Biomedical acoustics: From diagnostic imaging to treating brain disorders

Abstract

The Technical Committee on Biomedical Acoustics (BATC) is one of the most diverse groups in the Acoustical Society of America. BATC is comprised of scientists and engineers who study a wide range of biomedical applications using ultrasound from imaging fetuses to ablating fibroids and treating brain disorders. Diagnostic ultrasound has expanded to include exciting new techniques such as shear wave elastography and opto-acoustic imaging. Therapeutic ultrasound applications include physiotherapy, lithotripsy, as well as the treatment of tumors via thermal ablation, i.e., HITU, or mechanical ablation, i.e., histotripsy. The most recent developments in therapeutic ultrasound involve neuromodulation and transcranial magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound for the treatment of various brain disorders, including essential tremor, neuropathic pain, and Parkinson’s disease. The ability to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier using focused ultrasound has been demonstrated in animals and, more recently, in humans. Opening of the blood-brain barrier could allow the transmission of drugs to treat brain diseases. Diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound applications continue to advance the field of medicine and are integral to the advancement of both diagnosis and treatment of debilitating diseases.