MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound

Since the middle of the 20th century and in order to treat neurological diseases, clinicians have proposed the use of ultrasound, instead of skin incision or trepanation, when performing intracranial thermocoagulation. However, focusing ultrasound intracranially with high precision was technically difficult until recent technological developments. Specifically, advancements in ultrasound phased-array transducers have eliminated the need for a craniotomy, and progress in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has allowed the real-time measurement of intracranial temperature. Both of the above have enabled the use of MR-guided focused ultrasound as a treatment for refractory essential tremor. Studies focusing on the long-term effects of this treatment are under way. Given that it is less invasive than previous methods, this procedure could be indicated for the treatment of other neurological diseases, including Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, dystonia, and epilepsy.