Characterization of Acoustic, Cavitation, and Thermal Properties of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Hydrogels for Use as Therapeutic Ultrasound Tissue Mimics

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2022.02.007
• Publication Date: 2022-03-22T13:25:51Z
• Authors: Lisa Braunstein; Sarah C. Brüningk; Ian Rivens; John Civale; Gail ter Haar
• Keywords: Vinyl alcohol; Characterization

The thermal and mechanical effects induced in tissue by ultrasound can be exploited for therapeutic applications. Tissue-mimicking materials (TMMs), reflecting different soft properties, are required experimental evaluation of potential. In the study described here, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels were characterized. Hydrogels prepared using concentrations (5%–20% w/w) molecular weights PVA ± cellulose scatterers (2.5%–10% characterized acoustically (sound speed, attenuation) as a function temperature (25°C–45°C), thermally (thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity) terms their cavitation thresholds. Results compared with measurements fresh sheep (kidney, liver, spleen). Sound speed depended most strongly on concentration, attenuation, content. For range formulations investigated, gel acoustic properties speed: 1532 17 to 1590 9 m/s, attenuation coefficient: 0.08 0.01 0.37 0.02 dB/cm) fell within those measured tissue. Cavitation thresholds 10% (50% occurrence: 4.1–5.4 MPa, 75% 5.4–8.2 MPa) decreased increasing summary, composite may suitable mimics acoustic, number