Time-course characterization of high-intensity focused ultrasound exposure using b-mode ultrasound imaging

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is an emerging non-invasive surgical technique. Researchers are investigating real time monitoring of the energy deposition process through high-frequency diagnostic ultrasound imaging to improve the dosing precision in HIFU. The development of monitoring techniques will allow real-time adjustment of energy to obtain optimal treatment. The researchers also present results from an exploratory study into the transient response of HIFU exposure in phantoms and animal tissue. The transient response observed in the B-mode ultrasound images is due to a combination of the thermal-acoustic lens effect, thermal expansion of the medium and cavitation.