Thermal coagulation induced by high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU-induced thermal coagulation)

Thermal coagulation induced by high-intensity focused ultrasound is a therapeutic procedure where high-energy ultrasonic waves are focused into deep tissues. The acoustic energy is absorbed by body tissues and converted into heat, resulting in localized temperatures (typically above 60°C) that cause protein denaturation, coagulation necrosis, and tissue ablation. The technology is widely used for noninvasive or minimally invasive ablation of tumors, control of bleeding, and destruction of benign or malignant tissues. Unlike molecular drug targets, this approach exploits physical energy delivery rather than specific biochemical interactions, and therapeutic selectivity is determined by imaging guidance and energy focusing rather than molecular binding.

Other names

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)High-intensity therapeutic ultrasoundUltrasound-induced thermal ablation

Thermal coagulation (focused ultrasound beam raises tissue temperature, denatures proteins, causes coagulative necrosis and vessel sealing)