
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.
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