Histological Examination of Focused Ultrasound Effects on Human Brain Tissue

The study investigated the effects of focused ultrasound on human brain tissue to assess intensities at which focused ultrasound might cause irreversible structural cell damage. FUS does not appear to cause significant heating or cavitation to brain tissue when Ispta remains below 25 W/cm2. However, as the tissue was fixed immediately post-sonication, there was not sufficient time for apoptosis to develop, leaving open the possibility that a lower intensity over a longer period of time may cause stress and damage to the cell, leading to its eventual death. While additional studies should continue to further ensure the safety of this novel and important technology, this furthers the notion that, at the current FDA-approved levels, and potentially beyond, tFUS is likely a safe clinical technology.