Other Emerging Novel Applications of Ultrasound in Neurosurgery: Ultrasound Computed Tomography, Thermometry, and Thermography; Intracranial Pressure Monitoring; and Artificial Intelligence

doi:10.1117/3.2653275.ch9

Book: The Abundant Promise of Ultrasound in Neurosurgery: A Broad Overview and Thoughts on Ethical Paths to Realizing Its Benefits

Editor(s): Amir Manbachi; Eli J. Curry; Kelley M. Kempski Leadingham

Published: 2022

https://doi.org/10.1117/3.2653275.ch9

Abstract

Since the clinical introduction of Doppler ultrasound in 1960, researchers have worked to inventively reinterpret ultrasound signals to better understand underlying anatomy. This chapter discusses new and unique developments in ultrasound, including ultrasound computed tomography (USCT), thermometry, and non-invasive intracranial pressure (niICP) monitoring. USCT extends concepts from alternative imaging modalities to provide detailed information on microstructures. Thermometry and thermography use ultrasound to precisely measure the thermal characteristics of the tissue during bone cutting or high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Lastly, niICP is an important outstanding challenge in managing ICU patients, and certain groups are using ultrasound to make these measurements. This chapter also addresses new applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AIML) as it applies to ultrasound in neurosurgery. These applications include automated pathology identification, bone surface segmentation, and improvements to image quality. The chapter concludes with new techniques for processing speckle, which is an interference phenomenon arising from rough surfaces in ultrasound imaging. Speckle tracking monitors these interference patterns in order to make estimates of either tissue deformations or transducer motions. These methods and their potential applications in spine surgery are then explained.