tFUS Targeting and Efficacy Tracking Through Functional Responses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transcranial-focused ultrasound (tFUS) systems face challenges in accurately targeting specific brain regions due to human variability in head dimensions and brain structure, making widespread therapeutic use difficult without resource-intensive methods like fMRI, and there is a need for high-precision, individualized targeting using more accessible modalities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for measuring and tracking tFUS efficacy using a combination of anatomical and functional targeting techniques, including direct neural activity measurements and physiological, stress, mood, and attention measurements, to optimize tFUS waveforms for individual subjects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fMRI or other resource-intensive methods are used for brain region targeting, then measurement precision of brain activity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses anatomical landmarks (such as the precentral gyrus as a motor landmark and occipital pole as a visual landmark) as intermediaries to indirectly locate deeper brain structures. Instead of directly imaging deep targets with complex fMRI, the system uses surface landmarks that are easily identifiable through simple MRI or even physical palpation, then mathematically derives deep structure locations from these landmarks, reducing the need for resource-intensive direct imaging of target regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and utilizes readily available anatomical information from simple structural MRI scans or even physical head measurements, separating the targeting function from the need for complex functional imaging. By extracting key anatomical relationships that remain relatively constant across individuals, the system achieves accurate targeting without requiring the full complexity of fMRI or other advanced imaging modalities for each targeting session.
2Measurement precision
If fMRI with tasks is used for functional targeting, then individualized brain region identification is improved, but time consumption and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary anatomical mapping using simple structural MRI scans or even physical measurements during an initial setup phase. Key anatomical landmarks and their spatial relationships are pre-identified and stored for that individual. During subsequent tFUS sessions, the system retrieves and applies these pre-established anatomical relationships rather than performing time-consuming functional imaging tasks, enabling rapid individualized targeting without repeated fMRI sessions.
3Ease of operation
If generic template matching is used for spatial targeting, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision of targeting accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by identifying and utilizing specific anatomical landmarks (such as the precentral gyrus, occipital pole, and other individually variable features) that have consistent local anatomical relationships. Rather than applying a uniform generic template to all individuals, the system adapts the targeting framework to each person's unique anatomical configuration by locating these key landmarks individually, then using their known spatial relationships to precisely locate target regions for that specific individual.
Data Source
AI summary
tFUS delivery and tracking systems and methods assess target location accuracy and therapy efficacy by measuring the specific and predicted downstream effects in individualistic responses to tFUS waveforms. The downstream effects include physiological, stress, mood, movement, attention measurements, subjective reports, task-based performance, etc. The measurements are performed before, during, and between tFUS sessions intermixed with optional control periods or sessions. In an embodiment, when a target brain region does not offer any immediate readouts but is surrounded by regions that may, these latter regions can be used instead for triangulation or waveform optimization. Individual and group tracking methods help identify useful measurement modalities and the expected direction and magnitude of change in response to therapy. A method that enables individualized functional targeting in a non-clinical setting by optimizing cost and complexity is described.