Quantitative Imaging of Temperature Elevations in Tissues Due to Thermal Therapies

Abstract — Thermal ablation and hyperthermia remain as potent treatment options for cancer. However, the inability to closely monitor temperature elevations from thermal therapies in real time continues to limit clinical applicability. Therefore, the development of new imaging techniques capable of providing feedback and temperature monitoring is highly medically significant. In this study, quantitative ultrasound imaging techniques based on spectral estimates were examined for their ability to monitor and map temperature elevations induced in tissues using either microwave ablation or high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Ex vivo liver samples were treated with microwave ablation while ultrasound image frames were recorded using a SonixTouch system and linear array (14L5). In vivo tumors in rats (MAT) were treated using a custom-built HIFU system whil