A Synthetic Phantom for Investigating High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Treatment Effects

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) surgery is a technique for treating various severe conditions, including cancer. Ex-vivo tissues are commonly employed to validate its effectiveness and simulate the response of human tissues to HIFU applications. However, their use can lead to unnecessary resource consumption and expensive solutions. To address this, we present a cost-effective and easily producible alternative solution based on the use of silicone, namely an aluminum oxide doped Ecoflex™ GEL. The acoustic properties of the phantom were characterized, and experimental tests were performed using a HIFU robotic platform. Additionally, ultrasound images of the proposed synthetic phantoms were analyzed and compared with reference clinical images. This solution represents a promising starting point for the development of long-lasting phantoms to support testing and research on ultrasound-guided HIFU technology.Clinical Relevance- This study presents a cost-effective and durable solution for testing HIFU technology. The silicone-based phantom provides a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians to evaluate HIFU effects and optimize its application, ultimately enhancing the safety and effectiveness in clinical treatments.