Brain cancer treatment with MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery

Focused ultrasound surgery is a non–invasive method of brain cancer treatment by destroying a tumor with ultrasound using an MRI scanner. It is performed without skull trepanation, so the hospitalization period is shorter, and the load on the body is less than with traditional surgery. High-intensity ultrasonic waves act exclusively on the affected brain area without damaging the surrounding tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging is used by a surgeon to direct ultrasound waves as accurately as possible to a brain tumor. The doctor monitors the course of the procedure in real-time and adapts his actions for each patient. During the procedure, local anesthesia is used to avoid headaches. First, the patient's head is fixed in a particular frame. It is necessary to prevent him from moving during treatment. Then, a helmet emitting ultrasonic waves is put on top of the frame on the patient's head. After that, the table with the patient enters the MRI scanner's tunnel, allowing the doctor to visualize the brain's internal structures and accurately focus the ultrasound radiation. Focused ultrasound beams purposefully heat the cancer tissue to 80°C and destroy it directly in the depth of the brain. Throughout the procedure, the condition is continuously monitored to avoid any side effects of treatment.