基于相位差实时计算法实现相控式高强度超声聚焦

利用时间反转法对相控阵高强聚焦超声系统进行自适应聚焦,需要计算出各阵元的初始发射相位。锁相环电路初始工作时频率有震荡,用常规计算相位差的方法当截取数据的时间段不同时计算出的相位差不相同。提出一种计算相位差的方法,可以实时显示相位差的变化,将稳定后的相位差作为相控阵聚焦系统各发射阵元的初始相位。实验结果表明,用此方法计算的相位差进行聚焦可以在一定空间范围内得到较好的声场分布。     

相控阵高强度聚焦超声的研究进展

相控阵高强度聚焦超声（high Intensity focused ultrasound,HIFU）技术可以通过电子调相自由控制聚焦区域中焦点的形状、位置、个数等,实现高精度、高效率的治疗。文章主要介绍了相控聚焦超声的原理、阵型设计、声场优化、控制算法、电路设计以及换能器材料等几个方面。     

相控阵高强度聚焦超声高阵元驱动效率相位独立控制方法

针对如何简化上百阵元高强度聚焦超声相控阵控制模块的问题,本文提出高阵元驱动效率的相位独立控制方法。利用该方法计算了一种256阵元中心开孔球面相控阵的聚焦声场,并与传统的幅度相位综合控制方法进行了分析和比较。计算和实验结果表明该方法在简化相控阵驱动控制模块、提高阵元驱动效率的同时,可以有效实现相控阵的空间三维单焦点聚焦。由于阵元驱动控制的简化而引起的焦域能量偏差,可以通过适当调整相控阵输入总声功率进行有效的补偿。     

不等间距排列的球面高强度聚焦超声相控阵列

讨论了一种新型的不等间距排列的球面高强度聚焦超声相控阵列,通过阵元间的不等间距排列明显的降低了栅瓣,使在陈元间距在 4λ的情况下,栅瓣低于-20 dB.通过优化设计发现在 0.5 MHz的发射频率时,采用 231个直径为 10 mm的圆形阵元组成的球面阵列可以在轴向 10~ 15 cm,径向半径 2 cm的圆柱区域形成声强 800 W/cm²的高强度聚焦。同时还可形成多焦点,实现大肿瘤的超声热疗。     

高强度聚焦超声二维相控阵列的声场控制模式研究

研究了高强度聚焦超声热疗场的声场模式,并给出了二维相控阵列的声场模式控制算法。单焦点扫描声场模式在治疗中等偏大的肿瘤时容易引起非线性效应;采用基于伪逆矩阵的声场合成算法,直接形成了多焦点的控制模式,为焦域控制提供了新的思路。利用声场快速算法对30×30二维面阵的单焦点扫描声场模式和多焦点直接合成声场模式进行计算机仿真,仿真结果表明多焦点模式大大降低了焦点处的声强;而且基于此模式,采用加权优化算法对激励向量进行优化从而提高了阵列的激励效率,采用改进的特征向量优化算法优化了多焦点热疗模式的声场增益,增加了能量在目标体积的沉积,同时消除不期望的潜在热点,为超声热疗场的模式控制提供了理论依据。     

基于FPGA的高强度聚焦超声相位控制系统设计*

多阵元相控阵换能器具有焦距可调和可实现经颅聚焦等优势,近来受到众多研究者的关注,其相位控制系统是决定多阵元相控换能器能否应用于临床的关键技术之一。在输出信号稳定的同时提高高强度聚焦超声相位控制系统精度是设计过程中的重点与难点。本文基于现场可编程门阵列设计了一种高强度聚焦超声相位控制系统。实测结果表明,多通道延时分辨率为1 ns,延时误差小于1 ns,可满足多阵元高强度聚焦超声治疗相控聚焦换能器延时精度的需要。     

256阵元高强度聚焦超声相控阵系统误差与多焦点模式精确控制

对一种256阵元中心开孔凹球面二维相控阵合成三维多焦点声场进行了系统的误差分析,总结了阵元激励信号的幅度和相位误差对声场参数的影响规律,为上百阵元相控阵驱动控制提供了设计容差依据.分析表明:上百阵元相控阵在声场合成能力方面具有很强的鲁棒性,5位相位量化精度足以保证合成声场的有效性,误差主要影响声场焦域能量的分布,通过提高相控阵发射总声功率等途径降低幅度误差百分比可以有效减弱固定方差的幅度误差的影响.     

