Noninvasive imaging-guided ultrasonic neurostimulation with arbitrary 2D patterns and its application for high-quality vision restoration

Gengxi Lu, Chen Gong, Yizhe Sun, Xuejun Qian, Deepthi S. Rajendran Nair, Runze Li, Yushun Zeng, Jie Ji, Junhang Zhang, Haochen Kang, Laiming Jiang, Jiawen Chen, Chi-Feng Chang, Biju B. Thomas, Mark S. Humayun and Qifa Zhou ()
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Gengxi Lu: University of Southern California
Chen Gong: University of Southern California
Yizhe Sun: University of Southern California
Xuejun Qian: University of Southern California
Deepthi S. Rajendran Nair: University of Southern California
Runze Li: University of Southern California
Yushun Zeng: University of Southern California
Jie Ji: University of Southern California
Junhang Zhang: University of Southern California
Haochen Kang: University of Southern California
Laiming Jiang: University of Southern California
Jiawen Chen: University of Southern California
Chi-Feng Chang: University of Southern California
Biju B. Thomas: University of Southern California
Mark S. Humayun: University of Southern California
Qifa Zhou: University of Southern California

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract Retinal degeneration, a leading cause of irreversible low vision and blindness globally, can be partially addressed by retina prostheses which stimulate remaining neurons in the retina. However, existing electrode-based treatments are invasive, posing substantial risks to patients and healthcare providers. Here, we introduce a completely noninvasive ultrasonic retina prosthesis, featuring a customized ultrasound two-dimensional array which allows for simultaneous imaging and stimulation. With synchronous three-dimensional imaging guidance and auto-alignment technology, ultrasonic retina prosthesis can generate programmed ultrasound waves to dynamically and precisely form arbitrary wave patterns on the retina. Neuron responses in the brain’s visual center mirrored these patterns, evidencing successful artificial vision creation, which was further corroborated in behavior experiments. Quantitative analysis of the spatial-temporal resolution and field of view demonstrated advanced performance of ultrasonic retina prosthesis and elucidated the biophysical mechanism of retinal stimulation. As a noninvasive blindness prosthesis, ultrasonic retina prosthesis could lead to a more effective, widely acceptable treatment for blind patients. Its real-time imaging-guided stimulation strategy with a single ultrasound array, could also benefit ultrasound neurostimulation in other diseases.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48683-6

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