Ultrasound-Guided Brain Imaging and Blood-Brain Barrier Opening: A New Frontier

Ultrasound is increasingly being used in neuroscience to unlock new possibilities in brain imaging and therapeutic delivery. One of the most exciting developments is the use of focused ultrasound to transiently open the blood-brain barrier (BBB)—a protective layer that typically prevents drugs from reaching the brain.

Projects like the one at Imperial College London have shown how combining ultrasound with microbubbles can allow targeted and reversible BBB opening, enabling the delivery of therapeutic agents to specific brain regions. This technique holds promise for treating conditions such as brain tumors, Alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy.

At OpenSonics, we are closely following these advances and supporting research teams with our OpenPioneer platform. Designed for high-performance imaging and experimental flexibility, OpenPioneer offers the precision and control needed for complex neurovascular studies and BBB modulation protocols.

As the field evolves, ultrasound is proving to be more than a diagnostic tool—it’s becoming a gateway to therapeutic innovation in brain research.

CREATIS & OpenSonics: Pioneering 1024-Channel 3D Ultrasound Imaging

In collaboration with the CREATIS laboratory in Lyon, OpenSonics has developed a world-first: a 1024-channel ultrasound system capable of real-time 3D imaging. Named Discovery, this prototype addresses a major limitation in clinical ultrasound, where 2D imaging and 256-channel systems dominate.

Physiological phenomena occur in three dimensions, and current systems often miss out-of-plane motion and complex vascular dynamics. Discovery enables full control of 1024 transducer elements simultaneously, unlocking ultra-fast volumetric imaging with unprecedented resolution.

This breakthrough allows researchers to move beyond sparse arrays and simplified multiplexing, offering a fully populated probe experience. The system is now being used in advanced vascular studies and is a cornerstone of next-generation ultrasound research.

Ensuring Compliance: OpenSonics and the New EU Safety Landscape

As the EU continues to refine its regulatory framework for medical devices, research systems must meet increasingly stringent standards. OpenSonics is proud to offer ultrasound platforms that comply with key directives, including:

• 2014/30/EU – Electromagnetic Compatibility
• EN 61326-1 – Electrical Equipment Safety
• EU 2015/863 – Medical Device Safety
• 2014/35/EU – Low Voltage Directive
• IEC 61010-1 – Laboratory Equipment Safety

Our systems undergo rigorous testing and documentation to ensure full conformity. For startups and labs navigating certification, our team provides tailored consulting to streamline the process and ensure regulatory readiness from prototype to clinical deployment

OpenSonics at IEEE IUS 2025 – Discovery System Showcase & Interactive Quiz

OpenSonics will be exhibiting at the IEEE International Ultrasonics Symposium (IUS) 2025 in Utrecht, in collaboration with TPAC. Visit our booth to experience live demonstrations of our full product line, including the Discovery system—our flagship 1024-channel ultrasound platform designed for advanced 3D imaging and research.

Throughout the event, our team will be available to discuss custom ultrasound solutions, regulatory support, and collaborative opportunities with academic and startup partners.

🎯 Special Feature: We’re hosting an interactive quiz about the Discovery system! Test your knowledge of ultrasound technology and win exclusive prizes. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or new to the field, it’s a fun way to engage with our innovations and learn more about what makes Discovery unique.