Robotic device for transcranial focussed ultrasound applications in small animal models
Journal
Intenational Journal of Medical Rodotics and Computer Assisted Surgery
Date Issued
December 2022
DOI
10.1002/rcs.2447
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Focussed Ultrasound (FUS) combined with microbubbles (MBs) was
proven a promising modality for non‐invasive blood brain barrier disruption (BBBD).
Herein, two devices for FUS‐mediated BBBD in rodents are presented.
Methods: A two‐axes robotic device was manufactured for navigating a single
element FUS transducer of 1 MHz relative to the brain of rodents. A second more
compact device featuring a single motorized vertical axis was also developed. Their
performance was assessed in terms of motion accuracy, MRI compatibility and
trans‐skull BBBD in wild type mice using MBs in synergy with pulsed FUS.
Results: Successful BBBD was evidenced by the Evans Blue dye method, as well as
by Fibronectin and Fibrinogen immunostaining. BBB permeability was enhanced
when the applied acoustic intensity was increased.
Conclusions: The proposed devices constitute a cost‐effective and ergonomic solution
for FUS‐mediated BBBD in small animal models. Further experimentation is
needed to examine the repeatability of results and optimise the therapeutic protocol.
Background: Focussed Ultrasound (FUS) combined with microbubbles (MBs) was
proven a promising modality for non‐invasive blood brain barrier disruption (BBBD).
Herein, two devices for FUS‐mediated BBBD in rodents are presented.
Methods: A two‐axes robotic device was manufactured for navigating a single
element FUS transducer of 1 MHz relative to the brain of rodents. A second more
compact device featuring a single motorized vertical axis was also developed. Their
performance was assessed in terms of motion accuracy, MRI compatibility and
trans‐skull BBBD in wild type mice using MBs in synergy with pulsed FUS.
Results: Successful BBBD was evidenced by the Evans Blue dye method, as well as
by Fibronectin and Fibrinogen immunostaining. BBB permeability was enhanced
when the applied acoustic intensity was increased.
Conclusions: The proposed devices constitute a cost‐effective and ergonomic solution
for FUS‐mediated BBBD in small animal models. Further experimentation is
needed to examine the repeatability of results and optimise the therapeutic protocol.
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