05/3 Integration of the TcMRgFUS-system into the clinical environment

		Simulated patient treatment with the MR guided focused ultrasound system.

Methodological developments and experimental work at the University Children's Hospital aim at the optimization of MR sequences for high-resolution imaging and for high precision real time temperature mapping. Technical work will be done to ensure compatibility of the FUS- and the MR-system and balance individual system component performance.

The InSightec ExAblate 4000 platform (InSightec, Haifa, IL, www.insightec.com) was installed in June 2006 at the 3.0T high-field MR system of the MR-Center. Experimental work started with compatibility testing and the integration of the installed TcMRgFUS-prototype system into the clinical 3.0T MR-environment.

After calibration and performance testing of the high-energy ultrasound transducer we started to investigate ultrasound propagation and target focusing in adult and pediatric skulls. In the course of these experiments we will verify phase prediction models for ultrasound wave propagation through the skull and observe heat dissipation in relation to the energy deposition at the focal point.

Theoretical findings will be verified by measurements in artificial and biological phantoms.