Surgeons can now observe spinal cord activity during surgery at the University of California - Riverside.
In a groundbreaking development at the University of California, Riverside, a new technology called functional ultrasound imaging (fUSI) is revolutionizing spinal cord surgery. For the first time, doctors can now visualize high-resolution images of the human spinal cord in real-time during surgery, offering hope for millions suffering from chronic back pain. This innovative technology not only allows clinicians to observe the spinal cord but also to map its response to different treatments during surgery.
Unlike traditional neuroimaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), fUSI is a portable and sensitive tool that provides ten times the neuroactivation detection capability of fMRI without the need for elaborate infrastructure. This mobility and enhanced sensitivity make fUSI a game-changer in monitoring spinal cord activity during procedures like electrical stimulation for chronic back pain. By tracking changes in blood flow induced by stimulation, clinicians can assess the effectiveness of the treatment, which was previously challenging since patients undergoing such procedures are typically under anesthesia and unable to provide immediate feedback on pain levels.
The spinal cord has posed challenges for conventional imaging methods due to motion artifacts caused by factors like heart pulsation and breathing. However, fUSI is less affected by these artifacts, as it sends sound waves into the target area, with red blood cells reflecting the waves to create clear images. This process is likened to submarine sonar navigation, where the strength and speed of echoes provide vital information about nearby objects. This capability has been put to the test in collaboration with the USC Neurorestoration Center, where six patients with chronic low back pain underwent spinal cord stimulation to alleviate their suffering.
The research led by Vasileios Christopoulos demonstrates that fUSI can detect blood flow changes at a remarkably precise level of less than 1 millimeter per second, far surpassing the capabilities of fMRI. By monitoring these minute fluctuations in blood flow, clinicians hope to enhance the success rate of spinal cord surgeries, which currently stands at around 50%. Understanding the dynamics of blood flow before, during, and after stimulation could significantly improve treatment outcomes and patient quality of life.
Looking ahead, the researchers aim to explore the potential of fUSI in optimizing treatments for conditions like loss of bladder control resulting from spinal cord injury or aging. By modulating spinal cord neurons, fUSI may offer new avenues for improving bladder function and enhancing patients' overall well-being. Ultimately, this cutting-edge technology promises to revolutionize pain management by enabling personalized and more effective treatments with reduced risk compared to traditional methods.
The advent of fUSI marks a significant milestone in the field of spinal cord surgery, opening up possibilities for tailored interventions and improved patient outcomes. With its ability to provide real-time visualization and precise monitoring of spinal cord activity, fUSI represents a major leap forward in the quest to alleviate chronic back pain and enhance the quality of life for individuals suffering from spinal cord-related conditions.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1036856
Unlike traditional neuroimaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), fUSI is a portable and sensitive tool that provides ten times the neuroactivation detection capability of fMRI without the need for elaborate infrastructure. This mobility and enhanced sensitivity make fUSI a game-changer in monitoring spinal cord activity during procedures like electrical stimulation for chronic back pain. By tracking changes in blood flow induced by stimulation, clinicians can assess the effectiveness of the treatment, which was previously challenging since patients undergoing such procedures are typically under anesthesia and unable to provide immediate feedback on pain levels.
The spinal cord has posed challenges for conventional imaging methods due to motion artifacts caused by factors like heart pulsation and breathing. However, fUSI is less affected by these artifacts, as it sends sound waves into the target area, with red blood cells reflecting the waves to create clear images. This process is likened to submarine sonar navigation, where the strength and speed of echoes provide vital information about nearby objects. This capability has been put to the test in collaboration with the USC Neurorestoration Center, where six patients with chronic low back pain underwent spinal cord stimulation to alleviate their suffering.
The research led by Vasileios Christopoulos demonstrates that fUSI can detect blood flow changes at a remarkably precise level of less than 1 millimeter per second, far surpassing the capabilities of fMRI. By monitoring these minute fluctuations in blood flow, clinicians hope to enhance the success rate of spinal cord surgeries, which currently stands at around 50%. Understanding the dynamics of blood flow before, during, and after stimulation could significantly improve treatment outcomes and patient quality of life.
Looking ahead, the researchers aim to explore the potential of fUSI in optimizing treatments for conditions like loss of bladder control resulting from spinal cord injury or aging. By modulating spinal cord neurons, fUSI may offer new avenues for improving bladder function and enhancing patients' overall well-being. Ultimately, this cutting-edge technology promises to revolutionize pain management by enabling personalized and more effective treatments with reduced risk compared to traditional methods.
The advent of fUSI marks a significant milestone in the field of spinal cord surgery, opening up possibilities for tailored interventions and improved patient outcomes. With its ability to provide real-time visualization and precise monitoring of spinal cord activity, fUSI represents a major leap forward in the quest to alleviate chronic back pain and enhance the quality of life for individuals suffering from spinal cord-related conditions.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1036856
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