HIFU stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. It is a non-invasive medical technology that uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to precisely target and destroy abnormal tissues in the body while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Here is an introduction to its applications and some frequently asked questions:

Applications of HIFU

• Oncology
  • Treatment of liver cancer: HIFU can be used to destroy liver tumors. It heats and kills cancer cells by precisely focusing ultrasound energy on the tumor site, which is especially suitable for patients who are not suitable for surgical resection or have limited liver function.
  • Treatment of breast cancer: In some early breast cancer cases, HIFU can be used as an alternative to traditional surgical treatment to achieve local tumor control.
  • Treatment of pancreatic cancer: It can relieve the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, such as reducing tumor size and relieving pain, improving the quality of life of patients.
• Gynecology
  • Uterine fibroids treatment: HIFU is a common non-invasive treatment method for uterine fibroids. It can cause the degeneration and necrosis of fibroids tissue, relieve symptoms such as abnormal menstruation and abdominal pain, and preserve the uterus for patients who have a demand for fertility.
  • Treatment of adenomyosis: By destroying the ectopic endometrial tissue in the uterine muscle layer, it can relieve symptoms such as dysmenorrhea and excessive menstruation.
• Orthopedics
  • Treatment of bone tumors: For some bone tumors, especially those located in relatively superficial positions, HIFU can be used to perform local ablation to kill tumor cells and reduce tumor load.
  • Treatment of chronic soft tissue injuries: It can promote local blood circulation, relieve pain and inflammation, and accelerate the repair of soft tissue injuries, such as the treatment of tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis.
• Neurology
  • Treatment of essential tremor: HIFU can precisely destroy specific nerve nuclei in the brain that cause tremors, thereby relieving tremor symptoms and improving patients' quality of life.
  • Treatment of some brain tumors: In some cases, HIFU can be used as an adjuvant treatment for brain tumors to reduce tumor volume and relieve intracranial pressure.

FAQs about HIFU

• Is HIFU treatment painful?
  • Generally, HIFU treatment is carried out under anesthesia, so patients usually do not feel obvious pain during the treatment. After the treatment, some patients may have mild pain or discomfort in the treated area, but this is usually tolerable and can be relieved by taking appropriate painkillers.
• How long does the HIFU treatment take?
  • The treatment time varies depending on the size and location of the lesion. Generally, it takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• Are there any side effects of HIFU treatment?
  • Possible side effects include local skin burns, damage to surrounding tissues and organs, and postoperative pain, swelling and other symptoms. But with the improvement of technology and the experience of operators, the occurrence of these side effects can be effectively controlled.
• How soon can I recover after HIFU treatment?
  • The recovery time also varies from person to person. In general, patients can return to normal life and work in about 1 to 2 weeks, but strenuous exercise and heavy physical labor should be avoided within 1 to 3 months.
• Is HIFU treatment covered by medical insurance?
  • In some areas, HIFU treatment for certain diseases is covered by medical insurance, such as the treatment of uterine fibroids and liver cancer. However, specific reimbursement policies vary by region and insurance type. It is recommended to consult the local medical insurance department or the hospital's medical insurance office for details.