An experimental study of surgical ultrasonic angioplasty: its effect on atherosclerosis and normal arteries

Background We have developed a new hand-held probe for surgically open ultrasonic angioplasty. Two experimental studies were conducted to determine the optimal power range for carrying out ultrasonic angioplasty. Methods The probe measured 2.5 mm in diameter and 5 cm in length. The amplitude was 210 μm at 100% power. One of the studies was designed to determine the power range that is effective for removal of atherosclerotic lesions. Human cadaveric arteries were used in the study. The other study was designed to investigate the long-term adverse effect on normal arteries. Canine arteries were used in this study. Results In the study using cadaveric arteries, the amplitude ranging from 90 to 110 μm was effective for soft atheroma, the range from 110 to 130 μm was effective for mild arteriosclerosis, and 150 μm was effective for calcified lesions. The other study of the long-term effect on canine normal arteries indicated that each incidence of stenosis and occlusion was 0% at amplitude ranging from 90 to 110 μm, 13% at 130 μm, and 25% at 150 μm. Conclusions The surgically open ultrasonic angioplasty with a new hand-held probe was effective for various kinds of atherosclerotic lesions, whereas the angioplasty at high amplitude had a problem with the long-term effect on normal arteries.