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.