HIFU - The Energy

• » HIFU, or high intensity focused ultrasound, is a therapy that destroys unhealthy tissue with rapid heat elevation.
• » Ultrasound energy, or sound waves, is focused at a specific location in the body. At that location, or focal point, the temperature rapidly rises to almost 90 degrees Celsius (195 degrees Fahrenheit). Any tissue at the focal point is destroyed, but any tissue outside of the focal point remains unharmed.
• » Unlike radiation, HIFU uses clean, or non-ionizing, energy, so the procedure can be repeated if necessary without damaging healthy tissue.
• » HIFU is being studied around the world to treat all types of cancer and soft tissue diseases.

HIFU beam. The temperature at the focal point is much higher (yellow) than at the transducer (teal).

Illustration of HIFU delivered to prostate.