MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery of uterine leiomyomas

Acad Radiol. 2005 Sep;12(9):1158-66. doi: 10.1016/j.acra.2005.05.018.

Abstract

Uterine fibroids are the most common pelvic tumors in women and are a significant cause of morbidity for women of reproductive age. Today, there are a variety of less invasive alternatives available to hysterectomy, such as myomectomy, hormonal therapy, uterine artery embolization, and more recently magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS). With this technique, ultrasound waves are focused through intact skin of the anterior abdominal wall resulting in localized thermal tissue ablation, monitored by online MR temperature control. By using an effective combination of image guidance and energy delivery, MRgFUS therefore allows for preservation of uterine function while obviating the need for a minimally invasive procedure or surgery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Leiomyoma / surgery*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Monitoring, Intraoperative / methods*
  • Patient Selection
  • Ultrasonic Therapy*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / pathology
  • Uterine Neoplasms / therapy*