L2M – A Hybrid B-Mode + Ultrafast Doppler Imaging scheme for Miniaturized High Resolution Ultrasound-Guided Tumor Resection

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer with a five-year survival rate of less than 5%, primarily due to the tumor’s high recurrence rate. The critical challenge in GBM treatment is extending patient survival while maintaining quality of life.

Current minimally invasive surgical techniques for GBM involve using endoscopic tools guided by optical microscopes and pre-operative MRI. However, these methods have significant limitations. The brain can “shift” up to 24mm during surgery, making pre-operative MRI images unreliable. Additionally, optical microscopes can only visualize the brain’s surface, limiting their usefulness during surgery. These challenges force surgeons into a difficult decision: either risk not removing enough of the tumor, reducing survivability, or remove too much healthy tissue, reducing the patient’s quality of life.

Ultrasound has emerged as a promising alternative. However, traditional ultrasound probes are often too large and low resolution for the precision required in minimally invasive brain surgeries. To address this, we have developed a high-resolution, miniaturized ultrasound imaging probe and advanced beamforming system. In our first clinical trials, this device successfully detected residual tumor missed during surgery, showcasing its potential to improve surgical outcomes.

Building on this success, we are now developing a hybrid B-mode + ultrafast Doppler imaging technique. This innovative approach aims to provide a clear view of the tumor and healthy brain tissue by highlighting their physical structures and vascular networks. By offering real-time, high-resolution images during surgery, this technology can help eliminate the guesswork in tumor resection, improving patient survival rates and quality of life.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jeremy Brown

Student:

Partner:

Springboard Atlantic Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Technology

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: