Augmentation of HIFU-induced heating with fibers embedded in a phantom

The effect of fibers on the rate of heat deposition in the focal region of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) beams was investigated. Nylon, stainless steel and copper fibers of diameters 0.23-0.25, 0.33 and 0.51-0.53 mm embedded in a phantom were exposed to HIFU. The total energy deposited was quantified by measuring the volumes of the lesions formed. The average volumes of the lesions normalized to the average volume of control lesions were 1.19±0.19, 1.43±0.19 and 2.67±0.21 for increasing nylon fiber diameter, indicating an augmented rate of heating. The maximum normalized volume of lesions at the metal fibers was 0.655. These results are consistent with the material properties, which suggest that the mechanism is increased acoustic absorption along with reduction of heat loss by the nylon fiber. The study supports the possibility of improving the efficacy of HIFU-induced hemostasis in vivo by use of a specially designed, nylon fiber-based medical appliance.