Visualization of 3D temperature distribution caused by exposure of HIFU with thermo-chromic liquid crystal phantom

HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is one of a promising minimally invasive treatment method. It is expected that energy concentration causes heat coagulation around focal area, while dispersion does not give a damage outside focus area. To establish temperature control technique, it is important to investigate three dimensional temperature around the target. For this purpose we developed a temperature distribution measurement visualization method. In clinical practice, visualization of temperature distribution produced by clinical therapeutic ultrasonic devices is useful for ensuring clinical efficacy and patient safety. In this study, 3D temperature measurement phantom with MTLC (micro-capsuled thermo-chromic liquid crystal) was proposed, and its performance was demonstrated.