Software development program for the fast prototyping of applications of focused ultrasound guided by magnetic resonance imaging

高强度聚焦超声（HIFU）是一种将机械能集中在小体积内的技术。该浓度可用于在生物组织中诱导几种生物效应，包括吸收、辐射力流或空化。磁共振成像（MRI）提供了精确的体积图像重建，由于MRI可用于监测HIFU诱导的吸收效应，因此已成为指导HIFU的首选方式。MRI与HIFU的结合被称为MRgHIFU。即使HIFU已被证明是治疗子宫肌瘤等治疗应用的有效选择，但仍需要进行大量的基础研究来克服挑战，以达到胸腔后的目标并补偿器官运动。该研究项目将为MRgHIFU应用的快速原型设计开发一个技术平台。传统上，大多数模型和成像技术必须离线测试。提议的平台将集成我的实验室已经开发的元素，用于控制我们设施中的MRI扫描仪和FUs设备。此外，我还开发了几个在图形处理器中运行的超声波传播和生物效应的数学模型。这些模型将升级以提高预测精度，例如使用基于光谱分解的方法进行声音传播和预测可变形器官中的生物效应。该计划将继续为设备控制、图像处理、数学建模和高性能计算领域的研究生提供学习机会。该平台可能实现的项目类型包括用于热疗效果的闭环控制算法、用于控制FUs能量的基于mri的弹性成像以及跟踪移动物体。该研究项目将为MRgHIFU和MRI领域建立一个非常高效的技术平台，以测试和优化新一代MRgHIFU的应用，因此该研究项目在MRgHIFU和MRI领域的影响将是巨大的。

High Intensity Focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a technique where mechanical energy is concentrated in a small volume. This concentration can be used to induce several bio-effects in biological tissue including absorption, radiation-force streaming or cavitation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a precise volumetric image reconstruction and has become the preferred modality to guide HIFU since MRI can be used to monitor the absorption effects induced by HIFU. The combination of MRI and HIFU is known as MRgHIFU. Even if HIFU has proven being an effective option for therapeutic applications such as the treatment of uterine fibroids, a considerable amount of basic research has to be conducted to overcome challenges as reaching targets behind the rib cage and compensate organ movement. This research program will develop a technological platform for the fast prototyping of MRgHIFU applications. Traditionally, most of models and imaging techniques have to be tested offline. The proposed platform will integrate elements already developed in my laboratory for the control of the MRI scanner and FUs devices located in our facilities. Also, I have developed several mathematical models for ultrasound propagation and bio-effects running in graphic processors. These models will be upgraded to increase precision of prediction, such the use of methods based on spectral decomposition for sound propagation and prediction of bio-effects in deformable organs. The proposed program will continue to offer opportunities for graduate studies in the areas of control of devices, image processing, mathematical modeling and high performance computing. The type of projects that will be possible with this platform will include closed-loop control algorithms for hyperthermia effects, MRI-based elasticity imaging for control of FUs energy and tracking of moving objects. The impact of this research program in the area of MRgHIFU and MRI will be considerable since this program will establish a very efficient technological platform to test and optimize the new generation of applications of MRgHIFU.