The current study presents a unique opportunity to measure the immediate neural responses to brief, non-therapeutic transcranial low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) pulses using intracranial electrodes. By recording time-locked signals in local and distant brain regions we can characterize circuit connectivity in real-time. We will use adult patients undergoing intracranial electrophysiological monitoring in an inpatient setting as our targeted population.
Who can participate
Age range
21 Years – 75 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Patients who received (or are scheduled to receive) intracranial electrode implantation surgery as part of standard clinical care or as participation in an ongoing research study for the treatment of epilepsy and/or neuropsychiatric conditions at Pennsylvania Hospital (PAH) or Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP).
. Adult patients, 21 to 75 years of age
. Patients considered to be in a stable medical condition, in the opinion of the PI
. Patients who are able to demonstrate comprehension of instructions in the English language, in the opinion of the PI
. Patients who are able to provide informed consent and fully comply with all study requirements, in the opinion of the PI
Exclusion criteria
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Local spectral responses and temporally linked network activity, as measured by intracranial EEG
Timeframe: From enrollment to end of study is two weeks
2
Safety, as defined by the number and type of adverse events (AE) and change in clinical VAS scales
Timeframe: From enrollment to end of study is 2 weeks
. Patients with additional implanted devices, such as an aneurysm clip, large cranial plates or mesh that may intersect with ultrasonic beam path
. Open scalp wounds, infection or dermatologic condition that preclude safe placement of ultrasound transducer
. Intracranial mass lesion with significant mass effect near intended beam path
. Patients who are pregnant at the time of screening or patients who get pregnant during the course of the study
. Patients with any past or present medical condition, disease, disorder, or injury that, in the opinion of the PI, may reduce or hinder the participant's ability to fully comply with all study requirements or may impact, compromise, or affect the integrity of the data or the results of the study