Ultrasound energy has the potential to manipulate brain tissues that are difficult to access using direct methods. The problem is that the cranium attenuates the ultrasound signal so much that it becomes practically ineffective. A team of researchers in California and Mexico have developed a special material for ultrasound to pass through that can be placed within the cranium to work as a window for delivering therapy. The material would replace a small piece of the cranium and remain in place as long as the patient needs to have the brain accessed with ultrasound.
Made of a specially formulated yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), the ceramic material is both transparent to ultrasound and visible light. This makes it possible to both see the target on the brain and to target it using an ultrasound transducer. The team tested a number of versions of the material and was able to achieve a transmission efficiency of ultrasound of 81%, allowing unfocused, low energy ultrasound to be passed through.
This may be a major development in many ways for treating the brain, as ultrasound has the potential to dislodge stroke inducing clots, to destroy cancerous tissues, and to even open up the blood-brain barrier so drugs can pass through.
Study in Advanced Healthcare Materials: Novel Cranial Implants of Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia as Acoustic Windows for Ultrasonic Brain Therapy…
Via: UC Riverside…