Chapel Hill-Based SonoVascular Developing New Hybrid Technology To Treat Blood Clots

By Bryant Haskins

SonoVascular, a medical device startup, is working on developing a new technology called the SonoThrombectomy system to address the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). The system utilizes an intravascular catheter that delivers ultrasound, microbubbles, and a clot busting drug to break up clots. It also includes mechanical retrieval or aspiration to remove any remaining clot. The company believes that this combination therapy will provide better results compared to using medications or medical devices alone.

Currently, the therapy is in the pre-clinical testing phase, with the goal of enhancing the standard of care while reducing costs. SonoVascular has already secured over $6 million in seed funding and plans to raise more than $10 million in a Series A funding round. The company intends to utilize these funds to further develop and refine the technology.

SonoVascular's ultimate objective is to obtain approval from the U.S. FDA for the SonoThrombectomy system by 2028. This regulatory approval will be crucial for the company to bring their technology to market and make it available for medical professionals to use in treating patients with DVT and PE.