[A multifrequency phase-controlled driving system for ultrasound therapy]

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Acoustic Technology

Context:

• Ultrasound therapy offers non-invasive treatment options including hyperthermia and high-intensity focused ultrasound surgery (HIFUS).
• Conventional single-frequency systems have limitations in adapting to complex tumor geometries and depths.
• Multi-frequency systems provide enhanced flexibility by combining power patterns across different frequencies.

Purpose:

• To propose and validate a novel system capable of driving ultrasonic phased arrays at multiple resonant frequencies.
• To enable advanced ultrasound therapies, including hyperthermia and HIFUS, with greater precision and adaptability.
• To enhance the treatment of tumors with varying shapes and depths through flexible power pattern combinations.

Summary:

• The developed system drives multi-element applicators and phased arrays at single or multiple resonant frequencies using multichannel power amplifiers.
• It allows for concurrent operation of transducers with different resonant frequencies, offering versatile therapeutic capabilities.
• The system enables precise control over relative phase and output power for each channel, facilitating scanned ultrasonic focusing with stable output.

Impact:

• This technology expands the potential of ultrasound therapy for treating a wider range of oncological conditions.
• It offers improved therapeutic outcomes by allowing for more tailored and effective tumor ablation.
• The system's adaptability and stability pave the way for next-generation image-guided, precision ultrasound interventions.