Frequency optimization in high intensity focused ultrasound

Abstract

In high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) the choice of transducer frequency depends on the target depth and tissue type. At high frequencies attenuation does not permit enough acoustical power to be transmitted to the target whereas at low frequencies the transmitted power is not absorbed efficiently. Hence, there exists an optimum frequency at which the power deposited at the target is maximum. In this study, we verified this relation experimentally using MR compatible focused transducers, ex-vivo tissue samples and magnetic resonance (MR) thermometry.