Focused Ultrasound System Design Considerations Based on the Applications for the Peripheral Nervous System

This paper provides a review of design considerations crucial to Focused ultrasound (FUS) systems for achieving effective therapeutic outcomes in peripheral nervous system (PNS) applications, with an emphasis on linking application requirements to hardware realizability.

We reviewed the literature on FUS used primarily in the PNS and extracted treatment parameters, transducers, and circuit characteristics.

Based on the literature review, we outline: the capabilities and diverse applications of peripheral FUS (pFUS), various transducer technologies and circuit designs, and how PNS targets influence pFUS system design.

Translating pFUS into widespread clinical practice faces several key challenges. These challenges include the limitations of current single-element transducers, the need for real-time imaging and target detection, miniaturization, wearability, and the development of standardized outcome measures. Future research directions should focus on advancing phased-array transducers and miniaturized and integrated circuits. High-resolution imaging, closed-loop monitoring systems, and artificial intelligence will be crucial in addressing the challenges in pFUS.

This review adopts a design-centric perspective in which peripheral nerve and tissue properties constrain beam, transducer, and circuit design. Such knowledge will equip researchers and clinicians with insights for designing innovative pFUS systems for desired clinical outcomes.