title: Transparent nanocrystalline yttria-stabilized-zirconia calvarium prosthesis.
abstract: Laser-based diagnostics and therapeutics show promise for many neurological disorders. However, the poor transparency of cranial bone (calvaria) limits the spatial resolution and interaction depth that can be achieved, thus constraining opportunity in this regard. Herein, we report preliminary results from efforts seeking to address this limitation through use of novel transparent cranial implants made from nanocrystalline yttria-stabilized zirconia (nc-YSZ). Using optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of underlying brain in an acute murine model, we show that signal strength is improved when imaging through nc-YSZ implants relative to native cranium. As such, this provides initial evidence supporting the feasibility of nc-YSZ as a transparent cranial implant material. Furthermore, it represents a crucial first step towards realization of an innovative new concept we are developing, which seeks to eventually provide a clinically-viable means for optically accessing the brain, on-demand, over large areas, and on a chronically-recurring basis, without need for repeated craniectomies.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  In this study, transparent nanocrystalline yttria-stabilized-zirconia is used as an experimental "cranium prosthesis" material, enabling the replacement of segments of cranial bone with a material that allows for optical access to the brain on a recurrent basis using optical imaging methods such as OCT.
authors: Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
authors: Yasaman
authors: Y
authors: Damestani
authors: Carissa L
authors: CL
authors: Reynolds
authors: Jenny
authors: J
authors: Szu
authors: Mike S
authors: MS
authors: Hsu
authors: Yasuhiro
authors: Y
authors: Kodera
authors: Devin K
authors: DK
authors: Binder
authors: B Hyle
authors: BH
authors: Park
authors: Javier E
authors: JE
authors: Garay
authors: Masaru P
authors: MP
authors: Rao
authors: Guillermo
authors: G
authors: Aguilar
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018786:Bone Substitutes / Q000737:chemistry*; D008027:Light; D051379:Mice; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D061848:Optical Imaging; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012886:Skull / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D015019:Yttrium / Q000737:chemistry*; D015040:Zirconium / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D018786:Bone Substitutes; D015019:Yttrium; D015040:Zirconium; C028541:zirconium oxide; C091417:yttria
keywords: Calvarial prosthesis; Optical neuroimaging