MR guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)
What is MRgFUS?
MRgFUS (MR guided Focused Ultrasound) is the integration of focused ultrasound (FUS) technology within an MRI scanner to allow continuous steering of the ultrasound and monitoring of a FUS treatment. When FUS is used with high intensity ultrasound waves to heat and destroy small areas of tissue it is called HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound). Since the ultrasound can be transmitted through the skull and focused in brain tissue, MRgFUS, (or HIFU) is a completely incision free neurosurgical procedure.
During an MRgFUS brain treatment, the MRI provides clear pictures of the brain that enable the FUS to be precisely guided to a few millimeter sized target. The MRI scanner then produces real-time temperature images that enable the FUS-induced tissue heating to be precisely monitored. Typically, the targeted area in the brain is heated to 50-60o Celsius for 10-20 seconds to create a lesion (destroy the tissue).
This procedure can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions. Since it is non-invasive it can be performed on an outpatient basis.
What are the benefits of MRgFUS?
Non invasive (no incision)
Patient awake during procedure (no general anesthetic)
Effects on tremor are seen immediately
Faster recovery time and done on an outpatient basis (no incisions and no general anesthetic means faster recovery time)
Lowers risks than other invasive surgical options
Who is eligible and is there a cost?
The procedure is available only to Alberta Residents with an active Personal Health Care number (PHN)
The procedure is covered by Alberta Provincial Health Care plans
What are the Clinical Indications?
Currently the procedure is only being done on patients with Essential Tremor (ET) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
For additional information on Essential Tremor (ET) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), please click below for additional information.