Ultrasound instead of a scalpel
A method of non-surgical treatment of neurological diseases has been created
American scientists have developed a non-invasive method for removing problematic neural structures, which allows treating serious neurological diseases without the usual brain surgery in such cases. The results of the study are published in the Journal of Neurosurgery (Wang et al., Noninvasive disconnection of targeted neuronal circuitry sparing axons of passage and non-neuronal cells).
Researchers from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, together with colleagues from Stanford University, for the first time used low-intensity ultrasound waves combined with micro-bubbles carrying neurotoxins to penetrate the brain, not a scalpel or a probe. This allowed them to target the drug to the problem cells and kill them, preserving the surrounding healthy cells and the overall architecture of neural connections, while currently available surgical approaches damage all cells in the treated area of the brain.
The authors believe that their discovery could revolutionize the treatment of the most complex neurological diseases, such as epilepsy, motor disorders and many others.
"This new surgical strategy can replace existing neurosurgical procedures, as well as be used for the treatment of neurological disorders that are not yet treatable," the press release says. The words of the head of the study, Dr. Kevin Lee, a researcher at the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery of the University and the Brain Institute. "This unique approach removes diseased brain cells and preserves neighboring healthy cells without disturbing even the scalp."
The authors have already demonstrated the effectiveness of a new technique called PING (Precise, Intracerebral, Noninvasive, Guided surgery – precise intracerebral noninvasive guided surgery) in the treatment of epilepsy on two laboratory models. It is known that about a third of patients with epilepsy do not respond to anticonvulsants, and dangerous surgical intervention is required to eliminate seizures. The researchers are confident that their method will help these people.
"We hope that the PING strategy will be a key element in the next generation of highly accurate, non—invasive neurosurgical approaches to the treatment of major neurological disorders," says Dr. Lee.
Another key advantage of the PING method is its incredible accuracy. Using the capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), scientists literally look inside the skull and can accurately direct sound waves through the blood-brain barrier of the body exactly where it is needed. This barrier, which serves to prevent harmful cells and substances from entering the brain, at the same time prevents the delivery of therapeutic drugs to the brain.
The researchers note that their method can also be used to target irregularly shaped targets in areas that are extremely difficult or impossible to achieve with conventional brain surgery.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru