Design and validation of a phantom for transcranial ultrasonography.

The proposed methodology allows producing head phantoms for transcranial ultrasound training and research. The anatomical accuracy of the model is proved by ultrasonography and CT studies. Both versions of the phantom comprise the skull and the brain and are intended for ultrasound imaging through the temporal bone acoustic window. Needles and small objects serve as navigation targets during the training procedure. The basic version helps learning basic navigation skills, while the anatomical one provides a realistic setting to perform the diagnostic procedure.