High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a minimally invasive medical procedure that uses ultrasound waves to treat certain conditions, such as tumors, uterine fibroids, and tremors. The very high-intensity and highly focused sound waves interact with targeted tissues in your body to modify or destroy them.

What is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)?

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a medical procedure that employs ultrasound waves for the treatment of certain conditions, including tumors. This approach is minimally invasive. Traditional ultrasound scans are commonly used in healthcare for various imaging purposes. Ultrasound utilizes high-frequency sound waves to generate real-time images or videos of internal organs and soft tissues.

However, HIFU differs in that it does not produce images. Instead, it utilizes very high-intensity and precisely focused sound waves to interact with targeted tissues in the body, leading to modification or destruction.

Analogous to a magnifying glass concentrating sunlight on a specific target, HIFU directs multiple ultrasound beams to the precise tissue area requiring treatment. The focused energy from the ultrasound raises the temperature of the tissue, leading to the destruction (ablation) of the targeted area.

The ultrasound beams have the ability to pass through various layers of tissue, such as the skin, without causing harm until they reach the intended target.

Healthcare providers commonly employ either magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound imaging to guide, assess, and monitor the HIFU procedure. Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a prevalent type of HIFU that integrates MRI for enhanced guidance and monitoring.

HIFU Procedure

The High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) procedure is a medical technique used for various therapeutic purposes, most notably in the treatment of tumors. Here’s a general overview of how the HIFU procedure is typically performed: Before the procedure, the patient may undergo imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound to identify the precise location and size of the targeted tissue or tumor. The patient is positioned appropriately based on the targeted area. The healthcare provider ensures that the ultrasound beams can accurately reach the intended tissue. In some cases, local or general anesthesia may be administered to ensure the patient’s comfort and reduce any potential discomfort during the procedure. The healthcare provider uses real-time imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or MRI, to visualize the targeted area and guide the HIFU treatment. This ensures precise targeting and monitoring throughout the procedure. The HIFU system generates high-intensity ultrasound waves that are focused on the targeted tissue. These focused waves create a rapid rise in temperature within the tissue, leading to thermal ablation. The heat effectively destroys or modifies the targeted tissue. The healthcare team continuously monitors the procedure using imaging technology to assess the progress and ensure accurate targeting. HIFU is a minimally invasive procedure, and patients often experience minimal discomfort and a relatively short recovery time compared to traditional surgical methods. Many patients can resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure.