Characterization and FEA simulation for a HIFU phantom material

Results are presented for a new formulation of HIFU phantom material made with polyacrylamide gel and bovine serum albumin. This formulation closely matches the acoustic attenuation as well as the velocity and impedance of tissue, while providing a uniform and optically transparent medium. The phantom material turns permanently opaque whenever the material achieves a temperature greater than 70/spl deg/C. Computer simulations of the formation and growth of opaque lesion-mimicking regions in the phantom material were performed, and good agreement with experiment was obtained. This material holds some promise both as: (i)a controllable, quantitative tool for development of HIFU systems; and (ii) as a quality assurance tool for such systems.