Development of a Deformable Anthropomorphic Liver Phantom for Multimodal Imaging With Ultrasound and CT

Abstract

This study aimed to create a deformable anthropomorphic multimodal liver phantom, including vascular structures and multiple tissue lesions, allowing medical research by ultrasound and CT. For preliminary tests, several samples were made to mimic liver parenchyma and tumors. In addition to medical imaging tests, the tissue specimens were tested on an insertion force recording bench. The silicone phantom is similar to the human liver in its mechanical properties and the results of medical imaging by ultrasound and CT scanning due to the fillers used in the composition. Both neoplasms integrated into the phantom and the vascular structure with previously injected contrast were visualized during the study using ultrasound and CT scans. The phantom images were similar to those of actual patients. Studies have established the power of needle insertion into materials imitating healthy and affected liver tissues. A multimodal anthropomorphic human liver phantom with integrated tumors and an internal vascular structure was produced by pouring a silicone mixture with fillers into the mold. Such an approach makes it possible to change the structure, geometric dimensions, or location of the affected tissues in the simulated phantom in a short period of time.