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Lei W, Chang S, Tian F, Zou X, Hu J, Qian S. Numerical simulation study on opening blood-brain barrier by ultrasonic cavitation. ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY 2024; 109:107005. [PMID: 39098097 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2024.107005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Experimental studies have shown that ultrasonic cavitation can reversibly open the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to assist drug delivery. Nevertheless, the majority of the present study focused on experimental aspects of BBB opening. In this study, we developed a three-bubble-liquid-solid model to investigate the dynamic behavior of multiple bubbles within the blood vessels, and elucidate the physical mechanism of drug molecules through endothelial cells under ultrasonic cavitation excitation. The results showed that the large bubbles have a significant inhibitory effect on the movement of small bubbles, and the vibration morphology of intravascular microbubbles was affected by the acoustic parameters, microbubble size, and the distance between the microbubbles. The ultrasonic cavitation can significantly enhance the unidirectional flux of drug molecules, and the unidirectional flux growth rate of the wall can reach more than 5 %. Microjets and shock waves emitted from microbubbles generate different stress distribution patterns on the vascular wall, which in turn affects the pore size of the vessel wall and the permeability of drug molecules. The vibration morphology of microbubbles is related to the concentration, arrangement and scale of microbubbles, and the drug permeation impact can be enhanced by optimizing bubble size and acoustic parameters. The results offer an extensive depiction of the factors influencing the blood-brain barrier opening through ultrasonic cavitation, and the model may provide a potential technique to actively regulate the penetration capacity of drugs through endothelial layer of the neurovascular system by regulating BBB opening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weirui Lei
- School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Shuai Chang
- School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Feng Tian
- School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Xiao Zou
- School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China.
| | - Jiwen Hu
- School of Mathematics and Physics, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
| | - Shengyou Qian
- School of Physics and Electronics, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China.
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2
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Park Y, Shin J, Park J, Kim S, Park JH, Kim J, Kim CS, Chang JW, Schuurmans C, Aubert I, Chang WS, Eom K. Focused Ultrasound as a Novel Non-Invasive Method for the Delivery of Gold Nanoparticles to Retinal Ganglion Cells. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:5. [PMID: 38713474 PMCID: PMC11086706 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.5.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The blood-retinal barrier (BRB) restricts the delivery of intravenous therapeutics to the retina, necessitating innovative approaches for treating retinal disorders. This study sought to explore the potential of focused ultrasound (FUS) to non-invasively deliver intravenously administered gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) across the BRB. FUS-BRB modulation can offer a novel method for targeted retinal therapy. Methods AuNPs of different sizes and shapes were characterized, and FUS parameters were optimized to permeate the BRB without causing retinal damage in a rodent model. The delivery of 70-kDa dextran and AuNPs to the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer was visualized using confocal and two-photon microscopy, respectively. Histological and statistical analyses were conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of the procedure. Results FUS-BRB modulation resulted in the delivery of dextran and AuNPs to the RGC and inner nuclear layer. Smaller AuNPs reached the retinal layers to a greater extent than larger ones. The delivery of dextran and AuNPs across the BRB with FUS was achieved without significant retinal damage. Conclusions This investigation provides the first evidence, to our knowledge, of FUS-mediated AuNP delivery across the BRB, establishing a foundation for a targeted and non-invasive approach to retinal treatment. The results contribute to developing promising non-invasive therapeutic strategies in ophthalmology to treat retinal diseases. Translational Relevance Modifying the BRB with ultrasound offers a targeted and non-invasive delivery strategy of intravenous therapeutics to the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younghoon Park
- Department of Electronics Engineering, College of Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewoo Shin
- Medical Device Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI Hub), Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Biological Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Junwon Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seulbi Kim
- Department of Science Education, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hun Park
- Department of Science Education, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeheung Kim
- Department of Cogno-Mechatronics Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Seok Kim
- Department of Cogno-Mechatronics Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woo Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Biological Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Isabelle Aubert
- Biological Sciences, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Won Seok Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungsik Eom
- Department of Electronics Engineering, College of Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
