Application of cavitation promoting surfaces in management of acute ischemic stroke

► To lower cavitation threshold, nucleation sites were generated on the interface of acoustic source and clot. ► The nucleation sites generated on the OD of a polyimide tube (PI) were either microfringed (MPI) or laser induced (LPI). ► Both MPI and LPI showed the potential of inducing cavitation in blood clots at acoustic pressure levels as low as 2.3 MPa. ► Cavitation enhanced thrombolysis rate by two times without any evidence of hemolysis. ► A transducer with nucleation sites on outer surface could be an intra-clot treatment option for acute ischemic stroke.