Focused Ultrasound sonications in a tumor-bearing head phantom within a high field MRI scanner

Motivation: A literature gap remains for realistic tissue phantoms featuring tumor simulators, especially in their application for evaluating Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) ablation protocols. Goal(s): This study aimed to improve existing research by introducing a special tumor-bearing head phantom and examining the feasibility of tumor ablation through 1-mm skull mimics. Approach: Robotic assisted sonications of the tumor simulator were conducted in a 3T MRI scanner, with FUS-induced thermal effects monitored through thermometry and high-resolution imaging. Results: Hyperintense lesions were observed within the tumor mimic, achieving complete tumor coverage in both free-field conditions and with a Resin skull in place. Impact: This research provides initial insights into utilizing a thin, biocompatible implant to temporarily replace a segment of the skull, enabling MRgFUS ablation of inoperable brain tumors with a single-element transducer and presenting potential clinical benefits, pending further feasibility studies.