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High power transcranial beam steering for ultrasonic brain therapy
M Pernot1, J F Aubry, M Tanter
1Laboratoire Ondes et Acoustique, ESPCI, Université Paris VII, UMR CNRS 7587, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France.
Physics in Medicine and Biology
|September 17, 2003
Summary
This study presents a novel sparse phased array for non-invasive ultrasound transskull brain therapy. The system demonstrates accurate lesion induction in tissue samples, showcasing its therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Acoustic Physics
Background:
- Non-invasive brain therapy requires precise ultrasound focusing through the skull.
- Traditional phased arrays face challenges with skull aberrations and steering limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate a sparse phased array for transskull ultrasound therapy.
- To optimize transducer distribution for improved focusing and steering capabilities.
- To demonstrate the system's efficacy in correcting skull aberrations and inducing targeted lesions.
Main Methods:
- Simulation of hexagonal, annular, and quasi-random transducer distributions.
- Development of a sparse phased array with 200 high-power transducers (0.9 MHz).
- Implementation of time reversal mirror with hydrophone-based amplitude correction for skull aberration compensation.
Main Results:
- Quasi-random distribution significantly reduced grating lobes compared to other distributions.
- The array demonstrated electronic focal spot steering up to +/- 15 mm.
- Successful induction of sharp focal lesions in fresh liver and brain samples through human skulls.
Conclusions:
- A sparse phased array with quasi-random distribution is effective for transskull ultrasound therapy.
- The developed system accurately corrects for skull aberrations and allows precise focal steering.
- This technology shows promise for non-invasive therapeutic applications in the brain.
