HIFU, an acronym for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, refers to a medical technology that utilizes focused ultrasound waves to generate heat and create precise thermal lesions or coagulation points within tissues. This non-invasive procedure is often employed for therapeutic purposes such as ablation, destruction, or remodeling of targeted tissues in the body.
Operating on the principle of acoustic energy, HIFU harnesses high-frequency sound waves to produce a concentrated beam directed at specific anatomical sites. This highly focused energy can penetrate through layers of tissues without damaging the surrounding areas or requiring any surgical incisions, making it a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical interventions.
In medical applications, HIFU has been predominantly used for the treatment of various conditions including cancerous tumors, particularly prostate, breast, liver, and kidney tumors. It has also demonstrated efficacy in treating uterine fibroids and has potential applications in neurosurgery and pain management.
During a HIFU procedure, the system's transducer delivers targeted ultrasound waves to a precise focal point within the body, where the intense ultrasound energy causes thermal or mechanical effects. These effects can include tissue heating, coagulation, cavitation, or microstreaming, depending on the desired outcome. The procedure is often guided and monitored in real-time using advanced imaging techniques such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT).
Overall, HIFU is a cutting-edge medical technology that offers a non-invasive and precise approach for treating various conditions, providing patients with potential benefits such as reduced hospital stays, minimal scarring, and faster recovery time compared to conventional surgical methods.
