DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A FOCUSED ULTRASOUND DEVICE FOR MINIMALLY-INVASIVE NEUROSURGERY: REPORTING A SECOND, MINIATURIZED AND MR-COMPATIBLE PROTOTYPE WITH STEERING CAPABILITIES.

Abstract

Many surgeons are faced with inoperable or only partially operable brain lesions, such as tumors. Even when surgery is feasible, patient outcome is greatly affected by blood loss or infection. This has led many physicians toward non- or minimally-invasive surgery, which demands specialized toolkits. Focused ultrasound has great potential for assisting in such procedures due to its ability to focus a few cm away from the surface of the transducer. In a prior study, we developed a focused ultrasound prototype that could fit within a BrainPath trocar, specifically made for minimally invasive brain surgery. Here, we present the design and fabrication of a second prototype that reduces size, is MR-compatible, and has electronic steering capabilities.