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Focused Ultrasound Treatment

Focused ultrasound treatment is used to destroy some fibroid tumors, deliver drugs and dissolve blood clots. The outpatient procedure is non-invasive, according to UterineFibroids.org. Ask your doctor if you think you may be a candidate for focused ultrasound treatment.

  1. Focused Ultrasound

    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology is used to pinpoint the tissue to be affected. Multiple beams of ultrasound energy converge on this point.

    Narrow Beams of Energy

    • While usual levels of ultrasound cause no change in tissue, using many narrow beams of energy on one spot creates enough heat to change it. The concept is similar to using a magnifying glass to cause a leaf to burn, according to the Focused Ultrasound Surgery Foundation.

    Risks

    • Focused ultrasound surgery may cause burns to the skin of the affected area. There may be damage to tissue surrounding the area, and you may feel pain or discomfort, the Mayo Clinic reports.

    Procedure

    • During any focused ultrasound procedure, you will lie under an MRI scanner. You will receive 20-second bursts of ultrasound energy and will be given medication to help with any resultant pain.

    Warning

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, focused ultrasound is a new treatment, so some side effects may not be known.

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