Focused ultrasound for functional neurosurgery

Abstract

Introduction: Brain lesioning is a fundamental technique in the functional neurosurgery world. It has been investigated for decades and presented promising results long before novel pharmacological agents were introduced to treat movement disorders, psychiatric disorders, pain, and epilepsy. Ablative procedures were replaced by effective drugs during the 1950s and by Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in the 1990s as a reversible neuromodulation technique. In the last decade, however, the popularity of brain lesioning has increased again with the introduction of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS).

Objective: In this review, we will cover the current and emerging role of MRgFUS in functional neurosurgery.

Methods: Literature review from PubMed and compilation.

Results: Investigated since 1930, MRgFUS is a technology enabling targeted energy delivery at the convergence of mechanical sound waves. Based on technological advancements in phased array ultrasound transducers, algorithms accounting for skull penetration by sound waves, and MR imaging for targeting and thermometry, MRgFUS is capable of brain lesioning with sub-millimeter precision and can be used in a variety of clinical indications.

Conclusion: MRgFUS is a promising technology evolving as a dominant tool in different functional neurosurgery procedures in movement disorders, psychiatric disorders, epilepsy, among others.

Keywords: Brain lesioning; Incisionless neurosurgery; MRgFUS; Psychiatric surgery.