title: Ultrasound-mediated drug delivery for cardiovascular disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ultrasound (US) has been developed as both a valuable diagnostic tool and a potent promoter of beneficial tissue bioeffects for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. These effects can be mediated by mechanical oscillations of circulating microbubbles, or US contrast agents, which may also encapsulate and shield a therapeutic agent in the bloodstream. Oscillating microbubbles can create stresses directly on nearby tissue or induce fluid effects that effect drug penetration into vascular tissue, lyse thrombi or direct drugs to optimal locations for delivery.
  
  
  METHODS
  The present review summarizes investigations that have provided evidence for US-mediated drug delivery as a potent method to deliver therapeutics to diseased tissue for cardiovascular treatment. In particular, the focus will be on investigations of specific aspects relating to US-mediated drug delivery, such as delivery vehicles, drug transport routes, biochemical mechanisms and molecular targeting strategies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These investigations have spurred continued research into alternative therapeutic applications, such as bioactive gas delivery and new US technologies. Successful implementation of US-mediated drug delivery has the potential to change the way many drugs are administered systemically, resulting in more effective and economical therapeutics, and less-invasive treatments.
authors: University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, and Biomedical Engineering Program, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
authors: Jonathan T
authors: JT
authors: Sutton
authors: Kevin J
authors: KJ
authors: Haworth
authors: Gail
authors: G
authors: Pyne-Geithman
authors: Christy K
authors: CK
authors: Holland
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D045423:Microbubbles; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy
chemical_list: D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations