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Bayesian-enhanced closed-loop optimization of ultrasound protocols for targeted and precise neuromodulation.
Andrea Boscutti1,2, Valeria Grasso1,2, Tommaso Di Ianni1,2,3
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|June 29, 2026
Summary
Bayesian-enhanced adaptive control of ultrasound neuromodulation (BEACUN) optimizes low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) protocols efficiently. This data-driven approach accelerates the development of personalized LIFU therapies by reducing stimulation-response evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) shows promise for neuromodulation but faces challenges due to response variability and an undefined parameter space.
- Clinical translation of LIFU is hindered by the need for efficient and reliable methods to determine optimal stimulation parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a Bayesian-enhanced adaptive control of ultrasound neuromodulation (BEACUN) approach for efficient, data-driven optimization of LIFU parameters.
- To validate BEACUN's performance in real-time using functional ultrasound imaging (fUSI) and in vivo rodent models.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of BEACUN for adaptive control of LIFU parameters.
- Real-time neural response monitoring using functional ultrasound imaging (fUSI).
- In vivo experiments in rats to optimize and validate BEACUN's efficiency and effectiveness.
Main Results:
- BEACUN demonstrated more effective inhibitory LIFU neuromodulation compared to conventional methods.
- The BEACUN approach converged to optimal parameters in an average of 23 ± 3.67 stimulation-response evaluations.
- Validation of BEACUN's ability to efficiently map the parameter space for LIFU.
Conclusions:
- BEACUN provides an efficient platform for optimizing neuromodulation parameters, significantly reducing the number of required evaluations.
- This approach facilitates the development of personalized LIFU protocols for therapeutic applications.
- BEACUN represents a significant step towards the clinical implementation of targeted ultrasound neuromodulation.
