Miniaturized Four-Dimensional Functional Ultrasound for Mapping Human Brain Activity

Real-time brain monitoring for neurosurgery and neuroscience research of natural behaviors demands portable imaging with high spatiotemporal resolution. Current technologies cannot simultaneously achieve the resolution, mobility, and real-time performance required. Here we present a miniaturized four-dimensional functional ultrasound system capturing volumetric brain hemodynamics in real-time using 3072 transceivers controlled by custom application-specific integrated circuits. The device achieves 450 Hz volumetric imaging up to 8 cm depth while maintaining a form factor suitable for direct cortical placement and potential sub-cranial implantation. We validated this technology across three clinical scenarios: through skull prosthesis, cranial defect, and during neurosurgery. The system mapped somatotopic finger representations and achieved decoding of individual finger movements during piano playing using machine learning, demonstrating single-trial detection. This portable platform establishes a new approach for brain monitoring bridging laboratory neuroscience and clinical applications, enabling research in natural behavioral settings, providing surgeons real-time hemodynamic feedback, and advancing brain-computer interface development.