Focused ultrasonic therapy planning: Metamodeling, optimization, visualization

•We present a generic approach for focused ultrasonic therapy planning.•It is based on numerical simulation and visualization in virtual environments.•Multi-objective optimization of thermal dose distribution is performed.•Metamodeling is used for continuous representation of simulation results.•Stochastic analysis is used to characterize the uncertainties.

We present a generic approach for focused ultrasonic therapy planning on the basis of numerical simulation, multi-objective optimization, stochastic analysis and visualization in virtual environments. A realistic test case is used to demonstrate the approach. RBF metamodeling of simulation results is performed for continuous representation of two optimization objectives. The non-convex Pareto front of the objectives is determined by means of non-dominated set and local improvement algorithms. Uncertainties of metamodeling are estimated by means of a cross-validation procedure. The 3D visualization in virtual environment framework Avango allows detailed inspection of MRT images, the corresponding material model and spatial distribution of the resulting thermal dose.