HIFU Beam Imaging Based on Scattering Signals from Focal Area

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is one of minimally invasive surgical procedures. However there are refractions and reflections which cause the actual focal point deviates from the geometrical focal point of transducer. To control the focal position of HIFU, visualizing inside of the body and HIFU beam before treatment is essentially required. We developed a HIFU beam imaging method for our HIFU treatment system consisting with robotic system, HIFU transducer and electronic circuit. By using receiving beam scan with a linear imaging array probe synchronizing with a transmission of pulse from the HIFU transducer, HIFU beam and surrounding tissues were imaged by an ultrasound imaging system. This result shows that the proposed method was useful to assist the planning of HIFU therapy.