<title>Ultrasound detection of cavitation as a phenomenon common to intervention devices causing tissue ablation</title>

Cavitation previously has been observed in association with ultrasonic angioplasty and high- frequency rotational atherectomy. This study evaluates the production of cavitation accompanying the use of several catheter-based devices under development or in current use in the practice of interventional cardiology. Catheters were examined in an in vitro model, and cavitation was evaluated using standard ultrasound imaging equipment. Cavitation was detected with each of the devices that effects tissue ablation, but not tissue resection. Devices produced characteristic patterns of cavitation dependent on the mode of energy release of the device. The size, but not the intensity, of the cavitation…