Advanced software for MRgFUS treatment planning

Herein, a user-friendly software platform for 3-dimensional Focused Ultrasound treatment planning based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images is presented.

The software directly retrieves and loads MRI images. Various design tools can be used on the MRI images to define the treatment area and the sonication parameters. Based on the treatment plan, the software controls the robotic motion and motion pattern of Magnetic Resonance guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) robotic systems to execute the treatment procedure. Real-time treatment monitoring is achieved through MRI images and thermometry. The software's functionality and performance were evaluated in both laboratory and MRI environments. Different treatment plans were designed on MRI images and sonications were executed on agar-based phantoms and polymer films.

Magnetic Resonance (MR) thermometry maps were acquired in the agar-based phantoms. An exceptional agreement was observed between the software-planned treatment area and the lesions produced on the polymer films.

The developed software was successfully integrated with the MRI and robotic system controls for performing accurate treatment planning and real-time monitoring during sonications. The software provides an extremely user-friendly interface, while in the future it could be enhanced by providing dynamic modulation of the ultrasonic parameters during the treatment process.