A dual-frequency ultrasonic system for breast cancer treatment

A novel ultrasonic therapy system dedicated to the breast cancer treatment is presented. Optimized based on a 3-D bio-heat transfer simulation, the ap plicator is a cylinder comprised of a stack of rings. Up to 48 transducers are mounted on the inside of each ring. Arranged alternately,these transduc ers operate in one of two frequency-bands(1.8 - 2.8 MHz and 4.3 - 4.8 MHz). During treatment the patient is in prone position, with the breast immerse d in water and surrounded by the array of rings. Experiments with a phantom demonstrated the device's excellent capability to achieve and maintain a u niform temperature distribution (41.5 - 44 degrees C) in a desired region.