Scientists use sound waves to watch brain talk in real time
NCT ID NCT07518927
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study uses low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to gently stimulate the brain while recording responses with implanted electrodes. Researchers aim to map how different brain regions communicate in real time. About 30 adults with epilepsy or other conditions who already have brain electrodes will participate. The goal is to understand brain connectivity, not to treat any disease.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Mar 2026
- Expected to finish
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Mar 2031
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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21 to 75 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 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). 2. Adult patients, 21 to 75 years of age 3. Patients considered to be in a stable medical condition, in the opinion of the PI 4. Patients who are able to demonstrate comprehension of instructions in the English language, in the opinion of the PI 5. Patients who are able to provide informed consent and fully comply with all study requirements, in the opinion of the PI Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients with chronic alcohol abuse history 2. Patients with additional implanted devices, such as an aneurysm clip, large cranial plates or mesh that may intersect with ultrasonic beam path 3. Open scalp wounds, infection or dermatologic condition that preclude safe placement of ultrasound transducer 4. Intracranial mass lesion with significant mass effect near intended beam path 5. Patients who are pregnant at the time of screening or patients who get pregnant during the course of the study 6. 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
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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