Purpose of review
1) to outline the initial development of histotripsy, a non-invasive image guided focused ultrasound technology that mechanically homogenizes targeted tissues and 2) to describe the results of pre-clinical translational research directed towards urologic applications.
Recent Findings
Histotripsy tissue ablation is based on initiation and control of acoustic cavitation at a target point within the body. This unique mechanical mechanism of action is distinct when compared to conventional thermal ablative modalities. Features of histotripsy (non-thermal, noninvasive, high precision, real-time monitoring/feedback, tissue liquefaction) have prompted assessment of this technology as a potential ablative therapy for a number of organs and disease processes.
Summary
Ongoing research efforts to apply histotripsy to preclinical models of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, renal masses, and renal calculi have resulted in enhanced understanding of cavitation bioeffects, refinement of treatment systems, strategies to enhance treatment efficiency, and initiation of a pilot human clinical trial to assess the safety of histotripsy for BPH therapy.