Indications

●　Severe angina
●　Alzheimer’s disease
●　Other conditions related to microcirculatory disorders

 

Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) represents a novel and cutting-edge therapeutic modality offering a less invasive approach compared to existing treatments. The irradiation of low-intensity pulsed ultrasonic waves (250 mW, 32 waves) targets vascular endothelial cells, specifically Caveolin-1, leading to the upregulation of both endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This mechanism of action suggests that LIPUS holds significant promise as an effective treatment for a range of conditions associated with microcirculatory dysfunction.

 

In the context of severe angina, Professor Shimokawa’s group pioneered the development of a low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave (SW) device, which received approval as advanced medical treatment in 2010. However, this SW therapy presents certain challenges, including the need for careful avoidance of lung irradiation and a time-consuming device adjustment process. LIPUS, by contrast, utilizes ultrasonic waves with an output range comparable to that employed in diagnostic echo examinations during routine health screenings. This characteristic makes LIPUS inherently less invasive and significantly reduces potential safety risks compared to SW therapy.

 

Beyond severe angina, LIPUS is anticipated to have applications in the treatment of mild dementia and other diseases stemming from microcirculatory disorders. Professor Shimokawa’s research group has identified LIPUS irradiation parameters that demonstrate comparable efficacy to SW in preclinical studies and basic research. Clinical trials for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment are currently underway.

 

Advantages

●　Safe non-invasive treatment
●　Basic research and preclinical trials demonstrated to reverse symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (clinical trial in progress)
●　Minimal physical stress to patient (1 hour treatment per day for 3 days per week)

Papers