drug dosage which increases the risk of hemorrhage. Localized zonal dosage of urokinase between 100 - 500 International Units (IU), i.e., less than 5% of typical systemic dosage (60,000 - 120,000 IU) at the thrombus can shorten the treatment time to less than 30 minutes while reducing the risk of hemorrhage. The effect of zonal-delivered urokinase on the molecular changes in a 100 μm thick by 20 mm diameter blood clot was quantified using Raman spectroscopy. In situ Raman spectra showed that the fibrin concentration in the clot decreased with time. The results verified that a zonal-delivered urokinase can dissolve the clot and reduce the treatment time. Further trials on animals will be conducted to examine the potential of zonal-delivery to accelerate clot dissolution for ischemic stroke while minimizing the risk of hemorrhage.

MeSH terms

  • Brain Ischemia
  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Humans
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman*
  • Stroke
  • Thrombolytic Therapy
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator

Substances

  • Fibrinolytic Agents
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator