Synopsis

Keywords: Cross-organ: Cancer, Contrast mechanisms: Thermometry, Body: Body

High-Intensity-Focused-Ultrasound (HIFU) can induce permanent tissue destruction by thermal ablation with coagulative necrosis. Integration with MRI provides spatial guidance with fine anatomic detail and high soft-tissue contrast. MR-thermometry provides a near real-time temperature map during sonication to track the treated focus spot and surrounding tissue. MR-guided HIFU with closed-loop feedback ensures deposition of a thermal dose sufficient to cause coagulative necrosis at the targeted area and also allows protection of crucial structures from overheating, improving safety and therapeutic outcome. We explore how MR-guided HIFU can enhance our therapeutic armamentarium for established applications and some proof of concept pilot studies.