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Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology
Published in: Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology 3/2014

01-04-2014 | REVIEWS

Cardiovascular applications of therapeutic ultrasound

Authors: Babak Nazer, MD, Edward P Gerstenfeld, MS, MD, Akiko Hata, PhD, Lawrence A Crum, PhD, Thomas J Matula, PhD

Published in: Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology | Issue 3/2014

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Abstract

Ultrasound (US) has gained widespread use in diagnostic cardiovascular applications. At amplitudes and frequencies typical of diagnostic use, its biomechanical effects on tissue are largely negligible. However, these parameters can be altered to harness US’s thermal and non-thermal effects for therapeutic indications. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ECWT) are two therapeutic US modalities which have been investigated for treating cardiac arrhythmias and ischemic heart disease, respectively. Here, we review the biomechanical effects of HIFU and ECWT, their potential therapeutic mechanisms, and pre-clinical and clinical studies demonstrating their efficacy and safety limitations. Furthermore, we discuss other potential clinical applications of therapeutic US and areas in which future research is needed.
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Metadata
Title
Cardiovascular applications of therapeutic ultrasound
Authors
Babak Nazer, MD
Edward P Gerstenfeld, MS, MD
Akiko Hata, PhD
Lawrence A Crum, PhD
Thomas J Matula, PhD
Publication date
01-04-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology / Issue 3/2014
Print ISSN: 1383-875X
Electronic ISSN: 1572-8595
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10840-013-9845-z

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