Evaluation of Ultrasound-Assisted Thrombolysis Using Custom Liposomes in a Model of Retinal Vein Occlusion

PURPOSE. To study the potential efficacy of ultrasound (US) assisted by custom liposome (CLP) destruction as an innovative thrombolytic tool for the treatment of retinal vein occlusion (RVO). METHODS. Experimental RVO was induced in the right eyes of 40 rabbits using laser photothrombosis; the US experiment took place 48 hours later. Rabbits were randomly divided into four equal groups: US+CLP group, US+saline group, CLP+sham US group, and no treatment group. The latter three groups acted as controls. Fundus fluorescein angiography and Doppler US were used to evaluate retinal blood flow. RESULTS. CLP-assisted US thrombolysis resulted in restoration of flow in seven rabbits (70\%). None of the control groups showed significant restoration of retinal venous blood flow. CONCLUSIONS. US-assisted thrombolysis using liposomes resulted in a statistically significant reperfusion of retinal vessels in the rabbit experimental model of RVO. This approach might be promising in the treatment of RVO in humans. Further studies are needed to evaluate this approach in patients with RVO. Ultrasound assisted thrombolysis can be an innovative tool in management of retinal vein occlusion. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2012;53:6920-6927) DOI:10.1167/iovs.12-10389