Artificial Visual Phantoms for Ultrasound Thermal Therapy

This work is part of a project to develop a device for ultrasound energy delivery to inhibit or ablate epileptic foci in the brain. Phantoms simulating brain tissue were created using agar, egg whites, and water. They were irradiated with ultrasound energy at 250, 275, and 300 mV for 25 to 40 seconds. Temperature changes were monitored with thermocouples. Results showed visible color changes in phantoms at 275 and 300 mV, reaching temperatures of up to 74 °C at 300 mV (23 Ws). This provides a consistent method for phantom production and a visual indication of energy dissipation levels. Further research will establish clinical parameters for using focused ultrasound in epilepsy treatment.