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Desmarais S, Ramos-Palacios G, Porée J, Lee SA, Leconte A, Sadikot AF, Provost J. Equivalent-time-active-cavitation-imaging enables vascular-resolution blood-brain-barrier-opening-therapy planning. Phys Med Biol 2024; 69:055014. [PMID: 38157550 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ad199a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Objective. Linking cavitation and anatomy was found to be important for predictable outcomes in focused-ultrasound blood-brain-barrier-opening and requires high resolution cavitation mapping. However, cavitation mapping techniques for planning and monitoring of therapeutic procedures either (1) do not leverage the full resolution capabilities of ultrasound imaging or (2) place constraints on the length of the therapeutic pulse. This study aimed to develop a high-resolution technique that could resolve vascular anatomy in the cavitation map.Approach. Herein, we develop BandPass-sampled-equivalent-time-active-cavitation-imaging (BP-ETACI), derived from bandpass sampling and dual-frequency contrast imaging at 12.5 MHz to produce cavitation maps prior and during blood-brain barrier opening with long therapeutic bursts using a 1.5 MHz focused transducer in the brain of C57BL/6 mice.Main results. The BP-ETACI cavitation maps were found to correlate with the vascular anatomy in ultrasound localization microscopy vascular maps and in histological sections. Cavitation maps produced from non-blood-brain-barrier disrupting doses showed the same cavitation-bearing vasculature as maps produced over entire blood-brain-barrier opening procedures, allowing use for (1) monitoring focused-ultrasound blood-brain-barrier-opening (FUS-BBBO), but also for (2) therapy planning and target verification.Significance. BP-ETACI is versatile, created high resolution cavitation maps in the mouse brain and is easily translatable to existing FUS-BBBO experiments. As such, it provides a means to further study cavitation phenomena in FUS-BBBO.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Abbas F Sadikot
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Jean Provost
- Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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Singh A, Jiménez-Gambín S, Konofagou EE. An all-ultrasound cranial imaging method to establish the relationship between cranial FUS incidence angle and transcranial attenuation in non-human primates in 3D. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1488. [PMID: 38233480 PMCID: PMC10794232 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51623-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a non-invasive and non-ionizing technique which deploys ultrasound waves to induce bio-effects. When paired with acoustically active particles such as microbubbles (MBs), it can open the blood brain barrier (BBB) to facilitate drug delivery otherwise inhibited due to the presence of BBB. One of the parameters that affects the FUS beam propagation is the beam incidence angle on the skull. Prior work by our group has shown that, as incidence angles deviate from 90°, FUS focal pressures attenuate and result in a smaller BBB opening volume. The incidence angles calculated in our prior studies were in 2D and used skull information from CT. The study presented herein develops methods to calculate incidence angle in 3D in non-human primate (NHP) skull fragments using harmonic ultrasound imaging without using ionizing radiation. Our results show that ultrasound harmonic imaging is capable of accurately depicting features such as sutures and eye-sockets of the skull. Furthermore, we were able to reproduce previously reported relationships between the incidence angle and FUS beam attenuation. We also show feasibility of performing ultrasound harmonic imaging in in-vivo non-human primates. The all-ultrasound method presented herein combined with our neuronavigation system stands to increase more widespread adoption of FUS and render it accessible by eliminating the need for CT cranial mapping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Elisa E Konofagou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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Manuel TJ, Sigona MK, Phipps MA, Kusunose J, Luo H, Yang PF, Newton AT, Gore JC, Grissom W, Chen LM, Caskey CF. Small volume blood-brain barrier opening in macaques with a 1 MHz ultrasound phased array. J Control Release 2023; 363:707-720. [PMID: 37827222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The use of focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has the potential to deliver drugs to specific regions of the brain. The size of the BBB opening and ability to localize the opening determines the spatial extent and is a limiting factor in many applications of BBB opening where targeting a small brain region is desired. Here we evaluate the performance of a system designed for small opening volumes and highlight the unique challenges associated with pushing the spatial precision of this technique. To achieve small volume openings in cortical regions of the macaque brain, we tested a custom 1 MHz array transducer integrated into a magnetic resonance image-guided focused ultrasound system. Using real-time cavitation monitoring, we demonstrated twelve instances of single sonication, small volume BBB opening with average volumes of 59 ± 37 mm3 and 184 ± 2 mm3 in cortical and subcortical targets, respectively. We found high correlation between subject-specific acoustic simulations and observed openings when incorporating grey matter segmentation (R2 = 0.8577), and the threshold for BBB opening based on simulations was 0.53 MPa. Analysis of MRI-based safety assessment and cavitation signals indicate a safe pressure range for 1 MHz BBB opening and suggest that our system can be used to deliver drugs and gene therapy to small brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Manuel
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michelle K Sigona
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - M Anthony Phipps
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jiro Kusunose
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Huiwen Luo
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Pai-Feng Yang
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Allen T Newton
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - John C Gore
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - William Grissom
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Li Min Chen
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Charles F Caskey
