perflutren lipid microsphere + tissue plasminogen activator (ImaRx Therapeutics, Inc.)

A combination therapy consisting of perflutren lipid microspheres (microbubbles) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), used in conjunction with transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. The perflutren lipid microspheres, such as the proprietary MRX-801 or the commercially available Definity, are administered intravenously as an adjunct to tPA. When targeted with 2 MHz TCD ultrasound, the microbubbles undergo cavitation—a process of rapid expansion and contraction—which creates mechanical forces that physically disrupt the fibrin structure of the blood clot. This mechanical disruption increases the surface area of the thrombus, facilitating the enzymatic action of tPA, which converts plasminogen to plasmin to dissolve the clot. This synergistic approach, known as SonoLysis, aims to achieve faster and more complete recanalization of occluded cerebral arteries compared to tPA monotherapy.

Brand names

Definity

Other names

SonoLysisClotbustMicrobubble-Enhanced Clotbustperflutrenoctafluoropropane lipid microspheres