New Brain Imaging Technique Through Transparent Skull Implant

INNOVATION
Written By Nicholas Gatorano
Navigation
Share This Page

Allows fundamental brain research that could provide new insight for human brain conditions such as concussions, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC and Caltech designed and implanted a transparent window in the skull of a patient, allowing for real-time, high-resolution brain imaging using functional ultrasound imaging (fUSI). This innovative technique has the potential to revolutionize brain monitoring and clinical research by offering a non-invasive way to observe brain activity.

The patient, Jared Hager, who suffered a traumatic brain injury from a skateboarding accident, volunteered for this pioneering research. During emergency surgery, a portion of Hager's skull was removed to relieve pressure on his brain. Later, researchers replaced this with a custom transparent implant, enabling them to collect detailed imaging data as Hager performed various tasks, such as solving puzzles and playing guitar.

“This is the first time anyone had applied functional ultrasound imaging through a skull replacement in an awake, behaving human performing a task. The ability to extract this type of information noninvasively through a window is pretty significant, particularly since many of the patients who require skull repair have or will develop neurological disabilities. In addition, 'windows' can be surgically implanted in patients with intact skulls if functional information can help with diagnosis and treatment."

Charles Liu, MD, PhD, professor of clinical neurological surgery, urology and surgery at the Keck School of Medicine and director of the USC Neurorestoration Center

The clear skull implant allowed the research team to test and optimize fUSI parameters, which provided effective ways to measure brain activity. Unlike traditional methods like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and intracranial electroencephalography (EEG), fUSI offers finer resolution and does not require invasive procedures, making it a potentially safer and more accessible option for monitoring neurological conditions.

The ability to extract functional information non-invasively through a skull implant could significantly improve treatment for patients with conditions such as epilepsy, dementia, and psychiatric disorders. The clear window also facilitates monitoring for complications like blood clots, enhancing patient safety during post-surgical care.

As researchers continue to refine fUSI protocols and enhance image resolution, future studies will involve more participants to further validate the effectiveness of this technique. This promising technology could ultimately lead to better diagnostic and treatment options for a wide range of neurological conditions.

Nicholas Gatorano
Previous

Social Media: Understanding Doomscrolling and FOMO
Next

How AI Can Boost Cancer, Depression, and Surgical Outcomes