Clinical application of high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation for uterine fibroids.
10.1007/s13534-017-0012-9
- Author:
Young sun KIM
1
Author Information
1. Department of Radiology and Center for Imaging Science, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 135-710, Korea. jeants.kim@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
High-intensity focused ultrasound;
Uterine fibroid;
Ablation therapy;
Clinical application
- MeSH:
Female;
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation*;
Hospitalization;
Humans;
Leiomyoma*;
Necrosis;
Ultrasonic Waves
- From:
Biomedical Engineering Letters
2017;7(2):99-105
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) ablation is an emerging therapeutic modality that induces thermal coagulative necrosis of biological tissues by focusing high-energy ultrasound waves onto one small spot. This technique is at various stages of clinical applications in several organs. However, it has increasingly been used in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids, a common condition affecting women. Since its first clinical use for symptomatic uterine fibroids, this technique has been recognized for safety, satisfactory therapeutic efficacy in symptom control, uterus-preserving ability, radiation-free nature, and because of the fact that it does not require hospitalization. Owing to its numerous benefits, HIFU ablation is currently one of the major therapeutic options for symptomatic uterine fibroids. In this review, several aspects ranging from the physical principle of HIFU to the long-term outcomes are summarized from the perspective of the clinical application for uterine fibroids.