基于被动波束成像的高强度聚焦超声焦点定位*

针对高强度聚焦超声治疗中实际焦点偏离引导治疗的几何焦点这一问题,本文基于被动波束成像原理,将治疗探头与影像探头联合,探讨一种新的焦点定位策略。首先,基于k-Wave声学软件创建了具有多层组织结构的超声传播模型,通过理论仿真探究了不同脂肪、肌肉厚度条件下被动波束成像方法定位焦点的准确性;除此之外,还通过仿体在实验环境下对该方法的有效性进行了初步验证。结果表明,在不同脂肪厚度的仿真模型中,被动波束合成所定位的焦点和几何焦点在轴向距离上分别与实际焦点平均相差（0.54±0.15）mm和（4.76±0.95）mm。在不同肌肉厚度的仿真模型中,由合成算法定位的焦点和几何焦点在轴向距离上分别与实际焦点平均相差（0.51±0.26） mm、（4.95±0.47） mm。仿体实验也验证了被动波束成像定位的焦点比几何焦点更接近实际损伤位置。本文从理论仿真和实验两个角度验证了被动波束成像方法在高强度聚焦超声焦点定位中的优越性,可为该方法进一步走向临床应用提供支撑,对提升高强度聚焦超声手术治疗的安全性有推动作用。     

A multiple focused probe approach for high intensity focused ultrasound based surgery

To produce deep-seated surgical lesions using ultrasound requires high power and intensity levels at the target sites. Conventionally, large transducers are used which require big apertures and so are generally suitable only for extra-corporeal access. Such transducers also result in strong off-focus maxima, where the resulting hot spots can destroy normal tissue whilst deep-seated large tissue volumes are being ablated. This paper describes a new approach in which it is proposed that multiple probes are used simultaneously, each at a relatively low power, to result in an overlapping focused region of high temperature without strong off-focus hot spots. Robotic techniques could be used to move the individual probes in coordination to sweep out the desired region of tissue ablation. Simulation and planning are the key to quality prediction for high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Simplified two-dimensional and three-dimensional models of HIFU probes have been developed to study the characteristics of various multi-probe configurations. Preliminary simulation results show that the multi-probe system can be arranged successfully to minimise off-focus hot spots. Experimental results are presented which validate the modality and confirm this positive finding. Further prediction studies and planning will be necessary to achieve the most appropriate desired treatment, by varying the pulse duration and spacing.     

基于单焦点扫描的聚焦超声相控阵列波形分集方法

波形分集方法可以用于优化超声相控阵列的声能沉积分布。本文阐述了波形分集方法用于超声热疗的声学理论背景,将发送声波时间内目标区域的声能沉积看作是不同位置的单焦点能量按一定时间规律累积的结果,提出了基于单焦点扫描的波形分集方法。该方法将声能沉积分布的优化问题建模为线性规划问题,可以方便求解出各单焦点扫描时间的比例系数,用于设计发射波形。与已有的方法相比,该方法对应的物理实现过程更清晰,计算量更小,并可直接综合出满足恒模条件的发射波形。从仿真结果中看到,该方法可将声场能量均匀的集中在预定区域,并在该区域外保持较低的能量沉积,能有效优化声能沉积的分布。      

Design and experiment of 256-element ultrasound phased array for noninvasive focused ultrasound surgery

A 256-element phased array high intensity focused ultrasound system has been designed and constructed in our laboratory. The 256-element spherical-section ultrasound phased array made from piezocomposite material operates at 1.1 MHz with 11-cm radius of curvature, 14-cm outer diameter, and 3.4-cm diameter central hole for mounting diagnostic ultrasound imaging probe. First, the explicit sound field calculation approach for the spherical-section phased array and the genetic optimal algorithm are briefly introduced as the optimal focus pattern control methods. Then, the design guidelines of 256-element spherical-section focused ultrasound phased array and 256-channel driver system are given. The results of single on and off axial focus, multiple on and off axial foci, half sub-array focus pattern provide further evidence for the 3D focus steering and sub-array mode for avoiding obstacles in focused ultrasound surgery. The multi-foci pattern can enlarge the treatment volume to 22 times larger than that of a single focus in one sonication. Finally, in vitro and transparent tissue-mimicking phantom experiment results confirm the ability of 256-element spherical-section phased array system to induce thermal lesions for noninvasive ultrasound surgery.     

