Utilization of the k -Space Method in the Design of a Ferroelectric Hyperthermia Phased Array

Abstract

This research utilizes the k-space computational method and a three-dimensional (3D), inhomogeneous, large scale, and coarse grid human prostate model to design and to fabricate an intracavitary probe for hyperthermia treatment of prostate cancer. A 3D acoustical prostate model was created utilizing photographic data from the Visible Human Project®. Ultrasound wave propagation of the designed phased array was simulated by means of the k-space computational method. Four stacked linear phased arrays composed the 80 elements hyperthermia array. Good agreement between the exposimetry and the k-space simulation results was obtained. As an example, the measured −3 dB distance of the focal volume in the propagation direction deviated by only 9% compared to simulated results.