What is Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)?
MRgFUS is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that uses highly focused ultrasound to ablate, or destroy, fibroid tumors. The device works with an MR scanner to enable the physician to determine the level of heating and to monitor the progress of treatment during and after the procedure. During this outpatient procedure, the patient lies inside the MRI scanner. The MRI scanner provides three-dimensional images of the fibroid and surrounding tissue, enabling precise guidance of the ultrasound waves to the target tissue. Highly focused ultrasound waves are directed into the body, and at the focal point, the ultrasound waves raise the temperature of the tissue, leading to its destruction. The thermal imaging capabilities of the MRI scanner provide real-time feedback on the temperature achieved at the target tissue during treatment, helping to ensure therapy outcome control.
