dual-modality image guided high intensity focused ultrasound device design for prostate cancer : a numerical study
abstract
in this study we established the feasibility of designing a multi-element high intensity focused
ultrasound (hifu) device for magnetic resonance and an ultrasound imaging-guided transrectal
treatment of prostate cancer. an initial geometry was specified based on a clinical transrectal
hifu device with a central open space to lodge an independent ultrasound imaging probe
for guidance. a parametric study was performed to determine the optimal focal length (l ),
operating frequency (j), element size (a) and central opening radius (r) of a device that would be
capable of treating cancerous tissue within the prostate, spare the surrounding organs and
minimize the number of elements. images from the visible human project were used to
determine the organ sizes and treatment locations for simulation. six virtual ellipsoidal tumors
were located throughout a simulated prostate and their lateral and axial limit locations were
selected as test locations. using tesla 1060(nvidia) graphics processors, the bio-heat transfer
equation was implemented to simulate the heating produced during treatment at the test
locations. l, f a and r were varied from 45 to 75mm, 2.25 to 3.00mhz, 1.5 to 8 times a,
where a= f speed of sound , and 9 to 12.5mm respectively. results indicated that a combination of
l,f, a and r of 68mm, 2.75mhz, 2.05a. and 9mm respectively could safely ablate tumors within
the prostate and spare the surrounding organs. the number of therapeutic elements required for
this device was 761.