Improved target specificity of transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation using dual-crossed ultrasound transducers

Abstract

Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS) method has been regarded as a promising tool for brain stimulation because of its non-invasive property and high spatial resolution. Before applying to human beings as clinical trial, it is necessary to conduct the animal experiments with mouse which has many models for human diseases. However, the focal spot of a commercial transducer is usually so long in axial axis and so big to stimulate only local region of the brain of mouse. In this thesis, we propose how to improve the resolution of ultrasound and achieve a targeted stimulation with high specificity in tFUS using dual-crossed ultrasound transducers. We described the procedure about designing the center frequency, crossing angle between two ultrasound beams for focused stimulation. Furthermore, we introduced how we develop and implement the system for targeted stimulation with high specificity. In addition, we measured the beam profile and stimulate the mouse brain using our system. Ultimately, we measured EMG signals according to various coordinates in the mouse brain and confirm different responses from each stimulated region.