Histotripsy

Histotripsy is a new, non-invasive form of focused ultrasound using very short high-amplitude pulses. The pulses liquefy and destroy targeted tissue. The Food and Drug Administration has approved histotripsy to treat tumors that originate in or spread to the liver. Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is among the first institutions to offer this new treatment.

How does histotripsy work?

High pressure from the focused ultrasound energy causes small gas bubbles in tissue to expand. The quick expansion and collapse of the microbubbles forms a “bubble cloud.” The targeted tumors are dissolved while avoiding damage to non-targeted tissue. An acellular lysate is left behind and absorbed by the body.

How is histotripsy done?

Real-time diagnostic ultrasound identifies the targeted tissue. During the procedure, the patient is anesthetized to minimize movement. The physician monitors treatment using real-time diagnostic ultrasound and a precision treatment arm.

• Requires no incisions or needles
• Precisely targets tumors
• Minimizes damage to healthy surrounding tissue
• Reduces hospital time; patients may go home the same day

• Tumor(s) must start in or spread to the liver
• Tumor(s) should be accessible through ultrasound imaging

Our team of liver specialists works together to determine if histotripsy is an appropriate treatment for each patient.