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Development of Visually Indistinguishable Acoustic Coupling Pads for Double-Blind Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation
Samantha F Schafer1, Norman M Spivak2, Andrew A E D Bishay3
1School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed novel acoustic coupling pads for low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) neuromodulation. These pads enable true double-blind studies by being indistinguishable while controlling ultrasound transmission, addressing a key methodological gap.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Acoustics
Background:
- Low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) offers precise, noninvasive neuromodulation of deep brain structures.
- Current research is hindered by the lack of reliable double-blind sham methodologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer and validate visually and mechanically identical acoustic coupling pads for LIFU.
- These pads must provide either efficient ultrasound transmission or effective ultrasound blocking.
- The goal is to enable true double-blind LIFU neuromodulation studies without altering user experience.
Main Methods:
- Developed transmitting and non-transmitting acoustic coupling pads using Dragon Skin 10 NV silicone.
- Engineered a non-transmitting pad with an encapsulated air-based blocking layer.
- Evaluated acoustic performance (attenuation, focal characteristics) using hydrophone measurements in a water tank.
Main Results:
- Fabricated 23 matched pad pairs, visually and tactually indistinguishable.
- Transmitting pads showed minimal acoustic loss (<5% amplitude loss).
- Non-transmitting pads achieved significant ultrasound attenuation (≥40 dB), effectively blocking the signal.
- Both pad types maintained mechanical integrity and were indistinguishable to operators and participants.
Conclusions:
- Validated acoustic coupling pads enable true single- and double-blind conditions in LIFU neuromodulation.
- This solution bridges a critical methodological gap in human ultrasound research.
- The pads ensure identical sensory and procedural experiences while precisely controlling ultrasound delivery.
