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Focused Ultrasound (HIFU/LIFU)

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Focused ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to treat some conditions. Children’s National Hospital was recognized as the first worldwide Center of Excellence by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation in 2020. Children’s National is home to the Insightec MR Image-Guided Focused Ultrasound Brain System, which is being used in ground-breaking clinical trials for pediatric brain tumors and epilepsy conditions.

How Does Focused Ultrasound Work?

Focused ultrasound uses an acoustic lens to concentrate multiple sound waves on a point in the brain. At the same time, real-time MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is used to guide the waves and treat the targeted tissue.

Children's National Uses Focused Ultrasound for Pediatric Non-invasive Brain Tumor Surgery

Our pediatric experts are using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) surgery to successfully treat brain tumors without incisions or radiation. (Image provided by Insightec.)

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What Are the Different Types of Focused Ultrasound?

Trancranial focused ultrasound can be divided into 2 modalities: high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU). Focused ultrasound with high intensity has been used to thermally ablate or mechanically fractionate tissue. In contrast to HIFU that induces irreversible cell death, LIFU is able to induce reversible biological effects, such as disrupting the blood-brain-barrier.

What Are the Benefits of Focused Ultrasound?

Since this technology uses intersecting beams, focused ultrasound offers:

  • Extreme precision and accuracy
  • The ability to treat very small and deep targets
  • Faster recovery
  • The potential for increased therapeutic delivery of chemotherapy agents by disrupting the blood brain barrier. We will be conducting clinical trials exploring these opportunities.

Because there are no cuts on your body, you will likely be able to go home the same or next day after the procedure.

Cutting-Edge Non-Invasive Surgery for Brain Tumors

Learn about how the pediatric experts at Children's National are using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) surgery to successfully treat brain tumors without incisions or radiation.

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Neurosurgery

Our neurosurgery experts provide advanced care for newborns and children with complex neurological conditions.

Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology

The Division of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology has a team of expert physicians, board-certified pediatric radiologists, technologists, pediatric anesthesiologists and nurses, specially trained to provide pediatric radiology services for infants, children and adolescents.

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Our oncology (cancer) team provides personalized treatment plans for children with cancer, including access to clinical trials.

Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine

From sprains and strains to complex congenital conditions, Children’s National Hospital offers one of the most experienced pediatric orthopaedic practices in the nation with experience in treating all areas from head to toe.