perflutren lipid microsphere

Perflutren lipid microsphere, marketed as Definity, is an ultrasound contrast agent consisting of lipid-encapsulated perfluoropropane gas microspheres. In the SonoLysis (or Clotbust) protocol developed by ImaRx Therapeutics for acute ischemic stroke, these microbubbles are administered intravenously as an adjunctive therapy to tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). When targeted with 2 MHz transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound, the microbubbles undergo stable and inertial cavitation. This process creates mechanical micro-streams and pressure waves that physically disrupt the fibrin mesh of the blood clot, increasing the surface area for tPA binding and accelerating thrombolysis. This mechanical modality aims to improve recanalization rates in patients with occlusions of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) while potentially reducing the required dose of thrombolytic agents and associated hemorrhage risks.

Brand names

Definity

Other names

perflutrenperfluoropropane lipid microspheres