Current strategies to enhance the target efficiency of advanced multifunctional ultrasound contrast agents in ischemic diseases

Ischemic diseases, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral ischemia, are leading causes of death and disability worldwide. The complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ischemia‐reperfusion injury pose formidable obstacles to early diagnosis and precise therapeutic intervention. In recent years, the development of novel multifunctional ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) has established an innovative platform for disease visualization at both microcirculatory and molecular levels, thereby advancing the integration of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The effectiveness of these advanced carriers critically depends on their capacity for selective accumulation within target lesions. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in multifunctional UCAs for the diagnosis and treatment of ischemic diseases, along with advanced strategies designed to enhance targeting efficiency. Although several of these approaches have not yet been widely implemented in the context of ischemic conditions, they nevertheless offer conceptual frameworks and inspiration for future research. This review aims to provide both a theoretical foundation and technical insights to support the development of novel UCAs‐based targeted theranostic systems.