Sonalleve MR-HIFU
Encyclopedia
Sonalleve MR-HIFU is a medical system developed by Philips
Philips
Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. , more commonly known as Philips, is a multinational Dutch electronics company....

 Healthcare for the treatment of uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids
A uterine fibroid is a benign tumor that originates from the smooth muscle layer and the accompanying connective tissue of the uterus.Fibroids are the most common benign tumors in...

 without surgery . The system is using non-invasive High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology guided by Magnetic Resonance (MR). Hence the acronym MR-HIFU. The procedure involves volumetric heating with real-time feedback.
The method is quicker than other procedure such as hysterectomy
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, usually performed by a gynecologist. Hysterectomy may be total or partial...

, myomectomy
Myomectomy
Myomectomy, sometimes also fibroidectomy, refers to the surgical removal of uterine leiomyomas, also known as fibroids. In contrast to a hysterectomy the uterus remains preserved and the woman retains her reproductive potential.-Indications:...

 , or uterine artery embolization
Uterine artery embolization
Uterine artery embolization is a procedure where an interventional radiologist uses a catheter to deliver small particles that block the blood supply to the uterine body...

and can be done on an out-patient basis.

The procedure is performed in three stages:

Planning stage: Three dimensional MR imaging is used to plan and simulate the procedure.

Non-invasive treatment stage: high-intensity ultrasound focused onto the fibroid elevates its temperature and causes the tissue to coagulate, the process being monitored and controlled by MR imaging and feedback.

Therapy verification stage: contrast enhanced MR imaging is used to assess the procedure

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