Sonodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Carotid Atherosclerosis

Carotid atherosclerotic plaque is an important cause of ischemic stroke. Treatments for patients with carotid plaque include lifestyle changes, medical management(such as control of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes) and carotid revascularization(carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting). Studies have suggested that plaque morphology and composition are important determinants of plaque stability, using serial MR imaging of the carotid artery allowed observation of changes in plaque composition. Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a well accepted technique for detection of intraplaque neovascularization(IPN) in carotid atherosclerotic disease. The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the safety and initial effectiveness of SDT. The SDT can induce macrophage elimination and inhibit matrix degradation, which will promote plaque lipid depletion, inflammation level decrease and changes in other plaque tissue components, leading to plaque stabilization and reduction.