Histotripsy

Histotripsy is a noninvasive medical procedure that uses high-intensity sound waves to destroy liver tumors. Unlike other treatment methods, histotripsy does not require radiologists to make cuts or incisions, use needles or rely on ionizing radiation. The procedure can be performed under general anesthesia and involves ultrasound imaging to locate the targeted tissue and monitor the treatment in real time.

How is Histotripsy Performed?

Histotripsy involves placing a treatment head, which emits sound waves, inside a soft, flexible membrane containing specially treated water. This membrane is then positioned on a patient’s abdomen and directed at the liver tumor. The sound waves create a bubble cloud from the rapid expansion and collapse of naturally occurring gas bubbles within the tissue, destroying the targeted tissue.

What are the Benefits of Histotripsy?

Non-invasive

The procedure does not require incisions, needles or any other insertions through the skin, which helps reduce the risk of infection, bleeding, long recovery times and other complications.

Targeted

Histotripsy can be used to precisely target and destroy unwanted tissue, such as tumors, while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.

Single Treatment

Most tumors less than 3 cm can be effectively destroyed in a single treatment session. Multiple treatment sessions may be necessary depending on a patient’s clinical condition and treatment plan.