Multi-foci sonications for hyperthermia treatments using magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound

摘要

A mild hyperthermia treatment apparatus (10) includes an imager (12), which generates a planning image (34) and temperature maps (36) of a target region. An array of ultrasonic transducer drivers (52) individually drives ultrasonic transducers of a phased array of ultrasonic transducers (50). One or more processors or units receive a target temperature profile, and calculate power, frequency, and relative phase for the transducer drivers to drive the phased array of ultrasonic transducers to generate a multi-foci sonication pattern configured to heat the target region with the target temperature profile while limiting peak acoustic pressures. During treatment, the imager generates a series of temperature maps which the one or more processors or units compare with the target temperature profile and, based on the comparison, adjust the power, frequency and relative phase with which the transducer drivers drive the ultrasonic transducers.

主权项

1. A mild hyperthermia treatment apparatus comprising:
an imager which generates a planning image; a phased array of ultrasonic transducers; an array of ultrasonic transducer drivers for individually driving the ultrasonic transducers of the phased array to generate multi-foci sonications in the target region; one or more processors programmed to:
receive a target temperature profile based on the planning image,calculate power, frequency and relative phase for the transducer drivers of the ultrasonic transducer driver array which can cause the phased array of ultrasonic transducers to generate a multi-foci sonication pattern configured to heat the target region with the target temperature profile; and calculate the powers, frequencies, and relative phases for a number of foci such that the multi-foci sonication profile maintains acoustic pressures in the target region below maximum acoustic pressures.