What types of fibroids can be treated with the HIFU?
HIFU can be used for all types, ie, submucosal, subserosal, and intramural uterine fibroids. These are terms that are used to describe the location of the fibroid within the uterus. More than one fibroid can be treated. Fibroids in a location inaccessible by the focused ultrasound may not be treatable. What is the treatment like? The entire procedure takes place on a specialised treatment table where the doctor takes images to locate the uterus and the fibroid(s). Then these images are used to develop a treatment plan. When the treatment begins, a small beam of focused ultrasound is directed at the target for approximately 15 seconds and heats the tissue. Images are taken of the target tissue during the cycle. The system then moves to the next treatment point, and the process is repeated about once every 90 seconds until the entire volume has been treated. HIFU is performed as an outpatient procedure without any anaesthesia and takes approximately 30 minutes after which the patient can