高强度聚焦超声的临床应用

高强度聚焦超声是近几年发展起来的一种新的非介入性肿瘤治疗技术,临床应用越来越广,文章就其在不同肿瘤如前列腺癌、肝癌、胰腺癌、子宫肌瘤等治疗中的应用及进展进行评述。     

高强度聚焦超声的临床应用

高强度聚焦超声是近几年发展起来的一种新的非介入性肿瘤治疗技术,临床应用越来越广,文章就其在不同肿瘤如前列腺癌、肝癌、胰腺癌、子宫肌瘤等治疗中的应用及进展进行评述。     

基于电阻抗层析成像的高强度聚焦超声温度监测技术

作为一种对正常组织无损伤且不易引起癌细胞转移的非入侵肿瘤治疗手段,高强度聚焦超声(HIFU)治疗过程中焦域的温度监测是实现剂量精准控制的关键.本文基于生物组织的温度-电阻抗的关系,将电阻抗层析成像(EIT)和HIFU治疗相结合,提出了一种利用组织焦平面的表面电压实现电阻抗重构的检测技术.建立了HIFU治疗和EIT综合系统模型,在考虑组织的声吸收条件下,对三维Helmholtz方程在柱坐标下的声场计算进行了二维简化,并引入Pennes生物热传导方程来计算HIFU焦域的声压和温升分布特性;引入生物组织的温度-电阻抗关系,基于麦克斯韦电磁场理论,建立了具有温度分布HIFU焦域的电流和电压计算模型,利用恒流注入的边界条件实现电场计算,获得焦平面的表面电压分布.在数值计算中,利用实验聚焦换能器参数,模拟了在固定声功率下组织焦域的声场和温度场分布,以及中心和偏心聚焦条件下不同治疗时刻的电导率分布;然后通过对称电极的循环电流注入,计算了组织模型焦平面内的电流密度和电势分布,获得了焦平面圆周分布的表面电极电压;进一步采用修正的牛顿-拉夫逊算法,利用32×32的表面电极电压实现了焦平面内电导率分布的重建.结果表明,基于温度-电阻抗关系的EIT电导率重建技术不但能准确定位HIFU焦域中心,还能恢复HIFU治疗中焦域的温度分布,证明了EIT用于HIFU治疗中温度监测的可行性,为其疗效评估和剂量控制提供了一种无创电阻抗测量和成像新方法.     

阵列波导激光相控阵光束偏转特性研究

研究了阵列波导激光相控阵的光束偏转特性,计算出光学相控阵的偏转角度与阵列波导相关参量之间的关系,绘制出光束偏转角与相关参量间的关系曲线。分析了阵列波导激光相控阵的三个性能指标:扫描范围、分辨率及能量效率,研究各阵列波导参数对于此三项指标的影响,据此分析出最优化的参数设计。根据阵列波导激光相控阵原理设计了仿真实验界面,自定义参数模拟光束的偏转效果。     

微泡对高强度聚焦超声焦域影响的研究

微泡对高强度聚焦超声(HIFU)治疗具有增效作用,而HIFU治疗中不同声学条件下微泡对HIFU治疗焦域的影响尚不清楚。本文基于声传播方程、Yang-Church气泡运动方程、生物热传导方程、时域有限差分法(FDTD)、龙格-库塔(RK)法数值仿真研究输入功率、激励频率和气泡初始半径对HIFU在含气泡体模中形成焦域的影响,并利用含Sono Vue造影剂的仿组织体模研究进行实验验证。结果表明,增大输入功率、气泡初始半径和升高激励频率均可增大焦域,随着输入功率的增大,焦域形状可能发生变化,而随着激励频率升高和气泡初始半径的增大,焦域会向远离换能器的方向移动。     

Microbubble-enhanced hemorrhage control using high intensity focused ultrasound

Our objective was to investigate whether hemorrhage control can be achieved faster when high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is applied in the presence of ultrasound contrast agents (UCA) as compared to HIFU only application. Incisions (3 cm long and 0.5 cm deep) were produced in the livers of anesthetized rabbits. UCA Optison (0.18 ml/kg) was injected into the mesenteric vein. A HIFU applicator (5.5 MHz, 6800 W/cm² in situ) was scanned at a rate of 1–2 mm/s in one direction over the incision (with multiple passes if needed), until hemostasis was achieved. Hemostasis times were 59 ± 23 s (n = 21) in the presence of Optison and 70 ± 23 s (n = 29) without Optison. The presence of Optison produced on average 37% reduction in hemostasis times normalized to initial bleeding rates (p < 0.05), as well as 60% faster formation of the coagulum seal over the incision (p < 0.05). Gross and histological observations showed similar appearance of HIFU lesions produced in the presence of Optison and HIFU lesions produced without Optison. Our results suggest potential utility of UCA for increasing efficiency of HIFU-induced hemostasis of solid organ injuries.     

