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Updated: Oct 23, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancing Human Brain Modulation – Optimized Protocols for Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation Experiments
Published on: June 28, 2024
Subcortical Stimulation with Tip of Ultrasound Aspirator
Henry Colle1, David Colle1, Bonny Noens1
1Department of Neurosurgery, St Lucas Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Background:
During resection of intrinsic brain tumors in eloquent areas, particularly under awake mapping, subcortical stimulation is mandatory to avoid irreversible deficits by damaging white fiber tracts. The current practice is to alternate between subcortical stimulation with an appropriate probe and resection of tumoral tissue with an ultrasound aspiration device. Switching between different devices induces supplementary movement and possible tissue trauma, loss of time, and inaccuracies in the localization of the involved area.
Objective:
To use one device for both stimulation as well as a resecting tool.
Methods:
The tip of different ultrasound aspiration devices is currently used for monopolar current transmission (e.g., for vessel coagulation in liver surgery). We use the same circuitry for monopolar subcortical stimulation when connected with the usual stimulator devices.
Results:
We have applied this method since 2004 in over 500 patients during tumor resection with cortical and subcortical stimulation, mostly with awake language and motor monitoring.
Conclusion:
A method is presented using existing stimulation and wiring devices by which simultaneous subcortical stimulation and ultrasonic aspiration are applied with the same tool. The accuracy, safety, and speed of intrinsic intracranial lesion resection can be improved when subcortical stimulation is applied.
