Our FEB-BY Serial HIFU System uses High Intensity Focused Ultrasound ("HIFU") technology to heat and destroy targeted tissue non-invasively. The ultrasound imaging system is used to visualize the image of the targeted tissue. HIFU is one of the new cancer treatment methods developed and commercialized in recent years. Heat therapy, also known as hyperthermia or thermotherapy, is a well-established method of medical treatment. It is generally accepted by the scientific community that the irreversible destruction of tissues medically known as coagulation necrosis occurs when tissues are exposed to temperatures above a certain level for a certain period of time. When the temperature reaches 60°C (140°F) or higher, coagulation necrosis will occur within one second.

In focused ultrasound ablation, a transducer directs ultrasound waves to converge on a small area of tissue inside the body, resulting in very high ultrasound intensity at this point. The effect of this process is similar to that of using a magnifying glass to focus the sun’s energy into a single spot. The ultrasound energy causes the temperature of the tumor tissues at the focal point to increase within a very short period of time to a level high enough to destroy the targeted tumor tissues without damaging the surrounding tissues.

HIFU therapy can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other conventional treatment methods such as surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. When used in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, HIFU treatment often increases the sensitivity and receptivity of body tissues to those two therapies.

	Video: HIFU Technology Professor Lawrence A. Crum, Dr. Joo Ha Hwang University of Washington