[Innovations in neuro-monitoring using transcranial ultrasound]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Medical Imaging
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Transcranial ultrasound provides non-invasive, bedside imaging for neuromonitoring.
• Current methods like CT/MRI pose risks due to patient transportation.
• There is a need for safer, more accessible neuromonitoring techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review transcranial ultrasound-based neuromonitoring techniques.
• To highlight the advantages of non-invasive, bedside brain imaging.
• To present the current state of experimental ultrasound applications in neurocritical care.

Main Methods:

• Assessment of changes in brain structures and cerebral blood flow over time.
• Utilizing techniques such as pulsatility index, cerebral venous blood flow, and midline shift measurements.
• Employing transcranial duplex sonography for hemorrhage detection and surgical guidance.

Main Results:

• Transcranial ultrasound enables non-invasive assessment of increased cerebral pressure.
• It can detect intracranial hemorrhage and assist in neurosurgical interventions.
• The review covers cerebral autoregulation monitoring and sonothrombolysis for arterial thrombosis.

Conclusions:

• Transcranial ultrasound is a valuable tool for non-invasive neuromonitoring at the bedside.
• It offers a safe alternative to CT/MRI, reducing transport risks and costs.
• Further development of experimental ultrasound techniques holds promise for neurocritical care.