Simultaneous Nerve Displacement Mapping for Human Peripheral Neuromodulation

Focused ultrasound (FUS), being non-invasive and non-ionizing, has been postulated as a possible therapeutic for peripheral nerve modulation. Recently, the ability to use high intensity, short pulse FUS has been demonstrated in rodents. In order to adapt this technology for clinical translation, a technique for real-time imaging and validation of FUS neuromodulation is needed. In this study, we developed a technique to image FUS using a two probes, connected to a single Vantage research ultrasound machine for real-time elastography during FUS delivery without interleaved transmits. Using a custom transmit sequence, we can image displacements around 1 μm. Validation of FUS delivery to the median nerve was performed in humans (n = 5). This technique allows for greater accuracy and confidence in applying neuromodulation to human peripheral nerves.