Dual-mode IVUS transducer for image-guided brain therapy: preliminary experiments

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Oncology

Background:

• Minimally-invasive treatments are crucial for brain tumor therapy.
• Current methods often lack integrated imaging and therapeutic capabilities.
• Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) offers high-resolution imaging potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of using 3.5-Fr IVUS catheters for image-guided hyperthermia in brain tumors.
• To evaluate the potential for combining imaging and therapeutic functions in a single device.

Main Methods:

• A commercial 3.5-Fr IVUS catheter was retro-fitted with a PZT-4 transducer for 9-MHz imaging.
• An identical transducer was tested for therapeutic potential using 3.3-MHz continuous-wave excitation.
• Imaging performance was compared to a 9-Fr ICE catheter; therapeutic effects were tested in a mouse brain tumor model.

Main Results:

• Successful retro-fitting of the IVUS catheter for imaging.
• Demonstrated therapeutic potential with a +13.5°C temperature rise at 1.5 mm depth in live brain tumor tissue.
• Achieved vascular access in a porcine brain model.

Conclusions:

• It is feasible to adapt IVUS catheters for combined imaging and hyperthermia treatment of brain tumors.
• A single device integrating these capabilities could be clinically viable.
• This approach may offer a novel minimally-invasive treatment option for brain malignancies.