HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) (sometimes FUS or HIFUS) is a highly precise medical procedure using high-intensity focused ultrasound to heat and destroy pathogenic tissue rapidly. It is one modality of therapeutic ultrasound, and although it induces hyperthermia it should not be confused with this technique which heats much less rapidly and to much lower therapeutic temperatures (generally < 45°C).
This is incorporates ultrasound for guidance and imaging unlike computerized MRI. When MRI is used it is sometimes called Magnetic Resonance guided Focused Ultrasound, often shortened to MRgFUS. When ultrasonography is used it is sometimes called Ultrasound guided Focused Ultrasound, often shortened to USgFUS. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to identify tumors or fibroids in the body, before they are destroyed by the ultrasound. Ultrasonic guidance is currently used experimentally in the United States, Canada, Israel, Europe, and Asia to treat uterine fibroids. Ultrasonography guided HIFU is currently used in the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Mexico, The Bahamas, South America, Russia and China. Current clinical trials are underwayin the U.S., examining the possible use of the technique in the treatment of cancers of the brain, breast, liver, bone, and prostate, but have specific limiting protocol requirements. Patients who desire this treatment at this time should seek out an American HIFU trained urologist such as Dr. Bilowus who can perform this procedure in acredited countries such as the Bahamas or Mexico.
Therapeutic ultrasound is a minimally invasive or non-invasive method to deposit acoustic energy into tissue. Applications include tissue ablation (HIFU) (for tumor treatments, for example). Hyperthermia treatments (low-level heating combined with radiation or chemotherapy), or the activation or enhanced delivery of drugs are unrelated to HIFU.
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