Ultrasound techniques for drug delivery in cardiovascular medicine

Curr Drug Discov Technol. 2008 Dec;5(4):328-32. doi: 10.2174/157016308786733573.

Abstract

In this review, we will give a critical update of published studies using ultrasound for targeted therapeutic use. We will briefly discuss the interaction mechanisms and their effects in non-invasive delivery of therapeutic agents. Moreover, the mechanisms by which ultrasonic contrast agents facilitate the delivery of drugs and genes into tissue will be discussed, together with recent applications and perspectives of targeted-microbubbles in cardiovascular medicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cardiovascular Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Cardiovascular Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Contrast Media
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / diagnostic imaging*
  • Genetic Therapy / methods
  • Humans
  • Microbubbles
  • Ultrasonography / methods*

Substances

  • Cardiovascular Agents
  • Contrast Media