What is high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)?
Ultrasound waves are utilized in a medical procedure called high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to treat problems including cancer. It involves very little physical contact.
Medical experts regularly perform ultrasonic scans for a range of imaging purposes. In order to produce real-time images or videos of internal organs or other soft tissues, ultrasound utilizes high-frequency sound waves.
However, HIFU does not generate photos. Instead, the targeted tissues in your body interact with the extremely intense and narrowly concentrated sound waves to alter or kill them.
What conditions can HIFU treat?
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is utilized by medical professionals to treat a range of illnesses. Treatment of certain solid malignant (cancerous) and benign (non-cancerous) tumors is one frequent usage, including tumors in your:
Bone
Brain
Breast
Connective tissues
Esophagus
Kidney
Liver
Pancreas
Prostate
Why is HIFU used?
Because HIFU is non-invasive and generally safer than other types of therapy, healthcare professionals employ it.
However, HIFU cannot be used to treat all tumor types. For instance, people with early-stage, low-grade prostate cancer that is only in their prostate and that is evident on an MRI or ultrasound scan are good candidates for HIFU treatment. HIFU might not be a good option for therapy if the cancer has spread if the tumor is difficult to see with imaging testing.
What happens before a HIFU procedure?
Before having the HIFU operation, you’ll typically need to have an imaging examination, like an MRI or ultrasound. This will assist your healthcare provider in locating the desired tissue’s precise location.
You will receive detailed preparation instructions from your doctor before the HIFU therapy. Make careful you adhere to them.
What happens during a HIFU procedure?
The following steps are commonly included in an HIFU procedure:
- You’ll either sit on an exam chair or lie at a table.
- To stabilize the region of the targeted tissue, the clinician may employ a gadget. For tremor treatment, they might employ a head frame to keep your head still or a gadget to keep breast tissue calm.
- You might undergo the procedure completely conscious, lightly sedated, or under general anesthesia, depending on the circumstances.
- To pinpoint the precise site of the desired tissue, the medical professional will use ultrasound or MRI imaging.
- The target tissue will be in the middle of the HIFU probe’s head, which will be placed above it. The probe will typically be on or above your skin. The doctor will place the probe, which is about the size of your index finger, into your rectum to treat prostate cancer.
- To the center of the chosen tissue, they will administer a test dose.
- Depending on the depth of the tissue, they may modify the power of the ultrasonic beams.
- To the tissue, they will apply short bursts of ultrasonic waves.
- An imaging test will be used to confirm that the targeted tissue was removed.
HIFU treatment often only needs one session or operation.
What are the advantages of HIFU?
It doesn’t use radiation and doesn’t involve making any incisions in your body.
It can precisely target sick tissue while protecting healthy tissue that is not being targeted.
It frequently involves outpatient surgery with a speedy recovery. Within a few days, you can typically return to work or your regular schedule.
*HIFU has less adverse effects than less non-invasive tumor treatments, such as:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Open surgery
What are the risks or complications of HIFU?
very low risk of problems exists when using HIFU for medical treatment. Skin burns can occasionally result from it, but this seldom happens.
The potential adverse effects of HIFU can vary depending on how it is used. For instance, urinary issues and erectile dysfunction are the most frequent side effects of HIFU treatment for prostate cancer.
Speak with your healthcare practitioner if you have any concerns about the potential side effects or problems of HIFU.
What is the recovery time for HIFU?
Every person is different, and each HIFU medical therapy is also unique. HIFU typically results in a quicker recovery than other, more invasive types of therapy.
After your HIFU operation, your medical team will explain what to anticipate and how long it will take you to recuperate