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Kulkarni M, Patel K, Patel A, Patel S, Desai J, Patel M, Shah U, Patel A, Solanki N. Nanomaterials as drug delivery agents for overcoming the blood-brain barrier: A comprehensive review. ADMET AND DMPK 2023; 12:63-105. [PMID: 38560713 PMCID: PMC10974816 DOI: 10.5599/admet.2043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose The blood-brain barrier (BBB), a critical interface of specialized endothelial cells, plays a pivotal role in regulating molecular and ion transport between the central nervous system (CNS) and systemic circulation. Experimental Approach This review aims to delve into the intricate architecture and functions of the BBB while addressing challenges associated with delivering therapeutics to the brain. Historical milestones and contemporary insights underscore the BBB's significance in protecting the CNS. Key Results Innovative approaches for enhanced drug transport include intranasal delivery exploiting olfactory and trigeminal pathways, as well as techniques like temporary BBB opening through chemicals, receptors, or focused ultrasound. These avenues hold the potential to reshape conventional drug delivery paradigms and address the limitations posed by the BBB's selectivity. Conclusion This review underscores the vital role of the BBB in maintaining CNS health and emphasizes the importance of effective drug delivery through this barrier. Nanoparticles emerge as promising candidates to overcome BBB limitations and potentially revolutionize the treatment of CNS disorders. As research progresses, the application of nanomaterials shows immense potential for advancing neurological therapeutics, albeit with careful consideration of safety aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mangesh Kulkarni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology; L J Institute of Pharmacy; L J University; Opp. Kataria Motors; Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway-382210, India
| | - Krishi Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT), CHARUSAT Campus, Changa 388421, India
| | - Ayush Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT), CHARUSAT Campus, Changa 388421, India
| | - Swayamprakash Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT), CHARUSAT Campus, Changa 388421, India
| | - Jagruti Desai
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT), CHARUSAT Campus, Changa 388421, India
| | - Mehul Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT), CHARUSAT Campus, Changa 388421, India
| | - Umang Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT), CHARUSAT Campus, Changa 388421, India
| | - Ashish Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT), CHARUSAT Campus, Changa 388421, India
| | - Nilay Solanki
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology (CHARUSAT), CHARUSAT Campus, Changa 388421, India
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Parks TV, Szuzupak D, Choi SH, Alikaya A, Mou Y, Silva AC, Schaeffer DJ. Noninvasive disruption of the blood-brain barrier in the marmoset monkey. Commun Biol 2023; 6:806. [PMID: 37532791 PMCID: PMC10397190 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05185-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) is a species of rising prominence in the neurosciences due to its small size, ease of handling, fast breeding, and its shared functional and structural brain characteristics with Old World primates. With increasing attention on modeling human brain diseases in marmosets, understanding how to deliver therapeutic or neurotropic agents to the marmoset brain noninvasively is of great preclinical importance. In other species, including humans, transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) aided by intravenously injected microbubbles has proven to be a transient, reliable, and safe method for disrupting the blood-brain barrier (BBB), allowing the focal passage of therapeutic agents that do not otherwise readily traverse the tight endothelial junctions of the BBB. The critical gap that we address here is to document parameters to disrupt the BBB reliably and safely in marmosets using tFUS. By integrating our marmoset brain atlases and the use of a marmoset-specific stereotactic targeting system, we conduct a series of systematic transcranial sonication experiments in nine marmosets. We demonstrate the effects of center frequency, acoustic pressure, burst period, and duration, establish a minimum microbubble dose, estimate microbubble clearance time, and estimate the duration that the BBB remains open to passage. Successful BBB disruption is reported in vivo with MRI-based contrast agents, as well as Evans blue staining assessed ex vivo. Histology (Hematoxylin and Eosin staining) and immunohistochemistry indicate that the BBB can be safely and reliably opened with the parameters derived from these experiments. The series of experiments presented here establish methods for safely, reproducibly, and focally perturbing the BBB using tFUS in the common marmoset monkey that can serve as a basis for noninvasive delivery of therapeutic or neurotropic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Vincenza Parks
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Diego Szuzupak
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sang-Ho Choi
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Aydin Alikaya
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yongshan Mou
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Afonso C Silva
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David J Schaeffer
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Manuel TJ, Sigona MK, Phipps MA, Kusunose J, Luo H, Yang PF, Newton AT, Gore JC, Grissom W, Chen LM, Caskey CF. Small volume blood-brain barrier opening in macaques with a 1 MHz ultrasound phased array. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.02.530815. [PMID: 36909495 PMCID: PMC10002751 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.02.530815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Focused ultrasound blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening is a promising tool for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents into the brain. The volume of opening determines the extent of therapeutic administration and sets a lower bound on the size of targets which can be selectively treated. We tested a custom 1 MHz array transducer optimized for cortical regions in the macaque brain with the goal of achieving small volume openings. We integrated this device into a magnetic resonance image guided focused ultrasound system and demonstrated twelve instances of small volume BBB opening with average opening volumes of 59 ± 37 mm 3 and 184 ± 2 mm 3 in cortical and subcortical targets, respectively. We developed real-time cavitation monitoring using a passive cavitation detector embedded in the array and characterized its performance on a bench-top flow phantom mimicking transcranial BBB opening procedures. We monitored cavitation during in-vivo procedures and compared cavitation metrics against opening volumes and safety outcomes measured with FLAIR and susceptibility weighted MR imaging. Our findings show small BBB opening at cortical targets in macaques and characterize the safe pressure range for 1 MHz BBB opening. Additionally, we used subject-specific simulations to investigate variance in measured opening volumes and found high correlation (R 2 = 0.8577) between simulation predictions and observed measurements. Simulations suggest the threshold for 1 MHz BBB opening was 0.53 MPa. This system enables BBB opening for drug delivery and gene therapy to be targeted to more specific brain regions.
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