Spherical Array System for High-Precision Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation and Optoacoustic Imaging in Rodents.

Ultrasound can be delivered transcranially to ablate brain tissue, open the blood-brain barrier, or affect neural activity. Transcranial focused ultrasound in small rodents is typically done with low-frequency single-element transducers, which results in unspecific targeting and impedes the concurrent use of fast neuroimaging methods. In this article, we devised a wide-angle spherical array bidirectional interface for high-resolution parallelized optoacoustic imaging and transcranial ultrasound (POTUS) delivery in the same target regions. The system operates between 3 and 9 MHz, allowing to generate and steer focal spots with widths down to [Formula: see text] across a field of view covering the entire mouse brain, while the same array is used to capture high-resolution 3-D optoacoustic data in real time. We showcase the system's versatile beam-forming capacities as well as volumetric optoacoustic imaging capabilities and discuss its potential to noninvasively monitor brain activity and various effects of ultrasound emission.

Introduction

Purpose Transcranial ultrasound stimulation

Study Objective Develop and demonstrate a wide-angle spherical array bidirectional interface (POTUS) that enables high-resolution, real-time 3D optoacoustic imaging concurrently with steerable transcranial focused ultrasound delivery across the mouse brain.

Animal model / Human subject Mouse (Mus musculus); strain: None; age: None; sex: None

Disease model Healthy

MRI or image guidance method Real-time 3D optoacoustic imaging (using the same wide-angle spherical array)

Outcomes and Safety

Summary of Outcomes The POTUS system enables high-resolution transcranial focused ultrasound delivery together with real-time volumetric optoacoustic imaging in mice, producing steerable focal spots across the whole brain and enabling noninvasive monitoring of ultrasound effects; successful ultrasound parameters included an operating frequency range of 3–9 MHz and focal spot widths down to ~130 μm.

Safety-related matter The text notes that transcranial ultrasound can ablate brain tissue, open the blood–brain barrier, or affect neural activity, but it does not report any specific safety data or adverse effects from the described system; no adverse effects were reported.

Brain Region

Visualization unavailable

Ultrasound Parameters

Ultrasound instrument POTUS (wide-angle spherical array bidirectional interface); Manufacturer: None; Transducer aperture/diameter: None

FUS Frequency 3-9 MHz

Focal Characteristics Focal depth: None; Focal length: None; Aperture size: None

We are open to feedback. If you see a mistake or have a suggestion, please contact us.