title: Cardiovascular therapeutic uses of targeted ultrasound contrast agents.
abstract: The therapeutic use of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) is an emerging methodology with high potential for enhanced directed therapeutic gene, bioactive gas, drug, and stem cell delivery. Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction has already demonstrated feasibility for plasmid DNA delivery. Similarly, therapeutic ultrasound for thrombolysis treatment has been taken into the clinical setting, and the addition of UCAs for therapeutic delivery or enhanced effect through cavitation is a natural progression to this investigation. However, as with any new technique, safety needs to be first demonstrated before translation into clinical practice. This review article will focus on the development of UCAs for cardiac and vascular therapeutics as well as the limitations/concerns for the use of therapeutic ultrasound in clinical medicine in order to lay a foundation for investigators planning to enter this exciting field or for those who want to broaden their understanding.
authors: Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Sciences Center-Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, MSB 1.246, Houston, TX 77030, USA. susan.t.laing@uth.tmc.edu
authors: Susan T
authors: ST
authors: Laing
authors: David D
authors: DD
authors: McPherson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D055592:Biophysical Phenomena; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004339:Drug Compounding; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D045423:Microbubbles; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media