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Antoniou A, Damianou C. Feasibility of Ultrasonic Heating through Skull Phantom Using Single-element Transducer. J Med Ultrasound 2024; 32:32-40. [PMID: 38665339 PMCID: PMC11040484 DOI: 10.4103/jmu.jmu_3_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Noninvasive neurosurgery has become possible through the use of transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS). This study assessed the heating ability of single element spherically focused transducers operating at 0.4 and 1.1 MHz through three-dimensional (3D) printed thermoplastic skull phantoms. Methods Phantoms with precise skull bone geometry of a male patient were 3D printed using common thermoplastic materials following segmentation on a computed tomography head scan image. The brain tissue was mimicked by an agar-based gel phantom developed in-house. The selection of phantom materials was mainly based on transmission-through attenuation measurements. Phantom sonications were performed through water, and then, with the skull phantoms intervening the beam path. In each case, thermometry was performed at the focal spot using thermocouples. Results The focal temperature change in the presence of the skull phantoms was reduced to less than 20 % of that recorded in free field when using the 0.4 MHz transducer, whereas the 1.1 MHz trans-skull sonication produced minimal or no change in focal temperature. The 0.4 MHz transducer showed better performance in trans-skull transmission but still not efficient. Conclusion The inability of both tested single element transducers to steer the beam through the high attenuating skull phantoms and raise the temperature at the focus was confirmed, underlying the necessity to use a correction technique to compensate for energy losses, such those provided by phased arrays. The proposed phantom could be used as a cost-effective and ergonomic tool for trans-skull FUS preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Antoniou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Christakis Damianou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
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Antoniou A, Evripidou N, Georgiou L, Chrysanthou A, Ioannides C, Damianou C. Tumor phantom model for MRI-guided focused ultrasound ablation studies. Med Phys 2023; 50:5956-5968. [PMID: 37226334 DOI: 10.1002/mp.16480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The persistent development of focused ultrasound (FUS) thermal therapy in the context of oncology creates the need for tissue-mimicking tumor phantom models for early-stage experimentation and evaluation of relevant systems and protocols. PURPOSE This study presents the development and evaluation of a tumor-bearing tissue phantom model for testing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided FUS (MRgFUS) ablation protocols and equipment based on MR thermometry. METHODS Normal tissue was mimicked by a pure agar gel, while the tumor simulator was differentiated from the surrounding material by including silicon dioxide. The phantom was characterized in terms of acoustic, thermal, and MRI properties. US, MRI, and computed tomography (CT) images of the phantom were acquired to assess the contrast between the two compartments. The phantom's response to thermal heating was investigated by performing high power sonications with a 2.4 MHz single element spherically focused ultrasonic transducer in a 3T MRI scanner. RESULTS The estimated phantom properties fall within the range of literature-reported values of soft tissues. The inclusion of silicon dioxide in the tumor material offered excellent tumor visualization in US, MRI, and CT. MR thermometry revealed temperature elevations in the phantom to ablation levels and clear evidence of larger heat accumulation within the tumor owing to the inclusion of silicon dioxide. CONCLUSION Overall, the study findings suggest that the proposed tumor phantom model constitutes a simple and inexpensive tool for preclinical MRgFUS ablation studies, and potentially other image-guided thermal ablation applications upon minimal modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Antoniou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Nikolas Evripidou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas Georgiou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, German Oncology Center, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Antreas Chrysanthou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, German Oncology Center, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Cleanthis Ioannides
- Department of Interventional Radiology, German Oncology Center, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Christakis Damianou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
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Antoniou A, Nikolaou A, Evripidou N, Georgiou A, Filippou A, Zinonos V, Giannakou M, Chrysanthou A, Ioannides C, Damianou C. Phantom-based assessment of motion and needle targeting accuracy of robotic devices for magnetic resonance imaging-guided needle biopsy. Int J Med Robot 2023; 19:e2526. [PMID: 37165718 DOI: 10.1002/rcs.2526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current study proposes simple methods for assessing the performance of robotic devices intended for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-guided needle biopsy. METHODS In-house made agar-based breast phantoms containing biopsy targets served as the main tool in the evaluation process of an MRI compatible positioning device comprising a needle navigator. The motion accuracy of mechanical stages was assessed by calliper measurements. Laboratory evaluation of needle targeting included a repeatability phantom test and a laser-based method. The accuracy and repeatability of needle targeting was