High-intensity focused ultrasound for the targeted destruction of uterine tissues: experiences from a pilot study using a mobile HIFU unit

Background High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a novel method which offers the non-invasive ablation of tissues without harming overlying organs or skin. It has been introduced successfully in urology for the ablation of prostatic hyperplasia and seems to be promising in the treatment of ute...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Archives of gynecology and obstetrics 2008-02, Vol.277 (2), p.143-150
Main Authors: Fruehauf, Johannes H., Back, Walter, Eiermann, Alexa, Lang, Michael-Christian, Pessel, Martin, Marlinghaus, Ernst, Melchert, Frank, Volz-Köster, Stefanie, Volz, Joachim
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Endocrinology
Feasibility Studies
Female
Fibroids
Gynecology
Human Genetics
Humans
Hysterectomy
Leiomyoma - therapy
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Middle Aged
Obstetrics/Perinatology/Midwifery
Original Article
Pilot Projects
Ultrasonic imaging
Ultrasonic Therapy
Urinary Incontinence - therapy
Uterine Neoplasms - therapy
Uterus - pathology
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Background High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a novel method which offers the non-invasive ablation of tissues without harming overlying organs or skin. It has been introduced successfully in urology for the ablation of prostatic hyperplasia and seems to be promising in the treatment of uterine fibroids. In this study we aimed to examine the feasibility and possible side effects of HIFU treatment of uterine tissues using an experimental mobile HIFU unit with ultrasound guidance. Methods For these experiments, a 1.07 MHz ultrasound source was used which allows treatment depths between 0 and 10 cm. In 12 patients scheduled to have abdominal hysterectomy, 5–60 impulses of HIFU were applied through the intact skin upon uterine tissues directly prior to the surgical procedure. Tissue intensities lay between 3,200 and 6,300 W/cm² and a fixed pulse length of 4 s was used. Results No side effects were encountered other than one first-degree skin burn and the treatment was well tolerated. Histology showed clearly demarcated coagulative necrosis in the targeted tissues. Treatment was concluded in less than 45 min for each patient. Conclusion Focused ultrasound is an effective method to selectively destroy tissue within the uterus and the transabdominal access route is very feasible. This study shows that a mobile ultrasound source can be used safely and effectively to destroy uterine tissues, such as fibroids, without major side effects.
ISSN:0932-0067
1432-0711
DOI:10.1007/s00404-007-0435-0