Dual Transducers Co-Focusing Method for Ultrasound Stimulation in Calf Peripheral Nervous System: A Feasibility Study

As a neuromodulation technology, ultrasound stimulation exhibits great potential due to its non-invasive and targeted nature. Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (LIFU) allows for precise targeting of the peripheral nervous system, enabling the elicitation of diverse sensations in the human body, including tactile, cold, heat, and pain. Current research efforts predominantly focus on ultrasound stimulation of the upper limbs, specifically the fingers. However, there is a paucity of investigation pertaining to the stimulation of the peripheral nervous system in the lower limb of the human body. Furthermore, the utilization of a singularly focused transducer for stimulation introduces anisotropy, thereby rendering it challenging to enhance the axial resolution. This study aims to explore an innovative approach using dual transducers that synergistically focus ultrasound to achieve highly precise stimulation and reduce the disparity between axial and lateral resolution. The primary objective is to investigate the feasibility of utilizing this approach for deep muscle stimulation in the human calf muscles, thus delving into the realm of lower limb neuromodulation.