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New technique developed to detect harmful blood clots

20/02/2008

Scientists have developed new techniques for detecting harmful blood clots and air bubbles (emboli) in arteries, which could reduce the risk of stroke.

They say the new technique could help to reduce the harmful effects on the brain that are a risk of open-heart surgery.

Researchers at the University of Leicester use Doppler ultrasound, the same technique used to detect the fetal heartbeat in pregnant women, to detect emboli.

They placed a 'transducer' on the side of the patient's head in front of the ear that is able to detect the movement of emboli through blood vessels in the brain.

This technique is said to be painless and harmless and was used on patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy - an operation designed to remove narrowings in the main arteries supplying the brain before they can cause a stroke.

If emboli are detected by the device then measures can be taken to reduce or prevent the embolism occurring.

In some patients the technique is used for one or two hours post surgery, reducing the likelihood of the patient suffering a stroke.

Professor Naylor, consultant vascular surgeon, said: "The paradox with carotid endarterectomy is that although this is a proven operation for preventing stroke in the long term, it is also directly responsible for causing a stroke in a small number of patients in the peri-operative period. The lower the initial risk, the greater the long term benefit.

"The research performed here in Leicester has contributed towards a 60 per cent sustained reduction in the overall operative risk which translates into greatly enhanced long term benefit to the patient and considerable rehabilitation savings to the NHS."

Commenting on the findings, Dr Isabel Lee from The Stroke Association said: "We are extremely encouraged by the results from this programme of research.

"It is encouraging to see how simple monitoring of patients following a carotid endarterectomy can reduce the risk of stroke by a significant amount. We look forward to seeing how this research translates into clinical practice, where it could lead to the prevention of many potentially devastating strokes."