Systems and methods for optimizing transskull acoustic treatment
Inventors
Tlusty, Tal • Vitek, Shuki • Zadicario, Eyal
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12697511-B2
Publication Date
2026-08-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
Skull inhomogeneity may be quantified in accordance with the skull density measured in skull images acquired using a conventional imager; the quantified inhomogeneity may then be used to determine whether the patient is suitable for ultrasound treatment and/or determine parameters associated with the ultrasound transducer for optimizing transskull ultrasound treatment.
Core Innovation
The described method and system use at least one image of a patient's skull to determine local parameters for skull regions on beam paths from transducer elements to a target region. Each parameter represents structural characteristics and anatomical variation along its beam path, and indicates structural inhomogeneity affecting acoustic energy transmission. Transmission powers are determined in accordance with the associated local parameters to improve focusing effectiveness.
The disclosed approach uses local skull density ratios to guide transducer activation and transmission-power allocation. A weighted global skull density ratio can also be used to predict treatment suitability. The described problem is that structural inhomogeneity along skull beam paths affects acoustic energy transmission to the target region and the focusing effectiveness of transskull ultrasound treatment.
Claims Coverage
The two independent claims cover a method and a system for transskull ultrasound treatment, establishing two inventive features. They share the inventive feature of determining local skull parameters from images and using those parameters to control transducer transmission powers.
Image-based local parameter determination and power control
The method obtains at least one image of a patient's skull, computationally determines a local parameter for each transducer-to-target beam path, and activates at least some transducer elements with transmission powers determined in accordance with their associated local parameters. A dependent claim identifies the local parameter as a local skull density ratio and specifies threshold-based activation and a power-allocation relationship.
Imaging system, controller, and drive circuitry for power control
The system includes an imaging system for obtaining a skull image, a controller that identifies the target-region position and determines local parameters for transducer-to-target beam paths, and drive circuitry that activates transducer elements with transmission powers determined in accordance with their associated local parameters. Dependent claims identify a local skull density ratio and specify threshold-based activation and a power-allocation relationship.
The independent claims cover image-based assessment of local skull-path characteristics and adjustment of transducer powers based on those characteristics, implemented as either a method or a system.
Stated Advantages
Improves focusing effectiveness and focal uniformity during transskull ultrasound treatment.
Reduces skull heating.
Documented Applications
Transskull ultrasound treatment at a target region, using skull images and local skull parameters to guide transducer activation and transmission-power allocation.
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