Leon A. Frizzell

Leon Frizzell received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Rochester in 1976. In 1975 he started at the U of I where he is currently emeritus professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. His fields of professional interest are ultrasonic biophysics and ultrasonic bioengineering.

Honors and awards: Fellow, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine; Fellow, Acoustical Society of America; Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.

Leon Frizzell's work in the Beckman Institute deals with the interaction of ultrasound with biological materials. He makes measurements of the properties that affect ultrasonic propagation in tissues, such as the absorption coefficient, speed, and nonlinearity parameter. For many years Professor Frizzell has conducted investigations of the biological effects of ultrasound and the mechanisms responsible for damage. He has also been involved in the development of ultrasonic transducer systems for hyperthermic treatment of tumors and high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) surgical applications.

Ultrasonically produced heat and cavitation can cause damage to tissues at high intensities, but have not been observed to cause damage in patients at levels used clinically. The helpful biological effect of acceleration of bone healing by ultrasound is being examined in collaboration with colleagues in the College of Veterinary Medicine and at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

The use of higher frequency ultrasound transducers and multiple frequency applicators for hyperthermic treatment of tumors is being investigated. Sparse, phased array ultrasound applicators are being developed for HIFU applications in general and for treatment of the prostate in particular.

Frizzell's sources of research support are the NIH and companies.

Contact Information:
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Illinois
326b Everitt Laboratory
1406 W. Green Stret
Urbana, IL 61801
email: frizz@uiuc.edu