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High-intensity focused ultrasound is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that uses non-ionizing ultrasonic waves to heat or ablate tissue. HIFU can be used to increase the flow of blood or lymph, or to destroy tissue, such as tumors, via thermal and mechanical mechanisms. Given the prevalence and relatively low cost of ultrasound, HIFU has been subject to much research and development. The premise of HIFU is that it is a non-invasive low-cost therapy that can at minimum outperform the current standard of care.
The technology is differ to ultrasonic imaging, though lower frequencies and continuous, rather than pulsed waves are used to achieve the necessary thermal doses. However, pulsed waves may also be used if mechanical rather than thermal damage is desired. Acoustic lenses are often used to achieve the necessary intensity at the target tissue without damaging the surrounding tissue. An analogy is using a magnifying glass to focus sunlight; only the focal point of the magnifying glass has high intensity. Although lenses have traditionally been used, phased arrays are increasingly common as they allow the focal position to be easily changed.
HIFU is traditionally combined with other imaging techniques such as medical ultrasound or MRI to enable guidance of the treatment and monitoring.