Shock waves (SW) noninvasive extracorporeal thrombolysis treatment (NISWT)

A group of 24 patients were considered for noninvasive shock waves thrombol ysis (NISWT). Of these, 15 patients gave their informed consent. NISWT was attempted in eight patients (while seven patients were randomized for follo w-up only). NISWT was possible in six of seven patients. In one patient ran domized for NISWT, local inguinal scarring, due to previous surgery, made i mpossible the visualization of the femoral vein, and therefore focusing of shock waves (SWs). No side effects were reported in the days after SWs admi nistration during the 4-month follow-up. In patients treated with NISWT it was possible to observe just after the SWs session the presence of echoluce nt "acoustic holes" and flow (by color and power Doppler) within the "holes ." All "echolucent holes" produced at the first session were still present at 4 months, and color flow imaging also detected new flow channels in echo genic areas of thrombi previously not visible. In one patient thrombolysis was achieved after the first treatment, but at 3 and 4 months the thrombus was completely avascular. In conclusion, thrombolysis using SWs was obtaine d in selected cases and it was still persisting at 4 months in six of the s even treated patients. NISWT appears feasible and promising. These results should be confirmed by larger, prospective trials.