The Particulars: The EkoSonic Endovascular System is a device that uses ultrasound to accelerate the action of anticoagulants. Studies have yet to compare the technology to standard intravenous anticoagulation in the treatment of patients with submassive pulmonary embolism (PE).
Data Breakdown: Swiss research found that patients with PE who were treated with the EkoSonic Endovascular System and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator experienced a statistically significant reduction in right heart strain within 24 hours, when compared with heparin alone. The average right ventricle/left ventricle ratio for those in the EkoSonic group decreased from 1.28 at baseline to 0.99 at 24 hours, with no adverse outcomes observed.
Take Home Pearl: The EkoSonic Endovascular System appears to be clinically superior to anticoagulation with heparin alone in reversing right ventricular dilation at 24 hours in patients with PE, without any apparent adverse outcomes.
