Focused Ultrasound

Focused Ultrasound is a non-invasive, therapeutic technology with the potential to improve the quality of life and decrease the cost of care for patients with a variety of medical conditions. This technology uses ultrasonic energy to target tissue deep in the body without incisions or radiation.

Overview

Focused ultrasound is an early-stage, noninvasive, therapeutic technology with the potential to transform the treatment of many medical disorders by using ultrasonic energy to target tissue deep in the body without incisions or radiation. Multiple intersecting beams of ultrasound are directed and concentrated on a target; much like a magnifying glass can focus multiple beams of light on a single point. Where each individual beam passes through the tissue, there is no effect. But at the focal point, the convergence of the beams of focused ultrasound energy results in many important biological effects depending on the nature of the tissue and the ultrasound parameters.

Applications

Focused ultrasound is currently approved in the United States to treat essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, prostate cancer, and uterine fibroids. It is also being researched for the treatment of brain tumors, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer, among other conditions.

Benefits

The benefits of focused ultrasound include:

• Noninvasive
• No ionizing radiation
• Precise targeting
• Real-time monitoring
• Repeatable if necessary
• Can be used as a complement to other therapies

Risks

As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with focused ultrasound. These may include pain, swelling, and minor burns on the skin. There may also be more serious complications depending on the area being treated.

See Also

• Ultrasound
• Radiation therapy
• Non-invasive procedure
• Medical imaging

References

Focused Ultrasound Resources
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