Functional Ultrasound Imaging of Spinal Cord Hemodynamic Responses to Epidural Electrical Stimulation: A Feasibility Study

Frontiers in Neurology, 2019 · DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00279 · Published: March 26, 2019

Cardiovascular Science Neuroimaging Neurology

Simple Explanation

This study explores using functional ultrasound (fUS) to monitor spinal cord activity during electrical stimulation. fUS is a new technology that can show changes in blood flow related to nerve activity. The researchers used fUS in rats and pigs while stimulating their spinal cords. They were able to see changes in blood flow in the spinal cord related to the stimulation. This suggests fUS could be a useful tool for studying how spinal cord stimulation works and for improving treatments for conditions like spinal cord injury and Parkinson's disease.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

6 Sprague-Dawley rats and 1 domestic white swine

Evidence Level

Level IV, Feasibility Study

Key Findings

1
fUS can detect spinal cord hemodynamic responses to epidural electrical stimulation (SCS) in both rat and swine models.
2
fUS has higher sensitivity than electromyography (EMG) in monitoring spinal cord response to SCS.
3
The dorsal part of the spinal cord showed higher hemodynamic activity compared to the ventral part during SCS.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates the feasibility of using functional ultrasound (fUS) imaging to monitor spinal cord hemodynamic responses to epidural electrical stimulation (SCS) in animal models. The researchers optimized fUS imaging and post-processing methods for spinal cord imaging, including motion correction and clutter filtering. The results suggest that fUS has the potential to provide high spatiotemporal resolution for investigating spinal cord functional organization and mechanisms of neuromodulation.

Practical Implications

Improved Understanding of SCS Mechanisms

fUS can help elucidate the mechanisms underlying SCS by providing real-time, high-resolution information about spinal cord activity.

Optimization of SCS Protocols

fUS could be used to optimize SCS parameters, such as voltage and stimulation patterns, to achieve better therapeutic outcomes.

Intraoperative Monitoring

fUS has the potential to be used for intraoperative monitoring of spinal cord hemodynamics during surgical procedures and electrode placement.

Study Limitations

1
fUS cannot effectively penetrate bone, requiring laminectomy for spinal cord access.
2
Motion artifacts from breathing and movement can affect data collection.
3
The study was conducted on anesthetized animals, which may affect vascular responses.

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