Real-time computer controlled ultrasound therapy system for breast cancer treatment

This paper discusses a real-time computer controlled system that provides therapy for breast cancer patients through the use of ultrasound to produce localized heating. The medical problem is first explained. Then the system's requirements are developed including an explanation of the data acquisition techniques, control algorithms, and safety considerations. The paper then discusses the hardware and software architecture used to meet these medical and physical requirements. The system uses personal computer class machines together with distributed microcontrollers linked through local area network and proprietary serial links. A real-time operating system model is installed giving the system a higher level operating system interface to the application for adaptability and ease of design.