Using vibro-acoustography to detect brachytherapy metal seeds

A relative new imaging technique called vibro-acoustography which is based on ultrasound radiation force, was used to detect brachytherapy metal seeds embedded in agar gel phantom. Images were obtained for right (perpendicular) and parallel angle incidences. In the experiments, it was found that the best excitation vibration frequencies were determined either by the fundamental resonance frequency of the seed or by the optimal resonance frequency of the gel in the chosen bandwidth providing high resolution in the images. Results indicate that the application of this technique for controlling brachytherapy treatment is both promising and challenging relatively to other ultrasonic methods.