HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is an advanced technique that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound to treat specific areas of the body without the need for surgery. This technology allows for the destruction of pathological tissue through heat generated by ultrasonic waves, without damaging surrounding tissues. It is a minimally invasive and safe procedure, guided by real-time imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging.
HIFU is characterized by its precision and versatility, being used in different medical specialties to treat both benign and malignant pathologies. Additionally, it stands out as an effective therapeutic alternative for patients who cannot undergo conventional surgery.
What is this technique for?
HIFU is mainly used in:
Neurology: To treat tremors (mainly essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease) through brain ablation. It is especially useful in patients with Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor who do not respond to pharmacological treatments. In these diseases, HIFU acts directly on the brain areas responsible for abnormal movements, achieving a significant improvement in motor symptoms.
In the case of neurological disorders such as essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease, HIFU allows for precise brain ablations, significantly improving the quality of life of patients by reducing motor symptoms.
Benefits of HIFU’s high technology
HIFU uses ultrasonic waves that are concentrated on a specific point of the target tissue. These waves generate intense heat in that area, causing the controlled destruction of the pathological tissue. As it is an image-guided procedure (such as magnetic resonance imaging), doctors can monitor the treated area in real time and adjust the treatment as necessary.
Its benefits include:
Precision: The ultrasonic waves are directed exclusively at the affected tissue, preserving the surrounding healthy tissues.
Minimally invasive: It does not require incisions or prolonged hospitalization.
Quick recovery: Patients usually resume their usual activities within a few days.
Safe alternative: It is ideal for patients who cannot undergo conventional surgery due to associated risks.
No significant side effects: The technique avoids serious complications associated with other surgical procedures.
Before starting the treatment, your doctor will perform a clinical evaluation of your condition to see if you are a good candidate. It will also be necessary to perform imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a brain CT scan. The instructions on the medication you can take before the test are very important, so be sure to inform your doctor about any medication you are taking. Prior to the treatment, it will be necessary to completely shave your head to avoid distortion of the ultrasound waves.
During the treatment:
During the procedure, a metal frame will be attached to your skull with screws under local anesthesia, and you will be placed on a gurney in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine, where you will remain for the entire procedure.
During the procedure, your doctors will communicate with you permanently, and you will have the opportunity to report any incident or discomfort that occurs while you are in the resonance machine.
An anesthesiologist will monitor your vital signs and pain in case medication is needed. Using MRI images, the medical team will locate the area to be lesioned and guide the treatment with precision. The ultrasonic waves will be directed at the target tissue, generating heat to destroy it in a controlled manner. It is possible that during the seconds the sonications last, you may feel a sensation of heat or pressure in your head, which will always be brief and tolerable.
After the treatment:
After the procedure, you will remain hospitalized for one more day to check your progress, and you can gradually resume your usual activities as indicated by your doctor. It is recommended to be especially careful with walking and balance, as it may be somewhat affected in the first few days. You may feel some mild discomfort, but it usually disappears in a few days. In follow-up consultations, clinical examinations will be performed to evaluate the results of the treatment.
Recommendations for the treatment
Inform your doctor if you have a pacemaker, metal implants, or other devices in your body. It is important that you follow all the instructions given to you before, during, and after the procedure. Also, be sure to communicate any pre-existing medical conditions that could influence the treatment.
Are there any risks?
HIFU is a safe and minimally invasive procedure, but there are some rare risks:
Mild discomfort: You may experience mild pain or a sensation of heat in the treated area.
Inflammation or edema: You may have temporary swelling in the treated area.
Damage to nearby tissues: Although rare, there is a possibility of affecting adjacent tissues.
Skin reactions: In some cases, there may be redness or irritation on the skin.
In the case of neurological procedures, the risks are minimal thanks to the precision of HIFU, although there may be transient effects. These can be due to the effect of the sonications and consist of headache, pressure, or a transient sensation of heat. Others may be due to the edema that forms around the treated area and can manifest as instability, focal weakness, focal numbness, or speech alteration, generally mild and in most cases temporary.
To ensure your treatment goes smoothly, we ask that you arrive before the scheduled time. This will allow us to complete the necessary administrative and clinical preparation.
Beforehand, we will give you the Informed Consent, a document with important information that you must read and sign.
Need neurological care?
Call us at 912 67 32 01 and we’ll schedule your appointment with our neurology team in less than 48 hours.
