Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound

Magnetic Resonance guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) is the only non-invasive procedure for the treatment of uterine fibroids which is approved by the FDA (click to view the FDA approval letter). MRgFUS is an alternative to surgery and expensive hormonal treatment. It is completely non-invasive, non-surgical, and requires no blood loss or hospitalization. MRgFUS also preserves the uterus and cervix, offering significant improvement in quality of life for patients, while decreasing menstrual bleeding and urinary dysfunction. Because it is an outpatient procedure, patients typically return to work and normal activities the next day.

The thermal imaging capabilities of MR equipment provide real time feedback on the temperature achieved at the target tissue during treatment, ensuring a successful outcome.

As can be seen in the diagram below, highly focused ultrasound waves are directed into the body that raise the temperature of the tissue leading to the fibroid destruction. Using the thermal imaging capabilities of MR equipment, real time feedback on the temperature achieved at the target tissue during treatment ensures a successful outcome.

MR guidance provides the following unique advantages:

• It allows the physician to identify the three-dimensional images of the fibroid and surrounding organs with pinpoint precision and clearly marks which tissue has been treated and which has not.
• The physician can closely monitor even the smallest temperature changes in the body as anatomical and thermal images are updated in real-time throughout the treatment.
• There's absolutely no radiation involved with the procedure.