EKOS CE marks ultrasound-based thrombolytic device
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Ultrasound infusion specialist EKOS has CE marked its EkoSonic endovascular system for sale in Europe. The Bothell, Washington firm says it is the first endovascular device approved for the treatment of pulmonary embolism. The device is used in combination with thrombolytic drugs: it is a catheter incorporating small ultrasound transmitters which condition the clot to absorb the drug more rapidly, causing the clot to dissolve faster than it would with a thrombolytic drug alone. The EkoSonic system was originally designed and approved to dissolve thrombi in the arms and legs; it is approved in the US and Europe for this indication. According to EKOS, pulmonary embolism occurs in approximately one million patients in Europe each year and 600,000 in the US.