Development and preliminary clinical verification of B-mode ultrasound-guided HIFU phased array system for treatment of uterine fibroids

Author: Xiang Ji
Time: 11:00
Place: Salle de conference 15 cours Albert Thomas, 69003 LYON

Summary: Uterine fibroids are one of the most popular indications for HIFU, and over 10,000 patients are treated by HIFU all over the world every year. There are several commercial ultrasound-guided HIFU systems for treatment of uterine fibroids in China, but HIFU phased array are still rarely used in their systems. In order to take advantage of phased arrays, we have developed a B-mode ultrasound-guided HIFU phased-array system, where the guidance probe is mounted in a rotatable platform and harnessed to track the focus steered in three-dimensional volume. A three-center 120-patient clinical trial on the safety and efficacy of treatment of uterine fibroids using the developed system began in the end of 2018. Follow-ups include 3-month ultrasound imaging and 1-, 6-month magnetic resonance (MR) imaging after treatment. Currently one center has completed its treatments of patients, and the preliminary results of the non-perfused volume ratio and fibroid shrinkage as well as patient response have verified the safety and efficacy of the developed system.