Tissue ablation by focused ultrasound

Focused ultrasound tissue ablation is a non-invasive therapeutic procedure using concentrated ultrasound energy to heat and destroy targeted tissue volumes by inducing rapid cell death primarily via thermal coagulation and, in certain modalities, mechanical disruption (cavitation/histotripsy)[1][2][3][4][5][6]. It is used across numerous clinical indications such as tumor ablation, pain management, and neurological disorder treatment[1][2][3]. Unlike conventional molecular targets (receptors, enzymes, etc.), tissue ablation by focused ultrasound is a procedural approach rather than a discrete molecular entity. Monitoring technologies like MRI are employed for real-time guidance and safety[1][3][6].

Other names

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablationUltrasound tissue ablationThermal ablation by focused ultrasound

Thermal energy ablation: raising tissue temperature above ~55°C causes coagulative necrosis and cell death[1][2][3][6] Mechanical disruption: Cavitation and acoustic phenomena can physically disrupt tissue (e.g., “histotripsy”)[2][3][5] Increased permeability: Temporary opening of blood-brain barrier or cell membranes to facilitate drug delivery (adjunct mechanism)[3][4] Non-invasive; precise localization protects adjacent healthy tissue[1][3][6]