| abstract |
An emergency system for treatment of a patient ( 20 ) experiencing an acute vascular obstruction, employing a non-invasive vibrator ( 10 ), optimally in conjunction with drugs, for disrupting and lysing thromboses, relieving spasm (if associated), and thereby restoring blood perfusion. Vibrator ( 10 ) is operable in the sonic to infrasonic range, with a source output of up to 15 mm. For acute myocardial infarction cases, a pair of contacts ( 12 ), are advantageously placed to bridge the sternum at the fourth intercostal space. Vibration is initiated at 50 Hz (or any frequency, preferably within the 20-120 Hz range), and is ideally adjusted to a maximal amplitude (or force) deemed tolerable and safe to the patient ( 20 ), preferably with the administration of thrombolytic agents or other form of drug therapy. A synergistic effect is achieved between vibration and drugs to facilitate the disruption of thromboses, relieve spasm, and restore blood perfusion. In a variation, ultrasonic imaging may be used to direct vibration therapy. |