Computer-controlled dynamic phantom for ultrasound hyperthermia studies

A dynamic phantom system for use in evaluating hyperthermia heating equipment has been designed, constructed, and tested. It consists of four in vitro preserved canine kidneys perfused with an 80% ethanol preparation by a single pump, plus four computer-controlled valves and four flow meters. The flow rate to each kidney is computer-controlled, giving flexibility in the types of spatial and temporal flow patterns possible. Examples are given for both step and ramp changes in flow, and for a temperature-dependent flow which has been used to simulate physiological responses to elevated temperatures.