also assessed by MRI. RESULTS The maximum error of linear motion for steps up to 10 mm was 0.1 mm. Needle navigation relative to the phantom and alignment with the various biopsy targets were performed successfully in both the laboratory and MRI settings. The proposed biopsy phantoms offered tissue-like signal in MRI and good haptic feedback during needle insertion. CONCLUSIONS The proposed methods could be valuable in the process of validating the accuracy of MRI-guided biopsy robotic devices in both laboratory and real environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Antoniou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Anastasia Nikolaou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Nikolas Evripidou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Andreas Georgiou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Antria Filippou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Vasiliki Zinonos
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | | | - Antreas Chrysanthou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, German Oncology Center, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Cleanthis Ioannides
- Department of Interventional Radiology, German Oncology Center, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Christakis Damianou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
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Drakos T, Evripidou G, Damianou C. An in vitro Model for Experimental Evaluation of Sonothrombolysis under Tissue-mimicking Material Conditions. J Med Ultrasound 2023; 31:211-217. [PMID: 38025011 PMCID: PMC10668898 DOI: 10.4103/jmu.jmu_52_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The mechanical properties of therapeutic ultrasound (US) have attracted scientific interest for thrombolysis enhancement in combination with thrombolytic agents and microbubbles (MBs). The aim of the study was to develop an in vitro model to observe how the effects of sonothrombolysis change in the case where a tissue-mimicking material (TMM) is placed in the path of the US beam before the clot. Methods Fully retracted blood clots were prepared and pulse sonicated for 1 h under various conditions. The system was in a state of real circulating flow with a branch of an open bypass and an occluded tube containing a blood clot, thus mimicking the case of ischemic stroke. The effectiveness of thrombolysis was quantified in milligrams of clots removed. An agar-based TMM was developed around the occluded tube. Results The clot breakdown in a TMM was found to be more pronounced than in water, presumably due to the retention of the acoustic field. A higher level of acoustic power was required to initiate clot lysis (>76 W acoustic power) using only focused US (FUS). The greatest thrombolysis enhancement was observed with the largest chosen pulse duration (PD) and the use of MBs (150 mg clot mass lysis). The synergistic effect of FUS in combination with MBs on the enzymatic fibrinolysis enhanced thrombolysis efficacy by 260% compared to thrombolysis induced using only FUS. A reduction in the degree of clot lysis was detected due to the attenuation factor of the intervening material (30 mg at 1 and 4 ms PD). Conclusion In vitro thrombolytic models including a TMM can provide a more realistic evaluation of new thrombolytic protocols. However, higher acoustic power should be considered to compensate for the attenuation factor. The rate of clot lysis is slow and the clinical use of this method will be challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgios Evripidou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Christakis Damianou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
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Antoniou A, Damianou C. Simple, inexpensive, and ergonomic phantom for quality assurance control of MRI guided Focused Ultrasound systems. J Ultrasound 2023; 26:401-408. [PMID: 36329304 PMCID: PMC10247591 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-022-00740-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The popularity of Magnetic Resonance guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) as a beneficial therapeutic solution for many diseases is increasing rapidly, thus raising the need for reliable quality assurance (QA) phantoms for routine testing of MRgFUS systems. In this study, we propose a thin acrylic film as the cheapest and most easily accessible phantom for assessing the functionality of MRgFUS hardware and software. METHODS Through the paper, specific QA tests are detailed in the framework of evaluating an MRgFUS preclinical robotic device comprising a single element spherically focused transducer with a nominal frequency of 2.75 MHz. These tests take advantage of the reflection of ultrasonic waves at a plastic-air interface, which results in almost immediate lesion formation on the film at a threshold of applied acoustic energy. RESULTS The phantom offered qualitative information on the power field distribution of the FUS transducer and the ability to visualize different FUS protocols. It also enabled quick and reliable assessment of various navigation algorithms as they are used in real treatments, and also allowed for the assessment of the accuracy of robotic motion. CONCLUSION Therefore, it could serve as a useful tool for detecting defects in system's performance over its lifetime after establishing a baseline while concurrently contributing to establish QA and calibration guidelines for clinical routine controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Antoniou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, 30 Archbishop Kyprianou Street, 3036, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Christakis Damianou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, 30 Archbishop Kyprianou Street, 3036, Limassol, Cyprus.
