A Simulation Study of Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Modulating Rotational Sense Through Acoustic Streaming in Semicircular Canal: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This study explores the feasibility of using low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to induce rotational sensations in the human semicircular canal (SCC) through the acoustic streaming effect. Existing vestibular stimulation methods, such as galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS), caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS), and magnetic vestibular stimulation (MVS), face limitations in spatial and temporal resolution, with unclear mechanisms. This study investigates whether LIFU can overcome these limitations by modulating endolymph motion within SCC. A 3D finite element model was constructed to simulate the effects of LIFU-induced acoustic streaming on SCC (particularly the endolymph), with thermal effects evaluated to ensure safety. Fluid–structure interaction (FSI) was used to analyze the relationship between endolymph flow and cupula deformation. By adjusting the focal point of the ultrasound transducer, we were able to alter fluid flow pattern, which resulted in variations in cupula displacement. The results demonstrated that LIFU successfully induces fluid motion in SCC without exceeding thermal safety limits (<1 °C), suggesting its potential for controlling rotational sensations, with cupula displacement exceeding 1 μm. This novel approach enhances the understanding of LIFU’s thermal and neuromodulatory effects on the vestibular system, and thereby offers promising implications for future therapeutic applications.

Keywords

• numerical analysis
• focused ultrasound
• transcranial ultrasound
• vestibular stimulation
• vestibular system
• neuromodulation