Bypassing Obstacles in MRI Guided Ultrasound

The Technology
An optic holographic technique, used to reduce acoustic energy density on obstacles inside a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) path. The holograms are generated using a newly developed algorithm, based on the Gerchberg-Saxton (GS) algorithm and fit to the linear acoustical equations used in ultrasound (US) intensity patterns.

The Need
In HIFU a focused ultrasound is used to heat and destroy diseased tissue. This is a minimally invasive technology for a constantly growing variety of clinical applications, including treatment of various tumors, (such as liver, lung, breast, prostate, brain and kidney) and even treatment of uterine fibroids. Due to tissue aberrations and "obstacles", optimal focal intensity is not always achieved and the acoustic waves are shifted and distorted. Obstacles could be calcifications, ribs bones or air-bubbles that have different acoustic properties than the surroundings. These absorbers are a potential risk for the US therapy due to unwanted heating outside the focus region. Magnetic Resonance Acoustic Radiation Force Imaging (MR-ARFI) also known as Magnetic Resonance Guided Ultrasonic Therapy (MRgFUS) is used as a focusing tool. The proposed technology provides correction of aberrations, allowing for improved focus of the HIFU.

Advantages
The novel feature of the algorithm is its superior performance by producing flexible intensity shapes in 3D and in higher efficiency and uniformity than other algorithms, e.g. geometrical approach and time reversal.

Stage of Development
Experimental data on transcranial therapy.

Patents
A Provisional Patent Application

Supporting Publications
Ultrasound Focusing Using Magnetic Resonance Acoustic Radiation Force Imaging: Application to Ultrasound Transcranial Therapy; Med. Phys., 37, 2934-2942 (2010)
Bypassing Absorbing Objects in Focused Ultrasound using Computer Generated Holographic Technique; Med. Phys., 38, 6407-6415, (2011)

Project manager

Rona Samler
VP, BD Physical Science, Medical Device, Chemistry

Project researchers

Gil Navon
T.A.U Tel Aviv University, Exact Sciences
School of Chemistry