MR methods for monitoring, planning, and evaluating focused ultrasound treatments
Introduction
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhances focused ultrasound therapy by non-invasively enabling visualization of the intended treatment location, monitoring of treatment delivery in real time, and assessment of treatment endpoints.
MR acoustic radiation force imaging (MR-ARFI)
As part of our research, we are using MR acoustic radiation force imaging (ARFI) to visualize the location of focused ultrasound transmitted through the skull. The ultrasound beam can be distorted by bone, and MR-ARFI provides important feedback about the focal spot location without causing tissue heating.
Estimating the acoustic pressure delivered into the brain is useful for many non-thermal focused ultrasound therapies. We are investigating methods for predicting the ultrasound pressure delivered through skull bone using tissue displacements derived from MR-ARFI.