Challenges of clinical high intensity focused ultrasound: The need for metrology.

Metrology of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is critical to the advancement of clinical application of HIFU for safe and effective treatments in patients. Several methods for performing metrology of HIFU systems are available in the research laboratory setting; however, translation of these methods to the clinical setting remains in evolution. From our initial experience with clinical HIFU systems we have realized the importance of accurate acoustic characterization of HIFU systems in order to determine the parameters of the treatment protocol to result in safe and effective treatments. The acoustic parameters of the system, particularly at very high intensities, are very important to understand prior to delivering HIFU therapy to patients. Improved methods of HIFU metrology, especially to determine in situ exposure and dose, will result in a more rational approach to clinical HIFU therapy. Further advances in clinical HIFU therapy will require close cooperation between clinicians and scientists in order to make HIFU therapy safe and effective. Educating clinicians on the importance of metrology will also be important. [Work supported by NIH Grant No. EB007643.]