A Simulation Study of Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Modulating Rotational Sense Through Acoustic Streaming in Semicircular Canal: A Pilot Study

This study explores the feasibility of using low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to induce rotational sensations in the human semicircular canal (SCC) through the acoustic streaming effect. Existing vestibular stimulation methods, such as galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS), caloric vestibular...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied sciences 2024-12, Vol.14 (23), p.11432
Main Authors: Cha, Sion, Kim, Wooksung
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acoustics
focused ultrasound
Heat transfer
Mathematical functions
Methods
neuromodulation
numerical analysis
Pilot projects
transcranial ultrasound
Ultrasonic imaging
Ultrasonic transducers
Velocity
vestibular stimulation
vestibular system
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Summary:This study explores the feasibility of using low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to induce rotational sensations in the human semicircular canal (SCC) through the acoustic streaming effect. Existing vestibular stimulation methods, such as galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS), caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS), and magnetic vestibular stimulation (MVS), face limitations in spatial and temporal resolution, with unclear mechanisms. This study investigates whether LIFU can overcome these limitations by modulating endolymph motion within SCC. A 3D finite element model was constructed to simulate the effects of LIFU-induced acoustic streaming on SCC (particularly the endolymph), with thermal effects evaluated to ensure safety. Fluid–structure interaction (FSI) was used to analyze the relationship between endolymph flow and cupula deformation. By adjusting the focal point of the ultrasound transducer, we were able to alter fluid flow pattern, which resulted in variations in cupula displacement. The results demonstrated that LIFU successfully induces fluid motion in SCC without exceeding thermal safety limits (
ISSN:2076-3417
2076-3417
DOI:10.3390/app142311432