Focused Ultrasound Diagnostic Array for BBB Opening and Cavitation Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing focused-ultrasound (FUS) systems for blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening are limited by their focusing capabilities, require multiple components, are expensive, cumbersome, and lack sufficient spatial information during therapy, necessitating MRI guidance and multiple target repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A single diagnostic transducer system that generates multiple focused ultrasound transmits for simultaneous BBB opening and cavitation imaging, using a processor to control parameters like steering angle, focal depth, and pulse length, and performs microbubble power Doppler imaging and beamforming to generate cavitation maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom-built geometrically focused transducers with fixed focal point are used, then BBB opening can be achieved, but the system becomes expensive and cumbersome with limited focusing capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a standard diagnostic ultrasound transducer array that can perform multiple functions: therapeutic BBB opening through focused ultrasound delivery and diagnostic cavitation imaging through the same elements. This eliminates the need for separate custom-built transducers and makes the system versatile for both therapy and monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by implementing software-based beamforming that electronically creates multiple focal points from a single physical transducer array. Instead of requiring multiple physical transducers with different geometries, the system copies the focusing function through digital signal processing and phase control of individual array elements
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single FUS transducer targets multiple locations, then the transducer must be physically translated, but this requires therapy time, movement, and microbubble clearance leading to reinjections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using electronically steerable and focusable ultrasound beams that can dynamically change targeting locations without physical transducer movement. The beamforming system allows real-time adjustment of focal depth, steering angle, and pulse parameters to address multiple brain regions sequentially or simultaneously, eliminating the need for physical repositioning and reinjections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by maintaining microbubble presence throughout the procedure. The system uses low-mechanical-index imaging pulses between therapeutic bursts to continuously monitor cavitation at multiple targets without requiring microbubble clearance and reinjection, enabling uninterrupted multi-target treatment
3Power
If FUS transducers are used for BBB opening, then therapy can be delivered, but insufficient spatial information of microbubble cavitation is provided during therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges therapeutic and diagnostic functions into a single integrated system. The same transducer array elements used for high-power focused ultrasound BBB opening are also used for low-power cavitation imaging. By combining these functions and using the imaging data to guide therapy, the system eliminates the need for separate MRI guidance while providing real-time spatial information about microbubble cavitation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using real-time power Doppler and cavitation imaging to monitor microbubble activity during FUS therapy. The imaging system provides continuous spatial information about cavitation locations and intensity, allowing dynamic adjustment of therapeutic parameters to optimize BBB opening while minimizing off-target effects
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, non-invasive BBB opening and real-time cavitation imaging without physical transducer repositioning, using a single transducer for multiple targets with improved spatial information and reduced costs.
Implementation Method 1
Focused-ultrasound (FUS) mediated blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening
Implementation Method 2
generate a plurality of focused transmits and simultaneously obtain a plurality of power cavitation images
Implementation Method 3
perform microbubble power Doppler imaging by acquiring microbubble power doppler images
Data Source
AI summary
The present subject matter relates to techniques for simultaneous blood-brain barrier opening and cavitation imaging. The disclosed system can include a transducer and a processor. The transducer can be configured to generate a plurality of focused transmits and simultaneously obtain a plurality of power cavitation images. The processor can be configured to control a parameter of the focused transmits, acquire the power cavitation images between each focused transmit, and generate a cavitation map based on the power cavitation images.