Influences of Microbubble Diameter and Ultrasonic Parameters on In Vitro Sonothrombolysis Efficacy

The ability to control MB size and elasticity permits using a wide range of US parameters (eg, frequency, intensity) to produce desired levels of sonothrombolysis. Comparable, maximal sonothrombolysis efficacy was achieved at 20-fold lower intensity with 3-μm MBs (0.1 W/cm2) than with 1-μm MBs (2.0 W/cm2), a potential safety issue for in vivo sonothrombolysis. US parameters that maximized MB survival yielded maximal sonothrombolysis efficacy except with 1-μm MBs at 3 MHz where most MBs were destroyed.