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Antoniou A, Nikolaou A, Georgiou A, Evripidou N, Damianou C. Development of an US, MRI, and CT imaging compatible realistic mouse phantom for thermal ablation and focused ultrasound evaluation. ULTRASONICS 2023; 131:106955. [PMID: 36854247 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2023.106955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Tissue mimicking phantoms (TMPs) play an essential role in modern biomedical research as cost-effective quality assurance and training tools, simultaneously contributing to the reduction of animal use. Herein, we present the development and evaluation of an anatomically accurate mouse phantom intended for image-guided thermal ablation and Focused Ultrasound (FUS) applications. The proposed mouse model consists of skeletal and soft tissue mimics, whose design was based on the Computed tomography (CT) scans data of a live mouse. Advantageously, it is compatible with US, CT, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The compatibility assessment was focused on the radiological behavior of the phantom due to the lack of relevant literature. The X-ray linear attenuation coefficient of candidate materials was estimated to assess the one that matches best the radiological behavior of living tissues. The bone part was manufactured by Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing using Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA) material. For the soft-tissue mimic, a special mold was 3D printed having a cavity with the unique shape of the mouse body and filled with an agar-based silica-doped gel. The mouse phantom accurately matched the size and reproduced the body surface of the imaged mouse. Tissue-equivalency in terms of X-ray attenuation was demonstrated for the agar-based soft-tissue mimic. The phantom demonstrated excellent MRI visibility of the skeletal and soft-tissue mimics. Good radiological contrast between the skeletal and soft-tissue models was also observed in the CT scans. The model was also able to reproduce realistic behavior during trans-skull sonication as proved by thermocouple measurements. Overall, the proposed phantom is inexpensive, ergonomic, and realistic. It could constitute a powerful tool for image-guided thermal ablation and FUS studies in terms of testing and optimizing the performance of relevant equipment and protocols. It also possess great potential for use in transcranial FUS applications, including the emerging topic of FUS-mediated blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Antoniou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus.
| | - Anastasia Nikolaou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus.
| | - Andreas Georgiou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus.
| | - Nikolas Evripidou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus.
| | - Christakis Damianou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus.
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Antoniou A, Georgiou L, Christodoulou T, Panayiotou N, Ioannides C, Zamboglou N, Damianou C. MR relaxation times of agar-based tissue-mimicking phantoms. J Appl Clin Med Phys 2022; 23:e13533. [PMID: 35415875 PMCID: PMC9121050 DOI: 10.1002/acm2.13533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Agar gels were previously proven capable of accurately replicating the acoustical and thermal properties of real tissue and widely used for the construction of tissue-mimicking phantoms (TMPs) for focused ultrasound (FUS) applications. Given the current popularity of magnetic resonance-guided FUS (MRgFUS), we have investigated the MR relaxation times T1 and T2 of different mixtures of agar-based phantoms. Nine TMPs were constructed containing agar as the gelling agent and various concentrations of silicon dioxide and evaporated milk. An agar-based phantom doped with wood powder was also evaluated. A series of MR images were acquired in a 1.5 T scanner for T1 and T2 mapping. T2 was predominantly affected by varying agar concentrations. A trend toward decreasing T1 with an increasing concentration of evaporated milk was observed. The addition of silicon dioxide decreased both relaxation times of pure agar gels. The proposed phantoms have great potential for use with the continuously emerging MRgFUS technology. The MR relaxation times of several body tissues can be mimicked by adjusting the concentration of ingredients, thus enabling more accurate and realistic MRgFUS studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Antoniou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas Georgiou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, German Oncology Center, Limassol, Cyprus
| | | | - Natalie Panayiotou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, German Oncology Center, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Cleanthis Ioannides
- Department of Interventional Radiology, German Oncology Center, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Nikolaos Zamboglou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, German Oncology Center, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Christakis Damianou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
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Antoniou A, Damianou C. MR relaxation properties of tissue-mimicking phantoms. ULTRASONICS 2022; 119:106600. [PMID: 34627028 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2021.106600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
