A novel pinhole-assisted mechanical scanning 28-kHz ultrasonic device to open the blood-brain barrier

Hao Li Liu*, Pin Yuan Chen, Kuo Chen Wei

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) may be transiently achieved via highfrequency focused ultrasound in the presence of microbubbles. In the present study, we sought to confirm that BBB opening can be induced with low-frequency (20-30 kHz) unfocused ultrasonic waves. We developed a novel method using a pinhole-assisted mechanical-scanning configuration that allows the regulation of the exposure patterns. A tight regulation of the ultrasound patterns can be achieved using a mechanical scanning device equipped with a pinhole. Rat and pig experiments were conducted to show the feasibility of our technique. Histological examination of the sonicated brains was performed to analyze the minimum pressure threshold and the safety of the method, and contrast-enhanced MRI was also used to investigate the BBBopening patterns. The inherent advantages of our BBB opening method include improved portability, the possibility to obtain fairly wide areas of BBB opening and a low incidence of hemorrhagic complications. In addition, our system has the potential to reduce the need for image guidance for brain drug delivery for superficial brain lesions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication10th International Symposium on Therapeutic Ultrasound, ISTU 2010
Pages306-311
Number of pages6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Event10th International Symposium on Therapeutic Ultrasound, ISTU 2010 - Tokyo, Japan
Duration: 09 06 201012 06 2010

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume1359
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

Conference10th International Symposium on Therapeutic Ultrasound, ISTU 2010
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityTokyo
Period09/06/1012/06/10

Keywords

  • Blood-brain barrier
  • Microbubble
  • Ultrasound

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