Focused ultrasound robotic system for very small bore magnetic resonance imaging. Issue 6 (22nd September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Damianou, Christakis; Giannakou, Marinos; Evripidou, Nikolas; Kegel, Stefan; Huber, Peter; Jenne, Juergen
• Is Part Of: International journal of medical robotics and computer assisted surgery. Volume 16:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 9
• Publication Date: 2020-09-22
• Subjects: HIFU -- MRgFUS -- MRI -- positioning -- robotic system; Robotics in medicine -- Periodicals; Surgery -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Imaging systems in medicine -- Periodicals; 617.90285
• DOI: 10.1002/rcs.2165
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-5951

Abstract

Abstract: Background: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible robotic system for focused ultrasound was developed for small animal like mice or rats that fits into a 9.4 T MRI scanner (Bruker Biospec 9420, Bruker Biospin, Ettlingen, Germany). The robotic system includes two computer‐controlled linear stages. Materials and Methods: The robotic system was evaluated in a mouse‐shaped, real‐size agar‐based mimicking material, which has similar acoustical properties as soft tissues. The agar content was 6% weight per volume (w/v), 4% w/v silica while the rest was degassed water. The transducer used has a diameter of 4 cm, operates with 2.6 MHz and focuses energy at 5 cm. Results: The MRI compatibility of the robotic system was evaluated in a 9.4 T small animal scanner. The efficacy of the ultrasonic transducer was evaluated in the mimicking material using temperature measurements. Conclusions: The proposed robotic system can be utilized in a 9.4 T small animal MRI scanner. The proposed system is functional, compact and simple thus providing a useful tool for preclinical research in mice and rats.