Low-intensity focused ultrasound for neuromodulation: neuroimaging and neurointerventional perspectives

Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) is an emerging, noninvasive neuromodulation technique with a growing evidence base and set of applications. LIFU uses low-energy acoustic waves that are focused to a focal volume in the millimeter range and transiently modulate neuronal activity in targeted cortical and subcortical brain structures. Unlike high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), which is designed to cause thermal ablation of the target tissue, LIFU is intended to modulate neuronal activity rather than ablate tissue. In this article, we review the technical background, clinical applications, and safety of LIFU from neuroimaging and neurointerventional perspectives.