High quality tissue-mimicking phantoms (TMPs) have a critical role in the preclinical testing of emerging modalities for diagnosis and therapy. TMPs capable of accurately mimicking real tissue in Magnetic Resonance guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) applications should be fabricated with precise T1 and T2 relaxation times. Given the current popularity of the MRgFUS technology, we herein performed a systematic review on the MR relaxation properties of different phantoms types. Polyacrylamide (PAA) and agar based phantoms were proven capable of accurately replicating critical thermal, acoustical, and MR relaxation properties of various body tissues. Although gelatin phantoms were also proven factional in this regard, they lack the capacity to withstand ablation temperatures, and thus, are only recommended for hyperthermia applications. Other gelling agents identified in the literature are Poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), silicone, and TX-150/ TX-151; however, their efficacy in thermal studies is yet to be established. PAA gels are favorable in that they offer optical transparency enabling direct visualization of coagulative lesions. On the other hand, agar phantoms have lower preparation costs and were proven very promising for use with the MRgFUS technology, without the toxicity issues related to the preparation and storage of PAA materials. Remarkably, agar turned out to be the prominent modifier of the T2 relaxation time even for phantoms containing other types of gelling agents instead of agar. This review could be useful in manufacturing realistic MRgFUS phantoms while simultaneously indicating an opportunity for further research in the field with a particular focus on the MR behavior of agar-based TMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Antoniou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Christakis Damianou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus.
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Payne A, Chopra R, Ellens N, Chen L, Ghanouni P, Sammet S, Diederich C, Ter Haar G, Parker D, Moonen C, Stafford J, Moros E, Schlesinger D, Benedict S, Wear K, Partanen A, Farahani K. AAPM Task Group 241: A medical physicist's guide to MRI-guided focused ultrasound body systems. Med Phys 2021; 48:e772-e806. [PMID: 34224149 DOI: 10.1002/mp.15076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a completely non-invasive technology that has been approved by FDA to treat several diseases. This report, prepared by the American Association of Physicist in Medicine (AAPM) Task Group 241, provides background on MRgFUS technology with a focus on clinical body MRgFUS systems. The report addresses the issues of interest to the medical physics community, specific to the body MRgFUS system configuration, and provides recommendations on how to successfully implement and maintain a clinical MRgFUS program. The following sections describe the key features of typical MRgFUS systems and clinical workflow and provide key points and best practices for the medical physicist. Commonly used terms, metrics and physics are defined and sources of uncertainty that affect MRgFUS procedures are described. Finally, safety and quality assurance procedures are explained, the recommended role of the medical physicist in MRgFUS procedures is described, and regulatory requirements for planning clinical trials are detailed. Although this report is limited in scope to clinical body MRgFUS systems that are approved or currently undergoing clinical trials in the United States, much of the material presented is also applicable to systems designed for other applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Payne
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Rajiv Chopra
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Lili Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Pejman Ghanouni
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Steffen Sammet
- Department of Radiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chris Diederich
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Dennis Parker
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Chrit Moonen
- Imaging Division, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jason Stafford
- Department of Imaging Physics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eduardo Moros
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - David Schlesinger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Keith Wear
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | | | - Keyvan Farahani
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
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Antoniou A, Evripidou N, Giannakou M, Constantinides G, Damianou C. Acoustical properties of 3D printed thermoplastics. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 149:2854. [PMID: 33940906 DOI: 10.1121/10.0004772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
With focused ultrasound (FUS) gaining popularity as a therapeutic modality for brain diseases, the need for skull phantoms that are suitable for evaluating FUS protocols is increasing. In the current study, the acoustical properties of several three-dimensional (3D) printed thermoplastic samples were evaluated to assess their suitability to mimic human skull and bone accurately. Samples were 3D printed using eight commercially available thermoplastic materials. The acoustic properties of the printed samples, including attenuation coefficient, speed of sound, and acoustic impedance, were investigated using transmission-through and pulse-echo techniques. The ultrasonic attenuation, estimated at a frequency of 1.1 MHz, varied from approximately 7 to 32 dB/cm. The frequency dependence of attenuation was described by a power law in the frequency range of 0.2-3.5 MHz, and the exponential index of frequency was found to vary from 1.30 to 2.24. The longitudinal velocity of 2.7 MHz sound waves was in the range of 1700-3050 m/s. The results demonstrate that thermoplastics could potentially be used for the 3D construction of high-quality skull phantoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Antoniou
