An MRI-compatible three-axis focused ultrasound system for performing drug delivery studies in small animal models

Adam C. Waspe, Anthony Chau, Aleksandra Kukic, Rajiv Chopra, Kullervo Hynynen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The objective of this work was to develop an MRI-compatible focused-ultrasound system for preclinical research in small animal models capable of delivering exposures with high spatial precision in a closed-bore clinical imager. A computer-controlled, non-magnetic, 3-axis positioning system was developed using ceramic actuators and linear encoders to position a focused-ultrasound transducer within a clinical MR scanner. Registration between ultrasound and MRI coordinates involves sonicating a tissue-mimicking ultrasound phantom and measuring the centroid of the thermal focal zone with MR thermometry. Linear distances of 5 cm with a positioning resolution of 0.1 mm were achieved for each axis. The system was operated successfully in MR imagers from different vendors at both 1.5 and 3.0 T, and simultaneous motion and imaging was possible without any mutual interference or imaging artifacts. Initial experiments involving opening of the blood-brain barrier at specific targets within the brain suggest a targeting accuracy of 0.4 mm.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication9th International Symposium on Therapeutic Ultrasound - ISTU 2009
Pages190-193
Number of pages4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
Event9th International Symposium on Therapeutic Ultrasound, ISTU 2009 - Aix-en-Provence, France
Duration: Sep 24 2009Sep 26 2009

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume1215
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Other

Other9th International Symposium on Therapeutic Ultrasound, ISTU 2009
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityAix-en-Provence
Period9/24/099/26/09

Keywords

  • Drug-delivery
  • Focused ultrasound
  • HIFU
  • MRI-compatible

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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