Dual Orientation 16-MHz Single-Element Ultrasound Needle Transducers for Image-Guided Neurosurgical Intervention

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Image-guided surgery is crucial in neurosurgery but limited by preoperative imaging that doesn't account for intraoperative brain changes.
• Existing methods lack real-time feedback, potentially leading to inaccuracies due to brain deformation during procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate ultrasound biopsy needles for immediate intraoperative feedback in neurosurgical interventions.
• To enhance the accuracy and safety of accessing targeted brain tissue during surgery.

Main Methods:

• Designed and fabricated single-element ultrasound transducers integrated into biopsy needles, with forward or sideways viewing capabilities.
• Utilized micromolded 1-3 piezocomposites as active materials and epoxy lenses for ultrasound beam focusing.
• Conducted electrical impedance analysis, pulse-echo testing, and wire phantom scanning to verify transducer functionality.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the functionality of the needle transducers at [Formula: see text] frequency.
• Successfully imaged soft-embalmed human brain and fresh porcine brain, showcasing intraoperative image guidance capabilities.
• Validated the potential for real-time feedback during neurosurgical procedures.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound biopsy needles offer a promising solution for real-time intraoperative guidance in neurosurgery.
• This technology can mitigate the challenges posed by intraoperative brain deformations, improving surgical precision.
• Further development could significantly enhance the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive neurosurgical techniques.