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, 30 Archiepiskopou Kyprianou Street, Limassol, 3036, Cyprus
| | - Nikolas Evripidou
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, 30 Archiepiskopou Kyprianou Street, Limassol, 3036, Cyprus
| | - Marinos Giannakou
- MEDSONIC LTD, 35 Christaki Kranou Street, Germasogia, Limassol, 4041, Cyprus
| | - Georgios Constantinides
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, 30 Archiepiskopou Kyprianou Street, Limassol, 3036, Cyprus
| | - Christakis Damianou
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, 30 Archiepiskopou Kyprianou Street, Limassol, 3036, Cyprus
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11
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Giannakou M, Yiallouras C, Menikou G, Ioannides C, Damianou C. MRI-guided frameless biopsy robotic system with the inclusion of unfocused ultrasound transducer for brain cancer ablation. Int J Med Robot 2018; 15:e1951. [PMID: 30157310 DOI: 10.1002/rcs.1951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A magnetic resonance image (MRI) guided robotic system dedicated for brain biopsy was developed. The robotic system carries a biopsy needle and a small rectangular unfocused, single element, planar ultrasonic transducer which can be potentially utilized to ablate small and localized brain cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS The robotic device includes six computer-controlled axes. An agar-based phantom was developed which included an olive that mimics brain target. A rectangular ultrasonic transducer operated at 4 MHz was used. RESULTS The functionality of the robotic system was assessed by means of ultrasound imaging, MRI imaging, and MR thermometry, demonstrating effective targeting. The heating capabilities of the ultrasonic transducer were also evaluated. CONCLUSIONS A functional MRI-guided robotic system was produced which can perform frameless brain biopsy. In the future, if a tumour is proven malignant, the needle can be pulled-out and a small ultrasonic transducer can be inserted to ablate the tumour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinos Giannakou
- Electrical Engineering Department, Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus
| | | | - Georgios Menikou
- Department of Bioengineering, City University, London, UK.,R&D, MEDSONIC LTD, Limassol, Cyprus
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Menikou G, Yiannakou M, Yiallouras C, Ioannides C, Damianou C. MRI-compatible breast/rib phantom for evaluating ultrasonic thermal exposures. Int J Med Robot 2017; 14. [DOI: 10.1002/rcs.1849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christos Yiallouras
- Cyprus University of Technology; Limassol Cyprus
- MEDSONIC LTD; Limassol Cyprus
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13
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Papadopoulos N, Menikou G, Yiannakou M, Yiallouras C, Ioannides K, Damianou C. Evaluation of a small flat rectangular therapeutic ultrasonic transducer intended for intravascular use. ULTRASONICS 2017; 74:196-203. [PMID: 27835808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultras.2016.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the proposed study was to evaluate the performance of a flat rectangular (2×10mm2) transducer operating at 4MHz. The intended application of this transducer is intravascular treatment of thrombosis and atherosclerosis. METHODS The transducer's thermal capabilities were tested in two different gel phantoms. MR thermometry was used to demonstrate the thermal capabilities of this type of transducer. RESULTS Temperature measurements demonstrated that this simple and small transducer adequately produced high temperatures, which can be utilized for therapeutic purposes. These high temperatures were confirmed using thermocouple and MR measurements. Pulsed ultrasound in combination with thrombolytic drugs and microbubbles was utilized to eliminate porcine thrombi. CONCLUSIONS The proposed transducer has the potentials to treat atherosclerotic lesions using the thermal properties of ultrasound, since high temperatures can be achieved in less than 5s. The results revealed that the destruction of thrombi using pulsed ultrasound requires long exposure time and high microbubble dosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Papadopoulos
- Department of Bioengineering, City University, London, UK
| | - G Menikou
- Department of Bioengineering, City University, London, UK
| | - M Yiannakou
- Electrical Engineering Department, Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus
| | - C Yiallouras
- Electrical Engineering Department, Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus; R&D, MEDSONIC LTD, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - K Ioannides
- Radiology, Ygia Polyclinic, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - C Damianou
- Electrical Engineering Department, Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus.
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