Modelling temperature distributions produced by ultrasound phased arrays for hyperthermia

A computer modeling study was undertaken to determine the temperature distributions that could be created in tissue by ultrasound phased arrays for hyperthermia. The field-conjugation method was used to synthesize a focus directly. Temperature inside a modeled tissue phantom was determined to two different treatment protocols. Rapid, high-temperature treatments showed better thermal-dose distributions produced in tissue compared to slower treatment protocols. The possible effect of phase error during propagation through tissue was modeled in a simple manner by adding random phases to the array elements. The addition of phase error produced only slight changes to the intensity and temperature profiles.<
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