Focused ultrasound through the skull is desirable for noninvasive brain therapies such as neuromodulation. However, the skull distorts the ultrasound beam and absorbs varying amounts of energy depending on bone thickness and composition. In light of these challenges, we investigate magnetic resonance acoustic radiation force imaging (MR-ARFI) focal spot imaging of subcortical brain tissue in a large animal, and simulations and measurements of acoustic pressure transmitted through the skull. Results show in vivo MR-ARFI focal spot imaging through the skull for the first time, and provide practical information on focal spot targeting through skulls of varying shape, thickness, and composition.
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