In addition to its application in medical diagnostics, ultrasound can also be used for the therapy of a wide range of clinical pictures. The mechanical and thermal effect of the ultrasound waves on the tissue is used. For reliable and safe applications, we develop novel therapeutic approaches and related hardware and software.

Technology

Therapy based on ultrasound computed tomography

With 3D-ultrasound computer tomography we are developing a novel imaging method for the early detection of breast cancer. Several thousand ultrasound transducers allow obtaining 3D images of the breast at sub-millimeter resolution. At the same time, the multitude of ultrasound transducers can be used to generate focused ultrasound, which can be used for thermal ablation or hyperthermia.

This requires the development of appropriate hardware (ultrasound transducers, driver hardware), as well as software (therapy planning and control software). Within the scope of this project (see publications) we develop ultrasound transducers and their adapted electronic control for a time- or phase-shifted transmission of ultrasound pulses. Therapy planning is done by solving an inverse problem, where a focus within the aperture and the desired heating of the tissue in this focus can be adjusted.

Furthermore, we are engaged in the simulation and design of appropriate apertures for an optimal distribution of ultrasonic transducers.

With these extensions to ultrasound computed tomography, it may be possible in the future to combine diagnosis and therapy of breast cancer in one medical device.

MRI-guided therapy using focused ultrasound

Focused ultrasound can be used in the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, in order to administer medications more specifically and effectively through the local and temporary opening of the blood-brain barrier.

In our research we are engaged in the characterization of commercial and experimental focused MRI-guided ultrasound systems for small animal applications.

In addition, we develop subject-specific therapy planning for initial studies in mice. We are engaged in the automatic segmentation of MRI images of mice (bone, brain) and the simulation of the wave field of the focused ultrasound system and its interaction with the mouse head. Using the simulated ultrasound field, the position and sound pressure of focal points can be predicted more accurately. By iterative application of the simulation and corresponding optimization methods, parameters and positioning of the focused ultrasound transducer can be adapted to enable a reliable application.