Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques that measure and reconstruct white matter fibres in the brain and nerves by drawing information from the diffusion of water within those fibres. These techniques can be used in surgical planning to visualize target regions for treatment, avoid damaging healthy fibres, and to assess the effectiveness of treatment after surgery. In this presentation we will discuss the application of DTI to high intensity focused ultrasound ablation treatments of the brain and peripheral nerves in an animal model.

This is a joint work with Jidan Zhong, Adam C. Waspe, Karolina Piorkowska, Thomas Looi, James M. Drake, and Mojgan Hodaie. This work was supported by the Brain Canada Multi-Investigator Research Initiative.