Hiroaki Shimokawa

Ultrasonic waves at the same strength level as that used in diagnosis is found to enhance capillary development

Ultrasonic imaging diagnostic devices have become widely popularized in the world as a method for non-invasive test. At this time, we could identify that ultrasonic waves at the same strength level as that used in diagnosis leads to angiogenesis, and in response, we developed an ultrasonic neoangiogenesis device. For this study, an investigator-initiated clinical trial targeting cases of severe angina was carried out, and its efficiency and safety were evaluated. In this treatment method, there is no concern regarding safety since high strength ultrasonic waves used in diagnosis, and no side effects were observed in pre-clinical tests. Consequently, no anesthesia and analgesics are needed for clinical application, and surgical treatment such as open chest is also not required. Since this is a non-invasive treatment method, it can be applied to aged persons and patients with severe complications. This is an epoch-making discovery. Diagnosis and treatment can be performed with one probe, and the market and spread of this discovery is considered to be large.

Infrastructure software for treatment can be built into conventional ultrasonic diagnostic devices, and treatment and diagnosis can be carried out simultaneously using probes used for diagnosis. Ultrasonic waves are irradiated from outside the body to the affected area without pain, greatly reducing burden on the patient.