Utilization of the k-space method in the design of a ferroelectric hyperthermia phased array

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.