Microwave-Induced Thermoacoustic Imaging Model for Potential Breast Cancer Detection

• Published in: IEEE transactions on biomedical engineering Vol. 59; no. 10; pp. 2782 - 2791
• Main Authors: Wang, Xiong, Bauer, Daniel R., Witte, Russell, Xin, Hao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01.10.2012; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Subjects: Acoustics; Biological and medical sciences; Breast - anatomy & histology; Breast - physiology; Breast cancer detection; Breast Neoplasms - diagnosis; Breast Neoplasms - pathology; Breast tissue; Computer Simulation; Dielectrics; Electromagnetic Radiation; Female; Finite difference methods; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Mammary gland diseases; Medical sciences; Microwave imaging; microwave spectroscopy; Microwave theory and techniques; Microwaves; Miscellaneous. Technology; Models, Biological; Photoacoustic Techniques - methods; Pressure; safety evaluation; thermoacoustic imaging (TAI); Tumors; Ultrasonic investigative techniques; Breast disease; thermoacoustic imaging (TAI); Breast cancer; Malignant tumor; Mammary gland diseases; Breast cancer detection; safety evaluation; Models; Diagnosis; Safety; microwave spectroscopy; Cancer; Biomedical engineering
• ISSN: 0018-9294; 1558-2531
• DOI: 10.1109/TBME.2012.2210218

In this study, we develop a complete microwave-induced thermoacoustic imaging (TAI) model for potential breast cancer imaging application. Acoustic pressures generated by different breast tissue targets are investigated by finite-difference time-domain simulations of the entire TAI process including the feeding antenna, matching mechanism, fluidic environment, 3-D breast model, and acoustic transducer. Simulation results achieve quantitative relationships between the input microwave peak power and the resulting specific absorption rate as well as the output acoustic pressure. Microwave frequency dependence of the acoustic signals due to different breast tissues is established across a broadband frequency range (2.3-12 GHz), suggesting key advantages of spectroscopic TAI compare to TAI at a single frequency. Reconstructed thermoacoustic images are consistent with the modeling results. This model will contribute to design, optimization, and safety evaluation of microwave-induced TAI and spectroscopy.