Nonlinear absorption in biological tissue for high intensity focused ultrasound

In recent years the propagation of the high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in biological tissue is an interesting area due to its potential applications in non-invasive treatment of disease. The base principle of these applications is the heat effect generated by ultrasound absorption. In order to control therapeutic efficiency, it is important to evaluate the heat generation in biological tissue irradiated by ultrasound. In his paper, based on the Khokhlov-Zabolotkaya-Kuznetsov (KZK) equation in frequency-domain, the numerical simulations of nonlinear absorption in biological tissues for high intensity focused ultrasound are performed. We find that ultrasound thermal transfer effect will be enhanced with the increasing of initial acoustic intensity due to the high harmonic generation. The concept of extra absorption factor is introduced to describe nonlinear absorption in biological tissue for HIFU. The theoretical results show that the heat deposition induced by the nonlinear theory can be nearly two times as large as that predicated by linear theory. Then, the influence of the diffraction effect on the position of the focus in HIFU is investigated. It is shown that the sound focus moves toward the transducer compared with the geometry focus because of the diffraction of the sound wave. The position of the maximum heat deposition is shifted to the geometry focus with the increase of initial acoustic intensity because the high harmonics are less diffraction. Finally, the temperature in the porcine fat tissue changing with the time is predicated by Pennes' equation and the experimental results verify the nonlinear theoretical prediction.     

随机相控高强度聚焦超声换能器的栅瓣抑制

采用3种随机排列策略形成相控阵元线性排列结构抑制高强度聚焦超声(HIFU)相控阵栅瓣。第1种和第2种策略中阵元基于规则排列随机移动,而第3种策略中阵元则直接进行随机移动,阵元可移动范围依次为:第1种<第2种<第3种。采用瑞利积分和非线性Westervelt方程分别计算了3种策略对应随机相控阵产生的线性和非线性声场,并通过归一化栅瓣最大声压、归一化栅瓣平均声强和归一化旁瓣平均声强3个参量,对栅瓣抑制效果进行评价。结果表明:线性声场中,阵元可移动范围的增加有利于栅瓣抑制,3种随机策略的归一化栅瓣最大声压相比规则排列分别降低30.7%,53.8%和55.8%;非线性声场中对于同一种随机排列策略,随机度的增加可以改善栅瓣抑制效果。例如,第3种随机策略在随机度为0.9时正负压的归一化栅瓣最大声压相比规则排列分别降低55.6%和54.8%。进一步讨论了焦点偏移时随机相控阵的非线性声场,以-8 dB作为栅瓣的安全标准,第2种和第3种随机策略可以满足要求,横向偏移分别为6 mm和10 mm。本文的工作为抑制栅瓣提供了新思路,有利于随机HIFU相控阵的设计优化。     

Acoustic power measurement of high intensity focused ultrasound in medicine based on radiation force

How to measure the acoustic power of HIFU is one of the most important tasks in its medical application. In the paper a whole series of formula for calculating the radiation force related to the acoustic power radiated by a single element focusing transducer and by the focusing transducer array were given. Various system of radiation force balance (RFB) to measure the acoustic power of HIFU in medicine were designed and applied in China. In high power experiments, the dependence of radiation force acting the absorbing target on the target position at the beam axis of focusing transducer was fined. There is a peak value of "radiation force" acting the absorbing target in the focal region when the acoustic power through the focal plane exceeds some threshold. In order to avoid this big measurement error caused by the 'peak effect' in focal region, the distance between the absorbing target of RFB and the focusing transducer or transducer array was defined to be equal to or less than 0.7 times of the focal length in the National Standard of China for the measurements of acoustic power and field characteristics of HIFU. More than six different therapeutic equipments of HIFU have been examined by RFB for measuring the acoustic power since 1998. These results show that RFB with the absorbing target is valid in the acoustic power range up to 500W with good linearity for the drive voltage squared of focusing transducer or array. The uncertainty of measurement is within +/-15%.