Acrylic Skull Windows Allow Brain Ultrasounds, Reducing Radiation from Scans

Some neurosurgeons are testing skull prostheses with acrylic windows that allow ultrasound imaging of patients' brains. This may reduce radiation from CT/MRI scans.

Tucker Marr, 27, received a prosthetic skull piece with an acrylic window after a brain injury. His neurosurgeon can now easily visualize his brain with ultrasound.

Advocates say the windows allow quick, low-cost brain imaging in the doctor's office. Critics argue the ultrasound quality is not as good as CT/MRI.

Dr. Mark Luciano found no increased infection risk in patients with the acrylic windows over one year. But more long-term safety data is needed.

At USC, Dr. Charles Liu is using the windows for ultrasound-based functional brain imaging, hoping to gain insights into brain activity during tasks.