Navigation of high intensity focused ultrasound applicator with an integrated three-dimensional ultrasound imaging system

Abstract

A three-dimensional ultrasound imaging system was integrated in a HIFU applicator. This makes it easy to register the focal position of the HIFU applicator in the obtained three-dimensional volume data by three-dimensional ultrasound imaging system. The applicator was mounted on a mechanical manipulator with three degrees of freedom. The HIFU probe was positioned according to the volume data of the tissue around the target obtained by the ultrasound imaging system. A phantom study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of navigation. Navigation errors were within 3 mm. It could also detect the monitor the change in acoustic properties of tissue due to HIFU application. The system uses history of HIFU application during therapy can be recorded in the system to assist appropriate manipulation of the probe by surgeons. The developed system is a simple, a cost-effective, and compact device for minimally invasive liver surgery.