MR-guided Focused Ultrasound for Spinal Cord Injury

To address the lack of therapeutic options for spinal cord injury, this research uses of MRI-guided high intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU) as a novel non-invasive approach to disrupt the glial scar and to increase BSCB permeability for localized drug delivery. HIFU is FDA approved for treating essential tremor, bone metastases, prostate disease and fibroids and is under investigation for other conditions. HIFU can create a transient, nonchemical blood brain barrier permeability increase for drug delivery. Previous research has focused on therapies to prevent the formation of the glial scar. The idea that formation of the glial scar provides a measure of therapeutic benefit has gained further acceptance, however in chronic injury, the scar is a significant contributor to the failure of regenerative therapies.