EKOS^® has developed a proprietary catheter-based drug delivery system that combines the use of targeted drug delivery catheters and the therapeutic benefits of a high frequency low power ultrasound. 

The Impact of EKOS^® Ultrasound Technology

Without ultrasound, the fabric of a blood clot, called fibrin, are tightly bound (figure 1). The ultrasound helps temporarily loosen and separate the fibrin (figure 2) for more blood clot permeability. Loosened fibrins increases the availability of more plasminogen activation receptor sites (figure 3). At the same time, the ultrasound helps drive the thrombolytic agents deep into the blood clot to accelerate the thrombolysis, and ultimately dissolve the clot.

EKOS^®’ products include:

EKOS^® EndoWave^TM Peripheral Infusion System, which has been demonstrated to improve the effectiveness of drug delivery such as thrombolytic agents over traditional catheters in patients with peripheral arterial occlusions (PAO) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT),

The peripheral catheter technology combines the use of a multi side-port drug infusion catheter with treatment zones up to 50cm and a matched ultrasound core wire that uses a series of tiny ultrasound transducers placed evenly along the length of the infusion area to deliver high frequency low power ultrasound.

EKOS^® NeuroWave^TM Catheter is currently indicated for the administration of contrast media into the brain and the delivery of physician-specified fluids, including thrombolytics into the peripheral vasculature.  The NeuroWave^TM Catheter takes advantage of the same proven combination of targeted drug delivery and ultrasound as used in the EKOS^® EndoWave^TM Peripheral Infusion System.  The Micro-Catheter technology has been developed with navigational characteristics similar to the most advanced neuro catheters for use in delivery of diagnostics agents into the brain.  The product can also be used in the periphery where it combines the advantages of a precisely positioned end-hole thrombolytic drug delivery and the value of the ultrasound transducer incorporated in the distal tip of the catheter.

Dual action of the EKOS^® ultrasound enhanced delivery systems provides the following advantages:

1. Ultrasound makes fibrin more accessible to the drug
2. Drives thrombolytic drugs deep into the loosened clot improving uptake.
3. Avoids the fragmentation emboli often associated with more aggressive mechanical techniques.
4. Avoids hemolysis, a complication that is often associated with long mechanical procedures.
5. Avoids need for large fluid removal.
6. Reduces fluoroscopy time.
7. Minimizes need for attention from hospital staff because the system self regulates and optimizes the power of the ultrasound that is delivered.