Researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have made a groundbreaking advancement in brain imaging technology by pioneering a new technique that involves a transparent ‘window’ in a patient’s skull.
In a recent proof-of-concept study, the research team successfully demonstrated that functional ultrasound imaging can be used to record brain activity through this innovative transparent skull implant. This development could revolutionize the way brain imaging is conducted, particularly for patients with serious head injuries.
The study, led by Dr. Charles Liu, a professor at the Keck School of Medicine, involved designing and implanting a transparent window in the skull of a patient. Through this window, the researchers were able to use functional ultrasound imaging (fUSI) to capture high-resolution brain imaging data. The results of the study indicate that this non-invasive approach could have significant implications for patient monitoring, clinical research, and a deeper understanding of brain function.
Dr. Liu emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, ‘This is the first time anyone has applied functional ultrasound imaging through a skull replacement in an awake, behaving human performing a task.’ He further explained that the ability to extract valuable information noninvasively through such a window is a major breakthrough, especially for patients with neurological disabilities.
The research participant in this groundbreaking study was Jared Hager, a 39-year-old individual who suffered a traumatic brain injury from a skateboarding accident. Due to the severity of his injury, Hager had half of his skull removed during emergency surgery to alleviate pressure on his brain. This left part of his brain exposed, covered only by skin and connective tissue. After waiting over two years for his skull to be restored with a prosthesis, Hager volunteered for the research conducted by Dr. Liu and his team.
During the study, the researchers designed a custom skull implant for Hager to evaluate the utility of fUSI, a technique that was previously tested on soft tissue but had not been applied to the brain in patients with missing skull parts. The successful implementation of this new imaging approach opens up possibilities for improved diagnosis and treatment in patients with neurological conditions.
This groundbreaking research not only showcases the potential of functional ultrasound imaging but also highlights the collaborative efforts of medical professionals in advancing neuroimaging technologies for the benefit of patient care and scientific discovery.
