3D Data Segmentation and Mesh Generation of Pathological Brain Tissue Based upon 3D MRI Data, in View of Acoustic and Thermal Modeling

Within the framework of a R&D project on ultrasound thermotherapy of brain tumors, studies are in progress to develop 3D numerical modeling of acoustic power deposition and temperature patterns in view of clinical treatment planning. Patient vs. tumor characterization is based upon 3D voxel data acquired from MRI examinations performed according to specific protocols which provide morphologic and angiographic data. Numerical simulations use the finite element method to solve the partial derivative equations describing (i) the interactions between ultrasound and brain structures and (ii) the processes of heat generation and heat transfer.