The group of Medical Physicists at Turku HIFU Research Centre play a key role by advancing MRI-based treatment planning, quantitative imaging, and technical optimization of MR-guided focused ultrasound therapies. The research focuses on developing imaging biomarkers, data science approaches, and predictive methods for treatment outcome, including assessment of tissue perfusion, diffusion, relaxation properties, and acoustic attenuation. Physicists also contribute to improving treatment delivery through technical innovations, treatment monitoring, and patient-specific optimization strategies. Working closely with medical doctors, they support the development of safer, more effective, and increasingly personalized noninvasive therapies across all modalities used in TUCH.
Medical Physicists:
Prof. Jani Saunavaara, M.Sc., PhD
- Department of Medical Physics, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku
- jani [dot] saunavaara [at] varha [dot] fi
Dr. Teija Sainio, M.Sc., PhD
- Department of Medical Physics, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku
- teija [dot] sainio[at] varha [dot] fi
Doctoral Researchers:
Reetta Kälvälä, M.Sc. (Tech.)
- Department of Medical Imaging, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku
- reetta [dot] kalvala [at] varha [dot] fi
Aino Leppiniemi, M.Sc.
- Turku University Hospital and University of Turku
- aino [dot] leppiniemi [at] varha [dot] fi
Full publication list:
Sainio T, Saunavaara J, Komar G, Viitala A, Otonkoski S, Joronen K, et al. Assessing blood flow in uterine fibroids using intravoxel incoherent motion imaging compared with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1):2980.
Kälvälä R. Skull attenuation estimation for high-intensity focused ultrasound using zero echo time MRI [Master’s thesis]. Espoo: Aalto University; 2025.
Sainio T, Komar G, Saunavaara J, Suomi V, Joronen K, Perheentupa A, Viitala A, Sequeiros RB. Wedged gel pad for bowel manipulation during MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy to treat uterine fibroids: a case report. J Ther Ultrasound. 2018 Nov 28;6:10. doi: 10.1186/s40349-018-0116-4. eCollection 2018.
Suomi V, Komar G, Sainio T, Joronen K, Perheentupa A, Blanco Sequeiros R Comprehensive feature selection for classifying the treatment outcome of high-intensity ultrasound therapy in uterine fibroids. Sci Rep. 2019 Jul 29;9(1):1090.
Sainio T, Saunavaara J, Komar G, Otonkoski S, Joronen K, Viitala A, Perheentupa A, Blanco Sequeiros R Feasibility of T2 relaxation time in predicting the technical outcome of MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment of uterine fibroids. Int J Hyperthermia. 2021;38(1):1384-1393.
Sainio T, Saunavaara J, Komar G, Mattila S, Otonkoski S, Joronen K, Perheentupa A, Blanco Sequeiros R Feasibility of apparent diffusion coefficient in predicting the technical outcome of MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment of uterine fibroids – a comparison with the Funaki classification. Int J Hyperthermia. 2021;38(1):85-94.
Sainio T, Saunavaara J, Komar G, Viitala A, Otonkoski S, Joronen K, Perheentupa A, Sequeiros RB. Assessing blood flow in uterine fibroids using intravoxel incoherent motion imaging compared with dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Sci Rep. 2025 Jan 23;15(1):2980.