New ultrasound tool measures blood flow, microvasculature in the brain

To image microscopic vessels and measure blood flow in the brain, researchers use a tool called ultrasound localization microscopy. It works by using microscopic bubbles circulated through the bloodstream as a contrast agent to measure the reflection of high-frequency acoustic waves passing through the body.

Their approach deploys ultrasound technology to produce whole-brain images of animal microvasculature in just a few seconds.

This method is a huge improvement for the practicality of this technology. Instead of averaging two or three minutes of data together, they need only one or two seconds of data and have a good image. Temporal resolution is hugely improved, and that is very important to measure dynamic properties of blood flow.

Many neurological diseases and disorders have a very strong correlation to vascular diseases. Down the road, their ultrasound technology may be a good candidate for a screening technology, due to the low cost, portability, and safety. There is also a strong need to develop this technology for preclinical applications.