Focused Ultrasound Device Ablates Soft Tissues

A novel ablation system combines ultrasound imaging and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for the laparoscopic or intraoperative ablation of soft tissue.

The Sonatherm HIFU Surgical Ablation System is used ablate a wide variety of soft tissues. The system consists of a transportable console with an easy-to-use intuitive single screen control interface, two high frequency robotic 11 mm laparoscopic probes (each equipped with multiple robotic transducers that image (6.5 MHz) and treat (4.0 MHz)), along with the proprietary Sonachill device for water degassing and circulation. The system can be introduced through a standard 12 mm surgery access port.


During treatment in the ablation zone, the temperature rises rapidly, causing complete cellular necrosis and destroying all tissue, including cancerous tissue. The ablation of soft tissue with the laparoscopic probe occurs from the ultrasound focal zone back to the surface of the targeted ablation area. Sophisticated planning, tracking, and tissue change monitoring software based on real-time ultrasound imaging tools help to spare untargeted tissues. The Sonatherm HIFU is capable of ablating a cubic centimeter of tissue per minute, with ±1mm precision.

A variety of HIFU probes are available for multiple urologic indications across a range of clinical settings, including hospitals, surgical centers, and physician's offices. The Sonatherm HIFU Surgical Ablation System is a product of SonaCare Medical (Charlotte, NC, USA), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Unlike other forms of thermal ablation, Sonatherm does not require puncturing the target with a needle, which can cause bleeding,” said Mark Carol, MD, chief development officer for SonaCare Medical. “It is the only ablation system capable of using integrated ultrasound imaging for targeting and monitoring of the treatment. Sonatherm uses the same skill sets urologists have been practicing for decades and can be applied to a wide range of clinical conditions.”

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