The neuroscience team at Columbia University led by Elisa Konofagou, PhD, has developed a novel, portable, and non—MRI-guided system for using focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in humans. Instead of MRI, the 0.25-MHz device is guided by neuronavigation. The group successfully tested the system’s single-element transducer using Food and Drug Administration—approved parameters and was able to achieve clinically relevant ultrasound exposures. The group intends to use the device’s speed, low cost, and portability to accelerate the development of new therapies for patients with serious brain conditions.
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