Focused Ultrasound – an Option Worth Considering

What is Focused Ultrasound?
Before Focused Ultrasound Surgery was approved by the FDA in October 2004, women’s options for non-invasive treatment of uterine fibroids were limited. Now Focused Ultrasound (magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound, or MRgFUS) offers the possibility of a non-surgical, outpatient procedure that can relieve fibroid symptoms and enable women to return to normal activity within 1 or 2 days.

Focused Ultrasound combines magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with focused high intensity ultrasound waves. High intensity focused ultrasound, often called HIFU and MRI techniques have been utilized separately for years, yet their combination has allowed for advances in treatment potential due at least in part to the powerful imaging capablities of MRI.  Magnetic resonance imaging gives the physician a 3-dimensional view of the uterus and fibroids. It also provides real-time feedback about the temperature and tissue changes that occur as each fibroid is treated. High intensity sound waves are focused on individual fibroids much like a magnifying glass focusing the sun’s rays – only the focal point is hot enough to cause cell death.

Requiring no incision, no hospital stay, and a rapid return to family or work, Focused Ultrasound offers women with symptomatic uterine fibroids a treatment option worth considering.

MRgFUS is an Approved Fibroid Treatment
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the ExAblate 2000 System, a medical device that uses magnetic resonance image guided focused ultrasound to target and destroy uterine fibroids. FDA expedited review of the device because it offers significant advantages over existing treatments for uterine fibroids.

Link to FDA statement (links to professional site)