"Construction and characterization of a focused ultrasound transducer for Neuromodulation."

• Grant number: 23/13435-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2024
• End date: December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Antonio Adilton Oliveira Carneiro
• Grantee: Matheus Barbosa Lopes Valença
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/16939-8 - Development and implementation of novel acoustic, magnetic and optical techniques for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, AP.TEM

Abstract

Focused ultrasound provides spatial resolution and dedicated ultrasonic energy for neuromodulation, offering a non-invasive and precise approach to stimulate specific areas of the brain. The ultrasound neuromodulation technique has shown potential applications in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and depression, avoiding invasive surgeries and minimizing associated risks. However, to ensure its effectiveness and safety, it is crucial to have high-quality transducers with specific geometry, pulse sequences, and coupling. In this context, the scientific initiation project aims to produce and characterize a single-element focused ultrasound transducer with a central hole. This central hole will allow the incorporation of a pulse-echo transducer, providing a significant advantage in the anatomical identification of the region of interest and in the evaluation of treatment through imaging techniques. This project involves the prototyping and characterization of a low-cost focused neuromodulation transducer with the unique feature of allowing coupling with a diagnostic ultrasound transducer. This prototype will enable theranostic studies where therapeutic actions can be guided by the diagnosis of physical parameters such as anatomical region and temperature measurement using the same system.