Fluorescein sodium as a marker for focused ultrasound-induced blood-brain barrier disruption: a case report in a porcine model

Authors

• Yuan Xu, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, United States.Follow
• Thomas J. On, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, United States.
• Mark C. Preul, The Loyal and Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, United States.

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Transcranial low-intensity focused ultrasound (FUS) enables noninvasive, targeted, and reversible blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, facilitating drug delivery and liquid biopsy of the brain. Using fluorescein sodium (FNa) with macroscopic widefield fluorescence and microscopic confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) imaging, we assessed BBB permeability after applying a frameless, electromagnetic-guided FUS system in a porcine model and confirmed with established MRI protocol and conventional histology. Both macroscopic and microscopic FNa fluorescence imaging findings correlated with contrast-enhanced MRI, providing direct evidence of BBB disruption. This approach demonstrates the utility of FNa for evaluating BBB permeability in preclinical studies.

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Publication Title

Frontiers in surgery

ISSN

2296-875X

Volume

12

First Page

1559195

PubMed ID

40236991

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fsurg.2025.1559195

Recommended Citation

Xu, Yuan; On, Thomas J.; and Preul, Mark C., "Fluorescein sodium as a marker for focused ultrasound-induced blood-brain barrier disruption: a case report in a porcine model" (2025). Neurosurgery. 2332.
https://scholar.barrowneuro.org/neurosurgery/2332