A MINIATURE LASER SPECKLE CONTRAST IMAGER FOR MONITORING OF THE NEURO-MODULATORY EFFECT OF TRANSCRANIAL FOCUSED ULTRASOUND STIMULATION.

Authors: Zeng Y, Acord M, Kaovasia TP, Miao P, Sun J, Senarathna J, Theodore N, Thakor N, Manbachi A

Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation is a neuromodulation technique that is capable of exciting or suppressing the neural network. Such neuro-modulatory effects enable the treatment of brain diseases non-invasively, such as treating stroke. The neuro-modulatory effect on cerebral hemodynamics has been monitored using laser speckle contrast imaging in animal studies. However, the bulky size and stationary nature of the imaging system constrains the application of this imaging technique on research that requires the animal to have different body positions or to be awake. We present the design of a system that combines a miniature microscope for laser speckle contrast imaging and transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation, as well as, test its capability to monitor cerebral hemodynamics during stimulation and compare the result with a benchtop imaging system.

Introduction

Purpose Transcranial ultrasound stimulation

Study Objective To design and validate a combined miniature laser speckle contrast imaging and transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation system for monitoring cerebral hemodynamics during stimulation and compare its performance with a benchtop imaging system.

Outcomes and Safety

Summary of Outcomes Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation altered cerebral hemodynamics (excitation/suppression of neural activity) and these changes were successfully monitored using a miniature laser speckle contrast imaging microscope with results comparable to a benchtop system.

Safety-related matter The paper notes the technique is non-invasive but does not report any safety concerns, adverse effects, or harm related to transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation.

Brain Region

Visualization unavailable

Ultrasound Parameters

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

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