Events Calendar

Annual Grodins Keynote Lecture

Speaker: Kullervo Hynynen, M.Sc., PhD, Professor, University of Toronto (Department of Medical Biophysics and Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering)

Talk Title: Non-Invasive Brain Treatments Using Image Guided and Modulated Ultrasound Beams

Series: Annual Grodins Keynote Lecture

Abstract: Non-invasive brain treatments using image-guided and modulated ultrasound beams When combined with imaging-guidance focused ultrasound (FUS) provides means for localized delivery of mechanical energy deep into tissues. This focal energy deposition can modify tissue function via thermal or mechanical interactions with the tissue. MRI-guided hemi-spherical phased array technology with CT based beam modulation has made FUS treatments of brain through intact skull possible in the clinical setting. Thermal ablation of a target in a thalamus has been shown to be effective in the treatment of essential tremor and is now FDA approved. The impact of an ultrasound exposure can be potentiated by intravascular microbubbles that can enhance blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability for a wide variety of molecules, particles and even cells. The ability to modulate the BBB has been shown to be effective in treatments of many deceases in animal models with initial patient trials showing clinical feasibility. In this talk, the progress in utilizing ultrasound phased array technology for brain treatments will be reviewed and its further potential discussed.


Biography: Dr. Hynynen received his PhD from the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom. After completing his postdoctoral training in biomedical ultrasound also at the University of Aberdeen, he accepted a faculty position at the University of Arizona. After, he joined the faculty at the Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA. There he reached the rank of full Professor, and founded and directed the Focused Ultrasound Laboratory. In 2006 he moved to the University of Toronto. He is currently the Director of Physical Sciences Platform at the Sunnybrook Research Institute and a Professor in the Department of Medical Biophysics and Cross Appointed Professor at the Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering (IBBME) at the University of Toronto. His research focuses on utilizing focused ultrasound for non-invasive, image-guided interventions. His work in the brain spans from developing devices and methods for focal tissue ablation in clinical testing to research for targeted drug and cell delivery and stroke treatments.

Host: Professor Kirk Shung

More Information: 2018 Fred S. Grodins Keynote Speaker Kullervo Hynynen.pdf

Location: Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience (MCB) - 101

Audiences: BME graduate students, Faculty, contact department if interested (213-740-7237)

Contact: Mischalgrace Diasanta