Acoustic Modeling ARFI

An important principle of focused ultrasound therapies is that we need to know where the focal location is so that we deposit the energy in the correct location. One way that the focal location is monitored is through magnetic resonance acoustic radiation force imaging (MR-ARFI). During MR-ARFI, the focused ultrasound transducer produces a small pulse of pressure. This pulse is too small to heat the tissue, but is large enough to be detected by the MRI machine with MR-ARFI. Through this, we can find where the focal location is (and make sure that it is where it needs to be) before performing a focused ultrasound procedure on a patient. To better understand and predict MR-ARFI, we simulate it. This can give us insight before the patient even arrives how the focused ultrasound waves will behave, so we can plan for the treatment. This leads to more efficient and effective procedures.